The Breast Milk Baby: Top or flop?

A brand new toy has hit the toy market and I am not exaggerating when I'm saying that it divides mothers into two camps. It's called The Breast Milk Baby and is a doll that stimulates breastfeeding. The baby doll has an open mouth like a breast feeding baby and comes with a bib with flowers indicating the female nipple area. If the doll is held against them, it makes suckling noises as if it was feeding and if 'mummy' doesn't burb it, baby it starts crying. 

Image: The Breast Milk Baby by Berjuan Toys

The Breast Milk Baby allows children to experience the 'magic of motherhood' and is supposed to teach little girls how to breastfeed. "The Breast Milk Baby represents a revolution in design by teaching children the nurturing skills they'll need to raise their own healthy babies" say Berjuan Toys.

I think breastfeeding is great and it should be supported if a woman decides for it, but I am not entirely sure if there really is the need for a toy like that. Seeing mum's breast-feed should give children a good enough idea of how breastfeeding works and even if there mum is bottle feeding, the media gives them an idea of how breastfeeding works. So why would little girls have to physically learn how to breast-feed before they actually have developed breasts? I'm going to be a first time mum in about two weeks and I certainly wouldn't call myself a breastfeeding pro but I didn't have a Breast Milk Baby and have a pretty good idea of how the whole thing is supposed to work. So what's the point?

Would you buy your little girl a Breast Milk Baby or do you think it is out of order to put a nipple bib on your daughter?

Join the revolution and change your community with the co-operative

 

There are many great initiatives that support local communities. One of the oldest and most influential initiatives however is over 167 years old. Back in 1844 a group of ordinary people in Rochdale created a business that was owned by its customers and that reinvested in the community it was located in. Although, it was a completely new concept the business that you all know as the Co-operative now became a huge success and started a revolution across the country which is still growing strong. The video below shows you how it all started and also gives you a great impression of how strong the Co-operative's impact on local communities still is. 

 

 

 

Today in the UK, as well as The Co-operative Group with its six million members and 5,000 outlets across its family of businesses including food, financial services, travel, pharmacy and funerals, there are thousands of other co-operators who share the same heritage. They are people like you and me – people with ideas, dreams and visions – but they have empowered and brought their own revolutions to life. There are lots of great success stories about brilliant community projects and all of them are equally inspiring but the community group “Play Montgomeryshire” really stood out for me as a former teaching assistant. The group provides families with free or low cost activities that give children greater opportunity to learn through play. One of their services, the Machynlleth Toy Library, came under threat of closure when its existing funding was cancelled. The library is a well-loved part of the local community, and Mieke and the Play Montgomeryshire team were determined to save it. The group approached The Co-operative and secured a donation of £2,000 from their Community Fund. As a result, they are now confident that the library will continue to serve local children. 

 

 

I have only just moved to my neighbourhood but I know that there live many young families in my area that can't afford to take their children to softplay areas, the zoo or to a football game. Let's be honest, if you have a mortgage and bills to pay, splashing out on fun activities that stimulate your little one's creativity can be difficult or even impossible. Community projects like “Play Montgomeryshire” are a massive help for young families, so if you have an idea on how to help improve your community why not start your own revolution? Apply on the official website or vote for other great projects. You can keep up to date with them on Facebook or even better join the revolution and get involved!

 

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Review: Diva Popcorn

Product: Diva Popcorn

Price: 85p per bag

Available from: Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Dobbies Garden Centres, Wholefoods, many sandwich, farm and health shops plus premium high street health chains

Suitable for: everyone who wants guilt free snacking

Initial Reaction: I absolutely love popcorn, but I am usually not really keen on savoury flavours. Things have changed during pregnancy though and I can honestly say that I could live on popcorn at the moment. You can imagine that I was really excited to try some new flavours.

Pros: delicious and healthy, only about 100 calories per bag and less than 0.4g saturated fat, ull of antioxidants, vitamins B and E, minerals and fibre and innovative flavours: Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar, Camenbert, Gouda & Brie, Rock Salt, Sweet Chipotle Chilli

Cons: bags are too small to share them and unfortunately the popcorn is not widely available yet

Value for money: Yes, they are a bit more expensive than your average crisps but they are much healthier.

