It's heating up, don't forget your pets!



Before they had a garden...

I'm one of those irritating people that complains when the weather is cold, wet and miserable but also when it gets too hot. Don't get me wrong I love a bit of sun, we've had some glorious weather over the past couple of weeks which has been fab. I just can't stand those sweltering summer nights, it's so uncomfortable! I'd rather be too cold than too hot. I have always thought if I feel uncomfortable with the heat, then Eliot will do too so I dress him minimally.
I think the same also applies for our pets. If you didn't already know we have two cats, Mimi and Coco. When we lived in London our flat was on the fourth floor so needless to say, they were indoor cats.
Since we've moved they've been curious about going outside and have enjoyed spending time in the garden especially when the weather has been good. I'm sure over the summer months they'll be keen to spend more of their time outdoors which has led me to consider how I can keep them safe in the hot weather. We don't have a cat flap or plans to put one in anytime soon, mainly because the doors that lead t the garden are glass and we don't want one on the front door. So, there may be times they will be outside longer than planned. I've thought about how they could stay shaded in this situation as there is little shade in our back garden. Our next door neighbours have four cats,  they have a cat box in their garden that a family member built for them. It's somewhere where their kitties can shelter come rain or shine. A cat box of some sort could be a possibility for our garden but we have lots of other jobs that need doing so it may not happen  in time for this summer!
With that in mind I've thought of some tips to help keep felines safe in the sun...

• Frequently change water bowls & ensure they are kept topped up with fresh water
• Leave a bowl of water outdoors in a shaded area
•  Make sure there is a shaded area in the garden, use cloth or similar materials to create somewhere if you have little or no shade
• I read that dampened towels are a good idea in extreme heat, rub the towel from head to tail over your cat to help cool them down.
• Dampened towels could also be left on the floor so cats can lay on them if they wish
• I've also read sunblock is a good idea to use on cats ears particularly if they have a fair coat
• If you need to travel with your cat in the car, ensure there is ventilation, water to hand and like dogs never leave them in a car alone
• Keep an eye out for signs of heatstroke. Even if your cat is indoors they can still be affected

Keeping me company during a 'pregnancy nap'

Have you got any tips? Argos pet insurance have some, just the read for pet owners looking for advice!

Are You Carbon Monoxide safe? & Giveaway CLOSED

When we lived in London our flat was completely powered by electricity and some solar power. In our new house we have a supply of both gas and electricity.

A few weeks ago my mum and I were discussing carbon monoxide detectors. My parents had one but needed a new one and I wanted to get one for our home. I've read and heard quite a lot about carbon monoxide poisoning in the past and want to ensure we are safe at home.

 Every year in the UK, more than 200 people go to hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, and around 40 people die. Small children and the elderly are most at risk, CORGI HomePlan is campaigning for every home to get a carbon monoxide detector, so that they can keep their family safe. In the last three years, an estimated one in six homes inspected by the Gas Safe Register was found to have an unsafe gas appliance and one in eleven has an unsafe boiler.

Our boiler played up on Good Friday which meant we had to pay a small fortune for it to get repaired. We were also advised to get it serviced regularly.

CORGI are campaigning for all homes to install a CO detector. They have created a microsite to help families become more aware about the dangers of gas appliances in the home. http://corgi-homeplan-how-safe-is-your-home.org/ It's filled with advice and what to look out for if carbon monoxide poisoning could be affecting you. It's an easy reference resource for those of us unsure how to stay safe in the home and what to do if things do go wrong.

We now have a carbon monoxide detector at home, do you? If not CORGI are giving one away! Enter via the Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Our Weekend #1

I've read these posts on a few other blogs and I really like the idea of being able to read back over what you've done as a family over the weekend. I'm not sure I'll keep these posts up every weekend but here's my first one :)

On Saturday it was the other halves birthday. After a relaxed morning of opening presents and singing happy birthday we ventured to a country pub for lunch. 

