tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67839547761512076982024-03-14T04:26:48.167+00:00The Mummy Diarya parenting and lifestyle blogEllie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.comBlogger825125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-83821951958693813572019-12-08T07:45:00.000+00:002019-12-08T19:42:29.083+00:00Simple Star Mince PiesI do love mince pies, they are great to leave out for Santa, to serve to guests over christmas or just to relax whilst you have a cup of tea, however you enjoy them, it is important to get the correct mincemeat to pastry ratio.<br />
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So, on a mission to find the perfect combination and delight both to the eye and the taste buds, I set about searching the internet for inspiration. By combining the results of my internet searching, with my mum's recipe for sweet crust pastry, I created my very own star mince pies, you can enjoy them too by following the recipe below.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHibkUIXgUw/VnucCuz9d0I/AAAAAAAAIJo/S70nUuq1IhE/s1600/IMG_7045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHibkUIXgUw/VnucCuz9d0I/AAAAAAAAIJo/S70nUuq1IhE/s640/IMG_7045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>The recipe is simple:<br />
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8oz Plain Flour<br />
4oz Butter or Stork if you prefer<br />
2oz Sugar<br />
1 Egg<br />
Mincemeat<br />
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1. In either a free standing mixer or by hand, rub the flour and butter together (it should resemble breadcrumbs).<br />
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2. Mix in the sugar<br />
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3. Add the egg and mix until it has become a soft dough, if you need to add a little milk you can do.<br />
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4. Pop in the fridge for an hour to firm slightly to make it easier to roll out, this can also be made a day ahead an kept in the fridge.<br />
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5. Once firmer you can start to roll out, using plenty of flour so it doesn't stick to the surface or rolling pin. First of all take your round pastry cutter or if you don't have one a glass will do and just rub in a little flour, this will prevent it sticking to the cookie cutter/glass.<br />
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6. Cut out your circles and place in a baking tin, then do the same with the stars. Place a teaspoon of mincemeat into each of your round and then place a star on top, gently pressing down.<br />
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7. Place in a oven on 200c for about 8-10 minutes checking towards the end to ensure they don't burn. They should be a nice golden colour all over. Once cooled slightly remove from the tin, I find using a spoon the easiest way. Place on a cooling rack to cool and then sprinkle with some icing sugar.<br />
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And voila, beautiful star mince pies perfect for family, friends and the big man himself.<br />
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Merry Christmas to all my readers.<br />
<br />Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-32089204796451940802019-08-15T06:00:00.000+01:002019-08-19T07:19:44.594+01:00A Day Out Aboard the SS Great Britain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qFnTlcdTUk/XVlqXn8u1oI/AAAAAAAAMIc/YvYX4sj6wrgFNuc-CKZFYadGsz4xwabOgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qFnTlcdTUk/XVlqXn8u1oI/AAAAAAAAMIc/YvYX4sj6wrgFNuc-CKZFYadGsz4xwabOgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0539.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">On our way from Weston we stopped in Bristol for the night, I had been there with a friend a few months back and it really seemed like the perfect place to take the kids.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With plenty of museums, eateries and lots to see and do it is a really vibrant city, which I feel we didn’t even touch the surface of.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We got up early on Saturday morning and headed to the <a href="https://www.ssgreatbritain.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>SS Great Britain</b></a>. We had seen this stunning ship on our way down into Bristol, with a view of Clifton Suspension Bridge too, we were most excited to learn about this magnificent feat of engineering.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The walk down the docks is really wonderful and you get a sense of the history of the place from the sheds, cranes, boats and trains that are still visible.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">On arriving at the SS Great Britain we were greeted by a gentleman dressed in the clothing of the time the SS Great Britain was built, the tall hat that was so typically Brunel.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The shop was bright and airy and the kids ran off to look at what there was whilst I picked up our tickets. The tickets are really fun and a memento in their own right as they are in the style of boarding passes, for a journey aboard the SS Great Britain. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had arrived just in time for one of the Invisible Circus performances, this is a really great touch for the summer as it not only allowed us to see how people of the time would have dressed but also it added an element of fun for the kids. My daughter was in absolute awe at the performance and laughed with delight as they jumped and fell and were generally silly. With performances five times a day around the ship and yard it is definitely something to look out for.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You are given a map to follow around the yard and ship and it is well worth following as it allows the story of the ship to flow.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I have to admit, whilst I was aware of the ships existence I wasn’t aware of what it had been through in it’s life. From taking people to new lands, to being sunk off the coast of the Falklands and finally, being brought back to Bristol in the 1970s. As well as being ahead of it’s time, an amazing feat of engineering brilliance, it is also a tragic tale with a happy ending.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The ship looks as though it is on water, however it actually sits in a dry dock, sealed under glass the air around the hull of the ship is dried out to stop any more corrosion of the iron which makes up this boat. After about 100 years under water this area of the ship was so badly damaged it couldn’t risk being underwater anymore, so this system allows not only visitors to see the hull of the boat but allow it to be preserved for years to come. Getting to see the rudder and propeller which made this boat such an important part of history is fantastic, also being able to get to see the dry dock which was purpose built for the SS Great Britain was equally as wonderful. So much history in one place.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Afterwards we headed into the Dockyard Museum, here you learn all about the history of the SS Great Britain from who sailed on her to her use during the Great Wars and ultimately her sad demise. There are lots of interactive elements to the museum which keep the children occupied, including dressing up and collecting your card to learn about who might have sailed on her.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This grand ship looks out over Bristol Harbour and is a truly spectacular sight.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It is fascinating to see (a bit like you see in the film The Titanic) the lines on the boat which separate the First Class Passengers from the rest of the ship, the boat is big but I couldn’t imagine this being the only outside space I’d see in the many weeks it took to get from Britain to Australia.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As you head downstairs to the lower decks you really get a sense of the space, or at nearly 5’10 the lack of it, the beds are like open coffins and the rooms about the same size as my downstairs toilet, the first class areas were decadent and beautiful and everything you’d want from a cruise liner, but steerage would have been hell. The sheer noise of 100s of people, the engine, kitchens, animals and general sea noises would have been just horrific. But if it got you somewhere warm and new then it would have been worth it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My children were really in awe at the sights and smells the boat had to offer, my son picked up a card that said he was the captain so he was showing us around the whole time. It really got their imagination going and it was really great to see that there was no need for technology to make this the immersive experience it was. Learning about what life was like back in the 1800s was interesting enough, throw in the realities of emigrating to new lands made it even more exciting.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Afterwards we headed back to the upper deck, tried to figure out why the wheel to steer the boat was facing backwards and then headed back down to the docks to explore some more.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There is a café within the grounds of the shipyard, which was ample enough for our requirements but should you need more there is a larger café outside and with your ticket allowing re-entry it meant you could get out and back in.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We finally went and had a look in the Being Brunel exhibition, it seems that during history lessons we learn very little about this man, I remember visiting Iron Bridge when I was younger and so knew who Brunel was and how important he was but that’s about it. To learn about the man himself was very interesting and I think more should be said about the personality of this man and how despite what people said he forged on with his inventions and ideas.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tickets for the <b><a href="https://www.ssgreatbritain.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SS Great Britain</a></b> are £17 for adults and £10 for children aged 5-16, under 4s are free. Even better your ticket is valid for a year so you can come back again should you not manage it all in one day. Perfect if you are staying in the area or are a regular visitor to Bristol.</span><br />
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Most of the site is wheelchair accessible which I think is wonderful and so it can be enjoyed by everyone.<br />
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We we given three tickets in return for this review, all words and opinions are my own.</div>
Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-11903892409971657262019-05-13T20:55:00.001+01:002019-08-18T20:02:00.250+01:00A Day Out at Yorkshire Sculpture Park<div class="p1">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">A few weeks ago, I took the children to <a href="https://ysp.org.uk/" target="_blank"><b>Yorkshire Sculpture Park</b></a>. I've wanted to visit for ages, but the right moment and the right weather never seemed to coincide.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">With a few sunny days forecast in the half term and what looked like the most amazing art installations, I decided to take us there.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I had seen over on Instagram images of a beautiful mirrored room at the park, along with some of Damien Hirst's work too, so it really did seem like the perfect time to go.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">It is really easy to find just off junction 38 of the M1 and although the parking fees may sound a little steep at £12 per day, this also covers the entrance fee to the park and galleries. In my opinion, £12 for three people for the whole day is very reasonable </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The park itself is huge, I'd totally underestimated the size of it and we could have easily spent a few more hours exploring. We shall definitely be heading there again in the summer, and it's the perfect place to take a picnic.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">After parking up and heading out into the park, we first headed down to the Chapel, this is where <i>To Breath </i>by </span><span style="font-size: small;">Kimsooja</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> was installed. The floor was covered in mirrors and the windows had a diffraction film on them, this created the most stunning rainbow patterns when the sun shone through them. It was truly magical and I could have spent the whole day in there. To protect the mirrored floors, socks or special slip on shoes were required, and perhaps wearing a skirt isn't advisable ;)</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">It was truly a beautiful and unique experience that we all enjoyed, I don't think i'll forget the joy on my children's faces for a while either.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">After we had finished enjoying the Chapel we headed down the hill towards the imposing sculptures we could see in the distance.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">One was instantly recognisable as <i>The Virgin Mother</i>. Having been to Ilfracombe and viewed Hirst's <i>Verity </i>piece there, the YSP piece is very similar, except the painting on this one is so bright and bordering on gaudy it doesn't look as though it is made of bronze! The beauty of it I suppose.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="s1">The other two sculptures we saw were equally as impressive; <i>Charity</i> is based on an charity box from the 70s and appears scratched and emptied by a giant crow bar sitting alongside. It is really thought provoking of many of society's current shortcomings</span><span class="s1">. She was definitely my favourite.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">My daughter's favourite although she was a little bemused by it, was the unicorn <i>Myth</i>. Stood there with it's insides exposed, it was interesting to say the least.</span></span></div>
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Throughout the rest of the park there are so many wonderful sculptures, both within the grounds and the the main buildings, with beautifully manicured gardens to wander round too, it was a truly breath taking day out.</div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">There are a couple of cafe's serving really nice food, including a good range of Gluten Free options, as well as shops selling wonderful work from local artists as well as those exhibited and beyond. </span></span></div>
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Have you been to YSP before? If so what did you see there? </div>
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</style>Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-54195380976354351192019-03-18T19:40:00.002+00:002020-10-21T14:24:58.001+01:00Snowdrops at Hodsock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7VjsNQHvrvg/XIWLqTyBNPI/AAAAAAAALyw/y33QRg0q9NkNmorIe1Gw02jvS_A3XUIIgCLcBGAs/s1600/snowdrops4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7VjsNQHvrvg/XIWLqTyBNPI/AAAAAAAALyw/y33QRg0q9NkNmorIe1Gw02jvS_A3XUIIgCLcBGAs/s640/snowdrops4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We visited the Snowdrops at Hodsock Priory several years ago and I have been desperate to go back ever since.<br />
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After a terrible time with rain last year the gardens were only open for a couple of weeks, so we made the most of an inset day just before half term and headed there for a few hours.<br />
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With the sun shining and the weather most inviting it felt like the perfect opportunity to go. And we weren't disappointed, the wind blew through the trees and the sun shone making it a very tranquil place to sit and reflect.<br />
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There is a small cafe in the centre of the woods with a log fire burning throughout the day, the smell of which wafted through the woods and made for a very back to nature experience.<br />
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My daughter wore her bridesmaid skirt from my brother's wedding last year and everyone stopped to comment on the small fairy princess darting through the trees and snowdrops.<br />
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Hodsock and the Snowdrops was one of my grans favourite places to visit, she loved those tiny delicate white flowers so it felt like we were there to walk amongst them with her.<br />
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Whilst the snow drops are now gone for another year the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/803866253298696" target="_blank"><b>Bluebells at Hodsock</b></a> will be making an appearance any time soon and they will be open again for a few days. So if you are local to the area or simply fancy a drive to some escape the hustle and bustle of life then do have a look.<br />
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With the Harley Gallery, Welbeck Farm Shop and Cressswell Crags a short drive a way this area is teeming with things to do.<br />
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Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-16742250195331065882019-02-10T22:24:00.001+00:002019-02-10T22:25:07.394+00:00Easy to Make Valentines Cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you are looking to get crafty with the kids for Valentine's Day and want a simple, easy to make card on a budget then this is for you.<br />
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Using some craft bits we already had in our craft boxes along with some left over sweets from my daughters birthday last week, we created these super easy Valentine's Cards.<br />
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We used Love Hearts, but you could use any sweet or heart shaped item from whatever you have already. However, I love that the Love Hearts already have words on them, so you don't even have to worry about thinking of something witty for the front of the card.<br />
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First up, choose your background for the Love Hearts sweet, we are using some foam shapes that I picked up from Wilkos ages ago, it was a huge pack for only a few pounds and was well worth it for how long they've lasted.<br />
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Equally though you could cut your own shapes out of coloured card, paper or tissue paper.<br />
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We used the little Bostik sticky dots to attach the foam shapes and sweets, they are really simple for the kids to use, as well as being super sticky.<br />
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Once the shape is firmly in place my daughter opened and sorted (and ate) the Love Hearts, she chose her favourite and in my opinion the best out of some questionable wording on them (think modern day Fax Me) and stuck them to the cards.<br />
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...and voila, these really couldn't be any easier, I love that you could make these with any piece of card or paper you have lying round. You could add words to the front if you are feeling witty and you could adapt these with anything you have that is remotely pink, red or whatever colour you fancy.<br />
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The lovely <b><a href="https://www.muminthemadhouse.com/valentine-craft-and-activities-for-kids/" target="_blank">Mum in the Madhouse</a></b> has found some other great crafts and has handily linked to them on her blog. So if you are looking for some 'love' inspired gifts and activities for the week of love then do hop on over.<br />
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Finally, I know Valentines isn't everyones cup of tea, I only ever received one card growing up and that was from my mum, dad and brother as they felt kinda sorry for me. So sod it, I will embrace this day of overly pink nonsense but not at an extravagant cost.Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-78403783428104545242019-02-05T21:41:00.000+00:002019-02-06T12:32:20.460+00:00Chocolate Tasting at Luisa's Vegan Chocolates in Sneinton Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aETfkyU6KXY/XE-EvIfsdcI/AAAAAAAALvo/pJ9qsU-djEEHircMFDrVF3SegRAggB8kQCEwYBhgL/s1600/luisa5-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aETfkyU6KXY/XE-EvIfsdcI/AAAAAAAALvo/pJ9qsU-djEEHircMFDrVF3SegRAggB8kQCEwYBhgL/s640/luisa5-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A couple of weeks ago I was invited along, to sit in on the first ever chocolate tasting at Luisa's Vegan Chocolates in Sneinton Market.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been chatting to Luisa for several months now, she is a really lovely person with a passion for creating wonderful chocolate. A<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(66, 35, 5); text-align: center;">ll her chocolates are made with a range of indulgent natural ingredients, and can be enjoyed in the knowledge that the beans used are traceable back to their farms. This direct trade ensures the farmers are paid a fair price, enabling them to support their families and empower local communities. </span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(66, 35, 5); text-align: center;">Luisa's unique 'Bean-to-Bar' production process allows her to be in full control at every stage of the journey, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">resulting in chocolate that is not only delicious to eat but ethically produced. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(66, 35, 5); text-align: center;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(66, 35, 5);">A new experience concept from Luisa; the tasting is an opportunity to sample the chocolates in her delightfully decorated studio in Sneinton Market. Beautiful pictures from the farms that supply her business adorn the walls and the intoxicating aroma of fresh </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(66, 35, 5);">chocolate</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(66, 35, 5);"> being conched envelops you.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(66, 35, 5);">The session starts with Luisa and business partner Martin explaining all about the cacao beans, where they come from and how they are processed ready for roasting. It is a really complex process and one about which I had no idea. </span></span></span><br />
