Helpful Christmas Stocking Filler Tips For Kids And Pets

It's 7 weeks to Christmas Day and as usual I am running late on my self-imposed deadline of 1st December for getting all my Christmas shopping done. No - I haven't even started!

It's not the big presents that pose the problem - it's easy (reasonably!) to set expectations about what Santa might or might not be prepared to lug across the skies in his overloaded sleigh.

But if, like us, you give your kids a Christmas stocking as well as their main present, you're probably familiar with the last minute running round, head scratching and the worry that you've spent almost as much on the stocking contents as you have on the main present or worse, forgotten something really important.

As a child, I had one of dad's walking socks which was usually filled with the same thing each year - an apple, an orange, some Walnuts and Hazelnuts (in shells), a tiny box of miniature liqueurs (!) and a tube of either Rowntrees Fruit Gums or Fruit Pastels.  Occasionally, Santa would go mad and supply Smarties or Chocolate Buttons instead.  There might be a teeny tiny book of poetry (one year I got a miniature copy of Shakespeare's MacBeth too or, memorably, one year we had a cap gun.  My sister and I went through a phase of pretending to be Charlies' Angels and arguing about who was Jill and who was Kelly.  Sabrina was always a bit too scary.

So I suggest you set a firm budget and write a list.  If you've got more than one child you have to make sure the financial value is the same (kids somehow know these things) but here are some ideas. These will obviously vary depending on the age of the child but Caitlin will be 9 and Ieuan will be 7.

These lists need not be gender specific of course but simply reflect what my two would like.

You can pick up lots of cheap and cheerful stocking fillers in places like Poundland, Wilko and ASDA - there is no need to break the bank if your budget is tight.

Girls Stocking Fillers

Nail wraps / Nail varnish
Knickers
Gift card (e.g. New Look, Claires Accessories)
Notebook or diary
Flavoured lip balm
Scented pens (have a look in Smiggle or Flying Tiger)
Chocolate coins / selection box
Craft items - stickers, writing sets, crafting kits
Purse / key ring / mobile phone charms
Hair bands / bobbles, glitter spray
Puzzle books
Bubble bath / hand cream / body lotion /body spray
CDs or iTunes voucher
Shopkins / Magiki Mermaids
Fun socks
Skipping rope

Incidentally one of the best presents I remember from my mum was a washbag full of perfume and cosmetic samples - mini body lotions, soaps, a travel toothbrush and a pretty flannel.  You could do the same by saving up the freebies that come with magazines or your hotel toiletries.

Boys Stocking Fillers

Torches, keyrings
Craft kits / tracing paper / colouring books
Pencils and paint kits
Dinosaur cards / Top Trumps
Toy cars
Book marks
Mini Lego sets / Playmobil Figures
Minecraft Guide
Character Flannel (Ieuan's outgrown Spiderman, now it's Star Wars)
Activity sticker books
Character bubble bath or toiletries
Yoyos
Horns / bells for bikes
Plasticine
Paper aeroplane set
Jigsaws
Marbles
Chocolate coins / selection box

And then there are our pets to consider.  Not everyone bothers of course but for many their pet is an equal member of the family and gets treated at Christmas too.  There's the additional stress of what to give the pet who has everything!

You can't go wrong with new bedding, leads or collars, a new food or water bowl, a squeaky toy and some doggie or kitty treats.  But please, no chocolate!

Actually, now I think of it, Christmas shopping is a lot easy for your pet than your kids, isn't it?!

Do you budget for a stocking for your kids or pets?  How to control the costs and what do you include?  I'd love to know.

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Win £200 Amazon Vouchers In The Bloggers' Santa's Surprise Giveaway

Welcome to November and the second to last month of the year! We all know that December is an expensive month and to try and help 2 of you out, I have teamed up with a fantastic team of bloggers to offer a duo of great prizes.

However before I tell you more about the prize, lets meet the bloggers:

Adventures of a Yorkshire Mum | Keep Up With The Jones Family | Sparkles at Midnight | Mother Distracted | Missing Sleep | Hubby Helps | Mums Wine HQ | Chilling With Lucas | Purely Amy | The Mighty Duxburys | Petit Moi Big World | Sally Akins | The Adventures of a Silver Surfer | My Life As A Mummy | Bump and Beyond | EmmaDrew.info

A Testing Time | Melanie's Fab Finds | Spanish Mummy | Precious Little Worlds | Life As Mum | We Made This Life | Nine to Three Thirty | Hex Mum Plus 1 | Big Family Little Adventures | The Diary of a Jewellery Lover | Kumbear XO | Cosmic Kick | Becster.com | Accidental Hipster Mum | Mummy Vs Work | Life at 139a

Charli B | Renovation Bay-Bee | Ickle Pickles Life and Travels | Tanned Beauty Addict | Life in a Break Down | UK Bloggers

The Prizes

What can you win? Well one grand prize winner will be walking away with £200 of Amazon vouchers, while a runner up will get £50.

How to enter

So how do you enter? To be in with a chance of winning all you need to do is let us know: What would you spend the vouchers on, should you be the lucky winner?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

The prize draw opens on 1st November at 11:00 GMT and closes at 23:59 GMT on the 30th November, the competition is open worldwide, with winners outside of the UK receiving their prize via paypal funds. For full T&C please see the rafflecopter application.

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Helpline Numbers - If You Need Someone To Talk To Over Christmas

I know that Christmas is not a happy time for everyone.

