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In Family Time, General

For film addicts and gift shoppers

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on

For valentines...and beyond!

 

On Valentine’s day I received a big red box from the post-lady. At first I was a bit panicked because Roy and I don’t do Valentine’s and if he’d had a change of heart about this then I was going to have to go and buy something for him quickly. Fortunately there was no need for me to join the 14th Feb shopping madness as this box was from Warner Brothers- for me!

I’d forgotten Warner Brothers had said they were sending something out to be honest so when I realise it was a lovely surprise. Why am I mentioning this now over a month after the loved-up day? Well, I’ve only just finished the films. Roy and I watched Crazy Stupid Love on St Vals (excellent film!), my youngest sister and I watched Valentine’s Day a few days later and I’ve watched a few during those magical two and half hours when my youngest has his afternoon nap. Talk about guilty pleasure!

Sent for St Val’s but perfect for any time, which has got me thinking…. gift ideas! Roy and I have a big family. I am one of six siblings and he is one of fourm then there are inlaws and nieces and nephews, not to mention parents. Thinking up original gift ideas which aren’t going to bankrupt us isn’t the easiest task but thanks to Warner Brothers this Xmas, and possibly a few birthdays are now sorted.

I’d do a themed box of films with popcorn and chocs. Not only are these great looking presents but not hugely expensive and as you can pick up DVD’s, choc and what not over a period of time they are perfect those those sticking to a gift budget.

  • The Julia Roberts box (obviously including Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride etc). I might end up keeping this though, I am a BIG fan of Julia and more so Mr Gere.
  • An action box, perfect for brother-in-laws.
  • War film for Dad?

So, if you were going to  make a box up which theme or actor/actresses would you theme it around?

*Please be aware that I may steal any ideas posted in comments and blatantly pass them off as my own when using them for family gifts.

In Family Time, General

For Mother’s Day I want to help another Mum keep her child alive.

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on

Inspired Gifts from UNICEF

What is the best gift for a Mum on Mother’s Day? I usually get treated to a lie in and a day of not lifting a finger with homemade cards and flowers. A lovely family day! Some people enjoy being wined and dined, a show or even jewellery and I don’t begrudge any of them, us Mothers work damn hard you know!

Some information I was sent make me rethink about what a Mother really wants for Mothers day and in many areas of the world it is to see her child have a meal, some clean and safe water, a life saving vaccination or a blanket to stave off the cold. This puts a whole new slant on Mother’s Day for me.

UNICEF run an amazing scheme called Inspired Gifts. You might have heard me mention something this before as I tried to help raise awareness of it at Christmas. Basically you can choose to buy a gift for your loved ones that helps someone else keep theirs. A nutritional UNICEF Inspired gift really can make that difference.

It is unbelievable to me that in this day and age Mums are having to bury their children because they are dying from malnutrition or illness that ordinarily wouldn’t kill a healthy child but which can’t be fought off by a baby or young child who is basically starving.

You can buy a gift such as some magic milk which is just £12 (the price of a decent bunch of flowers at a supermarket). This life saving milk is used in the treatment of children with severe malnutrition in refuge camps, hospitals and emergency feeding centres.

Buying an emergency gift which costs £18 (a bottle of wine and some flowers) will provide UNICEF with the funds to provide clean water, supplies including medications and other essential kit to areas who are in a dire emergency situation.

For those who really do feel they need to give something they can wrap up, why not choose a gift from the UNICEF shop? There are some gorgeous and useful items there which would make a fantastic Mothers Day gift and the funds raised still go towards helping those who need help the most.

I have asked Roy to help the boys choose me something from the Inspired Gift range (I have my eye on the nutritional biscuits). On Mothers Day I will be able to cuddle up in bed with my boys knowing that another Mum across the world can still hold her children.

Please visit the UNICEF website and choose a truly Inspired Gift this Mother’s Day.

 

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