27/04/201218/02/2014 by jo

We Love Books – My First Justin’s Jokes – Justin Fletcher

Okay, so Justin Fletcher as we know, rules tv, in particular Cbeebies where it is impossible to avoid him (and why would you anyway?).

Having said that, he’s also holding strong in the album chart with his ‘Hands Up’ album, which went Top 20 on release (and still gets regular plays on the stereo here at home).

There’s the ‘Something Special’ magazine which is still going strong, plus plenty of books for older kids…

My First Justin's Jokes by Justin Fletcher

What could Justin possibly do next? Oh, just an utterly excellent joke book, that’s what!

It arrived in the post today, and was eagerly ripped open by.. me. I am a woman of few jokes, but my jokes I’ve carried with me through the years are ones that I’ll continue to take with me – and they’re BOTH IN THE BOOK. My sense of humour is obviously not as advanced as I thought.

Now, H is two and a half (going on twenty-two and a half), so we had our next hurdle to conquer – explaining jokes. I wasn’t sure how she’d react, as Christmas Cracker jokes were just a bit too advanced last year but actually, this book is just right. There’s a few jokes that she’ll get as her vocabulary improves, but on summing up the book, she got ‘Knock Knock’ quite quickly (and even started inventing ones of her own), her own personal favourite (we repeated it 15 times) is ‘Why does a giraffe have a long neck? Because his feet smell!’ – so nothing too taxing, but enough she understands why it’s funny.

Every page has Justin in a different costume (mostly in cartoon form with a photo of his face), and she did spend a bit of time saying “ooh, silly Justin, what’s he doing now?” and having a good giggle about it.

My First Justin’s Jokes is available to preorder now at Amazon, and will be released on the 3rd May 2012. ISBN 978-0-571-28823-6, published by Faber and Faber.

I was sent a copy to review, and all opinions are my own (and H’s!).

EDIT – We have a copy to give away in a competition – stay tuned…. we’ll get it up as soon as we can!

23/04/201201/01/2019 by jo

We Love Books – The Sound of Music Family Scrapbook

The Sound Of Music Family Scrapbook It’s no secret my favourite film of all time is The Sound of Music. It’s a film I’ve grown up with – from wanting to be Marta or Gretl to being so old that if I wanted to be a character now I’d have to be a nun.

My first wedding anniversary was spent in Salzburg (my husband is a good man) – and yes, we did the tour. I will also happily admit to having at least three copies of the film… so yes, a fan.

I’ve also a fine collection of books relating to the film (and the real-life Maria Von Trapp), so I was pretty excited when it was announced last year that the seven actors and actresses who played the Von Trapp children would be releasing a book of their memories from the film. There’s a lot of information out there – and indeed most of the ‘children’ have their own websites with memories and photos – so what can this book offer that’s not already out there?

SO MUCH MORE.

The Sound Of Music Family Scrapbook - inside Oh my. You know when you get a book and it’s been put together with love? Where the littlest things are shared but make you feel a part of it? That’s this book. It’s one I’ll have to keep out of my daughter’s way until she’s old enough to appreciate it (and wants to be Gretl), as within the book of memories (and some photos which have never been seen before) there’s a DVD of their (being Charmian Carr, Nicholas Hammond, Heather Menzies, Angela Cartwright and Debbie Turner) home movies from 1964 (which I shall be watching later on), and four fold out envelope-type pages with various bits (called ‘facsimile items’) the cast have saved – we’re talking letters to home from a 5-year-old Kym Karath (Gretl), a plane ticket to and from Salzburg to film. I’m a bit of a hoarder and this kind of stuff is something I can really appreciate – it’s an insight into the kinds of things that went on behind the scenes and how well everyone got on.

The Sound Of Music Family Scrapbook - facsimile items If you’ve followed anything to do with the film, then it’s no secret the seven actors are all still in touch and remain close. This book brings their sense of togetherness – how they were all there for each other when there’s been heartbreaking things happening in real lives, as well as the happier moments.

This isn’t the kind of book you’d sit and read in one sitting – it’s one you’d keep dipping in and out of (is this what a ‘coffee table book’ is? Damn.) – with each individual ‘child’ giving their history and what happened after the film.

At the moment the book is unreleased in the UK. I’ve no idea why. I’ve no idea where my husband bought it (probably Amazon), but I have it, and I treasure it – if you love The Sound of Music, then chances are you’ll treasure it too. One day H will also grow to treasure it, but maybe when she’s a bit older. I wouldn’t want to have my facsimile items all coloured in one day…

We Love Books at Mum Friendly

19/04/201226/03/2018 by jo

We Love Books – I Spy

My child-of-the-seventies and living that through H resurrected itself last weekend when we made a trip to Hatchlands Park, and went into the National Trust shop. There on the shelf in front of me was a row of I Spy books – which I have to say, excited me a bit too much.

H is only two and a half, so they’re probably still a bit advanced for her, but that didn’t stop me buying another book on Amazon which arrived this week – so now we have I Spy in the Garden and I Spy in the Car. H is an inquisitive toddler, and while it’s not the kind of book we’d read together, it has the kind of things she’d spot on a journey in the car and be excited about – so it made sense to get her something which rewards her for spotting them.