Sometimes you can feel really alone at Christmas

But there are people who care, and who want to help.

Here are the telephone numbers of a great collections of organisations who will do their best to help.

As a parent, I've a particular piece of advice to offer which was given to us by an experienced paramedic.  If you feel your child needs urgent medical attention, do not have any qualms about dialling 999 or visiting A&E. They would rather be safe than sorry.

I wish you a happy, healthy and safe Christmas wherever you are.


MIND (The Mental Health Charity)

Website: www.mind.org.uk 
Tel no:   0300 123 3393

SAMARITANS

Website:  http://www.samaritans.org/
Tel no:     116 123

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Website:  www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Tel no:     0800 9177 650

STONEWALL

Website: www.stonewall.org.uk
Info line:  08000 50 20 20

LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD

Tel No:    0207 837 7324

SANELine 

Website: www.sane.org.uk
Tel no:   0300 304 7000 

PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide)

Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
Tel no: 0800 068 41 41

BEAUMONT SOCIETY (National self-help body for the Transgender community)

Website: www.beaumontsociety.org.uk
Information Line 01582 412220

CHILDLINE

Website: www.childline.org.uk
Tel no:  0800 1111

DEPRESSION ALLIANCE

Website:  www.depressionalliance.org

REFUGE

Website: www.refuge.org.uk
Tel no:    0808 2000 247

BEAT (Beating eating disorders)

Website: www.b-eat.co.uk
Help line 0345 634 1414
Youth Line 0345 634 7650

SHELTER

Website: www.shelter.org.uk
Tel no:   0808 800 4444

NHS Direct

Tel no: 1111

NO PANIC (Anxiety Disorders)

Website: www.nopanic.org.uk
Tel no:  0844 967 4848
Youth helpline:  01753 840393

If you feel there are organisations which should be added to this list, please let me know in the comments below.

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Fruity Festive Tipples For Christmas & New Year & A Giveaway

Christmas is a time when mulled wine and hot cider brews rein supreme in the drinks department, but for those that are partial to a cold tipple during the festive season the options can often be limited and disappointing.

This year I’m teaming up with NuCasa to give away a set of vintage style Kilner handled drinking jars, so I decided to pull together some fruity festive tipple recipes the lucky winner can try out in their brand new glasses!

Cranberry Mojito 

Ingredients:
3 mint leaves
1 tablespoon Cranberry Reduction
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
Ice cubes
3 tablespoons of your favourite rum
Lemon-lime soft drink
Garnish: fresh mint leaves, lime slices, cranberries

Make it: 
Muddle the mint leaves, cranberry reduction, and fresh lime juice against the sides of a cocktail shaker (or a flask with a lid). Add ice cubes and the rum. Cover with lid and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled (about 30 seconds). Strain into your drinking jar glass filled with ice cubes.
Top with lemon-lime soft drink and garnish with fresh mint leaves, fresh cranberries and a slice of lime.

Blueberry & Lime Gin Gimlet 


Ingredients:

6 1/2 tablespoons sugar
6 1/2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons fresh blueberries
2 1/2 tablespoons lime juice gin (3 tablespoons per drink)

Make it:

First you’ll need to make a simple syrup. Put equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan (for this recipe 6 ½ tablespoons of each) and cook over a medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally (should take about five minutes).
Add the blueberries and cook for 10 minutes until the blueberries burst and the syrup is purple.
Add the lime juice and remove from the heat.
Let cool and strain.

In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 parts gin to 1.5 parts blueberry syrup and some ice. Shake and strain into glass. Top up with soda water or for a twist try sparkling elderflower!

Non-Alcoholic Festive Fruit Punch

Ingredients: (Makes approx. 15 servings)

2 litres cranberry juice
250ml orange juice lemon/lime cordial diluted to taste in 500ml soda water
Sugar Garnish: oranges, limes, cranberries

Make it:

Slice up the oranges and limes and throw into the bottom of a drinks dispenser or large punch bowl along with the cranberries.
Mix all the punch ingredients together and pour on top. Serve ice cold.

TIP: For an alcoholic twist add prosecco or champagne for a festive fruity fizz that’ll liven up any party!

The lovely folks at NuCasa, retailers of retro kitchen accessories and funky home decor, have got a set of their Kilner handled drinking jars to giveaway (perfect for sipping any of these festive tipples this Christmas & New Year!)

To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is fill in the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the steps for entry. All terms and conditions are within the widget, so please make sure you read them and understand the rules.

The giveaway ends at noon on 30th December 2015.

Kilner Handled Drinking Jars Rafflecopter Giveaway

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*collaborative post

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Driving Home For Christmas? Do It Safely.

Driving home for Christmas was a special Christmas tradition when I was growing up.  We'd drive, each Christmas to Plymouth, to the homes of my grandparents and the journey used to be magical.

When you're young, the heady feeling of festive anticipation is so potent that it seems to colour ever activity, no matter how mundane, with glitter and sparkle.

The journey was made, through the years (in the late 60's through to the 80's) in a Mini Cooper, a Renault 4, a Renault 5 and a Ford Fiesta.  None of these had much boot space and my sister and I would be surrounded by blankets, presents and rationed toys desperately fighting off deep vein thrombosis and cramp in our nether regions.

To keep us quiet, dad would stock up on Wrigleys chewing gum (usually Double Mint - I'm not sure about Juicy Fruit to this day) and the discarded silver foil wrapped blobs would eventually seize the door panel ashtrays.  Yes, in those days, some family cars also doubled as mobile ashtrays.  

