by jo

I Bought an Ice Cream Maker

Lidl are currently selling one for £19.99 and after seeing the recipes from ScottishMum I rushed out and bought one. I’ve not had time to try it out yet but Shaun did, making the easiest recipe in the book, banana ice cream  and it’s delicious.

Actually, one thing I’ve found already with the ice cream maker, you need to think well ahead if you want some – the bowl to make it has to be chilled for 24 hours, and the mixture itself needs to be prepped four hours before you plan to eat it. Shaun said it was quite runny when it was finished (but was fine after some extra freezer time) so if you include that then I’d give it some extra time to be on the safe side again.

So over the coming weeks we’re going to try some ice cream recipes – which means we’re now in control of what goes into H’s ice cream and we have plenty of fresh fruit at home most of the time. I know we’ll definitely try out the strawberry recipe!

The ice cream makers are in store now – don’t leave it too long as it’s a good price.

by jo

Alice’s Bear Shop – Lyme Regis

Alice's Bear Shop

Every now and then we kind of stumble across shops that we’re immediately drawn to – and Alice’s Bear Shop is one. Last year when we stayed at Devon Cliffs we did a day trip into Dorset, and found the shop while wandering around.

Now you’re probably thinking a teddy bear shop doesn’t sound very grand, but if I was to tell you that in the back of the shop there’s a Teddy Bear Hospital – where you can take your old bears to be repaired, you’re getting the picture.

Alice's Bear Shop Books

There’s SO much more though. Rikey Austin started Alice’s Bear Shop a long time ago, and has written and illustrated several books about bears which over the last year have become some of H’s favourites. In fact, on stepping into the store you can find all sorts – with a teddy reference in there somewhere. I have now touched a teddy which sells for £50!

Rikey herself has a story to tell – which has recently finished being filmed in the form of a documentary – she’s hoping her story will inspire others to give it a go – and she is a really inspirational lady. We chatted about bears, and how she doesn’t want to make lots of money – that all she wants is her bears to be loved (as teddies should be!) – it isn’t about spending lots of money buying the latest teddy, it’s about finding a teddy you love and treasuring it forever.

I like that way of thinking – the only way I could understand it was by putting it to my experiences with my job I have now – I was buying the records in my teenage years and here I am working for the same companies – I’ll never be rich, but I’m working amongst something I know I love. If you’re doing that, you’ll get what Rikey is doing too.

This Sunday we picked up two more bear books, as well as a t-shirt and print – the print is set to be framed and put on H’s wall (with the big reorganisation of her room), and I love how she knows the names of all the bears (and knows enough letters to work out which bear is which when she isn’t sure). The Tilly book is set to be released in hardback quite soon; towards the end of the year; and Rikey is going to be doing a signing in London – we’ll have more news when it happens.

What is it that attracted us to Alice’s Bear Shop? Seeing the hospital reminded me of my childhood – these days toys don’t get repaired, they’re disposed of and a new one bought – and as we try to move into a better ecological way of life this kind of thing is important – you don’t stop loving a toy when it gets worn out – but how many Teddy Bear Hospitals are there these days?

Teddy Bears Brainbox Game drawn by Rikey Austin

The books too – they’re all lovely stories all based around Alice whose mother mends bears. Alice has a special power in that she can talk to the various bears and often rescues them or finds out what they’re trying to do. The stories are charming and once upon a time each bear in the story had their own toy equivalent – those days are over though.

There’s more than that too – Rikey has illustrated some Brainbox Memory Cards in the last year – we bought the teddy set for H for her birthday (which arrived just in time!) and there’s a new set featuring fairies which are available now. I’m holding out for Rikey’s ‘bad fairies’ collection personally!!

Alice's Teddy Bear Hospital

If you’re visiting Lyme Regis, you can find Alice’s Bear Shop at 55 Broad Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3QF. We went on a Sunday when they were open until 5pm, but you can phone to check at 01297 444589. There’s parking nearby (which was full when we went) and a larger car park at the top of the hill which makes it a ten minute walk, tops.

