Steam Cleaning with Karcher

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I have to be honest now and say that I don't do any of the hoovering or mopping here its all done by Daddy. Its always been done by Daddy and if I do whizz the hoover round it normally gets done again as I'm not very good at it. I miss out parts of the floor when I do mop so its just best leaving it to Daddy. I think he actually enjoys doing this part of the housework and when I told him we were receiving a lovely new Kärcher SC2.500C Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner With Continuous Steam Function, he seemed very happy. 

We already use a steam mop for our wooden floors downstairs so Daddy is used to cleaning using steam but he still read the manual first to make sure he knew everything there was to know about our new cleaner.

The Karcher was pretty much ready to use when he took it out the box. He just attached the wheels and adjusted the connections. It was really easy.

The water tank is shown above. Its really simple to unclip and fill. There is a maximum line so you don't overfill.

The hand tools were easy to slot together and shortly after opening he was ready to go.

Before you start I must stress that you have to hoover. This is a steam cleaner and does not vacuum so if you do not hoover you will find clumps of wet dust all over your floor. 

The Karcher comes with Terry cloths. These are attached to the end of the cleaner by using the clip fasteners. I have since washed these after use and they washed fine. I haven't yet looked if you can buy these separately but I am sure they will and even if they don't you could purchase something very similar - making sure its the right size. 

The Karcher needs to reach a certain heat before it begins to steam. There is a light that flashes to tell you that it has reached the correct temperature. This wasn't a problem when Daddy was steaming the floors as it heated quite quickly .

There is an adjustable steam control which can be used depending on the surface you are wanting to steam.


Daddy made his way through our living room and kitchen using the Karcher and he noticed straight away how powerful it was compared to our regular steam mop. If you haven't used a steam mop or cleaner before its important to remember that you clean from front to back not back to front like you would with a hoover. The main reasons for doing it this way is a) stopping you from standing in the wet and b) if it does pick up clumps of wet dust it is easier to wipe away.

Another point to remember is this is a steam cleaner so it will make things wet. If you are using this on tiles, mirrors or glass you will need to wipe them dry.

Last week Daddy decided to clean the oven which was a job long overdue. He got out the Karcher to see if it the steam would help make the job a little easier. He used a different tool that then did for the floor. This was more of a hand held tool so was easier to use on the oven. 

He fitted the cloth around and begin to steam to hopefully loosen the grease.

He still had to use a normal oven cleaner and give it a good scrub but the steam definitely helped as the grease (yuk) was just melting away from the oven.

After he finished cleaning the inside he decided to take off the cloth and steam the glass on the oven door. I am actually ashamed at just how dirty it looks in this photo. I honestly thought there would be no chance of removing this.

 After a couple of minutes Daddy shouted me over to have a look. I didn't want to because I knew that if the grime hadn't of come off I would have had to buy an new oven as I wouldn't cook in that. I honestly was shocked at just how clean it looked. He had purposely done half so I could see the difference. It only took him minutes because the steam was just eating through the grease and Daddy just had to wipe clean.

So glad at just how clean this looks. 

What We Liked.

The power of the steam cleaner. We noticed a massive difference to our regular steam mop. 

Our floor seemed to look cleaner for longer.

Easy to set up.

Easy to use. 

The variety of tools for different surfaces. 

Multi Purpose.

Compact.

What Could Improve 

More supply of cloths included.

The length of the cable from plug to cleaner. We had to change plug holes to clean our living room and kitchen.

Daddy is really looking forward to steam cleaning our bathroom over the next few weeks and I cannot wait to share our results. 

To find out more about The Karcher Steam Cleaner 2.500c you can visit the website HERE




*we were sent the Karcher Steam Cleaner 2.500c for review. All thoughts, opinions and photos above are our own*
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Project 365 Days 26-32

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 Here is our Project 365 for this week. Can't believe we are in February already.

26/365 - There are lots of bugs going round at the moment so Daddy steamed the house from top to bottom.

