MENU

30 April 2015

Our Own Fields of Gold

At some point I will get round to writing about the new house and showing you snippets of our new home.

But for now, there is something more beautiful going on behind it, waves of beautiful yellow flowers spread across the fields behind our new home.

We took the camera and headed out into the evening sunshine to run amongst the beautiful fields of yellow.


The children absolutely loved running amongst the oilseed, pushing their way through the delicate flowers trying to be careful but falling over in the process.


It was divine to watch them run so carefree through the field, enjoying being children and having so little to worry about.


How wonderful it would be to run so free, maybe next time I will put down my camera and run with them!

Note: I have had to change the actual name of the plant in this because a certain social media platform didn't like it's actual name!

29 April 2015

Starting my Fitness Journey

My health at the moment is not that great, with exhaustion like I've hit a brick wall most afternoons, I know something has to change.

So, after a chat with a colleague about running, I decided it was time to do something about this and try doing the Couch to 5K.

Sainsbury's currently have the Fitbit Flex on offer, so I bought this to see how many steps a day actually do.


It's super simple to setup and looks just like a watch, it can be worn in the shower and the soft plastic strap doesn't rub. Using the app on my phone I can keep track of how many steps I am taking, as well as monitoring my sleep, calorie intake and how much i'm burning throughout the day too.


People often label stay at home mums as lazy, assuming all we do all day is sit on the sofa or in a cafe and drink coffee.

Well yesterday I did over 12,000 steps, I walked around the park, the shops, did the school run and generally went about my day.


So I know I am covering about the right amount of steps a day but now I need to get ready for the Couch to 5k. I have some great products coming my way to make things easier so stay tuned for my progress reports and reviews.

28 April 2015

Celebrating National Superhero Day with Barbie

Today is National Superhero Day and to celebrate this, we held our very own superhero party with a different star at the centre of it.

Barbie in Princess Power is the latest addition to the Barbie collection and one that we couldn't get enough of.

In a world that is dominated by male superheroes, Mattel decided that it was time for a female one. With many children aspiring to be a superhero why not create one who can be strong and powerful whilst wearing something sparkly?

We were sent some of the new toys to test out during our own Barbie Princess Power party where we got to know the new toys and talked about 'what makes you super?'


We set our table, donned superhero capes and masks and set out trying to be superheroes in our own special ways.


Once our guests arrived we ate some party food for lunch, then decorated some cakes with sprinkles and superhero stars!


We then watched the Barbie in Princess Power DVD, a great addition to the range which tells the story of Kara, a modern day princess who gets kissed by a magical butterfly and soon discovers her amazing superpowers. But when her jealous cousin catches the magical butterfly and transforms into Dark Sparkle, her nemesis, their rivalry takes to the skies. But when they meet their true enemy, can they work as a team to save the kingdom?

Superpowers don't have to be about fighting or who is the strongest, we talked about how superhero's can be anything from a firefighter to policeman or lifeguard. My daughter is the kindest person I know, and my son has the ability to amaze me with his generosity, pretty super if you ask me.


The dolls themselves are fantastic, the way that Barbie's dress pops out to make the cape is genius, she is sturdy and has stood the test of time with a three year old and four year old playing with her. Along with Corinne (aka Dark Sparkle) and Chelsea my daughter has enjoyed playing her own version of a superhero tea party with them.


So what's your super power?

NB: We were sent a selection of dolls and goodies to host our party, all words and opinions are my own.

27 April 2015

Fun with Friends at Bradgate Park

This weekend we headed to Bradgate Park with some of my sons school friends, and the mums and dads of course.

Apparently children play better when they are a group, take them walking just the four of you and you'll go on a walk, go with their peers and they will explore, jump and climb.

So off we went for a day out on what turned out to be a super sunny and wonderful day.

As we climbed the hill to see the folly, we got to climb rocks, spot dears and look for newts and frogs in the ponds.


From the top of the hill the views were beautiful, some clever child had bought paper and pencils so there was time for a spot of drawing too.


Lots of rocks to climb on and logs to sit and think on, it was an absolute joy to spend time here and who would have thought we were so close to Leciester.


We looked down holes in the ground to see if we could spot any rabbits, jumped over muddle puddles and explored the castle at the top of the hill.


Finally we found the waterfalls and stream and everyone had a great time stepping over the water and climbing and fishing with bits of reed and twigs.


We walked over four miles and although exhausted today it was great to be out in the fresh air, soaking up some Vitamin D and enjoying the countryside.

