Month / January 2013

by jo

Protecting your iPad – a Review

So, two weeks ago I bought myself an iPad Mini. We already have an iPad which was given to us by one of my very excellent friends, and we use it a lot – but as time progresses I’m finding Apple is moving so quickly that things are going out of date way too fast; horribly so. We had some games which wouldn’t load and some which crashed and actually, reviewing iPad Apps means you need something to try them on, so that’s how I justified the expense, but there was a problem.

I got it home and gazed at this new object of beauty – BUT – it needs a good protective cover. Something which if I take it out and about will protect it. My bag is a bit like a tardis, I find all kinds of things in there I don’t expect to – so I can’t guarantee anything is completely safe in there.

ipad cover

A day later, and I was approached by Mobile Fun to see if I’d like to try an iPad case out – talk about perfect timing! So I went with the SD Tabletwear as it looks like the kind of thing which would suit, doesn’t look too bulky and still does what I need it to. Oh, and there’s a little ledge where you can prop up the iPad too.

Being an organised company, they’ve even done a YouTube video which if you’re like me and don’t bother reading instructions, is pretty handy – so watch on…

So, what do I think? I really like it, it’s been in my bag several times and there’s been no issues. My iPad Mini is well protected and stays put, and there’s even a little hole where the lens is so you can keep taking photos – important if you’re like me and have to take photos of everything, ever. The hole was in the right place and so far I’ve not had any photos with a border, which is good! I used it to when we went into London last Wednesday for the Henry Hugglemonster drawing morning and got some great photos really quickly.

There’s also one other feature I really like – the iPad comes on when you open the case, and switches off when you close it. Just a teeny tiny little thing there, but I like it. Even better, it isn’t a bank-breaking price, coming in at £19.95.

I was sent a protective case for review, all opinions are my own.

by jo

I Am Going To Do A Day Without Technology

I saw this excellent post over at Eljae.com about Jae’s day without technology and pondered a while on it, could I do it? Maybe… Shaun then said I’d never in a billion years be able to so that was it, the challenge was set, I am going to prove him wrong.

I’ve nominated this Saturday as my day to do it – we’ve got H’s open day at nursery in the morning (hey, maybe we could, like, walk there? Then shop local with some cash afterwards – as cashpoints aren’t allowed – seeing as the Carshalton shops are facing a bit of a struggle) oh, and it won’t be too hard not to Instagram it all as my phone is so ancient I have to use my iPad or iPod anyway. Phew. This could mean I don’t get to watch Casualty on Saturday night and have to watch endless repeats of programmes about cars on the Discovery Channels, but I’ll suffer this pain for you, dear reader.

There are rules as set out by El; my only thought is whether I can use my Oyster card if we decide to go for a walk then get the bus home. Also, I normally place my weekly Ocado shop on a Saturday night; other than that? Well, there’s nothing that can’t wait. I think. I hope. No hairdryer! No kettle or toaster! (this means Shaun will have to make breakfast, oh well) Oh, and no using the washing machine either… this also means I won’t accidentally post on Facebook using his account which will please him (although to be fair, his phone is good at posting using his account without him realising anyway).

I can do this! Come back on Sunday or Monday and I’ll have my beautifully handwritten notes about how difficult my life is without technology (probably). If anything, my handwriting needs tidying up a bit, it’s been a while, plus my 2013 diary is empty.

So I have been tagged by Joanne and I’m going to do it! My stubborn Taurean nature has kicked in and I’m not going to be defeated! Plus I bought the Joy Division book by Peter Hook and I’ve almost finished my latest Kindle read. The timing couldn’t be better…. see you on the other side…

by jo

We Love Books – The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson

The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb

Oh boy. The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson makes me want to cry. It’s good – but it’s a proper lump in the throat kind of book. H loves it – she doesn’t quite get it yet, so it’s currently a magical book where she’ll try to spot the butterfly hairslide on each page, and where a little boy ‘isn’t very nice’.