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Learning about the soil that the beans are grown in allows you to understand how the complex flavours are created. Luisa tells us:</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"The volcanic islands we source our beans from are the perfect natural environment for cocoa beans, with the tropical climate and richness of minerals in the soil allowing for sustainable growth of the cocoa bean.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>"</i></span></div>
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The chocolates were given to us to taste in both their liquid and solid form and the difference in flavour between the two states was amazing, Martin went on to explain why this was the case and it really opened up my eyes as to how the flavours develop when you eat chocolate.<br />
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Once you are suitably full of delicious samples and armed with knowledge of their Bean-to-Bar production process, Luisa and Martin send you on your way armed with more chocolate to eat at home. It was a really wonderful experience and well worth a visit for any chocolate lover.<br />
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It's hard to decide which one I loved the most because quite frankly, I loved them all!! The 'Casholate', made with cashew milk, is without a doubt a game changer and I love it, maybe a little too much as I can easily polish off a bar in one sitting!!<br />
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The tasting sessions cost £35pp and would make the perfect gift for a loved one or friend who loves chocolate. You can find out more over on her <b><u><a href="http://www.luisasveganchocolates.co.uk/our-heavenly-chocolate-experience/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a></u></b> or <b><u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/luisasveganchocolates/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram page</a></u></b>.Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-47976659240670136112018-12-09T06:49:00.000+00:002018-12-13T07:06:49.853+00:00Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood at Nottingham Playhouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last weekend we were invited to see the opening night of this year's pantomime at the Nottingham Playhouse, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood.</div>
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You may remember last year we were invited to see Cinderella; it was the first time my children had seen the Christmas panto and it was such a wonderful experience, so I was really looking forward to seeing it again this year.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>As the curtains were raised, the dancers twirled across the stage dressed as the woodland creature residents of Sherwood Forest. Immediately, my daughters face lit up just the same as last year.<br />
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Hailing from Nottingham, Robin Hood is naturally a huge part of our cultural history, so this particular panto was always going to be hit with residents of the city. <br />
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The costumes were wonderful and the actors all bought their own element of excitement and humour, and with audience participation a must (otherwise you might just get taken on stage) the show was thoroughly enjoyed by us all.<br />
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John Elkington once again bought the panto dame to life as Nurse Nelly Noggins, he is hilarious and keeps the audience amused with his quick wit and great humour, Robin Kingsland was the perfect baddie and had us all booing as the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.</div>
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There were lots of modern songs to keep it entertaining for all ages, they even got us dancing at one point. It really is the best way to get into the festive mood and with Christmas songs interspersed throughout, it was hard not to get into the spirit of the season.<br />
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I don’t want to spoil it by giving away the songs so I won’t, all I can say is that the show is well worth the money and it is by far my new favourite tradition.<br />
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The panto runs until 19th January and there relaxed performances, dementia-friendly and BSL-signed performances still to come. And with seats to suit all budgets, it really is accessible to all. <br />
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I can also highly recommend The Elves and The Shoemaker in the Neville Studio next door. Aimed at children from 3-8, we have been to these shows the last few years and they are an absolutely amazing immersive experience for the children and a great way to get them into theatre.<br />
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We were given two complimentary tickets to the show for the purpose of this review, all words and opinions are my own. Photos by Nottingham Playhouse </div>
Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-57411210312919013032018-10-27T21:36:00.000+01:002018-10-29T10:31:16.728+00:00Pumpkin Picking at Maxey's Farm Shop 2018It has been our tradition of the last 5 years to visit Maxey's Farm Shop in Kirklington to pick our Halloween pumpkins. What started out as a small field at the front of their shop has fast grown into one of the biggest pumpkin patches in the UK.<br />
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Although we are usually wrapped up well at this time of year, perhaps with a hat or at least wellies, this year saw my daughter in a t-shirt and shorts and us basking in 23 degree sunshine; oh global warming, you cheeky thing, you!<br />
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The field this year stretched as far as the eye could see, full to the brim of pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colours.<br />
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Finding that perfect one is never easy and we only had half an hour to complete the task, as we'd visited after school. My daughter had her mind set on a white one; we still have a similar specimen sourced from Maxey's 2 years ago, I'm not sure whether that makes me frugal or a hoarder but it is miraculously still going strong.<br />
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In 2016, ours was the only was the only white pumpkin available; this year however, there were plenty to choose from and they were all laid out in beautiful lines cutting through the rest of the traditional orange beauties.<br />
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My daughter spent ages finding her perfect, as she called it 'bibbity bobbity boo pumpkin'. My son, less discerning, pretty much chose the first one he picked up and looked at, a bit like when we go shopping I guess.<br />
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Sure, there are cheaper pumpkins available in the supermarkets these days, but this way gave us some valuable time out in the fresh air, lots of fun picking our own pumpkins and importantly we were able to support a local business do something that they clearly do well. I mean who would have thought they could create so many wonderful pumpkins considering the hot weather and drought a lot of us faced this year.<br />
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<br />Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-67636452105939886492018-09-22T22:08:00.000+01:002018-09-24T22:23:45.574+01:00Following the Hoodwinked Trail Around Nottingham<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few years ago we got to see the super <a href="https://www.themummydiary.co.uk/2016/07/following-zebra-trail-in-southampton.html" target="_blank">Zebra Art in Southampton,</a> this year Nottingham have been lucky enough to have their own wonderful art installations in the form of the <a href="http://www.hoodwinked2018.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hoodwinked Robins</a>.<br />
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These quirky, cute and brightly coloured feathered friends have really bought the city to life and I have loved seeing them on my way to and from work and when I pop out at lunch.<br />
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So I took the kids to see them and we followed the trail around Nottingham, it was great to visit places we don't usually see.<br />
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We started at the train station....<br />
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Saw the sky mirror down near the Nottingham Playhouse...</div>
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Said Ayup Me Duck to the Robin near, well near the Robin Hood statue at the castle...<br />
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Found the mean old Sheriff of Nottingham Robin...<br />
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We found the wonderful super hero Robin with the same name as my son...</div>
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Looked at some landmarks on the Robin in Trinity Square...</div>
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And said hello to the Robin who looked like Robin Hood outside The Nottingham Building Society...<br />
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Whether you have a paper map or use the app it is a great way to see the city and the time and effort gone in to designing the Robins is inspiring. I for one have loved seeing their cute faces on my walks through town.<br />
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They are in Nottingham until the 30th September and they will then be sold off to raise money for the Nottinghamshire Hospice.<br />
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The robins will all come together at Fernleigh House and Gardens, home of Nottinghamshire Hospice, on Friday 12 October until Sunday 14 October where you can visit them all together, there is a charge for this though.<br />
<br />Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-33690652808774313922018-08-04T17:13:00.000+01:002018-09-24T22:22:13.404+01:00Nottingham Forest - Football and Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last season, I headed down to the City Ground on a typical English day, cloudy, sunny with a chance of rain, to watch my first ever Forest match, I absolutely loved the buzz around the ground and seeing the way it bought people together.<br />
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After much internal debate about whether I could manage it on my own, I decided to take my children along for the next home match. Thankfully, they loved it too and despite being sat in the cold, they loved the excitement of the game and listening to the cheers, chants and boos of the crowd.<br />
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One thing that occurred to me that night however, was that I was possibly one of the only women there alone with their children and it got me wondering why? Is it really just 'a man's game' as I'd heard often from those around me at my first match?<br />
