tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16495520984836966342024-03-13T05:17:51.028+00:00Transatlantic BlondeI used to be an American Mom in Scotland--now I'm repat, American Mom. Cincinnati girl and proud feminist. Lazy keto.Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.comBlogger835125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-28767543408771458392020-12-16T22:19:00.004+00:002020-12-16T22:19:39.471+00:00FREE Printable Delivery Driver Holiday Thank You Snack Sign<br />
<center><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It's the holiday season so we are getting even more deliveries than usual and this year (because, of course, #2020) deliveries don't seem to be running as smoothly or as quickly as normal. It's obviously not our delivery drivers or postal workers fault, but I'm sure they are getting the brunt of frustrations. So this year I decided to jump on the bandwagon and stick out some snacks.</b></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I know I'm reliant on deliveries even more this holiday season, so I wanted to let our delivery drivers and mail men and women know we appreciate them, safely. I made this delivery driver appreciation snack sign you can print for free and stick on your porch with a box of treats. We tried to put out a few different options that were individually wrapped and easy to snack on the go while they help us make the holidays happen delivering mail and packages!</b></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbboJuqeo71LmeN1tOaBFGAUylLXUhVg7y5g0Efk1ZcRxf7j9e2M85ofAylZjVSzBUoDhVKJKHPnGWe-B9F4lppNLic5fA2lq-l_UKwqZVM0SCI1RSWbooKEfHMPDfvuoEfZwz4M55S0/s2896/Delivery+Driver+Snack+Sign+FREE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="We appreciate you please grab a snack and stay stay safe. Happy Holidays. To our delivery drivers and postal workers" border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="2896" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbboJuqeo71LmeN1tOaBFGAUylLXUhVg7y5g0Efk1ZcRxf7j9e2M85ofAylZjVSzBUoDhVKJKHPnGWe-B9F4lppNLic5fA2lq-l_UKwqZVM0SCI1RSWbooKEfHMPDfvuoEfZwz4M55S0/w640-h240/Delivery+Driver+Snack+Sign+FREE.png" title="FREE Postal Worker Delivery Driver Appreciation Sign Holiday" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Need it higher-res? <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wpUkjwCaAPOeDNYcDimzooYWbx-dYPw-/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download for free here</a>.</b></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It sounds silly, but it made me smile when I saw the first one grab a treat out of the box on my camera. We could all use safe, random kindness, right?</b></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></center><center><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What snacks would you put in your box?</b></span></center>
Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-84090254376114290542020-11-23T18:43:00.001+00:002020-11-23T18:43:43.807+00:00Holiday Gift Guide for a Glamorous Grandma<div style="text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">When <a href="https://shoprookwood.com/" target="_blank">Rookwood Commons and </a></span><a href="https://shoprookwood.com/" style="font-size: 15px;" target="_blank">Pavilion</a><span style="font-size: 15px;"> asked if I could help pick out holiday gifts for “Grandma” I said sure, as long as she can be a Glamorous Grandma. If you know my mom, you know what I’m talking about. So I put on my mask and headed to Rookwood, on the east side of Cincinnati to go holiday gift shopping. I was a little trepidatious about shopping in the current climate, but I didn’t need to worry: there are social distance markers and reminders, as well as sanitizers, throughout the shopping center and I never felt crowded or unsafe. Many stores are also offering curb-side pick up if you prefer to stay out of stores. So, you know you can shop for holiday gifts, but what should you buy for Glamorous Grandma?</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 15;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6C5oksFuzfn96WLi6h3w0jHlLOUi26wNluk3edDKUioWJG-a8wPD6zGCdU5v35O86qXBNgq2Iw6VMpoYMfDLpzNTF6TKIuJmYJuOQJgMgN5GfB0eZGSiB_Ahd7gnMErcclJKeklhh3o/s1350/222.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pink background with pink snowflakes, reads Holiday Gift Guide for Glamorous Grandma, with logos of Rookwood Stores" border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6C5oksFuzfn96WLi6h3w0jHlLOUi26wNluk3edDKUioWJG-a8wPD6zGCdU5v35O86qXBNgq2Iw6VMpoYMfDLpzNTF6TKIuJmYJuOQJgMgN5GfB0eZGSiB_Ahd7gnMErcclJKeklhh3o/w256-h320/222.png" title="Holiday Gift Guide Glamorous Grandma Cincinnati" width="256" /></a></span></div><p class="p2" style="font-size: 15; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Here are ten ideas for the cool Grandma (she’s not a regular Grandma) in your life:</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">*<a href="https://www.surlatable.com/le-creuset-signature-burgundy-round-french-ovens/907915.html" target="_blank">Sur La Table</a>: My mom loves to cook and this Le Creuset Dutch Oven the perfect size for making her homemade Matzo Ball soup or maybe a Roast Chicken recipe from her favorite, Ina Garten. They are also offering virtual cooking classes you can take at home starting at just $29!</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCkU7g_ynyfDYu_oRhd3NYqOWZUr7RRIPzBAH3MvPh495TtPfQ7799Q3xtvcfNgxKfd3WTr-wL5PaCpaEwXPbmPWMuLakFn_xJpfJPzyaXnfZhP8NCBnFcaQyC0mmoxxsTsSU99tH9DY/s2048/IMG_0382.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Light Blue Le Creuset Dutch Oven on a metal shelf" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCkU7g_ynyfDYu_oRhd3NYqOWZUr7RRIPzBAH3MvPh495TtPfQ7799Q3xtvcfNgxKfd3WTr-wL5PaCpaEwXPbmPWMuLakFn_xJpfJPzyaXnfZhP8NCBnFcaQyC0mmoxxsTsSU99tH9DY/w240-h320/IMG_0382.HEIC" title="Holiday Gift Guide Foodie Grandma Cincinnati" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">*<a href="https://maverickchocolate.com/collections/gifts" target="_blank">Maverick Chocolate Truffles</a>: I’ve yet to meet a Grandma that doesn’t like chocolate and you can mix and match a box of truffles at Maverick Chocolate to make sure she gets all her favorite flavors</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXpK_RRhRoc8syoykD0YQSq-rQdUPUln8tSDTFw9-PTavnDA8UFbcMsiF229qNIs1bpip0_vHaFU4LURL6oQ8y0eqwTdxqhTq1a4e38OGnt4j_FdsI9yioT7B2CHQdxs1b85V9xa_1bE/s2048/IMG_0396.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tray of pink ,red and striped chocolate truffles next to a giftbox" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXpK_RRhRoc8syoykD0YQSq-rQdUPUln8tSDTFw9-PTavnDA8UFbcMsiF229qNIs1bpip0_vHaFU4LURL6oQ8y0eqwTdxqhTq1a4e38OGnt4j_FdsI9yioT7B2CHQdxs1b85V9xa_1bE/w240-h320/IMG_0396.heic" title="Holiday Gift Guide Chocolate Lover Grandma Cincinnati" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">*<a href="https://www.josephbeth.com/book/9781524763169" target="_blank">Joseph-Beth Booksellers</a>: My Mom is a voracious reader and she’s been dying to read President Obama’s new book. If you don’t have a specific book in mind, the staff at Joseph-Beth are always super helpful with finding the perfect one for you.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktN4Gl86T9aKA9BeivhuesU3pm8fqcc9f3GekuCnO5niQ29tS2GQ7ZZIsA9Ef7qL7t-omBofUtAniaZZ6zme3ePRskzEoVTtNnNuu6vA04ZLEW1tagG7bj03SuFPlSr4TPDuj9K77Hfc/s2048/IMG_0411.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Barack Obama book display featuring mugs and books" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktN4Gl86T9aKA9BeivhuesU3pm8fqcc9f3GekuCnO5niQ29tS2GQ7ZZIsA9Ef7qL7t-omBofUtAniaZZ6zme3ePRskzEoVTtNnNuu6vA04ZLEW1tagG7bj03SuFPlSr4TPDuj9K77Hfc/w240-h320/IMG_0411.HEIC" title="Holiday Gift Guide Grandma Cincinnati Small Bookstore" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">*<a href="https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=658554#pdp-page-content" target="_blank">Athleta</a>: Only in 2020 would I be suggesting face masks as a gift, but these are by far my favorite. Their Made of Move Masks are breathable, have a filter pocket and metal down the nose to make sure it fits snugly, but comfortably.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AijXJ_BhKkq2_js-4Ytcr_qRcpfRzuI3bAmtLemiHgepQwZ0ZcuZAqfxkZujEMn6hopdz86NCjTHCQgCDHswn2P6wSWqWTOZSvyDOSx60UIoto15GN7jI4sHtLz_VirVS9mUeuKl8_U/s2048/IMG_0391.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wall display of multicoloured athleta masks" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AijXJ_BhKkq2_js-4Ytcr_qRcpfRzuI3bAmtLemiHgepQwZ0ZcuZAqfxkZujEMn6hopdz86NCjTHCQgCDHswn2P6wSWqWTOZSvyDOSx60UIoto15GN7jI4sHtLz_VirVS9mUeuKl8_U/w240-h320/IMG_0391.HEIC" title="Holiday Gift Guide Fitness Grandma" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">*<a href="https://www.talbots.com/cozy-chenille-crewneck-sweater/P204121928.html?cgid=apparel-sweaters&dwvar_P204121928_color=SPARKLING%20GRAPE&dwvar_P204121928_sizeType=MS#stylitics-container" target="_blank">Talbots</a>: We have an ongoing joke about “tops” from Talbots in our family as it’s always what my Grandma wanted for Chanukah. That said, this chunky purple sweater is nothing to joke about. My mom really suits jewel tones, so I’d love it on her. Talbots also has petite sizes for those, like my mom, who are vertically challenged.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJ1oGcIF2p28PDIKZzIRe0q5BpNRZQeEL_XR4jogG2bGoN9iFcpgcd6ydPCVW_23AAo9K_pxN7i5qgeQq3aC9r0vf-P0i6LCe6C-ZNv0LidG92lpDR7gVf5I2idilO09Cp82DVRj0zJc/s2048/IMG_0389.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Maniquin with purple chenille sweater, plaid blazer and chunky necklace" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJ1oGcIF2p28PDIKZzIRe0q5BpNRZQeEL_XR4jogG2bGoN9iFcpgcd6ydPCVW_23AAo9K_pxN7i5qgeQq3aC9r0vf-P0i6LCe6C-ZNv0LidG92lpDR7gVf5I2idilO09Cp82DVRj0zJc/w240-h320/IMG_0389.HEIC" title="Holiday Gift Guide Fashion Grandma Cincinnati" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">*<a href="https://www.amazon.com/ROMBAUER-VINEYARDS-Los-Carneros-Chardonnay/dp/B07HXTFGKT/ref=sr_1_1?almBrandId=VUZHIFdob2xlIEZvb2Rz&dchild=1&fpw=alm&keywords=rombauer&qid=1606145367&s=wholefoods&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Whole Foods</a>: Did you know Whole Foods has an extensive wine selection? They happen to carry my mom’s favorite, Rombauer Chardonnay. An easy holiday gift you know she’ll love.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKButaKvitiGcGhLr13PZDZ8EyyKIvIvjyrImzChm1bxO_d7NthZ6HL-UJdTA3YEdeRtGCprM08K3-tmjDGWoguigds0CmKhKBQ4TMTLKxIyKQlk1_PoSXMBB_bvwQj-q3mFKCDmqlfA/s2048/IMG_0403.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Two bottles of Rombauer Chardonnay" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKButaKvitiGcGhLr13PZDZ8EyyKIvIvjyrImzChm1bxO_d7NthZ6HL-UJdTA3YEdeRtGCprM08K3-tmjDGWoguigds0CmKhKBQ4TMTLKxIyKQlk1_PoSXMBB_bvwQj-q3mFKCDmqlfA/w240-h320/IMG_0403.HEIC" title="Holiday Gift Guide Wine Grandma Cincinnati" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">*<a href="https://www.nordstromrack.com/s/ugg-genuine-shearling-trim-leather-gloves/n3226209?color=BLACK" target="_blank">Nordstrom Rack</a>: Before moving back to Ohio, my mom lived in California so winter attire wasn’t really in her wardrobe. These super cute, but super functional, Ugg gloves will be a must for Ohio winter and at a fraction of the retail price!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHPmZ91cJMEMWdyOb-qA4dAvWCR3S-zIlzjGdXlfJM3AE4En27H__B4dDuENiqQ_Lxlt0UnwUDea0Ht_yUo0cSjPxgLmuWbLn5S2JIRufbc6j3-jpqRgdmcb6fzEcC-uX8HoczoV72y0/s2048/IMG_0405.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Black Leather gloves with faux fur black trim" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHPmZ91cJMEMWdyOb-qA4dAvWCR3S-zIlzjGdXlfJM3AE4En27H__B4dDuENiqQ_Lxlt0UnwUDea0Ht_yUo0cSjPxgLmuWbLn5S2JIRufbc6j3-jpqRgdmcb6fzEcC-uX8HoczoV72y0/w240-h320/IMG_0405.HEIC" title="Holiday Gift Guide Fashion Grandma Cincinnati" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">*<a href="https://www.ulta.com/bright-young-thing-kit?productId=pimprod2007857&sku=2550161&_requestid=319218" target="_blank">Ulta</a>: Every Glamorous Grandma knows the secret to being mistaken for your daughter’s sister is in taking care of your skin. This Sunday Riley gift set will help her glow from within and keep people asking how she could possibly be a Grandma.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5CEOHAOSzeS9B_FfJNi-OnJ6GMae-uU1RD-i3XyLRwPiB-EZtOHtrdBiSFYnjcrUMd0yrrUYUg5rImjUbrJD5INyAr_6mfQx_sLS6LQ2BG4EDR-q8Fs6b5EzF5SpzHxnA1rLCw-ZmiY/s2048/IMG_0400.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sunday Riley Holiday Gift Set of Skin Care" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5CEOHAOSzeS9B_FfJNi-OnJ6GMae-uU1RD-i3XyLRwPiB-EZtOHtrdBiSFYnjcrUMd0yrrUYUg5rImjUbrJD5INyAr_6mfQx_sLS6LQ2BG4EDR-q8Fs6b5EzF5SpzHxnA1rLCw-ZmiY/w240-h320/IMG_0400.HEIC" title="Holiday Gift Guide Young Grandma Cincinnati" width="240" /></a></span></div><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;">*<a href="https://jalexanders.wgiftcard.com/responsive/personalize_responsive/chooseDesign/jalexanders/1" target="_blank">Redlands Grill</a>: Somewhere between fast-casual and upscale dining lies Redlands Grill. My son always chooses to have his birthday dinner there and they are now offering online, take-out orders, too. A gift card from Redlands will not go unused!</span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSX2rlocPLTPKMn1kHQiXxC_DElLAtWuxSO7MJpHW1mSvhOOXuvDtbwpmhyphenhyphenEmE5OPkuXK3XfmIGqYSvhKLI-nCkbrQas8Ql1Gk397rhVsXXdGDZMTx3VMS2xKkmxQAaNJ5x0_6xk7ahY/s2048/IMG_0427.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hand holding a Redlands gift card in front of a lit up Redlands Sign" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSX2rlocPLTPKMn1kHQiXxC_DElLAtWuxSO7MJpHW1mSvhOOXuvDtbwpmhyphenhyphenEmE5OPkuXK3XfmIGqYSvhKLI-nCkbrQas8Ql1Gk397rhVsXXdGDZMTx3VMS2xKkmxQAaNJ5x0_6xk7ahY/w240-h320/IMG_0427.HEIC" title="Holiday Gift Guide Foodie Grandma Cincinnati" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">*<a href="https://mitchellssalon.com/holiday-gift-certificates/" target="_blank">Mitchell’s Salon and Day Spa</a>: Last but not least, who couldn’t use some pampering right now? I know my mom would love a facial, manicure and pedicure to help her recharge. Right now you can get a $100 gift card for $80 or $50 for $40!</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphBFWTKMMpEe3bRjmRTYTKO5mhPybNcJLD7XQuBKicuxE_TN0PFmD7_3iFjyvbdrmlCDIEoCwoKa0N8AlASkaUWsf6xXC6MNxzwUl9zu7-nXTYSqU2EzOYTAblcWhsEO6aVY5vblNTJ4/s2048/IMG_0450.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mitchell's Salon gift card with two nail oils on a plaid background" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphBFWTKMMpEe3bRjmRTYTKO5mhPybNcJLD7XQuBKicuxE_TN0PFmD7_3iFjyvbdrmlCDIEoCwoKa0N8AlASkaUWsf6xXC6MNxzwUl9zu7-nXTYSqU2EzOYTAblcWhsEO6aVY5vblNTJ4/w240-h320/IMG_0450.HEIC" title="Holiday Gift Guide Pamper Grandma Cincinnati" width="240" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I’ve clearly shopped with my mom in mind, but there’s something for every Grandma, glamorous or not, at Rookwood Commons! Keep an eye out for the full gift guide from @ShopRookwood and @CincinnatiBloggers!</span><p></p></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><center><span style="font-family: georgia;">Let's be friends! 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Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-60843947843357849312020-01-07T21:21:00.000+00:002020-01-07T21:27:45.228+00:00Baby Yoda CookiesSo, for my son's birthday I decided to make Baby Yoda cookies for his class treat. I am a big fan of semi-homemade treats; I find they tend to have less margin of error and also it's easier when you a working parent juggling 10,000 things. I used all store bought ingredients to create these super cute, lil' green guys. I'll take you through and tell you everything you need and how to make Baby Yoda cookies below!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLNeWtLcBE7SRw8g3PIP98BW6Q7wss_iK34l0GJU0btQjvBJJsCmD5fhRdmGmyrGIq47ZadzVqweRVnj4JaxgqUEvCMQXoXbcO9qqpqJLPuupDqNwq0o9xveT8NoqSrMdTaD1WdguCzY/s1600/The_Child_aka_Baby_Yoda_%2528Star_Wars%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="303" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLNeWtLcBE7SRw8g3PIP98BW6Q7wss_iK34l0GJU0btQjvBJJsCmD5fhRdmGmyrGIq47ZadzVqweRVnj4JaxgqUEvCMQXoXbcO9qqpqJLPuupDqNwq0o9xveT8NoqSrMdTaD1WdguCzY/s320/The_Child_aka_Baby_Yoda_%2528Star_Wars%2529.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Image from </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Child_(Star_Wars)" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">.</span></td></tr>
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Unless you've been living under a log, you'll know that Baby Yoda has taken over as the prince of cute. I'm not a Star Wars person and I've never seen the Disney+ juggernaut, The Mandalorian, but I've seen enough Baby Yoda memes to know a hot trending topic when I see one. My husband and son, however, are Star Wars fans and equally big fans of Baby Yoda or "The Child" as he is officially known.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated sugar cookies<br />
1/4 cup of flour + more for surfaces<br />
Green Frosting<br />
Chocolate Frosting<br />
Black Frosting<br />
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Tools:<br />
Rolling Pin<br />
Cookie Sheets<br />
Angel shaped cookie cutter<br />
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You'll want to squeeze/dump the roll of dough in to a mixing bowl and knead with 1/4 cup of flour. Make sure the dough is really cold as it will get warmed up as you knead.<br />
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Dust a cutting board or counter and rolling pin with flour. Take a ball of dough and roll out until 1/4"-1/2" thick. Thinner works better as the thicker cookies do not hold shape as well.<br />
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Use an angel cookie cutter to cut out your Baby Yodas. Now I've seen some people say to "cut the head off" their angels, but my angel cutter is perhaps not the fanciest and I think looks good as is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8Z5SYlXc5UpTdVc-vkNAJgpgRAp0DIP-CTyND-AFQN6pyMdJUEp2pqW5ADQd4xNLprAsWkIZDpuHKUyu7ARNaeQooEaw8p8Qe3s32ztMQfZDk47mjeKEzOxC1k-V5-W4HdD_zkVUzkI/s1600/IMG_3283.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cut out angel sugar cookies" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8Z5SYlXc5UpTdVc-vkNAJgpgRAp0DIP-CTyND-AFQN6pyMdJUEp2pqW5ADQd4xNLprAsWkIZDpuHKUyu7ARNaeQooEaw8p8Qe3s32ztMQfZDk47mjeKEzOxC1k-V5-W4HdD_zkVUzkI/s320/IMG_3283.HEIC" title="sugar cookie angels" width="240" /></a></div>
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Place your cookies on an un-greased cookie sheet and bake at 350F for 8-11 minutes depending on how hot your oven is. Mine were light golden and done in 8 minutes.<br />
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Let cool on sheet 3-4 minutes and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.<br />
