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Sunday, 23 February 2014

Homemade Hoopla - Center Parcs February Challenge - Indoor Family Time

Homemade Hoopla 

Center Parcs February Challenge

Indoor Family Time


I'm a massive fan of the Tots 100 and Center Parcs blogger challenges and I love to get involved when life isn't too hectic.

The last challenge I managed to do was in November for the Autumn Poem where they encouraged us to get outside in the fresh Autumn air, this month with the weather being a bit wetter and colder they are giving us inspiration for indoor fun.

Center Parcs games guru Lisa Brown has given some tips for making games out of household items and we had to choose one of her tips to base our game on but we've actually managed to incorporate two of her fab tips into our game.
  • An empty Cereal box, once opened up, makes a great surface to draw your board onto. Try adding textures to the board to give it a 3D feel
  • She also recommends screwing up newspaper and decorating to make a ball and using toilet roll tubes to make pins and use as indoor bowling.
However our newspaper became hoops and our toilet roll tubes became sticks to make our indoor Hoopla!
To read the Center Parcs post and see the rest of Lisa's tips, click here!

Here's some directions to make our fun game, its easy to personalise.
We've kept it pretty simple so our little two year old could help out but if your children are older you could give them a bit more control and input.

Our supplies!
Firstly cut and decorate the cereal box 
We kept the two large faces joined in the middle then trimmed around the edges to make a large rectangle base, we then went crazy with pens and crayons to give it some colour, older children could draw their own designs then paint or colour it in.

Creating our base

Next we rolled up pages of newspaper to make hoops. 
We found a double page rolled from top to bottom worked quite well, once it was a long sausage shape we joined the ends to make a hoop then wrapped it using duck tape to give it some rigidness.
We made ourselves three hoops as we had three empty toilet roll tubes for posts.

Making our hoops, practicing throwing and Daddys new earrings!
We then made posts out of toilet roll tubes.
We snipped all the way around the bottom edge of the tubes to make tabs to stick to our board then covered them with duck tape also, after cutting appropriately sized holes in our board we slid the posts in and stuck underneath with a bit more duck tape to hold in place, we also framed our board with the duck tape.

Making and joining the posts.
Play rules
We numbered each post to help with number recognition and to make a points system, the highest points with the three throws win.
To play solo you could work towards your high score or throw in order of numbers, for example, hoop post one to move up to two, once you've mastered the floor hoopla you could try it hung on the wall to practice throwing differently.
You could also let one player choose a number for the other to throw on to as a different version which practices hand eye coordination, techniques and aiming.
By numbering the posts it will also help to learn adding when scoring, we kept the numbers low for our 2 year old but these can be higher for older children.

HOOPLA!!
This is my entry to the Center Parcs and Tots 100 February challenge. If I'm chosen I would like to visit LONGLEAT FOREST.

If you are interested in entering next months Center Parcs challenge please find the challenge terms and conditions here.


Thursday, 13 February 2014

Links of London £1000 wishlist

Links of London £1000 Wishlist


Links of London have very kindly offered bloggers to choose their favourite items from the Links of London website in a valentines wishlist, only for one lucky person........TO WIN THEM!

I'm a massive Links of London fan since my husband presented me with one of their sweetie charm bracelets for our first Christmas together as a married couple and I eagerly await special occasions in the hope of gaining one of their new adorable charms, so I'm personally going to enjoy this virtual shopping spree and the thought it could become reality is too much so I won't even go there. 

If you are a blogger and would like to get involved then you are in luck as this Competition is open to the general public; for more information follow this link: Competition Details / Terms & Conditions
You can also enter on Pinterest if you don't have a blog just use #myvalentinewishlist when making your board up but hurry as it ends 5pm today.
Well here goes I'm off for a browse....... 

First off I would love a couple of new charms for my existing bracelet:

My little toddler loves Mr Men and its valentines so the heart is not only appropriate but personal too, I love the colours on this.
Mr Men Heart Charm, Links of London Jewellery

I consider myself pretty lucky in life and my favourite thing to do with my now elderly Nan, when we were younger, was search for four leaf clovers.
 I have one in my purse that she found me years ago so it would be special for me 
Four Leaf Clover Charm, Links of London Jewellery

Next I've chosen a gorgeous ring

Well this is just beautiful! 
An interesting and stunning design with a perfect amount of sparkle for me
Entwine Ring, Links of London Jewellery

Then I'm dreaming of a new bracelet and necklace set

Life is nothing without love and dreams, I try to keep my life full of both.
Dream Catcher Heart Bracelet, Links of London Jewellery

Such a pretty set
Dream Catcher Heart Pendant , Links of London Jewellery

I can only ever hope to own a watch like this

Well we've gathered I like sparkle so a perfect choice, neutral black strap would go with all outfits.
Here's hoping I'm lucky.....
Hope Black Crystal Watch, Links of London Jewellery

Last but not least a gift for the hubby

I KNOW....I'm generous sharing MY wishlist but I share everything else in my life with the man and it's valentines so it would kind of save me buying him a gift!
I love how it has three parts joined together like our little family, I'm sure he would love it too.
20/20 Ruthenium Plated XL Ring, Links of London Jewellery

Well there we have it, my wishlist and in budget! 
Now please, wish me luck and head over to make up your own list of lovelies!

