AD #ACEWinterRefresh

Having twins means that I obsess over the boys looking good, as they get a lot of attention when we’re out. They look amazing in bright colours. Of course they are still toddlers, so they get covered in all sorts. It was always difficult to get out those stains without fading the top, until I discovered Ace for Colours.

• ACE keeps garments bright, robust and clean meaning clothes last for longer. 

• Keeps colours bright and fresh. 

• Ace for Colours Powder comes in a fully recyclable Tetra Pak. 

• Use ACE in your daily wash to keep clothes looking fresher for longer.

Pick up the ACE product range including ACE for Colours powder at your nearest Morrison’s store or buy online on Amazon. 


This post is an entry for the BritMums #ACEWinterRefresh Challenge, sponsored by ACE for Colours Powder. 


Get help for all kinds of stains with the ACE Stain Helper http://www.acecleanuk.co.uk/ and pick up the range at your nearest Morrison’s store or buy online on Amazon. 

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Our Engagement Story

Everyone always to know how eventful or uneventful the occasion was, so here's our little story.

When did it happen?
29th April 2013

Were you expecting it?
No, not at all! I would’ve hated that!

Where did it happen?
Barcelona. 

How did it happen?
Well of course this is the funny part. We had been sold a bit of a dud by Thomas Cook. Our Barcelona city break. Actually ended up being a Calella beach holiday (50 mins away). We also had to walk 20 mins to the train station. On our first full day we had decided to travel in and do some site seeing. The forecast was horrendous, and not long after we arrived the heavens opened. We were prepared and brought our very sexy rain coats. We knew we were getting wet no matter what, so we jumped onto an open top site seeing bus and endured the rain. We had on head phones, and I remember giggling hard over the focus on how many people died from trams. We didn’t get off at every stop, but the rain stopped as we reached the Sagrada Familia, so we got off to explore. 

There is a park opposite that was empty, so Gav suggested that we could get some great photos. I've popped a map above, so you can visualise it. We entered on the left, and within seconds, out of nowhere, a group of Asian tourists swarmed arounds us. Along the park crescent shaped path, there were little breaks for picturesque photos. We kept moving round to the next one, and within seconds the Asian group were there. After the fourth attempt it became almost like a comedy sketch, or hidden camera show. Gav was getting really aggregated by them, but I just thought Gav was desperate for a good photo! I suggested that we sat on the *very wet* bench and wait for them to move along. We sat and that’s when Gav started rummaging through his pockets on the inside his rain coat. He then explained that we was waiting for a quiet moment to ask, and at that moment he pulled out a ring, and asked me to marry him. I was in complete shock, and of course I said yes! And I know what you’re thinking was he on knee? And the answer is no. It was wet and muddy for starters, but also it’s just not Gav and I. We hate being centre of attention. I loved that we had this very intimate moment, people were around but they had no idea. 

We then continued on the bus tour, and I could tell that Gav suddenly relaxed. The ring was too big, but I didn’t care. I already wore a ring on my right hand that Gav had brought me for our first Valentines Day together as a promise ring, so I popped it on top of the engagement ring to hold it on. 

Just so you know, he got down on one knee and did it properly back in our hotel that evening. I felt on absolute cloud nine! We kept it to ourselves that night, almost as our little secret. Then the next morning we told our parents. 

Of course the following day the weather was beautiful, and we actually got very burnt on the beach. But in all honesty, I wouldn’t of had it any other way! If you can ask someone to marry you, in their Regatta Rain Coat, whilst looking like a drowned rat, you absolutely know it’s true love! 

What’s the ring like?
Well the ring he proposed with was a cheap Argos ring. He immediately said that he wanted me to choose one with him when we got home. As I said the ring was huge, and was brought on a bit of a whim by Gav, as he decided he needed the gesture when asking me. When he brought it, they told him it was on special, but one get one half price. Gav made it clear that he wouldn’t be asking anyone ever again😆 To be fair, most ladies would probably of said no to an Argos £5.99 ring, but I would’ve been happy no matter what! 

