My Mummy's World

Friday, 18 November 2016

Christmas Gifts for those loosing Weight | Christmas Gift Guide

The later part of this year I've tried to focus on loosing weight, not for the festive season but for my general health and wellbeing. But I am no where near my target weight as I'm sure many others won't be. When you need to purchase a gift for someone who is loosing weight it can be hard to know what to get. You don't want to get them lots of boxes of chocolate because well chocolate isn't the best for dieting, and alcohol well that is basically the same.

So I've come up with a little guide on some items you could consider getting that friend or family member to help keep them motivated and on track during the festivities.


Having the perfect products to help you exercise is key. I think until you attempt some exercise with 'proper gear' you don't realise the benefits and the pain you have previously helped cause yourself. 

For those who enjoy walking or running, the perfect pair of socks is key. Bridgedale do a wide range of socks suitable for these sports which help support your feet.
Bridgedale’s bestselling mid-weight sock, the ‘Trekker’ features Bridgedale’s unique WoolFusion® Technology, which brings together Enduro Wool and technical fibres to provide balanced insulation, fast wicking moisture control and durability. Trekker is now sold in more than 40 countries around the globe and has taken thousands of outdoor enthusiasts on hillwalking journeys over the years. The unique construction of the mid-weight Trekker ensures mile after mile comfort all year round.
Bridgedale Speed Diva. Built for speed, these super lightweight and highly breathable socks are mapped with T2 technology, a knitted loop within a loop which offers an additional level of impact protection and cushioning on pressure points such as the ball of the foot, lace up area and Achilles to ensure comfort and cool feet all day long. Ideal for marathons, road running and gym.




You could also purchase something like this set called 'Perfect Gifts fir Gym Bunny's', It consists of a range of health and fitness related gifts, and comes in both a male and female version. Perfect for those pledging to do more within the new year.



One of the most important things when exercising and trying to loose weight is sleep. Getting a good nights sleep is something many of us don't get, and don't even think is important when trying to fit in another session at the gym, or another run around the park
This Christmas, give the gift of sleep (and wellbeing) to your loved ones with the S+ by ResMed. Help them wake up more refreshed in 2017. The S+ is the world’s first non-contact, fully comprehensive sleep tracking system, which features patent-protected SleepSensor technology. The S+ makes it possible to track, analyse and improve sleep at home without a wristband, electrodes or mattress strips. Research has shown that below-average sleepers slept an extra 45 minutes each night after just one week’s use of the S+.
I am looking forward to trying this out, seeing if it can help ease me to sleep. I get so tired when trying to exercise that I think this would be perfect.



Sometimes will all the Christmas sweet treats that are around, you may still want to induldge, so to do this you could always treat them to Atkins Fudge Bar, the perfect stocking filler.
Atkins has the perfect chocolate treat to satisfy the sweetest of cravings while keeping you on track. Its Fudge Caramel bar (RRP £2.19) is low carb, low sugar and is ideal for your handbag, on the go or even your desk drawer for when the chocolate tin gets passed around at the office party. Containing just 2.3g of sugar and 2.9g net carbs, the bar has 55% less carbohydrates than regular fudge caramel bars and is high in protein and fibre.



After doing some exercise, its nice to then just relax, relieve the stresses and not put too much further pressure onto your body. So some nice lotions and potions would be perfect for those post-workout relaxing baths.

Malki's Dead Sea scrub with frankincense oil banishes dull dry skin, leaving you silky and soft. For thousands of years the Dead Sea salts have been used in beauty treatments and cures for problem skin. The highly concentrated minerals work wonders on stressed skin. 

When loosing weight you can be left with some stressed skin, and this would work wonders on helping that. 



Olverum is a unique and highly concentrated, therapeutic bath oil which contains 10 pure essential oils, carefully blended to work synergistically. Accordingly, an Olverum bath is a very effective way to naturally relieve stress and help you achieve a great nights' sleep. It is also a great way to ease aching or sore muscles (such a treat after a workout!) and is the perfect soothing antidote to a cold or flu. All with a gorgeously aromatic, unisex scent.


Now these are probably something you wouldn't get for the person actually loosing weight. But if anything like mine, your children may love to workout with you, Jack really loves any excuse to join in with a bit of exercise. 