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Undeterred, we kept on going and the more we went the more we loved it. I sometimes got annoyed at the the occasional archaic comments, but we didn't let it spoil our enjoyment.<br />
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We'd wrap up warm when it was cold, I'd take a blanket and hot chocolate and we'd sit there and be a part of the fun. What I loved most was that it gave us something to look forward to as a family; something that we could all get in to.<br />
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My daughter joined the Junior Reds 7s scheme in the following weeks and got her first Forest Garibaldi shirt. She wore it with pride to every match and even created her own hand drawn Forest flag, inspired by the other colourful displays around the ground.<br />
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Football isn't necessarily hooligans, swearing and an expensive habit; it can be about family bonding and for us it has been just that.<br />
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This season, I'll be working alongside Forest to showcase that a trip to the City Ground on a matchday can be the perfect family activity, no matter what your family dynamic.<br />
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Plus the club have made it even cheaper to get to games now; with their children's season tickets starting from £15 for up to 11 and then £70 for up to 17. <br />
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Even if you just fancy going to the odd match here and there, Forest's regular Kids for a Quid promotion has meant we have managed to get to lots of games for under £30 for all three of us. And considering how much the cinema can cost these days, it's great value.<br />
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Football doesn't have to be about the 90 minutes the players are on the pitch, Forest are striving to make more of the Match Day experience. The Family Area in the Peter Taylor Stand has some great new pre-match events with the club mascot lined up.<br />
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Plus with the ground being a stones throw from the wonderful West Bridgford and Nottingham itself, it really is a great way to spend the day with your family.<br />
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A few weeks ago we went to pick up our season tickets from the newly refurbished ticket office and whilst we were there couldn't help checking out the club shop.<br />
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We'll be there in the Family Area, cheering on the Reds this season. #COYR<br />
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<i>This is a collaborative post, we are working with Forest in return for our season tickets. All words and opinions are my own.</i>Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-85417104136437138112018-07-17T22:06:00.000+01:002018-09-24T22:22:26.537+01:00The Alchemist Nottingham - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks back, we were invited along to The Alchemist in Nottingham to sample their food and explore their kids menu.<br />
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When The Alchemist first opened here, I have to admit, I thought it was just a place for adults; an extravagant cocktail venue, not particularly suitable for the mini folk.<br />
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But it appears my first impressions were off and the team invited us along to find out just what they have to offer for the little people as well as us grown ups.<br />
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Located in the old Prudential Assurance building, one of Nottingham's finest example of Victorian architecture, the sympathetic interior stylings of The Alchemist made much better use of the space than previous inhabitants had done.<br />
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The internal design made great use of an alchemy theme, the walls covered in scientific diagrams and the shelves lined with glass flasks and tubing. Even with the presence of a few hen parties, it still felt pretty chilled out. We were seated in a booth and it felt like we were in a little private bubble of our own.<br />
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The children's menus come in a little packet with some crayons, it isn't a huge menu but then kids menus never are; however with a choice of wraps or a bento box, it really didn't need to be as these will satisfy even the fussiest eaters in my opinion.<br />
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The kids picked what they wanted and set about colouring in, drawing and playing noughts and crosses. I loved that were were several things for the kids to do in their activity books and it pretty much kept them occupied until our food arrived at the table.<br />
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The adult menu is extensive and I loved the choice and flavour pairings. I went for the duck with tender stem broccoli, harissa yoghurt and sweet potato fondant. The combination of sweet potato and spicy harissa worked really well and it was cooked and presented to a high standard.<br />
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The children's lunches came in Japanese style Bento Boxes, we use a Yumbox Bento box for school packed lunches and they have always worked really well. The portion sizes were above average and they came with all of the food groups covered.<br />
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I obviously had to try a cocktail, our waiter went through the menu in detail explaining the different types and what we could expect from the more theatrical options. I opted for the Tickle Me Pink, a mix of Portobello Road Gin, St Germain, Lime and Nettles. It came with a syringe full of a stingy liquid which you swished in your mouth and it tingled like nettles. It was a fun way to enjoy a cocktail, looking round the room there were lots of different cocktails being delivered to tables and they all looked just as exciting.<br />
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I loved the mix of industrial, modern and original features that made up the room, the staff were all really friendly and the service was great. I loved that I was able to enjoy a really tasteful meal out with my children, there were meals to suit all budgets and tastes and although it can get expensive with the addition of cocktails it was a nice treat and is definitely somewhere i'd take the kids back to if I fancied a nice meal with them in tow.<br />
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The addition of the children's menu come colouring book is great and the theatrics of the food and drinks made it an enjoyable experience for all.<br />
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<i>We were invited to The Alchemist to try their kids menu, all words and opinions are my own.</i><br />
<br />Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-61990766766759073002018-07-05T08:43:00.000+01:002018-07-05T06:48:14.496+01:00Almond & Coconut Choc Chip Cookies - Gluten Free Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I have a bit of a sweet tooth, I have been trying to find some more gluten free cake and biscuit recipes, so when I came across this one I knew I could adapt it and make it something special.</div>
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If you love coconut and almonds with a little chocolate chip hit then these are for you, they are kind of like a macaroon with a biscuit twist, everyone in the family loved them, including my normally coconut avoiding children.</div>
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Ingredients - Makes 12<br />
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140g Ground Almonds<br />
30g Chocolate Chips (I used Milk Choc)<br />
40g Dessicated Coconut<br />
½ tsp Baking Powder<br />
¼ tsp Salt<br />
75g Soft Brown Sugar<br />
1 Egg<br />
3 Tbsp Coconut Oil<br />
½ Tsp Vanilla Extract<br />
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Method:<br />
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<li>Preheat oven to 180c, line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.</li>
<li>Mix the ground almonds, desiccated coconut, baking powder, chocolate chips, salt and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until evenly mixed.</li>
<li>In another bowl, whisk the egg until smooth and it has doubled in size, then mix in the coconut oil and vanilla essence.</li>
<li>Add the egg mixture to the dry mixture and mix well until everything is combined, then cover with cling film and pop into the fridge for 30 minutes.</li>
<li>After 30 minutes, take out of the fridge, take a small amount, roughly a heaped teaspoon and roll into a ball in the palm of your hands, pop onto the baking tray and flatten slightly with the back of a fork.</li>
<li>Bake in the oven for about 8-10 or until the edges are golden brown.</li>
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These are a great store cupboard cookie, I always have a bag or two of ground almonds now for my <a href="http://www.themummydiary.co.uk/2016/02/gluten-free-creme-egg-brownie.html" target="_blank"><b>brownies</b></a> or finding new recipes like this.</div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 144px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 144px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></span>Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-51059865809339226862018-06-15T07:01:00.001+01:002018-06-15T07:10:57.747+01:00A Look at Sneinton Market in Nottingham<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Back in its hay day Sneinton Market in Nottingham was considered one of the best markets in the county, a Penny Lane style market that was always busy. Chat to any member of my family and you will hear stories of how great it was.<br />
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With the rise of the supermarket though, places such as Sneinton Market became run down and a hub for vandalism and up until a few years ago it was a sad site for the most part.<br />
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But with lots of small businsses making a come back, we are now lucky enough to see the start of the regeneration of this once thriving part of Nottingham.<br />
<a name='more'></a><b><a href="https://www.blendnottingham.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blend</a></b> coffee shop has become my favourite haunts for a coffee, cake and yummy toasties. It is a really family friendly place and has an outside area for those warmer days. They also serve a great selection of beers and ciders.<br />
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Blend has been host to outdoor cinemas and events and have really helped to bring the area along. Then with the opening of the Fox and Grapes it means that even more of the rundown areas of the market were being regenerated.<br />
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Now we have <b><a href="https://www.nottinghamcraftbeer.co.uk/" rel="" target="_blank">The Watered Garden</a></b>, <a href="http://www.neonraptorbrewingco.com/" rel="" target="_blank"><b>Neon Raptor Brewery</b>,</a> <b><a href="http://www.luisasveganchocolates.co.uk/" rel="" target="_blank">Luisa's Vegan Chocolates </a></b>as well as lots of other small independent shops, food outlets, and popup shops. Add to that some really great street art and it is beginning to look like somewhere people will start to flock too once again.</div>