Please pop by and visit – if you’re someone who has ever loved a teddy you’ll get this shop – and in fact if you still have your teddy and it needs a repair, why not get it checked into hospital? It might take a few days, but you can pick up or have it posted back to you once it’s mended. We love it!

by Karen

Lindam – Easy Fit Plus Deluxe Baby Gate

I think I must be the only person I know that doesn’t own a Lindam gate. This is not surprising when  4 out of 5 gates sold in the UK are Lindam gates, impressive stuff. Lindam is the UK’s number one safety brand, so I very interested to give them a go!

I was sent the Easy Fit Plus Deluxe baby gate to test. The gate is designed, amongst other things, for easy one handed opening, triple opening action, double locking action. It also has an extra wide walk through section that can open one or two ways for extra flexibility and a frame specifically designed for easy fitting.

Lindam 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The gate arrived well packaged and I was glad to see that there wasn’t too many little bits to fiddle around with. Now I am absolutely terrible at instructions, mainly because I am very impatient and hate reading through pages and pages of stuff. I’m one of those that would much rather spend ages playing around with the various pieces and try and work out what they do, not very productive, but still. Now this is where I have to say the Lindam instructions are fantastic. They are brief and user friendly, this is great because it means I actually read them and as a result found the gate really easy to install.

I love the fact the gate gives you the option to either fix by screws or sticky pads, this is great for renters or indeed anyone who doesn’t want a permanent reminded of their baby gate!

Once up, the gate was very sturdy and attractive (as baby gates go!). My only two niggles were that it took a little practice to eventually open the gate one handed, though arguably this could be because I am so used to my other gates. Also, as a bare foot family, I found the flip lock at the bottom a bit stiff to open, though am sure this would loosen up with use. The gate is very good quality and sturdy and I am confident it would stand up to a lot of abuse, even from my little one!

I would highly recommend this product. The gate can be bought for an RRP of £29.99 from a wide variety of stockists and is designed to fit openings from 75cm to 82cm, though it can extend up to 138cm with separate extensions purchased.

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

by Karen

BundleBean – Solar Travel Cover

The BundleBean travel cover was invented by a busy Mum of two, overwhelmed with the amount of ‘stuff’ that was needed for her little ones, she came up with a ‘one product for multiple use’ item that would make life easier for parents.

BundleBean Solar 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Only recently available, the BundleBean Solar is a summer version of the BundleBean Go. It is much thinner and has been designed to provide UPF 50+ protection for the areas of body that it covers. Like the BundleBean Go this product is versatile and can be used for buggies, car seats, bikes or slings. The product also comes with a handy quick dry hooded beach wrap which has the ability, via poppers, to be attached to the BundleBean to provide extra warmth for when it gets a bit more chilly.

On opening I found the travel cover to be made of a super thin material, similar to the sort of tops that joggers wear. The beach wrap is smooth on one side and has a beautifully soft fleecy feel on the other. The main cover has zippers on the side. The zippers are attached to elastic round the bottom of the cover and pulling the zips up tightens the end so that they can be fitted on a variety of different travel equipment, making it really easy to use.

BundleBean Solar 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

The product is only available in white, presumably as this is a cooler colour. The only issue I had with this is that it gets dirty easily, especially as Jacob insisted on rubbing his feet all over it. However this is not too much of a problem as it doesn’t take up much space so it is easily chucked in with the usual washing load. What’s more, the product washes well and dries really fast. What I also liked is that the cover can be easily attached when little one is sleeping to minimise disturbance.

The BundleBean Solar is a fantastic idea, especially for younger babies and holidays. However, it is important to bear in mind that sunscreen will still need to be added if baby is coming in and out of the cover. The fact that there are two different sections is really useful as it further extends the products uses.

