by jo

Aladdin at the Secombe Theatre, Sutton

I love panto season, and for a long time now I’ve been desperate to take H to one. She has been to productions at school, but I fear those are watered down versions suitable for younger audiences – all fine, but we need proper pantomimes in our lives! Polka Dot Pantomimes have brought their production of Aladdin to the Secombe Theatre in Sutton, and today we went to see it.

Aladdin at the Secombe Theatre

Aladdin is a good safe pantomime to produce. The story works well and the more audience participation you can work into it the better. H had been excited all week, wondering how the genie would get out of the lamp – and it didn’t disappoint.

We made our way to the Secombe Theatre, our biggest local theatre in the Borough of Sutton, which has been under threat of closure (as has the Charles Cryer Theatre in Carshalton) – and what struck me was how the theatre *should* have had more people in there – where are people going? Why aren’t people making the trip? Especially when it’s an excellent production at a really reasonable price. Don’t get me wrong, the theatre wasn’t empty, but it wasn’t full either.

Aladdin was loads of fun. I’m a fairly harsh critic when it comes to pantomimes – being from York I spent almost every December in my childhood (and teenage, and later years) going to the York Panto – a long-term production by Berwick Kaler. You need a good dame and villain, slapstick, lots of audience participation, the old catchphrases and of course topically re-worded songs from current pop hits even indie snobs like me will have heard of as well as the obligatory singsong at the end. Aladdin had all these – and the cast did a marvellous job! Berwick Kaler has been on the BBC this week talking about the hard work behind a panto dame, and I’d agree – they carry the show.

Aladdin Secombe

H didn’t take long to warm up, once she got her head around shouting at the stage a lot (or booing) she was in her element. Behind us was Rosie and Boo who were having a brilliant time as well. Big brownie points go to Aladdin and Princess Jasmine singing ‘Love is an Open Door’ from Frozen, which H was beaming through – no lyric changes needed. In the second half the flying carpet sequence was nice and simple but had her captivated.

The baddie was a GREAT baddie – he played the part perfectly. There was the obligatory water fight (water pistols squirting us, the audience – hilarious!), plenty of ‘IT’S BEHIND YOU!’s and just everything that makes a proper old school panto feel right. Oh and of course, asking the audience for their opinion and having several under tens tell you exactly what you should do, just for the cast to completely ignore it and do the opposite (well, it wouldn’t be a panto if you didn’t)!

aladdin magic wand

The humour worked on both levels – not too confusing for the kids, plenty of gags about Sutton, Cheam and Morden, and plenty of laughs for five year olds too. Merch-wise, programmes were £2.50 and the sparkly light options were £4 each – not too bad at all, and H loves hers!

Widow Twankey was excellent – as were Wishy Washy and the Genie. In fact, everyone was great. I have no complaints, and found it was a fine production. The final word goes to H though – “it was AMAZING!!”

I just hope the Secombe Theatre stays open so that productions like this can continue for future generations to enjoy.

Polka Dot Pantomimes have many productions up and down the country – check them out!

We were provided with free tickets for this performance. All opinions are my own. OH yes they are.

by jo

A Healthy Me – December

This month has been pretty rubbish, health-wise. I’m at the end of a six-week cold which has been pretty horrendous – pulled muscles, pulled back and twisted pelvis are three of the things which came with it; it hasn’t been much fun. Plus – it never seems to actually go away. Oh, and I lost my sense of smell and taste for three weeks too.

The worst thing has been my back. A violent cough knocked it out – I went to my old Osteopath to get clicked back into place so I could move again, which worked, but the coughing just meant I pulled muscles in my abdomen instead or just felt like my internal organs were popping out of my ribs – it was horrible. I’ve since found a new Osteopath and we’re taking a different approach. This time we’re looking at my body as a whole, and I believe it’s working and helping a lot. My next appointment is three weeks away now which is the biggest gap we’ve had between treatments (my bank balance is relieved). I’ve also got myself referred to a specialist for an MRI to look at my back. The colonoscopy is also booked for the new year.

