Posts by jo

test

Graze Box

On December 13th 2008, I received my first one of these. Look at this healthy goodness!

2008 Graze Box

You got a lot in the box – and I had good reason to. I’d just found out I was pregnant, and I wanted healthy snacks. So I set up a subscription to my work. I was impressed they could post fresh fruit and vegetables – though eventually that became the reason I cancelled – sometimes a box due on a Friday wouldn’t arrive until the following Monday and it’d be mushy – THEN I developed diabetes while pregnant. Most of the snacks had things I wasn’t sure about GI wise, so I eventually cancelled my subscription.

I’m currently doing a SlimPod, and I know I’m a terrible snacker – so this week I restarted my Graze subscription. I was pleased to see it hadn’t changed too much – though the fresh fruit has gone – but there’s lots of yummy things in there which is good. The boxes are the smaller size (ie, not like above), but there’s more variety.

Here’s what I got today (excuse messy work desk stuff around it)

Graze box 2012

So it’s a little bit smaller, but actually I found the food to be better. The SlimPod seems to be working and I’m not thinking about chocolate as much (and when you’re doing as data heavy a job as I do, you dream of chocolate a lot when the spreadsheets all blur into one) – so we’ll see how we get on. So far I’m quietly confident that it’s a good move to have made! Also, huge bonus this time, I get a link to see exactly what I’m getting – look! (I know before you had to log on but it was possible) Also, dietary information is a lot clearer on each snack which is a huge help to me. I don’t have a lot of time to read up on things, so need information that’s easily available.

As with every Graze box, I get a code to pass on if you want a free box. Being the generous sort, here it is: Z35VR5LC – you just enter it at www.graze.com. For every friend I feed, I can get £1 off  my next box or donate £1 to the graze school of farming in Uganda.

We Love Books – Oliver Jeffers – The Hueys in The New Jumper

The Hueys in The New JumperThis book is excellent – but most of all it has a message in there – and all of a sudden we find ourselves hoping that the message in the book rubs off on H – as tomorrow she’ll be collecting her first pair of glasses. We’ve no idea how the other kids will react towards her at nursery – hopefully nobody will really notice, and quite possibly they may all want to be like her – which is where this book fits in.

The Hueys all look the same. They all wear the same things and you can’t really tell them apart. One day one Huey (Rupert) knits himself a jumper, and they all look at him oddly as he’s different, until eventually they all want a jumper too. That’s the simple message – which you could quite easily put into as similar a scenario as a first pair of glasses and being the only one who wears them.

The Hueys is really simply illustrated, but you know it’s an Oliver Jeffers book, he has a distinctive style!

Oliver Jeffers The Hueys in The New Jumper

The Hueys in The New Jumper is available in hardback, and also e-book read by Jarvis Cocker.

Oliver Jeffers has written and illustrated many fantastic books, including ‘Lost and Found’ and the follow-up ‘Up and Down’ – this is the first in a new series for him. The name is inspired by Oliver’s grandfather who could never remember the names of his grandchildren so called them all Huey, regardless of gender. Funnily enough, H’s grandad in Australia is also nicknamed Huey!

The Hueys in The New JumperWe were sent a copy of the book by HarperCollins to review. All opinions are our own.

We Love Books at Mum Friendly

Pecorama Gardens, Games and Trains – Beer

This is a super place. It was very toddler-friendly, very buggy-friendly and we lucked out with a sunny day. Pecorama is situated in Beer – and is well signposted too. Alas, we couldn’t find Beer Head which is somewhere close by, and going on the views from Pecorama is probably pretty ace too.

Pecorama has plenty of parking for free, and while it’s pricey to get in, under 4’s go free which is a good saving. We were given a voucher for discounted entry which covers us to the end of the year – and looks like it’s in partnership with some other local attractions, including the Seaton Tram (which looked fabulous but we didn’t have time) – so there may be deals to be had – check before you go just in case.

Beer isn’t too far from Lyme Regis, so you can find yourself right by the sea with The Cob (which still scares me) as well as this lovely line of beach huts.

Lyme Regis Beach Huts

There’s also lots of other lovely things we want to tell you about Lyme Regis – especially including Alice’s Bear Shop, which we will do soon.

So, Pecorama – you’ve got some really lovely things there – the Beer Heights Light Railway which is just the right size for adults and toddlers (downside – the tunnel gets a bit smokey, so be prepared with a hanky if you think you might cough!)

Pecorama Model Railway

They offer free face painting, and a man entertained us on stage (H wasn’t keen, she’s still a bit young though)

H face painted at Pecorama

There’s a huge play area complete with that nice soft concretey stuff so you don’t get too many bumps and bruises, and a train or two to play on,

Pecorama play area

as well as a really cool slide and an even cooler pirate ship (pirates are very much the in thing at the moment in our house)

Pecorama pirate ship

The outdoor cafe area near this play area doesn’t take cards, so make sure you’ve some cash! The large cafe does though, and has a really cool model train that runs around at the top – plus their cream teas are pretty good, though Shaun tells me that Dorset do different cream teas to Devon, apparently.

Pecorama view

 If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit. We really enjoyed it – there was plenty to keep H occupied, the grounds were lovely to wander round and we definitely could have spent longer there. We didn’t pick up any Teddy Mac books (though should have), that also happen to be beautifully illustrated by Rikey Austin, the lovely lady behind Alice’s Bear Shop!

Pecorama’s website is here
Find them on Facebook here
or Twitter here

Nando’s – Sutton

First off, we paid for our meal, no freebies of preferential treatment was had by us. It’s possible if there had been we may have had better service. Uh-ohhhh….

NandominosIt wasn’t bad – in fact there were some cool things – H got her first temporary tattoo which she quite liked, and a decent goody bag which meant I could teach her dominos (or rather, Nandominos) – although she got a bit bored. Fortunately for children under 3 (like H) there’s also some colouring in to keep them occupied – and plenty too. The back of each picture has another frame to draw things which kept her busy, anyway.

So, food options? Same old fare, although looking at it with toddler eyes, we went for the junior meal deal they do – around £5ish for a burger (choice of five, two veggie options) and one regular side (H chose mash). Not the most healthy of options, but a safe bet. I got a veggie pitta and chips, Shaun got a chicken and some chips. Tomorrow we’re eating lots of vegetables…

Nandos Child portionThey arrived, and while they were tasty, I was a bit surprised that the child portions were almost as big as mine – had we ordered H’s in a pitta our meals would have been identical – hers possibly with slightly more.

She’s not quite three yet, so takes her time eating – so while I’d finished first, Shaun ploughed through his animals and took quite a while, H slowly went through hers – with me taking half of her veggieburger in the end (I was hungry).

Our table was right under a speaker which didn’t help my tinnitus and lack of hearing very much, annoyingly – though we didn’t ask to be seated elsewhere which is our own fault.

Nando's Colouring inOnce H had finished, the final part of her meal deal included an ice lolly or some bottomless yoghurt. We opted for the lolly when paying for it (at the start), but when the time came they’d run out – so we went for the frozen yoghurt, only to be told that they’d also run out of that but were re-filling the machine. All good, but when you’ve a tired toddler getting slightly more cranky it’s not great. We were told they’d bring us the yoghurt (BIG mistake!) and when they did it was piled up high in the tub. Probably too high… we’d have only put a tiny bit in, as we know how slowly H eats – so a bonus point to them for finally delivering, even if it was too much.

Not to worry, we’ll go and get two more spoons and help her eat it – except they’d run out of spoons.

I did actually resort to sticking my fingers in the yoghurt at one point, if only to get home sooner (try taking some food from a toddler who is possessive about what she eats, it’s not easy, thank god for the distraction technique).

Anyway, we eventually left, the whole thing came in at a very reasonable £25, but I kind of wish there’d been better portion sizes for me vs H – and that we hadn’t had such a long wait. Also, I wish I’d asked to move tables, which was an issue when we first got in and it was quite full. Our table was clean (or rather, cleaned when they realised it was still mucky and we were being seated), and the food was good.

Don't mess with the toddlerWhat would we change if we go back? Rather than mash we’ll do a side salad. H didn’t want her beanburger in the end. If we do take the burger route it’ll be in a pitta bread as it’s easier to pick up when you’ve only got little hands. I’d probably order something I could share side-dish wise with H so she doesn’t spend too long on just one part – which would definitely be a salad as I felt we ordered quite stodgy things.

So yes, 6/10, could do better.

LolliBop Competition

LolliBop logoHave you read our writeup about LolliBop? We haven’t been, but we know lots of people who have and we’ve heard glowing reviews all the way.

Well, get this. We’ve a family pass to give away – a family pass being four tickets. The great thing about LolliBop is that the tickets are one price for all (unless you’re under 12 months) and you get so much to do while you’re there. The pass is valid for the Friday or the Sunday only – not the Saturday.

Travel is not included in the prize, and the prize is non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

So, how to enter? Why just follow me to the Rafflecopter entry – and make sure you read our writeup as we’ve some questions that need answering…. closes the 21st July 2012. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions

LolliBop is coming soon!

LolliBop logo

So many of my friends went to LolliBop last year – in fact one of the label heads at work took his children and showed me a video of the eldest doing a mini stage invasion when Rastamouse played (the bouncer at the side of the stage carefully made sure child went back into the crowd) – it’s a rocking festival of kid-ness and it’s coming again very soon.

Oh, and I’m going to miss it again this year. Sob! But look at what I’m missing – Dick and Dom! Zingzillas! The Gruffalo! Oh and of course H will miss these too, obviously… (she’s not quite old enough for Dick and Dom, though I get the feeling she’d love to shout ‘bogies’ at top volume, should she ever find out it exists)

In fact, given I’ve gone to festivals since I was thirteen – the chance to get to one which is designed for children of H’s age makes me more than a bit excited – having seen her face at Peppa Pig live and The Wiggles, it’s worth doing for the look of amazement as one of her favourites comes on stage.

LolliBop are in partnership with John Lewis, and the festival is billed as ‘The Big Bash for Little People’. It takes place at Regents Park on the 17th, 18th and 19th August 2012 and very soon we’ll have a family ticket (for 4) to give away here on Mum Friendly. Read on carefully for more information from the press release.. you will be getting tested.

The ‘LolliBop Live’ stage will play host to some of the hottest names in kids entertainment with musical performances from the likes of the ZingZilla’s, Jassa Aluwahlia (Art Attack) and The Mr Men & Little Miss Party Roadshow.  TV favourites Dick and Dom will also take to the stage to entertain crowds with their unique blend of music and games.

Shrek the Musical will also make a special appearance with a performance from the award-winning show (Sunday 19 only).

Global phenomenon Moshi Monsters will also be on site, bringing the UK’s first Moshi Monsters Mash Up Tournament to LolliBop.  Taking place each day, children are challenged to put their Mash Up skills to the test.  All players will also receive a free pack of Mash Up cards, so everyone can join in.  Fans are encouraged to bring their own collections with them, as there has never been a better chance to trade with other Moshi Card collectors.  Head over to the Moshi tent for lots of other fun and games including character appearances, monster quizzes and more!

In the Lollipaladium, see the story of The Gruffalo brought to life on the stage with plenty of audience interaction. CBeebies favourite, Mister Maker will be on hand to demonstrate his unique arts and crafts skills.  Mister Maker is a real life character who gets inspiration to make art from everything around him. Packed full of stimulating ideas, set in his own fantasy art world, prepare to expect the unexpected!

The brand new life-size Transformers Optimus Prime Truck will also be at the three-day event, giving fans the chance to get up and personal with this movie legend.

Other headline attractions include yoga sessions with Waybuloo, workshops by Horrible Histories, Roald Dahl Museum and Storytelling Centre, performances by 8ft Titan the Robot, an Alice In Wonderland tea party and a chance to meet ‘Tiny’, a 125 million years young dinosaur.

Pint sized guests (and grown ups) will notice a few more additions to the 2012 event.

The ‘LolliBop Kitchen‘ is an exciting new area, where LolliBoppers will have the chance to learn new skills from live demonstrations and interactive workshops, featuring popular blogger My Daddy Cooks.

A new ’Tween Town‘ area will feature a number of activities for older kids including street dance, hula-hooping, magic and beat-boxing workshops, plus an older arts and crafts tent and a brand new laser room!

Halfords will create a bespoke Bike City at LolliBop, which will include a Wacky Races obstacle course for under 5’s, where children can be the first to try out a brand new range of Balance and Apollo kids bikes. For older kids, highlights include a BMX stunt display and demo area.

Other new areas include: ‘LolliBop Animal Curiosities’, which features animals including a polar bear, a dinosaur and gorillas!  ‘The Disco Shed‘ which will have mini boppers (and parents!) dancing the day away and ‘The Village Green‘ – the perfect spot to chill out and enjoy some street theatre.

Lollibop 2012Back by popular demand, the Science Museum are preparing for a triumphant return to Regent’s Park with an expanded area and dedicated Science Zone.

For pre-schoolers, the ‘3ft &Under’ area is also back.  Confirmed activities include a mini disco, tiny play, little arts, baby ballet, yoga, teddy bears picnic and sing and sign.  There will be two boob and botty boudoirs this year, and covered buggy parks and lollishade areas are also being created.

Old favourites, including ‘LolliSports‘, ‘Imagination Stations‘, ‘Itsy Bitsy Strictly‘ and ‘The Enchanted Forest‘ will all also return for 2012.

And if that wasn’t enough, there are plenty of arts and craft activities, face painting and workshops, including circus skills.

A wide selection of food and drink stalls are on offer to provide a welcome rest.

All of the activities, stages and events are included in the entry ticket price, which starts at £22 per person (children under 12 months go free).  For more information, including a full programme of events, visit www.lollibopfestival.com

Seriously, with a lineup this good, and so many activities going on, it’s looking like Lollibop could be the place to take your child this summer. We are SO there next year…

We’ve been quiet, I’m sorry

We went on our first family holiday – I didn’t mention it (as there’s no reason to!), but that’s why things are quieter at the moment. However, we went to loads of places and I’ve loads of things to post about when I get a chance.

Our biggest surprise was on the journey home – National Trust members can go free to Stonehenge – which is a good thing as we’re in our third year of membership – although H wasn’t overly impressed with it and just wanted ice cream. Never mind… at least we wont be out of pocket!

One shop which has made a lasting impression is Alice’s Bear Shop in Lyme Regis – the owner Rikey Austin says they’re set to feature on a Channel 4 programme very soon. Their bears are cool, and even cooler than that, at the back of the shop is a Teddy Bears Hospital – I’ve not seen one of those for years! Please check them out – Rikey has written and illustrated some really lovely books (which we’ll go into later) which we bought in the shop – it had a real charm! (and I can’t wait for the programme – the lady in the shop claimed it’d be like The Osbournes…. !)

I stupidly didn’t take any photos.

Hornby Tea and Toy Party

In case you’d forgotten, the Olympics are coming soon to London (our high street has banners ready for the torch procession coming soon). There’s a ton of merchandise out there – and within that there’s some old classics who’ve made some lovely products available.

Hornby Tea PartyLast Saturday H and I headed to Hamleys for a Hornby Tea and Toy party, where we got to look at a lot of the Olympic 2012 range of toys and have a play. H had a chance to have a play with a Scalextric (she’s not quite got the co-ordination, but loved putting the cars back on the track), and wanted to climb up and play with the Olympic trains in the centre of the track (trains and railways are going down extremely well at the moment).

H watching the Scalextric

I have to say, I wasn’t a fan of our 2012 logo when I first saw it, but seeing this merchandise I’m finding that actually it works quite well – its subtler than I’d have thought it could be, and with the union jack, or just classic London things (buses, cabs, tube trains as well as a mini which we bought) they’re really nice.

H meets Wenlock

The tea party also included a visit from Wenlock our Olympics Mascot. H was initially a bit shy, but came out of her shell after a few minutes and seemed to constantly want to give him a hug! Luckily in our fab goody bags we got a Wenlock (and Mandeville, the paralympics mascot) keyring, so that kept her happy later on…

The one thing I missed and wish we’d seen was the Olympic die-cast figurines – they look pretty cool and a nice memento of the games (though quite expensive!).

Hornby have made some fabulous mementoes, and I’d definitely recommend having a look at their site – and now H has a memento of the Olympics that she’ll be playing with for a long time.

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom – a New Series is Coming!!

Ben and Holly's Little KingdomWe love Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom – it fits perfectly into our morning routine – the episodes are on Nick Jr at 7.15am which is just enough time to get H’s shoes on and her bag packed for nursery while we do all our grown up stuff in the background. Each episode is approximately ten minutes long.

Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom

Having said that, we found we were watching a lot of the same episodes – no major problem there, but we were looking forward to some new ones, and had heard a rumour something was imminent.

Well, the wait is no more – the new series starts on Nick Jr. on the 2nd July 2012 at 7.15am and repeated later that day at 5.30pm on Monday to Thursday.

Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom

We were sent a preview DVD, and while we’ve only seen two of the episodes so far, it has to be said that ‘Daisy & Poppy Go to Nursery’ is possibly the most surreal and hilarious episode yet! You can expect more of the usual – jelly floods (which goes without saying – but not from who you’d expect), magic that doesn’t quite do as it’s meant to, and all your favourite characters returning for more fun.

There’ll be 52 episodes, with the first 13 being shown from this date.

Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom returns to Nick Jr. 2nd July 2012 at 7.15am and 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday. I’ve just spotted a Ben & Holly stage show too, coming to loads of venues around the UK….

We Love Books – The Somethingosaur

The SomethingosaurThe Somethingosaur is a new book by Tony Mitton, which was released on the 6th June 2012.

It’s the story of an adorable little creature (The Somethingosaur) who hatches from his egg and finds he’s separated from his mummy, but actually he has no idea who his mummy is.

You know the story by now; it’s an old familiar tale; told in many ways – but what makes this great is the rhyming – it felt like the really good nice simple sentences structured not a million miles from a Julia Donaldson book – and was really enjoyable to read (and if you’ve a keen reader then it’s possible that by the second read they’ll already be finishing your sentences for you).

The pictures are lovely too – and make me want to make a Somethingosaur doll… it’d be too cute!

There’s a happy ending of course, it’s a lovely book which was a delight to read and look at. Tony Mitton (the author) and Russel Ayto (the illustrator) have done a marvellous job!

The Somethingosaur is a HarperCollins Children’s Book, available now with a rrp of £10.99, hardback only.

I received a copy to review, all opinions are mine.

DSC_0972-001-150x150