What's your proposal story? If you write a piece, be sure to tag me so I can read yours too.

Thanks for reading!

Much love xxx

The Boys Start Nursery Haul #BackToSchool

Although the boys haven't turned 3 yet, they will on the 26th August and cut off for September start is 31st August. I'm in two minds. I'm excited to have 3 hours each day to get on with things. The boys are really needy. Everyone always thinks that because there is two of them they'll keep each other amused, but realistically they just fight none stop and want mummy. On the other hand, they were preemies, and if I'd gone full term they would intact be the year below. Their speech is delayed, and we've just embarked on the potty training journey. Also I'm going to miss them. I feel like I missed so much, when returning to work when they were 12 months - 26 months, so I'm still playing catch up!

I have been able to keep my mind busy in shopping for the big life event, so I thought I'd put together a little list of the bits we've either brought or been gifted.

Labelistas

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Personalised bottle labels 🥤 I’m posting this earlier than I had originally scheduled, because I’ve had so many DMs asking me to remind them of the brand from my stories earlier in the week. They are from @labelistasuk 🙌🏻 You can choose the colour combination and an image to accompany the name. I think they are fab, and honestly so handy for when they start nursery in September. PS. Please excuse the chewed bottles! My kids are basically animals 🙈 #Gifted #AD

A post shared by Hayley Craig | Twin Mum (@craigfamilyblog) on May 25, 2019 at 12:06am PDT

These name bands are brilliant. I can move them from bottle to bottle, and easily marked for the teachers #gifted


Stickets 

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CLOSED! GIVEAWAY ⭐️ You could win one of these amazing personalised labelling packs, including 142 labels! We have teamed up with @stikets_uk To enter, simply follow the rules below: 1. Like this post ❤️ and make sure you are following us @craigfamilyblog 2. Comment below what you would love to get labelled! 3. Visit @stikets_uk and follow their page 4. Tag 2 friends who you think would like to enter this competition Comments must be posted between Thursday 31st January - Thursday 7th February 20:00 (UK time). We will inform the winner shortly after. This giveaway is being run on Instagram but is no way associated with them.

A post shared by Hayley Craig | Twin Mum (@craigfamilyblog) on Jan 31, 2019 at 11:49am PST

On the topic of naming things. Stickets have thought of everything, and I don't have to sew any of them! #gifted

Tinc

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We have teamed up with @tinc_official for a fantastic collaboration. The boys were so excited about their delivery, that they had to do a little fashion show 😂 Does anyone have any lunchbox tips? I don’t want to look like a bad mum 🙈Also keep your eyes peeled on our grid for a giveaway coming soon! #gifted

A post shared by Hayley Craig | Twin Mum (@craigfamilyblog) on Jul 18, 2019 at 11:19am PDT

They have bought out a Tiny Tinc range, with backpacks, lunch boxes, and drinks bottles perfect for their size #gifted

Deichmann 

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AD | Are you going back to school shoes shopping this weekend? @deichmann_uk are offering an amazing buy one get one half price on all school shoes, from toddlers to teens. Whether you need two pairs for one child, or for siblings it’s a brilliant deal! Shopping is painless too. All sizes available are on the shop floor, so no hanging about for toddlers with short attention spans 🙈 These are the boys new nursery shoes 😍 They do looks super cool! #Deichmann #Deichmannkids #Deichmannschool #Backtoschool

A post shared by Hayley Craig (@craigfamilyblog) on Aug 17, 2019 at 1:57am PDT

Deichmann are offering an amazing buy one get one half price on all school shoes! Seriously amazing :) #gifted

Startrite

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NEW SHOES 👟 We received these @startrite_shoes in the mail. The boys instantly put them on, and then kept asking for auntie @hannahegodfrey... apparently she’s the fashion guru when it comes to shoes 😂 I’ve posted a short video of my stories, but @startrite_shoes have a fantastic downloadable app that means you can measure your child’s feet from the comfort of your own home! Meaning you can confidently order online knowing your child’s correct size and width. PS. Ollie is trying to kiss Harry in this photo! #gifted #ad

A post shared by Hayley Craig (@craigfamilyblog) on Aug 9, 2019 at 10:41am PDT

The boys require indoor shoes, and these are perfect! #gifted

Uniform
The boys don't have to wear the school uniform, but I'd like them to have as much as possible. 

