182/366 - Summer Fete

Day 182/366
Roo's school fete today, she really enjoyed throwing wet sponges at her class teacher.  Poor Miss Allen...

Boo xxx

Little Dish, Little Shoes

Get toddling with Little Dish and their little shoes...

Last month I offered you the chance to win your very own pair of Little Dish toddling shoes.  Whilst not everyone could be a winner I hope that some of you headed off to Sainsbury's to purchase one of the limited edition packs.


Last week Roo received her pair, however as we her out we had to collect from our local postal depot.  Roo had a sneak peek whilst we were outside and she was so excited to try on her new shoes.  Nasty mummy insisted that she waited until we got home (Roo was not impressed!).


Once home they were out of the packaging fast as lightning, current shoes and socks whipped off and the fashion parade began.

Slip-on style

Or strapped

They have now become a firm favourite in her summer wardrobe, I think she would wear them everywhere she goes if I let her (not sure her school would be too impressed though as they are not black).


Don't forget to check out Sainsbury's Little Ones website to keep up to date with the latest news and offers available.

Boo xxx

Disclosure Policy: I am part of the Sainsbury's Bank Family Blogger Network.  I occasionally receive products or financial compensation in exchange for posts.

181/366 - Priddy Books Jubilee

Day 181/366
Priddy Books were running a competition over the Jubilee to showcase children's crafts and events that they had done to celebrate.  I tweeted a picture of Roo and her Jubilee crown and she was selected as one of the winners! Her prize arrived today...

Boo xxx

Everyone needs an Invisible Hand #BGSaveTime

Need to save time and money online? Let the Invisible Hand help you...

I am yet to find a person who does not need a helping hand saving time or money, especially when shopping online.  With this in mind I need to introduce you my helping hand, well actually it is my invisible hand.

Invisible Hand is a browser extension that searches the web whilst you are searching just one website.  For example, I'm searching Amazon for a Trunki Tote Bag, a little yellow banner appears at the top of the screen to notify me that I can purchase the same product but cheaper elsewhere.

Try it for yourselves, simply head over to Invisible Hand, download, head over to your website of choice and see if you can save yourself some money.

This is my entry is for the BritMums #BGSaveTime Linky, sponsored by British Gas

Boo xxx

179/366 - Summer sun

Day 179/366

Tigger enjoying the summer sun this afternoon.  Long may this sunshine last!

Boo xxx

178/366 - BeWILDerwood

Day 178/366
Roo had her school trip to BeWILDerwood today, she had a fab time.

Boo xxx

An exclusive look around Butlins' newest hotel

Summer holidays are something that we all look forward to - they are a chance to get away from the madness at home and they give us the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy time with our families.

Holidays give both children and their parents a chance to relax from the grind of everyday life, and research shows for kids, the best holiday is one in which they can simply spend time with their family and where everyone is happy and relaxed.

Butlins recognise this and has played a massive part in the history of our nation. For many of us as kids, summer was not complete without a trip to one of their seaside resorts where the iconic Redcoats would greet us at the gate, signally the start of an exciting and action packed holiday.

The resorts have come a long way since their beginnings in the 1930s and this summer the quintessentially British holiday company will open its newest hotel in Bognor Regis.

The Wave will stay true to all of the qualities that have made Butlins a household name for 75 years, but will also reflect the changing world we live in with all the mod-cons such as dedicated games room with Wii, PS3, DS or Band Hero games, a Kindle library and iPod docks in every room a big part of the new hotel.

Log on to our live interactive WebTV show where Angela Griffin will join Jae Hopkins from Butlins and mummy blogger Antonia Chitty at the opening of the Butlins Wave Hotel in Bognor Regis for a sneak preview of the nation’s newest and most exciting family holiday resort.

(image credit)

My question:

What new room feature do you think will make families lives easier or reduce stress?

Show Details:

Angela Griffin and mummy blogger Antonia Chitty join us live online at http://www.studiotalk.co.uk/show/join-angela-griffin-as-she-takes-an-exclusive-look-around-butlins-newest-hotel on

Monday 2nd July at 14:00

Click here to submit questions before the show http://www.studiotalk.co.uk/show/join-angela-griffin-as-she-takes-an-exclusive-look-around-butlins-newest-hotel

More Info:

Website: www.Butlins.com

Hashtag: #Butlinswave

Boo xxx

Disclosure Policy: I have received no products or financial compensation for this post, I am just sharing some fab information with you.