As I've previously mentioned I love my fitbit, its encouraged me to get moving more and look back on my day and see how I could improve. So you could buy your child a LeapBand, priced at just £29.99 its the perfect way for kids to be like their parents. 
LeapBand is the perfect gift for inspiring kids to get active.
LeapBand is the first wearable activity tracker for kids. LeapBand gets kids moving and having fun with 50 different activities and challenges, tracking a child’s physical movements so the more active a child is, the more points they earn for their customisable virtual pet.
 LeapBand also doubles up as a digital and analogue watch, as well as featuring a built-in accelerometer, high-res screen, water resistant design and a rechargeable battery. Parents can even set LeapBand to a quiet mode for school and night time.



Then of course you could invest in something bigger, like a trampoline. There are many different types of trampolines available and some larger ones have a higher weight limit meaning parents can join in on the fun too. They are the perfect way to burn off some energy, let of some steam and get fit all at the same time. I loved the trampoline when I was younger and I'm seriously considering getting another larger one for me to enjoy along with the children too. Big Game Hunters have a wonderful selection of outdoor toys in which children and adults could enjoy together and have an excellent selection of trampolines. 



What gifts would you include for someone trying to loose weight?

Please Note: I received some of these products in exchange for inclusion within this post. Some are added as I feel they would be good.

Thursday, 17 November 2016

Christmas Gifts For Dogs | Christmas Gift Guide

As you may or may not know, depending if you follow me on social media, this year we had two new puppies, and this will be their first Christmas. Now if your not a dog lover this post will just pass you by or you will think people who buy for the dogs are silly. BUT, if you are a dog lover you will know they are basically a family member. For us the children love the dogs and this year they will definitely be getting a gift from Father Christmas, providing they dig no more holes that is. 

So with that in mind, this is my guide to the perfect gifts to get your puppy dogs.

Something to play with... 

Dogs big and small love to play, we found that when we got the puppies it brought the life back into Abbie our older dog who rarely played toys anymore but now does again. A toy is a perfect gift for most dogs so why not make it an extra special gift. 
Mountain Paws have recently launched a new range, and this Catch Toy is from that. It may seem like a normal frisby however its a durable flying disc specifically designed to be gentle on your pooch's mouth. It's fabric design means not only does it soar through the air for your pooch to catch but it also floats upon water for them too. It has an RRP of £8.99.
Mountain Paws Catch Dog Toy

Sometimes, you have to mix playtime up a little. Puppies especially have 'puppy brains' and loose interest in things really quick, quite possibly why one of ours has decided to eat the skirting boards. So by using something like a Busy Buddy treat dispenser, this allows playtime to be fun, dispensing treats as your dog plays with the toy. These have been something which have gone down really well with our dogs, all of them have enjoyed playing with them, and they have saved more eating of things they shouldn't be.

Christmas Gifts For Dogs

Toys can keep your dogs occupied for a long period of time, some even take to having a favourite and taking it on journeys with them. So a new rope toy or cuddly toy, even a squeaky toy would sure to be a hit with your pets this festive season. Retailers such as Feedem have a brilliant wide range, festive themed too. 


Christmas Gifts For Dogs

Train your puppy...

Training your puppy takes time, and reinforcing what they are learning can be even more time consuming going back to puppy brains. Using something like a Clik-R training tool, means your dog will soon learn to associate the click sound with a treat letting them understand they have done something well. Following from this means it won't take long for your do to learn and associate this with good behavior and training. 


Christmas Gifts For Dogs

A little bit of TLC... 

Pet hair can be irritating, not only for the owner but for the pets too, so the FURminator deShedding tool can be a perfect gift. This Christmas there is a new gift pack, which includes a deShedding tool, towel and deShedding spray for dogs or a waterless spray for cats ensuring they will be looking purr-fect this Christmas. These range from £27.50 and would be a perfect long lasting tool.

You could make your pet feel extra special this Chritmas with VetPlus' Coatex Aloe and Oatmeal shampoo. Its suitable for both cats and dogs so if you have both it can be multi-use. Coatex is a mild conditioning shampoo containing natural aloe vera extracts and oatmeal encouraging healthy coat growth. What I like about this is it doesn't remove an natural oils for the dog. 
Christmas Gifts For Dogs

As a pet owner, and dog lover I’m sure you will agree there is nothing quite as important as your pets health and wellbeing. Pettura is an exciting new range of liquid supplements for dogs which have been developed with top quality pharma-grade ingredients offering the best support for our four legged friends.  Formulated by vets, the unique Pettura range is easy-to-dose, keeping our beloved canine companions happy, active and healthy for longer. As its in liquid form it works a lot quicker than what tablets would.
Christmas Gifts For Dogs

Time for Walkies... 