If you, like me, love any of the items listed just click on their titles and it will take you straight to the page to purchase.......or you could always open the Links of London Website and leave the laptop where your valentine may accidentally find it......... Happy Valentines Day to all.


Friday, 7 February 2014

My Perfect Valentines Outfit - Courtesy of House Of Fraser

My Perfect Valentines Outfit - Courtesy of House Of Fraser


House of Fraser has asked bloggers to make their perfect valentines day outfit and I couldn't wait to get stuck into this task.
I had my first ever attempt at polyvore too, how amazing is this?! It's a must try

Well after all my hard work window shopping, I hope you approve of my valentines look.
The look I was going for is Sexy-Romantic and House of Fraser is well equipped to deal with my shopping demands as you can see, each of these items is available to buy at House of Fraser and you can shop them here :- 

L.K. Bennett Leonie Saffiano Patent Asymmetrical Clutch Bag - £185.00


My Perfect Valentines Outfit - Courtesy of House Of Fraser

So here's my look, perfect for a romantic evening of food, dancing, drinking and  **Ahem** FUN!
If you're a blogger who fancies getting involved you will find the Competition Details here.
If you're a shopper, get over to House of Fraser!

I'm sure you'll agree it's a certainty that you will have a Perfect Valentines wearing this Outfit.


Thursday, 6 February 2014

Valentines Gifts In Unusual Places Blogging Competition

Valentines Gifts In Unusual Places Blogging Competition



Sports direct have asked bloggers to search their fantastic website to find 5 gifts suitable for giving to your loved one on valentines day. 

I agree that it is an unusual choice of shop to start looking for valentines pressies but I'm not a hopeless romantic so I'm up for having the virtual shopping spree to see if I can find some items that my Mr will be happy with, wish me luck!

Item number 1
£3.49
Okay I do the laundry in my house and I've seen the holes in my mans socks..... I know these would be completely appreciated........and he is my superhero.......( cheesy I know! well unfortunately they will be!!)


Item number 2
£3.00
I personally love leopard print and we are big fans of Animal in our house, my hubby and little boy are both obsessed with him so these would be a big hit!


Item number 3
£13.00
Well this is a surprising find, I love these and I'm pretty sure my husband would too, he's a Duck Dynasty wannabe, he has the beard..... now he just needs some camo! This is me being cheeky to him hehe 
( I actually do love them though!!)


Item number 4
£14.99
YES.... just YES!
This is so perfect for my man, his nickname is tin ribs cos annoyingly he never gains weight and he's not complete without a spanner in his hand, couldn't be a more perfect gift.

Item number 5
£2.00
I just had to put down these for the other love of my life as his daddy has been spoilt rotten so far.
As I said before he is a massive animal fan who is currently Potty Training eeeek
I just know he will so chuffed with these and it would be so cute to see both their peachy bums in leopard print!!



Well that's the first post I've done in ages and I don't think I could have had more fun. 
It was amazingly easier than I expected and I could have definitely carried on shopping with no problems.
I haven't chose the mushiest of gifts but they are so personal to my hubby's loves that I reckon I could get myself a meal out if I showed up with this lot, even my little man would be happy.

Sports direct gave a £100.00 budget for the five items and I came in at a pitiful £36.48
I'm more than happy with my choices though and I just believe that everything they stock is great value
 I dare you to try and beat my score!
Happy shopping

P.S Here are the T&C's for the competition


Wednesday, 20 November 2013

An Autumn Poem - Center Parcs and Tots100 Challenge

An Autumn Poem

Autumn walks are so much fun, fresh air and leaves on the ground.
Its amazing, the interesting things you see when you stop to look around.


Apples falling from the tree, giving a helping hand we sneak a bite to try.
You can tell from the face they're a little sour but perfect for a tasty Autumn Pie.


The rain can't stop us playing outside, coats and wellies on in a flash.
Because muddy puddles come from rain and who doesn't love to splash?!!


The beach is a great place in the autumn, less busy than the summertime.
So much space to run or treasure hunt and some rocks that we can climb.



It may be a little colder now but it isn't winter yet, It's still great to go out exploring
So wrap up warm, embrace Autumn's colours and ways but most of all.....have fun and don't be boring.





This is my entry to the Center Parcs and Tots 100 November challenge
If I’m chosen, I would like to visit Longleat Forest, lots of our friends have been and say it's great fun there.

Whinfell forest's resident nature expert, Emma Tapp gave a few tips to help us get inspired to write our Autumn Poem, our favourite tip was number 4

'Your Poem doesn't have to be a literary masterpiece, as you're all having fun and enjoying yourselves that's the main thing.'