Afterwards we went to The Bradgate pub for lunch, we had pizza, which was extremely tasty (I had the Gluten Free option which was also very yummy) and the children played on the wonderful play area, the perfect end to a great day.

Linking up to Magic Moments on The Olivers Madhouse and Country Kids on Coombe Mill

Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall 

26 April 2015

Black & White Photo Project Week 42



 photo 4d06e438-4e6a-4f3b-88b2-0c1093350397_zps361ad0e9.jpg

25 April 2015

Crushed - Fruit Pouches Review

As a busy mum on the go, sometimes I have days where I forget about myself and eating five a day evades me. After I was diagnosed Fibromyalgia, I knew my diet should be better than it is, but comfort food is a strange thing and you just want sugar, usually in it’s worst form.

So, when I was sent some Crushed fruit pouches to try, I looked forward to having some fruit in my bag, something that I could take with me when I got those sweet cravings and that wouldn’t get battered and bruised as the day went on.


Usually you think this sort of thing is for children, but they have been invaluable for me during my recent house move, meaning I can have fruit on the go, easily and most of all quickly.

The pouches are an easy and accessible way to transport fruit, in your handbag, schoolbag, or lunchbag.


Best of all the Crushed pouches are tasty, the Strawberry & Apple have a little zing to them and the Apple & Banana are nice and smooth, my daughter has tried both and loved them equally meaning they really are a hit for both adults and children alike!


Containing one of your five a day and with a long shelf life they are the perfect store cupboard and fridge staple for when the fruit bowl is running low. 

Currently available in store from Waitrose and online from Ocado at £3.50 for 4 they work out a lot cheaper than some of the similar brands available.


NB: I was sent these to try, I was under no obligation to write a review however I feel they are a great product and wanted to write about them.

20 April 2015

Disney on Ice - Magical Ice Festival

Who hasn't loved Disney at some point in their life? I love sharing the Disney stories that I enjoyed as a child with my daughter, so imagine being able to see some of those characters for real and on ice.

With the new Disney on Ice - Magical Ice Festival currently working its way around the UK, there is no better time to enjoy some of your favourite characters as part of a spectacular event on ice.

With firm Disney favourites including Mickey and friends leading the way....


...and some of the more recent characters Disney have created popping up as well. Including a duo sure to get most little girl's attention, Anna and Elsa from Frozen, they are sure to be a huge hit and have everyone singing along.


This is sure to be a spectacular show, full of energy and a great way for the family to spend some time together.


You can see your favourite Disney characters between now and 17th May at London, Cardiff, Nottingham and Leeds so why not book your tickets to Disney on Ice - Magical Ice Festival.

NB: I have been given a family ticket in exchange for a preview post and review of the Disney on Ice show.

19 April 2015

Black & White Photo Project Week 41


I love bricks in black and white, it picks out the detail and I loved this wall with this beautiful shaped light.


 photo 4d06e438-4e6a-4f3b-88b2-0c1093350397_zps361ad0e9.jpg

13 April 2015

Barbie Bubble-tastic Mermaid Giveaway

A few weeks back we reviewed the fantastic Barbie Bubble-Tastic Mermaid, the perfect summer toy and great for bubble and Barbie lovers alike.


So you’ll be excited to hear that I have one to giveaway to one of my lucky readers, your little one can spin and twirl with Barbie creating bubbles as they go.


A great way to get your little ones out in the garden as well as the perfect companion for bath time.

All you need to do is enter via the Rafflecopter form below, T&Cs apply and can be found on each entry criteria.

12 April 2015

Black & White Photo Project Week 40


We visited the farm this week, a great half term treat and the perfect time for me and my son to spend some time together.

11 April 2015

Spending Time with My Son at White Post Farm

Hasn’t the weather been divine this week, the perfect half term weather you might say.

So whilst my daughter was at nursery I made the most of my alone time with my son, he often gets left out now he’s at school.

I gave him the choice of where we went, he chose White Post Farm, so off we went.

This time of the year is perfect, with lots of baby animals to see , we loved seeing the baby pigs and lambs.


We got to play on the crazy golf, I’m not sure who won so we’ll call it a draw (although I think it was me) ;)

There was a den building area, we had a go at it, but to be fair, without Daddy’s building skills we weren’t that great and instead left to finish the Easter Egg hunt, a nice addition at this time of year.


We got to see a crazy llama who was having a dust bath, not sure how this was comfortable but hey, who am I to judge. A rather wooly cow and a meerkat looking in an old welly.


