Back to School Shoes with Toughees - Review

Mention new school shoes and every parent groans, in fact nothing makes a parents heart sink like the thought of shopping for children's shoes, let alone school ones.

This time of year means queues for days just to get fitted and then if they have them in their size you're one of the lucky ones, ok, so it isn't always that bad but it can be.

So this year when I was approached by Toughees to try out their range of school shoes, it meant that not only would I not have to venture out to the shops, but I also had high hopes that in a months time I wouldn't be looking at my daughters shoes, with such disappointment that they hadn't even lasted a term.

The Toughees range are made with high quality non-polish leather, so you simply need to wipe them clean with a damp cloth to keep your children and teenagers looking smart in their school shoes. All Toughees children’s school shoes come protected for durability whilst providing cool breathable comfort for young feet.

So how do they fit? Using the template on the Toughees website we were able to check what size the children's feet were, obviously it was always going to be a rough estimate as the shoes themselves will always fit slightly differently for each child.

However when they came they fitted pretty much perfectly, my daughters shoes are a brogue style shoe with t-bar and velcro strap, they are really easy for her to put on and they look great too. They look pretty from the top and the bottom, with the sole of the shoe being detailed with flowers, they have been well thought in every aspect.

Although to me they seemed a little loose around the sides, they don't slip off. I used a few of the techniques I have seen when having their feet fitted previously, to make sure they fit as well as possible. They don't hurt her and her toes have plenty of room, so I think we are fine. If you are unsure though, you can always find a local stockist of the Toughees range.

My sons shoes not only look tough but feel it too, they they are the perfect shoe for all of the running, football kicking and the general monkey business that he gets up too.

The velcro straps on the Chivers shoe ensure they pull tight and fit well, they aren't overly smart and offer a more casual shoe which for us is perfect. My son hasn't quite mastered laces yet, so I am glad they still have some velcro fastening ones for us to choose from.

I am looking forward to seeing how these shoes hold up to my adventurous five and eight year olds, so far they have worn them for two days and seem very happy with how they fit. They look really lovely on and complete the uniform perfectly.

The shoes in the Toughees range start from about £34, which for us is cheaper than the ones we've had in previous years. I hope they live up to their name and stand up to all that the children throw at them, I will be sure to keep you updated.

Toughees are available direct from the Toughees website or from stockists around the country.

NB: We were sent these shoes for the purpose of the review, all words and opinions are my own.

Wild Flowers Company Review inc Discount Code

I was recently sent some beautiful flowers in the post by a wonderful little company called Wild Flowers Company.  Wild Flowers Company was set up to offer seasonal, British, farm and love-grown flower arrangements. They are based in Kentish Town in North London, have just launched in the new year, only sell online and solely offer to send on a regular basis flower arrangements (and one-offs arrangements by way of exception). 

Flowers are sourced from UK growers, from Cornwall to Scotland. A sustainable business from which the farmers, the environment and the customers all benefit. The company is also part of The British Flower Collective, a group of passionate British flower growers and arrangers who are working together to put seasonality, local, home grown (and British) back into the flower industry.

The box arrived and was beautifully simple with just a touch of glitz, with the gold stickers sealing the box. I love flowers and somehow receiving them in the post just added to the excitement, who doesn't love receiving things in the post?

Inside the box, the flowers were wrapped in brown paper, tied with simple raffia and attached was a handwritten tag with the names of the flowers, I love this touch, which made it so personal.

Simple and beautiful packaging just makes for a more exciting time opening the flowers.

On opening the paper you are presented with the flowers and attached around the bottom of the flowers is a water pack that has kept the flowers from getting too thirsty. Some of them were a little bit limp, but after being in water for a few hours they perked up.

The flowers had faired well during their journey, they were all still perfectly intact, none were broken or bruised. 

The flowers themselves were beautiful, not something I would have chosen myself but they they all worked so well with each other, it was this fact that made them so special. Not bright and gaudy like supermarket flowers, they were earthy and natural and perfect for this time of the year.

The great thing about these flowers are you don't need to be a florist to arrange them, once I had undone them I placed into a large Kilner jar and they just looked stunning. They fit in with the fireplace and just bring the outside inside.

I adored this display, I really did, once the Narcissus had died the Anemones came out and once they had died the Magnolia buds started to come out so the whole display has lasted over three weeks and is still going strong.

Here is a little bit more about the available subscriptions:

A three posies a week package costs £24 p/w
A weekly package costs £28 p/w
A monthly package costs £32 p/m
A seasonal package costs £128 p/a and delivers four seasonal bunches a year
A pregnancy packages costs £168 p/a and delivers 6 seasonal arrangements over 6 months.
Subscriptions can be one-off, for a specific period (usually for gifts purposes) or on open-ended basis (when buying flowers for oneself).