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There are lots of pop up markets both in the square and in the lanes, I purchased a beautiful ring from eLaTion Jewellery last weekend, a lovely lady who has some really beautiful items and this was a lovely way to showcase her jewellery.<br />
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In fact this weekend the lanes are host to the <b><a href="https://www.nottinghamcraftbeer.co.uk/" rel="" target="_blank">Nottingham Craft Beer Festival</a></b>, a celebration of local beers from some of the great new breweries that have been popping up all over this county in the past few years. So if you like craft beer and are a bit lost for something to do this weekend then there are three sessions to choose from on Friday and Saturday. Plus, you’ll be supporting lots of local crafts people doing what they do best.</div>
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This area is a wonderful place to meet friends and have a wander, parking is usually relatively easy with a car park just over the road (first hour free) as well as on street parking, there is also a lovely park and even <b><a href="https://www.themummydiary.co.uk/2014/06/stonebridge-city-farm.html" target="_blank">Stonebridge City Farm</a></b> within easy reach too. </div>
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Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-1874646414062066722018-05-31T14:14:00.000+01:002018-06-02T16:17:48.856+01:00Meeting the Vikings at Sherwood Pines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a name='more'></a>Living on the outskirts of North Nottingham gives us easy access to lots of places to visit; everywhere from Newstead and Rufford Abbeys to Sherwood Forest and Sherwood Pines.<br />
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These are all great places for fun activities, and this month has seen us visit Sherwood Pines to meet and greet some Vikings. Well not real ones, but as close as we will ever get without boarding a long boat time machine.<br />
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With a camp set up in the forest and a battleground recreation in full flow, it was a great way to see how they might have lived all those years ago.<br />
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The children were quite excited about the fighting, although it wasn't real it at least gave us an idea of the kinds of weapons the Vikings used and the strategies they would have taken. It would have been a gruesome time, especially as they didn't really have much in the way of armour.<br />
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There was an example of a long boat and you could smell the camp before you saw it. The wonderful smell of wood burning on the camp fires wafted through the air as the Vikings prepared a lunchtime feast.<br />
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We got to see how they would have lived in the camp, what they would have traded and made themselves.<br />
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We watched make a bowl out of wood using a bow lathe, a tool that dates back to Egyptian times. We were all impressed at how long this method had been used, in fact it was used up until the 60s.<br />
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It was fun to see how they would have lived in the Viking times, even more fun to have a go. We churned some butter, had a go at grinding some wheat to make flour and watched them making glass beads in a furnace.<br />
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This was a fantastic day out that brought history to life in a way that TV and books just don't cut it. Experiencing the sounds, the sights and the smells and getting to be a part of the making and creating process is one of the the best way to learn, I have found.Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-58036209874304125012018-04-27T21:07:00.000+01:002018-06-02T14:35:09.715+01:00Disney on Ice - Worlds of Enchantment Review<style type="text/css">
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<span class="s1">A few weeks ago, we were invited to see the new Disney on Ice Worlds of Enchantment show at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Both of my children have always been massive Disney fans and with the show falling on my son's birthday, the answer was an easy yes, so we headed there after some birthday tea.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I love watching shows at the arena and on an unseasonably warm day it was nice to be inside in the cool.</span><br />
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<span class="s1">The show itself is preceded by a Fit to Dance show to get the audience warmed up, for me the All-American preppiness of the dancers was a bit much, but the kids loved it.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The show starts with Toy Story 3 and the awesome green army soldiers, marching in sync. It was a really lively way to start the show and had us all smiling from the start.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Moving onto the main act, we were transported through the Toy Story gang's ill-fated trip to Sunnyside Daycare where we meet Lotso Bear and Stretch the Octopus, the romance blossoms between Barbie and Ken and we were treated to some fun skating between the lovebirds.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Afterwards we were taken Under the Sea with Ariel and her friends, the bright colours of the fish and underwater scenes were really breathtaking and my daughters face lit up when Ariel came on. We follow the story of Ursula stealing Ariel's voice and the journey of love that follows in order for her to speak and sing again.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">After the break we were treated to what for my son and daughter, was the highlight of the evening. Having both recently gotten back into the 'Cars' world, my daughter even bought her plush Lightning McQueen with her.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The life size cars drove and skidded around on the ice, and featured all our favourite characters including Mater, Sally, Flo and Ramone. It was a really fun part of the show and to see the cars in all their glory was quite spectacular.<br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The finale was probably the highlight for most of the crowd in the arena, and told the story of the hit movie, Frozen. With all our favourite songs and lots of snow and special effects, it was a really wonderful performance and we all enjoyed dancing and singing along.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">With Mickey and the gang there too, it was a truly full-on Disney experience and well worth the money if you have a Disney fan in your house.<br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The only downside to these events are the extras which can soon add up, with lots of spinning lightsticks, ice cups and bags of popcorn thrown into the mix, it could get expensive if you aren't careful. But what price a little family fun!<br />
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We were given tickets to this performance in return for this review, all words and opinions are my own.</span></i></span></div>
<br />Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-31480178296151342292018-04-02T12:10:00.001+01:002018-06-02T14:37:11.566+01:00Our Favourite Toys from Chad Valley plus Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARxDRjlu3i0/WsIPWDiOR5I/AAAAAAAALSU/mDol-3fT7qEjajBNG39GfaJg78NY-fq9ACLcBGAs/s1600/pool%2Btable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARxDRjlu3i0/WsIPWDiOR5I/AAAAAAAALSU/mDol-3fT7qEjajBNG39GfaJg78NY-fq9ACLcBGAs/s640/pool%2Btable.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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We have had an awesome time as part of the Chad Valley Play Panel and have been given the opportunity to review some great toys.<br />
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Here are a few of those we didn't review on the blog as well as our Top 5 of their current spring selection.<br />
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First up they sent us this amazing 6 in 1 Multi Games Table, the kids have loved playing with it and to be fair the adults have enjoyed a few games of pool too.<br />
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With darts, a bean bag toss game, push hockey, football and a target game this for me will be the perfect summer toy, we can easily take it outside and play with it well into the evening.<br />
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We were sent a rather wonderful Designabear Bunny who comes with clothes you can dress them up in, my daughter loves it and it is super soft and cuddly.<br />
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On to our Top 5 from their new 2018 ranges though....<br />
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1. My children absolutely love playing out in our garden, my daughter especially loves making potions and mud pies so this <b><a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/product/8037886" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mud Pie Kitchen</a></b> would be perfect for her. I have seen people make these kinds of things but if you are a bit inept with a hammer and nails like me then this may be for you. - £99.99<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRuTl5hVtco/WrX9Bvo20dI/AAAAAAAALQU/VJ-pUK8Hx2UMZWCXzZOviayy0faW7cvWwCLcBGAs/s1600/mudpiekitchen.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="570" height="576" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRuTl5hVtco/WrX9Bvo20dI/AAAAAAAALQU/VJ-pUK8Hx2UMZWCXzZOviayy0faW7cvWwCLcBGAs/s640/mudpiekitchen.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. And for summer picnics and a place to hide and play with toys how about this fab <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/product/7592085" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">W<b>igwam Playhouse</b></a>, at well over a meter and a half tall it is the perfect size for little and not so little children. - £29.99<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DsCAwuqH578/WrX-lH9rBQI/AAAAAAAALQs/rit_VfTgff4FDpiz21ti17uqTReKfeJRACLcBGAs/s1600/wigwam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="570" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DsCAwuqH578/WrX-lH9rBQI/AAAAAAAALQs/rit_VfTgff4FDpiz21ti17uqTReKfeJRACLcBGAs/s640/wigwam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. My children are maybe a bit old for this now but I know once upon a time they'd of spent hours playing with little <b><a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/product/8047759" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">farm animals</a></b>, building a farm and making all of the animal noises. A set of 50 pieces means you have everything you need to create your own farm scene. - £11.99</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V04UvrRkUcE/WrX-Iw4Jv-I/AAAAAAAALQo/aGThfCQPXdAVEpVY9Oz7nX6Iwl85880GACLcBGAs/s1600/farmbucket.