Food – My biggest change has been my breakfast, having just pineapple and apple to boost my vitamin intake. I’ve noticed something because of this – my cholesterol spots seem to be going! This is a BIG thing, as when I asked my doctor about them, I was told I was stuck with them for life – to find that an even healthier diet could make them disappear is really motivating me – they WILL go away.

One little matter which has raised it’s head again, the old pelvic floor. Keeping my fluids up and coughing so violently has led to me keeping various companies in business on the old leakage front. Tena Lights now exist and you no longer feel like you’re walking around with a brick between your legs keeping your dignity intact. They’re really quite good.

Swimming/gym – I have had my induction at the gym. I can use the machines now – I started off gently with some cycling, a bit of cross training and some weights, but haven’t made it back since as I feel so tired. Five weeks of a cold with broken sleep and I need a proper rest – I’ll have plenty of time for that over Christmas – plus I can do it after eating my tea, rather than having to hold off with swimming. I feel like things are taking a turn for the better.

So yes, 2014 didn’t end that well, but I’m hoping 2015 will bring me answers and a much healthier me. I still weigh 13 stone 2 as well, despite this cold.

by Karen

CoziDry

I was at a tumble time session when I happened to get talking to a lady who worked with a company called CoziDry. CoziDry is a company that was set up by mum Emily Godson. Having had much experience of baby dribble, she wanted to come up with a product that was not only effective at absorbing the dribble but was kind to baby’s skin. CoziDry bibs have been midwife approved and washes up to 300 times at 90 degrees.

CoziDry bibs

My eldest son was a notoriously sicky baby, as a result I wasn’t holding out much hope for my youngest. Unfortunately my suspicions have been proven correct and every day is a bit of a fashion parade! I have tried a lot of different bibs in my time as a mum and have to admit I was dubious about CoziDry and its absorbing properties. The main reason for this is the bib feels so thin! However I was encouraged, by the company, to squeeze water onto the bib to demonstrate that the back stayed dry. I thought I’d give it a try and I have to say I was very impressed. Not only did the bib hold a surprising amount of liquid, it also dried fairly quickly. I found it to be even more effective with sick and dribble.

The reason these bibs are so fabulously absorbent? CoziDry bibs are eucalyptus based and made with a material called Tencel. Tencel is soft, which makes it ideal for sensitive skin. It is also super absorbent, 50% more so than cotton, making it a brilliant material for bibs!

 CoziDry 4CoziDry by Sealz

I love these bibs, the only two sticking points for me are the lack of designs and colours available and the price. Anyone that knows me well will know I love a bit of colour on a baby. Admittedly newborns would be my exception to the rule as, lets face it, as babies get older the stains get more colourful. As a result I like to make the most of putting them in white whilst I can! However, it would be nice to see a few more colours available rather than just the pink or blue seals. With regards to the price, there is not getting away from the fact that the bibs are pricey, at least to me anyway! However, it is important to bear in mind that the more expensive than average price would be down to the superior materials used, which is the reason for the CoziDry bibs super effectiveness.

How did I find them? Great! When we go out I normally have to pack a good few bibs. The super absorbancy of the CoziDry bibs meant that I only really needed to bring these two so my poor changing bag was able to zip a little easier! The designs are also easy to coordinate with Os ridiculously vast wardrobe (it always bothers me that my children own more clothes than I do!).

This is a lovely quality product that anyone would be delighted to receive as a gift. The two bibs tested can be found for £16.50.

I was sent a selection of products for the purpose of review – all opinions are my own and honest.

 

by jo

Annie – Coming to a Cinema near you SOON!

Since I can remember I’ve loved musicals. My favourite film is The Sound of Music, and throughout the seventies and eighties many musicals became a part of my life. In 1982 the first Annie film was made, a film I was almost quite obsessed with, despite the difference to the stage play. In 2014 a new version of Annie hits cinemas, in fact, previews start next weekend (December 19th), and they’ve modernised it.