27/365 - Little J has been testing out Peppa Pig's - Grandpa Pig's Holiday Boat. Keep and eye out for our review.

28/365 - Big J enjoying a nice pre birthday meal with his Grandad

29/365 - Today is my Dad's birthday. We gave him his presents and ate some cake.

30/365 - Little J's new shoes and leg cast arrived at the hospital today so we went to collect them both. I know they don't look like the nicest pair of shoes but if it they fit around his toe and support his walking then thats all that matters.

31/365 - Today was a tidy the house day while big J went the cinema with his friends to see Big Hero 6

32/365 - We found some leftover snow today so little J decided to dive in it, head first. 






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My Upbeat #ProteinChallenge

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You may have seen my competition here to win some delicious Upbeat drinks as well as Upbeat Goodies. I mentioned that I have been trying Upbeat and also eating a protein diet during the last week. I was sent some yummy food and a recipe book to help me create some protein filled dishes. The booklet also had lots of information about protein which was great to read as I didn't really have a clue on how much protein  I should be having each day.
Your protein intake should be 1g for every kg of body weight but this will depend on how active you are. 
It was interesting to read how much protein was in certain foods for example half a tin of tuna had 16g and Upbeat has 20g per 250ml bottle.
When my delivery arrived I was really excited to get going on the challenge and planned out my meals for the next seven days.


I received lots of goodies including chicken fillets, fresh salmon, salmon steaks, turkey mince, eggs, feta cheese, bananas, cherry tomatoes, porridge oats and blueberries.
My porridge with mashed banana.

I have never been a fan of porridge really but I thought I would give it a go for the 7 days as I like to make sure I have breakfast. It was actually really tasty and I topped it with blueberries or mashed up banana.
Iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes with feta cheese

Before I started this challenge I had been eating lots of chicken and salad for my lunch so I tried to stick to a salad during the week but alternated between chicken, feta cheese and egg. I used fresh iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, sweetcorn, grated carrot, peppers and a light dressing.
Strawberry Upbeat

My mid afternoon snack was an Upbeat drink. I love the mango and passionfruit and also Strawberry and so does big J so I had to buy more during the week. Upbeat drinks are high in protein and just 149kcals. They have half the sugar content of most fruit smoothies and low in fat. I actually found these quite filling and like I have mentioned before I am not a fan of smoothies or yoghurt drinks but these are actually quite tasty.
Dinner time was easy as everything that was sent I was able to make in to a delicious main meal. I am not the best cook but I did the job and everything was yummy. 
My favourite of the week was tasty chicken noodles and was very easy to make.
Ingredients
2 tsp cornflour
2 tbsp fish or soy sauce
1 tbsp sugar
2 blocks of medium egg noodles
1 tbsp sunflower oil
1 large red pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4 spring onions, sliced
200g chicken
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp chilli powder
100g frozen peas
1/2 20g pack of basil or coriander, leaves roughly shredded
Mix the cornflour with the sauce and sugar, then gradually add 8tbsp of water until smooth. Cook the noodles in a pan of boiling water for 4 mins.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a wok, then stir fry the pepper, garlic and spring onions for about 3 mins. tip in the chicken, spices and peas, stir fry for a couple of seconds more then pour in the sauce and flour mix.
Stir until thickened, toss in the drained noodles and top with basil or coriander.
Serves 2 and is approx 604kcal per serving.
So after doing this for a week how do I feel? 

Well I have been less tired than usual. I am normally falling asleep during celebrity big brother but I managed to stay awake until the end of the evening show. 
I do feel less bloated. I have been drinking plenty of water during the week and I think this has really helped shift that bloated feeling.
I honestly did not feel like snacking at all. I was quite happy to enjoy my Upbeat drink mid afternoon. I didn't reach for the biscuit tin in the evening because my dinner really filled me up. Plus drinking the water really helps with my cravings.
 I got weighed on Friday exactly 1 week after my last weigh in and my weight was exactly the same. I am a little disappointed as I felt that I had ate healthier and combined with little bits of exercise I thought I might of shed a pound or two but I didn't. 
I have really enjoyed the #proteinchallenge and it has definitely made me consider my protein intake since I finished the 7 day challenge. The felt great, had more energy and i'm glad I did it.


