My heart belongs to Nars....review of their Laguna bronzer

So I'd heard the hype and read the raves about Nars Laguna bronzer and as I'd run out of my usual brand thought I'd try it out and see if it did indeed live up to its reputation...

Packaged in an alluring sleek matt black case, the bronzer is designed like a compact with a handy mirror for use on the go.  I have tried a range of bronzers previously including most recently a loose powder based one by Bare Minerals which I loved but was slightly annoying in that the powder could get a bit messy when applying. I love the fact therefore, that Nars has a no fuss appeal and is easy to use (all you need is a decent powder brush).

The powder itself is finely milled so helps fill in lines for a smoother complexion but without creating the 'caked on' look. Unlike others that I've seen on the market, there is not a hint of orange with the Laguna bronzer and instead has a very subtle golden shimmer which gives you a natural sun kissed glow. Although it produces a fairly light to medium coverage on first application (perfect for my fair skin), you can build it up with an extra dusting if you prefer and it's also great for contouring.

At £26.00 this won't be the cheapest bronzer you'll ever purchase but I do think you will get your money's worth as looks like it will last a long time. Personally, I love it, from the natural golden glow it gives your skin (perfect when you're feeling a bit washed out in the winter months) to the stylish light weight packaging. It's a little makeup luxury I now wouldn't be without!

I got my Nars Laguna bronzer from Space NK on the High Street in Tunbridge Wells but to order online click here: SpaceNK.com

So I'd heard the hype and read the raves about Nars Laguna bronzer and as I'd run out of my usual brand thought I'd try it out and see if it did indeed live up to its reputation...

Packaged in an alluring sleek matt black case, the bronzer is designed like a compact with a handy mirror for use on the go.  I have tried a range of bronzers previously including most recently a loose powder based one by Bare Minerals which I loved but was slightly annoying in that the powder could get a bit messy when applying. I love the fact therefore, that Nars has a no fuss appeal and is easy to use (all you need is a decent powder brush).

The powder itself is finely milled so helps fill in lines for a smoother complexion but without creating the 'caked on' look. Unlike others that I've seen on the market, there is not a hint of orange with the Laguna bronzer and instead has a very subtle golden shimmer which gives you a natural sun kissed glow. Although it produces a fairly light to medium coverage on first application (perfect for my fair skin), you can build it up with an extra dusting if you prefer and it's also great for contouring.

At £26.00 this won't be the cheapest bronzer you'll ever purchase but I do think you will get your money's worth as looks like it will last a long time. Personally, I love it, from the natural golden glow it gives your skin (perfect when you're feeling a bit washed out in the winter months) to the stylish light weight packaging. It's a little makeup luxury I now wouldn't be without!

I got my Nars Laguna bronzer from Space NK on the High Street in Tunbridge Wells but to order online click here: SpaceNK.com

Moments of childhood...a photographic journal

As I sat quietly in the stillness of our darkened room rocking my sleepy baby tonight, I allowed myself to take in the moment and appreciate it. It's hard to believe Jake is already two months old and as each week races by it made me think again how quickly life goes by and no doubt before I know it, he will have his first tooth, say his first words, take his first steps and beyond.

I then turned my thoughts to my two other children and how independent they are becoming even at the relatively tender ages of six and three and a half.  We have packed so much into their young little lives already including a few lovely holidays, endless birthday parties, play dates, pre-school, school, camping trips, countless days out to fun places, weekends away at friends, pub lunches, cafe treats and more dine outs than I could count.

As I sat holding Jake in my arms this evening, I reflected back and asked myself, if I had to look back over my children's lives so far, what would be my favourite memories of them? I tried hard to recall specific events, days out, a holiday or a particular birthday party but found it hard to really focus on any of these things. It was then that I turned my attention back to my now sleeping baby. As I listened to the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed and felt the warmth of his skin against my own I realised that these were the moments that would mean the most when the children were grown and had lives of their own. I want to remember how they jump up and dance at the end of every movie while the credits roll, how their laughter sounds when they are happy, how it feels to hold them while they sleep and how pleased they always are to see you when they wake up with tangled hair and sleepy faces. I want to hold onto the wonderful cooing noises that Jake now makes along with his beautiful big gummy smiles and the way my other children light up when they hold him.