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="570" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V04UvrRkUcE/WrX-Iw4Jv-I/AAAAAAAALQo/aGThfCQPXdAVEpVY9Oz7nX6Iwl85880GACLcBGAs/s320/farmbucket.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. Should we get some sunshine this year (crosses fingers, toes and everything possible) then this fabulous <b><a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/product/7545087" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">water sprayer </a></b>will come in handy, the kids love being sprayed with the hose pipe but I must admit it gets a little tedious after a while holding it. This is great to get them jumping about whilst spraying them too.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hpOQDvops7E/WrYL_UDQvXI/AAAAAAAALRI/8R29CtKJaZMocdqBje4tMHid09qeRcxMQCLcBGAs/s1600/waterspray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="570" height="414" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hpOQDvops7E/WrYL_UDQvXI/AAAAAAAALRI/8R29CtKJaZMocdqBje4tMHid09qeRcxMQCLcBGAs/s640/waterspray.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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5. And finally we love this table top football table, great fun for all the family in all weathers. Not only is this the perfect rainy day activity but it also would make a great party game too.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1irPCHfXgc/WsHkMPbV2II/AAAAAAAALSA/X68D0v_xSekH8cZ1_kSlCMUs5oovYvQTwCLcBGAs/s1600/table%2Bfootball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="569" height="434" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1irPCHfXgc/WsHkMPbV2II/AAAAAAAALSA/X68D0v_xSekH8cZ1_kSlCMUs5oovYvQTwCLcBGAs/s640/table%2Bfootball.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And finally, you can win £75 to spend on making your own spring fun by entering the competition below. T&Cs apply<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="a8f599e125" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a8f599e125/" id="rcwidget_tiya5zgp" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com150tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-11541153595970439542018-03-17T07:00:00.000+00:002018-06-02T14:38:31.449+01:00Our First Ever No School Snow Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I have been meaning to write up our snow day for the last few weeks but time has kind of run away with me.</div>
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On the Thursday we woke up to a thick blanket of snow. Hoping for a snow day we waited and waited for school to message to say they were closed, we were ready and waiting by the door to head out when they finally messaged us at 8.05.</div>
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We quickly changed and headed out into a winter wonderland, stomping through the snow drifts and catching the snow flakes as they fell from the sky.</div>
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We headed down the hill to the local park, since this is the first snow we've had at our new house it was the first time we had been there for some snow fun.</div>
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I had expected it to be really busy but had forgotten it was only about 8.30, so we had the slope to ourselves for a while and had lots of fun sledging and sliding down the hill.</div>
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Afterwards we walked across the beautiful white field on freshly laid snow to the park, the kids had fun pushing the swings and throwing snow, it is however possible to have the wrong type of snow for snowballs and this was it.</div>
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On the Friday we headed up to the field behind our house, i'd seen on our community Facebook page that there were some really big snow drifts against the hedges. The kids weren't up for it to begin with as they just wanted to sledge, but once we got up there they were super excited by the deepest snow I have seen in years and certainly the deepest snow they've ever seen.<br />
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It was about four foot deep in places, we all had lots of fun falling through the soft snow up to our knees and for the kids up to their waist, we even found a little igloo that someone had dug into the snow.<br />
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The wind made it bitterly cold which made heading back to the warm house even more comforting, hot chocolates and snuggling up to watch films was certainly the order of our Snow Days.</div>
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As much as I enjoyed our Snow Days I have to say I am looking forward to warmer weather.Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-38868388278421549152018-02-25T21:13:00.001+00:002018-06-02T14:39:09.434+01:00World Book Day with Asda - Review<br />
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World Book Day! These three words often strike fear into the hearts of parents across the land. We all know the books our children love to read, but with lives ever increasingly busy making an outfit isn't always easy. Plus if a sewing machine is as alien to you as it is to me, then double-sided sticky tape and velcro can be our saving graces.<br />
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But have no fear this year Asda have come up trumps with a great selection of outfits, characters from popular books that have been around for years and then some more modern day ones too.<br />
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We headed over to <a href="http://www.asda.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Asda in West Bridgford</b></a>, Nottingham to have a look at their range and purchase some outfits for World Book Day on the 1st March.<br />
As we got to the top of the escalator, we could see there were outfits a plenty and the children had so much fun rifling through the rails to find their favourite ones.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQTyRXR2YsE/WpL9lNZwk1I/AAAAAAAALLs/a_ZhYEAKc2QmYikVSsovh7GcqQy5XBraQCEwYBhgL/s1600/asda4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQTyRXR2YsE/WpL9lNZwk1I/AAAAAAAALLs/a_ZhYEAKc2QmYikVSsovh7GcqQy5XBraQCEwYBhgL/s640/asda4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My daughter had already seen some of the range in another Asda when she was out with her Nana, so she knew exactly what she was looking for. Well at least she thought she did, when she spotted the Alice in Wonderland outfit with a magic key that is also a pen she went as Mad as a Hatter with excitement.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mbZPVWarUS0/WpL9lWaBrwI/AAAAAAAALLY/2M8uzCdFK_EsLRMNFFdvaiB83H2w6VTGgCEwYBhgL/s1600/asda5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mbZPVWarUS0/WpL9lWaBrwI/AAAAAAAALLY/2M8uzCdFK_EsLRMNFFdvaiB83H2w6VTGgCEwYBhgL/s640/asda5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6FcX5mflQY/WpL9j8-bnPI/AAAAAAAALLM/BfG0kvFGtCsF-LOh2AgRKD-FEiDwzLP1ACEwYBhgL/s1600/asda1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6FcX5mflQY/WpL9j8-bnPI/AAAAAAAALLM/BfG0kvFGtCsF-LOh2AgRKD-FEiDwzLP1ACEwYBhgL/s640/asda1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-48d9AW9qZrM/WpL9jfdbKTI/AAAAAAAALLI/RprjrLFrK4cAAcoKiMXUSJZ4NWIhZ5vkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/asda3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-48d9AW9qZrM/WpL9jfdbKTI/AAAAAAAALLI/RprjrLFrK4cAAcoKiMXUSJZ4NWIhZ5vkQCEwYBhgL/s640/asda3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My son was a little more apprehensive, not really know what he wanted to be. But he loved the Fantastic Mr Fox outfit, complete with mask, tail and a bag full of chickens.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqRFsIFKReo/WpL9mPPkrEI/AAAAAAAALLg/Fr5uxpDFUkQEti_nlbIlTCK1pJFAlZBEgCEwYBhgL/s1600/asda7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqRFsIFKReo/WpL9mPPkrEI/AAAAAAAALLg/Fr5uxpDFUkQEti_nlbIlTCK1pJFAlZBEgCEwYBhgL/s640/asda7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWDTlglzoEI/WpMTiQbxsjI/AAAAAAAALMM/UyvbjYh9_tAyo1zmLnqPWopMHbs1WHQLQCLcBGAs/s1600/asda9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWDTlglzoEI/WpMTiQbxsjI/AAAAAAAALMM/UyvbjYh9_tAyo1zmLnqPWopMHbs1WHQLQCLcBGAs/s640/asda9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With all your favourites from Alice in Wonderland to Gangster Granny, Fantastic Mr Fox to the Mad Hatter there is such a huge choice of outfits to choose from for all tastes, i'd certainly give the range a <b>5/5 for choice</b>.<br />
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The range is reasonably priced at around £15 for the outfit, whilst I am sure you could make them for a lot less, for those that don't have the time or aren't able these are a great option. They are well made and each outfit comes with accessories which add to the overall effect. I'd give them a<b> 5/5 for value and quality.</b><br />
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They look really true to their characters and I absolutely loved them all, the attention to detail on my sons Fox outfit is brilliant.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeLjJI3T3PM/WpL9jyfLZ5I/AAAAAAAALL4/X9FLZPdSlHo0j4P4r2NzfLX5ZLFG9kGRwCEwYBhgL/s1600/asda2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeLjJI3T3PM/WpL9jyfLZ5I/AAAAAAAALL4/X9FLZPdSlHo0j4P4r2NzfLX5ZLFG9kGRwCEwYBhgL/s640/asda2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5s8u4krqpA/WpMaJidDCkI/AAAAAAAALMc/GiPM8RcQrasGgxFx80vBkPUGKa-LOZzMgCLcBGAs/s1600/asda10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5s8u4krqpA/WpMaJidDCkI/AAAAAAAALMc/GiPM8RcQrasGgxFx80vBkPUGKa-LOZzMgCLcBGAs/s640/asda10.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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So if you are looking for some inspiration for World Book Day and some super fab outfits for your little ones then do check out the awesome range at Asda.<br />
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This is a collaborative post, all words and opinions are my own.<br />
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</style>Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-85026277485294985762018-02-14T22:43:00.000+00:002018-06-02T14:49:31.381+01:00Learning Through Play with Chad Valley plus Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwTJLK8orXY/WoSxRIjmwMI/AAAAAAAALJk/Qs61O40zo3ounPr_U2wEjwvcQkNz1S0vwCLcBGAs/s1600/chadvalley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwTJLK8orXY/WoSxRIjmwMI/AAAAAAAALJk/Qs61O40zo3ounPr_U2wEjwvcQkNz1S0vwCLcBGAs/s640/chadvalley.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I’ve really loved the Chad Valley toys that we have been sent being part of the play panel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main reason being, that in each bundle has been something that’s reminded me of my childhood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">We were sent some of the new selection from the 2018 range and there are some absolutely fantastic items included; toys that reignite my love of play and allow me to reminisce and enjoy time with my children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Included in the most recent play package was the amazing <b><a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/product/7309838" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">6 in 1 Multi Games Table</a></b>, a <b><a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/product/4084558" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Piece Styling Dolls Head</a></b> and the <b><a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/product/7058990" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Be U Jewellery Bead Tree Set</a>.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I absolutely