*to help me take part in the #proteinchallenge I was sent a selection of groceries and Upbeat drinks. All thoughts, opinions and photos above are my own*
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Our January Monthly Review Round Up

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So January has come to an end and I am looking forward to February. I love February because its only a short month, the children have half term and its the month of love with Valentines Day on the 14th. 
I managed to read a book this month which I am shocked about really because over the last few months I just haven't had the time to do anything for myself really.
Jo Jo Moyes - Paris for one
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"I Want It And I Want It Now"

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Little J is approaching 22 months and although I know it's another 2 months yet till we hit the terrible twos, I'm starting to see a little sneak preview of what's to come. Recently he has wanted everything that everyone else has and when he doesn't get it he will cry or scream and it's hard not to give in but I have to be strong and start to teach him to share. 
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Nerf Wars

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I know we won't be the only ones that have spent many days and nights having our very own Nerf wars, in our living room. Nerf fights are just so much fun and we have played with Nerf for as long as I can remember. I don't think there has been one birthday or christmas were we haven't got a brand new Nerf gun, well maybe thats a fib because I can't imagine Father Christmas bringing a Nerf gun for big J's first Christmas.
So over the years we have built up quite the collection and we still use each and every one of them at some point during our fights. So last night we turned our living room into the battle arena and we set up bases for each of us. Now when I say each of us I mean Daddy, big J and myself. Now little J is very keen to join in and will be found wandering around with a unloaded blaster in his hand but he hasn't quite got the hang of it yet. He doesn't understand that we need to run and hide when there is a sponge bullet flying towards us, somehow though he manages to dodge the bullets with ease and seems to have a great time.
Big J somehow manages to swap his gun at least five times during a battle and will pause the game while he tries to pick up bullets that have flew around the living room. 
Last night I was using my new Nerf Rebelle that I had bought myself, its pink, purple and white and its just for girls, so all mine. I did cheat a little as I used little J's castle tent as my base so it was very easy to hide from the bullets but also sneaky enough to peek through the hole and shoot at my opponents. 
Usually we do have one casualty at some point in the game, someone will get hit in the face or worse the eye and that someone is usually me but somehow last night I was pain free and had lots of fun. 
I always say I am gonna count how many bullets we use per game because I am sure lots go missing throughout as we always finish with a lots less than we started, we usually find them behind the TV or other crazy places for weeks after.
Have you ever had your own Nerf battle?


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Justafit - The Perfect Sleepsuit For Little J

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When big J was little we had a terrible time getting clothes to fit him. It was fine if we bought separates but buying a tracksuit or pyjamas was a nightmare. He was always a larger size on top than he was on the bottoms. He had a longer top half and shorter legs. It really was hard because pyjamas in particular use to be so long we would end up having to roll them up around the waist and turn then up at the bottom too. Little J definitely takes after his big brother and its already becoming a problem when buying pyjamas. We recently have been trying out Justafit sleepsuit by Infasense and its perfect for our little monkey.
We have been trying out age 2-3 now little J is only 22 months but its a perfect fit up top. It buttons up the front and while he is sat playing it isn't popping open or gaping. Now the legs are a little long, as I said earlier he is only short from waist to toe. 
The Justafit sleep suit is perfect for little ones like my little J because no matter how long the legs are you can easily adjust the length by using the velcro straps. 
The velcro which is around the ankle is fastened to keep the sleepsuit legs in place. This reduces the risk of little J tripping over and it also shows me that there is still plenty of room for him to grow into it so he should get plenty of wear. 
There is also velcro around the wrist too which is perfect for little ones who find the sleeves of their clothes get in the way while playing and eating.
I love little J in sleepsuit's and he always looks very comfortable whilst sleeping, playing and walking around. 
The Justafit sleep suit comes in five colours and the sizes range from 6 months - 3 years. You can buy online by clicking HERE 




*we were sent a justafit sleep suit in return for a honest review. All thoughts, opinions and photos above are our own*
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Project 365 Days 19-25

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Welcome to this weeks Project 365. This week has flew over, its crazy that its Monday again already. It will soon be February. I have noticed its started to get lighter earlier in the mornings now, makes getting up for work and school that little bit easier.