The RRP for this product is £34.99. I believe this is a great investment if bought when your child is very young as it has a great variety of uses. Once little one is in and out of the buggy more the uses may be more limited but is still a great little product to have to hand, especially for long journeys.

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

by admin

Happy Faces Childrens Salon – a Review

It needed doing, J’s hair is an unruly mess of ginger curls.  It knots and matts and no matter how much de-tangle spray and how gentle I am with the tangle teaser, J ends up in tears.  I decided that at aged 3 and half, she needed to get a cut.  Unfortunately because of the curls her hair springs up so I knew it was only going to be more of a trim.

I researched the internet, trying to find somewhere local-ish to where I live, not too expensive and who knew what they were doing with a small child who may or may not sit there.  I came across Happy Faces Children’s Hair Salon.  There are two branches, Webbs Road in Clapham SW11 and Muster Road, Fulham SW6.    I checked out the website www.yourhappyfaces.com and found that the Fulham branch is closed on a Monday & Tuesday, Mondays are my day off work and “get things done” day so I chose the Clapham branch.  I read the blurb, and more importantly the reviews. Everyone seemed to be very happy.

I decided to give them a call and for a start have a chat about J, what her hair is like and what I want.  After telling them about J’s hair and that she screams and runs from the brush and hates having her hair washed or brushed, the lady at the other end of the phone advised that in their experience; often children will sit for a stranger rather than their parents.  I crossed my fingers and booked an appointment for just a cut. The salon do a first haircut package but I decided against it

We arrived slightly early but luckily as we had a 10am appointment on a Monday morning, there was only one other child.  When you walk in, you are taken straight into the Jungle.  The walls & ceiling are adorned with pictures from The Jungle Book and jungle animals.  In the centre of the room are four large back to back mirrors with four different chairs for the children. You can choose from Thomas The Tank Engine, Noddy’s car, a pink Princess Plane and Noddy’s aeroplane.  J chose Noddy’s car.  Between the two mirrors are flat screen tv’s which this time were showing Peppa Pig cartoons. Perfect for J to keep her occupied.

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We were seen by Nicola and we set about discussing J’s hair care routine (almost non-existent!) the best way to look after it and what our aims for the visit were.  Nicola sprayed J’s hair with an abundance of de-tangler, got the brush out and started very gently.  Unfortunately, speaking from experience; it really hurts having curly hair brushed so J started crying a bit.  It’s okay I was there to hold her hand.  She was very brave and tried very hard to concentrate on Peppa.  Nicola constantly talked to us and let me know what she was doing whilst I picked her brains about what I can do to make things easier on J.  Before we knew it, J’s hair had been all trimmed and tidied and she looked beautiful and very proud of herself.  She was allowed to choose a balloon and given a lollipop to take home.

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The salon sell’s organic children’s hair care products by Mini-U for kids.  They had a 2 for 1 promotion on so whilst there was no pushing by Nicola, I decided to get two bottles of leave in conditioner for £9.50.  The hair cut was £16.95 and you get a loyalty card.  The 10th cut is free… it may take some time for us to get to ten!

The salon also runs parties, pampering for girls and pirates for the boys.  There’s a nail bar for older girls too.   Nicola said these are extremely popular.

Overall, I was really pleased with the service we received. It’s hard to tell if it was a “good” cut as with curly hair you can hide a multitude of things but it definitely wasn’t bad, J’s hair didn’t spring up to Annie proportions which it would if it was cut too short.  I’ll definitely be going back and trying to get my 10th free cut.

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by jo

Pizza Express has a New Menu

Of all the places we eat, Pizza Express is the one we seem to go back to. They do good deals on food so you can get a decent amount, feel full and not feel like you’ve eaten too much.

Today we made a trip to the Banstead branch having heard rumours of a new menu – and yep, it’s there.