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Once cool, first frost his little green face. I used an in the bag frosting for this and smoothed out with a butter knife as my icing spatula was too big. I'd squirt green frosting on a few at a time and then go back to smooth out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcWhndQ2ufLfdRL3ZO9-Nux9HkplAqFKiZNsMrDtVGyZCRbk1i25LyiX10gf-LYspws_s4ySWDfd8t7DUvdaYR9BuUT8nuSDI4-mox1wml0H0aVUu-43CxoIe-69BB-GRC58iE1XmFyU/s1600/IMG_0786.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="green partially frosted sugar cookies" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcWhndQ2ufLfdRL3ZO9-Nux9HkplAqFKiZNsMrDtVGyZCRbk1i25LyiX10gf-LYspws_s4ySWDfd8t7DUvdaYR9BuUT8nuSDI4-mox1wml0H0aVUu-43CxoIe-69BB-GRC58iE1XmFyU/s320/IMG_0786.HEIC" title="" width="240" /></a></div>
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Next I used a tub of frosting to spread on his brown robe; again a knife works well here and you do not need a lot of icing. I had two batches and went through maybe 1/5 of the tub.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AKAKNs3I0ax0yGUQuYlOSAQUyI_LU2ZxgNhR0D5FVMjw71Cc8xLUu5CxLdFfrLx8mrAvSbH0b50Gu-2qM_xJek6JO4vqaCahlH1-FAXAufgxMTMwMiJoQZT12bDtzofmLh8aLUEOusM/s1600/IMG_8735.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="green and brown iced sugar cookies" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AKAKNs3I0ax0yGUQuYlOSAQUyI_LU2ZxgNhR0D5FVMjw71Cc8xLUu5CxLdFfrLx8mrAvSbH0b50Gu-2qM_xJek6JO4vqaCahlH1-FAXAufgxMTMwMiJoQZT12bDtzofmLh8aLUEOusM/s320/IMG_8735.HEIC" title="" width="240" /></a></div>
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Finally I used a round tip on a tube of icing (all pre-packaged, so only cleaning up the tip) to dot on black circles for eyes. Once the eyes are a bit dry, I'd press down and flatten any that were a bit sticky-uppy. If you press when wet they won't go down and will just stretch up more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AqSi8AOAbj_ytxnfeXLwPXyWi6sZgyK6Nm0mNFMJOhC85ompACfxs95v6cNRNSgMj6_BMQ5xQv4BB3feWpupmQWdUlaA1iI3xQrc9VVzh01pNCSZQvnASfgy5aPbuCWkJiZZOqBDieA/s1600/IMG_4727.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="eyes are added to frosted sugar cookie yodas" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AqSi8AOAbj_ytxnfeXLwPXyWi6sZgyK6Nm0mNFMJOhC85ompACfxs95v6cNRNSgMj6_BMQ5xQv4BB3feWpupmQWdUlaA1iI3xQrc9VVzh01pNCSZQvnASfgy5aPbuCWkJiZZOqBDieA/s320/IMG_4727.HEIC" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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I let the frosting fully dry out over-night in a cool, dry place (I stuck back in my turned-off oven) and then transferred to a plate or ziplock.<br />
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Are Baby Yoda cookies hard to make? NO. The decorating is slightly time consuming but it is worth it for all the awwwwws you'll get for the Star Wars or meme loving person in your life.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let's be friends! Find me here:</span></b></center>
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Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-13690164396213600642018-04-26T14:16:00.000+01:002018-04-26T14:16:04.158+01:00Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, Cincinnati, Ohio<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We’ve been regular visitors to <a href="https://freddysusa.com/" target="_blank">Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers</a> since it opened on Red Bank last year. When you get a chance to shout about one of your family’s go-to food spots, you’ve got to, right? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2C66d_02KUwrxA-HxYWs8slj_Vat4k9xIPabZ7ZUlvcG9MK4TNZDREAzpUqbZVYrhDj_jzAiTvJZJRO3qsGTXr_Ul9y07Nrp5pgP552juVquMflJkJQRdE4TtZa-gOa-0wnyoNSZ79ck/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="Little Girl with bugers and fries" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2C66d_02KUwrxA-HxYWs8slj_Vat4k9xIPabZ7ZUlvcG9MK4TNZDREAzpUqbZVYrhDj_jzAiTvJZJRO3qsGTXr_Ul9y07Nrp5pgP552juVquMflJkJQRdE4TtZa-gOa-0wnyoNSZ79ck/s320/IMG_0028.JPG" title="Family Friendly Freddys Cincinnati" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We’d never heard of Freddy’s before we saw the signs go up last year but we were intrigued, so we headed over shortly after it opened. It more than lived up to our expectations! For starters everything is so fresh, the burgers are cooked completely to order and the toppings are always crisp and delicious – no wilted lettuce here. Freddy's grill is actually heated with water and designed curved to create crisp patties. The fries are up there with the very best – super thin and always hot and crispy. And don’t get me started on how good that fry sauce is (so good I might have a bottle in my fridge).</span></span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The portions are more than generous and we’ll often manage to share one order of fries between four of us. While most burgers are served as doubles, you can also ask for a single burger if you’d prefer a smaller portion and if don't do carbs, every burger can come wrapped in lettuce, too. My kids are big fans of their chicken fingers and hot dogs, but grilled cheese and burgers are also an option. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If fries and onion rings aren't your thing (or even if they are), you can now get cheese curds as your side--YES-- cheese curds. I didn't know that fried cheese curds were something I was missing from my life, but now I've tried them there is no going back. The boy described them as mini mozzarella sticks, but the cheese is similar to Halloumi to me-- firm, squeaky and addictive!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAYPZGE-2l8Ir-77F074rQKYJrCdR1y2wxaR0_s2AbROXzWw5u0TaBXhpgoJaKok2jSBJMYLHE5tuDad0rgIKcqj1gODD2sL6ZaMUuTarNsSQH5hrYTGZBXm2jT0txdFvM8LPEaWp_4Y/s1600/IMG_0331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="Freddys bugers, fries and cheese curds" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAYPZGE-2l8Ir-77F074rQKYJrCdR1y2wxaR0_s2AbROXzWw5u0TaBXhpgoJaKok2jSBJMYLHE5tuDad0rgIKcqj1gODD2sL6ZaMUuTarNsSQH5hrYTGZBXm2jT0txdFvM8LPEaWp_4Y/s320/IMG_0331.jpg" title="Freddys Cincinnati Cheese Curds" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No matter what you choose, make sure you save room for dessert.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FAXFTsp0b195at0Q78unIPyF3n2THcWEqkF-b3skRYAfXYiDE437eAP820JXfZrS_UD9CzdOSqsje9b0I4KrNKaDM-WCQQugVifA5BVtb5ef-wu9ANsWZzsL_KBSyfnE9WHPjuoM05E/s1600/IMG_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="Blonde holding up sundae with whipped cream and cherry" border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="731" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FAXFTsp0b195at0Q78unIPyF3n2THcWEqkF-b3skRYAfXYiDE437eAP820JXfZrS_UD9CzdOSqsje9b0I4KrNKaDM-WCQQugVifA5BVtb5ef-wu9ANsWZzsL_KBSyfnE9WHPjuoM05E/s320/IMG_0338.JPG" title="Freddy's Frozen Custard Cincinnati" width="233" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The steakburgers are delicious, but the custard is divine -- so smooth and creamy, it’s super rich without being too heavy to eat after a meal. PRO-TIP: order and pay for everything at once and ask them to “hold your custard,” then once you’ve finished your burgers you can walk straight up to the counter, skip the line, and the staff will get you your dessert!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The food is definitely a step above the usual drive thrus, but it’s also quick and convenient. It’s definitely our go to for those nights where we know we need to eat, but we have 16 minutes between school, and soccer, and swimming, and bed! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are currently <a href="https://freddysusa.com/locations/?type=findmyfreddys&address=45226&distance=50" target="_blank">7 Freddy’s around Greater Cincinnati</a> so hopefully there is one near you!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>We received our meal for free, but all opinions are our own. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Honestly my kids are obsessed with Freddy's and we eat there out of our own pocket on the regular and you should, too!</i></span></span></div>
Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-88714006903100555572017-10-24T22:49:00.002+01:002017-10-24T22:59:09.851+01:0085 Calorie Double Chocolate Muffins<div class="wprm-recipe-header wprm-color-header" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0.3px; line-height: inherit; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "" ,;">DOUBLE CHOCOLATE MUFFINS UNDER 100 CALORIES!!!!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnjVIGhGPBXVNjqsh19lFxSRkoUWEOwCeq4NJAvu3y8K01cgccHsxUo9oYfI1hqGKGJ0LIz864uYGRhXoSGMQbuNZ31RBBrBvYJjKYXrh0kfrDpiJAPS5Y4Gfs_HkYEpWDf8c14sLlt8/s1600/Double+Chocolate+Low+Calorie+Muffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="Delicious and low calorie chocolate muffins" border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="1600" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnjVIGhGPBXVNjqsh19lFxSRkoUWEOwCeq4NJAvu3y8K01cgccHsxUo9oYfI1hqGKGJ0LIz864uYGRhXoSGMQbuNZ31RBBrBvYJjKYXrh0kfrDpiJAPS5Y4Gfs_HkYEpWDf8c14sLlt8/s320/Double+Chocolate+Low+Calorie+Muffin.jpg" title="low calorie chocolate muffins" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">Ok, yes I'm yelling and yes I've </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">disappeared</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;"> for a wee bit. A lot has happened and gone on since I've last posted, including me eating healthier. Today I adapted </span><a href="https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/skinny-double-chocolate-peanut-butter-muffins/" style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;" target="_blank">Chelsea's Messy Apron's recipe</a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;"> and made these amazing double chocolate muffins and they are TOO amazing not to share. They are only 85 calories each AND gluten free!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Double Chocolate Mini Muffins</span></div>
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<ul style="color: #222222; float: left; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; list-style: none outside; margin: 15px 20px 30px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 255px;">
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" ,;">1/2 cup, Cocoa powder</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "t";">1 tsp, baking soda</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "" , serif;">1/2 tsp, baking powder</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1/2 teaspoon, Salt</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 tbsp(s), Dark Brown Sugar</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 tbsp(s), Splenda</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></li>
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<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1/2 cup, Jif- Creamy Peanut Butter</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1/2 cup, Unsweetened Applesauce</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1/2cup, Vanilla Greek Yogurt</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 tsp, Vanilla extract</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 tbsp, Honey</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 large, Eggs</span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4 tbsp(s), Home ground Oat Flour </span></li>
<li style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7 tbsp, Semi Sweet Chocolate Baking Chips (reserve 2 tbsp)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Instructions</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a 24 count mini muffin tin with non-stick spray. <span style="background-color: initial; letter-spacing: 0.3px;">Do not use muffin liners! The muffins won't come out well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients: cocoa powder, oat flour (blend GF oats until they are a flour consistency. Make sure to measure the oats AFTER being blended), baking soda, baking powder, salt, brown sugar and splenda.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In a separate bowl, combine peanut butter, applesauce, Greek yogurt, vanilla, and honey. Beat until completely combined.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Slowly add in the dry to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Add the egg and combine until incorporated.</span></div>
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<li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stir in 5 Tbsp of chocolate chips and distribute the batter evenly across the muffin tin.</span></div>
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<li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; line-height: inherit; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Top the muffins with the remaining 2 Tbsp of chocolate chips.</span></div>
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<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; line-height: inherit; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bake for 18-22 minutes (my oven took 20) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let muffins cool 3-4 minutes, or until cool to touch and remove from pan to finish cooling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Try not to eat them all while they are still ooey-gooey melty and warm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Honestly these were so good AND my kids loved them. They taste super indulgent (like lava cake Blondie Boy said) and are only 85 calories each! I really don't think you can get much better with a low calorie dessert! Full nutritional information below!</span></div>
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Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-71562655400473827882016-12-14T02:12:00.004+00:002016-12-14T02:12:54.181+00:00Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPTSkTNHO9vNIcYk9iarJZgZhedUcyqpSb07Na2af1_4SndtSSOrIXz9A5sevAQcnAPt_BPNL8vlo6IN4IjBH7YZXAkdZ3ikEo0LQDsFypvegLPxwg8AXiRxiJcr_KuRs7tdYTWinbIo/s1600/unnamed+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="1980s Cincinnati Ballet Nutcracker" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPTSkTNHO9vNIcYk9iarJZgZhedUcyqpSb07Na2af1_4SndtSSOrIXz9A5sevAQcnAPt_BPNL8vlo6IN4IjBH7YZXAkdZ3ikEo0LQDsFypvegLPxwg8AXiRxiJcr_KuRs7tdYTWinbIo/s200/unnamed+%25284%2529.jpg" title="1980s Cincinnati Ballet Nutcracker" width="156" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 year old Ballet Blondie</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I was 6 years old I was a page in the Cincinnati Ballet company's production of Cincinnati Christmas classic The Nutcracker. Now **cough cough** years later, Blondie Boy is 6 years old and I took him to <i>his</i> first performance of The Nutcracker.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From the very first performance of The Nutcracker in 1974, <a href="http://www.frischs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frisch’s Restaurants</a> has been the Ballet’s primary sponsor. It is one of the longest-lasting examples of corporate sponsorship in American arts history and a Cincinnati tradition that I grew up with. I hadn't been personally since 2003 before I left Cincinnati and moved to the UK and I couldn't wait to share it with BB for his first Christmas in Cincinnati.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KWT5_oLJOV6rP19XpGXrOHKnWczlOc1HrIUZovgB6yIz06DcGB5k7T45G_RKhpIgStIozDoq2wInwqe6HlyNOkdint1zwkcX1W4FHkxcsoSGynza0QFBVGT6VuqXRV1WTjV9RkzcjpA/s1600/CzRKnbkW8AQiEkS.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Frischs Chicken Fried Steak Family Dinner" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KWT5_oLJOV6rP19XpGXrOHKnWczlOc1HrIUZovgB6yIz06DcGB5k7T45G_RKhpIgStIozDoq2wInwqe6HlyNOkdint1zwkcX1W4FHkxcsoSGynza0QFBVGT6VuqXRV1WTjV9RkzcjpA/s200/CzRKnbkW8AQiEkS.png" title="Frischs Chicken Fried Steak Family Dinner" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He likes it!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First though we headed to Frisch's to try their family dinners and famous Hot Fudge Cake. For $7.99 you can choose from carved turkey, country fried chicken, country fried steak, roast beef or meatloaf served with mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans. BB can be a picky eater. I knew he'd love the country friend chicken but I was surprise that he also loved the country fried steak! But let's keep it real, we both were after one thing: dessert.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As part of that partnership, Frisch’s worked with members of the Cincinnati Ballet to launch Frisch’s first-ever holiday edition of its best-selling dessert, Hot Fudge Cake. Peppermint Hot Fudge Cake is available for a limited time (until Feb.7) and this is the first time since the original dessert debuted in in 1970 that it has been offered in another flavor!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIxTrT7RJf6Y5HR4hW3KdGZnhmzYu67B3b_8nSUxKZjQDWlPiAKH-mnmLVBpzHZ8jlU4RBAaKJp8hnEwcW4bfzIohkxHYj1fu-TgHhPLtfmniN8BmpaNjCDUmRd9BAw1pVMD8v8DLhhg/s1600/Nutcracker_Jumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Nutcracker Peppermint Hot Fudge Cake" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIxTrT7RJf6Y5HR4hW3KdGZnhmzYu67B3b_8nSUxKZjQDWlPiAKH-mnmLVBpzHZ8jlU4RBAaKJp8hnEwcW4bfzIohkxHYj1fu-TgHhPLtfmniN8BmpaNjCDUmRd9BAw1pVMD8v8DLhhg/s320/Nutcracker_Jumping.jpg" title="Nutcracker Peppermint Hot Fudge Cake" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were brought one to share, but BB loved it so much I had to get my own. We both loved this holiday twist on a classic and dare I say that I even liked this more than the original? Both the original and limited edition peppermint desserts are available at restaurants for $3.29.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxE12OqafupfcAiDvgFOblXKHPvxQZCRDpfVFb4pkcFoW1jhQCMMiRf4pG4lUPD3RGaWpPQPpXHbz1qXQxBTvnmhqvgTGkuvnjcxolp_mp6vkYHt_qj65hOhPE-C5KLiWLf2vMeyNFIM/s1600/IMG_4494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nutcracker Frisch's Peppermint Hot Fudge Cake" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxE12OqafupfcAiDvgFOblXKHPvxQZCRDpfVFb4pkcFoW1jhQCMMiRf4pG4lUPD3RGaWpPQPpXHbz1qXQxBTvnmhqvgTGkuvnjcxolp_mp6vkYHt_qj65hOhPE-C5KLiWLf2vMeyNFIM/s320/IMG_4494.JPG" title="Nutcracker Frisch's Peppermint Hot Fudge Cake" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfpZGcag1mDH22KvuGelyTl_4tBkw98fE2e4tJAc5o_Isa7m1dBTFxfj4-QzjmcCWDLE8t60R8ijoZY88vSloFJoDavmVmwJw1fT0uwJ5USSrRcaSlbTEFnrcexGCRZZL2Kj943vQSJw/s1600/IMG_4497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frisch's Peppermint Hot Fudge Cake" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfpZGcag1mDH22KvuGelyTl_4tBkw98fE2e4tJAc5o_Isa7m1dBTFxfj4-QzjmcCWDLE8t60R8ijoZY88vSloFJoDavmVmwJw1fT0uwJ5USSrRcaSlbTEFnrcexGCRZZL2Kj943vQSJw/s320/IMG_4497.JPG" title="Frisch's Peppermint Hot Fudge Cake" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After practicing his best Nutcracker moves, we headed over to the Arnoff Center, where the Nutcracker is this year while Music Hall undergoes renovations. The performance brought back so many forgotten memories for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Rm2N6lvp31p1JOVyYDEsBbMDUaBt6P4si-rtlqdg4nHR3cFgoPvqefsx-XwinFjM9NUNVOVUGK1r0IC7Mr9ov7DAkOSXwYKqjyHaMLX8mza8XQ2t5vtMga245Be1lw_djEwPkFQ0cmU/s1600/IMG_4504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Rm2N6lvp31p1JOVyYDEsBbMDUaBt6P4si-rtlqdg4nHR3cFgoPvqefsx-XwinFjM9NUNVOVUGK1r0IC7Mr9ov7DAkOSXwYKqjyHaMLX8mza8XQ2t5vtMga245Be1lw_djEwPkFQ0cmU/s200/IMG_4504.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQk4Yy5_GxVp_YNqYOKt356JdAsY3TEtP67TjhxOfgsczNkzbtz9tTe11Ghg6toUdg7DCyDHraayVcTUWYWWK1U4nIlhHvcFh3nSaZtBjPgS3jYJDOtWoFJ6OXUfUivtXr3NdnBIwq7I/s1600/IMG_4491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="little boy cincinnati nutcracker" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQk4Yy5_GxVp_YNqYOKt356JdAsY3TEtP67TjhxOfgsczNkzbtz9tTe11Ghg6toUdg7DCyDHraayVcTUWYWWK1U4nIlhHvcFh3nSaZtBjPgS3jYJDOtWoFJ6OXUfUivtXr3NdnBIwq7I/s200/IMG_4491.JPG" title="little boy cincinnati nutcracker" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4b89780ou_P5hDX6ZbtDmvXEg5WAF-bqYbK_NWHgZiTXC31cbTQzrTP4gjag2a_WE0D4lTeGeyLUNx_VsqLhVW0RMrz5iJ38ODoNx-X8de5ffa57C7Jl8lOEnkq__dgXEZIK6ahW2vk/s1600/IMG_4508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frisch's Cincinnati Nutcracker" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4b89780ou_P5hDX6ZbtDmvXEg5WAF-bqYbK_NWHgZiTXC31cbTQzrTP4gjag2a_WE0D4lTeGeyLUNx_VsqLhVW0RMrz5iJ38ODoNx-X8de5ffa57C7Jl8lOEnkq__dgXEZIK6ahW2vk/s200/IMG_4508.JPG" title="Frisch's Cincinnati Nutcracker" width="150" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even if you've seen the Nutcracker multiple times this year's show is an update: some hip-hop moves even make their way in to the performance. Classic characters are updated in ways you couldn't have imagined. Blondie Boy's favorite parts were when (spoiler alert) the Rat King died and the "very awkward dancing poodle."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tickets for the Nutcracker are <a href="https://www.cballet.org/nutcracker/" target="_blank">on sale</a> through December 18th.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Frisch's invited us for dinner and to watch the Nutcracker. We were compensated for this review, but all opinions are our own. </i></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>I couldn't get a 6 year old to lie if I tried!</i></span></center>