I had a cheddar cheese ploughmans which was lush and sooo filling, I couldn't eat all of the cheese! The bread was fresh and crusty and all the bits went perfectly together! The OH had venison bouginon which he enjoyed and Eliot enjoyed chips & peas but wasn't as keen on the homemade chicken goujons!

Failed attempt at a family selfie

My boys

After lunch we headed to the shops and the OH treated himself to a chimnea for the garden which he is really quite excited about!

When we got home I packed Eliot's overnight bag as he stayed at my parents for the night so the OH & I could have some us time.

We took a walk over the fields at the back of the houses where we live to our nearest pub. It was the first night we've had out alone in a very long time! It was really nice to enjoy a few drinks and talk. Time together as a couple is really important but often difficult when you become parents.

There was a solo artist playing at the pub too so we got a bit of entertainment as well! 

The next day we had a cheeky  Mc Donald's breakfast, they always seem to taste good after being on the bevvies the previous night!

Later I headed to my parents to collect Eliot. He didn't seem to fussed to see me and was more interested in flicking through the Argos sale catalogue! 

We went for a walk to the park as it was a lovely but windy afternoon before waking back to my parents and playing before dinner.

Out on our walk

What did you get up to at the weekend?

You Know You Have Have A Toddler When...

Number 5

1. "No" accompanied by a head shake is a response to most things.
2. "No" also means "Yes".
3. Throwing tantrums anywhere & everywhere (especially in public) becomes a regular occurrence.
4. Crayons are for 'artwork' on the walls, floors and furniture. Not paper, silly mummy!
5. Peppa Pig & In The Night Garden become part of  'essential' daily viewing.
6. Laying in a field, road, on the floor at home or out (especially in public) is the done thing when your tired or mid-strop.
7. Walking/running/jumping in any direction apart from the way you need to go happens daily (especially in public).
8. Number 6 is usually followed by a tantrum.
9. You ignore those disapproving or looks of pity from the public when numbers 3,6 & 7 take place.
10. When things get really tough you use 'Peppa' and/or chocolate as a bribe.
11. EVERYTHING you say is repeated.
12. Particular foods are eaten one day then refused point blank the next.
13. Toys and books are there to be strewn all over the place, not really to be played with or looked at.
14. You dread changing a nappy (particularly number 2's) as all hell breaks loose.
15. Mud, stones, rubbish and anything else pretty gross is obviously fun to put in your mouth/get your hands in to/pick up.

These are just a few of the things that my darling toddler gets up to. I'm sure if you're a parent you can relate to some of these!

 

What would you add to my list?



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House Of Fraser-Timberland Review

We were recently lucky enough to be able to choose an item of  designer clothing from House Of Fraser this rather lovely Timberland long sleeved fleece cardigan.

I went for this as I was looking for something that would be warm but not a proper coat. I love the colour grey and the quirky elbow patches appealed to me. I wasn't sure what size to order as I've found a lot of clothes come up small on Eliot. At his one year check he was on the 98th percentile so that seems obvious but some clothing brands are more generous in their sizing. In the end I ordered age 3 to be on the safe side. If it was too big it wouldn't be a massive issue however if it was snug it wouldn't last long.

When it arrived I was impressed with the quality and how soft & cosy the fleece lining was inside. I really liked the wool print inside the hood with its' wintery pattern.

I think most toddler jackets I've purchased have had a zip fastening so it was nice to have a change with button fastening  which I also think compliments the overall look. Personally I prefer the ease of a zip fastening as I find buttons fiddly.

It turned out that I'd made the right choice with ordering age 3. The hood is on the large side but the rest of the cardigan fits Eliot pretty well.

When I picked this item from the House Of Fraser website it was reduced to around £29. It's no longer on the site but there are plenty of other half price pieces available! There is also a

Do you buy designer clothing for your tot?

*Disclaimer: We were sent this product for review purposes. All opinions are my own 

toy sale