Posted by dulwichmum on Fri 30 December 2011
Name of product: PacaPod baby organisation system – Sequoia (Mink)
Price: £130
The blurb: “To some it’s an organization system for busy mums. For me it’s about liberation. If I’m organised, I’m happy
PacaPod is a unique baby changing bag using a 3-in-1 system, there is nothing else like it on the market. Your PacaPod is a bag you fall in love with, a baby changing bag and a baby cool bag all rolled into one. For parents with a head for organisation and a heart for fashion”
First impressions: OK, so a confession… this is not my first PacaPod bag. I already owned the Napier (which I adore), but when I was given the chance to review the Sequoia, I couldn’t resist! (I also have a very happy best friend who now has a pre-owned-but-in-very-good-condition Napier!)
The Sequoia is, I have to say, even better! It still has the fantastic pod system that I loved so much about the Napier, but has a few added touches that make it that bit more special. I prefer the shape – more like a handbag than a changing bag; the pods are secured in with clips instead of Velcro; and the pram straps can be attached to the metal rings, so they don’t pull on the lining of the bag (which was my one teeny tiny criticism of the Napier). Oh, and the cool bag doubles as a cute rucksack for your little one – I haven’t tried this yet, as my darling son has only just learned to walk, and would probably end up on his back beetle-style, but as soon as he’s bigger…
Ease of Use: This bag is all about ease of use! The pods make it so easy to find whatever I want, and are a perfect size – I can fit in enough nappies, food, a drink bottle, change of clothes and small toys for a whole day out, plus my essentials (wallet, keys, spare contact lenses, pen and a lippy – I’ve downscaled from the makeup bag I used to carry in my handbag – no time to reapply it anyway)
Pros: Keeps me completely organised. The Changing pod is perfect for taking out and nipping into even the smallest baby changing facility, while hubby guards the pram. Everything is easy to access one-handed; and the cool bag, with the addition of a half-size freezer block, keeps everything perfectly cold all day. The fixed strap is great for slinging over my shoulder or carrying on my arm, while the shoulder strap is better for hubby, or if I want to wear it satchel-style (better when trying to carry the baby and a load of other bags in from the car). The buggy-clips are fantastic, and make it possible to attach it to my Stokke buggy (most changing bags won’t)
Cons: Hubby feels the Sequoia is a bit less “gender-neutral” than the Napier, however, although he has his own “dad” changing bag, he still prefers the PacaPod, as it’s just so easy to fit everything in and find it all. (Maybe, if I’m in a generous mood, I’ll get him the Picos backpack version, which is more manly!)
My only other very slight negative is that the changing mat is quite small – fine until about 4 or 5 months, but my 13 month old hangs off the end. This is a very small quibble though, and to be honest, it’s nearly impossible to keep him on whatever change mat I use, as he’s such a fidget!
Value for money: I love nearly everything about this bag and think it is well worth the money. Yes, it is more expensive than other changing bags out there, but you get what you pay for. Having said that, I also think that my Napier was great, so for anyone who doesn’t want to go over the £100 mark for a changing bag, that is a fantastic alternative
Stockists: Available online at Pacapod.com and at stockists nationwide
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Posted by dulwichmum on Thu 29 December 2011
Name of product: HouseTrip.com – The smart choice for short stays!
Price: Average cost of a 2 bedroom flat is just £103 per night!
The blurb: I was delighted to be invited by HouseTrip.com to visit a European city – ‘living like a local’ with the most amazing itinerary ever! HouseTrip is the revolutionary short-term rental website, where you can find, book or list your holiday apartment easily and securely. It serves as an intermediary between hosts on the one hand and travelers on the other. Launched in January 2010, HouseTrip.com has had resounding success with about 20,000 persons using it to find short term rentals last year. 90% of traveler reviews so far have indicated having a positive experience
HouseTrip.com provides benefits for both travelers/guests and hosts. For guests, cost is probably the largest incentive. One can get an entire apartment for the same amount (or less) than they would spend on a modest hotel room
Staying in a rental provides a more authentic experience than staying in a hotel room. The guest gets to see and be a part of the day to day life of the locals. The third advantage is HouseTrip.com ensures the security of the guest’s money each step of the transaction – no need to fear falling prey to con men (clutches chest!)