My mother had little room for her feet because she had a large bag full of foil wrapped sandwiches and thermoses of water and milk.  Not for us the mad excesses of service station food. No, staring out a steam and rain covered windscreen trying not to get ready salted crisps on the seat was more our family's style.

My sister and I loved spotting the fairy lights festooning houses, pubs and lorry cabs as we drove. Each junction had a significance and the highlight was descending the sloping dual carriageway on to the very scary Marsh Mills roundabout in Plymouth and from there across to Cattedown and my grandfather, Harry's house.

Widowed very early on, Grandad nevertheless always made sure that there was a Christmas tree lit up in the always cold 'front room' reserved for visitors and special occasions.  He'd buy in a jumbo tin of Quality Street, enough peanuts to pebble-dash a small semi, a Christmas cake and a Christmas Log covered in thick chocolate.

My father would pull up, decant us all and then spend a good ten minutes driving back and forth to get the car properly lined up against the kerb.  I think it's a Virgo thing.  Or a dad thing.

My Lovely Dad

In those days, of course, even joining the M4 from Cardiff was a novelty and there was a fraction of the traffic that there is today.  If you were unfortunate enough to break down though, you were in for a long wait.

Before we set off, my father would go through the ritual of checking the tyres and their pressure, topping up the oil and water and wiping over the lights - something he taught both my sister and I to do.  I often wonder how many of us take sensible precautions with our cars before we set off.

Do you do any or all of the following?

Make sure your lights are working

Get someone to stand behind the car and check the break and back lights for you.

Check your oil, water and screenwash

Don't just rely on the top ups you get when you have the car serviced!

Check your tyres

Are your tyres roadworthy and inflated at the correct pressure?

If you're not sure which ones you need, specialist tyre supplier Point-S have a handy online guide which tells you the tyres you need when you input the registration number of your vehicle.

You also might want to consider purchasing a set of winter tyres if the weather is particularly treacherous.

Check your wipers

Replace blades that aren't working.  Having good visibility on the motorway is crucial, especially in torrential rain.

Check your fuel levels

Don't forget the not all garages will be open over Christmas and the last thing you want to do is run out of petrol miles from the nearest station.

Be ready for ice

Make sure you have enough de-icer and an ice scraper.  It's a good idea to carry water, blankets, torches and warm clothes too.  You might also want to have some snacks to hand - although we have never managed to make a packet of 'travel sweets' last much further than the Severn Bridge.

I hope that if you are driving home for Christmas that you'll make sure your journey is safe and enjoyable by taking the important precautions listed.

I'd also make sure your breakdown cover is renewed and you have the breakdown telephone number in your mobile.

Then, all you'll need is a suitable Christmas sound track to sing along to while you drive.

Something about driving home for Christmas possibly .......


*collaborative post

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5 Creative Christmas Entertaining Made Easy Guides To Give Away

As Christmas creeps ever closer, it’s time to start planning those festive get-togethers in earnest.

To make your holiday dinner parties all the better this year, the award winning Pudding Bridge has everything you need to host the perfect event in an inspirational collection of brand new how-to guides that is available right now for just £16.

Pudding Bridge is a wedding and event hire company owned and managed by Helen Hopkins. She has created her own range of innovative products that enable clients to transform any event into dazzling celebrations. From the fun and funky ‘Booth in a Box’ to the elegant and glamorous Sequin Collection, Pudding Bridge creates breathtakingly beautiful celebrations.

Creative Christmas Entertaining Made Easy is the perfect mix of creative projects, recipes, ideas and advice.

Featuring step-by-step craft guides, instructional videos and helpful printables, you’ll learn how to make gilded crockery, embellished napkins, floral arrangements, cocktails & mocktails, canapés and much more. It’s also full of down-to-earth advice that makes hosting easy.

Says Helen: “Christmas gives us all the perfect excuse to get friends and family together for a party but sometimes, you just need a little help bringing it all together. My Christmas tutorials give you absolutely everything you need to host a fabulous event.”

“We do put a lot of pressure on ourselves at Christmas so following my tutorials is like having an extra pair of helping hands when you’re preparing to party. For example, if you work through my two hour countdown you’ll have time for everything and the evening will be as much fun for you as is it for you guests. Plus, there are plenty of creative projects and recipes to try and nothing takes longer than an hour – perfect for maximum impact in the least amount of time!”

So, here are Helen’s top ten tips for stress-free parties this Christmas:

1. Get prepared! The most you can do in advance the better. So, try to complete all household chores a day or so before.

2. Stock up! Do an online shop that’s timed to arrive when you need it to so you’re not rushing around. Don’t forget kitchen supplies, loo rolls and bin bags!

3. Keep it simple! Complicated menus sound amazing but pile on the pressure. Keep it simple with my tried-and-tested recipes that everyone will love.

4. Cut down on washing up! Place a little stack of cocktail napkins next to each plate of nibbles so you guests can use these rather than plates. Also, my killer one pot main course means your dishwasher won’t be struggling to cope!

5. Don’t pour drinks! Pouring endless drinks for guests will keep you busy when you could be having fun. Set up a drinks station with jugs of cocktails, plenty of ice and glasses on hand so guests can help themselves.

6. Lower the lighting! Bright light is a no-no so switch on those fairy lights on and use lots of candles to create a cosy, intimate feel.

7. Prep the playlist! Pull together your playlist before the event so you’ve got your sound track sorted in advance. Don’t forget, a few cheesy tunes will make everyone smile!