Although as time passes, our memories of all we have done with our children may fade, what I hope we are left with when we look back, is a feeling of warmth born out of these simple uncomplicated moments. This, for me, is what makes being a parent so special.

One of the reasons I have a deep passion for documentary photography is that I am able to capture those moments on camera and relive them more vividly. It's remembering a look, a smile, an emotion all over again, that without the image in front of me, I may sadly have forgotten. For me, there is so much beauty in the simplicity of the every day if you look hard enough....

Last year I over ambitiously took on a project to take a photograph every day for a year. I called the project 'A year in our life' although it actually turned into 'Six months in our life..'!  I have decided to keep my camera within easy reach this year so that I can document another year in our life but perhaps without the high expectation of a daily account!

I know some of you may have seen some of these images but I thought I'd share with you anyway some from the project.

As I sat quietly in the stillness of our darkened room rocking my sleepy baby tonight, I allowed myself to take in the moment and appreciate it. It's hard to believe Jake is already two months old and as each week races by it made me think again how quickly life goes by and no doubt before I know it, he will have his first tooth, say his first words, take his first steps and beyond.

I then turned my thoughts to my two other children and how independent they are becoming even at the relatively tender ages of six and three and a half.  We have packed so much into their young little lives already including a few lovely holidays, endless birthday parties, play dates, pre-school, school, camping trips, countless days out to fun places, weekends away at friends, pub lunches, cafe treats and more dine outs than I could count.

As I sat holding Jake in my arms this evening, I reflected back and asked myself, if I had to look back over my children's lives so far, what would be my favourite memories of them? I tried hard to recall specific events, days out, a holiday or a particular birthday party but found it hard to really focus on any of these things. It was then that I turned my attention back to my now sleeping baby. As I listened to the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed and felt the warmth of his skin against my own I realised that these were the moments that would mean the most when the children were grown and had lives of their own. I want to remember how they jump up and dance at the end of every movie while the credits roll, how their laughter sounds when they are happy, how it feels to hold them while they sleep and how pleased they always are to see you when they wake up with tangled hair and sleepy faces. I want to hold onto the wonderful cooing noises that Jake now makes along with his beautiful big gummy smiles and the way my other children light up when they hold him.

Although as time passes, our memories of all we have done with our children may fade, what I hope we are left with when we look back, is a feeling of warmth born out of these simple uncomplicated moments. This, for me, is what makes being a parent so special.

One of the reasons I have a deep passion for documentary photography is that I am able to capture those moments on camera and relive them more vividly. It's remembering a look, a smile, an emotion all over again, that without the image in front of me, I may sadly have forgotten. For me, there is so much beauty in the simplicity of the every day if you look hard enough....

Last year I over ambitiously took on a project to take a photograph every day for a year. I called the project 'A year in our life' although it actually turned into 'Six months in our life..'!  I have decided to keep my camera within easy reach this year so that I can document another year in our life but perhaps without the high expectation of a daily account!

I know some of you may have seen some of these images but I thought I'd share with you anyway some from the project.

Cath Kidston free giveaway...now closed

One area of my blog that sorely reflects my lack of culinary genius is my recipes category. The good news is that I am soon to begin a collaboration with a fabulous friend who is a baking professional and together we will be bringing you a monthly slot on her delicious cakes and bakes! Watch this space...

In the meantime, do you have a favourite family recipe, one for the kids, a simple supper or perhaps a low fat feast up your sleeve that you'd like to feature on this blog? If so, I would love to hear from you with your own recipe ideas.