love all of them but I wanted to focus on the styling head as it reminded me so
much of my Girl’s World from back in the 80s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was without a doubt one of my favourite Christmas presents, I even
remember looking for it and circling it in the Argos catalogue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8odzgXs1Iw/WoSxRBqdXdI/AAAAAAAALKI/3CSAoFCkJwQCYPPaDY8cgmit_AiEatWtACEwYBhgL/s1600/stylehead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8odzgXs1Iw/WoSxRBqdXdI/AAAAAAAALKI/3CSAoFCkJwQCYPPaDY8cgmit_AiEatWtACEwYBhgL/s640/stylehead.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I have a
shorter hairstyle, my daughter doesn’t really get to play with my hair, so I
love that she can sit and play with this and brush it as much as she likes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It comes with
plenty of accessories for clipping hair, tying up hair, and simply making the
doll’s hair look pretty. The clips and accessories are bright and colourful and
can easily be used in my daughter’s hair too.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tTUbqXRmypo/WoSxSsD2hxI/AAAAAAAALKI/A3FZmUugtNAm8BNQglnU0hNAGf7ziDDbgCEwYBhgL/s1600/stylehead4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tTUbqXRmypo/WoSxSsD2hxI/AAAAAAAALKI/A3FZmUugtNAm8BNQglnU0hNAGf7ziDDbgCEwYBhgL/s640/stylehead4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-WQVxw2vIk/WoSxRJAdfhI/AAAAAAAALKE/tJUZu8jQCO8djZ5zwTG_8yJ6dv9CUxP1ACEwYBhgL/s1600/stylehead2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-WQVxw2vIk/WoSxRJAdfhI/AAAAAAAALKE/tJUZu8jQCO8djZ5zwTG_8yJ6dv9CUxP1ACEwYBhgL/s640/stylehead2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJwVjBEIH9k/WoSxSNKT9II/AAAAAAAALKI/BKIu1qWEFr0pE8RL1lxgFX4JwPdeW1_XwCEwYBhgL/s1600/stylehead3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJwVjBEIH9k/WoSxSNKT9II/AAAAAAAALKI/BKIu1qWEFr0pE8RL1lxgFX4JwPdeW1_XwCEwYBhgL/s640/stylehead3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It comes with a
little hairdryer, which sadly is for effect only, but makes a convincing
sound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is probably the one thing I
would change as I think this would really add to the effect, and since it comes
with a little bottle for water to help style then it actually blowing out air
would make it feel like you were styling the hair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABSKF3YbBT0/WoSxS8BdPII/AAAAAAAALKI/Leoyoj_ZGQwFQOoUlFSDXcnaC6mRmCmJACEwYBhgL/s1600/stylehead6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABSKF3YbBT0/WoSxS8BdPII/AAAAAAAALKI/Leoyoj_ZGQwFQOoUlFSDXcnaC6mRmCmJACEwYBhgL/s640/stylehead6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have enjoyed
playing with all of the toys we were sent, the bead station has been great and
allowed me and my daughter to spend some time together making bracelets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The 6 in 1 Multi Games Table is an immense piece of kit and we haven’t managed to play all of
the games yet, but I can see this being the perfect outdoor game for the summer
months, especially for parties. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It took me a while to put it together but it was well worth it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">To celebrate the new range of Chad Valley toys I have £75 worth of Argos vouchers to giveaway, simply enter via the Rafflecopter form below. (T&Cs apply)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="a8f599e124" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a8f599e124/" id="rcwidget_irqbfkjr" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com309tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-67528314738187490302018-01-23T06:00:00.000+00:002018-06-02T14:50:13.357+01:00Beko DPHR8PB561W Heat Pump Tumble Dryer Review<br />
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When we moved into our home three years ago, we inherited a loud old tumble dryer that a member of the family was about to throw out.<br />
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It sounded a lot like a small plane taking off, the door at one point had to be taped shut and it was probably the least efficient white good in the house.<br />
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So when it seemed to get noisier, I knew it was only a matter of time before it would come grinding to a complete halt. Lo and behold, it did just that halfway through drying a load of sheets.<br />
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I did a little research on the internet to try and find something to replace my old one. Usefully, having no vent built into the utility room (thanks architects!) it needed to be a condenser or heat pump drier and these are usually a little more expensive.<br />
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Consequently, I consider myself really rather lucky to have been sent one to review by the folk over at AO.com, the <b><a href="https://ao.com/product/dphr8pb561w-beko-heat-pump-tumble-dryer-white-48496-126.aspx?cmredirectionvalue=DPHR8PB561W_WH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beko DPHR8PB561W Heat Pump Tumble Dryer.</a></b></div>
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This dryer not only has a sleek, modern design but also has plenty of great features; the highlight being the internal light, which means you can hunt down that rogue sock hiding at the back of the drum on darker days. It is also quite amusing to watch the washing going round like circus tumblers under a spotlight. </div>
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The sensor drying is a little sensitive and once or twice I've had to add an extra few minutes to finish the drying completely, but this isn’t a big problem for me and I prefer that it stops the cycle sooner rather than over-drying and wasting energy.<br />
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The functions are operated via a super-easy-to-understand dial and the water tank and lint filter are easy to empty also. It is quiet (well anything is compared to my old one) and has plenty of functions rather than being just warm or hot, which means I can dry all of the clothes and not just sheets and towels like I would do before. </div>
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With a 24 hour timer, it is great for setting ready to come on first thing in the morning or whilst I am out at work ready for when I get back.</div>
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Overall, I love this dryer and would consider it well worth the extra outlay over a standard model.<br />
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<i>We were sent this item in return for our opinion on the dryer, all words and images are my own.</i></div>
Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-9903021475308868372018-01-15T22:21:00.000+00:002018-01-17T18:17:19.348+00:00Star Wars Toy Collection from Hasbro - ReviewStar Wars has long been an obsession in our house, with my son loving the movies and getting most excited about the latest release. With the arrival of Episode VIII in Deecmber just gone, these toys couldn't have come at a better time.<br />
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<b>Star Wars Forces of Destiny: Rey of Jakku and BB8 Set - £24.99</b><br />
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My daughter immediately bagged this doll and she absolutely loves it, especially as it comes with BB8 who is a great little character. The doll has a twist action similar to some of her Barbies which means she swipes her lightsaber just like in the movie.<br />
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She is very realistic and my daughter has been so in love with her that she came to watch The Last Jedi with us. I love this character and it is great to have another strong female lead in a film. Princess Leia lead the way in the original trilogy and now we have Rey to carry on the torch of the Light Side. </div>
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This figure is part of the Forces of Destiny range which accompanies a series of animated shorts showcasing heroic women from a galaxy far, far away. It's great to see these female characters from the Star Wars universe being given equal standing with their male counterparts.<br />
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<b>Star Wars Forces of Destiny Rey of Jakku Extendable Staff – £29.95</b></div>
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My daughter instantly fell in love with the staff and has been wielding it just like Rey in the film, it is great she can battle against her brother with his lightsaber. The staff is sturdy to say the least, some might even say quite solid and heavy. You would definitely know about it if you got thwacked during a energetic recreation and I've heard a few yelps to prove it. The staff also connects with other items from the Bladebuilder range, which I also feature here.</div>
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Star Wars Bladebuilders Path Of The Force Lightsaber – £49.99</b></div>
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This Lightsaber switches between blue for the Light Side of the Force to red for the Dark Side, meaning you can fight for good or evil depending on what mood you’re in. I like that it converts and allows the role play to encompass all of the different elements of Star Wars.<br />
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Easily interchangeable even for the smallest of hands, it is super easy and comes with batteries already supplied so you can just start playing straight out of the box.</div>
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The lightsaber is part of the Bladebuilder system so it can be attached to the staff too to make one really huge lightsaber....um thing. </div>
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<b>Star Wars The Last Jedi Kylo Ren Interactech Figure - £24.99</b><br />
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I have to admit I am slightly disturbed by the voice on this toy, however after seeing the film it is true to the character. The removable helmet revealing Kylo Ren's scarred face is very realistic too, he is a really sturdy doll .</div>
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I love the fact then when you shake him the lightsaber glows red and makes those familiar swooshing/buzzing/humming sounds. My daughter and son have been having face offs with the two dolls, it has been great to see them playing together with all of these toys.</div>
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<b>Star Wars The Last Jedi Force Link Starter Set – £24.99</b><br />
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The Force Link is described as an interactive play system, which in simple terms means it interacts with various figures vehicles and playsets within the Star Wars toy range that feature the special Forcelink technology.<br />
