#MySundayPhoto 25/01/2015 - Feeding the ducks

Following on from my #MySundayPhoto post last week where I vowed to get out of the house more, we decided to go for a walk to feed the ducks despite the fact that it was so cold that I couldn't feel my fingers or toes! 

The last time C went to feed the ducks was last summer when I was pregnant with E, but he didn't really understand what they were and he was a lot less vocal. This time, he was so excited and kept saying "hello duckies!" I think we'll have to take him up maybe fortnightly as he seemed to really enjoy it. 

Dermocare WWF Safari & Sea Life Plasters

C is now a toddler and, like most toddlers, he loves being on his feet and running around. He gets his clumsiness from his daddy and I don't think we have ever had a day where he hasn't fallen over. 

Dermocare sent C some of their WWF patterned plasters to try out. He's at that age where every day he learns lots of new things. Recently, he's been super interested in animals. We bought him a sea animal book and cup at our trip to the museum a couple of weeks ago and he is obsessed with them. The 2 sets of Dermocare plasters had Safari and Ocean Life themes printed on them so I knew he'd love looking at them and telling me which animals he knew and want me to tell him what the new animals were. 

There are 18 plasters in each box and come in three different sizes. They are waterproof and breathable, hypoallergenic and latex free, they offer protection from dirt and bacteria, and they are suitable for all ages. 

The Sea Life plasters have dolphins, great white sharks, seals, saltwater crocodiles, sea turtles, penguins, lionfish, seahorses and clownfish and the Safari plasters have leopards, zebras, orang-utans, rattlesnakes, lion, tigers, giraffes and giant pandas on them. I was right and he was so excited about the different animals. 

One thing that I was worried about was the removal. I hate removing plasters on myself so I was very wary of removing C's and hurting him but he didn't flinch at all. They don't leave residue either.  He really loves stickers so I did think that he might try and use them as stickers but they stick down really well and he is unable to peel them off by himself. 

By purchasing these plasters, you are supported the WWF and all the work that they do. 

The plasters retail at £2.99 per pack and you can purchase them from Ocado and Tesco. 

(Disclaimer: I received these items free of charge in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Affordable Kids Fashion at House of Fraser

House of Fraser generally isn't somewhere I'd choose to purchase kids clothing. I associate them with being very high-end and expensive and I don't like forking out a lot for clothing that will only be worn a handful of times. 

An email recently landed in my inbox informing me of HoF's affordable kids brands which are still just as stylish. I had no idea about this and I was eager to take a look. 

I was able to pick up this gorgeous Pumpkin Patch Sailor Dress (complete with knickers) for only £23!

This set is made from 100% cotton and I think that it is absolutely adorable! I cannot believe how cheap it was. The collar and knickers really set it off. 

The outfit is available from sizes 0-3 months up to 18-24 months. With E being 4 months old, I opted for 3-6 months even though most of her 3-6 month dresses don't tend to cover her bum. I was surprised to see that this dress is quite long so she will get the wear out of it for a while. 

My eyes have really been opened to House of Fraser's kids clothing and it definitely isn't a store that I'll bypass from now on! 

You can keep up to date with House of Fraser on Facebook and Twitter.

(Disclaimer: I was offered item(s) up to £30 in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Top Tips for Hassle-free Meals Out with Toddlers

A few weeks before E was born Chris, C and I visited TGI Fridays for a "last meal out as a family of three". It was awful. C kept throwing strops over the littlest of things and we vowed we'd never go out for a meal again. We attempted it again just after E was born and the same thing happened but we put it down to him being tired. 

A couple of weeks ago we decided to eat at Pizza Hut. This time we planned it meticulously and I wanted to share with you my top tips for surviving a meal out with a toddler. 

1. Make sure they have had a nap. C is super grouchy when he's tired and nothing will calm him. I like to let him nap and wake up naturally as he'll be a lot happier. 

2. Bring books. We had two brand new books with us for C. He loved the fact that they were ones he'd never read before and was totally enthralled. 

3. Colouring sheets and pencils. We let him go wild and it keeps him quiet for a good while!

4. If possible, order similarly and ask if the kids meal can come out with your starters. C has to eat what we are eating. At our Pizza Hut visit, Chris opted for chicken strips as his starter as C was having them as his main. C happily ate them because they were the same as daddy's and he even stole some of daddy's too! He also has a strop if he sees that we have food before him, so do ask if the meals can come out at the same time. 

5. If all else fails, I turn to my trusty iPhone. If I have data on my phone or the restaurant has Wi-Fi I log onto YouTube and let C watch his cartoons. Peppa Pig is a current favourite and he'll sit in silence watching. I just keep the sound low so we don't disturb other diners!

What works with your kids? 

I'd love to try some extra options. 

C at 28 Months

How quickly are these months going? 

This passed month C has gotten more hilarious - if that's possible. Not a day goes by where he doesn't have us in stitches. His personality is really shining through. 

He is able to recognise written letters and numbers which I am so proud of him for. I definitely think he's going to be intellectual as he is obsessed with books too. He'd much rather read a book than even play with a toy!

Last time, I wrote that C would copy words that we say but his memory must be improving as he can now remember full phrases and say them back to us. 

December was a lovely month for him and he loved Christmas. Here we are at the end of January and he's still obsessed with all things Christmassy. He's constantly walking round saying "Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!" I'm pretty sure he'll be saying it right up until this December!

We've purchased him a potty training story book. We've attempted potty training twice in the past but he hasn't been interested. I have heard that boys do take longer though. Hopefully reading this story to him over the next wee while will get him used to the idea. I've also been tipped to read Gina Ford's Potty Training in One Week so I'll give that a shot! 

He has a newfound obsession with Peppa Pig. He's constantly asking for Peppa and George and mummy and daddy. Think I'll have to stock up on toys and merch for Christmas and his birthday!