Hot Milk Review and Giveaway by The Rare Bit

....and the winner is

JennLovesAustin! Please contact me within 48 hours to claim your prize!


When I was pregnant with Blondie Boy my Dad sent me over some XXL t-shirts because I had nothing that I could sleep in. I loved sleeping in those big t-shirts but it would have been nice to have some cute, pretty pajamas that fit over my bump, too. The review below is from my friend and fellow expat Meg from the Rare Bit who's expecting her second baby this June.

Want to hear a pitiful story?  Of course you do!  When I was preparing for the birth of my son, everybody told me not to bother packing any nice pajamas to wear in the hospital.  “Everything will just get gross, so just bring something you don’t mind getting ruined” seemed to be the overwhelming advice.  So I resisted the urge to buy something pretty and special, and just threw some old things in my hospital bag.  But after my little boy was born, and we were happily ensconced in the maternity ward, I wanted something a bit nicer to put on.  It seemed that all the other mummies were wearing cute PJs, and there I was in my ratty old yoga pants and t-shirt.  Don’t get me wrong, I was ecstatic to have a healthy baby and with my new role as a mother, but as trite as it sounds, it would have been nice to have something special to put on that matched how special I felt.

So now that I’m expecting another baby, a fun new set of PJs was definitely on the list of things to pack in my hospital bag, which is why when Hot Milk approached me about reviewing some of their night wear, it felt like kismet.  My knowledge of Hot Milk mostly centred around their fab nursing bras, which I had seen both in store and online through different retailers.  I always noticed how their nursing bras never seemed to compromise between style and function, and I was hoping the night wear would live up to the same standard.

Hot Milk sent me a set of “Lost in the Moment” pajamas to test out.  I thought I’d be brave and post a picture of myself in these gorgeous PJs, but I’m afraid I’ve chickened out.  This has nothing to do with the fit of the PJs, even though I’m nearly 9 months pregnant, the size medium they sent fit me just fine.  It’s just that Hot Milk promises to “reveal the sexy woman inside the loving mother”, and they don’t let down on that promise!  The camisole top has a flattering cut that definitely plays up the voluptuousness of a pregnant woman’s body, and the boobiliciousness was just not something I’m ready to put up on the interwebs.  But, hey- just look at the pretty model wearing the same thing!

I really loved the PJ pants that came with this set.  Seriously, the cotton is so fine and soft that it feels silky to the touch, and they’re super comfy to sleep in.  At first, the drawstrings that adjust the length of the legs annoyed me, as they kept coming untied, but I soon figured out that a double knot will keep them nice and secure- even when you’re tossing and turning your way through a night in the third trimester.  The camisole also doubles as a pretty nursing top, each side unhooks at the strap for easy and discreet breastfeeding.  I haven’t used this function yet, but I’m sure I’ll appreciate it in a few weeks time!

These PJs are definitely destined for my hospital bag!  I can’t wait to wear them after meeting my new baby for the first time.  But I also have my eye on some more night wear from Hot Milk- I especially love “Calm Rebellion”, pretty, no? 

****PROMOTION & GIVEAWAY****

Right now, Hot Milk is having a great promotion that’s good through the Bank Holiday Weekend!  You can buy one bra and get the 2^nd for half price, which is awesome.  All of you breastfeeding mothers out there should take this opportunity to stock up!

Also, Hot Milk has generously offered to give away a set of “Lost in the Moment” PJs to one lucky Transatlantic Blonde reader!  

To enter, simply follow both of these steps (both of these steps are mandatory):

- Follow both Transatlantic Blonde and The Rarebit and head on over to http://www.hotmilklingerie.com and take a look at all of their pretty things and leave a comment saying what product you love!

Extra entries (leave in separate comments)

-Follow me @Melaina25 on Twitter and tweet: "I entered to win @HOTmilkLingerie PJs with @Melaina25 & TransatlanticBlonde.com! You can too!: http://tinyurl.com/3qn92my " and comment to let me know (1 extra entry)

-Follow @HotMilkLingerie on Twitter and comment to let me know (1 extra entry)

Make sure to leave each entry in a separate comment.

All entries will be verified and deleted if not valid so make sure to leave the usernames you subscribe or tweet with.

One winner will be chosen by random.org on Monday June 6th 12:00 GMT. Winners must contact me within 48 hours or another winner will be drawn. This giveaway is open to everyone anywhere! Good luck! CLOSED!