We also went on a tractor ride, it was a welcome break from walking about and my son had a go on the water balloon game, this ended up being a lesson learnt for my son. He had stood watching it not realising that the aim of the game was to wet your opponent, one soaking later and he was ready to give up.  I have to admit I laughed, just call me a bad mother OK.

It was a fab day out and we had lots of fun, a trip to the gift shop on the way out only left me a pound lighter so that wasn’t too bad. 

Linking up to Country Kids on Coombe Mill and Magic Moments with The Olivers Madhouse

Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

OXO Tot Twist Top Water Bottle Review - Updated

The children were recently sent some new drinks bottles from OXO Tot, they were an instant hit and replaced their usual night time drinks bottle.

Both the kids get thirsty in the night and to save on spillages we have always used a bottle, these bright and coloruful bottles have straws without any valves in, which make it really easy for them to drink from. 

Although not completely spill proof as we have had a few spills when the bottle is tipped up with the straw out.



However, straw closed, they don’t leak. The bottles also have a super handy hook you can hold on to or clip on to a bag, as well as lines on the side so you can measure how much liquid you are putting in and they are drinking.

They are easy to fill with a wide neck and the straw is long enough to ensure all the drink can be finished off.


Both the children have loved their new bottle, taking it out on trips with them and on sleepovers to their nana's house, they were in awe at the magic straw too.



They are dishwasher safe and BPA free, so are easy to look after and the perfect bottle for older children whatever they use them for. 

The bottles are really sturdy and so far stood the test of two children using them every day, priced at £8 I think this is a little more expensive than some you can find on the market, but these have a lot of functionally and for that I think they are worth the money.

UPDATE - We had only had these a month when one started leaking so I have had to replace it.

NB We were sent the bottles for the purpose of the review, all words and opinions are my own.

9 April 2015

Easter Egg Hunt at Rufford Abbey

We decided in January we wanted to buy a new house, it was a kind of quick decision but several factors played a part and it has totally been the right one so far.

But I will talk more about this another day, this is a post about a day out for Easter after a hectic few weeks in which the children have been a little bit neglected, as has the family as a whole to be honest.

We headed up to Rufford Abbey, a little overcast but nice none the less.

For a pound you got an egg spotting sheet and had to walk around the gardens to spot them, perfect for the kids as they love the gardens there.



Off to spot some eggs, look high into the trees guys...


We have been up to Rufford many times before, it continues to be a great place to visit with so much to explore and enjoy with the changing seasons.

Once we had found all but to missing eggs (hiding at the Information Centre) we claimed our prize, a yummy chocolate bunny, which didn't last long.


Our usual trip to watch the cars drive through the ford and an ice cream finished off the trip.

What did you get up to this easter?

7 April 2015

Barbie Bubble-tastic Mermaid Review

Summer is the perfect time for some bubble fun, young or old, bubbles are most entertaining. 

Nothing keeps a child mesmerised more than colourful rainbow bubbles bouncing along on a summer breeze. So, mixing two classics, like bubble mixture and Barbie gives you a winning combination.

The Barbie Bubble-tastic  Mermaid is an easy to use and fun bubble making Barbie doll, great for the outdoors and the bath.

It comes with everything you need to get started including some bubble mixture, I think it could do with a bit more bubble mixture in the pack, as it doesn’t go that far but we always have loads from party bags lying round the house so it’s not a major problem.


The doll itself has a pull string at the back which makes the tail spin around with the bubble mixture on it, making bubbles as you go.

My daughter found this relative easy to master although did struggle a little at first, my only gripe is that a lot of the bubble mixture gets splatted about rather than creating bubbles, meaning you get covered in the stuff. Getting messy is completely me being an adult though, my daughter couldn't care less.  


My daughter was instantly in awe of the Barbie Bubble-tastic Mermaid and has been playing with her, both outside and in the bath, in my opinion the perfect places for her as it can be as messy as you like.

With the sun shining now, it is the perfect time to get out and fly with Barbie and the bubbles. The RRP for the doll is £20.99, with other Barbie dolls costing anywhere between £10-£25 I think this is about the right price. To bring hours of fun and to make bath time exciting this would be a great gift for any Barbie loving child.

NB: We were sent the doll for the purpose of this review, all words, opinions and pictures are my own.

5 April 2015

Black and White Photo Project Week 39


It's been a manic week with the house move and I haven't actually had time to stop and think so this photo is a bit of a last minute one! Its from the wonderful gardens at Newstead Abbey though, I love walled gardens and pretty gates.