As a thank you for your efforts, I have decided to run a free giveaway for your chance to win this set of gorgeous Cath Kidston tea towels. Made of 100% cotton with a striking floral and stripe design they are sure to add a splash of sophistication to your kitchen.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

To enter this free giveaway all you have to do is is email me at: lollipopsandlittleones@gmail.com with your recipe ingredients and directions. 

I will be picking a winner at random on Monday 4th March. You must respond within 48 hours of being notified or another winner will be picked. I will then send them straight off to you. Unfortunately this giveaway is for UK residents only but you are still welcome to send your recipe suggestions in!

Thank you and good luck!

Thanks for sending in your recipes everyone! The winner of the tea towels has been notified.

One area of my blog that sorely reflects my lack of culinary genius is my recipes category. The good news is that I am soon to begin a collaboration with a fabulous friend who is a baking professional and together we will be bringing you a monthly slot on her delicious cakes and bakes! Watch this space...

In the meantime, do you have a favourite family recipe, one for the kids, a simple supper or perhaps a low fat feast up your sleeve that you'd like to feature on this blog? If so, I would love to hear from you with your own recipe ideas.

As a thank you for your efforts, I have decided to run a free giveaway for your chance to win this set of gorgeous Cath Kidston tea towels. Made of 100% cotton with a striking floral and stripe design they are sure to add a splash of sophistication to your kitchen.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

To enter this free giveaway all you have to do is is email me at: lollipopsandlittleones@gmail.com with your recipe ingredients and directions. 

I will be picking a winner at random on Monday 4th March. You must respond within 48 hours of being notified or another winner will be picked. I will then send them straight off to you. Unfortunately this giveaway is for UK residents only but you are still welcome to send your recipe suggestions in!

Thank you and good luck!

Thanks for sending in your recipes everyone! The winner of the tea towels has been notified.

Gorgeous nursing pillows and covers by Thrupenny Bits

I didn't think it was possible to fall in love with a nursing pillow until I came across the Thrupenny Bits website and their gorgeous range of stylish products. These pillows are just devine and stand out from the normal pillows available on the market due to their sumptuous fabrics and portability.

The tie handle enables you to tie the pillow around you which creates a snug non slip fit and means you can hold the baby at the ideal position enabling good latching and positioning.  It also makes this lightweight pillow extremely portable as means you can carry it like a bag or slip it over your buggy handle while you're out and about.

If you are a 'modest' breastfeeder when in public, I would also highly recommend the breastfeeding cover which you simply pop over your head when needed for feeding. This has been brilliant for me while out to dinner or for a coffee, particularly as I don't have a huge selection of breastfeeding tops and get self conscious if I have to yank my top up! You can buy the cover in a fabric which matches your pillow and due to the pillow's handy zip opening it also means you can fold and carry the cover around inside the pillowcase.

Shortlisted for a Mother and Baby Award and now winning gold at the LBP Awards, they work brilliantly for breastfeeding and are designed with the mothers needs and tastes in mind.

Once you're finished with the pillow for breastfeeding you can simply take out the cushion and use the outer case as a lovely bag - genius!

To find out more about these stunning pillows and covers click here: www.thrupennybits.co.uk

I didn't think it was possible to fall in love with a nursing pillow until I came across the Thrupenny Bits website and their gorgeous range of stylish products. These pillows are just devine and stand out from the normal pillows available on the market due to their sumptuous fabrics and portability.

The tie handle enables you to tie the pillow around you which creates a snug non slip fit and means you can hold the baby at the ideal position enabling good latching and positioning.  It also makes this lightweight pillow extremely portable as means you can carry it like a bag or slip it over your buggy handle while you're out and about.

If you are a 'modest' breastfeeder when in public, I would also highly recommend the breastfeeding cover which you simply pop over your head when needed for feeding. This has been brilliant for me while out to dinner or for a coffee, particularly as I don't have a huge selection of breastfeeding tops and get self conscious if I have to yank my top up! You can buy the cover in a fabric which matches your pillow and due to the pillow's handy zip opening it also means you can fold and carry the cover around inside the pillowcase.