8. Start clean! Starting with a clean kitchen, clear counter tops and an empty dishwasher is a great idea.

9. Lay the table early! Do this well in advance so that if guests arrive early, you look like you’re ready for them even if you’re still in the kitchen. Follow the step-by-step instructions in Creative Christmas Entertaining Made Easy to make sure everything looks amazing or download Pudding Bridge’s Perfect Christmas Table guide.

10. Timers are your friend! Using timers alongside my two-hour countdown will mean that you don’t miss anything and you can serve your dinner on time and with a smile on your face.

So, for the prettiest, easiest and most stress-free festive party, all you need is Creative Christmas Entertaining Made Easy which is now available from Groupon for £16.

I have 5 copies of this online guide to give away.  Entry is via the Rafflecopter.  Terms & Conditions apply.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Sunday 20th December.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Like what you've read?  Why not join me on the Mother Distracted Facebook page, tweet me on @lindahobbis or follow me on Instagram.

More Free Competitions At www.theprizefinder.com.

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Festive Outfit Inspiration From Bonprix

It's that time of year when not only do we girls have to ensure that we produce a Christmas lunch worthy of Nigella for the family and presents to satisfy the most discerning, but we're supposed to look stunning at the same time.

I don't know about you but finding time to plan a spectacular outfit is a bit tricky - not to mention factoring in the extra cost.

Happily, the Bonprix stylists have done the job for me - and at a very reasonable price too.  Here are their suggestions for four rapidly approaching Christmas events.  See what you think.

The Work Christmas Party

I'm hoping you'll be treated to a fabulous meal somewhere swanky.  Drinking champers out of your footwear might be a slightly career limiting move though.  The last Christmas party at the Law Firm involved a tray of sausage rolls from the sandwich bar downstairs and some perry.  How the other half live, eh?

Sequin Bodice Mermaid Dress - £49.99

Satin Diamante Sandals - £39.00

Lace Print Clutch - £17.99

Christmas Jumper Day - Friday 18th December

Friday 18th December is Christmas Jumper Day for ITV's Text Santa which this year is supporting Macmillan Cancer Support, Make-A-Wish UK and Save the Children UK.  You can find out more here.

Just text SANTA5 or SANTA10 to 70760 to donate £5 or £10 to these great causes.

Wearing a Christmas jumper is rapidly becoming a Christmas tradition but there are some tasteful ones out there!

Christmas Reindeer Jumper - £24.99

Over-the-knee Boots - £39.99

Flattering Jeggings - £24.99

 Christmas Day

If you're going to be in the kitchen cooking (or supervising whilst nursing a glass of wine), you might not want to wear anything too elaborate.  These separates are the right combination of practical, chic and sparkly.

Sequin Trim Cape Jumper - £24.99

Slim Pleather Trousers - £29.99

Hollywood Earrings - £14.99 (not shown)

Kitten Heel Ankle Boot - £29.99

New Year's Eve

These days our New Year's Eves tend to involve watching Big Ben and the fireworks on the BBC and then switching over to Jools Holland (if you get the chance to see him live, go!).  That's no reason not to dress up though, is it?

Shimmering Wrap Dress - £34.99

T-Bar Glitter Sandals - £39.99

Bead Choker - £14.99

All clothes are available from size 6 - 24 and there's currently 25% off and free delivery with your first order when you open an account.

Have a stylish Christmas.

Further information at www.bonprix.co.uk.

Like what you've read?  Why not join me on the Mother Distracted Facebook page, tweet me on @lindahobbis or follow me on Instagram.

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12 Tips To Avoid All Out War At The Christmas Table

Christmas is a potential minefield for arguments; with family, with partners, with children, with the cat, with shop assistants and probably with yourself.  

If you’re the sort of person who could start an argument in a phone box, and if you’re hosting Christmas this year, channel your inner Kirstie Allsopp and consider the following.

Christmas seems to be a real flashpoint for some people

It does not all have to be perfect.  You do not have to greet people looking like an extra from a 1950’s retro greeting card in a twinset and pearls.  

You do not have to have place cards inscribed with perfect calligraphy, table confetti, ice cream sparklers or anything else you’ve longingly coveted in the Lakeland catalogue.  

It is a good idea though to adhere to some basic etiquette.  Either that or employ a bouncer.

Hospitable Hosting

Set time frames

There’s nothing worse than the embarrassment of having to turf out guests who overstay their welcome. If you can, send out written invites – e.g  “Coffee & Mince Pies, 4 – 6 pm".  Or then there’s that helpful phrase “would you like a coffee before you go home?” 

This has to be delivered with a certain amount of aplomb lest you come over like a Christmas curmudgeon and you probably won’t get away with it with close family and definitely not on Christmas Day. 

Avoid flashpoints

You know, I’m sure what topics are likely to start World War III but a couple of glasses of fizz and the urge to start talking about them is hard to resist.  

Think of it this way. Christmas Day is 24 hours. Even during World War I, the opposing sides took a day off at Christmas. Surely you can avoid talking about your ex, that outstanding loan, and why your children are never invited to Aunty Flo’s house for just a day. Stick your fork in your hands. Bite your tongue. Otherwise you’ll regret it.

Do not remark upon half-finished plates 

Annoying if you’ve slaved in the kitchen all morning but they’ve probably had too many Quality Street before turning up.