Annie Logo

Annie, the film with the curly haired little orphaned redhead has been updated. I really wanted to hate it – I generally do when this kind of thing happens – I’m not a fan of change. But then I saw the first trailer. Then the second. The third. I held my hands up – I surrender, from these impressions it looks like they’ve done a brilliant job, even with Miss Hannigan (Cameron Diaz) talking about Facebook, and them having to change the lyrics of some songs (fair enough).

Emma Thompson is involved! Just with the modernising, mind. Y’see, Annie is quite different. Everything is different. But if you’re going to do different, do it well.

The cast are –
Jamie Foxx as Will Stacks (the man we knew as Daddy Warbucks)
Quvenzhané Wallis as Annie
Rose Byrne as Grace
Bobby Cannavale as Guy
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Nash
David Zayas as Lou
Cameron Diaz as Miss Hannigan

Here’s the press release :

A Broadway classic that has delighted audiences for generations comes to the big screen with a new, contemporary vision in Columbia Pictures’ comedy, Annie. Director/Producer/Screenwriter Will Gluck teams with producers James Lassiter, Will Gluck, Jada Pinkett Smith & Will Smith, Caleeb Pinkett, Shawn “JAY Z” Carter, Laurence “Jay” Brown, Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith with a modern telling that captures the magic of the classic characters and original show that won seven Tony Awards. Celia Costas and Alicia Emmrich serve as Executive Producers. The screenplay is by Will Gluck and Aline Brosh McKenna, based on the musical stage play “Annie,” book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and on “Little Orphan Annie,” © and ® Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Academy Award® nominee Quvenzhané Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild) stars as Annie, a young, happy foster kid who’s also tough enough to make her way on the streets of New York in 2014. Originally left by her parents as a baby with the promise that they’d be back for her someday, it’s been a hard knock life ever since with her mean foster mom Miss Hannigan (Cameron Diaz). But everything’s about to change when the hard-nosed tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx) – advised by his brilliant VP, Grace (Rose Byrne) and his shrewd and scheming campaign advisor, Guy (Bobby Cannavale) – makes a thinly-veiled campaign move and takes her in. Stacks believes he’s her guardian angel, but Annie’s self-assured nature and bright, sun-will-come-out-tomorrow outlook on life just might mean it’s the other way around.

All being well we’ll be watching Annie next weekend, with a review to follow! The updated soundtrack is released on Monday – we have it preordered, but I’m waiting until Christmas Day before H gets it! (affiliate link)

by jo

Christmas at Kew

Every year we try to do something a bit different for Christmas. While H still believes, it’s about finding good Father Christmases, but as she gets older it’s also about finding things for us parents too – so this year we bought tickets for Christmas at Kew.

Christmas at Kew

Christmas at Kew lives within Kew Gardens, a place we’ve only been once before (which is shameful!) – we knew there would be plenty of walking and it would be a cold night, so wrapped up warm to make the drive.

I have to say, Christmas at Kew isn’t well signposted from the Mortlake direction. I know, I know, you should know where Kew Gardens are, and we did – we just missed the turning to had to do a u-turn on the bridge. Once parked there was plenty of space (we booked in for 6.30) and we were in the grounds quickly, heading for the lit-up pathway which takes you around the park.

My memories of Kew got muddled with a few other places (like Wisley) but the trail was easy enough to follow – we headed straight for food and bought calzone pizza at £5.50 each – take plenty of cash with you! There were hot drinks stalls and snack (biscuits, marshmallows, doughnuts) stands around the gardens, but we stuck to the drinks.

Christmas at Kew

Father Christmas was a bit of a walk, and once we were there, there was quite a long queue. They do allow everyone in groups of 20 so be prepared to wait (we had 10-15 minutes) in the cold – it was about three degrees! Once we were inside, a Christmas Elf kept us entertained until it was our turn to go in. Father Christmas handed all the children a well wrapped book (one we don’t have), and while there was no individual photo opportunity, it was still fantastic. Coming out of the Grotto, you’re right by the butterflies – ohhh the warmth! You just turn up to Father Christmas and it costs £4.