The Rare Bit was provided pyjamas to review but the opinions expressed are her own.

Clothing at Tesco Winners

Two winners did not contact me well past the 48 hours so I've drawn two new winners!

35: Marzena said...

I already follow Clothing at Tesco on Twitter as @marzutek

4: ammaline said...

I am now following via Google Friends Connect
I would buy my son a summer jacket

You have 24 hours to contact me  or new winner will be drawn.


...and the winners of my Clothing at Tesco giveaway are:

26: Medsdemon said...

I follow your lovely blog x

@medsdemon

63: Rachel T said...

I am following your blog with Google Friend Connect. I would buy lots of socks! All I can find is odd ones :-( Where are the pairs?

15: Nicola B said...

I'm following on twitter and I've tweeted: http://goo.gl/EBDL9

@heylinguine

49: Tiddles12 said...

tweeted on twitter and following you as @tiddles12

61: emsiecov said...

I follow Clothing at Tesco on Twitter @emma1111111

Please contact me within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn in your place.  If you didn't win you can still get a great deal as Clothing at Tesco have an amazing sale on in their baby clothes section and until April 6 there is 20% off EVERYTHING! Yes, you read that right, EVERYTHING!

Win £10 of Clothing at Tesco!

Normally I'd feel a bit stupid saying I love grocery stores, but since Tara at Sticky Fingers has already professed her love, I can go ahead and say I LOVE grocery stores. When we go on holiday I always look forward to poking around the local grocery.  So it's probably no surprise that when Tesco asked if Blondie Boy wanted to try out some of their baby/toddler clothes I jumped at the chance.  I properly love Tesco, besides the fact that I think they should stock more American food **coughcough** and it's where I do most of our shopping.

Who knew you could get such cuteness at the same place you get your groceries? The clothes are a wee bit big on Blondie Boy (he's a skinamarink) but how adorable is that sweater? And a preppy baby belt holding of cords? SWOON! I can't tell you how excited I am about that belt because Blondie Boy often suffers from what we like to call "pants on the ground" since he has a teeny waist and tushie. I love the blue sweatsuit with his baby blues, too!  I think a lot of baby clothes can be overly cluttered with "stuff" and I love how simple, but stylish both outfits are and each outfit totals less than £15 BEFORE the 20% discount!

Clothing at Tesco have an amazing sale on in their baby clothes section and until April 6 there is 20% off EVERYTHING! Yes, you read that right, EVERYTHING!  Tesco also have very generously given me not one, not two, not three, nor even four, but FIVE discount codes to give FIVE of my readers £10 off their next Clothing at Tesco shop!


To enter the giveaway:

Follow my Blog publicly (link on right sidebar) using Google Friend Connect and comment with what you'd buy with your £10 from Clothing at Tesco Shop.

Extra Entries:
-Follow me on Twitter and tweet: "I entered to win £10 off my next @ClothingatTesco shop with @Melaina25 & TransatlanticBlonde.com! You can too! http://tinyurl.com/tbtesco" and comment to let me know (1 extra entry)
-Follow Clothing at Tesco on Twitter and comment to let me know (1 extra entry)
-Blog about the giveaway and comment to let me know (1 extra entry)

Make sure to leave each entry in a separate comment.

All entries will be verified and deleted if not valid so make sure to leave the usernames you subscribe or tweet with.

This giveaway is open to all UK residents. Five winners will be drawn at random on April 4th at 12:00 GMT. Winners must contact me within 48 hours or another winner will be drawn. 

Support the Girls

Boobs, yes I'm going to talk to you about my girls. I'm sorry Grandma I know you didn't like it the last time I mentioned them, but that was 8 months ago and up until a few weeks ago I still didn't have a bra that fit. Something had to be done. So apologies to Bessala, but I've warned you so you can stop reading now if you like :)

These are all bras that do not fit me. These aren't even all of them; there are a few sports bras I can't find and at least two bras I know of at my mother-in-law's house. Lets just say I have a lot of bras and none of them fit.

I think it's fair to say I was top heavy before I got pregnant. The women on both sides of my family are generously endowed and during my pregnancy between hormones, gaining weight and my ribcage expanding (it does that, did you know?) they got bigger again. They've come down some since having Blondie Boy, but I'm still top-heavier than I was before. I was constantly stuffing back in wayward boob spillage and well quadraboob is just not a good look.