Shortlisted for a Mother and Baby Award and now winning gold at the LBP Awards, they work brilliantly for breastfeeding and are designed with the mothers needs and tastes in mind.

Once you're finished with the pillow for breastfeeding you can simply take out the cushion and use the outer case as a lovely bag - genius!

To find out more about these stunning pillows and covers click here: www.thrupennybits.co.uk

Sling baby and the evolving role of a 3rd time mother

When Jake was born I decided to invest in a 'KangaWrap' which was being promoted on the postnatal ward at Pembury. Research has shown that 'babywearing' has many benefits, (particularly for pre-term babies) so I was keen to try one out and I'm so glad I did...

I was already feeling slightly daunted at the prospect of looking after my two young children and a newborn by myself. What would happen when my other children needed me for something but the baby was crying? How would I get them fed, bathed and to bed without it being stressful if the baby was awake and needed attention? What about when I simply needed to get things done around the house in the time I had while the children were at school and nursery but the baby wouldn't settle in his Moses basket? The questions would buzz around my head anxiously in the later stages of my pregnancy.

When I had my first born Joshua, I had the comparative luxury of being able to spend longer amounts of time rocking him back to sleep before laying him down in his moses basket as I didn't have to factor in the demands and time I needed to invest in two other children. When Grace came along I remember finding it very stressful in the early stages as she hated to be put down and would cry almost every time I did. This made life quite tough for a while until I introduced a dummy in desperation and on the advice of a health visitor who told me it would help keep me sane, which thankfully it did.

As babies go Jake is pretty good but I sometimes have trouble settling him in his moses basket in the day for any reasonable period of time. He is also quite a colicky baby and generally will not take a dummy despite numerous desperate attempts at trying him! This is where the sling has become my new best friend. I really wanted my experience with Jake as a young baby to be a happy and if possible stress free one where I still had the ability to get on with daily tasks at the same time as interacting with my baby. He is by no means strapped to me all day but when I've needed to multitask the sling has been a life saver.

Here are some of the considered benefits of babywearing:

Why Wear your Baby?

Babies who are carried cry less

Most babies love to be carried, and babies who spend a lot of time in a sling or carrier tend to cry less than those who don't. Many new parents can find it overwhelming when their baby demands constant contact and people often worry that they are 'spoiling them' or 'making a rod for their own back'. But a newborn baby is incapable of being manipulative. When they cry at being separated from you they are simply acting in accordance with their instincts for survival. 

 
All newborn animals exhibit a protest-despair response when separated from their primary caregivers. First they cry - to bring their mother back to them. Then if their cries are not heeded they stop crying, in order to conserve the energy needed for their survival. This whole process releases huge amounts of stress hormones into the baby's body.

If you use a sling around the house this can help you to be mobile and get things done while still meeting your baby's instinctive need for your touch. This is obviously a good thing for your baby, but is also great for you. A crying baby who can't settle is extremely stressful for the whole family.

As for spoiling them and building bad habits - as your baby grows and develops they will naturally want to separate and explore their environment. There is plenty of time for them to do this in confidence and security once the bond of trust has been established between you. Not many older babies want to be carried all day when they can be crawling!

It's good for your baby's development

Research shows that baby-wearing has many benefits for your baby's health and development. Keeping your baby close to you provides your baby with physical contact, security, stimulation and movement. All of these things provide your baby with the ideal conditions for development. Babies in a sling spend more time in the state known as 'quiet alertness' so they are awake but contented. This is the optimal state for learning for a newborn. 

 
As your baby gets older being carried in a sling keeps them closely involved in your life. They are close to your face so can observe your expressions, hear your voice clearly. They are also given more opportunities to interact with other people as they are up high and on the same level as other adults. 