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The wearable wrist-mounted unit plays a variety of sounds and phrases that are triggered by the wearer's motion whilst playing with the linked figures. I can't pretend to understand how this works, but it really quite a unique feature they adds an extra dimension to creative play.<br />
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A huge thank you to the guys over at Hasbro for this selection of toys, they have really got the children excited about the new Star Wars films and have ignited their imaginations.<br />
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We were sent these toys for the purpose of this review, all words and opinions are my own.</div>
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</style>Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-84663283805423722492018-01-13T22:28:00.000+00:002018-01-14T22:28:45.874+00:00Beautiful Winter Light at Rufford AbbeyLast weekend we headed to Rufford Abbey for a walk to blow away the cobwebs. I love Rufford, it is a beautiful place that my children and I have spent many hours visiting.<br />
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With the sun low in the sky it created wonderfully atmospheric conditions for some beautiful winter photos of my two favourite people and our one of our favourite places to visit.<br />
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Here are just a few and I think you'll agree this time of year is the most perfect for some wonderful pictures with the most beautiful winter light.<br />
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Where is your favourite place to blow away cobwebs?Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-39268393586213137132018-01-06T16:06:00.000+00:002018-01-14T18:35:15.937+00:00Chad Valley 3 Storey Glamour Dolls House ReviewI vividly remember tearing the wrapping paper from the dolls house my Grandad lovingly made for me back in the 80s. I still have it today, and despite my daughter repeatedly asking about it, I have been a little apprehensive about passing it on to as it is very precious and small hands sometimes get a little bit too excited.<br />
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So when we were sent the <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/product/5329535?storeID=30&cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59156|cid:598623310|agid:28645205005|tid:aud-140969654713:pla-265125126173|crid:96091142245|nw:g|rnd:7458354586356989051|dvc:c|adp:1o1|mt:|loc:9046392&gclid=Cj0KCQiAyZLSBRDpARIsAH66VQL_DBiXJdEVy_kU5uRSznMgcjWOKK0KGsrOiwixoOJ4yBzaYjtgVCUaAhYJEALw_wcB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>3 Storey Glamour Mansion from Chad Valley</b> </a>at Argos, my daughter was ecstatic. I'm not sure what I expected the finished article to look like, but it certainly a grand affair. It stands taller than my daughter and each floor is the perfect size for an upright Barbie.<br />
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The detail is great, each room comes with decorations and it even has little dangling chandeliers. Unlike some dolls houses this one comes with furniture, big enough for a reclining Barbie and for me this is a huge plus.<br />
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Handily, despite its height, the house isn't particularly deep and so fits neatly my daughter’s bedroom and isn’t too obtrusive. The colour scheme is modern and bright and coordinates well with any child's bedroom.<br />
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My daughter was overjoyed as she oversaw the dolls house being built; it took my partner about an hour to build maybe a bit longer including the furniture and his general confusion (!). But as it stands at over a metre high, this was expected.<br />
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The doll’s house is currently on offer at £32.99 which I think is a excellent price for something so big and sturdy.<br />
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We were also sent a <b><a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/product/9075153?cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59156|cid:189934165|agid:18091992205|tid:aud-144400486596:pla-96718989685|crid:77627766925|nw:g|rnd:11048115180532845230|dvc:c|adp:1o2|mt:|loc:9046392&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvrfSBRC2ARIsAFumcm8vqACMmLz5MKxly3J_Dj6Soj3VQng8Ek5gFe7wsSMCbCoh678C7voaAiUZEALw_wcB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">slot car set</a></b> and a <b><a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/product/7033252" target="_blank">classic board game set </a></b>which has been great fun for my son as he has been playing chess at school, it is also perfect for our games evenings.<br />
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I can’t express how impressed I have been with the dolls house, it's been a real hit and is light and easy to move around. We've had it set up in the lounge, in the dining room and is currently taking pride of place my daughters bedroom.<br />
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This is a collaborative post, all words and pictures are my own.<br />
<br />Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-49691945518131688112017-12-10T17:55:00.001+00:002018-06-02T14:52:18.634+01:00Cinderella at the Nottingham Playhouse - Review<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last weekend we were invited to see the opening night of Cinderella at the Nottingham Playhouse.<br /><br />If you grew up in Nottingham, then chances are you will have seen the panto at least once. For me, it was a school trip that first took me to see it. I remember a few of the school years going to see it, sat on a steamed up bus trying to get through the traffic on a cold December night. Everyone super excited to have seen the play and hyped up on sweets.<br /><br />The glitz of the costumes, the sounds, the singing and most of all the wonderfully adapted stories are what make this a great show. When I used to go the it starred Kenneth Alan Taylor, he has passed the baton on to the fabulous John Elkington but is still a huge part of the panto, writing and directing what was a spectacular show from start to finish.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was as excited as the children to see the panto, having not been back since my younger days, it was a treat for us all including my mum who came with us.<br /><br />As the curtains raised and the dancing animals appeared on the stage my daughters face lit up, she was in total awe at the spectacle before her, the costumes were amazing.<br /><br />Buttons arrived on stage, he was enigmatic and got us all looking after his apple….a gift for Cinderella. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We meet Cinderella, Dandini, Prince Charming, The Ugly Sisters, Duchess Dowager Devilla, lots of woodland creatures and of course the Fairy Godmother.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />With so many special effects, bangs, flashes and the most wonderfully detailed costumes it had us on the edge of our seats.<br /><br />There were lots of modern songs to keep it entertaining for all ages, they even got us dancing at one point. It really is the best way to get into the festive mood and with Christmas songs interspersed throughout, it was hard not to get excited.<br /><br />I don’t want to spoil it by giving away the songs so I won’t, all I can say is that the show is well worth the money and I think this may very well be our new Christmas tradition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />There are several performances of the panto with seats to suit all budgets, I can also highly recommend the Town Mouse and the Country Mouse in the Nevill Studio next door. Aimed at children from 3-8, we have been the last few years and they are an absolutely amazing immersive experience for the children and a great way to get them into theatre.</span><br />
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We were given two complimentary tickets to the show for the purpose of this review, all words and opinions are my own. Photos by Robert Day. </div>
Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783954776151207698.post-50339465811454548662017-12-05T20:53:00.001+00:002017-12-05T20:53:32.609+00:00Reliving the 80s with Chad Valley at ArgosSo you may wonder how I could possibly be reliving the 80s with the <b><a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/ArgosPromo3/includeName/Chad-Valley-shop-toys.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chad Valley range,</a></b> without leafing through a vintage Argos catalogue?<br />
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Well in this months Play Panel bundle, they sent us a toy which I had in the 80s and one which my friends and I used to spend hours playing on.<br />
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The pogo ball (or Lolo ball as it was known back in the 80s) is a great way for children to learn about balance, get them to use their core and generally have fun whilst falling over and laughing.<br />
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With it being winter, it hasn't been easy to get outside and use this, so we have been playing with it on the landing and in the dining room.<br />
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The kids have really loved it and even I have had a go on it (photo withheld!) I am pretty much as good now as I was back in the 80s for those wondering; like riding a bike you never forget how to bounce on a pogo ball!<br />
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I wish I had a picture of me with my 1980s pogo ball, it was purple and yellow and the day it broke was such a sad day :(<br />
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Thankfully though I can relive those memories now with the children and show them the kind of toy I had when growing up.<br />
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It comes deflated and you use the helpfully supplied pump to blow it up; once it is fully pumped up you are ready to bounce. The platform has two textured footprints for grip and to show you where to place your feet, so even though my 6 year old daughter struggled to bounce on it, she knew exactly what to do.<br />
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There are some other fab toys in the bundle too, my daughter loves the <b><a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/search/designabear/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Designabear</a></b> and it hasn't left her side, we've had lots of fun being chased by the <b><a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/product/6874986" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lights and sounds elephant</a></b> whilst trying to get the hoops on his trunk and although we haven't played with the others yet, my son is eager to have a punch about with the inflatable boxing set. Winter sadly doesn't make for great outdoor playing conditions.<br />
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As for the scooter; we already had one of these, so we donated this one to charity.<br />
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This is a collaborative post, all words and opinions are my own.</div>
Ellie @ The Mummy Diaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813752272478473345noreply@blogger.com0