Eat your own food

It sounds weird but there’s nothing worse than a host who loads everyone else’s plate to the rafters and then eats half a potato and a pea because they’re on a diet.

Don’t get sloshed 

Alcohol and a stove whacked on to full power plus igniting the Christmas pudding is a recipe for disaster.

And, if you’re lucky enough to be a guest at someone else’s festive lunch this year….

Gracious Guest-ing

Bring a gift 

At the very least turn up with a bottle of something decent.

Curb your urge to flirt... 

....with your sister’s boyfriend, the next door neighbour or anyone else you know full well is off limits. 

And if you see someone flirting with your partner, try to ignore it and not cause a scene – at least till you get home! Tell yourself you must have made a good choice if someone else is after your partner.

Wear the paper hat

If everyone else is wearing their cracker hat, don’t be a mardy guts and refuse to on the grounds that “it will ruin my hair”. 

If Lady Gaga can go out wearing a meat frock, you can manage to balance a few grams of coloured paper on your head for half an hour.

Try the food 

You’re not 12. A mouthful of Brussel Sprout won’t kill you. And make sure you’ve told the host / hostess about your wheat allergy / gluten intolerance / fear of scallops well in advance of the day.

Join in 

Yes I know you hate party games but unless it’s “strip Twister” or someone’s suggesting throwing car keys in an ash tray, at least give it a go. 

Why not bring a pub quiz book with you or Trivial Pursuit so you can steer the post meal fun in a generally less embarrassing direction. You can’t go wrong with Charades, can you?

Don’t talk through the Queen’s Speech

In some houses, watching the Queen’s annual address is de rigueur and even if you think the French had the right idea with their guillotine, Christmas Day is not the best time to mention that. Keep your jokes about corgis and an annus horribilis for another time.

Know when to go home 

As a general rule, when your host’s eyes have glazed over and if anyone has started to snore, it's time to leg it.

In all seriousness though, if an argument does break out, the best thing to do is to try not to get involved. 

A dignified silence usually works well, as does “shall we discuss this another time? We don’t want to spoil the party”. 

Or there’s one of my favourite anti-argument techniques learned from Agatha Christie’s legendary Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. On hearing anything vaguely insulting, Poirot would raise his eyebrows and utter just one word in a questioning tone – “Indeed?”.

Happy Conflict-Free Christmas!

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Parents - Christmas is NOT "just for the children"

There comes a time when, it seems, those of us who love Christmas with a passion are expected to subjugate our need to cover every inch of the house in fairy lights and accept that now Christmas is "just for the kids, really".

It's easy to forget yourself in the chaos of Christmas 

Bah humbug!

If ever there were a time when the stresses of parenthood should be acknowledged and rewarded, it's surely at Christmas.

Now I can accept that if you hate Christmas, then telling yourself you are putting yourself through the nightmare of shopping in the overheated and overpriced emporia of commercial excess for them may well make it a bit more bearable.

But how sad.

How sad if we can't enjoy the fun.  How sad if we can't bedeck the fridge with tinsel.  How sad if we can't indulge our inner child and cover shelves with elves, stags, fake snow, snow globes and enough tealights to illuminate a football pitch.

Christmas should be a time to reflect; to congratulate yourself on another year of challenges and triumphs.  Another year of seeing your children grow, develop, mature in wonderful ways you probably never dreamed of.

Why dull their pleasure by not entering into the spirit of things?

Children want to see their parents happy.

And, the Christmas story is very much a celebration of parenthood isn't it?

Traditionally we women bear the brunt of the shopping, cooking and organisation.  Some of us put ridiculous amounts of stress on ourselves because we focus on making everyone else happy.

But why don't we find a few ways to make ourselves happy?

Whether that's a bottle of our favourite liqueur or our favourite chocolates, a scented candle, a new cushion or a special Christmas decoration to add to the tree, there are many ways to acknowledge ourselves.

It's not about buying things;  it's about acknowledging that we are very often the rock to which others cling and sometimes we need strengthening - otherwise we will find ourselves chiseled away.

Sometimes the best treat we can give ourselves is a little while alone, with a book and a coffee.  Time to reflect, regroup and breathe.

I hope that, as the Christmas preparations ramp up a gear this week, you will remember that it's your Christmas too.

Like what you've read?  Why not join me on the Mother Distracted Facebook page, tweet me on @lindahobbis or follow me on Instagram.

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7 Tips For Easier Meal Preparation This Christmas

Christmas dinner is, for many of us, one of the most important meals of the year.  It is probably the highlight of Christmas Day and the pressure is on us parents to produce something Nigella would be proud of.

Not only that, but we feel our table setting has to be picture perfect - all fake snow, glitter and candle light.  

There's nothing like a spot of home baking at Christmas

If you find yourself obsessing over whether the gifts in your 'luxury crackers' will meet everyone's approval, it's time to take stock.

The following tips may help relieve some of the pressure.

Write a list

Yes, a piece of advice as old as Santa but one I often forget to do.  You may think you can remember everything you need but there's always something, isn't there?  Cranberry sauce, cornflour, stock cubes and a choice of non-alcoholic drinks for grandma are usually the ones we forget.

Consider dietary requirements

Are any of your guests vegetarian, vegan or on a gluten free diet?  Does anyone have any allergies? The major supermarkets all offer acceptable ranges of food for those on special or restricted diets but make sure you know what you need well in advance.

Don't over-cater

If you believe the TV commercials, tables across the land will be groaning under the sheer weight of food but, at Christmas, as at any other time, it's sensible to avoid waste (of food and money).  I think many of us believe it's better to offer too much than too little but this can be a costly philosophy.