At £2.50 for each book they’re not breaking the bank, and yep, there’s still the chance to get a certificate and badge in the back (as long as your 1000 points are independently verified by a responsible adult), which of course these days is delivered by email.

All you need to do is spy the relevant things and add the date to the book – so I suspect we’ve got a few years of use to come – although on Day One H did say “I’d like to colour in my new book” – so let’s hope it lasts…

I Spy books were apparently relaunched in 2009, but I was too busy being a new mum to notice – keep an eye out if you want something to occupy your easily distracted toddler too!

12/04/201226/03/2018 by jo

Peaks Of London Breastfeeding Dresses

I breastfed H for almost two and a half years, and in that time often found myself feeling quite frumpy and wishing I had a bit more style about me. I’ve always been a jeans and t-shirts kind of girl, but there were occasions where I wanted to dress up a bit, and feel a bit more special.

Peaks Of London have some really stylish dresses and tops which fit the bill – and even better, they aren’t the kind of designs you’d stop using once you stop feeding.

All their designs have discreet panels so you can feed easily when you need to, my own personal favourite is the Apron Breastfeeding Dress. At £195 it isn’t cheap, but looking at the design it also isn’t the kind of dress you’d stop wearing once you’ve finished feeding – the stretch is curve-enhancing, while the waist adjusts to your waist size.

Peaks of London supports UK factory mills, every item is manufactured in London, with minimal packaging and not much waste. Check them out, as they’ve said, many people have commented and said “what a lovely outfit” rather than “what a lovely breastfeeding top”.

Find them on Facebook.

This is a Sponsored Post.

12/04/201226/03/2018 by jo

We Love Books – Topsy & Tim

I am going to write-up a lot more about Topsy and Tim very soon, as the books are one of the rare occurrences where I read them as a young ‘un, only to find H is now reading them with just as much enthusiasm.

But! Did you know there’s still new books being released? The illustrations are new modern ones though Topsy still has her familiar pigtails, but these days T&T are very much small children of these times and are just as popular as they were in my day.

The Book People had a set of the books, twelve in all for a really good price, and given my addiction for buying books, we splashed out. The books were a hit, so we added more to the collection. There really is a book for almost every occasion you could think of (‘Safety First’ is good for warning about dangers, and ‘Itchy Heads’ has been updated and is very useful should headlice enter your world), it’s written in a way which your little one can relate to, and if they’re anything like H when you’ve got to the fifth reading of the same book, there’s still plenty to talk about on the page and spot on the pictures each read.

Oh, and then there’s also my addiction for car boot sales, where I’ve picked up some 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s T&T editions.

Our newest additions to the collection arrived in the post today, and I have to admit, of all the books I’ve seen, Topsy & Tim Visit London was one I was particularly excited about. Despite living 20 minutes by train from Clapham Junction, so just a little bit further from Central London, I’ve never really ventured that far. Now H is a bit older we’ve done bits here and there, and this book is perfect – it’s filling in a gap – I know where I’d like to take her, Topsy and Tim also happen to be visiting those places, and I know once we get there that she’ll be excited and will relate to it – so we get the Tower Of London (with Tower Bridge in the background), Horse Guards Parade (via the Underground), Big Ben, The Natural History Museum, Kew Gardens and Diana’s Playground in Kensington Gardens – which are all places I want to take H! Add to that there’s a London map in the back where I was able to point out where daddy works (that’s H’s daddy, not T&T’s one), and I think H is starting to understand a bit more about where she lives – seriously, if you live in London and needed a way to help your little one remember places, this is the book. It’s not too complicated and the pictures are great.

As a sidenote, the coolest thing we spotted was Topsy and Tim arriving at mummy’s friends house in London, and both of them have Trunki’s! Proper children of the 2000’s now, they are.

We also received Topsy & Tim Go For Gold – a sports day related story. This one is very much your standard T&T story, with the various races on sports day – but this time Topsy and Tim have fallen out. Now I’m not entirely sure, but I don’t remember this having happened before in any of the books – but in the end there’s a happy ending, and as Shaun pointed out, also a lesson to be learnt that arguing doesn’t get you anywhere, and working together does.

H loved the story straight away, and asked for it to be read several times, which is always a good sign!

Both these titles are being promoted by Penguin in their Olympic themed book promotions – plus if your little one is at a Busy Bees nursery, they’re doing a promotion there for the London book – complete with T&T handpuppets (how cool? I wish!!), so keep an eye out.

I received these books from Penguin, all opinion is my own, and I’ll be gushing over Topsy and Tim a little bit more very soon – we’re big fans in this house!

27/03/201220/10/2014 by jo

Easter On Nick Jr.

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’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.

24/03/201226/08/2017 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

20/03/201220/10/2014 by jo

Win a Justin Fletcher ‘Hands Up’ album!

So 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.

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

20/03/201220/10/2014 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 Buddy 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!

20/03/201206/01/2015 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?