Another two items from Mountain Paws new range is the shock absorber lead and muddy dog towel. Firstly the shock absorber lead, which is perfect for daily walks especially if your a runner, or have children walking your pooch. It's made from a durable nylon, neoprene and polypropylene materials featuring an elasticated section which absorbs the shock. 

Christmas Gifts For Dogs
Then there is the muddy dog towel, which is not only a gift for your furry companion but also yourself. This towel makes fast work of rubbing your dog down after a muddy walk, meaning they can get as dirty as they wish to. It's made from a highly absorbent micro-fibre fabric, which features two hand pockets making it easy to rub away any mud and water.

Something a little different...

Dressing dogs up, or adding a bit of a different style is something which is becoming more and more popular. I always remember the first time we put a bandana on one of our dogs and the theme has just stuck. So a bandana is sure to be a lovely gift to get your dog. Something which will add a bit of glamour to them as well as be eye catching. I love these ones from Floyd and Bear, which you may have seen Dottie wearing on Instagram. As Floyd and Bear are a small company a lot of love and care goes into creating each of these.


Christmas Gifts For Dogs

Another small and unsual business is Pug4Pets, during the summer I purchased Dottie one of their beautiful Pet Lockets. This year they were part of the Small Buisness Saturday Top 100, and in my opinion it was well deserved. They create beautiful hand stamped lockets which your pet can wear, and create matching pieces for owners too. You choose your own design and your pet is sure to stand out from everyone else when wearing one.


Christmas Gifts For Dogs

Treat Time...

IAMS® Minis dog snacks are the perfect treat to have up your sleeve when it's not quite meal time. They provide a tasty whilst healthy reward for any size dog. All three of our dogs have enjoyed these. They come within three flavours, with lamb and cranberry being their favourite. They are also made without gluten, low in fat and packed with vitamins so a perfect choice. 
Christmas Gifts For Dogs

Dog themed stockings, and christmas themed treats are widely available and as all dogs love these they are sure to go down well. We have had some from Feedem this year which they have enjoyed, bones and chewy treats provide hours of chewing fun, and can be great for teething puppies too along with the older dogs. Any dogs we have had within the past have always enjoyed a bone treat every now and again so these are sure to go down well. 
Christmas Gifts For Dogs

If you have real luxury you could always treat your pooch to a luxury dog bed from sofa.com they have a beautiful Cecil dog bed, although a little on the top of the market priced at £270.

Hopefully, these have helped you find some lovely quirky gifts for your pets this Christmas time. 
Christmas Gifts For Dogs

Please Note: Some of the above products we received free of charge in exchange for a feature within the post, some I've chosen as I love them whilst others I have purchased. None of this has influenced my decisions on what I write.

Wednesday, 16 November 2016

Win Fuzzikins Dozy Dogs from Interplay

With Christmas fast approaching I'm sure your all on the look out for good gift ideas, things you can get the kids too.
Well why not try and win some gifts. I have the chance for one lucky winner to win a Fuzzikins Dozy Dog set.

It's bed time for three adorable dogs. Colour them and make them cozy in their beds.

This kit includes 3 dog figurines, felt tip pens, a brush, sleeping bags and plenty of other accessories to customise and play with.

What colour are your dogs? Do they have patterns on?


We love anything crafty here as Jack loves getting everything out and making new pictures, or paintings or anything which lets him be creative. Mix that with our love of pets and I'm sure this would be something Jack would enjoy.

Interplay offer a wide range of toys, which allow your children to be creative. 
So for your chance to win, simply enter below


Dozy Dogs

#WeightLossWednesday - Loosing my mind

Its Wednesday again, this time soon rolls around, I feel like I've only just wrote last weeks post. This week we are still on the same theme. I'm still really not in the mindset for this new lifestyle.
10 whole weeks I've been attempting weight watchers now, and my subscription is nearly at the end for this term, I'm still a little undecided if to renew it or not with Christmas coming up.

I seem to have lost my mind and motivation, I start out with good intentions each week, that I will stick with the diet try and fit in some exercise and then I just hiccup and the next thing I know we are a few days before weigh in and I doubt I can pull it back and just carry on.
I don't want to carry on like this but I just do, its what I've always done and I'm finding it hard to break the mold. On top of this, home life has been crazy and then work has been stressful, honestly the stress that place gives me I should be super skinny and I only work two days! This has all made me turn to my comfort in food.

