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A trip to Paradise Wildlife Park

It’s not every weekend you get to visit a tiger, a monkey and Santa all in one go. The Schaefer family went on a trip to Paradise Wildlife Park recently in Hertfordshire and what a day trip out we had! Alice had her golden ticket in her hand as we entered a magical room full of activities. No waiting in lines with little impatient faces, we decorated baubles, gingerbread men (well, we ate marshmallows) and wrote a letter to Santa before we got called up by Santa’s helpers for our visit. 



Here is Alice’s first visit to see Santa, she was intrigued by the lights and by the man in red sitting next to the tree. She was quiet but such a good little girl, and seeing as she was on the nice list…


She got to choose her very own toy from Santa’s workshop! 


After a spot of lunch in the jungle cafe, we headed out to see what we could find. The Paradise Wildlife Park is a lovely size to venture round, not too big but plenty of things to see. Alice particularly loved the penguins and the meerkats! 





The park has an Australian outback section where we saw kangaroos and emus. 




We were able to get up close to so many animals like monkeys and even big cats too. 




A cosy cuddle with a polar bear! 

Thank you so much to the Paradise Wildlife Park for having us visit for the day, we have so many memories and will definitely be back for more!

Saharasplash x 

Feeling festive? Then you must check out my big fat Christmas gift guide 2018 for some mega gift inspiration 

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Ready for any occasion with Prestige Hampers

I just love this time of year. Not just because there are many holidays and events to look forward to, but we have many birthday celebrations in the family from September to December. This is such a busy season, and I’m always on the hunt for great gift ideas. I’ve got to be really prepared and organised, as we never let an occasion pass us by without some sort of party or family fun weekend. This post is all about being ready for any occasion with Prestige Hampers.

I’ve been a big fan of DIY hampers since I can remember. Hunting down all the perfect products to complete a hamper is so much fun. However, time constraints now apply as I am older and responsible for my own little one, so finding a bespoke hamper has to be quick and simple. Take this lovely example, aptly named ‘Simply Delicious’…

Hamper contains:
Founders Stone Shiraz 75cl
Founders Stone Pinot Grigio 75cl
Belgian Chocolate Mint Thins 125g
Sweet Chilli and Lime Yorkshire Crisps 100g
Mint Chocolate Cremes 150g
Minty Crisp Dark Chocolates 50g
Biscoffee Cappuccino Coffee Shortbread 160g
Belgian Fancy Truffles Cocoa Pieces 200g
English Afternon Tea 25s 50g
Monty Bojangles Pistachio Marooned Truffles 100g
After Dinner Coffee Pouch 56g
Cheesy Nibbles 175g
Mrs Bridges Ploughmans Chutney 230g

Naturally I had a very keen Alice wanting to inspect each and every gift to make sure it was up to scratch!

I simply love how so much thought has gone into creating this hamper- the green colour scheme is something I would definitely look for when choosing a perfect gift, also the mixture of sweet and savoury is a definite crowd pleaser.

This hamper is priced at under £100, and Prestige Hampers have gifts to suit every kind of budget. They also have gluten free and vegan hampers which I haven’t seen anywhere else before.

If you’re tight on time but still wanting a personal and excellent quality gift, you can be ready for any occasion with Prestige Hampers.

Alice approves

View the incredible range of Christmas hampers online!

Saharasplash x

Next up, head to my autumn vibes edit for a look at what’s new in my wardrobe this season.

PR Samples included, all thoughts and views my own

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Step out with confidence featuring Femme Luxe

It’s a hard truth to accept, but most of us just don’t make as much of an effort as we could do in the wardrobe department. It’s so easy to sling on your favourite tee and a pair of jeans, so why bother using extra brain cells in the morning to go with a different look. I’ll tell you why if you keep on reading! Step out with confidence featuring Femme Luxe.