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Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-20538271129752777432016-04-06T03:30:00.004+01:002016-04-06T03:30:50.254+01:00Blythswood Square Glasgow Little Darlings Afternoon Tea<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Imagine a six year old at end of the school February break. Throw in some snow, rain and the obligatory icy Glasgow temperatures. Then ask yourself what you could do together that would entertain the child and let you enjoy a touch of luxury. The answer I have found is the Blythswood Square Little Darlings afternoon tea in Glasgow.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdJK6iGj19t89XU8Ax8NSGxNnLz0k_mBLb1-lv8t3aVv-H9rFIsTUxRcezsxJ6s26OPQaliK-OEZftrljztdOaVUSBhvVAWZwnCjK6_oiym7wjFi851A6fxizteBWFnQ1mI3DQIlAJVY/s1600/IMG_9760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdJK6iGj19t89XU8Ax8NSGxNnLz0k_mBLb1-lv8t3aVv-H9rFIsTUxRcezsxJ6s26OPQaliK-OEZftrljztdOaVUSBhvVAWZwnCjK6_oiym7wjFi851A6fxizteBWFnQ1mI3DQIlAJVY/s320/IMG_9760.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We visited <a href="http://www.townhousecompany.com/blythswoodsquare/" target="_blank">Blythswood Square</a>, a five star hotel in Glasgow city centre, several times previously but always in the company of adults and to be truthful I wondered how the quiet ambience would suit a six year old. There was no need to worry. From the moment we arrived the staff were pleasant and helpful and made him feel like a very welcome and special guest.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Afternoon tea is served in the colonnaded salon overlooking the square itself, a beautiful room with elegant furnishings.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY_pJNx8dkhAUwu5Gz-N2oR8_S5tvE0QYn53xqdsq09tYXBI5CiV8zYL5cf5oK607JW0g4WOhbLFEdPtceYIwWy3TBODoXBEYK0ylFmiW_WuDyrHHqtBTxUWV_VSX0z6vh1923GMCISg/s1600/IMG_9708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY_pJNx8dkhAUwu5Gz-N2oR8_S5tvE0QYn53xqdsq09tYXBI5CiV8zYL5cf5oK607JW0g4WOhbLFEdPtceYIwWy3TBODoXBEYK0ylFmiW_WuDyrHHqtBTxUWV_VSX0z6vh1923GMCISg/s320/IMG_9708.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The waiter explained the menu to us and asked if there were any particular dietary requirements. Of course Blondie Boy was quick to mention his egg allergy but this didn't present a problem.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It was his first experience of afternoon tea and he loved being presented with his own three tier cake stand. As well as sandwiches which he had chosen from the Little Darlings menu, there were scones with cream and jam, cake and a candy floss cone filled with raspberry mousse which he loved. There were also fresh strawberries and he wolfed those down before even attempting cake. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIdmgyEm4cve21SA4hXgI_hfcyGGRUd3Z9nvAfJmps2PJawNuuarEGbCy7mniKCBAtaJwXhUmobnz-bqzMTQEL1TenbXzLeULTj3VLMcmDiOw7FqwmvGbmZN1x0s0A6X3Ysw8-Hrh1Oc/s1600/IMG_9710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blythswood Square Glasgow Little Darlings Afternoon Tea" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIdmgyEm4cve21SA4hXgI_hfcyGGRUd3Z9nvAfJmps2PJawNuuarEGbCy7mniKCBAtaJwXhUmobnz-bqzMTQEL1TenbXzLeULTj3VLMcmDiOw7FqwmvGbmZN1x0s0A6X3Ysw8-Hrh1Oc/s320/IMG_9710.JPG" title="Blythswood Square Glasgow Little Darlings Afternoon Tea" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WBlpbBsA47iOY2t9kcDL4hsZqIT5qv0AzJuhvj2afNwMOF7pJOb0aDe4nK1E3p98rE6yiIzKJaB1-v9qm_B_Dig7NhSX_oCPs8Elpev8yma_HY3zGQcMNal29SY64E6UNhcpIi7subw/s1600/IMG_9743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Children's afternoon tea glasgow" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WBlpbBsA47iOY2t9kcDL4hsZqIT5qv0AzJuhvj2afNwMOF7pJOb0aDe4nK1E3p98rE6yiIzKJaB1-v9qm_B_Dig7NhSX_oCPs8Elpev8yma_HY3zGQcMNal29SY64E6UNhcpIi7subw/s320/IMG_9743.JPG" title="Children's afternoon tea glasgow" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The staff were attentive without being intrusive and we enjoyed the unhurried atmosphere. It was such a special end to the school holiday for us both and one we will definitely repeat. I'm sure some people might be doubtful about a five star hotel as a venue for a children's outing, but it was truly an exciting and memorable occasion and one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Afternoon tea is such a British institution so I'm so glad it was an experience we got to have together.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The cost of the <a href="http://www.principal-hayley.com/townhousecompany/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2015/08/Afternoon-Tea-Jan-16.pdf" target="_blank">Blythswood Square Little Darlings afternoon tea</a> is £12.95 which is more than reasonable for the surroundings and spread! </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let's be friends! Find me here:</span></b></center>
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Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com0Glasgow, Glasgow City, UK55.864237 -4.251805999999987855.721638000000006 -4.5745294999999881 56.006836 -3.9290824999999878tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-81597494553462757362016-02-24T21:54:00.003+00:002016-02-25T16:04:58.170+00:00Make your own Lego Movie with Lego Brickflicks at St Enochs<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Take a deep breath... Our names are... and we're Legoholics... And exhale. It feels good to have gotten that off of our chests. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My son and I share an addiction, fortunately he's too young for drink and drugs and wild women but I'm definitely living proof that you're never too old for Lego. We've built the toys, watched the movie and the TV shows, visited the theme parks and also visited exhibitions using standard Lego bricks to create anything from modern art to scale models of famous landmarks but we haven't been to anything like <a href="http://www.st-enoch.com/stores/brick-flicks/?portfolioID=2495" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Lego Brick Flicks Exhibition</a> at <a href="http://www.st-enoch.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the St Enoch's Centre</a> yet. Running from now until the 17th of April, the exhibition features famous movie scenes recreated in brick form by Lego artist Warren Elsmore, from the Wizard of Oz to the Godfather and it's FREE to attend. </span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">As part of the
celebrations, St. Enoch are also running a series of Bricks for Kidz events throughout the
Easter holidays which will allow kids to get creative using Lego bricks. The </span>workshops<span style="font-size: x-small;"> run from 4</span></span><sup style="text-align: justify;">th</sup><span style="text-align: justify;"> to 15</span><sup style="text-align: justify;">th</sup><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> of April and will offer a series of activities to </span>encourage<span style="font-size: x-small;"> children's creativity through building with Lego. These sessions are free and run on a drop in basis from 11am to 3pm each day.</span></span></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">To celebrate the exhibition St Enoch's challenged us to recreate a famous movie scene using Lego and the Lego Movie Maker app, which is available on iTunes and the Google app store. Never one to turn down a challenge (particularly one involving Lego!) we jumped at the opportunity. We discussed a wide variety of options but I was never going to win an argument with a six year old, so we settled on a scene from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3896100/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Capture the Flag</a>, which he saw </span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">recently and loved. In it two kids stow away on a space shuttle heading for the moon. We </span>picked the scene where the kids sneak on to the shuttle and get a shock when it launches.</span></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">Here is our effort:</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We're pretty far away from directing a new Lego Movie but the app was easy to use and we had a great time doing it. I'm sure our next </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">attempt</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> will be better after we head to the exhibition for some inspiration!</span></span></center>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-26496151996975379672015-12-16T14:02:00.000+00:002015-12-16T14:02:27.057+00:00Vileda Windomatic<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSraXj8waUogCoNwV97sIvzWalNozzxgz15_d1iGgtQ-UycWbLL" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for Vileda Windomatic" border="0" class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSraXj8waUogCoNwV97sIvzWalNozzxgz15_d1iGgtQ-UycWbLL" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="0QQ00wb5Zd6H8M:" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSraXj8waUogCoNwV97sIvzWalNozzxgz15_d1iGgtQ-UycWbLL" style="height: 196px; margin-top: 0px; width: 257px;" /></a>I don't know anyone who likes cleaning windows and as for mirrored wardrobes - aargh! Those of us who do have to tackle this chore realise that the hard part is polishing the glass to smear-free perfection. Then there is that sinking feeling when, having spent ages doing the windows, the sun shines and all the streaks are suddenly visible. No wonder everyone hates this task! Finally I have found a product that not only saves time and effort but also ensures that the windows are sparkling and streak-free in no time at all.The Vileda Windomatic is a cordless, handheld vacuum, easy to use and compact. It's lightweight with a flexible head and once charged the you can use the device for 20 minutes. </div>
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After charging the product for an initial six hours, I tried it out on a glass door, sticky with children's fingerprints and the dog's nose! I favour the water spray and micro cloth method of cleaning. Instead of reaching for a dry cloth and spending ages polishing the glass, I switched on the Vileda Windomatic, pulled the rubber blade over the glass and, hey presto, the job was done, unbelievably quickly. The Windomatic literally sucked up the residue of water. </div>
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I tried it out too on our mirrored wardrobe doors similarly marked with the sticky fingerprints and the result was the same - sparkling mirrors. Condensation, particularly on the bedroom windows, was also no problem for the Windomatic. The water tank, capacity 100ml, was easy to empty and since the product is compact I had no trouble finding storage space for it in the kitchen. To be honest, I was initially concerned that the twenty minutes before the Windomatic would need recharged would be too short but that wasn't the case.</div>
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The main plus points for me are the time saved - I'm too busy to spend hours cleaning glass - and the superb result, perfectly gleaming windows. If there is a downside to the Vileda Windomatic it's simply that you have to remember to charge it in advance. Not much of a drawback to what is overall a great product.</div>
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The Vileda Windomatic retails for approximately £40/45 and is available in most DIY Stores, as well as supermarkets and online. </div>
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Arlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06205231990148443393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-15482741438730314172015-12-13T14:33:00.000+00:002015-12-13T15:05:25.693+00:00Glasgow Loves ChristmasIf you've been in the city centre of Glasgow recently you've probably noticed the transformation of George Square into a winter wonderland, complete with christmas lights, a ferris wheel, the Winter Lodge bar and of course the ice rink around the statue of Sir Walter Scott.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7-17OLo3XTUi0jUYzEC1I0XK0Fq_80Kc_ny1GtSQcGhUunIa9Em-FUoaWmjlEo7Xa-9KAHkLMl2qnKKSQEg03YMYDymoW7a6_cxdNPrzSYrGk2w5rTO0dNDKwKvUlpGofky3dI0aQK4/s1600/IMG_0008+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ice Skating George Square Wheel Glasgow" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7-17OLo3XTUi0jUYzEC1I0XK0Fq_80Kc_ny1GtSQcGhUunIa9Em-FUoaWmjlEo7Xa-9KAHkLMl2qnKKSQEg03YMYDymoW7a6_cxdNPrzSYrGk2w5rTO0dNDKwKvUlpGofky3dI0aQK4/s320/IMG_0008+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Ice Skating George Square Wheel Glasgow" width="240" /></a></div>
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Blondie Boy has been quite a regular visitor to an indoor ice rink this year so he was incredibly excited to try skating outdoors on George Square. The day we visited was a fairly typical Glaswegian December day, with plenty of rain, but this didn't dampen our spirits at all. The sessions at Glasgow on Ice are half an hour long, so be sure to be there in plenty of time for your session starting to maximise your time on the ice. Since Blondie Boy is only five we chose an Under 8s session, which meant that the ice rink runs at reduced capacity, for only younger kids and accompanying adults so that little skaters can enjoy their time on the ice. There are also skating aids available for little ones who need a little help.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlQkWgADjZfcRYUi9drKfa0JZILCM-OiL36rUpZO6o0ieW7rXtW_kqE6dBWbmQTN4b2yK7FjsIPdnE-ZM0cTMsgp9HS_6k1LCkg25PBpeqO1h7vqo3wQyalmq5rWv2UYR_Vy4NrgphP4/s1600/IMG_0012+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Child's skating aid Glasgow" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlQkWgADjZfcRYUi9drKfa0JZILCM-OiL36rUpZO6o0ieW7rXtW_kqE6dBWbmQTN4b2yK7FjsIPdnE-ZM0cTMsgp9HS_6k1LCkg25PBpeqO1h7vqo3wQyalmq5rWv2UYR_Vy4NrgphP4/s320/IMG_0012+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Child's skating aid Glasgow" width="240" /></a></div>
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Remember that you are skating outdoors in a Glaswegian winter! Warm/ waterproof clothes aa must. Before visiting check the <a href="http://www.glasgowloveschristmas.com/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Glasgow Loves Christmas website</a> in case the weather isn't suitable, in which case the box office can rearrange your tickets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSkyAOYE0LmkmCwbphyphenhyphenkCec-a1NaJk4-n2G5_HnSV_oh-qABf_oL5QEwiR_6p2lD1UzbfWDVy5FV4VTTpCKiEg9yQFj8hiSGyF5LExVqg5i6VtzcL6jT8tUpCHgpYGo8_NHgMXIlzYD0/s1600/IMG_0002+%25281%2529.m4v" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSkyAOYE0LmkmCwbphyphenhyphenkCec-a1NaJk4-n2G5_HnSV_oh-qABf_oL5QEwiR_6p2lD1UzbfWDVy5FV4VTTpCKiEg9yQFj8hiSGyF5LExVqg5i6VtzcL6jT8tUpCHgpYGo8_NHgMXIlzYD0/s320/IMG_0002+%25281%2529.m4v" width="180" /></a></div>
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The weather wasn't great when we visited, so there was some water sitting on the rink and we did end up a little wet but we still had a great time on the ice. After our skate we went upstairs to the Winter Lodge for a warm drink to dry off. There is a full bar for adults and there are craft and storytelling sessions for kids. When we visited Blondie Boy took advantage of a storytelling session, which he loved.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk-sw4k4WSimD71xU_qlWDRmqfNHZ_K_sv-Mzmvkz1wAG3ICM1_ubuTZGvAkIP_rjT7q-6fC7vrqbY5OTbdGyQCRRDKkqhCViDGjlsmVL2jEbPACcZpWSWRobC5DSUFr8BO9HqVL0RF0/s1600/IMG_0018+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Story telling sessions Glasgow" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk-sw4k4WSimD71xU_qlWDRmqfNHZ_K_sv-Mzmvkz1wAG3ICM1_ubuTZGvAkIP_rjT7q-6fC7vrqbY5OTbdGyQCRRDKkqhCViDGjlsmVL2jEbPACcZpWSWRobC5DSUFr8BO9HqVL0RF0/s320/IMG_0018+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Story telling sessions Glasgow" width="240" /></a></div>
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After our skate round the square we took a wander round to Princes Square for some lunch. As usual the decorations inside are exquisite: well worth wander round just for a wee look at them!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe8rzD3ot6datevX0MvrgiFP5GOp4BEwCw8Eg5AArX43X7uYVj0kYF91YNgdMUAXxmkaBNRNHAc8V2AE1AXpB8oudOgn5m-8WsRL9hR5T3tA2-s8_HvAtO_5oqRobh_r-Z4ztZwIdU-A/s1600/IMG_0018+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas tree made out of baubles ornaments" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe8rzD3ot6datevX0MvrgiFP5GOp4BEwCw8Eg5AArX43X7uYVj0kYF91YNgdMUAXxmkaBNRNHAc8V2AE1AXpB8oudOgn5m-8WsRL9hR5T3tA2-s8_HvAtO_5oqRobh_r-Z4ztZwIdU-A/s320/IMG_0018+%25282%2529.jpg" title="Christmas tree made out of baubles ornaments" width="240" /></a></div>
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We rounded off our afternoon with a wander round the Christmas market at St Enoch Square. There's the usual mix of craft stalls, if you're looking for a present for that someone who has everything, and stalls with all kinds of delicious and unusual food and drinks.<br />
