A Mummy and Me Portrait - a gorgeous gift for Mothers' Day

It's Mothers' Day on 3 April so I thought I'd highlight these Mummy & Me Portrait Sessions, which would make a perfect gift. I do appreciate that if you're reading this, you probably are the mummy, but in my experience it's best to sort out your own gift anyway. (I asked my 6-year-old if he was thinking of buying me a gift for Mothers' Day and he said no. But he was getting something for Grandma.)

The sessions include: session fee (the photographs will be taken in your home for your convenience), a private online gallery to view your photographs, and your favourite photograph in a 5 x 7" framed desk print. And if you're not ready to book just yet, you can also buy gift vouchers.

Any other nappy bag addicts out there?

I'm such a nappy-bag-aholic. I bought a good few when I had my first son and I've bought more with my second. Even so - and even though my boys are now too old for me to need a nappy bag - I'm still incredibly tempted by the amazing bags you can buy.

I think it's because they're such a great combination of practicality and smart looks.

The bag above is the OiOi Hobo Sack Changing Bag and I love the giraffe pattern. Find this bag and more at Nappy Valley.

Bikes, trikes and more at Nappy Valley

Yesterday the sun was shining and so we took our boys to the park. The older one wanted to go on his bike and so we retrieved it from the cupboard under the stairs, where it's been languishing for months. When the younger one saw it, he wanted to go on his bike too. But he's only two and hasn't got a bike yet. He wasn't impressed.

But then nor was the oldest when he realised that in all the time his bike's been shut away, he's completely outgrown it - unless he wants to hit himself in the face with his knees while riding.

Basically, we realised we need new bikes. Luckily there's a great selection of bikes, trikes and scooters on Nappy Valley. From wooden trikes to pink Barbie bikes, even a bike trailer for two. Perfect for enjoying the good weather!

Ready for the Royal Wedding?

To celebrate the 1977 Silver Jubilee, my sister and I went to a street party wearing white pleated skirts and white jumpers with red white and blue crowns around the bottom. The jumpers were knitted by my aunty, we both looked extremely cute, and that street party is one of my favourite childhood memories.

I don't know if we'll be going to any street parties to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, but if we were, I'd be tempted to buy this adorable Union Jack knit I've just spotted on Nappy Valley.

Introducing Big Blue Cuddle

Big Blue Cuddle is a wonderful shopping website - you shop as normal, but, on checkout, you can donate between 15% and 50% of the value of each sale to a children charity.

Customers discover new and original brands, buy great clothes and have the satisfaction of having helped raise funds for a good cause without spending anything extra (clothes are sold at the normal retail price).

Charities receive funds that can make a big difference and raise awareness about their projects and cause.

Furthermore when you buy a present on Big Blue Cuddle, for example for a newborn baby, you're effectively giving twice and the recipient will know which charity has benefited from that purchase as it will say on the back of the greeting card.Currently, everybody who signs up to the newsletter gets a 20% off voucher as a welcome gift. So what are you waiting for? Visit www.bigbluecuddle.com

Boden launches maternity range

I've always secretly - or maybe not so secretly - loved Boden, so I'm quite excited about the new Boden maternity range. And the clothes are (unsurprisingly) really pretty.

I love the Easy Crossover Tunic and the Everyday Tee.

And don't forget Boden's gorgeous children's range: mini Boden. And if you're quick, you might find some on Nappy Valley.

A bright invention: Buglights

The poor light conditions of dark evenings and early mornings make many mothers and child minders feel unsafe and unseen as they push their prams and buggies through the streets. BUGLIGHTS - small lights specifically designed for prams and buggies - have been created by a London-based mother, in conjunction with hi visibility specialists PROVIZ, in order to solve this problem.

BUGLIGHTS are a simple way to illuminate prams and buggies, ensuring that they are seen by passing cars, cyclists and other road users. These discreet, small LED lights are easy to attach and remove and are a quick, simple and cost-effective way to make prams and buggies stand out.

Isabel Langly-Smith, the creator of BUGLIGHTS, says, ‘When I was pushing children around the streets of London I felt vulnerable and exposed, especially when crossing the roads. I could not find any buggy lights anywhere so I came up with the idea of BUGLIGHTS. Lots of my friends who are mothers felt the same way and are already feeling safer having bought their BUGLIGHTS.’

Buy them from www.buglights.co.uk for £12.99 per pair. They are available in white, black, blue, red, yellow and green and are designed to fit all brands of prams and buggies.