Overall reaction: Our verdict is pretty simple: Diva Popcorn is absolutely delicious and the fact that it is low in fat and calories makes it even better to snack on. Before testing the different flavours I was slightly worried that the popcorn was going to taste artificial but all the flavours are really natural and don't leave any sort of nasty aftertaste. All in all, Diva Popcorn is a brilliant alternative to your sweet flavoured popcorn. That's why it's such a shame that it is not widely available yet.

Top Tip: Order your popcorn online via concierge@divallstars.com.

Mummy Alarm's Big Mother's Day Gift Guide: Wine & Dine

 24 Tripple Chocolate Brownies in a Gift Box available from Sweet Things online, £14.95

Rick Stein Mother's Day Hamper available from Rick Stein online, £54.99

Fruit Cake and Cheddar Cheese Gift Pack available from Godminster Vintage, £26

Californian Barefoot Merlot available from Tesco, £4.79 per bottle or £27.99 per crate on Mother's Day offer

Strawberry Shortbread Cheesecake from the English Cheesecake Company online, £29 (serves 12)

Mother's Day Warmer of Damson Gin Liqueur and Ginger Wine available from Demijohn Online, £18

 

Chocolate Heart with Truffels available at Thorntons Chocolate nationwide or online, £5.99

Mummy Alarm's Big Mother's Day Gift Guide: Days Out

 

Mother's Day Course at Covent Garden Academy of Flowers, book online at www.accademyofflowers.com, £190 for two

Cupcake Decorating Course with Beverly Glock, book online at www.splatcooking.net, £65 per person on 1st or 2nd April

Afternoon Tea with the London Eye and the Marriot Hotel, book at London Eye online, from £25

Full Body Massage at Paul Edmonds' Salon in Knightsbridge London, book via email, from £40 for 30mins

Mother's Day Workshop at Worcestershire Castle with Jane Packer Flower School, book online at www.amazingretreats.com, £495 per person

Mummy Alarm's Big Mother's Day Gift Guide: House & Home

Personalised Towels in different sizes - available from The Fine Cotton Company, price depending on size

Union Jack Heart Cushion by Jan Constantine available from Historic Royal Palaces Online, £85

Indulgence Candle with jasmine and geranium - available from Aromatherapy Associates Online Shop, £25.50

Heart shaped tile with individual colour, theme and message - available from Gallery Thea Online Shop, £22

 Dahlia Tapestry Kit Design (From the blooms Collection) available from Elizabeth Bradly Online Shop, from £34 depending on size

Picture tray available from Joanna Wood Online Shop, £33.90

The Linen Basket diffusers available from Ashleigh & Burwood online, 200ml from £15.75

Tea for One Set by Nina Campbell available from www.gift-library.com, £27

Dots Stemware Wine Glasses available from The Pampered Chef online, £32

Soda Stream drinksmaker available from SodaStream Online, from £49.99

Flashback Friday: Hamster cheeks - 1985/6

I went through my photos again and came across this little hamster. There's no special story behind the photo, it's just a moment that my dad caught on camera but somehow I do really like it (probably because I am looking so curious) and I thought I'd share it with you.

But now it's your turn: Share a memory from the past in Cafe Bebe's Flashback Friday Linky; a comparison to a time gone by; a season ago; a precious childhood image; anything that takes us back and gives you a smile…even if it’s through the tears. Write a post, link it up and then sit back and enjoy the memories as they wash over you. Simple! No rules, no requirements, no restrictions…just a blast from the past!

Thank you, Innocent Drinks!