177/366 - Maths Monkey

Day 177/366

Each child in Roo's class at school gets the opportunity to take 'Maths Monkey' home for a few days.  He comes with his own bag containing maths essentials (i.e. dice, counters etc) and a workbook which the teacher sets each child a maths challenge.

Roo's challenge is to learn the o'clock times.

Boo xxx

WINNER: #VaselineUses Goodie Bag

After 1326 entries the winners are...

CONGRATULATIONS

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I have emailed you, please let me have your details and I will arrange for your goodie bag to be sent out to you.

Boo xxx

Choosing a car seat for your child

Guest post from:

Car seats are an essential purchase for any parent – not just for the safety of your child, but because it’s against the law for young children to travel without one.

Here’s some advice on choosing the right car seat, and some handy tips to make sure it’s fitted safely.

So what car seat should you go for?
There are a number of different types of car seat available, and which one you choose will largely depend on the age and weight of your child:

• Baby seats – Children up to around 13 kg (birth to 9-12 months). These should never be used in the front if there is a passenger airbag activated. They face backwards and are fitted by attaching the seat belt through specialised fittings. This can be different for every seat, so make sure to read the instructions carefully.

• Child car seats – children from 9-18 kg (9 months to 4 years). They have their own straps and face forward. They are usually fitted in the back seat of a car with a seat belt.

• Booster seats – children weighing from 15-25 kg and up to 135cm in height (aged 4-6 years). The idea of these is to elevate, so they can use an adult seat belt safely across both their chest and hips without it being uncomfortable.

• Booster cushions – children weighing 22-36 kg (aged 6-11 years). These are similar to booster seats in that they raise the child up enough so that they can use an adult seat belt safely.

Fitting a car seat
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly when fitting a car seat to ensure it is properly secured. No matter how good your car seat, it is no use at all if not properly fitted, and the same applies when strapping your child into the seat.

Fit the straps properly, so that they are not too loose, or too tight and uncomfortable. Check that the buckle is securely fastened.

This fitting process must happen every time you use the seat, as seat belts and straps have a habit of loosening when a child has been wriggling around in it. A tip is to keep a copy of the fitting instructions in your car.

So what do you need to remember?

Here are some crucial things to remember about the correct way to use your car seat:

• Babies and small children must use a car seat when travelling – it’s the law.
• You cannot allow children under 12 to travel by car unless they are strapped in and using a child car seat, booster seat or cushion, as appropriate.
• Children over the age of 12 (or taller than 135cm or 4ft 5in) must wear an adult seat-belt.
• Never place a rear-facing seat near an active front airbag.
• Never modify a child car seat.
• Always replace a car seat following an accident.
• Ensure your car seat is always properly fitted – if in doubt, double-check the manual.

Author Bio:
Sarah Leverton writes for Sainsbury’s Bank Money Matters blog on topics such as car insurance, child safety and affordable driving. She also writes for a variety of other publications, covering a wide range of topics from sailing to health and lifestyle.

Boo xxx

Disclosure Policy: I am part of the Sainsbury's Bank Family Blogger Network.  I occasionally receive products or financial compensation in exchange for posts.

176/366 - Pink fingered

Day 176/366
After a visit to our local garden centre today, we picked up a few gardening essentials... pink of course.

Boo xxx

175/366 - Katy Hill

Day 175/366
The gorgeous Katy Hill presented the awards at the #Britmumslive #BiBs last night, whilst looking around the Hub today I bumped into her and asked for a photo.  She is even more gorgeous in real life and so friendly.

Boo xxx

Easy Chic Cards - Guest Post

Hi everyone, it is Jen from The Mad House, A Thrifty Mum and Frugal and Fun

Easy Chic Cards


Materials
Yellow card
Feathers
Googly Eyes
Pinking shears
Craft foam or alternative coloured card for beaks
PVA

• Take a piece of card and fold in half.
• Using a side plate draw round half of the plate to make a semi-circle.
• Cut round the sides of the semi-circle with pinking shears.
• Add the feather, eyes and beaks with glue

Like this craft? Then my not register to follow us on Frugal and Fun. We are going to be releasing an e-book full of frugal ideas to keep you and your children happy over the summer holidays.

Do you love or loath the summer holidays? 

I am in the love camp, but I do remember the time when my boys were both smaller that I dreaded them and the thought of six weeks (or more) straight with them sent me in to a tailspin.

