Well, we are off to the cinema tonight. It’s a double whammy of unusual events; us ‘going out’ and us going to the cinema. The last film we saw was over two years ago when we took our niece and nephew to see the Smurfs in 3D (oh joy) and before that I believe it was to see Simpsons The Movie. So you get the idea. It’s not that we don’t like films, I love film, when I get the time, but it is that I do not like cinemas. I have borderline OCD (self diagnosed!) for cleanliness so breathing in stale air isn’t my thing! They have moved on in leaps and bounds over the years and I know that most offer much, much more than the sticky floor, old dirty seat experience of yesteryear. Some still change vast amounts for nasty,sweet but tasteless and calorie-ridden popcorn but now others have leather sofas and upmarket snacks too. So I thought it was about time to check out the creme de la creme of the cinema experience; a collaboration between Odeon Cinemas and Rowley Leigh of Le Cafe Anglais also in Whiteleys, where you get fine dining in front of the big screen! Apparently, it’s the first of its kind in Europe so I am definitely feeling privileged to be going along for a review. I’ve set the scene. I’ll be back post gourmet dinner and film with my conclusions! Continue Reading

Seeing as I am in the throes of something much bigger at the moment, this is going to be short and sweet. A bit like me -yeeuch! Does Valentine’s Day really exist once you hit 40? Once you have been married for 12 years? Once you have children? Now, I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade and why shouldn’t we celebrate love? So, after having been inundated with requests I thought I’d mention what I’d like for Valentine’s Day ( aside from the diamond earrings of course and the surprise weekend away at the Waterside Inn!).  Well, it’s perfume. Continue Reading

I know that this is going to be the second post about them in quite a short space of time in my blogosphere but I think deservedly so which is what counts really, isn’t it! I only review or write about worthy causes and Mothercare (no, I don’t work for them!) in my eyes, is one of those. As a self proclaimed upper-middle class girl, I was always of the impression that Mothercare was a shop to avoid. A little down market and until having my own little boy, the impression stuck. I had no need for their offering so I never actually knew what that was. I’m now wiser and a lot older(!) and I know better.
There are many independent children’s shops that have popped up on the more affluent High Streets and I am all for supporting them and their uniqueness but as they have become popular and trendy, the true winner is the dark horse. The shop that offers the reasonable and brilliant quality (beware the sizing is big but then it lasts!) babygrows and sleepsuits in multi-packs – just what a mother needs; you buy mostly white to avoid having the washing machine running 24 hours a day. It’s just a hassle. Out of the window goes the idea that your baby will be dressed like a little doll from head to toe no matter how much extra help you have at home. Baby Pregnantcitygirl wore babygrows almost every day until he was 10 months old. Then there’s all the bath stuff, the toys, the nappy paraphernalia I could go on but you get the idea. You name it, everything you need for a baby is there and you always know that if there is an offer on, that their prices are always the lowest by far. Never fear, they also price match, no questions asked (unlike some!!!). That is what we mothers need. A place that we can go without thinking. Everything we need in one place. So that’s why my Best Baby Retailer’ award has to go to Mothercare. They also deliver as I have just taken delivery of my Stokke footmuff to match my pram. Yes, Mothercare sells yummy mummy upmarket brands too. They truly are a one stop shop. Thank-you guys and before I forget, their maternity range surprised me too; my bump and I lived in one of their black wrap tops all those months ago. Three cheers for a company that truly adds value! Continue Reading

Chinese medicine has been used for many decades to treat every sort of ailment and disease and it has been a long time coming in taking off in the UK but now every High Street worth its salt has a Chinese medical practitioner and so they should.
I am a big fan of conventional medicine, as where would we be without it? All the diseases we have cures for now and all the medicines that still work so effectively against many ailments and of course we are an ageing population which is proof in itself that conventional medicine is doing something right. I am a true believer in medical advancement and I do not know a single soul who hasn’t benefited from it. So there. The obvious has been stated. However, it’s the less obvious that I’m interested in. The things that are slow on the uptake for whatever reason. Complementary medicine for one has been slow because conventional doctors are often scared of the unknown and stuck in their ways, not always, of course, but often and more importantly drug companies would prefer to do a roaring trade than to be usurped by a plain and simple needle! It’s the way of world. Commercialism and resistance to change. but change happens. One way or another it forces its way. As time goes on and human disease becomes more resistant to new medicines, as scientists discover new ways and means and push to be heard- regenerative medicine for example – something that I am a big fan of and stem cell treatments. They are the future, whether they come sooner or later, they will eventually take over.
Looking back in history to Chinese medicine we have found a treatment of the future. Now researchers have found it can also boost fertility if used in combination with fertility treatments. Dr Levi-Ari and his team in Tel Aviv University in Israel, a country at the forefront of fertility treatment, found that when combining fertility treatment (IUI) with Chinese acupuncture 65.5% of their test group conceived compared to 39.4% who did not have the acupuncture alongside.
The test group also received Chinese herbal medicine alongside the acupuncture. Acupuncture is also supposed to release endorphins and other helpful chemical substances which can balance the body and stimulate its own healing power. Continue Reading