Look what baby bump and I received today: lots of delicious goodies from the lovely people at Innocent Drinks. I absolutely love Innocent Smoothies, so you can imagine that I jumped around the cool boxes like  it was Easter and Christmas at the same time. Daddy-to-be couldn't really understand my excitement, but I'm sure that once he's tried one or two drinks (afterall they're for me and the bump, hehe), he'll be just as hooked to Innocent Smoothies as I am. But here is a little overview of all the nice drinks that received this morning:

 Smoothies for Kids: Strawberries, Blackberries and Raspberries & Orange, Mangoes and Pineapple

Special Fruit Smoothies: Strawberries & Banana, Cranberries, Blueberries & Cherries, Blackberries, Strawberries & Boysenberries, Pomegranates, Blueberries & Acai

 Special Fruit Smoothies and Fruit Juices: Pineapple, Bananas & Coconuts, Mangoes & Passionfruits, Orange Juice with and without bits, Kiwis, Apples & Limes, Peaches & Passionfruits

Win a Family Day Out at The Enchanted House in London

When families plan a day out there is always one problem: you have to compromise. Usually, what is best for you as parents is boring for your children and what is best for your children isn't that much fun for you. Take that fabulous spa or that delicious cream tea in the lovely hotel down the road: You just start enjoying yourself when your children get restless start tearing the place apart. If you go to a soft play area, it's your children who have a great time while you sit around sipping nasty coffe out of plastic cups waiting for the time to pass.

The London Art House has come up with the perfect solution for families that want to delight and pamper parents and children at the same time in the same setting, so that everyone goes home feeling that they've had a wonderful time: The Enchanted Sunday.

Whilst parents lounge around on sofas in beautiful rooms, reading magazines and newspapers, eating their most sumptuous breakfast or afternoon tea, children can enjoy exciting play areas right there in the centre of the tea rooms! Activities include cupcake decorating, puppet making, balloon modelling, lego and construction, clay, and really unusual arts and crafts. There is even a special activity area for babies making sure that your very little ones are entertained, too. If you haved enjoyed a massge or a manicure (additional but very reasonable costs apply) in the childfree chill-out zone, why not let your little ones run wild in the Enchanted Kingdom? The Enchanted Kingdom is a place full of lights and sounds, all manner of amazing things for parents and children to do together. Children can run around to their hearts content, do African drumming, perform puppet plays, enjoy sand and water play and join interactive games with professional play leaders/actors. And there’s face painting and dressing up of course!

 

For available dates, bookings and more information visit Enchanted House online. There are also Easter Specials available that still can be booked.

If you'd rather win one of two family tickets worth up to £179, simply enter my competition below.

How to enter the competition:

1. Leave a comment telling me why you want to win - required

For 5 extra entries:

2. Tweet "I want to win a family day at the Enchanted House. with @caro_mad. You can enter here: http://bit.ly/g6fo5H"

3. Follow Enchanted House on Facebook
4. Subscribe to Mummy Alarm using the email form in the right hand corner

5. Follow Mummy Alarm via Networked Blogs

6. Like Mummy Alarm on Facebook

Please, use separate comments for each entry. Failure do to so will result in only one entry per person.

The closing date of the competition is 17/04/2011

The winners will be chosen at random.

The winners' names will be shown on this page.

Competition is open to residents of the UK only.

The prize is non-refundable and cannot be transferred. No cash alternative is available.

The Prize Finder - UK Competitions 

And the winners of a family ticket each are

Emy - @emymc

and 

Liska - @NewMumOnline

Congratulations - I'll be in touch shortly!

Review: DVD - Acupressure for Natural Pain Relief in Labour

If you are expecting a baby, the third trimester is probably the point in your pregnancy that gets you thinking more actively about labour and how you are going to cope with it. You will have read what feels like millions of pages about epidurals, gas & air or pethidine and other medications that can help you to deal with the pain of giving birth but what about alternative methods of pain relief? Especially during the last couple of months I have come across various methods such as hypnobirthing, homeopathy or acupressure. None of them made much sense to me though – but that's simply because I knew little to nothing about how they worked. 

 

You can imagine that I was delighted when I was offered the chance to review the DVD “Acupressure for Natural Pain Relief in Labour” by Debra Betts and Tom Kennedy. Ok, I am still not 100% sure if accupressure is exactly my thing, but I am glad that I know more about it now and we will definitely give it a go. We've got nothing to lose, do we?

