Spotty Bags

Yellow Spotty Bag £25

I'm sure many parents of toddlers and pre-schoolers will recognise the above image as Mr Tumble's spotty bag. For those that don't know, Mr Tumble is from 'Something Special' a CBeebies programme aimed at 4-7 year old special needs children, but is very popular with the pre-school crew too, my little boy included. 

Sarah, of Silver Birch Crafts, has created several versions of the famous spotty bag, which are a real hit with toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Yellow Spotty Messenger Rucksack £28.99

The rucksack version is perfect for little children who might struggle with a messenger style.

Personalised Yellow Spotty Gym Bag £19.99

You can even have your spotty bag personalised - perfect if you have siblings that would like a bag each, or if a nursery friend has one too.

Sarah also makes the spotty bags in alternative colours, including a lovely red. Her talents don't stop with spotty bags - go check out her website for more handmade items.

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Sexy and Romantic Make up tips

As promised, Joyce from Brides and Beauty, following on from sharing her three days to gorgeosness pamper programme for Valentine's Day, returns with some top tips for achieving a sexy and romantic make up look for Valentine's Day.

Whiskey Girl - Solid Perfume

Valentine’s day, and night, is a time for getting up close and personal with that special someone so it’s essential that you look, and feel your best. Beautiful soft skin, perfect nails, sultry eyes and glossy kissable lips, coupled with dabs of your favourite scent will ensure you’re irresistible for that dinner date or cosy night in.

Smoky and Sultry Eyes

Make sure you’re eyes are the focus so red lipstick is a no-no. Dark red lips look fabulous but are not kissable! Accentuate eyes with lashings of black mascara and soft, smoky eyeshadows. Experiment beforehand with kohl for an extra sultry look, and remember to keep a cotton bud in your purse to tidy up any smudges throughout the evening. Shaped eyebrows frame the face, so prepare them a few days before to avoid redness on the day. To achieve sexy cat’s eyes, apply black liquid liner above the eyelash line and drag it out, flicking it up slightly at the outside corner of the eye. Concentrate mascara on the outside eyelashes and build up the look with extra coats. Try applying some shimmery cream eye shadow just below the eyebrow on the outer corner of your eyes and add some individual false eyelashes for extra glamour.

'First Kiss' Mineral Lipstick

Compliment the look with soft pink blusher and natural but lovely lips. Apply lipstick a shade lighter than your lips and dab lipgloss on the centre of your bottom lip for extra dewy kissability.

Don’t forget to add just a hint of light fragrance to your wrists, neck and behind the ears.

Valentine’s night is a time for all over loveliness so don’t overlook your hands, feet and body. If you haven’t the budget for a professional manicure and pedicure do a DIY version at home. Add a hint of colour by trying out a shade nail varnish to your hands and toes which compliments the natural colour of your skin tone. You never know if your hand might be needed for a new piece of jewellery so make sure your hands are soft and perfectly manicured!

The cold winter nights and central heading can wreak havoc with your skin so don’t forget to exfoliate and moisturise every inch of your body. Use that special fragranced body moisturiser you’ve been saving up for special occasions and add a shimmering body cream to highlight your collar bones and cleavage if you’re wearing a sexy new top.

Most importantly be yourself on the night, relax and enjoy the evening and have a great Valentines Day… and night!

Joyce Connor is the owner of Brides and Beauty. You can also read further tips and beauty products reviews on her Skincare blog - there's a big giveaway coming up, so pop along and follow to be in with a chance. Joyce can also be found on twitter

The images used to illustrate this post are all available to purchase on Etsy - simply click the image to go to the item.

3 Day Pamper Programme

As Valentine's Day draws closer, I've invited Joyce from Brides and Beauty to share a few tips on how to look our best, with this three day programme (posted a little early so you can gather your beauty products together).

Getting ready for your Valentine’s night out is a time taking process. Think about the look you want to get. Sultry and sexy or demure!


This is how to achieve gorgeousness in just 3 days!

Day 1

Sugar Scrub from Olive & Rose

Run the bath, lie back and soak for 5 minutes to get the skin softened ready for exfoliation. Scoop or squeeze the exfoliator into your hand and massage into the skin starting with your legs and feet. Do one leg at a time concentrating on knees and heels and put it back into the water. Next do your arms concentrating on your elbows. Rinse off and carry on across your chest and down the other arm. Kneel in the water and do shoulders tummy and back. You can now lie back and relax for another 5 minutes. Add some candles and music if you want to soak for longer!

When you get out of the bath just pat skin dry and apply a body cream or lotion whilst the skin is still damp. You can also use luxurious warmed scented body oil for extra silkiness.

Day 2

Body hair removal is important too. You can shave, wax or use a depilatory cream to do this. Follow the instructions carefully. Do not apply scented products straight after hair removal so it’s best to do it at bedtime. The exfoliation will have lifted any trapped hairs making removal easier. You can also book into your local salon to get the waxing done professionally. Painted toenails look very sexy and can be done after you’ve done this. Red is a hot colour this season and very sexy on toes.

Day 3

Valentine Pamper Box from B Organic

Cleanse and exfoliate and use a masque to give skin a glowing plumpness. Leave the masque on for 10-15 minutes for maximum results. Rinse off and apply your favourite moisturiser. Pluck any stray eyebrow hairs to achieve a good shape or get it done professionally! Paint your fingernails and avoid doing any washing up without wearing gloves to make the manicure last longer.

Valentines Day


Now you’re ready to go out on that hot date or rekindle your love with the man in your life. Take your time to apply your make up and style your hair. Surprise him with a new fragrance and lip colour. Dress to impress and your ready to go!


Joyce Connor is the owner of Brides and Beauty.  You can also read further tips and beauty products reviews on her Skincare blog - there's a big giveaway coming up, so pop along and follow to be in with a chance. Joyce can also be found on twitter.

Come back later in the week for some top tips on achieving a sexy and romantic make up look for Valentine's Day.