Firstly, the Piccolo menu has been redesigned. You have more choice of food, plus you can now do a create your own. H is still set in her ways so stuck with her favourite cheese and tomato – BUT – we spotted you no longer get a drink thrown in with the meal, it’s now a separate charged item. Fortunately we had her water, but that’s a bit annoying, but I guess brings it into line with the rest of the deals and menu.

I’d noticed all the pizzas now have a calorific value on the app which is really helpful (click on the ‘cal’ icon on each menu item when you view it on the menu) and that there’s also now an Android version of the app (as in the past I’ve had to bring my iPod or iPad out with me to be able to pay the menu via PayPal at the end) which I hadn’t noticed, so I decided  to try their new 300 calorie Leggera Superfood Salad.

Pizza Express Low Calorie Salad

 

It costs £10.95 but is included on the deals which I was pleased about – and is a really generous plate of mozzarella, butternut squash, beetroot, spinach and more – while I don’t feel full it definitely was filling – a few more vegetables and it’d probably be perfect. The balsamic dressing was nice and sweet too. Here’s the blurb “Packed with some of our favourite superfoods, our fresh new salad is nutritious and lower in calories. Baby spinach and seasonal mixed leaves, roasted butternut squash, beetroot, light baby mozzarella, avocado, pine kernels, cucumber, lentils and fresh basil finished with balsamic syrup. At under 300 calories it is even suitable for anyone who is on the 5:2 diet.”

We also ordered a diet coke, and because my salad was lower in calories I went for dough balls (quite high in calories though), but figured as I’ve spent the afternoon walking around I’ve got some leeway.

We had a choice of two deals – 25% off our mains or 3 for £12.95 – we opted for the latter but mainly as we fancied a dessert – although I was a bit disappointed their low-calorie option wasn’t included in the deal (as that would be a good sales point!).

In total the bill plus tip was £40 – so our overall spend has crept up a bit more. I think next time it’ll be tap water to help keep costs down, and I’m sad (but understand) with the kids drinks – I’d much rather do away with the bambinoccino at the end than a drink at the start. Still, overall we were happy and you can’t beat paying with PayPal on the app, even if I feel guilty every time I do it, like we’re leaving the restaurant without paying!

by jo

Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve

Sometimes we have one of those spur of the moment ‘where shall we go?’ kinds of days, when we don’t want to drive too far but we want to breathe, to get out of the city. Somewhere that’s safe but we can learn and explore.

Today we found a new place – Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve 200 acres which is just outside Croydon, across from Sanderstead and about twenty minutes drive for us. We found it by me checking for woods near Banstead Woods (which we almost went to) and seeing it had a five-star review – and you can see why.

Selsdon Wood

It’s very basic, and is a wood in National Trust owned land, co-run with Croydon Council – so don’t expect fancy gift shops and the like here – although there’s a giant wooden bear at the car park.

Instead you’ve got woods, butterflies, orchids, insects, birds, trees, buttercups, bluebells and many other things – we spotted a rope swing (slightly too high for H) and I bet there’s more when you investigate. Families playing hide and seek in the woods, people walking their dogs… it’s a great open space made of five fields and several walkways (all with names) and somewhere to explore and wander around.

There’s plenty of activities going on from time to time too – check their website for more information.

So, what did we do? We walked into the woods (there’s tons of bluebells right now), through the fields, checked if H liked butter or not with a buttercup, blew a few dandelion clocks, spotted two different butterflies, listened in case we could hear a badger (we didn’t), got two different insects in her bug viewer (a millipede and a devil’s coachhorse beetle), and ticked off another of the ’50 Things’, making a grass trumpet (I was the expert at this and passed on my expert knowledge to Shaun and H) – the weather was good (sunny and cloudy) and there was some mud around but generally everywhere was accessible. If you go there after rain it’s definitely a wellies kind of place.

We’ve still a good section of the woods to explore so we’ll be back…. when it’s a sunny day!

by jo

Souptastically Souper Summery Kind of Soup

Today we had one of those days where we knew we’d be doing very little – a day to recharge our batteries and let machines make our food with minimal preparation beforehand ideally, while still remaining tasty and healthy.