19/365 - Little J received an new toy from his uncle Paul, his very own JCB and he loves it. Its got a horn on it too and he loves pressing it...all the time.

20/365 - Today we had a huge Nerf gun battle in our living room. Big J tried to his new Nerf Zombie Strike gun. Foam bullets flying everywhere but it was lots of fun.

21/365 - I've ate this pretty much every day this week. Chicken, lettuce, tomato, sweetcorn and sweet chilli sauce. I love it. Today I was feeling a littler hungry so I added some pasta to it.

22/365 - Today I got a lovely delivery from Tesco of lots of protein filled foods to help me with the #proteinchallenge I a taking part of thanks to Upbeat. Keep an eye out for how I get on.

23/365 - We got our new beds delivered today which I thought was exciting but big and little J were more excited about jumping and playing on the old mattresses. 

24/365 - A very cold day today but that didn't stop us wrapping up warm and heading of to New Brighton for a late afternoon stroll, a quick go on the arcades and to the pub for tea.

25/365 - No one can make little J smile like this except his big brother.




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Win Upbeat Goodies

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I am currently taking part in an #proteinchallenge and I have been drinking an Upbeat dairy protein drink every day aswell as eating a protein diet. Upbeat drinks are high in protein (20g), low in fat, just 149 kcals and have half the sugar of most fruit smoothies.
I have felt really good so far, eating lots of chicken, eggs and salmon. I have been drinking my Upbeat drink as a snack. i have tried Mango and Passionfruit and Strawberry and they both are very tasty.
You will be able to read all about my #proteinchallenge soon but for now if you would like to win lovely Upbeat goodies including some Upbeat drinks enter my competition below.
Win Upbeat Goodies

Good Luck
Terms and Conditions

Competition closes on Saturday 7th February at 12AM
Entrants must have a valid UK address
Bulk, third party or any other entries using automated software will be disqualified
All entrants and entries are checked and verified.
All entrants must follow the mandatory step and answer the question as a blog comment.
1 lucky winner will be chosen at random by the Gleam application.
Mummy2Monkeys will contact the lucky winner within 1 day of the competition closing
The winner must respond within 7 days.
If no response a new winner will be chosen.
The prize is Upbeat Goodies.
There is no cash alternative.
It will be the responsibility of the representative of the named company above to issue the prize.
The winner must consent to their name and details being passed on to the representative so their prize can be distributed.
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Three Things I Love About My Favourite City - NEW YORK

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I am the biggest fan of romantic comedies and growing up into my late teens I always pictured myself going to New York and finding true love just like they do in the movies.  Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan found love twice in New York, on top of the Empire State Building in Sleepless in Seattle and over the internet in You've Got Mail its just looks like the most amazing place in the world and it was my dream to go there one day
Accor Hotels are hosting a competition and they are have asked entrants to list the three things they love about my favourite city so I've entered mine and here it goes.
MY WEDDING DAY
Well I didn't find love in New York because I met Daddy here in Liverpool BUT he did give me the most amazing day ever when we married New York. Even though he is so scared of flying he overcame his fears to give me the wedding of my dreams.
FAO SCHWARZ
New York is home to biggest toy shop you will ever see FAO Schwarz and if you have seen the film BIG you will be excited to find that you can have a go on the floor keyboard just like Tom Hanks did in the movie.

THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
For me this is just the most romantic place on earth. I love going up the Empire State Building. The views are amazing (we are actually at the top of the Rockerfella Centre looking towards The Empire State) We went up on our wedding night and it was just magical.