The DVD, available for £11.99 from JCM online and Amazon, shows numerous acupressure methods for the different stages of labour and even explains different ways to cope with postnatal pains, nausea and breastfeeding problems. A 16-page-booklet that completes the package explains and illustrates the different techniques in more detail. Unlike acupuncture where needles are used, acupressure applies physical pressure to specific acupressure points using the thumbs, fingers, hands, elbows, or with various other devices applied to the surface of the body. So you see, the big advantage is that you can use it wherever you want, Furthermore, acupressure allowes you to actively involve your birthing partner in the labour process.

Having watched the DVD with daddy-to-be, I have learnt that accupressure is completely safe. The best thing is however, that daddy-to-be can now be more involved in the birth of our daughter. He does now know different techniques to help me deal with the pain and emotional stress of labour and said himself that he is happy that he's got something to do now. I have to admit that all the different techniques and pressure points are a bit overwhelming when you watch the DVD for the very first time but I am sure that with some practice, we will be able to use a great amount of them during the birthing process. We'll keep you posted...

Has pregnancy made me public property?

I am 37 weeks pregnant and although I didn't show for a very long time (thanks to my little swim ring of excess weight my baby belly wasn't that easy to make out), it is more than obvious now that there is a little person growing inside of me. It's an amazing feeling to know that I am carrying a baby and it makes me incredibly proud that I am that little person's mummy. I don't have any problems with the fact that my belly has become bigger, although overall I have lost weight during my pregnancy, but I find it more than annoying, that since having fallen pregnant, everyone thinks that I am public property. People think they can comment on my body whenever they want or even touch it without asking my permission.

A couple of weeks ago, we went to daddy-to-be's sister birthday party and there were lots of people there who I had never met before. They were all really friendly, asked many questions about my pregnancy and were generally showing lots of interest in my baby belly. I enjoyed talking to them, especially as many of them were experienced mums themselves, but it all started to get annoying when one of the ladies started rubbing my belly. I didn't see it coming and was so shocked about her rudeness that I didn't even think of saying something - for everyone who doesn't know me personally: me not saying something is a total rarity.

I am not a touchy feely person as it is: I don't like kiss here-kiss there greetings. I prefer having a certain distance between myself and the person I talk to and I most certainly don't want strangers touching me. To say the least, situations like the one above, make me feel utterly uncomfortable. I feel very protective over my belly, afterall it's the temporary home of my baby, and it just shocks me when strangersgrope it as if my belly was nothing more than a big lump of skin that happens to be attached to my body. To me it's my baby that people are touching when they reach out for my belly - it is something so innocent and pure that I can't feel anything else but the need to protect it from all the grabbers and touchers of the outside world.

I don't know if I am already turning into a freaky and overprotective mummy or if all pregnant ladies feel as sensitive about their body as I do, but I would love to hear how your environment has reacted to your belly. Were they more respectful than the people around me or did they jump at every opportunity to rub their hands over your belly and sometimes even more inappropriate parts of your body? Did you enjoy sharing your baby's movements or have you wished for the gropers' hands to fall off there and then?

Mumpreneur of the Month giveaway

As I promised in yesterday's big Mumpreneur of the Month feature with Lizzie Longworth from Chic Unique, I have got something very special to give away to you this month. You can win a bespoke piece of jewellery in a design of your choice - made by Lizzie for you.

How to enter the competition:

1. Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect - required
2. Visit Chic Unique and tell me what your favourite piece is and why- required

For 5 extra entries:

3. Follow @ChicUniqueUK on Twitter

4. Tweet "I have entered @caro_mad's competition to win a unique piece of jewellery by @ChicUniqueUK"
5. Subscribe to Mummy Alarm using the email form in the right hand corner

6. Follow Mummy Alarm via Networked Blogs
7. Like Mummy Alarm on Facebook

Please, use separate comments for each entry. Failure do to so will result in only one entry per person.

The closing date of the competition is 09/04/2011

The winner will be chosen at random.

The winner's name will be shown on this page.

Competition is open to residents of the UK only.

The prize is non-refundable and cannot be transferred. No cash alternative is available.