Luckily the lovely people at Bravissimo came to my rescue. Bravissimo is a company that provides a wide choice of lingerie and swimwear in D-KK cup, as well as clothing designed especially for big boobed women so that they can celebrate their curves and feel good about themselves. They sell via catalog, Internet, phone and in twenty stores in the UK.

The stores are all staffed by very experienced fitting consultants, who will be delighted to help you find a bra that not only feels comfortable but also makes you feel fantastic. I went in for a fitting at the Glasgow store on Ingram street and the lovely staff were so nice and didn't give me the side-eye for my style requests. I have big boobs and I like them to look big; I want support in a bra, but I also don't want to be squished down and flattened if you know what I mean.

They don't use measuring tapes, but common sense to help find a bra that is a perfect fit. It seems obvious that different women are different shapes and different bras are different cuts, so not every bra is going to fit everyone the same way. My fitter was friendly and sincere and suggested several different bras to try.

The first bra I tried was a 34FF and fit, but wasn't quite my style. The Deco bra in a 34F (see I told you different sizes, different bras!) was exactly what I was looking for: formed demi cups, underwire and plunge. It creates a lovely rounded shape and gives excellent support. It's smooth and perfect under t-shirts and other form-fitting tops. I went for a nude colour and matching shorts, but it also came in black and a really cute purple colour with zebra trim.

I've tried a lot of bras and been to a lot of stores, but Bravissimo wins hands down. They also have clothes that run normal size, but with extra room in the chest. How great is that? Any busty girl will know what a pain shopping for dresses and especially button-down shirts can be, but no more! How cute is this dress (psst, it's on sale!)?

You can request a Bravissimo catalog here, find your local Bravissimo store here, or why not shop their up to 50% off sale here! You can also purchase items even if you live in the US, Canada, EU or Australia!

Transatlantic Blonde was provided a bra and underwear set to review, but the opinions expressed are her own.

See you later Alligator!

Do you remember my post about the amazing bumper and other goodies my extremely talented friend Amanda made for Blondie Boy?

Well now you can have some of her fabulous creations for yourself, just in time for the holidays! She's also very kindly giving away a $10 gift certificate to one lucky reader AND giving a 10% discount to all Transatlantic Blonde readers to her Alligator Lane Etsy Store!

Alligator Lane is full of super cute items including:

How cute are these holiday clothes?

Innovative no Pee-Pee blankets that are perfect for Naked time

She even has DIY applique kits to make your own tie onesies!

And so much more! She also takes custom orders, too!

To receive a 10% discount on Etsy use the code "Transatlantic"

To enter the giveaway:

Follow my Blog publicly (link on right sidebar) using Google Friend Connect and comment on what you'd get from the Alligator Lane Store.

Extra Entries:

-Follow me on Twitter and tweet: "I entered to win Alligator Lane goodies with @Melaina25 and TransatlanticBlonde.com and you can win too!: http://tinyurl.com/33xwmzt" and comment to let me know (1 extra entry)

-Follow Alligator Lane using Google Friend Connect and comment to let me know (1 extra entry)

-Like Alligator Lane on Facebook and comment to let me know (1 extra entry)

-Favorite Alligator Lane on Etsy and comment to let me know (1 extra entry)

-Blog about the giveaway and comment to let me know (1 extra entry)

Make sure to leave each entry in a separate comment.

All entries will be verified and deleted if not valid so make sure to leave the usernames you subscribe or tweet with.

This giveaway is open to all readers worldwide. A winner will be drawn at random on December 16th at 12:00 GMT. Winners must contact me within 48 hours or another winner will be drawn. GOOD LUCK! NOW CLOSED.

Drink your gin and tonica

Happy Chanukah! Chanukah is super early this year; it started on December 1st at sundown and will continue until the 8th. I always loved lighting the candles and I've really looked forward to celebrating Chanukah with Blondie Boy.

I know Chanukah is basically bottom of the list when it comes to important Jewish holidays, but it still is important to me culturally. So when I went looking for a cute Chanukah t-shirt or onesie for Blondie Boy and came up short I decided to make one myself!

I had NBH make me a template so my menorah was roughly symmetrical and I cut out the shape from sparkly blue felt.

I made a template again for my candles so they'd be the same size and cut them out from light blue and white felt and then free-hand cut my flames so they'd be more realistic looking.