It's good for your baby's health

Newborn or premature babies who are carried in a sling against their mother's body adapt to the environment outside the womb more quickly. The close contact helps to regulate their body temperature, heartbeat and respiration. 

 
Being held in an upright or semi-upright position can help some babies with wind or colic. If you carry your baby in a sling for a while after feeding it can help them to get any wind up and prevent any pain caused by it passing through their system.

Babywearing promotes bonding

Carrying your baby close to you helps them to recognize your unique smell and the sound of your voice. The close contact enables you to learn to recognise your baby's signals more quickly which helps you to be more responsive to their needs. Babywearing can also be a special way for fathers to bond with their newborn babies. As your baby cuddles up to his Dad in a sling he learns the different sound of his voice and the feel of his body.

Your baby is only going to need you in this way for such a short time. The changes in your child from birth to a year are quite remarkable. Carry your baby close while you can and make the early months calmer and more enjoyable for all of you!

Baby-wearing is healthy for you!

It can be challenging for new mothers to find time to exercise, but if you carry your baby around with you most of the day or go for a brisk walk with your baby in her sling, you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking and "weightlifting". A long walk in the sling is also an excellent way to help a tired but over-stimulated child fall asleep.  

My view

Personally, I cannot advocate babywearing enough. Jake is a very content baby and it has often been remarked by friends and strangers alike how incredibly 'good' he is and how easy a baby he seems. He has good periods of wakefulness where he is content to observe the environment around him but as often with all young babies is his calmest when held.  

I have on occasion left him out of necessity in his cot or on his mat and after a period of time he will get bored or unhappy and start to cry out.  The minute I put him in the sling however, he almost always stops crying and visibly relaxes and his breathing calms down - unless, of course, he is hungry! 

It means I have more time to get things done and also gives me more time to interact with Joshua and Grace while Jake sleeps happily cuddled up to my chest. 

There are lots of slings available on the market but the KangaWrap is a definite winner for me.  The fabric is soft and stretchy and can be worn like a top over your clothing and under your coat if you're out.  It looks a bit daunting when you first get it as just looks like a huge piece of material in a bag and I found it a little fiddly the first time I tried it but after a couple of practices I now find it incredibly easy to wear.

Most importantly, I have enjoyed the special bond this has given me with Jake as well as being a practical solution to coping with life with a new baby in an already very busy household!

For more information on the KangaWrap visit www.kangawrap.co.uk

When Jake was born I decided to invest in a 'KangaWrap' which was being promoted on the postnatal ward at Pembury. Research has shown that 'babywearing' has many benefits, (particularly for pre-term babies) so I was keen to try one out and I'm so glad I did...

I was already feeling slightly daunted at the prospect of looking after my two young children and a newborn by myself. What would happen when my other children needed me for something but the baby was crying? How would I get them fed, bathed and to bed without it being stressful if the baby was awake and needed attention? What about when I simply needed to get things done around the house in the time I had while the children were at school and nursery but the baby wouldn't settle in his Moses basket? The questions would buzz around my head anxiously in the later stages of my pregnancy.

When I had my first born Joshua, I had the comparative luxury of being able to spend longer amounts of time rocking him back to sleep before laying him down in his moses basket as I didn't have to factor in the demands and time I needed to invest in two other children. When Grace came along I remember finding it very stressful in the early stages as she hated to be put down and would cry almost every time I did. This made life quite tough for a while until I introduced a dummy in desperation and on the advice of a health visitor who told me it would help keep me sane, which thankfully it did.

As babies go Jake is pretty good but I sometimes have trouble settling him in his moses basket in the day for any reasonable period of time. He is also quite a colicky baby and generally will not take a dummy despite numerous desperate attempts at trying him! This is where the sling has become my new best friend. I really wanted my experience with Jake as a young baby to be a happy and if possible stress free one where I still had the ability to get on with daily tasks at the same time as interacting with my baby. He is by no means strapped to me all day but when I've needed to multitask the sling has been a life saver.