The book starts with a child who makes paper dolls with her mother. The paper dolls have adventures with the child and a happy time – but then something bad happens. But, as with all good memories, they don’t go away, even if they don’t exist in a physical form any more, and are passed on through the years.

The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb

That’s the bit that gets me. Every time. As a parent who will one day have to explain about my dad dying before H was born, I think this is a good book to explain if something isn’t there any more the good memories are – which is why this gets me every time. On a simpler level, a child losing a loved toy would also get it at this level.

We borrowed this book from the library, and I suspect we’ll be owning our own copy very soon. I had no idea a book, especially one for children, could make me well up like this. Highly recommended!

The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson is also illustrated by Rebecca Cobb, published by MacMillan Books, ISBN 0-230-74108-9

We Love Books at Mum Friendly

by jo

Giveaway – Hotel Transylvania DVD and Book!

Hotel Transylvania DVD

Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up and no humans are allowed. One special weekend, Dracula (Adam Sandler) has invited all his best friends – Frankenstein and his wife, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, the Werewolf family, and more – to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis’s (Selena Gomez) 118th birthday.

For Dracula catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem but the party really starts when one ordinary guy stumbles into the hotel and changes everything!

To celebrate the release on Blu-ray™ 3D, Blu-ray™ and DVD on February 4th, we’re giving away a DVD plus The Art and Making of Hotel Transylvania book to one lucky winner.

Out now from Titan Books, The Art and Making of Hotel Transylvania features over 400 pieces of concept art, character sketches, storyboards and digital art, plus interviews with key filmmakers and crew. A spooky treat for the eyes! Visit www.titanbooks.com for more information.

Hotel Transylvania 3D Book

All you have to do for your chance to win is to leave a comment letting us know what you’d give Mavis as an 118th birthday present – come on, be creative, make us laugh!

If you’d like to win even more Hotel Transylvania goodies, check out the MONSTER ME Facebook competition – you could win a Micro Scooter for the kids by uploading a video of them doing monster impressions from the film, enter if you dare – and there’ll be a weekly chance to win a copy of the DVD.

This giveaway will finish on 12th February 2012 at 10pm – so you’ve two weeks. The winner will be picked using random.org. UK entries only please.

We’re going to a special screening of the film this coming weekend – so keep an eye out for our review…

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Congrats to Carole B who has won the DVD and Book – your name was picked at random – thank you to everyone who entered!

by jo

App Time – The Wheels On The Bus app

I am currently sitting down on the laptop, a lazy Saturday sort of moment, with H sat next to me on the iPad. She’s playing this game, and is playing ‘The Wheels On The Bus’ app on the keyboard on this section of the game. She’s absolutely hooked – really focused and playing along – for the first time ever. She’s doing it correctly, and isn’t getting frustrated.

Wheels on the Bus Main Screen

A bit of background – a while back we reviewed the ‘Four Little Speckled Frogs’ activity box on here – and the same people – Music For Kids have now made available the Wheels on the Bus app for the iPad with P2 Games – and it sits perfectly alongside the game. It’s all about teaching children about music – I don’t want to confidently declare she’ll be playing it on her own in a week, but she has recognition of the notes that make up the song – and being very sticker motivated, is delighted when she earns one as well. There’s something different about this game and I haven’t yet worked out what – it could be the slower tempo of the song, which allows her to play at a similar tempo, it could be it’s really nice and clear to join in with maybe. I know she loves earning stickers as each sticker does something, makes a noise, plays a song even.

Wheels on the Bus Play Along

There are several sections to the Wheels on the Bus app – you can paint some pictures (which she always enjoys), you can do the stickers, you can play the tunes (and make up your own with several different tones – our favourite was the last one – green maybe? It makes all kinds of great noises!) and you can put together jigsaws.

In fact, what I like about this game is that she’s learning – it’s one that I’ve been able to sit alongside her and help, but she’s got her head around quite quickly and done on her own.

Wheels on the Bus Sticker Scene

 

That’s why we’re loving this game – she’s got a real sense of pride when she’s played a tune she recognises – and I think that’s a fantastic achievement!

The Wheels on the Bus app comes from P2 Games Limited and is available on the App Store now and costs only £1.49.