At Aldi I picked up...

Socks £1.99 for 5 pairs.
Blue polo shirts £1.75 for 2.


Then they have a sweatshirt each with their school logo on. 

We now have a Vlogging camera!

As you are probably aware we have recently set up a YouTube channel. We have filmed a lot on our iPhones but my sister has kindly bought us a Vlogging camera. 

She brought us the Lumix DC-GX800. I’m not the most technically minded, but it’s really simple to use. It had a forward facing viewing screen, which makes selfie vlogging easier. 

This is it---> Click here!

It also means I can’t use the “I don’t have enough space on my phone” excuse anymore. 

Check out our YouTube Channel Here and subscribe to our channel.

Thanks for reading!

xxx

Carters Steam Fair Review

We were kindly invited to the Carters Steam Fair. Unfortunately Gavin was working, but my amazing sister joined us for some serious fun in the sun! From the second we arrived I felt like I was taken back in time. It had some serious 'Heart Beat' type vibes. The music was fantastic, and the smell of steam was terribly nostalgic (even though I wasn't even born back then!)

We were kindly #gifted passes to go on the rides. Ollie's going through a very anxious phase at the moment, and takes time to warm to things. Where on the other hand, Harry up for anything. Harry initially rode the cars. The details on all the rides were stunning. You can clearly see how much they care for their rides.

Ollie then warmed up and they both rode the train. The ride were really good value for money. The rides went round many many times. We've been places in the past when it's done two rotations and it's over. We've often queued for longer. 

Entry is free, but token must be purchased. Rides vary between 4-6 tokens per ride. They are 50p each token, but there are deals for buying certain amounts. Definitely check online before you go.

Obviously we didn't ride any of the big thrill rides with the boys, but we enjoyed watching from the side, whilst eating our candy floss!

See the show dates below, and catch them near you!

Thanks for reading!

xxx

What's in our changing bag? *Updated version*

As most of you are aware, we have been potty training the twins. Harry is super good, but Ollie isn't doing that well. I always thought we'd end up taking less out with us, but at the moment we're carrying the most in a long time.

We were kindly gifted a new cross-body duffle changing bag from Babycchinos “the baby Sussex”, priced at £60. ‘This bag is a limited edition changing bag commissioned by Babycchinos London to celebrate the arrival of baby Archie. This bag is inspired by their Bucket zip family, this duffel bag has the same convenient free-standing frame which keeps the bag open, whilst you get in and out of the bag with one hand.’ 
It's absolutely gorgeous, and I love the gold detailing. 

It has loads of pockets to keep us organised, so I thought I'd share what we have inside...

In the big front pocket I keep the sun lotions. We have to apply frequently on Harry's birthmark, so it's always in easy reach.

I keep the changing mat in the back pocket at the back, and even though I may not be changing nappies whilst out anymore, it's handy when changing wet clothes in the boot etc.

The big middle section is where everything else is. The is 2 pockets on side, and 3 on the other, with also a zipped pocket. 

• The zip pocket is where I pop my bits (tissues, paracetamol etc). 
• Top - left to right, 1) we like the 'Dry Like Me' pads with a couple of oat snack bars, 2) many pairs of spare pants, and 3) huggies swim nappies.
• Mid section - UV suits, spare leggings, first aid kit, beach powder, nappies (for naps) and wipes.
• Bottom - left to right, 1) nappy sacks, and 2) Klean Kanteen straws, Alcohol gel and Mini-U Hairbrush.