Then we get onto the fluid intake, or lack of. Upping my fluid intake has always been something I've struggled with for as long as I can remember. I've tried on numerous occasions to drink full daily amounts and I just struggle. I know in the long run this is massively affecting my loss overall.

Then we come to the weigh in and this week I'm coming in with another gain, which I expected. It's only +0.4lbs and it could have been so much worse and luckily it wasn't. However I'm writing this on Tuesday evening and I weighed last Friday so it could all be much worse by now.
I need to book up my ideas before I'm kicking myself at how much I could have lost.

I hope your weeks have all been better.


Tuesday, 15 November 2016

Siblings | November

Isla is becoming much more of a character now, and she pretty much has her big brother wrapped around her finger. 
Most of the time they are loving siblings, Isla is pretty much full speed toddler and wondering around everywhere walking up and down the stairs. Whilst Jack is always shouting out for me when shes doing something semi-dangerous showing his caring streak for her. 
Siblings | November


Sometimes, he does let this slip, like when she tries to take a toy from him, or destroy something in which he is playing with. Guess that is the love-hate relationship of siblings. 

Siblings | November

When I discovered I was pregnant with Isla, I never knew what Jack would be like as a big brother. I always hoped he would be loving and everything I hoped but I was never to sure, especially being an only child. But, I couldn't honestly ask for more, the bond they have is unbreakable, getting on like cat and mouse and I can't imagine one without the other anymore.
Siblings | November


A video posted by Zoe Lester (@mymummysworld) on


Wednesday, 9 November 2016

#WeightLossWednesday - 9 weeks on

So 9 weeks ago I decided to jump aboard this weight loss plan, and in all honesty it's not gone as well as I dreamed it would, but I'm still here and thats a start!. I always struggle with 'diets' so to still be here this far on is an achievement in itself all be it not as well as I should be.

So this week, I weighed in a day earlier as we were actually going out for the day and cake was involved, so I weighed on Thursday rather than Friday. I was happy to come in with a loss, being 1.6lbs down. I'm still not as low as I was before that gain 4 weeks ago, but I'm lower than when I started 9 weeks ago which is a bonus!

I'm still really not on the tracking game, and with it being colder, I'm finding it increasingly difficult. I really need to plan out some meals and stick with them, planning the points around them too. I also need to try and remember to drink more, this is really letting me down again so I need to get my head back into that. As for the exercise, who wants to go outdoors when its cold right? The colder weather seems to have taken a lot of my motivation but I'm determined to start the new year lighter and hopefully down into the next stone bracket, taking into account festivities.

Whos with me?


If you would like to feature the #WeightLossWednesday badge, please take this code! Don't forget to tweet us! @SimsLifeBlog and @MyMummysWorld with #WeightLossWednesday!
Sim's Life




Thursday, 3 November 2016

Remember, Remember the 5th of Novemeber

Having children can mean bonfire night and fireworks in general can go one of two ways, more than likely being they are scared of the bangs. However, you can make your firework celebrations go off with a band, just a slightly quieter one with the help of Peltor Kids Ear Muffs from 3M. 

Whilst the children tend to lovely the pretty colours and displays made from the fireworks, the loud noises can get a little too much for them to handle. I remember the first time we took Jack to a display he was terrified of the noises and we've avoided them ever since watching from the windows of the house in hope someone local has some. However, this year, we can enjoy again thanks to 3M. 

The Peltor Kids Ear Muffs come in neon green and pink, so can been seen but have been specifically designed for children to protect against moderate levels of noise in everyday situations. 

We were recently sent a little essential firework kit from 3M, which included some essentials to enjoy the fireworks with children. Of course there were some ear muffs, which amazingly the children love! a hat, scarf and glove set as the weather gets cooler. Some sweeties and a cake, to enjoy either afterwards or whilst watching a display, a glow wand as all children are attracted to those sparkly lights on sale at all displays and a hot chocolate melt for when your home to warm up.

I consider all of these to be components of a perfect bonfire treat. We went to an early bonife display, both children took along their Peltor Ear Muffs and it made the display a lot more enjoyable. They weren't scared by the loud bangs, like many of the children attending were and were kept warm throughout. 

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