This year you need worry no more, as we have an e-book on the way out which will show you frugal and fun ways to get through the summer holiday.

It begins with a week of preparation activities to help you get ready for the weeks ahead. The e-book will contain a recipe, an indoor activity and an outdoor activity each day within themed weeks. These activities are suitable for 3-10 years olds.

Themes include:

• The Olympics
• The Great Outdoors
• Around the World
• Heroes and Heroines
• Home Sweet Home
• Colours

Saturday is Caption Day - 23/06/12 #SatCap

Captions please...

I'm linking up to the fabulous Mammasaurus‘ Saturday is Caption Day Meme

Boo xxx

174/366 - Sully

Day 174/366

First day at #Britmumslive, one of the stands in the Hub belonged to Disney.  They had a huge Sully there and of course I just had to have my photo taken with him.

For those of you that hadn't guessed where 'Boo' comes from, you do now!

Boo xxx

The road to #Britmumslive

My road to #britmumslive has not been a smooth one...

Sponsorship
In order to attend #Britmumslive you have two main options open to you, get sponsored or go it alone. For financial reasons I knew that I would need to be sponsored by a Brand in order to make my trip to The Brewery a reality. After pimping myself out here on my blog and frankly feeling kinda dirty for it I still hadn't managed to find a brand that would like me as their 'blogger on the ground'.

Fortunately the lovely people at Plum Baby decided that myself, my blog and more importantly my children (well Tigger at least) were just the blog/blogger for them. Gaining sponsorship has allowed to obviously attend #Britmumslive but more importantly it has given me an insight into a brand that I had previous used (both Tigger and I enjoy the oaty chomps bars, yum, yum).

Childcare
As any parent will tell you organising and arranging childcare is VERY stressful.

Originally when I had started planning my trip back in January Mr Boo was going to have this week off work so in turn would be home this weekend to be with Roo and Tigger. Unfortunately Mr Boo was made redundant at the end of March and those plans still looked hopeful as when he found a new job he could request those days off.

Last Monday he started a new job (yay!), however his new manager was a little flaky to say the least and wouldn't really give me an answer on whether he could in fact take today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday) off. Now anyone who knows me would tell you that I like things organised and planned ahead of time. Whilst I still had over a week to #Britmumslive I need to know if my plans/dreams of attending we're in fact still a reality. In the end Mr Boo texted me whilst I was at work on Thu to say that he was unable to get the two days off, my heart sank. I could have cried there and then but like a professional I waited until I got home and had a good old howl about the whole situation.

Now of course it wasn't Mr Boo's fault that his new boss wouldn't allow him the time off. I could see that he was upset for me and felt bad that he was unable to rectify the situation. Unfortunately I have a very, very limited support system when it comes to childcare. Partly why Tigger attends a day nursery as apposed to staying with relatives whilst I work. Anyway, I had already asked family members if they could help out but I knew that they wouldn't so wasn't too surprised when they said no. However, Mr Boo worked his magic and persuaded them to changed their plans and help out.

As it turned out Mr Boo had another job offer come through this week, which has enabled him to be at home with the kiddies. Hooray!

Travel
I had booked and collected my train ticket a number of weeks ago, however when packing all my bits and bobs I had a major panic that I had *misplaced* my train tickets. Argh!!!

After a manic phone call to The Trainline and being told that they can not re-issue tickets once they have been collected. So I would need to purchase new tickets and then send back the original tickets for a refund if and when I found them.

So another frantic search... Found them! *sigh of relief*

I still have a hundred and one things to do but it's getting late so best get some beauty sleep.

Boo xxx

Disclosure Policy: I have received financial sponsorship for Britmums Live!, this does not alter my views and opinions on their products.

173/366 - Mortar board and gown

Day 173/366
Today Roo received her Bronze Award from the Children's University today.

Boo xxx

Wonky legs

Following the conversation I had with a family member on Sunday about Tigger's walking I rang the GP practice on Monday morning to see if I could get an appointment with our family doctor. Unfortunately I couldn't get an appointment until next week! I enquired as to whether a certain other doctor was duty doctor today (knowing full well that they were!). the receptionist confirmed this and I asked to be booked in to see this doctor. When the receptionist asked about the nature of the problem (don't you just hate it when they ask this?), I explained it regarding his walking. 'Can this not wait until next week?' she replied. 'Sorry no I need to see someone today' I explained.