If you are serving canapes, the recommended amount is generally about 4-6 pieces over an hour before serving lunch.

Have you got enough to offer all your guests a Christmas tipple?

And what about wine?   The average person drinks 3 glasses of wine at dinner and there are 4 glasses in a wine bottle. But who am I to define your average?!

Just make sure you have enough non-alcoholic drinks for those who don't touch the stuff or anybody who is driving.

You can do your own calculations on Majestic Wine's site (there are others) to get a rough idea. You might also consider hiring glasses or even tableware.

Work out what you can prepare ahead

Many of your dishes and accompaniments can be prepared ahead. For example, you can batch cook mince pies and freeze them.  Many desserts can be made the day before and kept in the fridge - trifles, mousses for example. Vegetables can be prepped the night before and popped in the fridge.  (I put them in bowls with a little water to keep them fresh).

Check the capacity of your oven

Will that huge turkey you've bought actually fit in your oven?  And if it does, will you have room for the roast potatoes and vegetables?  Are you steaming your veg?  Are there enough rings on the hob?!

Make More Use Of The Microwave

Vegetables can be steamed in the microwave.  And, sacrilege though it may be to some, many shop bought Christmas puddings can be microwaved too.

It may be worth investing in one of the new combination microwave ovens which also grill, steam and bake to give yourself extra cooking capacity.

On some of the newer Panasonic models, for example, you don't even need to set power levels, food weight or cooking time.

Delegate

Peeling and chopping veg can be delegated to the family.  Once children have reached a sensible age, they can help too.

If you've got guests coming round, why not ask them to bring a dish rather than the usual wine or chocolates.  They could bring a salad accompaniment or an alternative dessert or cheese.

And of course, if your partner considers you a nightmare in the kitchen like mine does, you could always delegate the cooking to them!

Lastly, remember it's your Christmas too - so make sure there's something on that shopping list you really enjoy.

Like what you've read?  Why not join me on the Mother Distracted Facebook page, tweet me on @lindahobbis or follow me on Instagram.

*collaborative post

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Teach Your Kids Scooter Tips & Tricks This Christmas

I'm sure that scooters are a very popular gift idea for kids and teenagers this Christmas.  Anything that gets them away from a screen and out into the fresh air can only be a good thing!

And, unlike most bikes, you can do some really cool stunts with a scooter - as long as you take the necessary safety precautions of course.

With this in mind, Halfords have come up with a great guide containing scooter tips and tricks.  The guide is for beginners to give them some cool insider knowledge and it's got step by step guides to tricks, information on essential equipment and the best places to go scooting around.

Did you know, for example, that it is actually illegal to ride a scooter on the road or a public footpath?

I've included a couple of the easier moves for you but why not check out the full guide HERE.

Safety equipment is so important, particularly if your child falls over with every gust of wind, like Ieuan seems to at the moment.  Head gear, in particular is crucial.  I see so many kids riding scooters with no protection to their delicate heads at all.

These should certainly keep my two entertained for a good while and give my ears a break from the constant Harry Potter and Star Wars theme tunes which indicate the children are in the house somewhere!

And I'm sure we'll all welcome the chance to get out of the house over the Christmas break.  There are only so many times you can watch "The Empire Strikes Back", aren't there?

*collaborative post

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Review: Infruition - Fruit Flavoured Water The Healthy Way

I was recently invited to try out these rather inventive water bottles from Infruition.

Infruition's mission is to help people to drink more water naturally. The concept is simple: a standard re-usable water bottle with a chamber to store fruit, veg, herbs, tea - whatever you like, which over the day infuses your water with your chosen flavour.

Caitlin & Ieuan with their Infruition Kids bottles

I am not a big fan of manufactured, flavoured bottled waters, many of which contain Asparatame - a controversial artificial sweetener which is said to be responsible for a whole host of health problems such as Tinnitus.

Aspartame is what gives the sweetness to many diet drinks, yoghurts and low fat foods and it's everywhere. The NHS refutes what it calls these scare stories but I'll leave you to make up your own mind.

Infruition Bottles

The Adult Size Infruition Bottle

Either way, giving your kids the pure, healthy goodness of fruit has to be better than a cocktail of sweetners and additives.  And anything that encourages them to drink more water, such as these Infruition bottles, is a bonus.

The bottles are very sturdy and well made.  They are made from 100% BPA free plastic and stain resistant materials.

You can put the actual bottle in the dishwasher but the fruit chamber and caps need to be hand-washed.

The cap, bottle and fruit chamber

The bottles have a leak proof design and a well fitting lid.  The adult size bottles (700 ml) come in yellow, green, red and blue, and the kids' bottles (450 ml) come in pink and blue.

The fruit chamber can be filled with a selection of chopped fruit.  We tried strawberries but you could add mint leaves and blueberries.  Or, you could try orange, kiwi and watermelon.  You could even add a herbal tea-bag for, say, a cold mint tea in summer.

Much better than sugary drinks

I felt that the bottles could have benefited from an instruction leaflet but there is a recipe booklet on the way which suggests delicious combinations such as cucumber, raspberry and grape, kale and avocado or even lemon and lavender. I am assuming this will be available when you buy the bottles.

Also there is a rubber bung in the lid which can be taken out and I am assuming it has to be in order to wash it but it wasn't entirely clear.  The fruit chamber has to be screwed in to the lid with care, being made of a thinner plastic than the bottle.