Here are some of the considered benefits of babywearing:

Why Wear your Baby?

Babies who are carried cry less

Most babies love to be carried, and babies who spend a lot of time in a sling or carrier tend to cry less than those who don't. Many new parents can find it overwhelming when their baby demands constant contact and people often worry that they are 'spoiling them' or 'making a rod for their own back'. But a newborn baby is incapable of being manipulative. When they cry at being separated from you they are simply acting in accordance with their instincts for survival. 

 
All newborn animals exhibit a protest-despair response when separated from their primary caregivers. First they cry - to bring their mother back to them. Then if their cries are not heeded they stop crying, in order to conserve the energy needed for their survival. This whole process releases huge amounts of stress hormones into the baby's body.

If you use a sling around the house this can help you to be mobile and get things done while still meeting your baby's instinctive need for your touch. This is obviously a good thing for your baby, but is also great for you. A crying baby who can't settle is extremely stressful for the whole family.

As for spoiling them and building bad habits - as your baby grows and develops they will naturally want to separate and explore their environment. There is plenty of time for them to do this in confidence and security once the bond of trust has been established between you. Not many older babies want to be carried all day when they can be crawling!

It's good for your baby's development

Research shows that baby-wearing has many benefits for your baby's health and development. Keeping your baby close to you provides your baby with physical contact, security, stimulation and movement. All of these things provide your baby with the ideal conditions for development. Babies in a sling spend more time in the state known as 'quiet alertness' so they are awake but contented. This is the optimal state for learning for a newborn. 

 
As your baby gets older being carried in a sling keeps them closely involved in your life. They are close to your face so can observe your expressions, hear your voice clearly. They are also given more opportunities to interact with other people as they are up high and on the same level as other adults. 

It's good for your baby's health

Newborn or premature babies who are carried in a sling against their mother's body adapt to the environment outside the womb more quickly. The close contact helps to regulate their body temperature, heartbeat and respiration. 

 
Being held in an upright or semi-upright position can help some babies with wind or colic. If you carry your baby in a sling for a while after feeding it can help them to get any wind up and prevent any pain caused by it passing through their system.

Babywearing promotes bonding

Carrying your baby close to you helps them to recognize your unique smell and the sound of your voice. The close contact enables you to learn to recognise your baby's signals more quickly which helps you to be more responsive to their needs. Babywearing can also be a special way for fathers to bond with their newborn babies. As your baby cuddles up to his Dad in a sling he learns the different sound of his voice and the feel of his body.

Your baby is only going to need you in this way for such a short time. The changes in your child from birth to a year are quite remarkable. Carry your baby close while you can and make the early months calmer and more enjoyable for all of you!

Baby-wearing is healthy for you!

It can be challenging for new mothers to find time to exercise, but if you carry your baby around with you most of the day or go for a brisk walk with your baby in her sling, you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking and "weightlifting". A long walk in the sling is also an excellent way to help a tired but over-stimulated child fall asleep.  

My view

Personally, I cannot advocate babywearing enough. Jake is a very content baby and it has often been remarked by friends and strangers alike how incredibly 'good' he is and how easy a baby he seems. He has good periods of wakefulness where he is content to observe the environment around him but as often with all young babies is his calmest when held.  

I have on occasion left him out of necessity in his cot or on his mat and after a period of time he will get bored or unhappy and start to cry out.  The minute I put him in the sling however, he almost always stops crying and visibly relaxes and his breathing calms down - unless, of course, he is hungry! 

It means I have more time to get things done and also gives me more time to interact with Joshua and Grace while Jake sleeps happily cuddled up to my chest. 

There are lots of slings available on the market but the KangaWrap is a definite winner for me.  The fabric is soft and stretchy and can be worn like a top over your clothing and under your coat if you're out.  It looks a bit daunting when you first get it as just looks like a huge piece of material in a bag and I found it a little fiddly the first time I tried it but after a couple of practices I now find it incredibly easy to wear.