So these are my favourite three things about New York. Do you have a favourite city? What are your favourite three things?
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Oops I've Become An Online Shopper

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I'm not sure how this has happened but somehow over the last few months I've become addicted to shopping online. It's not something I would say I have done much of really in the past, maybe a little around Christmas time but that's it really. 
I know it's because I have my iPad handy, it makes it that much easier. I can check sales online or click links in emails to shops websites. Is this a good thing though? I sometimes worry that one day we wouldn't even need to leave the house if we didn't want to because everything is so accessible and available on the World Wide Web.
I have to admit that last night I decided that I was too busy this week to go shopping so I spoke to Daddy and said I would do an online food shop. I sat in bed with a cup of tea in one hand and my iPad in the other and browsed the virtual supermarket aisles clicking and adding my weekly food shop to my virtual trolley.
I like to look for offers when in the supermarket which are usual at the end of the aisles so I was worried that my total bill would be greater than usual because I'm missing out on the offers. Well if you have done an online food shop you will know that for each section you can click special offers and it brings them all up for you. Perfect!
So I did my order and then I had a choice to have it delivered to my home or I could collect it free of charge from the supermarket. Well it was just £1 to have it delivered so the lazy bones that I am decided to have it brought to my door. 
This afternoon it arrived within the hour slot I was given and all bagged and brought to my door. The man made about 20 trips to and from the van with my bags. I thought how awful of me to have this poor fella carrying all my bags, I felt really lazy. I did ask him did he want a hand with it but he just smiled and said its okay. Once everything was inside and he had gone I was left with all this shopping in my living room and I couldn't help but think 'wouldn't it be great if they put it away for you too' doesn't that sound bad? Putting the shopping away is the worse thing ever because I always buy too much so it never fits in, I end up playing freezer Tetris. 
Luckily I hadn't bought to much this time, maybe because I wasn't tempted by things I had seen sitting on the shelf as I had done it online. 
I actually think I would order online again as sometimes it is a nightmare when you're food shopping with the kids, it takes so long but this was really easy. 
Have you shopped online before? Do you prefer it?


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Wrapping Up Warm with Vertbaudet

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There is something about January, February and March that makes me want to get up early, get dressed and head out for a walk. Most people would rather stay tucked up under their duvet in the winter months praying for Summer to come along but I have always enjoyed wrapping up warm and heading out for a winter walk. I have already planned some walks for us and I can't wait. Vertbaudet have a lovely collection of clothes that would be perfect for winter walk.
I have never shopped at Vertbaudet before although I have seen it advertised online many times but never had a look. I did however have a browsing session recently and the clothes are really nice.

I love the denim shirt under the jumper look in this photo. 

The Army Green Parka is perfect for a winter family day out. Big J used to have a coat this colour when he was younger and it made a change from the usual blue and black.

Again i love the colour of this Parka - Honey. Its so easy to stick to the same colour when buying clothes. I always come home with clothes for little J that I have bought and they are dark. Its nice to add a bit of colour to the wardrobe and I am always surprised how different he looks when he has reds or greens on.  

Little J will be trying out a lovely Parka and Hat and Scarf from this collection on our winter walks so keep an eye out for that coming soon but for now if you want to browse you can visit the website here - Vertbaudet
Do you enjoy heading out in the winter months for a winter walk? or do you prefer to hide under the duvet?
Image 1 - Scarf & Hat Set, olive-blue sky, £13; Denim Shirt, untreated, from £19; Sweater, off-white, from £17; Combat Trousers, charcoal, from £16 
Image 2 - Parka, army green, from £44; Hooded Cardigan, pebble grey, from £19, Jeans, stonewashed, from £16 
Image 3 - Chapka, charcoal, £11; Hoody, pebble grey, from £19; Combat Trousers, black, from £14; Parka, honey, from £44; Sweater, black, from £19
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