And the winner of a bespoke piece of jewellery by Chic Unique is

haxel - @beachrambler

Congratulations - I'll be in touch shortly!

Competition: Win a Happy Hopperz

Not since the past crazes of the Rubik's Cube, My Little Pony, Cabbage Patch Kids & Space Hoppers has the children's toy market seen a product that has captured the imaginations of young children as much as the newly launched range of inflatable toys from 'HappyHopperz®'.

HappyHopperz® are a collection of bright, inflatable animals that not only rival the space hoppers of the 1970's but take the bouncing experience to a whole new level. With ears or horns for children to grip on to and sturdy feet to steady the bounce, these colourful Hopperz come in a variety of different animals that give 'Old Macdonald' a run for his money! Not only are these loveable toys fun to play with but they also help strengthen core muscles, increase balance control and also develop co-ordination skills. Products such as Happy Hopperz® bouncers are used by physiotherapists & therapists as a rehabilitation tool and are also used to stimulate motor neuron systems - the foundation for developing skills such as memory, language, jumping and running. They are also brilliant as a pre-walker aid, encouraging crawling babies to work their leg muscles and take those wonderful first steps.

They can be inflated and deflated in a matter of seconds making them super-portable. So, play with them indoors or in the garden, or why not take them to the park. Even better, deflate them and pack in your suitcase for a happy-bouncy holiday! The HappyHopperz® are now also famous amongst the world of celebrities, after recently making an appearance at the BAFTA's in London and various celebrity weddings and events. These little toys are fast becoming the 'A List' stars of the animal world.

HappyHopperz® are available Nationwide from £19.99 at Argos as well as independent toy stores and www.happyhopperz.co.uk 

To be in with a chance of winning a Happy Hopperz of your choice simply enter your details here and leave a comment below telling me you've done so. 

The Prize Finder - UK Competitions 

And the winner of a Happy Hopperz of their choice is ...

Kirstie Shuttleworth

Congratulations - I'll be in touch shortly!

My Mumpreneur of the Month: Lizzie Longworth from Chic Unique

1. Can you quickly introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi, my name is Lizzie and I'm a wife and a full time mum to 3 young girls. I'm the founder of Chic Unique.

2. When and why did you decide you decide to become your own boss?

I set up Chic Unique approximately 8 months ago. At first, it all began as a hobby then spread to family and friends and soon it quickly escalated into selling online. I have always wanted to work for myself but had never found the time before.

3. What sort of products to you produce and sell? And which one is your absolute favourite?

I lovingly handcraft jewellery to fall in love with, from home. I cannot say that I have a favourite piece of jewellery. I fall in love with something else every time I make something.

4. How do you juggle being a succesful business woman and a mum and wife?

My husband is a huge help with that. He takes care of the girls when he can, giving me the opportunity to get creative. The girls get involved where they can and I try to spend most of my working day when it's nap time and after they have gone to bed.

5. Is there anything you wish you'd known before becoming a mumpreneur or wish you'd done differently?

I am very proud of where I have got to in such a short space of time but I would have liked more advice on the more business side of things.

6. What do you love most about your job and what are your plans for the future?

I love the fact that I can hide away for an hour and then go and play with my daughters! I love that my whole family can get involved and that I can take time off whenever I want or need to. I hope to develop my brand more this year and hopefully become a well known brand in time to come.

If you love the sound of Chic Unique, pop around tomorrow to win a unique piece of jewellery in a  bespoke design of your choice in my big Mumpreneur of the Month giveaway.

Review: Dry Like Me

That's what Dry Like Me says:

Dry Like Me is a disposable toilet training pad that fits in a child’s own pants, designed to capture small accidents, and help parents and children manage the stress and mess of toilet training. The pad can be worn in a number of different ways to manage a variety of different needs: at the front of the pants to capture wee, at the back to capture poo, both ways together or layered up to increase surface area. 