Most importantly, I have enjoyed the special bond this has given me with Jake as well as being a practical solution to coping with life with a new baby in an already very busy household!

For more information on the KangaWrap visit www.kangawrap.co.uk

'Simply to Impress'...beautiful personalised photo cards and invitations you'll love!

Simply to Impress is an online company specialising in the production of personalised photo cards including birth announcements, wedding, thank you and Christmas cards and invitations to name a few.

Having seen their wide variety of beautiful design layouts I thought I would try them out for Jake's birth announcement / thank you cards.  On choosing the style of card I wanted from the appropriate category, I uploaded the images of Jake I wanted to use and arranged them accordingly in the easy to use template. I then added the text, selected the finish (I chose gloss) and completed my order. Simple!

I was really looking forward to receiving the cards but wasn't expecting the gorgeous packaging that came with the finished product. Simply to Impress are certainly true to their name and I truly was impressed! The package arrived promptly within 48 hours and as well as the stunning box that the cards came in, they had enclosed a beautiful personalised letter thanking me for my business and informing me that they had also included an addional card and envelope at no extra charge. The cards themselves were of high quality and I was extremely impressed by how they had turned out and by how great the images looked.

I will definitely be using them for future events such as Jake's Christening later this year and the good news is that their pricing is very competitive and easily rivals other online suppliers such as Photobox. When it comes to packaging though Simply to Impress wins hands down!

What Simply to Impress say:

"At Simply to Impress you'll find the widest selection of personalised photo cards and professionally designed products anywhere online. Contemporary, classic, retro, whimsical or simply adorable, our huge variety of high-concept, professionally-designed templates were created with you in mind. With affordable, multi-tiered pricing and regular, year-round special promotions, our high-style and deluxe quality custom photo cards and professionally designed products will work for any budget. We know that our stylish products, combined with your photographs and creativity, will not only impress friends and family but will remain treasured keepsakes for years to come!"

To try them out for yourself visit their website: www.simplytoimpress.co.uk or www.simplytoimpress.com if you live in the United States.

Simply to Impress is an online company specialising in the production of personalised photo cards including birth announcements, wedding, thank you and Christmas cards and invitations to name a few.

Having seen their wide variety of beautiful design layouts I thought I would try them out for Jake's birth announcement / thank you cards.  On choosing the style of card I wanted from the appropriate category, I uploaded the images of Jake I wanted to use and arranged them accordingly in the easy to use template. I then added the text, selected the finish (I chose gloss) and completed my order. Simple!

I was really looking forward to receiving the cards but wasn't expecting the gorgeous packaging that came with the finished product. Simply to Impress are certainly true to their name and I truly was impressed! The package arrived promptly within 48 hours and as well as the stunning box that the cards came in, they had enclosed a beautiful personalised letter thanking me for my business and informing me that they had also included an addional card and envelope at no extra charge. The cards themselves were of high quality and I was extremely impressed by how they had turned out and by how great the images looked.

I will definitely be using them for future events such as Jake's Christening later this year and the good news is that their pricing is very competitive and easily rivals other online suppliers such as Photobox. When it comes to packaging though Simply to Impress wins hands down!

What Simply to Impress say:

"At Simply to Impress you'll find the widest selection of personalised photo cards and professionally designed products anywhere online. Contemporary, classic, retro, whimsical or simply adorable, our huge variety of high-concept, professionally-designed templates were created with you in mind. With affordable, multi-tiered pricing and regular, year-round special promotions, our high-style and deluxe quality custom photo cards and professionally designed products will work for any budget. We know that our stylish products, combined with your photographs and creativity, will not only impress friends and family but will remain treasured keepsakes for years to come!"

To try them out for yourself visit their website: www.simplytoimpress.co.uk or www.simplytoimpress.com if you live in the United States.