One-off arrangements can be arranged but only shipped on Thursdays

Why order with Wild Flowers Company?

• Because the flowers will look nothing like the ones you usually see at the supermarket or online, or even at your local florist.
• Because our flowers have not travelled for days but instead are cut the day before we ship, because they have not been frozen nor heated to control their flowering, they arrive fresh and last long.
• Because the flowers are curated every week using what's in season, it creates surprise and anticipation.
• Because a gift says a lot about you, and this one will show consideration and thoughtfulness as opposed to cheap and easy.
• Because this is a gesture towards the environment, as there is no air mile attached to it, and it is beneficial to vegetation and pollination.
• Because one minds the provenance and the conditions in which his purchase have been put together.
• Because the recurrence/regular delivery shows one cares beyond past the past the tinsel and Christmas cheer.
• Because one choose quality and sustainability.

If you like what you see and would like to order a beautiful display for yourself or a loved one, perhaps for Valentines Day or Mothers Day or just because then you can 20% off with code MUMD20 until the 31/03/15.

I cannot express enough how much I love these flowers and how impressed I am with them.

NB: I was sent the flowers for the purpose of the review, all opinions and photos are my own.

Rocket and Rose Competition

Today I would like to introduce you to a lovely small business called Rocket and Rose, I've chatted with Gemma the owner for a while now on Instagram, she works hard and is an inspiration to the small business world and I am amazed at how much she does.

Polka Dot Apron

Running an online business selling clothing is difficult enough, I should know having run one. But making personalised items is a whole different ball game,  her items are beautiful and can be custom made to your requirements.

Big Brother Tee

From birthday to race for life t-shirts, mugs to canvases, she does it all, here is a little about why Gemma does what she does.

"My idea for Rocket & Rose started back in November 2011.  My twin girls were very tiny and whilst they napped I started designing tutus and outfits for them and for family and friends.  I decided to venture into boys fashion and my ideas and drawing and practise outfits and clothing items soon escalated into the wonderful world of Rocket & Rose and here we are now! 

I design and create all the items you can see on the Rocket & Rose website whilst still raising my gorgeous Twinklies.  I am a part time working Mum and Wife, hence why there is a short waiting list for my items - but I have been assured they are worth the wait! 

I studied fashion and textiles at the Kent Institute of Art and Design, followed by a degree in Theatre Costume Design for the Performing Arts at the London College of Fashion, so I am delighted to be able to use my skills more than 15 years later in a career that I absolutely adore. 

Along with my husband, Dan we run the business from a lovely workshop in the heart of the Devon countryside." 

I hope you’ll agree she is a pretty amazing lady, not only does she run this business she also has three young children too.

Tutus

Finally she has offered a brilliant competition prize, one lucky person will win a £25 voucher to spend on the Rocket and Rose website. So whether it is something for your little one to dress up in or some goodies for a birthday or Christmas there is something for everyone.

Entry is via the Rafflecopter form below, T&Cs apply. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sidneyboo! Coming Soon

Over on Instagram I have been chatting to a lovely lady called Sarah and she is soon to be opening a new online store selling gorgeous children's clothes for ages 0-5.

Supporting small businesses is what I like to do and so I wanted to help spread the word about her new store and the items she will be stocking.

So here is a bit about Sidneyboo! from Sarah:

"I was inspired to start my business after having my son in 2011. I found it frustrating that very few high street shops sell exciting and unique clothing for kids. I really believe kids clothes should have a sense of fun and reflect their playfulness, so when the opportunity arose I decided to search out brands that love to be creative with their clothing! I've worked hard to put together a collection of individual, fresh and exciting pieces - and all of them have a funky and fun twist to make you smile - the essence of Sidneyboo!  

My son, who is 3 next week (day before launch!!) is called Sidney and Sidneyboo! is a nickname I have called him it since he was a baby and having spent time thinking of different names, and wanting something that was personal to me but also doesn't limit me to just clothing so thought why not Sidneyboo! Plus he is the reason I am doing this so he should be involved in some way."

I love the choice of name and reason behind it and with some gorgeous clothing from companies such as Boys&Girls, Corby Tindersticks, Funky Legs, Gardner and the Gang, Indikidual, NUNUNU and Slugs & Snails to name but a few I can't wait to see the website and the items in all their glory.

The launch is on the 26th February and you can see more of what is to come over on the Sidneyboo! Facebook page and you can follow Sarah's progress over on twitter too.