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With <a href="http://www.glasgowloveschristmas.com/whats-on/Pages/What's%20On.aspx" target="_blank">six weeks of events</a> running right up until December 31st it's easy to see that Glasgow really does love Christmas! Even if iceskating isn't your thing, there's bound to be something that's more up your street, whether that's <a href="http://www.glasgowloveschristmas.com/shopping/Pages/Shopping.aspx" target="_blank">shopping in one of the many participating malls to the Style Mile </a> or a night out at one of the <a href="https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/glasgow-loves-christmas-dining-offers" target="_blank">many restaurants running Christmas dining offers.</a> The hardest part is finding time between now and the end of December to squeeze it all in!<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let's be friends! Find me here:</span></b></center>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Transatlantic Blonde were invited to experience Glasgow Love Christmas free or charge but all warm, Christmasy sentiments, and bruises from falling skating, are our own.</span></i></center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-16798724955818989832015-12-13T14:31:00.003+00:002015-12-13T15:04:11.396+00:00Santa at Hamleys, St Enoch CentreIn case you hadn't noticed, it's that time of the year again! Christmas songs are playing in supermarkets and every ad on TV seems to be for the latest toy craze. I'd like to say the streets are blanketed in a covering of crisp white snow but we all know it's been grey and rainy for weeks but hey, isn't that the true Christmas weather of the West of Scotland?<br />
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Like most families with small kids one of the important dates in the festive calendar is the visit to Santa. This year we visited the big guy at Hamleys in the St Enoch Centre in Glasgow. With the weather as miserable as it could possibly be the first real benefit was the attached car park. It's so much easier shepherding a five year old and a one year old in a pushchair from an indoor car park than trying to organise them in the street and march them through the rain. We even left our heavy jackets at home so we looked our best for Mr Claus.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_FK1PIXjfN_68lXietDt_8p1_89BkfdG0Uiz1FGzZGE7Ilj5IeKTH7PBKznrNIZgEoPmSXIpNxT8-ybV9zC68TF2nEvvlxWDnH5CeEszh1lQWIFx9FqazibXDbsLo4ilWQTUaWENzPs/s1600/IMG_4631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Children going to see Santa" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_FK1PIXjfN_68lXietDt_8p1_89BkfdG0Uiz1FGzZGE7Ilj5IeKTH7PBKznrNIZgEoPmSXIpNxT8-ybV9zC68TF2nEvvlxWDnH5CeEszh1lQWIFx9FqazibXDbsLo4ilWQTUaWENzPs/s320/IMG_4631.JPG" title="Children going to see Santa" width="240" /></a></div>
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'I met Father Christmas at Hamleys!' is an hour long experience, which begins when two of Santa's elves pick up the children and take them to Santa's living room. Blondie Boy was so impressed that he not only got to meet the real Santa but also got to meet real elves too! The children sang songs with the elves and then had some dinner together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcktPC1g_jNHWTZf82qTYxe417uVE9gHA4eWHT9FWIM07_Qvhh2huc7LFMpQ2BkVpSuFCLs1F4Yg81hlJ2Nixzmv_HhLikrqtwXh98XB-3PU2l3TCZgTb1ypxPWpNPew55HQZ4r_RvcsY/s1600/IMG_4637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Boy and Christmas Elf" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcktPC1g_jNHWTZf82qTYxe417uVE9gHA4eWHT9FWIM07_Qvhh2huc7LFMpQ2BkVpSuFCLs1F4Yg81hlJ2Nixzmv_HhLikrqtwXh98XB-3PU2l3TCZgTb1ypxPWpNPew55HQZ4r_RvcsY/s320/IMG_4637.JPG" title="Boy and Christmas Elf" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94t3PVPQ16Gs4FCM9kwdbGFj023zgsYpkHaRrpghf-AJW82sSTyyodKZN87UmTIESkZvBSI2fQqhS0ZS2i2HiWMvWCFtjvEyxWhftHXJpj5GAxrbzFkVwMIdNcxwfoub703Zi8_bc1CU/s1600/IMG_4644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Boy's Rudolph Reindeer Jumper " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94t3PVPQ16Gs4FCM9kwdbGFj023zgsYpkHaRrpghf-AJW82sSTyyodKZN87UmTIESkZvBSI2fQqhS0ZS2i2HiWMvWCFtjvEyxWhftHXJpj5GAxrbzFkVwMIdNcxwfoub703Zi8_bc1CU/s320/IMG_4644.JPG" title="Boy's Rudolph Reindeer Jumper " width="240" /></a></div>
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After dinner the children finally met the main man! Santa read them the poem 'Twas the night before Christmas', they played a game of 'Musical Snowmen' and then the elves helped them prepare the all important lists.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GabHh2uA39njX5RE3YsjUTikUHOohv9p2qo1GMMnHI3nD5gTsr-l9SF7s66esTatesg9NWEJvoTqrX6ipzee_-N3LHV8DLOF7G48nCRVATjxQuX5rekqQ0lPu4fB0M9FX3NHZgj6TFo/s1600/IMG_4647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Children meet Santa Claus Father Christmas" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GabHh2uA39njX5RE3YsjUTikUHOohv9p2qo1GMMnHI3nD5gTsr-l9SF7s66esTatesg9NWEJvoTqrX6ipzee_-N3LHV8DLOF7G48nCRVATjxQuX5rekqQ0lPu4fB0M9FX3NHZgj6TFo/s320/IMG_4647.JPG" title="Children meet Santa Claus Father Christmas" width="240" /></a></div>
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Santa met them all individually, talked through their lists and posed for pictures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxVSt1NGhyphenhyphenTD3fYC8ECjkKwrzmPkk9Hs11SIdz6y1Lyvd5LyrIP-GpMoQVYpvNetcd__pQ6TxdrvMIKD17Um0mxWeJvxyjIHBGTxiLeT79DvB_5y7pRMn4mawm72R0hqcNrmcVk-1wq4/s1600/IMG_4649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Santa reading little boy's letter" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxVSt1NGhyphenhyphenTD3fYC8ECjkKwrzmPkk9Hs11SIdz6y1Lyvd5LyrIP-GpMoQVYpvNetcd__pQ6TxdrvMIKD17Um0mxWeJvxyjIHBGTxiLeT79DvB_5y7pRMn4mawm72R0hqcNrmcVk-1wq4/s320/IMG_4649.JPG" title="Santa reading little boy's letter" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXInQPNXpwzvslF51fHUccD8y2NXyzBgFbtFkYbZtbdqGYhukyn6UDMfyiJjDKYS9qSCCojtZGoIkM8BydIObT6GhE13hptwZXzBozKoGAlIfJ59l6DI7CncRWf2VZAcpRZcpUyw5E3PU/s1600/IMG_4663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Small boy and baby girl meet Santa" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXInQPNXpwzvslF51fHUccD8y2NXyzBgFbtFkYbZtbdqGYhukyn6UDMfyiJjDKYS9qSCCojtZGoIkM8BydIObT6GhE13hptwZXzBozKoGAlIfJ59l6DI7CncRWf2VZAcpRZcpUyw5E3PU/s320/IMG_4663.JPG" title="Small boy and baby girl meet Santa" width="240" /></a></div>
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Each child received a goodie bag as a gift from Santa, the contents of which got played with immediately!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFM88orpryuAJwWToNMiRr2X9dcOkRwo2TFwFPbH-TY249qy99pgVMyq_NWIu4wsbBpRUsi59ty4vWlC7KI4NMrFbkUaycNXGWNpSRX1Z2W3jKpWuw6zcHP8OsWBONR0YACaIaEXXa6rc/s1600/IMG_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baby Girl cuddling teddy bear" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFM88orpryuAJwWToNMiRr2X9dcOkRwo2TFwFPbH-TY249qy99pgVMyq_NWIu4wsbBpRUsi59ty4vWlC7KI4NMrFbkUaycNXGWNpSRX1Z2W3jKpWuw6zcHP8OsWBONR0YACaIaEXXa6rc/s320/IMG_0033.jpg" title="Baby Girl cuddling teddy bear" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After meeting Santa the elves took the children out into the St Enoch Centre, where they used their magic to make it snow indoors!</span></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUDixPB1LWwBWAuZs-QlkB06nEnMSK4zm9247zbKn0L3wiJohpiMyi8auOvgg-CLNEn50K4e6_CZfBWLekBL4MtMdEpKomeo9clR7XMBpHCVC51jfK2NcELEx7ylEwqexViLxm-RJkP8/s1600/IMG_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Snowing indoors Glasgow Scotland" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUDixPB1LWwBWAuZs-QlkB06nEnMSK4zm9247zbKn0L3wiJohpiMyi8auOvgg-CLNEn50K4e6_CZfBWLekBL4MtMdEpKomeo9clR7XMBpHCVC51jfK2NcELEx7ylEwqexViLxm-RJkP8/s320/IMG_0036.jpg" title="Snowing indoors Glasgow Scotland" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The whole </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">evening</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> at Hamlets in the St Enoch Centre was magical and the children loved it. The 'I met Father Christmas at Hamleys' experience costs £25 a child, includes everything listed above and must be booked in advance. You can find more information about <a href="http://www.st-enoch.com/news-and-events-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">festive events at the St Enoch centre here.</a></span></center>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let's be friends! Find me here:</span></b></center>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Transatlantic Blonde was invited to visit with Santa free of charge but all magical experiences are our own.</span></i></center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-5918285453234682762015-10-19T16:37:00.000+01:002015-10-19T16:37:03.915+01:00Orkney: NorthLink FerriesI've lived in Scotland for my entire life but I'm constantly embarrassed when I speak to people who've visited for a couple of weeks and have seen parts of the country that I've never gotten to. Prior to this week I'd never ventured further north than Inverness and hadn't made it to any of the Northern or Western Isles. With the big move quickly approaching there's a bit more urgency to see parts of the country I may not get a chance to visit for some time so this week we travelled to Orkney for a few days with <a href="http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NorthLink ferries</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NorthLink</a>, which is part of <a href="https://www.serco.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Serco,</a> offer a couple of different ways to get to Orkney, either from Scrabster to Stromness, or Aberdeen to Kirkwall. We sailed from Aberdeen which gave us less time in the car to get there, essential when you're travelling with a one year old! The sailing itself takes six hours, which seemed a little daunting in advance but turned out to be perfectly pleasant due to the amenities available.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9jKD6FL1IsEpB1WbK1Czy8MoKBT3M5w7yZf1LJUSrAj4oNMhhL7vz-yg3H470uY_iJgQP06GkKguFX-9MFPFzri49BVvIMifNgAfbnbIdpoBlQcXa8kCeG3bYGfXqUkOY1yO3W1qCmM/s1600/IMG_0007_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Aberdeen harbour" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9jKD6FL1IsEpB1WbK1Czy8MoKBT3M5w7yZf1LJUSrAj4oNMhhL7vz-yg3H470uY_iJgQP06GkKguFX-9MFPFzri49BVvIMifNgAfbnbIdpoBlQcXa8kCeG3bYGfXqUkOY1yO3W1qCmM/s320/IMG_0007_3.jpg" title="Aberdeen harbour" width="240" /></a></div>
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We arrived at Aberdeen harbour a little over an hour before we were due to depart and rolled straight on to the boat. Once on board we found some comfortable reclining seats and settled in, although not for long! There was so much to see and do on the ferry that we were soon up and about again. The boy and I headed straight to the cinema, where we spent a couple of hours watching Disney's Inside Out. There were two more films showing afterwards, so it would have been possible to spend the entire journey catching up on the latest Hollywood blockbusters but there was plenty more to do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihi-iR9k5TdNtX78PtAMLeL1MXNrA2ZDbYDG9krttTFKjm1bDhhRkGrJx3s3BypA29eMQJfnBulMsIn5q9VRcyWw8aOovNXvtmThxacND_egeZ3cXNSwoOc4nLUORnEQzy1wSVdOJxEU/s1600/IMG_0006_2_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Northlink ferry Aberdeen to Orkney" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihi-iR9k5TdNtX78PtAMLeL1MXNrA2ZDbYDG9krttTFKjm1bDhhRkGrJx3s3BypA29eMQJfnBulMsIn5q9VRcyWw8aOovNXvtmThxacND_egeZ3cXNSwoOc4nLUORnEQzy1wSVdOJxEU/s320/IMG_0006_2_2.jpg" title="Northlink ferry Aberdeen to Orkney" width="320" /></a></div>
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After the movie we all headed for dinner at the onboard restaurant <a href="http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/on-board/food-drink/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Feast</a>. My expectation of onboard dining was not too high to begin with but it rose when I saw this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYAYkAU1w3oVeTrDKtS0HbBjZiJXhQrydjMJu9Spo3y7VGwa-HACzndHmN4injUdSuEr5kuyoQRNI826DPRB5xle505WrCes8BPs7mHOqPBwtszla0bLz61ZiPPBzxJWdCWjHTjfOALU/s1600/IMG_0010_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TripAdvisor Northlink Ferry restaurant " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYAYkAU1w3oVeTrDKtS0HbBjZiJXhQrydjMJu9Spo3y7VGwa-HACzndHmN4injUdSuEr5kuyoQRNI826DPRB5xle505WrCes8BPs7mHOqPBwtszla0bLz61ZiPPBzxJWdCWjHTjfOALU/s320/IMG_0010_3.jpg" title="TripAdvisor Northlink Ferry restaurant " width="240" /></a></div>
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4.5/5 TripAdvisor rating for a restaurant on a ferry? It didn't disappoint! Serco are justifiably proud that 85% of all food and drink onboard is locally sourced. My steak pie was delicious and Blondie Boy gave his kids fish and chips two thumbs up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzpxZuP4bEW6XGUVL13gUXNjfcDgzTtImXXBJ0sNk7A0qpybaVrtuBXqW3m3vz0IcZb2Iw_kIvlLZ8YxHS7I8-8yCgd8BhbJZy6ecx6u9S0WS1nlH32TqXW0AvuA3vW7smaj2R-r9mdA/s1600/IMG_0001_2_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kid's fish and chips in a boat" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzpxZuP4bEW6XGUVL13gUXNjfcDgzTtImXXBJ0sNk7A0qpybaVrtuBXqW3m3vz0IcZb2Iw_kIvlLZ8YxHS7I8-8yCgd8BhbJZy6ecx6u9S0WS1nlH32TqXW0AvuA3vW7smaj2R-r9mdA/s320/IMG_0001_2_2.jpg" title="Kid's fish and chips in a boat" width="320" /></a></div>
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After dinner BB had a play in the kids area and completed a viking treasure hunt around the ship. A couple of games on the Xbox and we were ready to pack everything back up and prepare to arrive. We were lucky with weather throughout our trip and the sailing was smooth the whole way. The six hour crossing flew in and the time on the ferry was more like a part of the holiday than the journey.<br />
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As a family, we instantly fell in love with Orkney. We spent two days touring by ourself and one with a guide. There is so much to see and do, and everything is relatively close together, so no long drives between attractions, which is ideal when travelling with a young family. On day one we visited <a href="http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_244" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Skara Brae</a>, the world famous (it's even mentioned in Indiana Jones) Neolithic settlement. Both my Mum and I studied Skara Brae in high school, so this visit was almost half a century in the making for her! The whole three generations enjoyed the visit and the lunch we subsequently grabbed in the cafeteria there was to set a theme for every meal we had in Orkney, the produce was great quality, well cooked and reasonably priced.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnX7ngTim5yZOY9KqNrSni2FUhhtP0J7UBuFuUCUqJYQdwmTLzrakDFBtBMxffuex741EKyDzojJrcDA0t-TBJvCyL7fO5ax1Mz4r1qZb2e-iNY-OyiJb4r3RNOLjC-0YD49c_ieg0ya0/s1600/skara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Skara Brae heritage Scotland ancient" border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnX7ngTim5yZOY9KqNrSni2FUhhtP0J7UBuFuUCUqJYQdwmTLzrakDFBtBMxffuex741EKyDzojJrcDA0t-TBJvCyL7fO5ax1Mz4r1qZb2e-iNY-OyiJb4r3RNOLjC-0YD49c_ieg0ya0/s640/skara.jpg" title="Skara Brae heritage Scotland ancient" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the recommendation of a friend we visited <a href="http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_042" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brough of Birsay,</a> which is a small island at the North West of Mainland. The island has been used as a fort by the Picts and the Norse and there are the remains of an 8th Century Norse church and settlement. The island is connected by a causeway which is uncovered for two hours either side of low tide, so even getting across to it is an adventure in itself! We walked across the slippery causeway, while looking in the rockpools at either side of crabs and shells.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0SUhuAeiZQuOB5ROIxME0KpMjeQEThHepb1hyphenhyphenX1zNBP9N_8DXYvj7HQTejNetFMq8zBhtj2jZUikvHLjqsPIGEjSaxjanvzYulWt1BEBgvyANEa6p-FBWYMFPc5R-5Jm3RFL1Nmfsz0/s1600/IMG_0027_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Brough of Birsay low tide" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0SUhuAeiZQuOB5ROIxME0KpMjeQEThHepb1hyphenhyphenX1zNBP9N_8DXYvj7HQTejNetFMq8zBhtj2jZUikvHLjqsPIGEjSaxjanvzYulWt1BEBgvyANEa6p-FBWYMFPc5R-5Jm3RFL1Nmfsz0/s320/IMG_0027_3.jpg" title="Brough of Birsay low tide" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the way back to the hotel we stopped off at the <a href="http://orkneybrewery.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Orkney Brewery</a> and did the tour. I had to force myself to taste the beer too, for research's sake. It did not disappoint.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIzNqjbUxmuM6nPeVv6b7hQu00p8o17FZXQcB5zsqaSXxHEMh-f4bLi0zxTKQ3EWFaW0t1Umu4V1a4LPqcJGuDvSoX7-1AdCNKMVo4u1WdgAIZcAQsaZpIOzf-EIDo77Z80KEevIg63E/s1600/IMG_0040_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Orkney Brewery tasting flight" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIzNqjbUxmuM6nPeVv6b7hQu00p8o17FZXQcB5zsqaSXxHEMh-f4bLi0zxTKQ3EWFaW0t1Umu4V1a4LPqcJGuDvSoX7-1AdCNKMVo4u1WdgAIZcAQsaZpIOzf-EIDo77Z80KEevIg63E/s400/IMG_0040_3.jpg" title="Orkney Brewery tasting flight" width="400" /></a></div>
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We stayed at the <a href="http://www.ayrehotel.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ayre Hotel</a> in Kirkwall and found it to be ideal. It is situated in the town centre, only a five minute drive from the ferry terminal. The rooms were modern and clean and the food was home cooked and tasty, with the Orkney lamb and breaded haddock being particular favourites. The staff could not have been more helpful, particularly saving our bacon when it turned out some idiot forgot to pack the travel cot...<br />