We received a code to review, all opinions are our own

App Time at Mum Friendly

by jo

Weight Watchers Week 4 Challenge – A Day in the Life Of You

So, we have weekly challenges, and this one appeals. My entire life is based around routine – be that the alarm going off and having a few minutes to wake up, to getting out of the house by a certain time to catch the train, to making sure I’m on a good train home to have as much quality time as possible out of work. I pretty much know where I need to be and when, and we’ve kind of got our food routines sorted out too.

The key to this challenge is to make sure anyone starting out on Weight Watchers knows to think ahead, have some element of routine in your life and then to show how I do it and any challenges faced when eating out. I’m very much a creature of the do-it-and-see-what-happens kind; for example, I’ve been out and grabbed the first food I could  (finding out later on that it covered an entire days allowance was quite a shocker), though have also planned ahead and knowing we’ll be at a certain place and working out what I’d fancy from the menu (when they put them online) that’s a low(er) calorie option (hello Pizza Express).

If I was at work, then my daily routine would be something like this :

6.30 wake up
7.30 on the train to work, get to my final station by 7.53. If it’s good weather walk to the office which is at least a mile (and log the activity)
8.10 at work, eating my toast for breakfast (7-8 points), try to get up from my desk as much as possible through the morning (and usually fail)
11.00 mid-morning snack – usually a WW packet of crisps followed by a banana (2 points)
12.30 Sandwich time which is always a Sainsbury’s Be Good To Yourself Egg and Cress sandwich (7 points)
13.00 lunch time. If the weather is okay, then it’s a walk down the hill (and it’s an evil hill) and back again which takes around 15-20 minutes, which of course is logged as an activity
13.30 lunch time over, back to work
14.00 Vegetable sushi afternoon snack (4 points)
16.30 finish work for the day. Run for the bus (logged activity) and run when I’m off the bus to catch the….
16.38 train – if I’m really lucky I get this one though I have two others I can get close behind
17.00 nearly home
17.25 pick H up from nursery, walking from bus stop (or walking from station if there’s no bus due within five minutes – I have a handy phone app to check) (log activity)
17.30 home, start preparing food – or if I’ve been really organised some veg we’ve prepared from the night before for soup or a stew in the Soup Maker. While Basmati rice is quicker, wholegrain rice is less points but takes longer so I get that on the go as soon as I get in (as it takes around 25-30 minutes)
18.30 evening meal
20.00 H’s bedtime
the rest of the evening is ours! I generally don’t eat in the evening but might have a WeightWatchers chocolate biscuit if I really need something to eat (Shaun snacks on a ton of fruit instead and often does his Couch to 5k run at this point too).

I also log everything properly, though sometimes do it as I’m going along – it depends how busy I am in the day. I have 28 points to use in a day and very occasionally have a few left, but mostly use them up. I very rarely dip into my 49 points and have set the app to use my activity points first through the week (handy when I earn points after I’ve gone into the 49 points as it gives you them back!). I earn around 10 points extra a week which does need to be improved (pilates, swimming lessons with H, general walking, running for buses or trains). My hour-long pilates class earns me 5 points, the swimming lessons earned me 2 – though bear in mind they were H’s lessons so not proper swimming on my part so I know I could earn more.

So, what do I find helps me through the day? Generally having Weight Watchers foods to substitute (the crisps are good and always in stock at Poundland so don’t break the bank and I don’t feel like I’m missing out). Fruit is easy to eat through the day with minimal preparation beforehand and comes in at 0 points. I eat normal bread, though choose Sainsbury’s Be Good To Yourself sandwiches as my main lunch (and they’re only £1.05 so I don’t find myself wanting to do the Meal Deal). I don’t actually need any more food as I’m full after lunch, though eat a little bit extra if I’m going to pilates in the evening as don’t like to eat my evening meal before I go.

WW-friendly truffles

We made Weight Watchers-friendly truffles which came in around 1.3 or 1.4 per truffle – and I’m trying to get them even lower

I’ve found that having done Weight Watchers for this long I’m eating my usual foods once more, substituting bread products for WW-own ones (bagels, wraps, naan breads) apart from my breadmaker bread, and just controlling my portion size.