Originally I'd planned on using fusible webbing and ironing on my design, but with so many little pieces that was going to be a major pain so instead I used fabric glue. Honestly he's going to wear it once or twice so I'm not super concerned with durability.

You can see the glue in the picture above, but don't worry when it drys the whiteness of the glue goes away and all you see is the colour of your fabric. I was kinda freaking out that I'd ruined it by using too much glue and it would dry all nasty, but it totally didn't. Also if you are like me and like to work all spread out on the floor a Stokke Table Top makes a great craft tray!


I think Blondie Boy looks super cute in his outfit and while he wouldn't exactly sit still for a photoshoot he really like staring at the candles flickering and smiles when I say the Baruch. I can't wait until he's a big enough boy to help light the candles!

Happy Chanukah to Mimi Linda, GG Bess, Auntie Alie and all our Jewish friends and family!

Retail me this...

Update: I received the sweetest note and a new fleece in the correct size from Lands End yesterday. I really appreciate that they took the time to make it right. It just goes to show that if you aren't happy with your retail experience say something about it!

So I purchased a fleece and a jacket from Land's End who are renowned for their customer service and durability guarantee. When the items arrived they were WAY too big, like NotBlondeHusband could wear them, too big. It was advised in the item notes to "size-up" which I did and ended up with the wrong size.




I phoned up today as I wanted to exchange them for the correct sizes, however I was told that because the items were a sale price and are now a higher price I could not. They'd be happy to issue a refund, but no exchange. Ummm, what?


The exact same items, exact same colours are available in the correct sizes, but because they are now listed at a higher price than what I paid (even though they are the same item number) and therefore I can not exchange them.

You'd think a company known for it's customer service wouldn't have such cracked out policies. Any store I've ever been to has also been happy to exchange like for like regardless of past/present price. In fact anywhere I've worked has always encouraged exchanges over refunds. Is it just me or does this make no sense what so ever?

Flippity Floppity Fit

I love flip flops. LOVE them. The Scottish weather doesn't exactly lend itself to my favorite footwear, but believe you me I let my tootsies breathe in every chance I get while I can.

For the past two weeks, come rain or shine (it's still sorta warm) I've been rocking my new Fit-Flops. Fit Flop footwear is biomechanically engineered to help tone and tighten your leg muscles while you walk in them. Normal walking in Fit Flops can help:

- help increase leg and bottom muscle activity (up to 30%). (so you feel less ache in your hips and knees),

- absorb more shock than a normal shoe (up to 22%),

- help realign ground force reaction closer to your joints



I was a bit worried that they'd make my legs or feet sore, but seriously these are possibly the most comfortable shoes I own. I've been wearing them to the grocery, the shops and when I take Blondie Boy on walks. I have no idea if they are working my legs and bum out more, but I certainly am making more of an effort to go out on walks with Blondie Boy.





You can get other styles besides flip flops, like embellished sandals, shoes, clogs and how cute are these boots for winter? Definitely more practical for Glaswegian weather that is for sure!

Fit Flops are available worldwide and online, so if you are looking for a helping hand to get in shape that is comfy too check them out!

Transatlantic Blonde was provided this product for review.

Flukeing Fantastic!

Before we left on our transatlantic trip Blondie Boy was lucky enough to be chosen to test out some gorgeous Fluke clothes and products. Fluke are an online children's clothing retailer with classic, but funky clothes made from beautiful fabrics with great attention to detail and subtle styling features.

Blondie Boy was sent the Bill & Ben Baby Blanket, Whirligig Striped Short Sleeve Tee Shirt and Rintintin Long Johns. I was in love before we even opened the package as they were wrapped in adorable cartooned wrapping paper--it felt like I was getting a present from a friend!

I threw them all in the wash (they came out the same as the went in; no fraying, shrinking or discolouration) and then straight into Blondie Boy's carry-on bag for our flight to California.

We used the blanket to line the bassinet on the flight and it was big enough to also fold over on top of Blondie Boy. Now I can't prove it was the cuteness and comfiness of the Bill & Ben blanket than caused Blondie Boy to sleep 8 1/2 hours out of the 11 hour flight, but I know it sure didn't hurt!

We also used the blanket at my Mom's house and normally we wake up to find Blondie Boy with his covers kicked off, but I couldn't help but smile when I walked in to see him like this.

