I've been meaning to write this review for a while. I completely organise my life using lists in various notebooks as well as drafting many posts on paper whilst out and about. I keep a notebook and pen in every handbag and changing bag I own so I'm never caught short. What I really do love is unusual yet stylish stationery. For that reason I was overly excited when Parragon announced their new 'Life Canvas' range and offered to send me some samples. I wasn't sure which I would be receiving and I couldn't have been more pleased when a package containing the 'Paris' journal and mini sticky notes dropped through the letterbox.

The mini sticky notes are just as cute! No more boring post it's! with 275 individual sticky notes, this set should last you ages. It features 11 different whimsical designs and best of all, they come in a tiny pocket sized folder. They are super tiny and super cute, an essential for any fellow stationery hoarders!

You can catch up with the latest news and products on Parragon's social media pages

Parragon Books Official Twitter page

Parragon Books Official Facebook page

It seems crazy to me to think that two years ago today my baby boy was born! Although it seems like he's been around forever, he is my baby and always will be!! It's amazing how quick they grow up especially the first two years. I've been looking at photos over the last few days of Zach in his first two years and had to share a few of my favourites to celebrate!

Happy Birthday Little Man!!

I first saw the Munchkin Latch bottles at Britmums Live and I was instantly impressed. I applied while I was there to join their panel of bloggers and test out the bottles on Elsie. Of course I had planned to breastfeed but also wanted to try expressing milk after a few weeks to introduce bottles so I could have an occasional break and give Daddy or big sister a chance to bond through feeding. I ended up introducing bottles earlier than expected as she needs formula top ups after every feed to help with her trouble putting on weight. This means I've managed to try out the Munchkin latch bottles early on.

The Latch bottles were designed to mimic the breastfeeding experience, the teat moves and functions like the breast which helps to ease baby's transition from bottle to breast and vice versa. The teat stretches, moves and pumps so that baby can latch and feed just like they would on your breast. There are a few things that make this bottle unique, as well as the moving teat (most other brand bottles are shaped like a breast yet don't move or stretch like your breasts do), the anti colic valve is fitted to the base of the bottle to prevent air bubbles travelling through the milk, therefore reducing the chance of colic. You can read more about the bottles here.

I was quite worried introducing bottles so early as I know that it can sometimes affect a baby's latch when breastfeeding. Elsie has been using these bottles since she was around 4 days old now and she is now just over three weeks and I'm happy to say she has no trouble latching on when it comes to breastfeeding. She is quite happy with the bottles too, thankfully the mixture hasn't got confusing for her and the bottles are really helping us to continue our breastfeeding journey and ensuring she is getting enough milk.

I find out of all my babies, Elsie is the only one who doesn't tend to bring her milk back up following a bottle and I definitely think the latch bottles have something to do with that! I am very happy with the bottles, they are definitely the best I have ever tried and I can honestly say I have tried most other brands of bottles at some point with both Gracie and Zach.

As you can see from the photo we were sent the newborn starter set which contains two 4oz bottles, two 8oz bottles, four stage 1 teats, two stage 2 teats and one bottle and teat brush. We also received another one of each bottle meaning we have six bottles in total which is more than enough for one days use. The newborn starter set costs around £29.99, the single bottles are around £6.99 or you can go straight for a 3-pack of bottles which is around £16.99. I have spotted them on offer at Boots at the moment though so worth doing research as you might be able to grab them at a bargain price!

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend these bottles to parents especially those in a similar situation as us who need to combine both breastfeeding and formula feeding. I am very happy to still be able to breastfeed despite the problems we have had and I'm even more happy that although she needs to use bottles too, we have found the perfect solution that works for us both.

 The Munchkin LATCH products are now available to buy in Boots stores across the UK and online. 

You can find out more about the latest news and products on the Munchkin UK social media channels.

Munchkin UK Official Facebook

Munchkin UK Official Twitter

Today is a strange day. One year ago today I was excited, it was my Dad's birthday and the day of my first scan with baby number 3. I couldn't wait to ring my Dad that evening while he was working away to tell him the news. We had managed to keep it quiet the whole 12 weeks. Of course I never got to make that exciting phone call. Instead I rang him to briefly say Happy Birthday desperately hoping he wouldn't notice the sadness in my voice and know there was something wrong. 

A few months back I was offered the chance to review the fantastic new baby bath from Shnuggle. All I had to wait for was baby! The Shnuggle bath is no ordinary baby bath, not only is it beautifully designed but it is very cleverly thought out to support baby at bath time. The bath is made from a soft and tactile baby safe foam making it both warm and soft to touch. It is kinder to baby's skin with great insulation that keeps the water warmer for longer. The material is a super-strong polypropylene foam, which is extremely lightweight and durable. The best feature about the bath is the bum, bump and back support which aims to make baby feel safe and secure and avoids the slipping and sliding that is common with many other baby baths.

The only downside of course is the fact it is only suitable until around six months for most babies (dependent on size) but the majority of people will be happy to bath a baby in the main household bath by six months. I know we will be happy to do so.

This is definitely one of those products you don't know you need until you try it! I certainly wouldn't be without it now and will be recommending to all my friends and family. 

The Shnuggle baby bath comes in five pastel colours; Ocean, Mint, Pearl, Buttercup and Rose and is  available to buy on the Shnuggle Online Store for £30.

You can catch up with the latest news from Shnuggle on their social media pages below.
Shnuggle Official Twitter Page
Shnuggle Official Facebook Page

Disclaimer
I was sent the product featured free of charge for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

This Thursday we will be hosting a magical Sofia The First Twitter party. With the help of Gracie, Zach and a few of their friends we will be testing out the new range of Sofia The First micro playsets.

We've been home a few days now. The past week has been pretty crazy! I can't quite believe my baby is over a week old already. I am so glad to have her home she's certainly worried us the first few days.