In Reviews / Sponsored

REVIEW – Maclaren Beginnings Range (Travel Kit)… first test results

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on

…and a big thumbs up!
For me bath-time has always been a magical time, and lets face it… there is nothing nicer than snuggling up to a freshly bathed and gorgeous smelling newborn!

On opening the Travel Kit, I was surprised how much there was included!

  • Cocooning massage oil
  • Calming bath milk
  • Protecting nappy change cream
  • Absorbing dusting powder
  • Soothing delicate soap
  • Comforting room mist
  • Celebration natural wax candle
Everything you need plus some extras for a bit of luxury! Today’s test was on the bath and body items ie bath milk, change cream, dusting powder and soap.

Now I have to admit that initially I wasn’t fussed on the scent of the bath milk, I expected the scent to be that “old lady” lavender smell that gets into your nostrils and never leaves, but actually it is quite delicate and indeed soothing. Obviously the collection of scents used (lavender, mandarin and Roman chamomile), are what makes it unique.


Having had a lovely soothing soak in the bath, (bath milk) and a wash (delicate soap), a clean nappy (nappy change cream), and a gentle dusting down with the absorbing dusting powder … Taylor smelled good enough to eat! Absolutely gorgeous. I love baby bath-time, it’s a great time for 1-1 bonding and I really enjoyed treating him to this special bath-time. Luckily the samples are of a generous size so I will to test it out again, and again, and… (just to be sure obviously!). The quality of the products are undeniable, and as a Mum, I am confident in using these on Taylor, not least because the Maclaren Beginnings range is made using certified organic ingredients.



Taylor certainly seemed to enjoy his bath and although never usually an unsettled baby, was most definitely mellow and happy afterwards.


I’m looking forward to our next test, encompassing the rest of the products in the kit!

In General

How Much Do You Spend On The Kids?

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on

This is one of those random posts that is published purely to feed my own nosiness!


I hear all sorts of comments regarding levels of Xmas spending from “I spend £1000 on my two” to “Mine get one big present and a stocking”. I also get to hear lots of comments and opinions on what people think of what others spend on their kids, with “spoilt” and “waste” bandied about quite freely.





Firstly… my personal opinion on this one is what people choose to spend on their children at Christmas is entirely their own business, and those who are outraged at their extravagance have 1) no right to an opinion on how people spend their money/ raise their children and 2) moot point really, but for those accused of having more money than sense etc when it comes to Xmas shopping, who is to know how long people have saved or what extra work they’ve taken on to afford what they’ve bought.


We tend to not go too overboard ourselves, last year Kieran got a big present, a crammed stocking and a few bits and pieces and have done the same this year. I don’t think this is overkill, or too little, especially when you consider he is only four!


So, without inviting any comment about what is right/wrong when choosing an amount to spend, what do YOU do at Xmas- do you go all out and have a big December splurge? Is Xmas half gifts for pleasure and half  necessary items ie new coats/clothes? Are you a token gift family, follow a strict budget per person…what? I’m curious what the “norm” is, although I suspect there is a lot of variation. I know Xmas isn’t really supposed to be about material things but for most parents gifts are the big thing!


Looking forward to reading your comments!

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