So really, this seems to be what works for me. Also, as I’m one of those people who likes to work with numbers, don’t be deceived by something being 1 point – put in 10 of them and you’ll find out the decimal place of what you’re eating – it might be 1.4 points, so have three and you jump up a point in total to 4.2 (rather than assuming you’re having 3 points-worth). Handy hint there if you’re aiming to eat within your limits!

I’ve been provided with six months of Weight Watchers membership, all opinions are my own

by jo

Crafty – Toilet Roll Butterflies

I’m posting this up on behalf of Heather – they look fabulous!Toilet Roll Butterflies

Here’s what to do!

We had some toilet rolls kicking around for a couple of weeks as M has been collecting them – she’s had a bit of a thing, and wanted to make Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus characters as we’d seen them on a tv programme before Christmas.

I googled around and adapted them with things we had around the house – like pipe cleaners and fluffy bobbles for antennae, then experimented with different patterned paper from the crafty drawer, and some glitter glue pens for decoration! 

M was really good with doing most of it with some help (like drawing the lines, glueing the paper on) – we ran out of plastic eyes (but they’d look really good too!) – but they’re really simple to do, I just stuck plenty of paper on the rolls – the wings are folded in half when they’re being cut to keep them symettrical, and away you go! Great fun!

Thanks Heather! I know what we’ll be doing this weekend…!

by jo

App Time and Giveaway – Little Red Wagon App

I love it when people in bands make music for kids and base it around more ‘traditional’ things – and even better when there are interactive elements to it – such as the Little Red Wagon app based on the song recorded by Cat Doorman.

Cat Doorman is Julianna Bright and various musicians who has recently released an album, ‘Cat Doorman Songbook’. The album features appearances from local Portland OR musicians Seth Lorinczi (Corin Tucker Band), Nick Reddel (The Golden Bears), Chris Funk (The Decemberists), Garth Klippert (Old Light), Ralf Youtz (Built to Spill/Halo Benders), Kate O’Brien-Clarke, Annalisa Tornfelt, Jenny Conlee-Drizos (The Decemberists), Cory Gray (Carcrashlander), Jennifer Harrison (Portland Brass Quintet), and Sara Lund (Corin Tucker Band).

littleredwagon2

One of the tracks on this album is the traditional folk song ‘Little Red Wagon’, which is where this Little Red Wagon app from Night & Day Studios comes in.

Little Red Wagon has hand painted illustrations from Julianna Bright – it’s simple and that’s what makes it enjoyable, plus ‘Little Red Wagon’ is a wonderfully catchy song – we’ve been singing it a lot. You start by choosing your instrument (H likes that part a lot and will play all three parts in a row) – guitar, piano or full band. There’s plenty of interactive parts to the game – touch the sun and it spins and changes its expression. Touch the cow, and it does a poo (this was one of our favourite bits, it makes H roar with laughter) – drop the food at the bakers and a bird swoops down to pick it up, drop an apple in the orchard and the mole has a magnet which picks it up, and so on.

littleredwagongarden

For older readers who are looking at learning songs and reading music, you get the song with notes along the bottom of the screen which I like!

The ending is cute, and one that pleased H a lot as well.

littleredwagonend

The drawings make this feel different too, it has a lovely homemade feel about it, I love Julianna’s voice (and I’ll be buying the album), it has a real warmth to it and the songs are easy to sing along to.

I have a giveaway! I have a code for the Little Red Wagon app – just leave a comment to this post. I also have a copy of the ‘Cat Doorman Songbook’ to give away – so please say if you have a preference (iPad App or CD).

Cat Doorman’s website is here
Cat Doorman on Facebook
Cat Doorman on Night & Day

App Time at Mum Friendlya Rafflecopter giveaway

by Karen

Attitude Eco-Kids – Shampoo and Conditioner

Attitude is an eco-responsible household products brand that produces many products from air purifiers to shower gel.