You do have to turn the bottle so that the cap is on the side when you drink if you're a glasses wearer.  (You know what I'm like about my glasses!).

Once the kids had drunk some water they wanted to get the fruit out and eat it, which was not a problem but it would mean dismantling the bottle when you're out and about.

On the plus side, if my two drink more water and eat more fruit, that's fine by me!

The adult Infruition bottle is £15.99 and the Infruition Kids bottles are £12.99. They are available on the Infruition website.

I think the bottles would make a great Christmas gift for the health-conscious family, or your favourite gym bunny.

You can find out more about Infruition on Twitter @InfruitionWater, Instagram @infruition.water or Facebook. @Infruition.

Like what you've read?  Why not join me on the Mother Distracted Facebook page, tweet me on @lindahobbis or follow me on Instagram.

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How To Care For Your Poinsettia - THE Christmas Plant

Some of us are not very good with houseplants.  In fact, some of us find keeping a Spider Plant alive a bit of a challenge.  I am proud to say, though, that I have a Poinsettia which I have managed to keep alive for nearly 3 years.

Poinsettias come in a variety of colours

So I was a little miffed to hear claims in a recent report from Thompson & Morgan claiming Poinsettias have fallen out of fashion in the UK.

This 12th December has been declared International Poinsettia Day and, Stars For Europe (SfE), a marketing initiative founded by a coalition of European Poinsettia breeders are striking back.

They say that sales of this classic Christmas plant, which comes in white, coral and 'spattered' colours as well as the traditional red, saw a 15% increase in UK sales last year.

If you follow a few of Stars For Europe's care guidelines (#1 remember they HATE cold and draughts so keep away from doors and windows) then they should last until Christmas, and after that, just chuck it away or, if it's like mine see how many Christmases you can make it last for.

The Traditional Red Poinsettia Is THE Christmas plant

How to Care for your Poinsettia (from Stars For Europe)

* Inspect before buying. Dense foliage and yellow-green flower buds are a sign of freshness. Don’t take any standing in breezy entrance areas.

* Keep them in a bright, warm spot (around 20° C). They can even be close to a radiator, but not in direct sunlight or near draughts – so keep away from open doors and windows.

 * Don’t over-water them by leaving a pool of water in bottom of the pot or saucer they’re sitting in. Only water when the soil is almost dry (preferably with lukewarm water).

* To keep your poinsettia going long after the festive season, do not fertilize during its flowering period. Afterwards, fertilize monthly using conventional nutrients.

* To produce colourful leaves for years to come, keep the plant in complete darkness for at least twelve hours per day for several weeks.

Did you know that Poinsettias got their name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the man who introduced them to the US in 1828.

Poinsettia Day is 12 December, commemorating the death of Poinsett on 12 December 1851.

Poinsettias originate from Mexico and have been associated with Christmas since the 16th century.

Poinsettias are not just red! You can get them in cream, pink and vintage apricot.

Poinsettias make great cut flowers. Immerse the stems in hot water for 20 seconds and they’re good to go!

Poinsettias are grown in black-out conditions for days so that they develop their colourful leaves.

I'm off to put my Poinsettia in a dark place to see if I can get the leaves to change colour......

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10 Tips To Beat The Christmas Bloat

Christmas often results in us piling on the pounds, with some stats claiming that we gain up to five!

Here are the top ten tips to staying healthy over Christmas.

You need a strategy to avoid piling on the pounds at Christmas

Sam Benjamin of No.G: Too Good to Be Gluten Free, makers of gluten free food products, has compiled the best ways to avoid overindulging over the festive period.

1. Sugar

Get rid of sweet cravings by swapping sugary treats for a low calorie hot chocolate. Guilt free and still delicious.

2. Exercise

Skip a ‘Home Alone’ movie marathon and make the most of family time with a festive walk instead. A half an hour brisk walk will burn off 200 calories.

3. Gluten

Beat the bloat and embrace gluten free options. Many celebrities have endorsed the diet, reporting a positive impact on digestion, mood and general wellbeing.

No G Gluten Free Treacle Tart

4. Sleep

Adopt hibernating habits and say no to late night partying. Catching up on some zzz’s will improve your overall health and wellbeing.

5. Alcohol

Fend off the hangover, and the calories, by switching to non-boozy cocktails. Or stick to lower calorie drinks, such as gin and slim line tonic (drink responsibly)!

6. Sanitise

Christmas often brings an unwanted gift to many- the flu virus. Keep your hands clean by frequently washing or sanitising them and ensure nasty germs are kept at bay.

7. Turkey

Embrace tradition and have turkey for your Christmas dinner. It’s leaner than other meats, high in protein, naturally gluten free and has low saturated fat content, making it the perfect choice.

8. Desserts

Christmas pudding is full of fibre, B vitamins, potassium, iron and calcium making it a relatively guilt free dessert (just make sure you stick to one portion). Or knock the lid off your mince pie to lose a third of its calories!

9. Breakfast

Trade bucks fizz and croissants for a more nutritionally filling alternative. Smoked salmon and poached eggs or a bowl of hearty porridge will keep you satisfied until dinner is served. 

10. Cleanse

Reduce your consumption of pasteurised fruit juices and swap to cold pressed alternatives. Cold pressed juices give you a higher content of vitamins and antioxidants, without having to consume as much.

Sam says “We’re all guilty of over indulging over the festive period but with these tips you can still embrace the Christmas treats without increasing your waistline.”