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Day two was spent on a tour with the wonderful Lorna from <a href="http://www.see-orkney.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">See Orkney</a> tours. A native Orcadian, Lorna was both able to give us information about the points of interest and more general background on what it was like growing up on the island of Westray, even teaching us some local dialect. She was completely flexible about fitting in around the needs of the children, even finding a play park for us when the boy seemed to be flagging! With Lorna we visited the <a href="http://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/the-italian-chapel-p253741" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Italian Chapel</a>, which has to be seen to be believed. Created from two huts by Italian prisoners of war, with little more than some concrete and some paint, the building is spectacular.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BcFMv3UcKjtTTAJHKlm9N-b_mq5IuRypkQSoz3zILkytqWqcliKT2mmWDGZrKoX69IiQqttEzTN3_ztkKRToFh38BI2t5hyphenhyphenrxz0pJoc3liQm3i54KK6Ftv8t1VLdzYPS4VogiNwPAfY/s1600/italian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Italian Chapel Orkney" border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BcFMv3UcKjtTTAJHKlm9N-b_mq5IuRypkQSoz3zILkytqWqcliKT2mmWDGZrKoX69IiQqttEzTN3_ztkKRToFh38BI2t5hyphenhyphenrxz0pJoc3liQm3i54KK6Ftv8t1VLdzYPS4VogiNwPAfY/s640/italian.jpg" title="Italian Chapel Orkney" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the afternoon we visited two more Neolithic sites, the <a href="http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertydetail.htm?PropID=PL_233" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ring of Brodgar</a> and the <a href="http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertydetail.htm?PropID=PL_296" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unstan cairn tomb</a>. The standing stones were spectacular and the preservation of the tomb was incredible. Lorna's local knowledge was second to none and really helped us make the most of our time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0xAU_vLwhSDXCS8Bvh33S9-WMx5rXH6fK4DKJOr3GLkw3N83SLZ0N2G4kvdLymAjWRqoeZFv_CtXvuxRnfAVrDKZx__iluJVaQLD8A6yPLAC7MBMtXyio0sf93dPuf7FKrLBStQGu8U/s1600/neolithic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ring of Brodgar standing stones" border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0xAU_vLwhSDXCS8Bvh33S9-WMx5rXH6fK4DKJOr3GLkw3N83SLZ0N2G4kvdLymAjWRqoeZFv_CtXvuxRnfAVrDKZx__iluJVaQLD8A6yPLAC7MBMtXyio0sf93dPuf7FKrLBStQGu8U/s640/neolithic.jpg" title="Ring of Brodgar standing stones" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the afternoon and the next morning we spent some more time exploring Kirkwall. We were very impressed by the shopping in the town. It had everything you needed while still retaining it's local charm. There were lots of independent shops, many selling local goods. We had expected there might be a price premium coming from being on an island with the added supply costs but this wasn't the case at all. <a href="http://www.stmagnus.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">St Magnus Cathedral</a> in Kirkwall was spectacular and the <a href="http://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/S/orkney-museum.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Orkney Museum</a> was well worth a visit.<br />
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Our journey back was on the overnight ferry which had the benefit of giving us an extra full day to explore. With Orkney having spent as long as part of Scandanavia as it has as part of Scotland Blondie Boy was really enjoying learning about its Viking heritage. We spent the morning at Orphir learning about the <a href="http://www.orkney.gov.uk/Files/Community-Life-and-Leisure/Orkney_Museums_and_Heritage_Leaflet__Web_Version.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Orkneyinga Saga</a> and looking at the <a href="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/westmainland/orphirchurch/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">round kirk and Earl's Bu</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbOg4jqBuSVh9w7sJum2wslvLyfe5338kTmIQ94RIjBX-pDbkd9-udcNvhiu4lh3PiDoLhrSfl2AZ-6YG3wLRaTpSv4Lgr2u-_VoZ_ttsBDGPZhnsPYbfsV1rzeVSTXI75NofZwLW7As/s1600/orkenyinga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Orphir Scandanavian Scotland Orkney" border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbOg4jqBuSVh9w7sJum2wslvLyfe5338kTmIQ94RIjBX-pDbkd9-udcNvhiu4lh3PiDoLhrSfl2AZ-6YG3wLRaTpSv4Lgr2u-_VoZ_ttsBDGPZhnsPYbfsV1rzeVSTXI75NofZwLW7As/s640/orkenyinga.jpg" title="Orphir Scandanavian Scotland Orkney" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the afternoon we visited the <a href="http://www.pierartscentre.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pier Arts Centre</a> in Stromness. Blondie Boy took part in a workshop which was running over the school holidays and had a great time, while the adults had time to enjoy the unique collection of modern art, including <a href="http://www.orcadian.co.uk/2015/10/latest-acquisition-goes-on-show-at-pier-arts-centre-today/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the recently acquired Two Forms (Orkney)</a> by Barbara Hepworth.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuimDileoYDaC8UnByggZCi_GtHAySKkuloXECCIgeAMoLUZzGnUWEJFq-oo1oKVbBYeAeq1ypkRuZxFcl8FG2SbtMeQMhRD3VihQVaRKiKv-Xh561LpSsffMYmwX0CnfWTSyhDjCsrAc/s1600/PAC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Children's workshops Pier Arts Centre Orkney" border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuimDileoYDaC8UnByggZCi_GtHAySKkuloXECCIgeAMoLUZzGnUWEJFq-oo1oKVbBYeAeq1ypkRuZxFcl8FG2SbtMeQMhRD3VihQVaRKiKv-Xh561LpSsffMYmwX0CnfWTSyhDjCsrAc/s640/PAC.jpg" title="Children's workshops Pier Arts Centre Orkney" width="640" /></a></div>
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Being on the overnight ferry meant that we spent our day on holiday as usual and then instead of going back to the hotel at night we checked in to the ferry and went to bed there instead. The cabin was comfortable. At 6'3" I am well used to single beds which are too small for me but the bunk onboard was long enough and wide enough to be comfortable. The cabin was ensuite with a shower and had tea and coffee making facilities and felt more like a hotel room than a mode of transport. The bar seemed to be in full swing when we arrived but with the kids we were more interested in a good nights sleep than a night cap and we certainly got that. As well as being comfortable the cabin was quiet and we all dropped off in Kirkwall and woke up about fifteen minutes away from Aberdeen the next morning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk18CbY7_VYJrlzGk29LUJku88gjLSWeZ-A1KtrVCmwTvb8fTi_Bd_Bq8tZyTvowsLIVVE-va_NZwTrOWUM-H2cLRXd7mQ8kQooJgeVnOtTx7KmgzmTANhJhCWSNSj9ultynHJmKayg4g/s1600/cabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Double Cabin Beds Northlink Ferry" border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk18CbY7_VYJrlzGk29LUJku88gjLSWeZ-A1KtrVCmwTvb8fTi_Bd_Bq8tZyTvowsLIVVE-va_NZwTrOWUM-H2cLRXd7mQ8kQooJgeVnOtTx7KmgzmTANhJhCWSNSj9ultynHJmKayg4g/s640/cabin.jpg" title="Double Cabin Beds Northlink Ferry" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our trip to Orkney was unforgettable for all the right reasons. There is so much to see and do there, the people are warm and genuinely friendly and the scenery is spectacular. The journey there on <a href="http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NorthLink Ferries</a> felt like a part of the holiday, it was quick, easy and entertaining, even with a five year old and a baby. While I can't ask the baby her opinion, here's what Blondie Boy thought of his trip and the journey.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Transatlantic Blonde were provided ferry crossing, accommodation and a tour guide for the purpose of this review. All adventures & opinions are our own.</span></center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-74418693882682090792015-09-18T16:26:00.003+01:002015-09-18T16:26:49.093+01:00Whittard's of Chelsea Tea TastingI should introduce myself, I'm Katie, the London correspondent of the Transatlantic Blonde family. It makes me slightly further away from those beautiful babies, but I love London, almost as much as I love them. It also means that I get the chance to check out some cool London events, just like this one. <br />
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To add to the previously mentioned loves, I also love tea. I'm a green in the morning, white in the afternoon kind of girl, who still loves a good cup of builders. When the invitation came through from <a href="https://www.whittard.co.uk/" target="_blank">Whittard of Chelsea</a> to join them for a private tasting session of their new range, I knew this was my kind of night out. <br />
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I went along to the Whittard Tea Bar on Regent Street on a cold, very rainy night to see what they had to offer. As I first stepped in and knew it was going to be perfect. The huge tea canisters that line the wall are beautiful, without even being opened. I loved the look of their range. At this point, I didn't know it was part of their very clever rebrand. They have updated the packaging of all the teas so you can find what you like, very easily. Each variety of tea comes in a different colour of packaging and each type (loose, tea bags, large leaf) in a different style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitifdccZ_wJyqqzhQh-GihGNB1Mq3eE2J6XPhOIg3GszcMJVzm2Px4lbtzTfRXreYHhBJB0QcRSvH7uM4UpohqtovKjf9iAvFTABtBaNRhVx20uQnMefJFp9n0rXcUlJwbj8l00t35T4g/s1600/Whittards1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitifdccZ_wJyqqzhQh-GihGNB1Mq3eE2J6XPhOIg3GszcMJVzm2Px4lbtzTfRXreYHhBJB0QcRSvH7uM4UpohqtovKjf9iAvFTABtBaNRhVx20uQnMefJFp9n0rXcUlJwbj8l00t35T4g/s320/Whittards1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kate, the Whittard tea expert, met us and explained that we were going to taste one of each type of tea, one infusion (which is a fruit 'tea' to the rest of us, but actually contains no tea!), before being allowed to go wild and taste anything from the range. Kate was a brilliant host. She didn't just throw out lots of interesting tea facts, like black, green and white tea comes from the same leaf but is treated differently after picking, she has actually visited many of the plantations across the world, so she added plenty of little anecdotes along the way. Her enthusiasm made it hard not to be excited!<br />
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We tasted White Peony, Marrakesh Mint, Regal Blend and Mulled Wine. They were all delicious, and the loose leaves looked really pretty. My favourite from this bunch was the <a href="https://www.whittard.co.uk/tea/type/green-tea/marrakech-mint-flavoured-green-loose-leaf-tea.htm" target="_blank">Marrakesh Mint</a>. It was a great combination of a really fresh mint flavour, with a bit of a green tea kick. This has fast become my new morning tea of choice - it's a great wake-up when you are a bit sluggish! With each one, Kate showed us the differences in the leaves and gave us tips on the making the perfect cup. Interestingly, one of them was not make tea with boiling water, always to let the water cool slightly because the prime temperature for tea is about 75 - 95 degrees depending on the tea. Who knew?! It was also pretty cool to see the leaves before and after they've been brewed - I didn't realise some were so tightly rolled that they would end up pretty huge!<br />
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Aside from Marrakesh Mint, my favourites are <a href="https://www.whittard.co.uk/tea/type/black-tea/orange-blossom-flavoured-black-loose-leaf-tea.htm" target="_blank">Orange Blossom</a> and <a href="https://www.whittard.co.uk/tea/type/oolong-tea/milk-oolong-oolong-with-flavouring-loose-leaf-tea.htm" target="_blank">Milk Oolong</a>, which has an incredible slightly fudgy taste. All the teas have their own identification number with a quirky or cute story behind it, like Whisky Tea being 251 for Rabbie Burn's birthday or Coconut Truffle being 44 for the 1944 classic song, 'I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts'! So when you choose a new tea, make sure you ask for the story behind the number!</div>
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I could spend hours telling you about how amazing these teas were but instead, I'll just recommend that you get yourself to Whittard of Chelsea. There are stores across the country and all stores will allow you to taste tea before purchase so you can find the perfect tea and with the range increasing from 24 teas to 100, there is something for everyone. That doesn't even cover the coffee range or the new flaked hot chocolate, which looks and smells amazing. No surprise given that it's made from shaved pieces of chocolate instead of a powder! </div>
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I usually think that a book shop is the perfect place to spend cold, rainy autumn nights, but with beautiful setting, incredible smells and a massive list of tea I want to try, I think my new spot could very well be one of the Whittard of Chelsea Tea Bars!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Transatlantic Blonde were provided a tasting for the purpose of this review but all opinions are our own. I mean come on who'd lie about tea?</span></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10973271252446776503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-34596178712098682842015-09-12T12:37:00.002+01:002015-09-12T12:37:33.661+01:00Iolla Prescription Eyewear<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been wearing prescription glasses for the past 22 years (you decide what age I got my first pair!) but in that time I've only had 5 pairs of glasses. Prescription glasses can cost and arm in a leg with frames, lenses, thinning, special coatings--if I'm honest confusion as well as cost played a big role in my lack of eyewear. Luckily <a href="http://iolla.com/" target="_blank">Iolla</a> have come to save the world from confusing and expensive eyewear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Iolla is a new brand of prescription eyewear that aims to revolutionise the traditional optical market. Glasses are designed and assembled in Scotland to provide higher-quality, better-looking eyewear at a fraction of the current price. £65 gets you fabulous frames, thin lenses and anti-glare and anti-scratch coating if your prescription is between certain parameters. I have a strong prescription and have a slight astigmatism and that was included, too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I popped in to the Iolla showroom on a Saturday with Baby Girl unannounced</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">; I had an appointment scheduled later in the week but had some time to kill and was passing by. Stefan, one of Iolla's founders, was so patient and helpful. It will come to no surprise to anyone who knows me that I tried on just about every frame in the showroom. Iolla have a variety of frames, all named after famous Scots, to suit every face shape and come in multiple colours. I went back and forth between a few different frames but in the end decided to go for a pair that were the complete opposite to my glasses I've had for the past 2 years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love my new </span><a href="http://iolla.com/collections/womens-optical/products/stevenson?variant=4335379201" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Stevenson frames in light blue crystal</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">! They really make my eyes pop and are just so far removed from my big black frames. I love that at only £65 you can have glasses that are truly a fashion choice and not just functional. In fact I loved my Iolla glasses so much I went back 2 weeks later for another pair!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Can you believe in 22 years of wearing glasses I have never had prescription sunglasses? For me they were just an expense I couldn't justify so it meant always wearing contacts when it was sunny or using these gigantic sunglasses my Dad gave me that go over your existing glasses so you look like a glaucoma grandma!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My <a href="http://iolla.com/collections/womens-sunwear/products/bruce-sun?variant=4335669249" target="_blank">Bruce sunglasses in plum</a> are far more stylish and made sunglare worries on my morning commute a thing of the past. I honestly can't believe I went this long without prescription sunglasses!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwScKh5KH9VxR6lZpKcUMyPa_SKmiqsF-rEFzIZILOrPkB0XNpv9qNxF1hxk55JkKp1LQ6kI5YLmTZMbpGnmMJNfri10infC-P2hJIV2rMjbAtCJthyphenhyphenFr-ESf3qeg1gEEK6sQlKQcOYac/s1600/Iolla+Scottish+Sunglasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="blonde girl purple sunglasses" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwScKh5KH9VxR6lZpKcUMyPa_SKmiqsF-rEFzIZILOrPkB0XNpv9qNxF1hxk55JkKp1LQ6kI5YLmTZMbpGnmMJNfri10infC-P2hJIV2rMjbAtCJthyphenhyphenFr-ESf3qeg1gEEK6sQlKQcOYac/s320/Iolla+Scottish+Sunglasses.jpg" title="blonde girl purple sunglasses" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Iolla frames can be purchased online and shipped straight to your door or you can pop in to the showroom on Argyle Street in Glasgow if you like to try on your frames before you buy. I love supporting local businesses and it's even more amazing when the local business service and product is better value for money than the corporate conglomerates!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>All Iolla eyewear are at £65, with additional costs for multi-focus.</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's be friends! Find me here:</span></b></center>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Transatlantic Blonde was provided a pair of frames to review, but then loved them so much we bought a second pair out our own pocket. If that doesn't tell you our opinion is honest then what will?</span></center>
Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-74120286541127441762015-08-28T12:35:00.001+01:002015-08-28T12:35:50.350+01:00Eleven months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Age</strong> - eleven months</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Weight</strong> - 20lbs+ (I've not weighed her so I have no idea!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Height</strong> - 29 1/2"+ (again no clue and she's sleeping so not going to try!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Sleeping habits</strong> - She sleeps in her own bed but still ends up in bed with us in the early hours most days. She goes to bed 11pm or so and is up for 8am when her brother goes to school with a middle of the night cuddle in between.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Eating habits</strong> - Still breastfeeding and trying new foods. She's had chicken, beef and pork now. If it is easy enough to mash she gets to try it! She's also convinced yoghurt is a finger food. She will eat literally anything except for "real meal" baby food pouches. If it's actual real food she will give it a try and nom it up.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrAVXf4eBVAJZaaH4Z2V60wc3h3FshJPUttMIRDzlwhbVHwIveovHizTFnwTFgQ__hLVfZXq5WNspDEFxVaTR_Wp_7UX1HhLQzD9_S3upFyZ_fAzXjyCfXfLks4p8S4WZgH1amdgq8pE/s1600/yogurt+finger+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="baby eating yogurt" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrAVXf4eBVAJZaaH4Z2V60wc3h3FshJPUttMIRDzlwhbVHwIveovHizTFnwTFgQ__hLVfZXq5WNspDEFxVaTR_Wp_7UX1HhLQzD9_S3upFyZ_fAzXjyCfXfLks4p8S4WZgH1amdgq8pE/s320/yogurt+finger+food.jpg" title="baby eating yogurt" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Favorite activity</strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> - She is taking after her brother and loves music. She's currently a big Taylor Swift fan and goes crazy dancing when she hears "Shake it Off."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Milestones</strong> - TEETH! Her first tooth broke through the second one right next to it came two days later. Only a centimeter or so is through on each of them but we finally have teeth!</span><br />