Look 1: I’m casual but still made an effort

It’s so important we feel good in what we wear. Most of us get dressed within the first hour of getting out of bed, be it to go to work, head to the supermarket or just as a part of getting ready for the day. What we wear has a huge impact on not only our self esteem, but it also has an impact on those around you too. This outfit above is as easy as jeans+tee, it’s still two items of clothes… BUT the look and feel of this outfit is so much more. It’s ‘effortless style’ down to a tea.

Look 2: Just stepped off a music video

This outfit is one up from the first look. I’ve braved shiny golden heels and paired it with a khaki lounge set from Femme Luxe to create a look inspired by my gal RiRi. I felt so confident as soon as I put the heels on, so don’t be afraid to spice your look up by ditching the trainers every once in a while. Everyone walks differently in heels, it puts a spring in your step, or so I find. Whether you’re comfortable wearing a wedge, kitten heel or stiletto, definitely be brave and rock it whenever you can.

Look 3: I’m fabulous bitch

So that last shot is totally giving you Morticia Addams vibes right? I just loved shooting this look in the dark, knowing I was a full on rainbow in this low cut jumpsuit. I wanted to capture how nightlife confidence is just as important as your daytime confidence, but they can be entirely different to one another. This look is anything but subtle, so if you’re not afraid of grabbing a few eyes with a bold look, then go for it! You got this, girl.

Saharasplash x

Thanks for reading Step out with confidence featuring Femme Luxe. Go check out their confidence-approved collections and find your own sassy style!

Oh go on then one more blog post… check out some destinations with hidden gems next

PR samples included

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What we’ve discovered through Tots Play developmental play class

I’m sure you’ve all been keeping up to date with Alice’s progress on social media. Not only does she have her own Instagram page which gives you daily doses of baby spam, she also appears frequently on my on socials too. I think it’s really important to document her journey so she (and I) can look back on what she got up to and when. This post is all about what we’ve discovered through Tots Play developmental play class over the past six weeks, and what a difference it has made for Alice.

We were contacted to come and enjoy a taster session at our local play class with Carly at the Havers Community Centre. Tots Play classes are unique, multi-activity, developmental play classes held all over the country, so be sure to look up yours if you’re interested after reading this post!

There are different classes for all ages, and when we started Alice fell into the 8 weeks – crawling category: Discovery Tots. Discovery Tots is a weekly class for babies who love to learn using their whole body and all their senses! This includes baby yoga, movement and music, baby sign language, multi sensory play and wind down time. It’s a lot to take in for a baby in just one hour, but for them I’m sure the class feels like a lot longer.

We met with the other mums and dads in the group and easily joined in singing songs, learning new moves and trying some baby signs.

After our welcome and warm up, the next part of the the class was themed which is ideal for a baby’s sponge-like brain. There is always something new to explore, be it sensory toys, books and lots of different things to touch and hold.

Just look at this fabulous sensory tent filled with lights galore- Alice was mesmerised! 

New things we’ve discovered which Alice now loves:

  • Parachuting material up into the air and down onto her
  • Bubbles- we went out and bought a bubble machine after the first class

The big differences in Alice from week one to week six:

  • Alice is much more confident when interacting with other babies her age
  • Alice has come on leaps and bounds with her ability to move. She was only just about rolling over when we started, now she is on all fours and moving about (very shaky and falling lots though)
  • Alice can now recognise the sign for milk, and she is able to wave hello and goodbye thanks to Tots Play and Carly

Here are some shots from a more recent class- definitely more hair and so much stronger!

If you want to find your local Tots Play class, head over to the website here for more details.

We have just loved being a part of this group, and what we’ve discovered through Tots Play developmental play class is priceless for both myself and Alice. We’re so looking forward to our next session tomorrow! Look out for it on Alice’s insta story (@thealiceiris).

Saharasplash & Alice x

Find out what we got in the latest Aldi Specialbuy event! 