I set some dough going in the breadmaker to make some ‘tear and share’ bread which was a HUGE amount when it was finished (it’ll easily last a couple of days and is gorgeously soft and tasty), but knowing I was having a bit of bread I consciously made sure my soup would be a low points one to make up for it.

Butternut Squash, Ginger and Red Pepper Soup

So – this spicy soup is simple, easy to prepare and of course the hard work is done in the soup maker. I used…

1 butternut squash (I always think of winter with a butternut squash, so tried to make it feel summery)
one generous block of ginger chopped into blocks
two red peppers, sliced and all seeds removed

after that I just filled up the water and added three spoons of low-salt bouillon and let it happen.

Now, what should happen next is a photo of us sitting outside enjoying our bread and soup, I even did a balsamic and olive oil dip, but H decided to stick her hand in it (I put it down to three year old curiosity or something) so after a quick clean we sat and ate. They were good too – really simple and not fussy, the ginger came through nicely and I think the pepper helped.

So instead, here’s a photo of my prepped vegetables. You’ll have to take my word for the rest, though let’s face it, you’ve seen one soup you’ve seen them all – it was great for a Bank Holiday Sunday anyway. The soup comes in at 0 points too, so it meant I could stuff my face with bread and not feel too full afterwards either.

by jo

A Lollibop Lineup Update

Some of the lineup has been announced for this Summer’s Lollibop festival – oh, and it’s less than three months away now in case you didn’t realise… we’re FINALLY going this year and are very excited about it!

The ever-popular Mr. Men will be hosting a fun maypole activity area and favourite characters, such as Mr. Bump, Mr. Tickle and Little Miss Sunshine will be meeting and greeting fans at the Mr. Men and Little Miss reading hubs.

Mr Bump at Lollibop
Shaun the Sheep will be personally on hand at the Championsheeps with sheepy shenanigans, including Shirley’s Pie-athalon, the Naughty Pig’s Sack Race and Get Fit with the Flock. Kids and parents are ‘wool-come’ to get involved!

Other big names confirmed so far, include:

Dick & Dom at Lollibop

– LolliBop favourites Dick and Dom return with their special mix of madcap games, songs, jokes and a foam pie or two… (makes mental note to teach H about shouting “BOGIES” loudly, hoping they still do that and knowing I may scar her for life if they don’t any more…)

– Peppa Pig will be at the festival all weekend, meeting and greeting all her little fans (I know someone who is going to LOVE that!)

– Sid Sloane and Andy Day will be hosting their very own Big Birthday Bash and everyone is invited! Expect lots of energetic songs and silliness and plenty of audience participation

Poppy Cat at Lollibop
– Watch and learn how to ‘Copy Poppy’ with Poppy Cat on the Lolli Live stage

– Straight from Nickelodeon to the Lolli Live Stage, The Go! Go! Go! Show are bringing brand new pop songs, catchy, easy-to-learn dance moves and loads of laughs (H likes them! Especially as one wears glasses)

Go!Go!Go!

– Sing and dance along with the adorable Cloudbabies mini show

– Older LolliBoppers will love The Diary of a Wimpy Kid activity, which include exclusive clips of the author Jeff Kinney talking about the books and a master class showing how he draws the characters. There’s also a Wimp Wars quiz

Transformers

– Experience the life-size Transformer Optimus Prime Truck, along with the Transformers Station; showcasing the new Beast Hunters toys, viewings of the cartoon series Transformers Prime and free green screen pictures

– Witness the amazing wildlife showcase with National Geographic Kids Animal Man

– Laugh along with hilarious antics from the amazing 8ft Titan the Robot

Returning LolliBoppers will also see old favourites mixed with new attractions for 2013, including:

LolliBop Live – Popular CBeebies presenter Alex Winters is comparing the live stage which plays host to some of the biggest names in kids entertainment, with live music and performances from stars of stage and screen.