I think he liked cuddling the blanket in part to the different texture of the stitching on the reverse of the blanket.

The clothes were super soft and Blondie Boy looked so cute in them! I'm really picky about what I'll let him wear; I think a lot of baby clothes seem to be cluttered with unnecessary designs or scattered with branded characters. Fluke clothing is simple, but stylish and I'm very proud that Blondie Boy is a Fluke kid!

Right now everything is 50% off! If that's not a good deal, I don't know what is!

Transatlantic Blonde received this product to review.

Bummed about Glasgow

I love Glasgow; I've lived here for almost 6 years now and love the people, shops, restaurants, you name it. However, Glasgow has me seriously confused right now.

I'm sure y'all have seen ads for the new Reebok Easytone shoes that help you firm your legs and bum with balance ball technology. Well apparently their ads are too racy to be advertise on the side of Glasgow Black Taxis and Glasgow City Council have banned the ad. Say What?

This is a city that lets lapdancing clubs advertise on the sides of taxis, but a pair of bare legs and the word bum are indecent? I don't know about you, but that is CRAZY to me.

So myself and some other ladies decided to show Glasgow that Easytones and bare legs are not offensive and should be allowed. So here we are in front of Glasgow City Council in our Easytones: Moms, Teachers, Students, Business Owners--Women who want these shoes. What do you think? Are we horribly offensive and indecent? You tell me...

My Bare Knees Boy

Kilts have been around since the 16th century and today are the traditional formal attire for Scottish men. NotBlondeHusband wore a kilt at our wedding and I usually talk him into wearing a kilt to most weddings we attend, because I think he looks really handsome in one.

Blondie Boy was invited to two weddings this month and I knew straight away I wanted him to wear a kilt. I started looking but they were either really poorly made or really expensive and I was getting frustrated until I found Bare Knees.

Libby, the kiltmaker and owner of Bare Knees was a solicitor but after having two wee boys, works from home making and selling custom made kilts. She originally started out intending to make adult kilts (and still does), but has found the demand is much higher for baby and toddler kilts.


Baby kilts are attached to a short sleeved onesie/vest and wraps around just like an adult kilt, but attaches with poppers rather than buckles. The kilts are made from proper tartan fabric (not printed cotton like some cheap baby velcro kilts) and are pleated perfectly in the back. Bareknees also makes makes and hires out toddler kilt packages.



Blondie Boy wore his kilt to a wedding in Edinburgh last Saturday and I can not tell you how many guests came up, commented on how cute he looked and asked where we got it. I loved seeing both my boys looking so handsome together in kilts.

My only critique would be that it would be nice if somehow the onesie could detach (it's sewn on to the back of the kilt) and be washed, but I'm no seamstress so I have no idea if such a thing is possible. Blondie Boy managed to have a bottle without spilling all over it, but I as babies tend to be messy, I think we got lucky. I plan on very carefully handwashing just the onesie (keeping the kilt out of the sink) if it starts to look a bit dirty.

I can't wait for him to wear it again this weekend! If you are in the market for a baby or child's kilt contact Libby at Bare Knees; most tartans are available and she even does a buy-back scheme so when your baby has outgrown their kilt, you can still keep them looking stylish! I can't recommend her enough!
Transatlantic Blonde received this product to review.

Delivering Happy Feet

One of the first things I noticed when I went on maternity leave was how daytime commercials are totally different from nighttime commercials (yea I like TV, so what?). One of the commercials I'd never seen before was for a shoe company called Hotter, so when I got the opportunity to review a pair of their shoes, I thought, why not?

Hotter have been making shoes in the UK since 1959. While they originally made slippers, they diversified in the early 1990s, when they identified a niche in the market for stylish shoes with comfort built in. To be honest I wasn't sure if I was their target audience, but as a new Mommy who basically just wants to live in comfertable clothing, I guess I am!

I got a pair of the Harley boots and normally it takes me a few weeks to break in a pair of boots before they stop killing my feet, but these have been great. I also sometimes have problems finding boots that fit comfortably over my calves and the split back design of these mean that's not a problem.

I wore them out to lunch today with some leggings and maybe I'm wrong but I thought I looked pretty cute! They are warm without being too hot and I'm looking forward to trying them out on a long walk with Blondie Boy tomorrow!

To request a catalog click here or browse online. To get 10% off your first order and free P&P use the code FIRST.

Transatlantic Blonde received this product to review.