 

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Aldi Specialbuy Baby Event is back

Yes that’s right, the Aldi Specialbuy Baby Event is back, and this one’s even better than the last! Brand new additions such as the mamia baby carrier, fun new books and beautifully designed sleepsuits are ready and waiting for you. Bigger furniture items such as the cot bed and changing unit have already sold out online, and the eagerly anticipated ‘Accent rocking chair’ is set to be the hottest seller. Before you rush off to scope it all out, take a look at some of the things Alice and I are loving from this specialbuy event…

These are such beautiful cloths and available in a range of colours in sets of three. In the middle are some rather fun finger puppets. Notice the monkey is missing from this set as Alice has already claimed it and it wasn’t available at the time of photography ?

Muslins- 3pack (£2.99) and jungle finger puppets (£4.99)

Alice just adores any book with a big button to press for sounds. How strong is your sanity mums- 100 pushes or 1000???

Head, shoulders, knees and toes singalong book (£1.79)

Next up is a rather scrummy shampoo. If you’re already in danger of eating your child due to scrumminess, be warned as this makes their heads smell even more amazing.

Lacura strawberry shampoo (85p)

Below is one of the many adorable dinner set options. You could also go for shark, butterfly, monkey and giraffe!

Owl Dinner set (£5.99)

Now this next item (again in other styles) just takes the cake for awesome design and paracticality points. These are individual bumpers for your cot bars! Super clever and we got the lion bumper bar set as pictured below:

Lion cot bumper bar set 8 pack (£8.99)

I think we have ended up with an average of two and a half blankets in each room and car we own. This is useful as well as time saving- who wants to be running round trying to find a blanket when you’re already half an hour late leaving the house because duh, you have a baby!

Lily and Dan grey baby blanket (£3.99)

The sale has already started online and it’s heading in store for April 19th. There are hundreds of items available on the website and some are in store only so you’ll have to pop down to your local Aldi if you see something you just have to have!

Alice says ‘quick, head down to Aldi this week!’

Saharasplash x

Thanks for reading ‘Aldi Specialbuy Baby Event is back’, I hope you pick up some amazing deals and don’t forget to show me what you get!

PR samples included 

Here’s Paul’s latest post- husband takeover spring wardrobe wishlist 

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Alice’s first snowfall and Cari’s Closet

This week we have seen a huge amount of Christmas spirit with the big event right around the corner. One bottle of mulled wine gone, bank balance a little shorter due to inappropriate cheese purchases and of course all the snow! I am not a fan of snow normally, it means icy roads and slushy mess on the ground, but this week I got excited. I’m finding the love in the first good snowfall of the year all because of Alice. Here is a little bit about what happened during Alice’s first snowfall and Cari’s Closet.

Cari’s Closet is an Irish born brand with stores based in Malahide Co. Dublin, Cork City and Galway City. Its new website rivals all the best ones out there in my opinion. A recent discovery, but this is a place to be for fashionistas and for finding that all important New Year outfit.

I decided to get dressed for the occasion after peeking out the window to discover a blanket of fluffy white wonder. Alice was still asleep at this point, so I got myself all dressed and ready while she was sleeping. I pepared to brave the cold in a red poloneck from Zara and put on my matching faux fur gilet* from Cari’s Closet. I put Alice in her fluffiest snowsuit and we were ready!

She was so curious about the bright white snowfall, she found it hard to focus on just one spot. I kept her hood nice and high as the snow was still coming down. We just about managed to get a lovely photoshoot in before we took her back inside into the warmth.

Then it was time to do a few by myself!

red poloneck: Zara

faux fur gilet: Cari’s Closet

bag: Boohoo.com

skirt: H&M

boots: Nasty Gal

Thanks to daddy for all the amazing shots!

Saharasplash x

*PR Sample

Thanks for enjoining Alice’s first snowfall and Cari’s Closet. For more baby cuteness, check out my post all about Alice’s personalised cake from Bakerdays.

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