Lollipalladiam – is a live theatre tent showcasing performances from pioneering and internationally renowned companies and artists. This year it features Spooked, the critically acclaimed Broken Rose Performing Arts first show for children – a hilarious and spectacular blend of dance, theatre and spoken word featuring skeletons Molly, Jinny and Charlie.

Science Zone – Make a rocket, hold a dry ice cube, or get messy with gooey slime in the LolliBop lab – brimming with exploding experiments for pint sized guests to try! London’s Science Museum will also be attending with live demonstrations and interactive activities.

Run wild and have fun in the LolliSports area.  With activities including retro favourites like swingball, hula-hoop and frisbee to football tournaments and sports day style races.

3ft and under is also making a comeback but this time is it within the brand new Itsy Bitsy Zone.  Activities for babies and toddlers will include soft play, baby massage, storytelling, mini discos and much more

The Lolli Promenade  – Situated on the River Lea! We’re very lucky to have a real river running through our new home, so why not relax and enjoy an ice lolly at the Lolli Promenade which also features beach hut crafts and bandstands.

Discovery Zone – will host a number of educational, interactive and hands on activities where kids can learn a new skill like beatboxing in one of the many workshops.

Lolli Stops – Enjoy crafts from puppet making, and customised fashion workshops, to balloon modelling, and graffiti painting, there is a something to make and do around every corner.

The Meadows  – A perfect spot to chill out, enjoy your lunch and watch our special street performers.

LolliBop 2013

There is also a wide selection of food and drink stalls at LolliBop. Extensive covered buggy parks, baby changing and breast-feeding areas are also available.

For more tickets and more information head to http://www.lollibopfestival.co.uk

by jo

Step Back In Time at Reigate Fort

STEP BACK IN TIME 100 YEARS AS A SOLDIERS’ LIFE AT REIGATE FORT IS RECREATED

– Come along to Reigate Hill’s centenary celebrations-

Reigate Fort high res credit Andrew Butler166887

Reigate Fort is a local National Trust area which we tried to find and failed, then realised how we’d missed the parking area, so bear that in mind and swot up beforehand, as looking at the pictures it looks pretty excellent, with great views over Surrey too.

Reigate Fort sits proudly on top of Reigate Hill in Surrey and was built in 1898 as part of the London Defence Scheme, the British Government’s attempt to protect London and the south coast from attack by their greatest adversary, the French. The National Trust who now look after the site are putting on an event on the 8 and 9 June to see what life would have been like for soldiers billeted at Reigate Fort.

The 10th Essex Living History Group will bring the fort to life, wearing uniforms of the times, practicing drills, firing techniques and marching. It goes without saying that there’ll be plenty of explosions and gunfire as well! Listen to soldiers’ stories of life at the fort, smell their campfire stews and feel how scratchy, but water-proof their uniforms were. If you have any military memorabilia, bring it along too – experts will be on hand to tell you more about them.

The fort will be open from 10.30am until 4pm on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June. Tickets for the event are £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. There’s no need to book in advance. Sunday’s event will culminate in an afternoon military musical parade from Reigate Fort onto Reigate Hill to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Reigate Hill being given to the people of Reigate town.

Reigate Fort

 

Marc Russell, National Trust Ranger who looks after the fort says “Reigate Fort is one of only 13 defensive forts built along the North Downs. Over the last few years we’ve worked hard to restore it so that visitors can see what life would have been like for those working there. This year, we’ve restored the shifting lobby, where soldiers changed from their work clothes into special spark-free uniforms. This event is a great way for us to bring the fort to life and to understand how tough life must have been.”

Car parking for the event is at the Wray Lane car park (RH2 0HX) and Reigate Fort is best reached by crossing the footbridge from the car park. It’s a walk of about 200m slightly uphill to the fort. For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/reigate-hill-and-gatton-park or call 01372 220644.