Aside from that, alot of Christmas at Kew is walking around the grounds – things you would recognise in daylight look different in the dark, which made it enjoyable for all of us. H got to say a Christmas wish into a lantern, which you could pay £2.50 to keep, or it could be lit and put on the wishing tree for free. We went for the latter, mainly as we were rushing to Santa’s Grotto (which was in the Princess of Wales conservatory)!

The Palm House had a great light, fire and music display, while the lake at the front had a nice music and water fountain display – cue lots of “wowwwwww!!!”s From H – she loved it.

Seeing the grounds all lit up, and having a funfair was a great idea too. H went on the Helter Skelter and Carousel – both were £2 with the Helter Skelter price including Shaun to accompany her and slide down. There were lots of food choices, though less vegetarian options other than inside the main cafe.

Christmas at Kew

We left, pretty cold but happy. We had a wonderful time and if you’re reading this and are set to go, the main advice I can offer is – wrap up warm, and take enough cash with you! You do keep moving around but there aren’t that many warm places other than indoors. H loved Santa and I was impressed with how they did it – each child got a gift and had a huge smile on their face. I could smell the mulled wine (hurrah! My sense of smell must be returning!) and enjoyed a hot chocolate while walking around.

Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

by jo

Polesdenopoly – post-christmas frivolity for all the family

Families who love board games and a good walk during the Christmas holidays can combine the two at Polesden Lacey. Polesden are launching ‘Polesdenopoly’, a life-sized take on an old classic game!

Polesdenopoly

From Boxing Day onwards, players can make their way through the gardens and estate, attempting to become millionaires by completing fun challenges to earn Polesden pounds when playing Polesdenopoly. Players should elect the bossiest person as banker and cheating is widely encouraged, but only when the banker isn’t looking. To play you must bid to snap up your favourite Polesden beauty spots and the person with the most property at the end wins the game and a delicious prize. Yum!

Lauren Milsom, Polesden Lacey’s events officer, explained:
“Christmas is that time when family and friends come together and play corny old board games after the Christmas pudding has been served. We wanted to offer something to prolong that festive cheer. Polesdenopoly is good old frivolous fun, it’s a good excuse to be silly together.”

One of the challenges, entitled ‘Become a comedi-hen’, asks players to perform a chicken-themed one minute long stand-up routine for their fellow players. Just in case you haven’t had enough of bad cracker jokes by then, suggested gags include ‘What’s a chicken’s favourite book?’, answer: Great Egg-spectations (by Charles Chickens).

Polesdenopoly is launched at Polesden Lacey on Boxing Day and runs until Sunday 4th January. Suitable for children aged 7 – 75. Normal admission prices apply plus £5 per group of players (maximum 5 players to a group).

Polesdenopoly

by jo

Quiet.

Things are a bit quiet around here, and there are reasons. I’m in week five of an evil cold which has put my back out twice (by coughing). This has meant more trips to the Osteo, but I’m slowly being pieced back together like some crazy mass of Lego with instructions.

Which has meant limited time on the laptop and more iPad and mobile time. So the blogs are suffering.

So I’m just popping in to say why. Things will pick up again. I’m getting better, even though I’m a bit more skint (good Osteopaths don’t come cheap!). I have many posts in draft I haven’t been able to finish, so they’ll appear first. See you in a week or so…!

by jo

Blue Peter Book Awards 2015 Shortlist Announced

A comic strip with facts, beautifully illustrated fiction and non-fiction, gripping stories and funny books are all on the shortlist for the Blue Peter Book Awards

Blue Peter Book Awards

One of the nicest things about H getting older is introducing her to things I enjoyed when I was five – Blue Peter being one of them. We make a point of watching it together and it has become a regular part of our week. H is doing amazingly well with her reading at school and tends to prefer paperback books these days, so I knew the Blue Peter Book Awards would be something she’d be interested in. Now in its 15th year, the shortlist has just been announced!