And finally the side pockets are where we store the boys drinks, and snacks. They don't last long with my boys!

Thanks for reading!

xxx

Disclaimer: All items with a website link were items #gifted to me. They are NOT affiliate links.  

ByHappyMe Personalised Cutlery

The boys were kindly gifted a set of personalised cutlery each @ByHappyMe_UK 

They come beautifully packaged and wrapped. They’d be ideal to giveaway as a thoughtful gift, that you know will get lots of use out of them. 

Each item has a different animal, and the engraving is perfect. You can even choose your font type. I went for comic sans, in the boys shortened names Ollie and Harry. 

Order yours now

Snuggle Seat Review

We were kindly #gifted these Snuggle Seats. When they initially reached out to me I was surprised as I thought they were designed for newborns. They quickly explained that they actually continue to be suitable right up until 8 years old. 

The top is interchangeable as your child develops (the black part on ours). The harness version easily unzips on the side and changes for a blank version.

I will be holding onto the harness covers, just in case we have another child. The harness is brilliant, and can be undone quick and easily one handed.

They are available in a whole range of colours, but we chose these as I thought black would less likely show up dirty fingers, and will pretty much go with any colour of bedroom. I can't wait for their room to be finished, and they can have them in there next to their books shelf. 

This is the link to ours, but other colours are available: https://snuggleseat.com/collections/all-baby-beanbags/products/moonlight-baby-beanbag

They are currently on sale for £29.99-39.99, so be quick!

AD | Paultons Park Review

http://www.craigfamilyblog.com/2019/07/ourjourneytopaultonspark.htmlcontinued...

We had such a fantastic HOT day at Paultons Park. 

When we arrived we headed straight to Peppa Pig World, as the boys had enjoyed it so much last time. No queues were longer than 20 minutes, which I was surprised about for a weekend. Every ride is that area is perfect for the boys age group.

That weekend they also had special visitors of the PJ Masks.  I felt for them in the costumes in the boiling heat! The boys throughly enjoyed doing the movements and actions with them. 

We then headed off to explore the rest of the park. The boys were tall enough to ride Critter Creek and the Raging River Ride. Ollie did cling on to me for dear life, but it was great doing them as a family.

The boys favourite was the digger ride, as they could do it on their own. They literally did it 5/6 times :)

We have filmed a vlog whilst visiting, so I'll try and get that edited and uploaded ASAP.

Thanks for reading 

xxx

AD | Paradise Wildlife Park

On Monday 24th June we visited Paradise Wildlife Park. I'd say it was only within the past couple of years that I first became aware of the park. I didn't really know much about, other than it was reasonably local. 

We arrived, and headed to the birds and tortoise section first. The boys LOVED watching the tortoise wonder about. One thing I must say is that every section has a great photo opportunity spot, and the kids loved it. Check out Ollie's shell :)

We then walked through into the main park, and walked around the animals. I was not expecting the huge variety. I don't think there is an animal I can think of that wasn't here. My favourite animals are penguins, so I was pleased! The boys adored them all.

There was plenty of picnic benches dotted around the park, which we used twice. Once in the morning for a mid morning snack, and later for our lunch. We did bring a picnic with us, purely to ensure the boys would eat. There are plenty of options within the park if you choose not to though. 

The dinosaurs were phenomenal! I couldn't believe how realistic they were. They all moved, and reacted as you walked by. I previously wrote this on my Instagram post, but it's so true. They were so good we could've been in Walt Disney World. Ollie of course was terrified, so Gav ended up carrying him most of the time. At the end the boys played in the fossil hunt sandpit.

There was also a couple of fantastic play parks, a soft play and even a splash park. I honestly wasn't expecting it to be so good! We couldn't have asked for more!

Thank you so much PWP for #gifting us this visit. We had an absolute brilliant, filled with many many laughs. 

I vlogged our visit, so go check it out here.. https://youtu.be/8BCaCgTfnOY