Later that day I took him in and explained to the duty doctor about my concerns. She examined him and found that his left leg appeared longer than the right. After contacting our local hospital to ask for advise on what would be the best course of action she decided to refer him to see an Orthopaedic consultant and hip/pelvis x-rays.


As I left the surgery I thought I'd better ring to book x-ray appointment now so that I could call into work on the way home to book the time off. Upon ringing the hospital I was informed that they had spaces available now and to make my over. As Mr Boo had the car I jumped on the next bus with Roo and Tigger. Roo always loves going the bus, I suppose it is a novelty for her.


Luckily there was only a ten minute wait for the x-rays and Tigger was really good whilst having them done.


Today an appointment came through for his consultant appointment for the 10th July. Speedy work from my GP practice as usual, I am really lucky to have fab doctors.


Obviously like any mum I have done some Internet research and I'm hopeful that it is nothing serious.

Boo xxx

The next nutritional advance?

It seems that every five minutes we are told different advice on what the next nutritional advance is when it comes to food.

The last big advance was Omega 3, encouraging people to eat more fish.  However, this is old news now, so...

What do you think will be the next nutritional advance?

Personally I think the next big 'push' should be Vitamin B12 as this aids in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous systems.  Not sure how this would be introduced into food products, however as it is a water-soluble vitamin I imagine it wouldn't be that difficult.

(image credit)

I'd love to know what you think!

Boo xxx

172/366 Just messing around

Day 172/366

Roo and I were messing about with the camera this evening, this was my favourite shot.

Boo xxx

Staying safe on family summer getaways

It’s that time of year again, summer is finally here and we are all getting excited to get into the spirit. Whether you are planning days out with the kids, or “stay-cations” with the little ones, your main job is to make sure that you all get there safely.


The British weather has been its usual unpredictable self already this year, with most areas of the nation facing heavy rain and even flooding and the forecast is for not much better in the weeks to come. That means the roads, which are likely to be packed over the next few weeks, will present even more of a risk for those of us getting set to head away on road trips or even day trips to the seaside.


But there are plenty of things you can do to ensure your safety and that of your family’s. From making sure your car is in good order before you take to the road by checking key things like your brakes and your tyres, to making sure you’re driving to the conditions once you’re out on the road by keeping good following distances, taking regular rest breaks and making sure you’ve got your route planned in advance to avoid stress amongst other things – with a plan of action you can make sure your as safe as you possible can be on the roads this summer.


To help you make a comprehensive driving checklist and with general advice on driving this summer, log on to  webTV show where motoring journalist Quentin Willson and Kate Rock from Goodyear give their top tips for safe family summer getaways.


My question:
I'd love to know what Quentin would suggest is essential to carry in your car as a summer car survival kit. In winter was know to carry a blanket, scraper etc but I have no idea for the summer.

Show Details:

Quentin Willson and Kate Rock join us live online at http://www.studiotalk.co.uk/show/summer-driving-master-class on

Thursday 21st June 2012 at 2pm

Click here to submit questions before the show http://www.studiotalk.co.uk/show/summer-driving-master-class

More Info:

Website: www.goodyear.co.uk

Boo xxx

Disclosure Policy: I have received no products or financial compensation for this post.  Just helping raise the awareness of car safety.

The Amazing Family Of... & Giveaway

What child doesn't dream that they are a superhero? They can imagine that their Dad has superhuman strength or Mum has super-sensitive hearing

Taken from Itsyourstory website:

In this action-packed personalised story your little hero lives a truly extraordinary adventure. Watch the family fly into action when they witness the Halloween robbers in action. Can Mum, Dad and their courageous child reallly save the day?

There are two versions available, single child or child + sibling.  The book is suitable for all the family, especially aimed at 3yr olds who are learning to read up to 8yr olds.  It can be personalised with the child appearing 10 times, their name and surname 6 times. Mum and Dad appear 5 times.  You can also add a special message/dedication to the front of the book.

Anything that encourages children to read is always highly rated by me.  As the story is about themselves and their family they are interested the story before they have even opened the book.

GIVEAWAY

I have four Amazing Family photo-personalised books up for grabs, to enter simply add your superhero family name to the Itsyourstory Facebook page then complete the Rafflecopter below...

There are daily entries available and will close on Friday 13th July 2012

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 More Info:

Boo xxx

Disclosure Policy: I have received a copy of this book as compensation for this post, my thoughts and words are my own unless quoted.

Loquax Competitions

ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions