Month / March 2012

by jo

Easter On Nick Jr.

 

DE_Logo_1B_EA copy

We’re very much a Nick Jr. house here, thanks to their almost constant Peppa Pig repeats, and some Yo Gabba Gabba in the early hours (recorded, don’t worry, we’re not that bad!), and of course Dora The Explorer.

Easter is coming, and there’s some specially themed programmes coming up too – we’ve got Dora’s Easter Adventure – and Team Umizoomi have an Easter themed episode too.

We were sent a preview DVD, so having found the time in our busy schedule to sit and watch, all programmes get a huge thumbs up from H, a proper Dora addict these days, demanding we go to Car Boot Sales for Boots – and we’re not talking footwear any more (I think she thinks Boots The Monkey will be there).

Dora Easter - Copy[1]Dora’s Easter Adventure involves Dora and Boots rescuing eggs from the Hip-Hop-Bunny’s basket after Swiper swiped them (always a great excuse to shout “SWIPER NO SWIPING!”) – and what’s worse is it’s for their Easter Egg hunt. Oh, and the Hip-Hop-Bunny does have some slightly hip hop sounding songs too – as ever, it’s standard fab Dora stuff, the map of course makes an appearance and Swiper is just plain bad again!
Dora’s Easter Adventure is on Nick Jr Friday 30th March at 4.30pm.

 

Team Umizoomi have the Umi City Egg Hunt coming in April – they’re on a hunt for the extra special Rainbow Egg – it takes a tumble down a rabbit hole, so the tiny Team have to jump in after it – where they discover a world of rabbits – they’ve got to be quick as if they don’t get the rainbow egg, it’s set to be scrambled!

Keep an eye out for transmission dates for this.

by jo

Banstead Woods

Banstead Woods is just that – some woods with walkways. There’s no facilities, and I’d have thought not the most buggy-friendly of places – but we did see someone with a double Phil & Teds having a roam around – so maybe it’s down to the type of buggy (ie, good on hills).

The woods themselves are a place we’ll keep coming back to – there are glorious bluebells in the woods at the right time of year, and there are plenty of walks to wander around.

We could only find one car park on Holly Lane. It’s a lovely walk, you’ll spend at least an hour there. Throughout the woods are log dens – perfect for hunting for Gruffalo….

Banstead Woods is a fun place. There are no facilities so plan for toilets, food and drink before you leave. Parking is free and entry to the woods is also free.

I’d dress well with waterproofs and wellies for rainy days – even on dry days the walkways can get pretty boggy.

Banstead Woods

by jo

Win a Justin Fletcher ‘Hands Up’ album!

Hands-Up...The-Album-3D-300x260So if you’re a parent and you’re aware of Justin Fletcher (and if you are, and your child is under five, and you don’t, then is it possible you don’t own a tv?), you’re probably very much aware that he recently released an album, ‘Hands Up’. H’s favourite song this week is ‘Sailors Lament’ which is on repeat in her toddler head right now.

The album has a  TV ad! I asked if the videos on there were all full ones and we were going to see more Justin action, but alas, they’re just segments filmed especially for the ad – sigh.

To make up for that disappointment, we’ve got a copy of ‘Hands Up’ for you to win. It’s still in the Top 30 as I type, and selling really well – it’s an album your kids will love and you’ll find yourself singing along to even if you tried not to – and it’s not irritating in the process. A proper party record – in fact, I’m going to say (as I always do) that if I’d had this album back in September it’d have been perfect for H’s second birthday party.

Justin Fletcher Hands Up

Anyway, here’s your chance to win a copy. As with the last one I’ll make it easy, as we had over 300 entries which was fantastic!  The competition closes on the 23rd April 2012, so to keep it topical I think we’ll have a 23rd April themed question in there.

Don’t forget – you can join in the chat over at the Mum Friendly group, or just check for updates via the Mum Friendly page on Facebook.

A huge thankyou to Will at BMG for sending the CD for the giveaway.

 

 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

by jo

My Buggy Buddy Lock

We’ve had a My Buggy Buddy Lock for a while now – I was lucky enough to win one when Hippychick did a competition – and we’ve used it a lot.

The My Buggy BuddyDSC_0598-300x199 Lock came about as a way to lock your buggy – using a security code you assign yourself – but it can also double up as a bag clip.

This is also where we had our first problem – I forgot my code! After searching around the internet to see if there was a way to re-set the lock, I found a phone number for Paul from My Buggy Buddy – one of the owners. (actually, they’re both called Paul, and have proper jobs as well as making all these excellent things)

Ends up, this isn’t a problem at all – My Buggy Buddy has an amazing lifetime guarantee – and they’ll happily replace it for you!

As luck would have it, our lock was just a bit stiff, and after some careful pulling, it opened – but I thought with such an excellent guarantee it needed to be shared.

My Buggy Buddy costs just £8.99 and can be bought direct from their site.

Oh, and while I’m here, check out their buggy weights, bottle holder and buggy clip – they’re really good value too!

by jo

Bags We Love – Mia Tui

I thought I wasn’t a handbag kind of girl, I really did. However, I’m also not twenty five any more, and carting around a record bag for my daily needs Does Not Always Work.

I’ve been on the lookout for a new bag – the old Boots freebie one served it’s purpose up until H was toilet trained (touch wood…), so a new bag was needed – we didn’t need two (ie, one with my things and one with H’s) – but I hadn’t found a bag which fitted the bill…

Then there was The Baby Show. I went with Rachel, and let me tell you, Rachel is a lady of many bags – many many bags. She’s going to be the Mum Friendly official bag lady (argh, how else to word it!) and will be sharing what she knows very soon. She persuaded me I needed to have a good look at the Mia Tui ‘Grace’ bag – but also there was a fabulous deal to get an ‘Amelie’ bag for free with it.

You know what? It’s a handbag, but it’s right up my street. I like how it’s described as Mia Tui’s own messenger bag, and that’s what drew me to it – but then – ohh then – inside – the space! Now from the outside this bag looks like a regular one, but inside you’ve space for a bottle, you’ve space for wipes, I can fit a spare change of clothes for H in there, snacks – oh and some of my things too – and it’s perfect, completely and utterly perfect. Obviously I bought one there and then – and I’ve been using it since.

 

The Amelie bag is something altogether more great (oh my, the space), and something I’ll let Rachel write about when she gets a chance – but right now I wanted to share some Mia Tui love. I’ve signed up to the Mia Tui loyalty scheme – which means as a recommended friend of Mum Friendly, you’ll get a 10% discount from your first order.

Shall I gush a little more about the Grace bag? Well, as you may be aware we’re toilet training – and the bag comes with a set of charms on the side of it. Several times now I’ve gone to the loo with H, and she’s done that old favourite of trying to open the cubicle door when I’m doing my business – the charms are a fantastic distraction! So while it’s purpose was never meant to be that, it’s spared my dignity, and for that I love it even more.

There’s an elasticated strap inside – I’ve used it to fasten my purse in there (a Mia Tui one, of course!) so it’s always easy to get to – though you can use it for keys – anything like that really. You also get a changing mat and a clear PVC bag for baby bits. Oh, and there’s also a co-ordinating clutch for personal items. Seriously, it’s great – it’s got everything you’d want and even more – and given my history with back troubles, I can pack enough and it’s barely heavy on my back!

Oh, and did I mention, it’s waterproof inside and out?

Read about Charlotte and how she started the company – and what’s more the bags are made in good working conditions which Charlotte has overseen.

We love Mia Tui! Do I need to convince you more? Do I need to send Rachel your way?

by jo

We Love Fudgy Bear

Way back in February (which feels like a lifetime ago), we were lucky to get to a Teddy Bears Picnic at Foyles in Shepherds Bush, where H’s favourite bear Fudgy would be making an appearance.

Fudgy Bear was created by Sarah Marley, a mother of one, back in April 2011. There’s five different Fudgy Bear books available direct from Fudgy’s website, as well as a toy which – importantly – is suitable from birth.

What we love about Fudgy is that H picked up on him immediately – we bought the Counting With Fudgy book last year at The Baby Show which has helped H a lot with her overall counting skills. The pictures are all photographs taken and put together by Sarah – we love that Fudgy as a character meets real things and animals – it all helps with learning.

Little Fudgy Bear and HSo, off we went to Foyles – where there was a table set out with crayons and a Fudgy picture to colour in – H made herself at home and started scribbling – the opportunity came up for a photo with a big Fudgy, which made her incredibly excited by it all – and she ran over and threw herself at the poor bear. Little did I know this was a sign of things to come.

Very soon we were sitting in a circle and being read two of Fudgy’s books by Sarah, the kids were all loving it, the older ones calling out when Sarah asked them questions – the books work really well across all ages (and are targeted towards pre-school children).

THEN the big surprise – the huge great big Fudgy made an appearance. Cue several toddlers faces lighting up with pure delight – as Sarah read from the books again. Now, H is quite shy and reserved, and surprised us at Christmas when she went up to Santa like he was an old friend – and yet again she caught me out, the opportunity arose to have a photo with Fudgy, and off she went – never to let go. She really truly would not have let go, I think.

Hugging Fudgy H hugging Fudgy Bear Fudgy Bear Hug

fudgyend-300x200I think it’s fairly safe to say she loves Fudgy…! The picnic finished with all the kids present (or whichever could get close to Fudgy (I apologise for my daughter) having their photo taken with him.

We love that there’s a test in the back of the books to make sure you’ve understood what you’ve read – and writing with my old 1970’s head on, it reminds me of the end of Topsy & Tim books, where you’ll have similar, which is a great way to keep your child interested and keep them coming back to the books.

Read an interview with Sarah from last year – she’s a full-time lawyer and does Fudgy in her spare time!

Child psychologist Dr. Amanda Gummer is a big fan of Fudgy. She explains: “Reading the books with the bear helps children to engage with the character in the stories, fostering empathy and adding a sensory dimension to the visual and auditory activity of reading a book. Learning is more effective when a child feels calm and secure. If parents spend time reading, whilst the child cuddles the toy, the child will associate Fudgy with positive feelings of security, calmness, love and happiness. Cuddling Fudgy can recreate those feelings and help a child cope with challenges they face.”

You can buy Fudgy Bear and his books direct from the Fudgy site, or indeed from Waterstones or Foyles (plus some stores have the bears in stock too).

Fudgy Bear February

In addition to this, the Fudgy Bear Nursery Partnership launches on April 1st 2012, getting Fudgy books into your local nursery! (I’ve already let H’s nursery know, and hopefully things will progress)

Fudgy Bear on Twitter
Fudgy Bear’s Blog

Oh, and last but not least, over to the right are some comments from Fudgy’s new celebrity fans… you might recognise a short person who I can officially confirm is currently asleep and did eventually let Fudgy go….

Thank you to Liz and Katie at Weston Communications for this opportunity, H is STILL talking about it!

by jo

Nourish Radiance Moisturiser

Okay, so, a month or so ago there was a Fudgy Bear Teddy Bears Picnic at Foyles in West London (more to come on Fudgy very very soon), and us lucky mums got a goody bag at the end. Within said bag was a moisturiser – from the new Nourish range – some Nourish Balance.Nourish Balance

Anyone who knows me, knows I’m a sucker for any kind of beauty product (cast your cursor back to Christmas time when I subscribed to Glossybox, Boudoir Prive AND Carmine’s beauty boxes), and will always try it out in the quest to keep my (pretty good, even though I say it myself) skin looking youthful.

Firstly, I loved the packaging – nice and simple, but enough that it has a good identity – it’s the kind of packaging you’d spot if you were looking for it in a shop. Secondly, the moisturiser had a separate plastic lid, so your cream doesn’t leak out onto the lid – the amount of times a lid has come open and leaked all over my bag… so this was a big thumbs up too.

Relax Nourish Skin RangeSo then, the actual cream. I was using my Olay Moisturiser in the mornings, so used this one in the evenings. At first I was unsure – a cream that smelt of apple? But actually, it works. It’s a really lovely subtle scent, and a while later I’ve rubbed my skin and smelt it again (and ooh, it’s good) – I do tend to react to creams if there’s too much going on, so I’m pleased to report this went on lovely, and stayed on lovely with zero irritation on my skin.

I didn’t want to gush too much until I’d read up a bit more about Nourish, and it’s all good – despite it not saying anywhere on the website, I’ve had it confirmed they’re definitely not tested on animals which is a huge plus point. Each tub has a 24 month shelf life, so you’ve got lots which will last a long time as well.

Nourish was designed as a natural, anti-ageing skin care range that is perfect for core skin care needs (Nature) but also helps you optimise your skin around the life you lead (Nurture)

We know that our skin changes and elasticity declines over time. Skin is our first protection barrier. As we age it begins to fail and lose efficiency. Our modern lifestyle produces chemicals at a rate faster than our skin can accept. Skin damage is caused by inflammation from everyday exposure to environmental and physiological stresses. These cause the production of damaging free radicals.

The way our skin looks and ages is most influenced by two factors: skin type and lifestyle

Choose your Nourish daily routine based on your skin type (Nature) and then supplement it using additional products from the other ranges to fit your personal lifestyle influences (Nurture)

Nourish Protect RangeDry skin – Nourish Protect
Sensitive skin – Nourish Relax
Combination skin – Nourish Balance
Mature skin – Nourish Radiance

 

Nourish can be found here
and on Facebook over here

by jo

Innocent Smoothies and Fruit Tubes Grow Your Own Plant!

We love Innocent Smoothies here, they’re on offer with Ocado at the moment, so when Mr Ocado Man delivered our weekly shop this morning, we were mighty pleased with the special offer Innocent are doing – with every purchase of the Kids Smoothies and Fruit Tubes you get a pack of seeds to grow your own plantgardening!

Given our back yard last year was a mini allotment (well, as allotment as a back yard can be, anyway) with courgettes, potatoes, a sunflower, chillis, beans and more growing, this is something we’re liking the look of – especially as it’s geared towards younger people doing it themselves – even in just an Innocent carton. As H would say, “marbellous!”

So we have four packs of seeds to plant, and many cartons to be drunk. Stay tuned and we’ll post updates on how they’re getting on. For now you can admire H drinking her last smoothie from the previous pack, while admiring her sunflower seeds… let’s hope it’s better than last years (which was a good one, the previous year wasn’t so good, as a fox or squirrel ate it) and we’ll have occasional updates.

Innocent Smoothie SeedsThe seeds deal runs until April 2012, so you’ve a bit of time.

by jo

Be A Parent, Not A Pal

Joanne Mallon - Toddlers An Instruction ManualHave you bought the excellent ‘Toddlers: An Instruction Manual’ by Joanne Mallon yet? Do you really need another reason to buy it? It’s full of useful advice from parents, and isn’t just one perspective on dealing with a toddler; it’s many – and as I’ve said before, we’re already putting some of the suggestions into practice – and coming up with brilliant results. Even moreso, you know you’re not alone!

Joanne has kindly let us have another extract from the book – and we’ve opened comments below – let us know what you think, or come and post on our Facebook Group!

Be a parent, not a pal – why you are not your child’s best friend, and never will be.
I really despair when I hear parents referring to their child as their “best friend”. You are not their best friend, nor they yours, and if you honestly think that that’s the case, both of you need to get out more.

Why would a three year old want to be best friends with a 30-something woman? Why would a grown man get his friendship needs from a little kid? Your child needs a parent, not a best friend. They can go to nursery and make plenty of friends. But at home, they need a parent, and they need you for that.

You might think that you stepped into the parent role when you had your baby, but did you really? I think that we only fully step up to the parenting role once our children start challenging that role – when we have to be strong enough to say no to them, and set boundaries.

Many of us find it hard to discipline our children – it smacks too much of being the boring grown up, when we might not feel particularly grown up at any age. Also, this issue can cast a shadow back to our own childhoods, especially if our parents treated us in a way that we didn’t like. Shouting at children and smacking them was much more acceptable to previous generations than it is right now. We have to find new ways of doing things and forge our own path.

So however you choose to do things, you’re doing your child no favours if you choose to be a chum rather than what they need – a parent who can make the hard choices, say no when they need to and always provide a strong foundation of unwavering love. Friends come and go, but family is for life.

From: Toddlers: An Instruction Manual (c) Joanne Mallon 2011

You can buy the paperback here and the Kindle edition here. Thank you Joanne!