Who would have thunk it? The end of August is in sight. Wow, man that went fast. Not the sunniest of summers I’ll grant you, but fun none the less. And with the end of August comes the time to look at this month’s family favourites. So I’m joining in fellow Surrey mummy Suburban Mum‘s link up Our Favourite Five.
The Joules’ Sale
I love a good sale and I looove a sale in my favourite stores. This month has seen the summer sale at Joules and boy oh boy do they throw a good sale. I got a couple of t-shirts for me and the boy then I saw the handbag I’d been drooling over for months. Half price. I would never have the money to spend on a full price leather handbag in Joules, but do you know what? July was a super busy month for me and so I decided to treat myself. And I love it. It’s just the right size AND it has a pocket especially for my iPad. When I drop Oscar at preschool and head to Dylan’s to write, it’s with my iPad and it’s wonderful to have a handbag that carries it perfectly. And it’s slightly prophetic that I got it this month, because by the end of August we’d started potty training Oscar. This means I no longer take the change bag out with me and need a handbag more than I have done in over three years. Hows that for timing? Joules are still selling the same design of handbag, only in tan for Autumn. Unfortunately the sale is now over!
The Great British Bake Off
Seriously. How could this not be in here? My reality TV faves nearly all revolve around food (except for Strictly!) and a bit of Bezza, the Silver Fox and Mel ‘n’ Sue every week is getting me through the miserable weather at the moment. Who wouldn’t love a bread lion made by a prisoner governor? My man of the moment is Stay at Home Dad Ian, but I also think Nadiya is one to watch! What I’d give to work on GBBO. Just think of all the goodies you’d get to try!!
See Me Go Potty
As I mentioned above, and in my recent post, Oscar decided we were going to start potty training this month. He seemed to get the hang of the logistics quickly, as long as he had no trousers on. But we were really struggling to get him to understand the concept when dressed. Thankfully a fellow Autism Mama suggested the See Me Go Potty App. It’s a social story app that breaks down the process, using an avatar that you design to look just like your child. Written specially for children on the spectrum, this app would work amazingly for any child who’s about to potty train. Oscar played with it constantly for the first day and by the second day understood the concept of pulling his trousers up and down! Amazing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not perfect. It uses some Americanisms, meaning we have changed our potty training lexicon a little (they’re not trousers, they’re pants), but if that’s what it takes for him to feel comfortable about the situation, I couldn’t care less. There is a situation for wee (or pee as it is in our house now), for poo and one for not getting to the potty in time. He’s taken to telling me when he needs to go by saying “uh oh, accident”, rather than “go potty please”, but hey it works and we’re so proud of him. Best £1.49 I could have spent and if you’re about to potty train I highly recommend it! Available in iOS and Android!
Bravissimo PJ Tops
Long time readers will know that good support in the bust department is important to me. I’ve talked about my trips to Bravissimo before, but this month I’ve taken a step beyond bras into their fitted pyjama tops. I’m going away next month, sharing a bedroom with my pal Bethany, and much as we are friends I didn’t want to embarrass myself with the “What I call Breast Clap” 😉 I decided to invest in a Bravissimo vest fitted with a non wired integral bra and boy oh boy was it comfy. I slept in it then as we were staying in the next day I didn’t take it off. I usually find spending a whole day in my pjs uncomfortable (and some what unwieldy!), but in my Bravissimo top I was comfortable all day. Comfortable enough to even do some baking! So comfortable in fact that I went online and bought another one in the sale! Don’t get me wrong, I can still wear t-shirts and vest to sleep in, but if we’ve got people staying over or we’re staying somewhere else, these vests are fantastic. Definitely something for the larger busted among us to check out (particularly those of us who have had children 😉 )
The US Office
Yes, I’ve seen the whole 9 Seasons of the US version of comedy show The Office before, but I came to it quite late (2012 actually), while I was on maternity leave. At the beginning of the month Ben and I were talking about something or other and referenced the Office Olympics episode of Season 2. It made us giggle, so we decided to watch it on Netflix. And the next one and the next. And then somewhere along the way Ben realised he hadn’t seen any of Season 3-5. Well we had to rectify that, a few episodes a night. Every night! We’re loving it all over again and have just reached season 7, which is the season I first found while tiny baby Oscar napped. I loved the banter back when I didn’t have an office of my own and I still love it now that that I don’t miss it as much. I adore Jim and Pam, Dwight makes us guffaw and despite Michael being a complete tool most of the time, his desire to love and be happy are obvious. I think that’s what makes his character different to Ricky Gervais’s odious (and brilliantly played) David Brent.
What did your family enjoy in August? I’d love to know.
I was not paid to endorse any of these brands. I paid for my bag, vest and Oscar’s app myself. I just like sharing the things I love.
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