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<strong style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Firsts</strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Teeth, sleepover at Grandma's-- NBH and I went to see Ben Folds at the Kelvingrove Bandstand so she and her brother stayed the night at Grandma's house</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Like to compare/contrast? Here's the boy's <a href="http://transatlanticblonde.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/11-months.html" target="_blank">11</a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://transatlanticblonde.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/11-months.html" target="_blank"> month update</a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">! They look vaguely similar, no?</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's be friends! Find me here:</span></b></center>
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Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-6545824959531762642015-08-11T08:21:00.001+01:002015-08-11T08:21:21.490+01:00Toy Testing at the St Enoch Centre<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It goes without saying that Blondie Boy is a huge fan of
toys: he’s five! He’s also a huge fan of toy reviews and reviewers. While I
don’t quite get it, he’d quite happily spend days watching videos of people
reviewing toys he would probably have little interest in normally, if it wasn’t
for the fact he has limited screen time! So when <a href="http://toytesters.tv/">toytesters.tv</a> and <a href="http://www.st-enoch.com/stores/hamleys/?portfolioID=63" target="_blank">Hamleys at the St Enoch Centre</a> got in touch to ask how he’d like to spend the afternoon as
a toy reviewer, it’s fair to say I didn’t have to twist his arm too much, it’s
pretty much his dream come true!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iTC772TOsSCfTY3cegKK_RHXPAIxsm71rusdZjSyoyt9a84JWxaaLP7XP_qwvm83Oe-mFARsEWwhsrFGq4Rb9h5tHQTrqkLrnu-4hDwfXc0FlPi2NREaJ-d669vfKmmnDvxnYzvWKVE/s1600/IMG_4269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Toy Testers Hamleys" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iTC772TOsSCfTY3cegKK_RHXPAIxsm71rusdZjSyoyt9a84JWxaaLP7XP_qwvm83Oe-mFARsEWwhsrFGq4Rb9h5tHQTrqkLrnu-4hDwfXc0FlPi2NREaJ-d669vfKmmnDvxnYzvWKVE/s320/IMG_4269.JPG" title="Toy Testers Hamleys" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">We went along to Hamleys in the St Enoch Centre and met up
with Nigel and the rest of the toytester.tv crew who showed us how they worked and let Blondie Boy (and me!) have a go! The St Enoch Centre was the launch of the toy tester.tv summer tour and its only Scottish stop.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">RealFX<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUU6fj5BIi7YJshIVVZxqTQVGVdxa5M7wgIL744UMv6vd3CCbZ0mAMjFa8L4g3Y8yxzFIMyWevaKLKX-w1nWVKpqerEakVB8feXnFk88VYH_9CmCywOqqte30XR_eAEVpo3HvTpvTd1sQ/s1600/Vivid+-+Real+FX+Racing+-+lifestyle+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUU6fj5BIi7YJshIVVZxqTQVGVdxa5M7wgIL744UMv6vd3CCbZ0mAMjFa8L4g3Y8yxzFIMyWevaKLKX-w1nWVKpqerEakVB8feXnFk88VYH_9CmCywOqqte30XR_eAEVpo3HvTpvTd1sQ/s400/Vivid+-+Real+FX+Racing+-+lifestyle+image.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The RealFX racetrack not only takes slot car racing into the
21<sup>st</sup> century, it totally reinvents it. First off there are no slots,
the cars race on paper tracks which means the cars aren’t limited to lanes,
they can overtake at any time. The cars have AI which not only counts how many
laps you have completed but can also race a car against you, should you want to
play by yourself. There’s still the same principle of skill involved as you
would have in a Scalextric or slot car system, too strong on the controller and
your car will shoot off the track. Unlike slot car systems where setting up the
track can take time to set up, the guys set up the track in seconds and Blondie
Boy and the other Toy Testers had a great time racing. If this ends up on BB's
Santa list I’m fairly sure I’ll have a shot or two once he’s in bed…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BB says: “I really liked it because I am a huge fan of
racing cars.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Little Live Pets Mice<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zR_fKNgX9GsXEGmbZtq6ym2oPWbe6KaXstb0LJLGORCIMO7uBQQdPba9mE4Z_Jjp06wi3FSV4qDOo0CLDnHxA7m5nI8rfTxW2KVxySyRIMKjhX29EYI6GCGYPoZ_78Ik2oGGG8ygo6I/s1600/28035+Little+Live+Pets+Single+Mice+Pack+Chatter+CPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zR_fKNgX9GsXEGmbZtq6ym2oPWbe6KaXstb0LJLGORCIMO7uBQQdPba9mE4Z_Jjp06wi3FSV4qDOo0CLDnHxA7m5nI8rfTxW2KVxySyRIMKjhX29EYI6GCGYPoZ_78Ik2oGGG8ygo6I/s200/28035+Little+Live+Pets+Single+Mice+Pack+Chatter+CPS.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Little Live Pets Mice was probably the toy we spent the
least amount of time with. Little Live Pets are the next generation of
electronic pets. The little mice act like real mice, you can let them go in
their track and they’ll wander around and run on their wheel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BB says: “ The mice were really cute.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Power Rangers Dino
Charge<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-Ep9S_9sXBoizN-pTlWu1esNTUz-UftKCJP2kh85YzjhjCTqxeDkw-fZ1PvE6BPurn1SmA9HT-r9R0NCWLzJpGOXCP-yHeVsUzmc6BmpEMl_T3nSmrswNj_j_TUuYBjlNFQBsiBCEuM/s1600/IMG_3988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Power Rangers Dino Charge" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-Ep9S_9sXBoizN-pTlWu1esNTUz-UftKCJP2kh85YzjhjCTqxeDkw-fZ1PvE6BPurn1SmA9HT-r9R0NCWLzJpGOXCP-yHeVsUzmc6BmpEMl_T3nSmrswNj_j_TUuYBjlNFQBsiBCEuM/s320/IMG_3988.JPG" title="Power Rangers Dino Charge" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Neither BB or I are fans of the Power Rangers shows but we
both enjoyed the Dino Charge toys. The Dino Charge cannisters come in packs to
collect and unlock sounds and features in the other toys. The Deluxe Dino
Charge Morpher features lights and sounds which change depending on which
canister is inserted. Once you insert the Dino Charger and spin to charge it,
it makes unique sounds for each canister and lights up. The Deluxe Dino Charge
Mega Zord features three dinosaur shaped robots which can be combined to form
one giant robot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BB says: “These are really cool.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I-DO-3D<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I-DO-3D was probably the surprise hit of the day with
Blondie Boy. He does love drawing and the I-DO-3D pens let kids create in 3D.
The pens come in a variety of colours, the kids draw with them and then dry
their creations with the little torch provided which sets them in three
dimensions. This was definitely a toy Blondie Boy kept coming back to. He made
a couple of quick creations but I’m fairly sure given a bit more time he could
make some pretty cool stuff. When Nigel asked him his favourite toy of the day
BB had no hesitation in saying the I-DO-3D, which is no mean praise given the
impressive high action toys that he also tried out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BB says: “I loved it!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Teksta Scorpion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The current trend for robotic pets has somewhat passed our
house by, maybe because we have a real life barking dog and we’re not keen on
scooping robot poop too. The Teksta Scorpion was somewhere between a robot
animal and a remote control vehicle. The controller was pretty intuitive, it
was worn on the back of your hand so it was easy to control by tilting your
hand, even for a five year old. More than one scorpion can apparently battle,
which seems like it might be fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BB says: “The scorpion is awesome.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thunderbirds
Interactive Tracy Island</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge49jz2SemYtP76P_JPUdEcqEP88Rj2q7Pku0nkTUukK1HCHkP-ei-MEUazhJI3YvQCEUtDwEpjUG8s5mtIFmvUmKwjOC2vpkuOzCEjskEYyB0fIMSHnPfrnZjpslwstbtc959NqKbutc/s1600/IMG_4271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Toy Testers Glasgow" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge49jz2SemYtP76P_JPUdEcqEP88Rj2q7Pku0nkTUukK1HCHkP-ei-MEUazhJI3YvQCEUtDwEpjUG8s5mtIFmvUmKwjOC2vpkuOzCEjskEYyB0fIMSHnPfrnZjpslwstbtc959NqKbutc/s320/IMG_4271.JPG" title="Toy Testers Glasgow" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With the new series on CITV, Thunderbirds is instantly
recognisable to everyone from kids of the 1960s to the 2010s. I was just a bit
too old to have been caught up in the megahype surrounding the sold out Tracy
Island toy in the 1990s and the subsequent build-your-own Blue Peter number but
I still thought the new one was pretty cool. Thunderbird vehicles 1, 2 and 3
launch with sounds taken from the programme and flashing LEDs. While Blondie Boy
doesn’t watch the show, he still loved the toy. He’s a bit of a car/ vehicle
freak, so the cool International Rescue vehicles were right up his street, during
the free play he came back to this toy again and again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwjXMbRKzcJNP76F6lVycpwVHLqk2NjaPwVEGk37Hx3UgoPpi6KvZRDArdqHaKRUo0RLjIion1TZffGvFsPTTdnwKMVCcxGc6K6xTJ7VKaaR43Udba1976-I9ZjVumJxJqSjFLduICQE/s1600/TAG-TB2_Playset-TB2-product-90295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwjXMbRKzcJNP76F6lVycpwVHLqk2NjaPwVEGk37Hx3UgoPpi6KvZRDArdqHaKRUo0RLjIion1TZffGvFsPTTdnwKMVCcxGc6K6xTJ7VKaaR43Udba1976-I9ZjVumJxJqSjFLduICQE/s320/TAG-TB2_Playset-TB2-product-90295.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BB says: I really liked this. I liked the vehicles and the
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We had a great time testing toys at Hamleys at the St Enoch Centre and I'm pretty sure Blondie Boy picked up some ideas for his Christmas list! Some of the toys mentioned in the review haven't been released yet but all of them will be available at Hamleys once they are. <a href="http://www.st-enoch.com/" target="_blank">The St Enoch Centre</a> runs a wide variety of events over the summer for visitors of all ages.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's be friends! Find me here:</span></b></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://twitter.com/melaina25"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b225/melaina25/twitter-icon.png" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/melaina25"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b225/melaina25/pinterest-icon.png" /></a><a href="http://instagram.com/melaina25"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b225/melaina25/instagram.png" /></a><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2574974"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b225/melaina25/rss-icon.png" /></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/b/109159350028949620202/109159350028949620202/posts"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b225/melaina25/gplus-icon.png" /></a></span></center>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blondie Boy was given some of the toys he tested on the day but all opinions are his own. Five year olds are brutally honest!</span></i></center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-51228847611627123232015-07-26T21:00:00.000+01:002015-07-26T21:00:05.410+01:00Ten months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbs-yURA350dLyylMr9ZBo4knwHnXdLZC-UbUUE1K21UInRgwhK1gmkm2fWR_mHp8zoAZ_6pyl6yH1FRS7AEErzk4MXnBi2Pme7vR5Lv6yCIZcQzefmZf22KCYTkY27h186_8FEWXWuJM/s1600/10+month+old+baby+girl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbs-yURA350dLyylMr9ZBo4knwHnXdLZC-UbUUE1K21UInRgwhK1gmkm2fWR_mHp8zoAZ_6pyl6yH1FRS7AEErzk4MXnBi2Pme7vR5Lv6yCIZcQzefmZf22KCYTkY27h186_8FEWXWuJM/s320/10+month+old+baby+girl.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Age</strong> - ten months</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Weight</strong> - 20lbs</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Height</strong> - 29 1/2"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Sleeping habits</strong> - She is officially in her own room and in her cot; no more basket. I know it's been 4 months since my last update but this is still a relatively new development. She still ends up in bed with me in the wee hours but it's better than nothing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Eating habits</strong> - Still breastfeeding and she loves fruit and veggie purées. I've been giving her oatmeal (blended up oats) mixed with fruits which she loves too. She is also a massive fan of puffs and rice crackers. We've recently started letting her try bits of things we are eating which is the only real way she'll eat chunky things. Also giving a baby sweet potato fries means you'll get the chance to eat you're own dinner--win, win. She, much like her brother before her, is a big fan of a Scottish morning roll.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_kN1x24JfO3z9vpguXnolLaQOEw51c2q6F2moMrd6ZM7fd-NzWJi7qHZNntS89D1XHdm8C_AMvBuPiG76ENxkX1j6LrR7VVFy3xU5PldPLuReLZ43nGygArcvYthDyjWST7RSK9ucmg/s1600/Baby+eating+Sweet+Potato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="baby eating sweet potato fries" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_kN1x24JfO3z9vpguXnolLaQOEw51c2q6F2moMrd6ZM7fd-NzWJi7qHZNntS89D1XHdm8C_AMvBuPiG76ENxkX1j6LrR7VVFy3xU5PldPLuReLZ43nGygArcvYthDyjWST7RSK9ucmg/s320/Baby+eating+Sweet+Potato.jpg" title="baby eating sweet potato fries" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Favorite activity</strong> - She is all about pulling up and standing up, doing the hand movements to "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and putting anything she can find in her mouth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Milestones</strong> - Well I've not done this for 4 months so probably crawling and standing and other things I'm forgetting. Still no teeth.</span><br />
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<strong style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Firsts</strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Overnight away from Mom when I was in London for work in June, bath with her brother, Fourth of July, pigtails and big girl bath</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiE1Tg9a7nZmNNM4xWsQoQYOANLGVhwU_s7H6ko49y97Pysg9ZnLzOw2dJTXVM4-GD9hfFno7hdTPRSLk9GjLXJnUw-I-bVGaxStOKHD4JZM4dCSsTdoH2o7nMRt9GEcx4oci1yrb9DQ/s1600/IMG_3534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiE1Tg9a7nZmNNM4xWsQoQYOANLGVhwU_s7H6ko49y97Pysg9ZnLzOw2dJTXVM4-GD9hfFno7hdTPRSLk9GjLXJnUw-I-bVGaxStOKHD4JZM4dCSsTdoH2o7nMRt9GEcx4oci1yrb9DQ/s320/IMG_3534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Octehr3lSztanerDwlDeOWrsUs2MwtcEdRVQFU9VejTgunvvbW7djWfNaMkYKJ6T1ncizNNJwtR7feyk1uXwiLb_zSuPN9M0Mdg2HoHv2DJTOccCcgVRXtpDPE19_b9L7MO9gFi5-R8/s1600/IMG_3596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="baby girl fourth of july tutu" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Octehr3lSztanerDwlDeOWrsUs2MwtcEdRVQFU9VejTgunvvbW7djWfNaMkYKJ6T1ncizNNJwtR7feyk1uXwiLb_zSuPN9M0Mdg2HoHv2DJTOccCcgVRXtpDPE19_b9L7MO9gFi5-R8/s320/IMG_3596.JPG" title="baby girl fourth of july tutu" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEF0rookrz4HXXYFzS8rmqXp5_VH99pc8zdj1bmRPyOKXp8JyKaUH2-BAy7aelq2gr8nrj6r2Sl0urkFLoRjzaNZ6TOPgWWoJjZyb0Oe1NwDD7fBHv8KWRmVastVFc953xRr2ipJq-aM/s1600/IMG_2724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="baby pigtails" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEF0rookrz4HXXYFzS8rmqXp5_VH99pc8zdj1bmRPyOKXp8JyKaUH2-BAy7aelq2gr8nrj6r2Sl0urkFLoRjzaNZ6TOPgWWoJjZyb0Oe1NwDD7fBHv8KWRmVastVFc953xRr2ipJq-aM/s320/IMG_2724.JPG" title="baby pigtails" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Like to compare/contrast? Well tough I didn't do a 10 month update for Blondie Boy. It's nice to see I'm consistent with my inconsistency. Here's the boy's <a href="http://transatlanticblonde.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/9-months.html" target="_blank">9 month update</a> though!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's be friends! Find me here:</span></b></center>
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<a href="http://twitter.com/melaina25"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b225/melaina25/twitter-icon.png" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/melaina25"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b225/melaina25/pinterest-icon.png" /></a><a href="http://instagram.com/melaina25"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b225/melaina25/instagram.png" /></a><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2574974"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b225/melaina25/rss-icon.png" /></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/b/109159350028949620202/109159350028949620202/posts"><img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b225/melaina25/gplus-icon.png" /></a></center>
Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-71653109698835458412015-07-14T21:52:00.000+01:002015-07-14T22:30:26.481+01:00Debenhams Summer Soiree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Summer in Glasgow this year is particularly disappointing; I think we've literally had ONE day of summer. It's been grey, rainy and just dreary. Luckily Debenhams brought all of summers best beauty and swimwear trends to Gusto Glasgow to give us that summer feeling. I mean it IS July after all!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7JCHdDFGnyK6pYllb67Pk0B9CkoxVxd1ZUORy19FfPdEN18ThAfT7FHVEYCImqXe4KmU-iLOwuIK2iBFCoxsAsOlj-uBABjLsDRERynITMrYa5ZuOdsxmt6vAEI2tIDkX5B9zLFvYoo/s1600/DSC_7898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Debenhams Summer Soiree" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7JCHdDFGnyK6pYllb67Pk0B9CkoxVxd1ZUORy19FfPdEN18ThAfT7FHVEYCImqXe4KmU-iLOwuIK2iBFCoxsAsOlj-uBABjLsDRERynITMrYa5ZuOdsxmt6vAEI2tIDkX5B9zLFvYoo/s400/DSC_7898.JPG" title="Debenhams Summer Soiree" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my favourite finds was <a href="http://www.barebaroque.com/" target="_blank">Barebaroque</a> jewellery tattoos. Tattoo bracelets are so on trend for summer festivals but I'd never seen metallic and neon jewellery tattoos like this. They have the requisite delicate, metallic single strand tattoos or bigger statement pieces like the metallic and neon Aztec band I went for.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKp2tQV2oRsNXDSGAkJzXtze2GX2-jCYEL1wy7YAtva0SJbVFZ4wtk4WiOO78qxQ-myJ_gzLh-x9iNPuNA4hyGWKqSQiBmhoEmE6Dc3AYL7h1-8H7En2S9IxDUP-Lcul6mkFXH_LZVos/s1600/DSC_7928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Barebaroque Jewellery Tattoos" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKp2tQV2oRsNXDSGAkJzXtze2GX2-jCYEL1wy7YAtva0SJbVFZ4wtk4WiOO78qxQ-myJ_gzLh-x9iNPuNA4hyGWKqSQiBmhoEmE6Dc3AYL7h1-8H7En2S9IxDUP-Lcul6mkFXH_LZVos/s320/DSC_7928.JPG" title="Barebaroque Jewellery Tattoos" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The tattoos are super easy to put on just like you would any traditional temporary tattoos and they last 3-5 days. The sheets of multiple designs are only £6 so you can mix, match and stack the jewellery tattoos for a night out or if you are like me to run to brighten up your Starbucks run on a rainy day!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLfAkm00Cx3GHGJxy42ra15S6LUtDoxIFw9SGeT6GBG0Wi7fn-WokpZoB-m5mrRKaKyBB7-23LBJtNflJ6joNkMtXnbl-oy3ZBM2bR9fAW52hrsDnu7OarOPK0sPC4V0k0bcBmukv5uQ/s1600/DSC_7934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gold Silver Tattoo Bracelet" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLfAkm00Cx3GHGJxy42ra15S6LUtDoxIFw9SGeT6GBG0Wi7fn-WokpZoB-m5mrRKaKyBB7-23LBJtNflJ6joNkMtXnbl-oy3ZBM2bR9fAW52hrsDnu7OarOPK0sPC4V0k0bcBmukv5uQ/s320/DSC_7934.JPG" title="Gold Silver Tattoo Bracelet" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Keeping on the summer festival trend <a href="http://www.lorrainewoodflowers.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lorraine Wood Flowers</a> taught us how to make amazing, real floral crowns. Lorraine is known for her innovate wedding flowers but also runs workshops. I miserably failed but luckily Lorraine stepped in to save my crown!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5U1M9Hc7HSU258PahEg26AvHY7nHAtI2c_n0lK6BovWfILXcUQmKP0lnFt1Sf0FpDTvPgV0lpOEgwJKUQ3VgYchxH28U3sxFIdARFAAyf_qCl75W4Uljhyphenhyphen-0mWkH1S42I4nBWjkJ9HY/s1600/DSC_7943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Real Flower Floral Crown" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5U1M9Hc7HSU258PahEg26AvHY7nHAtI2c_n0lK6BovWfILXcUQmKP0lnFt1Sf0FpDTvPgV0lpOEgwJKUQ3VgYchxH28U3sxFIdARFAAyf_qCl75W4Uljhyphenhyphen-0mWkH1S42I4nBWjkJ9HY/s320/DSC_7943.JPG" title="Real Flower Floral Crown" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CI7hJ58XAAAI5wQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Two Blondes Flower Crown" border="0" height="320" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CI7hJ58XAAAI5wQ.jpg" title="Two Blondes Flower Crown" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While we all noshed on Gusto's yummy bites and sipped summer cocktails, we also got to see </span><a href="http://www.debenhams.com/women/swimwear-beachwear" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Debenhams summer swimwear</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Neon colours, frills and details were all big. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXLA6PbbVdgFXVIIRKrUh1ZesAtS6U1o6ZZRXuF4DcIsXtBiLGY4IRke5ImAt6sn4VuwoldIDFxOuRpB9aq82-gTyncfuNBnu57dSRH9beqtkESzlwLv7F_oFrMH4PA3xB7pNc_oJM44/s1600/DSC_7954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blonde Brunette Redhead Model Neon Bikinis" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXLA6PbbVdgFXVIIRKrUh1ZesAtS6U1o6ZZRXuF4DcIsXtBiLGY4IRke5ImAt6sn4VuwoldIDFxOuRpB9aq82-gTyncfuNBnu57dSRH9beqtkESzlwLv7F_oFrMH4PA3xB7pNc_oJM44/s320/DSC_7954.JPG" title="Blonde Brunette Redhead Model Neon Bikinis" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Swimwear is one of the hardest things for me to find--finding a suit that supports and is cute is damn near impossible. If it supports the girls it looks matronly and if it's cute, it doesn't fit up top. Luckily Debenhams has me covered with <a href="http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_064020426033_-1" target="_blank">Floozie by Frost French suit</a> that not only supports with underwire and a halter neck, but has all the delicate details on trend this summer. Plus it has skulls and y'all know I'm a sucker for skulls.</span><br />
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<a href="http://debenhams.scene7.com/is/image/Debenhams/064020426033?wid=1250&hei=1250&qlt=95" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Skull Retro Swimsuit" border="0" src="http://debenhams.scene7.com/is/image/Debenhams/064020426033?wid=1250&hei=1250&qlt=95" height="400" title="Skull Retro Swimsuit" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What are your favourite trends for summer? </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's be friends! Find me here:</span></b></center>
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Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-48629297633550081202015-03-28T22:19:00.001+00:002015-03-28T22:20:01.433+00:00Six Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuqaFcBby0vCp30gNe9kxsij_58IRjSOEsBupbQ3p5DHauOcs8BuWMFyeFXO52G-Xm3YS0vdBohS3rjNkYdyO6KY3DcKbPAxGmCTFLJ0u5fcN4AlmNtueNu1DoKTnztHTNf4OiLdvet4/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuqaFcBby0vCp30gNe9kxsij_58IRjSOEsBupbQ3p5DHauOcs8BuWMFyeFXO52G-Xm3YS0vdBohS3rjNkYdyO6KY3DcKbPAxGmCTFLJ0u5fcN4AlmNtueNu1DoKTnztHTNf4OiLdvet4/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Age</strong> - six months</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Weight</strong> - 16lbs 3oz</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Height</strong> - 27 1/2"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Sleeping habits</strong> - She still sleeps through the night but I have to wake up some time (I don't look at the clock) and put her pipka back in 3-5 times in a row. She's also still in her Shnuggle Moses basket in our room but NBH is pushing for her to go in her own room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Eating habits</strong> - We started solids the day after she turned 6 months. I attempted baby led weaning and started her out with a chunk of avocado. She kept gagging and then spewed up all over herself so that was the end of that. I'm sure BLW is great for some people but I can't deal with gagging. So we moved on to rice cereal. She wasn't really sure about it but we'll try again and then do the same as we did with her brother and I'll make veggie and fruit purées.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Favorite activity</strong> - Her feet, kicking, petting/stroking people, looking at her brother and splashing in the bath.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Milestones</strong> - Is there a milestone about learning to control their tongue? Her tongue is persistently out of her mouth.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR6cv4oeDHJLgqNAkqGJk-mD1blIhdw9BphRW7wAXa9WLhhpEyFpNGmqt6bU74vwngGk30Dh9eKMMbhl3_l6cvLnY0Bxem8J2m03TD83r6d0dMqhOquA5sTMm-rBwRQGKzOstrtp4078/s1600/Tongue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR6cv4oeDHJLgqNAkqGJk-mD1blIhdw9BphRW7wAXa9WLhhpEyFpNGmqt6bU74vwngGk30Dh9eKMMbhl3_l6cvLnY0Bxem8J2m03TD83r6d0dMqhOquA5sTMm-rBwRQGKzOstrtp4078/s1600/Tongue.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Firsts</strong>- solid food, time in a pushchair</span><br />
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Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-73764324090654635152015-03-09T08:50:00.003+00:002015-03-09T08:50:57.606+00:00Red Nose Day 2015 #IGiveAShirt<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Red Nose Day 2015 is this Friday! Blondie Boy has been collecting all the different noses on offer this year and was super excited when TK Maxx asked if we wanted to take part in special Red Nose Day challenge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222; text-align: justify;">TK Maxx is the official retailer for the <a href="http://www.tkmaxx.com/women/the-red-nose-day-designer-t-shirt-collection/icat/9494" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red Nose Day t-shirts</a> and for this campaign they have teamed up with five of the biggest names in fashion Anya Hindmarch, Karl Lagerfeld, Diane von Furstenberg, Henry Holland and Matthew Williamson! </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; text-align: justify;">Each limited edition design is completely unique to each designer with a very special Red Nose Day twist featuring quirky quotes<span style="color: #1f497d;">.</span></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Profits from the sale of each T-shirt are donated to Comic Relief to help people living incredibly tough lives across Africa and here in the UK. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year TK Maxx have also launched their <b>#igiveashirt</b> social campaign. <span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tkmaxx?_rdr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lily Allen</a> has launched the shirt spin challenge and Blondie Boy, Baby Girl and I decided to give it a go!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Blondie Boy and his sister both went for the Anya Hindmarch tees (you have to love the Oscar Wilde quote) and I decided that Diane von Furstenberg was more my style.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then it was time to spin!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even Baby Girl gave it a go!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">Will you say <b>#igiveashirt</b> too and take part in this Red Nose Day challenge? It's an easy and fun way to show your support and if a 5 year old and 5 month old can do it so can you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Taking part is easy:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN-US">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span lang="EN-US">Put on your new TK Maxx Red Nose Day T-shirt<u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u></u><span lang="EN-US">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span lang="EN-US">Film yourself spinning it 360°<u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u></u><span lang="EN-US">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span lang="EN-US">Share your video online using <b>#igiveashirt</b><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u></u><span lang="EN-US">·<span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span lang="EN-US">Challenge your friends to prove they Give A Shirt too!</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Red Nose Day tees are available at TK Maxx starting at £5.99 for children and babies (with at least£2.50 going to Comic Relief) and from £12.99 (with at least £6 going to Comic Relief) for adults.</span></span><br />
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Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-15092943712699666962015-02-24T08:53:00.003+00:002015-02-24T08:53:37.899+00:00Breastfeeding and Working<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Almost two months ago I went back to work. Baby Girl was 3 months old and exclusively breastfed. We weren't having any issues breastfeeding so I had no intentions of stopping and luckily my work has been extremely accommodating. I have my own little mini-fridge to store milk in during the day and access to a private room only I have the keys to so I can express during the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even when you have a cooperative work (legally they have to be!) you are going to need some additional things to express while at work. This was all new to me but after a month I think I've got a good system worked out. Here are the products that make breastfeeding and being a working mom work for me.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.medela.com/.imaging/stk/IW/medelaProductStageImage/dms/global/breastfeeding/products/pumping/freestyle/images/freestyle_with_pumpset/document/Freestyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.medela.com/.imaging/stk/IW/medelaProductStageImage/dms/global/breastfeeding/products/pumping/freestyle/images/freestyle_with_pumpset/document/Freestyle.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First and foremost my <a href="http://www.medela.com/IW/en/breastfeeding/products/pumping/freestyle.html" target="_blank">Medela Freestyle Double Breast Pump</a>. I literally could not be back at work with out it. Since I'm separated from Baby Girl while I'm at work I need to express to remind my body to keep producing milk and so she can have milk to drink when I'm not around. The Freestyle is small and compact with a rechargeable battery and comes with a complete set for the storage, cooling and transport of breastmilk. The 2-Phase Expression Technology is based on the natural sucking rhythm of the baby: Short, stimulating patterns are followed by longer ones, ensuring an optimal milkflow. Its faster let-down and maximum milkflow reduces pumping time significantly and you can express more milk in less time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've used the pump now at home, at work and even on a train. The Freestyle comes with a specially shaped freezer pack that will keep breastmilk cold while you are travelling. The bottles are BPA-free and can be used to store milk with the provided lids or with the Calma teat to feed your baby.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is the only breast pump I have ever used but is the only one I'd want to use. You can adjust the suction to the strength that works best for you and it holds a charge for a really long time. I didn't need to charge it while I was away for a day for work in London and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I only really need to charge it once a week when I'm using it at work. I've had so many friends complain about their breast pumps but I couldn't be happier with the Freestyle. If you are going to be expressing on a regular basis I really suggest the Freestyle as it's sturdy and reliable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also it's worth noting that Medela's customer services team are amazing. If your pump malfunctions or a part breaks they are quick to help you sort out the problem or provide you with a new pump part as needed. Considering it's an essential (and expensive) bit of kit it is great to know they have you covered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With my Freestyle I use a <a href="http://www.simplewishes.com/" target="_blank">Simple Wishes hands free pumping bra</a>. My best-friend recommended this pumping bra to me and I'm so glad she did. It means I don't have to hold the pump and can check emails and use my hands while I'm pumping. It has a velcro back and an extra zipper panel so it will fit any size. I was a bit dubious since I'm a 34J (I know it's ridiculous) and my friend is a 36B but it really is adjustable. It's not something you'd wear all day long but it makes such a huge difference when you are expressing two to three times a day. I personally can barely sit still staring into nothing for 2 minutes let alone 15-20 and it really helps that I can read work articles or check emails, too. I like it so much I got one for my sister who just had twins, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once I'm done expressing I need the wash everything so I'm ready to go again later in the day. I got a large tupperware box from TK Maxx which has been invaluable. It is how I store and transport my pump parts, but is also what I wash them in. No offense to my office mates but I'm not really comfortable washing pump parts with everyone's dirty plates. I fill up the tupperware box with soap and water and then use a bottle brush I also got at TK Maxx and keep in my mini-fridge. I put paper towels on the lid of the box and set parts out the dry and then dry out the box and put everything back in. Parts then go in the fridge (a tip my BFF taught me again so you don't have to sterilize at work) and are good to go for your next session. I was able to wash my bottles and parts on the train down to London using the same technique--it's a sink and storage box in one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most days I wear my "normal" bras to work but if I know I'm going to be going straight to get Baby Girl and will need to feed her I wear the <a href="http://www.envie4u.co.uk/nursing-bras-breastfeeding-bras/nursing-bras/i-j-and-k-cup-nursing-bras/anita-maternity-underwire-nursing-bra-5068.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anita Underwire Nursing Bra</a>. As I mentioned before I'm up to a 34J so traditional nursing bras don't provide the support I really need. I have a really comfy Bravado bra I wear to sleep in at night, but it doesn't provide a very flattering shape. The Anita gives me the support I need but also means I can easily feed Baby Girl in public. I really struggled to find an underwire nursing bra so I was happy to learn about Anita. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Finally I have to mention <a href="http://www.freidapantry.com/" target="_blank">Freida's Pantry</a> Feeding Food bars. Needless to say working full time with a 5 year old and 4 month old can be a bit stressful. Depending on what my week is like my supply has suffered. I've had friends who bake cookies that up your supply or make special oatmeal but honestly I just don't have the time. Luckily Freida's Pantry make bars that not only increase your milk supply but are easy to toss in your bag and eat on the go. When I read the ingredients and I saw fennel I honestly thought I'd hate the bars but they are actually quite tasty and most importantly they work! I've been lucky to have a fairly good supply but the bars have helped me keep that up even when I'm stressed and busy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've only had one problem breastfeeding while working (more on that in another post) and I really think that is down to having a good system in place. I'm grateful to my BFF for her recommendations and tips as well as having a pump that works efficiently and effortlessly. Did you breastfeed while working? What are your top tips?</span><br />