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Christmas Shopping? 8 Ways To Keep Your Cool.

There are times when those of us prone to getting a little 'tired and emotional' need to treat ourselves with a little more care than usual.  And Christmas shopping is definitely one of those times.

If, like me, you find yourself getting too hot, too tired and decidedly cranky with kids in tow, here are eight ways you can mitigate the damage before you either blow your top or end up spending far too much money because you just want to go home!

Decide how much you are going to spend on presents

This is THE most difficult aspect of all but you really need to be clear about your budget and how much you can afford to spend on each present.  It's so easy to feel pressured into spending too much but we all know that after the kids have the thrill of ripping the wrapping paper off, so many toys languish ignored after a day or so.

Make a list of what you're going to buy.

An oldie but a goodie.  Make a list of what you're planning to buy for everyone and stick to it.  The list should include stocking fillers as well as main presents. It is amazing how bits and pieces such as novelty chocolates and tiny games can add up.

Research prices online before you go.

For bigger ticket items, it makes sense to at least have an idea of what the big retailers are offering and most of them will price-match (John Lewis, for example).

If you're shopping for gadgets, make sure you are comparing the like for like technical specification and check what extras are included.

You might also want to check any consumer reviews you can find in magazines like Which? or on Amazon. Whilst you need to be able to read between the lines when looking at reviews, generally you will get a sense of whether a product is OK or a complete dud not worth your precious cash.

Check sites like Topcashback, Quidco, and Vouchercloud to see whether there are better online deals for your gifts.  Sites like these also have mobile apps you can use to check prices and earn cashback on the go.

There are numerous other price-checking apps for your smartphone that you can use in store such as Red Laser or Price Grabber.

Plan Your Route

Once you know what you want to buy and where the best deals are likely to be, it's easier to plan your route.  Make allowances for the day and time you go shopping.  If you hate crowds, first thing on a Sunday morning will be a nicer experience than mid afternoon on a Saturday!

Dress Appropriately

I like to wear warm, casual clothes in layers with a stylish but comfy pair of boots that I can walk for miles in. You can find a great selection at Esprit.

Wear stylish boots you can walk miles in

If you've got kids, make sure they don't get overheated in all in one bodysuits and that their clothing is easily removable for dashes to the toilet!

Plan A Break

Particularly if you have kids, you'll need to schedule a toilet / drink break.  We like John Lewis as there is a good choice of food and snacks for kids, plenty of room, clean toilets and a welcoming environment for families.  Trying to cram into a tiny coffee bar with a pushchair and umbrellas is never a nice experience!

Make sure you have some bottled water and some healthy snacks (mini boxes of raisins or bananas) to stave off hunger pains.  If you're on a diet, a little snack pot with some fruit and nuts and perhaps a few cubes of cheese may help you avoid an enormous slice of fudge cake and a calorie laden festive coffee.

Keep Receipts

Why not start a folder specially for Christmas present receipts?  Just pop them straight in when you get home and you'll know when to find them should anything need to be taken back after Christmas.

Do It All Online Instead!

If you can't face the crowds, online shopping is the answer.  Just make sure that you take into account any delivery charges, last order dates and returns policies.  Not all online retailers offer to cover the postage costs of returning item.  If you're ordering a perishable gift, such as a cream tea hamper,make sure the recipient will be in to receive it.

It also helps to sort out a safe place for delivery as there is nothing more annoying than coming home to a missed delivery card.

With a bit of planning before your shopping trip you can minimise the stress and hopefully save yourself some cash into the bargain.

Like what you've read?  Why not join me on the Mother Distracted Facebook page, tweet me on @lindahobbis or follow me on Instagram.

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Win A Christmas Lily & Rose Bouquet From Debenhams Flowers

You may remember I recently reviewed an absolutely beautiful bouquet from Debenhams Flowers which was sent to my mum to celebrate Grandparents Day.

Christmas Lily & Rose Bouquet - £24.99

Well, Debenhams Flowers are kindly offering a stunning Christmas Lily & Rose Bouquet worth £24.99 for one of my lucky readers.

Take a look at their selection of Christmas flowers because nothing sets off a Christmas table or a Christmas display like fresh flowers.  As you know, I'm a big fan. The Christmas Lily & Rose bouquet is my favourite but I also love these.

Winter Wonderland including oriental lilies and  avalanche roses £29.99

Christmas Cheer - including red Asiatic Lilies, Grand Prix Roses and white Reagan Chrysanthemums - £24.99

A bouquet is also an ideal gift for someone who is difficult to buy for, or who is a long way away during the festive season.

You can also choose a Christmas hamper, or wine and champagne which are always popular gifts.

Debenhams offer next day flowers 7 days a week across the UK with a beautiful range of seasonal bouquets. For guaranteed next day flowers you need to order before 9pm on weekdays, 4pm on Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays.  Next day flowers are available by courier or you can choose flowers by post which are delivered in secure packaging by Royal Mail to any UK address.

You can send your best wishes with a personalised gift message delivered alongside the bouquet you choose and add a gift, for example chocolates, fine wines or balloons.

I also have a special discount code which gives 25% off on all bouquets, with the exception of flowers by post - DFBLOG25.  Just go to www.debenhamsflowers.com.

Entry is via Rafflecopter in the usual way and the competition is for UK entries only.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Sunday 13th December. The name and address of the winner must be received before 20th December in order for the bouquet to be sent in time for Christmas.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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