Award-winning author and illustrator Chris Riddell’s latest book on the adventures of Goth Girl is among six children’s books shortlisted for the prestigious Blue Peter Book Awards 2015.

For the first time, a book using comic strips to tell real-life stories is also nominated for an award.

The Blue Peter Book Awards, which are celebrating their 15th year, are special as they ask children to read the shortlisted books and then vote for the two winners.

The shortlist was announced live on today’s (Thursday December 4th) Blue Peter by Michael Morpurgo, author of more than 120 children’s books, including War Horse, and President of the reading charity Booktrust, which manages the Blue Peter Book Awards.

Morpurgo was also presented with the CBBC show’s highest accolade, the gold Blue Peter badge, for inspiring millions of children with his books.

Chris Riddell’s Goth Girl and the Fete Worse Than Death is vying for the Best Story Award along with Boy in the Tower by primary school teacher Polly Ho-Yen and The Spy Who Loved School Dinners written by Pamela Butchart and illustrated by Thomas Flintham.

Adam Murphy’s Corpse Talk, which uses comic strips to tell the stories of scientists, writers, sovereigns and rebels from history, is competing for the Best Book with Facts with Animalium written by Jenny Broom and illustrated by Katie Scott, and The Silly Book of Side-Splitting Stuff written by Andy Seed and illustrated by Scott Garrett.

 The four judges – Liz Pichon, Michael de Souza, Anna James and Ewan Vinnicombe – highlighted the quality of illustrations used in many of this year’s shortlisted books, as well as the brilliant stories and imaginations of the authors.

 Liz Pichon, author of the Tom Gates series, and winner of the Blue Peter Book Awards Best Story 2013, said: ‘We have a brilliant selection, something for everyone. There’s beautifully illustrated fiction, gripping stories, funny books and the FIRST comic strip style book with facts which is fantastic.

‘We keep hearing that kids don’t read anymore, but if you get the right books in front of them they really will – I’ve seen it!

‘The Blue Peter Awards are a fantastic way of showcasing even more great books.’

Michael de Souza, co-creator of Rastamouse said: ‘We have a great selection of original stories as well as a book using comic strips, which is very different.

‘Books open up a new world for children. If we want to encourage children to read, we need to give them great stories, great illustrations and something they can relate to.’

Blue Peter Editor Ewan Vinnicombe, who was the non-voting Chair of the judging panel, said: ‘In our 15th year of the Blue Peter Book Awards I’m really excited with the judges’ shortlist. There is such a good range of titles in the mix and I can’t wait to find out on World Book Day when the winners are revealed – live on Blue Peter.

‘It was great that we could honour Michael Morpurgo with a Blue Peter gold badge. His stories have inspired so many children over so many years to read and love books.’

Approximately 200 children from 10 schools across the UK will read the shortlisted books and vote for their favourites in each category. The two winning books will be announced on the Blue Peter programme scheduled for World Book Day on 5 March 2015.

The enormously popular Blue Peter Book Awards, which are managed by Booktrust, celebrate the best authors, most creative illustrators and the greatest reads for children.

Blue Peter Book Awards 2015 Shortlist

The shortlist:

Best Book with Facts

  • Animalium written by Jenny Broom and illustrated by Katie Scott (Big Picture Press)
  • Corpse Talk: Season 1 by Adam Murphy (David Fickling Books)
  • The Silly Book of Side-Splitting Stuff written by Andy Seed and illustrated by Scott Garrett (Bloomsbury)

 Best Story

  • Boy in the Tower by Polly Ho-Yen (Doubleday Children’s)
  • Goth Girl and the Fete Worse Than Death by Chris Riddell (Macmillan Children’s Books)
  • The Spy Who Loved School Dinners written by Pamela Butchart and illustrated by Thomas Flintham (Nosy Crow)

 The judges for this year’s Awards are:

    • Michael de Souza – Co-creator of the Rastamouse book series and co-founder of Little Roots Ltd.
    • Anna James – Editor, We Love This Book and Media Editor, The Bookseller, and former school librarian
    • Liz Pichon – author of the Tom Gates series, and winner of the Blue Peter Book Awards Best Story 2013
    • Ewan Vinnicombe (non-voting chair) – Editor, Blue Peter and Head of Presentation for CBeebies and CBBC

Booktrust Inspire logo

by jo

Samsung Galaxy S5 Teddy Bear Tea Party

So as I previously mentioned, we were sent a Samsung Galaxy S5 phone to try out – just for a couple of weeks, mind. It was long enough to help me make up my mind about what I’m going to do when my current contract runs out – I’m switching to Three, and I’ll also be getting the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini (I like a phone that fits in my pocket!).

From Samsung Galaxy S5 test

So it was a breezy Saturday in November when H and I got on the train and made our way to Oxford Street – an easy journey from here, thankfully. This was also a perfect opportunity to take as many pictures on the phone as I could before I had to hand it back!

We were invited to a Teddy Bear Picnic at Build a Bear, Hamleys – and despite us living in London, I don’t get into the West End that often, so for H this was a whole new experience (despite the fact she has been there before – she just has no recollection). Build A Bear, however, she’s been to several times! We met up with the other bloggers and the lovely ladies from the PR company, who took us upstairs – where the children were encouraged to be as noisy as they possibly could thanks to our fabulous party leader. H was a bit shy until she saw the ‘bear’ she’d decided she wanted – Olaf from Frozen. I got the chance to play around with the filters on the camera in the process which kept me happy!

From Samsung Galaxy S5 test

Oh, and to add to this, Olaf has ‘In Summer’ embedded onto a disc and placed in his paw from the ‘Pick A Sound’ booth. We were assured it wasn’t too loud, something I put to the test on the train on the way home, where the entire carriage wondered what on earth was going on, while I tried to smother Olaf to muffle the noise.. oops! Let’s just say, we know when H is awake if she happens to press Olaf’s foot… she makes sure we do.

From Samsung Galaxy S5 test

Finally, the children were all given hearts which would live inside the bear, and given various things to do to make sure the heart will keep a happy bear – or indeed, rubbing it on your knees so you can run faster.

From Samsung Galaxy S5 test

I can’t remember what they were doing here, other than rubbing it on their nose!

From Samsung Galaxy S5 test

The children all started to forget us adults were there (which was kind of nice, I could stand back, take photos and watch her enjoying herself) and played a few games – including ‘Dress the Reindeer’ – where they were encouraged to get whatever they wanted from the racks to dress up two Build a Bear Reindeers – they missed a trick here, surely? There should be a Sven!!!

From Samsung Galaxy S5 test

Anyway, the kids looked to be having a brilliant time, and us adults were all laughing along too, despite it being the middle of the day in Hamleys on a Saturday so pretty rammed!

I liked using the S5 for indoor photography – often I’ve found that pictures can be grainy, but I found the ones taken were really clear. My Picasa album has lots of pictures in there, with a selection in here.

H was happy to have another Frozen themed bear to add to her collection – the two she got when she was at holiday club have Elsa and Anna dresses as well.

From Samsung Galaxy S5 test

After Hamleys, we jumped into black cabs and headed to Scoff and Banter in Covent Garden for afternoon tea. I have a confession – I have never had afternoon tea, ever. I had no idea what to expect. So when this arrived and I was told this was my vegetarian selection, I had to work out where to start!! It was delicious – and I couldn’t finish it.

From Samsung Galaxy S5 test

Luckily as one blogger had to leave early there was room for Shaun too who had come into Central London to meet us! Scoff and Banter was lovely, H really enjoyed the food, and LOVED the milkshakes – she polished off a strawberry and a chocolate one pretty quickly!

From Samsung Galaxy S5 test

We chatted, ate, take photos and tried to convince Elly that I hadn’t laden down the S5 box with scones, and there really was a phone in there… Just kidding! Before long it was time to say our farewells, the phone and I. I gently wiped it clear of all my photos and fingerprints and sadly handed it back. The Samsung Galaxy S5 is a very lovely phone!

In fact, the biggest downer was walking through Covent Garden afterwards, and taking photos of the Christmas decorations, knowing that the pictures would have been so much better with the S5. We headed to the Tower of London to see the poppies afterwards, and I had to switch to using my camera – I do wonder how the S5 would have fared.

All in all, it was a brilliant day, and we had a wonderful time. I loved trying out the Samsung Galaxy S5, and found it easy to use (I have an S3 Mini at the moment) once I’d worked out how to get Swype going. Three as a network are definitely better signal-wise than my current provider – and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to try the phone and network to help make my mind up.

We were sent a Samsung Galaxy S5 to try and take photos at the event, as well as a bear from Build A Bear (or rather, a HAPPY Snowman!), and food afterwards – thank you Three & Samsung! 

by jo

Comfortchew from Cheeky Chompers

Cheeky Chompers designed the award-winning Neckerchew which you may have seen on Dragon’s Den. They have a new creation, the Comfortchew; read on to find out what we think.

What is a Comfortchew? A soft, soothing, stimulating blankie which has all the essentials together – a comforter, a teether, tags and the softness of a teddy – all things which babies love. It also has a loop which can be fastened to baby’s wrist, cot, car seat or buggy – handy as I know H often threw things onto the floor and I often wished I had a way of fastening things to the buggy when we were out.

I also love that there are two designs – and both are unisex – none of this blue for boys and pink for girls thing is going on here. There are also two Neckerchew (a dribble bib and chewy teether combined in one) designs available which co-ordinate with these.

comfortchew

Oh, and it’s also worth mentioning, Julie and Amy who founded Cheeky Chompers appeared on Dragon’s Den – but didn’t secure investment. Fortunately us parents saw sense in what they made, and they’ve since smashed sales targets!

I love the functionality of the Comfortchew – the teether is a brilliant idea, as we only really used the refrigerated hippo style ones with H, and had nothing we could take out with us. I would have definitely used this, had it been around.

So how much does a Comfortchew cost? It isn’t cheap with a rrp of £17.95, but considering what I’d pay for the separate parts, it doesn’t seem an unreasonable amount. The Comfortchew is machine washable at 40 degrees, BPA and phthalates free, and 100% safe to chew on – and it’s made in the UK too. When I buy something for a newborn, I like to make sure there’s plenty of use for it – while clothes are great they have such a short time they can be used – and I would say this would last a good couple of years thanks to the different uses it has.

Julie and Amy answered some questions about their business, as we wondered when you can consider it a business and not a hobby. Fortunately they knew they wanted Cheeky Chompers to be a business and saw the gap in the market. When they showcased the bib at The Baby Show and got some brilliant feedback, they realised they had something worth pursuing.

As far as anyone who might try to copy what Cheeky Chompers are doing, the products are unique and the first of their kind so it would be noticeable. The idea has been patented, so should help deter any imitations. They also want to develop a strong brand identity so that parents can trust and come back, knowing what they’re getting – they’re not going to be chasing after copycats so it takes over their lives!

Advice to mums thinking about going into business, and getting the work-life balance is a struggle, especially when you’re running your own business. Most of the time they conduct their business when the kids are in bed!  Also, don’t feel guilty when you’re taking time away from the kids to work. Having office space helps too, as you’re doing business things when you’re in the office. They both spend three days in the office which gets much more done. Also, having family members and friends who don’t mind babysitting is key, so that you can focus on your work!

You can buy the Comfortchew direct from the Cheeky Chompers website over here

We were sent the Comfortchew for the purpose of review, all opinions are our own.