Unlike a nappy, children are aware they have wet the pad as it feels initially wet for a short period of time, and becomes heavy making it more noticeable in their pants. If they are soiling it will protect clothes and help reduce the mess making it easier to clean up and less stressful for everyone. The patent pending tabs were initially designed to help parents remove the pad hygienically, but they also help older children remove and replace the pads themselves. Each box comes with a handy plastic pouch which helps lighten the load, can be carried in handbags or school bags, and is waterproof in case of times when there are no suitable bins for disposal. Dry like Me toilet training pads are suitable for children of all ages. They are ideal for children experiencing on going small accidents, or who are toilet training and need confidence to continue toilet training in their own pants. Our pad is ideal for use in a car, while shopping, on journeys, or at school or nursery. Dry Like Me is avaible in Morrisons, ASDA Living Store, Wilkonson and online via ERIC's shop and retails at £3.49 for 18 pads.



That's what Laura, mum of a two year old, says:

Dry Like Me is a fabulous brand new product that will really make a difference to the stressed out mums if potty training toddlers.

My daughter is two years old and got the hang of potty training quite quickly, except for the fact that she would persistently have small accidents. This meant that whenever she said she needed the toilet I felt very stressed and dashed with her to the nearest toilet - as I was pregnant with my second child this started to get harder and harder, it also meant that I couldn't leave the house without about 10 pairs of her clean knickers with me. Dry Like Me is fabulous as the small pads gave me complete piece of mind, she still knows when she's had a little accident but I don't have to worry or stress, or change her clothes all the time, if she leaks a little bit then it goes in the pad and she stays dry. The only things I would change is - the rigidity of the pads, we have to spend a couple of minutes crumpling them up before putting them in her knickers as otherwise they're a bit hard for her and she doesn't like them. The only downside is they won't catch a full accident but then they're not a nappy so why should they! Fabulous product - it's all we use now day and night, we've been getting them from Morrison's and just wish they were more widely available. I forgot how much I paid for them, but I don't really care as they are simply brilliant. Thanks so much for letting us try this product out, it's made a real difference to my stress levels and therefore our lives.

Discuss: Is children’s play dying out?

New research by the Institute of Education, the University of East London and the University of Sheffield as well as a ground-breaking website from the British Library and a documentary film all show that, rather than dying out, children’s play is in robust health. It is simply changing and adapting to today's society: The researcher's findings counteract the belief that the media is destroying the imaginative play of children. By observing play over two years in playgrounds in Sheffield and London, researchers have found that games consoles, pop music and television actually enrich children’s pretend play, adding topical themes to fantasy scenarios as youngsters incorporate their favourite characters, reality TV stars, pop songs and dance moves into their make-believe worlds. Today’s children act out the Jeremy Kyle Show, or Britain’s Got Talent, as well as engaging in play based on computer games, in which scenarios of combat, stealthy hunting, fantasy weapons and warriors, and computer consoles feature. Other media sources include pop stars such as Beyonce, musicals such as Mamma Mia and High School Musical, adventure films and novels such as Harry Potter and Percy Jackson or computer and animation characters such as Mario and Ben 10. “Pretend play is still flourishing,” says Andrew Burn of the IOE, leader of the project. “Children have always enjoyed enacting scenarios from their home or school lives, as well as fantasy stories involving witches, zombies, princesses, martial arts warriors and other figures.”

What do your children like to play? Are they interested in the games that you played as a child or are Wii and TV their best friends?

Review: Lotus Olbas Oil Tissues

Product: Olbas Oil Vapour Release Tissues by Lotus

Price: around £ 2.29

Available from: all major supermarkets and Boots

Suitable from: unknown

Initial Reaction: I love the smell of aetheric oils, so I was really looking forward to test this product when I was asked to review it.

Pros: The tissues are really soft and the capsules release just the right amount of olbas oil. Furthermore, they help you to breath in easier if you are suffering from a blocked nose.

Cons: The tissues are a little bit on the thin side and the packaging could be a bit more discret.