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Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-66462969334594983652015-02-09T12:45:00.000+00:002015-02-09T12:45:29.906+00:00Hidden Egg Challenge Allergy Testing<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Blondie Boy was <a href="http://transatlanticblonde.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/eggcellent-adventure.html" target="_blank">diagnosed with an egg allergy</a> just shortly after his first birthday and he's been having yearly allergy tests at Yorkhill children's hospital since then. This year he tested positive but his reaction was less than previous years so we were referred for a hidden egg challenge. I'd never heard of a hidden egg challenge or read anything about it so I thought it might be useful to other allergy parents if I shared our experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A hidden egg challenge sounds like a cool Easter egg hunt but it is really just an extended form of allergy test. While his yearly tests consist of a droplet of egg being placed on his arm, this would use cake to see if he could handle well cooked, hidden egg--things like cakes, cookies, dried pasta, etc. It was almost two month from the allergy clinic giving him a referral until we got had his appointment for the challenge. Of course we woke up to the most snow we'd had in years the morning of his appointment but after really bad road conditions we made it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The test itself took place on a ward in the hospital; Blondie Boy was weighed when we arrived and given a hospital bracelet and was not allowed to leave the ward until the testing was done. It was the same ward he had his original testing in over 4 years ago. After asking us some initial questions and listening to his chest (he had a cough and they needed to check it wasn't in his chest) we started the challenge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First up he got cake plastered to his arm:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaikiyM0PVn1Satvjpezrpd4lTPJIa2VVav5okCFX9kFS2q6Pomt61i56jCe-gcw8MpLItH3bV8POmRRmbnGs0pCqkN2Qq_IM4kt3gj2mTI1JhsjE8AINckD7dOOlaSGin9KyF8VO49bU/s1600/Egg+Allergy+Arm+Test.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaikiyM0PVn1Satvjpezrpd4lTPJIa2VVav5okCFX9kFS2q6Pomt61i56jCe-gcw8MpLItH3bV8POmRRmbnGs0pCqkN2Qq_IM4kt3gj2mTI1JhsjE8AINckD7dOOlaSGin9KyF8VO49bU/s1600/Egg+Allergy+Arm+Test.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BB was actually a bit anxious about this but I told him the worst that would happen was his arm might get a bit itchy and he was a lot better. The nurse literally stuck some cake on his arm and covered it with a clear dressing. Then back to the waiting room where there were all sorts of toys, colouring in pages, a full size play house and more. Blondie Boy was also offered a Nintendo DS to play with and could have watched a DVD on a portable player if he wanted (bad Mom and Dad forgot the iPad in all the snow craziness) as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He didn't have any reaction on his arm so we moved on to the next stage which consisted of the nurse rubbing cake around his mouth:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why is it that boys always have the darkest, longest lashes? It's not fair but I digress. It seems so silly but it is what is done. He continued playing with a mucky face until the nurse came back to check and again he had no reaction so we moved on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From here he was given small bits of cake to eat in increasingly larger portions. I don't have any pictures but all the bits of cake could fit on a spoon. I'd say he probably had 4-5 rounds of cake on a spoon but I can't say for sure because I was alone with BB (who was a super star) and Baby Girl (who was not) so I didn't take notes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After he had the last bit of cake (and by this point he didn't want any more) he was allowed to eat and drink as normal and we entered a 2 hour observation period. They gave him a cheese sandwich, yoghurt and crisps (again bad Mom and Dad forgot the lunch we were supposed to pack). The two hour wait is rough; it probably wouldn't have been so bad if it was just me and BB or if NBH had been with us the whole time but alone with a cranky 4 month old it was rough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There were a few other children having testing at the same time for different allergens; one little girl had a reaction and basically if that happens they give your child their medicine, you have to wait for an hour and then you're done for the day. At one point one of the nurses thought BB had had a reaction but I was convinced he'd just scratched his face. Luckily they retried him with the same amount and he had no reaction so the test kept going.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's a long five hours but the staff at Yorkhill are all really lovely and being a children's hospital they are set up to cater to children. There is a whole huge closet full of games, toys, markers, DVDs--all sorts of fun stuff to keep your child entertained so it wasn't that big of a deal when we forgot to bring the iPad. Also the nurses were really nice and showed me to a room when I wanted to breastfeed Baby Girl and there was baby change facilities in the disabled bathroom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since BB had no reactions at all he is now allowed well-cooked egg; 48 hours after testing you are allowed to introduce two new items at a time like cakes, cookies, pastries brushed with egg, dried pasta, Milky Way bars, etc. He is still allergic to eggs and can't have egg but that he can now have a bit of birthday cake at a friend's party is just amazing. I'm really hoping this is a sign he is growing out of his egg allergy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We let him choose his first hidden egg treat and he's a boy after my own heart--he went with a chocolate donut. When you've not been allowed one for 5 years it is perfectly acceptable to eat it in the car on the way home.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's be friends! Find me here:</span></b></center>
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Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-28973873976574706842015-01-27T10:13:00.000+00:002015-01-27T10:13:00.353+00:00Four months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Age - four months</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Weight - 15lbs 4oz (again not official)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Height - 27" (as above)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sleeping habit - She is just on the edge of being too big for her Shnuggle and moving into her own room. It's funny with Blondie Boy he was in his own bed by now and I remember pushing NotBlondeHusband to let him sleep in his own room. With Baby Girl he is the one trying to push me but I'm not sure she's ready to be in her own room yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eating habits - So this has been a learning curve for us with me being back at work. I'm expressing 10-12oz a day while I'm at work and she seems to be drinking at least that if not more while I'm away. My freezer stash isn't that deep and I've not been adding to it so I'm not sure what to do other than trying to up the number of times I pump at work. Breastfeeding while working full-time is another post in itself!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Favorite activity - Working out in her baby gym, blowing spit bubbles, squealing, eating her hands</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Milestones - Teeny tiny ponytail</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Firsts- Time in the snow, basketball game, birthday party</span><br />
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<a href="http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/10919654_1444056395857396_260535310_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/10919654_1444056395857396_260535310_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Like to compare? Here is </span><a href="http://transatlanticblonde.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/4-months.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Blondie Boy's 4 month update</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(sorry for being one day late, but Mondays are BB's swim lesson day)</span></em><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's be friends! Find me here:</span></b></center>
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Melaina25http://www.blogger.com/profile/10038762649811825748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649552098483696634.post-71004790807959581302015-01-20T09:38:00.003+00:002015-01-20T09:40:42.863+00:00Cosatto Giggle Pixelate Pram Travel System<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been a big fan of Cosatto for a long time and was ridiculously excited when we got the chance to review the <a href="http://www.cosatto.com/explore-our-range/products/travel-systems/travel-systems/giggle-2" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b>Giggle 3 in 1 Travel System</b></a> a 2 way pushchair, pram and car seat carrier. I love that Cosatto's products are functional and practical but don't scrimp on style. I've got an amazing travel system that suits my family's needs but also looks AMAZING.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0W7Up9CUek9JDm1830T3E7Dstq2hghnA4_Lb1Gsnpz1Or3UJF6CXQtPCTrq5-gTo6S9Hvf61cNtzzNBFYKGdThdKE_NcvBZCsk7fWEn3zhTZqatIRNH_trSlVYR2QaczwPxEqzFKYo-w/s1600/Cosatto+Pixelate+Giggle+Travel+System.jpg" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Giggle Pixelate Travel System" border="0" class="CToWUd" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiQBfBX1IsX2zvk5sqb40ziQqXlOkTpjtYsuN05O7i_2w6DvB4lBu6EFxFu4M-Q0NuiMuzZEtY8JlyX1k_D0Hqxn0yk2p4EO5lGkVSVV2YhIL_kumj8Zw1cUJ5uV9jv5E81F0lBZYdOp8A-KbTrmasxjFQvKe-BtekJC3XtEfCp6Dmo4GmRYyb1eHlQMuEMptkaeSmv2sDawTYBs8H88-My5alRBu3LO87WGZKGCKoxIoYCUosWMf5F-Yw5p7rOD6-sO8IoMDb_z7KE9H5BcX9wJ7rrXQFsjDXNn2haxNWRLNFkAAhDUHWqH8h2HyWGpxd-nkBcKeaF_j3A_KhsW0Y_EMAgb4ZSPZ5OlCcUZwRTO9slsA9EhcROwFNok2jzofEuRcOJ12itZ1XKMQcnVzsqbt1GDra02sTtzurfcC9uEYtO0UUN-cMvA-UfyCixM43VvNbL1k3P9w=s0-d-e1-ft" title="Giggle Pixelate Travel System" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We chose the pixelate pattern--it's bright, funky and anything but ordinary. I honestly get complimented on it just about every time I leave the house and if I don't I overhear people saying what a gorgeous pattern it is! The pattern isn't just for looking good though as Baby Girl loves staring at the bright colours, too. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCL8pZKHSb_AnAPW7BHUjP6IvaEwaywhPbLPnWaFHRCFSGHvJA9PvrxUPjJk6AOv-UFYQmcRw_cB8viac5layQCHXLC_z0lwOZm8wUX_SbzoOGpEcrcqscT0A6WbOsJwqL-sI3GOc9kY/s1600/colourful+unique+pram.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Bright coloured baby pram" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCL8pZKHSb_AnAPW7BHUjP6IvaEwaywhPbLPnWaFHRCFSGHvJA9PvrxUPjJk6AOv-UFYQmcRw_cB8viac5layQCHXLC_z0lwOZm8wUX_SbzoOGpEcrcqscT0A6WbOsJwqL-sI3GOc9kY/s1600/colourful+unique+pram.JPG" height="320" title="Bright coloured baby pram" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Both the inside of the carseat and pram are patterned as well (something I'd not seen before) and we all know how beneficial it is for babies to interact with bright colours and shapes.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhml-3Im8voMj_MJvkSrZ3t3BT-sNQs3ul7Z-1JUaeXRSEAjGSPIi3GRjfkZomlZZkz5SR9yTWIxHrHEVwAczL7zKwdinDSTOga5_xphpaP5OrJhypDfhQ7kabDcThGtBPI9r_i0IUWa5I/s1600/Cosatto+Hold+Pixelate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Baby sleeping in car seat " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhml-3Im8voMj_MJvkSrZ3t3BT-sNQs3ul7Z-1JUaeXRSEAjGSPIi3GRjfkZomlZZkz5SR9yTWIxHrHEVwAczL7zKwdinDSTOga5_xphpaP5OrJhypDfhQ7kabDcThGtBPI9r_i0IUWa5I/s1600/Cosatto+Hold+Pixelate.jpg" height="320" title="Baby sleeping in carseat " width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So the Giggle looks good but let's talk about how it works. I'll start with the <a href="http://www.cosatto.com/explore-our-range/products/car-seats/group-0-plus/hold/pixelate" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Hold 0+ carseat</a>: I totally love this carseat! It is a bit bigger than the one we had for Blondie Boy but it seems much more comfortable for Baby Girl. One of the best features is how it seamlessly clicks into the base in the car. One of the most frustrating things about carseats can be how long it takes to get in and out of the car, making quick trips that much longer. The Hold base easily installs to the car and then the seat clicks in and clicks out quickly and easily. The Hold can also be strapped in securely with just a seatbelt; it is not difficult at all and can be done one handed, which </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">meant when I was without the car and had to pick up a sick Blondie Boy at school I could strap Baby Girl in to the taxi. The Hold will also click in and work with Isofix fitted cars. The only small downside is that the car seat is quite heavy, particularly with a growing baby in it!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEw4XQcpeWQFQwvInEng_73fWuAt9WgN9R7aLGDwgA4cVqbwc1HMI20w3g4FaA6BdOI1pbW-W4-EhRDvzh17odvJjVHCc_0peYACrwqMF1h1w9Rzw2G00xZbqgfB7z8KBjzHwhuqJoWLs/s1600/Cosatto+Giggle+School+Run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Best school run pram" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEw4XQcpeWQFQwvInEng_73fWuAt9WgN9R7aLGDwgA4cVqbwc1HMI20w3g4FaA6BdOI1pbW-W4-EhRDvzh17odvJjVHCc_0peYACrwqMF1h1w9Rzw2G00xZbqgfB7z8KBjzHwhuqJoWLs/s1600/Cosatto+Giggle+School+Run.jpg" height="320" title="Best school run pram" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9dBnuttHlT15y3JycIRGbifFaNE4Exh4YUjdQWA-DCMERQONsDaq86mIU47kzXVMyYsb9iJ7SlUUtihXA08tMUaO3g_6Jto3NvfHF1Kdwt9oD3TH5phLGnwyKD6E6iyuKgBBqG_xuLA/s1600/school+run+pram+cosatto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Easy school run with baby" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9dBnuttHlT15y3JycIRGbifFaNE4Exh4YUjdQWA-DCMERQONsDaq86mIU47kzXVMyYsb9iJ7SlUUtihXA08tMUaO3g_6Jto3NvfHF1Kdwt9oD3TH5phLGnwyKD6E6iyuKgBBqG_xuLA/s1600/school+run+pram+cosatto.JPG" height="320" title="Easy school run with baby" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once you are out of the car the Hold clicks directly into the pram base. For me this is ideal as it means when I'm picking up Blondie Boy at school I can get Baby Girl in and out of the car with little hassle. After my c-section and severe SPD I wasn't allowed to carry anything heavy so carrying the car seat was not an option; being able to clip the Hold carseat into the pram base was essential! I can be a bit of a faff getting the Hold in and out of the base. Ideally you'd like one seamless motion but I have it worked out now that I need to clip in one side and then the other side--the same is true for taking the seat out of the base. You couldn't do it one handed but I'm okay with that because it means <i> </i>I know the carseat is secure in the base.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNesyetMn5ds38EN-ejW1o7kzd-FKtRf041N9dPZLkufAj09OTJ6LySO1uh7ANei9PpzXmk_epaZhA9_lUqteXB19sMK1ApUoJ6eArSLRc339pVyGCZEiolOG1-f6Oyw0MTd3snc0j9-o/s1600/Cosatto+Giggle+Carrycot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Rainbow Pram Pushchair" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNesyetMn5ds38EN-ejW1o7kzd-FKtRf041N9dPZLkufAj09OTJ6LySO1uh7ANei9PpzXmk_epaZhA9_lUqteXB19sMK1ApUoJ6eArSLRc339pVyGCZEiolOG1-f6Oyw0MTd3snc0j9-o/s1600/Cosatto+Giggle+Carrycot.jpg" height="320" title="Rainbow Pram Pushchair" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The pram base itself is very easy to open up and close down. The base opens one handed using hydraulics although you need two hands to collapse it (it has two buttons plus a safety button)-again you know this means it is safe and secure and you aren't going to accidentally close it while using it. The pram/ cot clips in and out easily. When Baby Girl was first born I wasn't allowed to go up and down the stairs post c-section so she slept in her Giggle in the living room! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLxXUlz0kI13BuJ2eD6sgkd5W9vuScAjQIPx-toNpRWhlt4tTLVFLr9_bEqUzAqdR919U4zbYNyLE-BqRSDx5-dWDe8Ceox5ty5pizyL7vvxVj-zsOX9VNZN3Jf8spP67TNu2GH0CEVs/s1600/cosatto+newborn+nap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Baby sleeping in sunshine" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLxXUlz0kI13BuJ2eD6sgkd5W9vuScAjQIPx-toNpRWhlt4tTLVFLr9_bEqUzAqdR919U4zbYNyLE-BqRSDx5-dWDe8Ceox5ty5pizyL7vvxVj-zsOX9VNZN3Jf8spP67TNu2GH0CEVs/s1600/cosatto+newborn+nap.jpg" height="320" title="Baby sleeping in sunshine" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is roomy and comfy and I love again that there is pattern inside the carry cot to stimulate your baby. Even though it's spacious for baby, we were able to get the carry cot, pram base and all of Baby Girl's stuff easily into my mother-in-law's trunk when we went to visit. There is nothing worse than a pram taking up all your trunk space but the Giggle can hang out in your boot and still leave plenty of room for groceries or other shopping.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PwubV_ChLX5TWrZwNuahpvgb4PrJ63SB2XsyN7DA5mD6PeX1rSa2GIiUNEOhejtqgIRDRYBMA2ZzUaZ1ojOdKFMsYW32SDeLQk1LjqS5Bw19YLsutC_Kb40qESVSg0BYMcKyzVtwos8/s1600/cosatto+giggle+fit+boot+car.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="will pram fit in my boot?" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PwubV_ChLX5TWrZwNuahpvgb4PrJ63SB2XsyN7DA5mD6PeX1rSa2GIiUNEOhejtqgIRDRYBMA2ZzUaZ1ojOdKFMsYW32SDeLQk1LjqS5Bw19YLsutC_Kb40qESVSg0BYMcKyzVtwos8/s1600/cosatto+giggle+fit+boot+car.JPG" height="320" title="will pram fit in my boot?" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span font-family:="" georgia="" new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-family: Georgia, <br /></span><span style=;" times=""><a href="http://www.cosatto.com/explore-our-range/products/travel-systems/travel-systems/giggle-2/pixelate" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">The Giggle Pixelate Travel System</a> is available for £430 and the <a href="http://www.cosatto.com/explore-our-range/products/car-seats/group-0-plus/hold/pixelate" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Hold Pixelate Infant Carrier Carseat</a> is available for £125 but for a limited time you get it <b>FREE </b>with any Giggle Travel System!</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's be friends! Find me here:</span></b></center>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Transatlantic Blonde were provided this travel system for review but all opinions are our own.</span></i></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyEV16zkZauxp5DOnJwNqIXQgzumqjLcr_WyC6cHKA-NBM9JopqSG6lHthozoviHIO7NdO6vYkBcvKuP9iCa4eIPoOd8cnMJinmDmDBPEYGH6TEypNhbnH2OlHO2uFaLvQ-leV0kAjSg/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyEV16zkZauxp5DOnJwNqIXQgzumqjLcr_WyC6cHKA-NBM9JopqSG6lHthozoviHIO7NdO6vYkBcvKuP9iCa4eIPoOd8cnMJinmDmDBPEYGH6TEypNhbnH2OlHO2uFaLvQ-leV0kAjSg/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Age</strong> - three months</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><strong>Weight</strong> - 14lb (not official just by weighing Auntie Katie with and without BG)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Height</strong> - 24" (again not official just her Auntie using Grandma's measuring tape)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Sleeping habit</strong> - Still a great sleeper at night (fingers crossed) and little naps during the day but she sleeps the longest on people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><strong>Eating habits</strong> - Roughly every 3 hours. She will take a bottle of breast milk now which is great. We've both been sick so she had been shorter feeds, every 2 hours which was super draining.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><strong>Favorite activity</strong> - Squealing, kicking or cuddling her friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong>Milestones</strong> - She's 100% found her hands. She loves to stroke soft things, eat her hands and will grab your hand to put her pipka in her mouth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><strong>Firsts</strong> - Christmas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you like to compare/contrast here is <a href="http://transatlanticblonde.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/3-months.html" target="_blank">Blondie Boy's 3 month update</a>.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's be friends! Find me here:</span></b></center>
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