I must admit that I was not too excited to hear that the city was Paris – which I have always found to be incredibly disappointing (dabs tear from eye)
First impressions: I have to admit that a quick getaway to the heart of Paris, after a chaotic week in the City is easy beyond belief when travelling by Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord. I had not anticipated how relaxing it would actually be to arrive in a stylish, characterful, cosy, well equipped apartment in Montparnasse, as opposed to a sterile, generic hotel room – our apartment was totally French, perfectly appointed and cosy beyond belief! We were just a couple of doors from the most amazing patisserie for croissants and breakfast! There was a hairdressers just a couple of doors in the other direction and in the morning, when we woke, I discovered that we were next to the most amazing food stalls that made Borough Market look like Lidl!
Ease of Use: We departed London St. Pancras via Eurostar for Paris Gare du Nord Station, hopped in a cab at Gare du Nord, and arrived in 10 minutes at our apartment. Our apartment was 30 seconds from the Metro! Everything was so very accessible
First thing on Saturday morning (when I say first thing, I mean after croissants from next door and Nespresso from the super machine in the apartment- clearly!), we met our group of esteemed journalists and bloggers at Edgar Quinet Metro (moments away from our apartment), and departed on a three-hour walking tour of the Saturday markets of the Left Bank. Apparently, the markets of Paris are best for the early-birds! We visited the luxury food shops of the famous Rue Cler along with some more ‘local’ shopping experiences. Our guide was a working high-end chef who described the basics about how Parisians shop, what they look for in their food and what shops are ‘secret finds’ in the area. We bought food to be used in the afternoon cooking class on the day. It was a morning of sheer joy!
Following our shopping trip, back at our apartment, in the super equipped kitchen, under the tutelage of our super amazing chef, Francois, we prepared lunch together!
Later that same evening, we enjoyed a wonderful French meal at L’Assiette (http://www.restaurant-lassiette.com/ ) – a local bistro renowned for its involvement in the haute cuisine trends of the 1980s. It’s now a firm local favourite with a typically Gallic flair. The restaurant is located at: 181 rue du Chateau. What an amazing time we had. I shall let the photographs speak for themselves!
Sunday and Monday was spent drinking coffee and browsing the super shops and galleries! What a complete treat!
Pros: I must admit that this shopping trip has led me to completely re-evaluate my family’s relationship with food. Despite the convenience, I have resolved to completely avoid the purchase of food via the web. We need to touch, select and smell. I want to eat more seasonal and local food
Our apartment had everything from a great quality hair dryer to a coffee machine and great coffee. What I enjoyed so much was the entire immersion in Parisian life. It was totally amazing
Cons: Our chef, despite claiming all manner of super fabulous culinary distinctions, refused to allow me to have cream with my tarte tatin (inhales deeply). The customer is always right sweetie!
Value for money: Clearly the accommodation is incredibly reasonable and this leaves you free to spend your cash on a guide or super city experience!
Stockists: HouseTrip.com
Key facts are as follows:
a) Over 55,000 properties with 1,000 added every week
b) 2,000 properties available in Paris
c) They are actively looking for even more properties – so if you have a spare holiday flat or leave your own home for period of time then list with them free of charge
d) Ideal for families looking for more space, people who want to cook in their homes and people who want to live like a local
e) Average price is £105/night
f) Fully-staffed customer care team able to speak 14 languages
g) Security – your money is safe with HouseTrip.com as they don’t pay hosts until 2 days into your trip – any problems and the host doesn’t get paid
h) Ease and convenience – it’s possible to book and confirm your flat in as little as six clicks
For the tour and cookery lession with Francois, the tour provider was Mans Touch. Each tour is bespoke so there isn’t a set cost, but the booking details can be found on that website.
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PacaPod baby changing bag (“Baby Organisation System”) Sequoia – in mink)
(5 votes, average: 3.4 out of 5)
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