Value for money: Yes



Overall reaction: A couple of weeks ago we were asked if we wanted to test a pack of Olbas oil tissues by Lotus. Great, I thought, the flu season is just around the corner so we will have plenty of opportunity to rub our sore noses into some soft and well-smelling tissue. But well, the big wave of flus and colds missed us. We still used the tissues regularly and found out that both, daddy-to-be and I are big fans of the Olbas oil that is released whenever you crush the tissues. Furthermore, they are really soft and even suitable for sensitive skin - perfect, if you are suffering from a really bad cold and you don't want to end up looking like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. The only thing that lets the tissues down abit is that they are quite thin. Therefore, we would suggest using two tissues at a time to make sure germs stay in the tissue and don't land on your hands. Also, if you want to keep the box in your living room make you better make sure you hide it well. Bright orange and green stand out quite a bit if the rest of your house is decorated in fairly neutral colours.

ido-personalise baby photo competition & giveaway

Flashback Friday is running in its forth week now and I am already absolutely hooked to it. I just love the fact that so many bloggers open their photo albums to share their memories with each other. Looking at old photographs instantly makes me walk down memory lane - even when I am looking at someone else's pictures I start comparing them with own memories. Have I ever been in a similar place? Who was I with? What did we do and what did I feel? It's amazing how many emotions can come up when I am looking at a simple piece of paper or (in this more and more modern world) at a digitalised copy of a photograph.

The most adorable pictures for me are baby pictures and you can be sure, that once our little girl is born, there'll be plenty of them. Back when I was a baby the most common thing to do was sticking your photos into a photo album or a picture frame. Today there are so many other great ways of creating memories that last. You can print canvases, mugs or you can even create calendars. Calendars make great gifts - I know for sure that my nan would be seriously disappointed if she didn't get a calendar with photos of her first great grandchild - and they allow you to share your memories with your near and dear ones.

ido-personalise is a company that offers a modern range of invitations, baby announcements and christening cards plus a lovely range of personalised gifts. To celebrate the launch of their new website ido-personalise are inviting new mums like you to join their baby competition. Simply click on their website for more information and then send in your photos to Facebook. Each month the baby with the most 'likes' will become ido-personalise's baby of the month. What's in it for you? Each winner receives a personalised spiral bound desk calendar featuring 12 different photos of their baby.

But it doesn't end here, if you leave me a comment telling me what your favourite baby photo looks like, you can also win a silver plated 1st curl trinket box that comes beautifully presented in a soft pouch and gift box, engraved with your child's name and date.



How to enter the competition:

1. Leave a comment telling me what your favourite baby photo looks like (required)
2. Follow @caro_mad and @ido_personalise on Twitter and tweet "I want to win a 1st curl trinket box with @caro_mad and @ido_personalise" (required)

For 1 extra entry:

1. Subscribe to Mummy Alarm via email

Please, use separate comments for each of your entries.

The closing date of the competition is 25/03/2011

The winner will be chosen at random.

The winner's name will be shown on this page.

Competition is open to residents of the UK only.

The prize is non-refundable and cannot be transferred. No cash alternative is available.

ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

And the winner of the silver plated 1st curl trinket box is...

@mackemprincess

Congratulations - I'll be in touch shortly!

Flashback Friday: 1988 - Cuddling with Mummy

1988 - Cuddling with Mummy (4 years old)

As it was International Women's Day on Tuesday, I thought that this would be the perfect oppurtunity to show you a picture of the most important woman in my life: my mum!

My mum is my best friend and she always makes me laugh. She listens whenever I need a shoulder to cry on and she is always there for me no matter how big the mess I'm in. Everyone says how alike we are and when we are answering the phone not even my dad can tell us apart - brilliant when someone you don't want to talk to is calling...

If you’re interested in trawling back through the photo archives, then pop over to Cafe Bebe every Friday for Flashback Friday. For now, let’s just get the ball rolling. Look back in your photo archives. It can be a picture of you as a child…your child in the early days/months/years…your house before a makeover…a winter photo…a “one year ago today” photo…The sky’s the limit. Just take us back in time. Share some words to take us there and we can all get nostalgic and smiley remembering “when”. Then, the important part: Go back to Cafe Bebe and add your linky in the gadget below the current Flashback Friday post. Then visit a few blogs to continue the nostalgia and smiley-ness. Simples!