Attitude Eco Cleaner

The company’s body range prides itself on being Carcinogen (1,4-Dioxane or Ethylene Oxide) free. According to the blurb that the company sent with the product, Carcinogens are cancer causing ingredients that the UK and Europe, amongst other countries, have outlawed. However, as Attitude point out, this still doesn’t stop them being in most body care products around (I’m guessing much in the same way that products that don’t have nuts as an ingredient may still contain traces of nuts). I always find discovering new ‘nasty’ ingredients scary, especially when it comes to children’s products, this one is no different – it always makes me want to rush out and start obsessively checking all our bath products!

I was asked to test Attitudes’ hypoallergenic children’s 2 in 1 shampoo.The packaging for this product is attractive and fun and I believe that it would appeal to children. The shampoo has a lovely fruity smell to it, which we both liked very much. Jacob has very unruly hair however this shampoo did seem to go some way to taming it, which is no mean feat. This product is on sale in places such as Ocado. I think this is a wonderful product; the only sticking point for me is the price. At £7.90 for 355ml (in Ocado as of 22/01/2013) this is much more than I personally can afford on my budget, which is a shame because I’m definitely a fan. There are many more Attitude products for sale in this store. I’m very impressed by the wide range of this product and believe it’s definitely worth a look if you are very health/ ingredient conscious.

I was sent this for the purpose of review, all opinions are my own

by jo

Henry Hugglemonster is coming to Disney Junior!

Henry Hugglemonster's Family

Dear Peppa Pig,

H has loved you obsessively now for around two years, but I’m afraid you have a rival on the horizon. We still love you, but the good thing about love is that you can share it around many things and never run out.

Sorry, but I’m sure you’ll understand,

H’s Parents.

p.s. if your child is scared of monsters like H was, then this programme may well be one that helps turn it around – she’s giggling her head off right now at how funny the family are.

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Henry Hugglemonster

Henry Hugglemonster has just entered our lives – and he’s set to enter yours too. Henry is a five-year old middle child, well, monster really and is based on the book ‘I’m A Happy Hugglewug’ by Niamh Sharkey (published by Walker Books).

Niamh has been very closely involved with the production – and having watched the preview episodes it has lovely graphics, a really nice message, catchy songs and the kind of thing you could let your child watch and know they’ll find it funny (rather than being troubled about something) – plus – it’s all about family and togetherness and gets the message across really well.

Today in Central London we were invited to meet Niamh to learn more about Henry and his family – and we all got to draw a Henry (H’s work was good – she helped colour in mine) – as well as having the book read to us.

Niamh Sharkey and H

So, what do we know? Niamh wrote the book back in 2006, and worked on a short piece which Disney Junior loved and commissioned straight away with Brown Bag Films based in Dublin. Niamh is also Laureate na nÓg, Ireland’s laureate for children’s literature – in fact, H has been going on and on about a book ‘The Ravenous Beast’ which they read a lot at nursery, it ends up* Niamh writes and illustrates that as well (so I see another favourite author on the horizon here). One thing she mentioned today was how she likes bringing pictures into reading – especially at the age our kids are now, they can’t read – but they can identify pictures and a lot is about having a good visual behind your story.

Henry Hugglemonster is voiced by Brian Blessed (hurrah!), Brenda Blethyn and just announced earlier today, Geri Halliwell as well as others. Then there’s the songs – ohh they’re catchy – especially the theme (which refuses to leave my head).

Geri Halliwell Henry Hugglemonster

There’s a sneaky showing this Friday at 5.50pm on Disney Junior if you’re not sure what all the fuss is about – there’s 48 eleven minute episodes made, plus two longer ones for seasonal times – so quite soon Henry Hugglemonster will be everywhere! The show premieres on February 8th on Disney Junior at 5.50pm and is shown twice a week. Seriously, don’t miss it. You won’t thank me for the earworm, though you’ll be happy to hear your little one giggling along to it!

Disney Junior are over here
Niamh Sharkey’s site is here

* Henry is in fact reading it on one page, H spotted it!