You can probably tell from reading my poem that its definitely not a literary masterpiece but I also hope you can tell from the pictures that we did have a lot of fun getting inspired.












Tuesday, 12 November 2013

Just getting started, then another break occurs......so did Halloween

Just getting started, then another break occurs......so did Halloween


I was so excited to have started my new blog, so desperate to get blogging again, so whats happened and where have I been?! well my last post was almost a month ago and once a month was not what I had in mind so I'm coming back with a couple of new posts and competition entries, well that's my plan.
There are a few fantastic competitions out there and ones I really should do more of are the Tots 100 competitions, the prizes they have up for offer are usually amazing, and its such a great site to visit in general when finding new blogs, I always manage to find a great read over at Tots 100.

My issue seems to be time at the moment, my life seems to be busy again, I no longer have a sleepy newborn baby to feed, I have an extremely active toddler!
I don't blog in the day because Archie has my attention, we try to get a lot done in our days together and before you know it, the bedtime routine is starting, once hes in bed and settled, I get on with housework and chill for a bit with the hubby so when I sit down to blog, I find time has whizzed by, its almost time for the whole thing to start again and I haven't written down a word.


We did manage to get a few halloween comp entries in, we had a go at the pumpkins but we're not master carvers so not much luck there with wins, they did provide us with excellent fun for a day though.
One competition I really, really wanted to win was a pumpkin carve which ended on Sunday 10th November and they are announcing the winner this week, we should know who has won by Friday 15th, its a long shot as I'm not great at carving and a couple of people pointed out a rather disappointing flaw in my design grrrr ( it actually looked like I'd carved a rude word into it!!) but I'm still keeping everything crossed.........Wish me luck.



We entered a few fancy dress comps with Archie's little devil outfit, it was our first go at face painting which was really fun and different for him, he doesn't quite get the idea that it would look better if he sat still though.
It was really great how interactive he was this year compared to last and amazing how much hes grown and changed, definitely not such a little baby anymore.
I also had a go at any tiebreakers I could find, we had a little bit of luck and Little Man has a new spider umbrella on the way thanks to a tiebreaker on facebook from a company called Kidorable, we can't wait to receive this, it will be much needed for our Cornish winter.



We also had another fantastic surprise as we were awarded 3rd place for our Spooky Fruit which emerged from our fruit bowl, we were so grateful to alexandalexa for our lovely runners up prize and were delighted with a top 3 rank, totally unexpected.
Here's the runners up post to find out what they thought of our entry and you can access the winners post via the runners up page after you've finished enjoying the spooky fruit collections.
We now have a whole bunch of spooktacular party supplies safely packed away ready for next year, thankyou so much alexandalexa :)

Talking of parties, we were invited to a local village Halloween party where a lot of the children from playgroup were attending, as I love meeting my neighbours and introducing Archie to the children he will be going to school with, we decided to attend.
One of the requests was to bring a plate of scary food, think this counts as my first real 'Mummy duty' I was trying to decide what to take as I'm a little rubbish at baking and didn't want to take biscuits or cake as I thought lots might take them, we finally decided on strawberry ghosts and spooky sandwiches.
I was pretty happy with the result and really pleased to see lots of children eating my sandwiches and ghosts, I really enjoyed the task and can't wait to get stuck into more 'Mummy Duties' now :)

A party goer took a photo of my food!
* chuffed mummy*
Hope everybody had a fun Halloween











Friday, 18 October 2013

Who would I most like to interview......

Who would I most like to interview?!

Competition Entry


I've come across a competition on the blog www.iamtypecast.com which I fancied having a go at - click the blog address to see the competition details and T&C's in full.
 It is sponsored by The Job Academy at Total Jobs and they are providing a generous £150 voucher prize for their favourite interview.
The Job Academy is about getting a group of five young unemployed, with the help of experts, the skills they need to go out and get employed into suitable jobs. it makes good viewing, click above if you would like to know more.

They are basically asking who you would most like to interview, why you would choose them, what you would ask them and if you would give them a job at the end of it.

So thinking cap on and lets see what I come up with, first of all, who to interview?!

Well I wanted to choose on impulse rather than think too long and hard about it, not sure why but I guess thinking on impulse can be a strong point in an interview and I'm overall pretty indecisive so quick decisions are good for me.

The first person who pops into my head is Gordon Ramsay, followed by Lord Alan Sugar and Simon Cowell..... I seem attracted to Alpha Males I would say.
I am keen to choose one of these men as I think it would be interesting to see how somebody who is usually so in control deals with being on the other side. 
Not sure what I could employ Lord Alan (as much as I would love to shout 'you're fired' at him when the interview's over) Or Simon to do so I'm going to stick with Gordon, A personal chef sounds like a luxury I would enjoy!


Next for some questions, this is what I'd ask him:-

  • I'm a fussy vegetarian who doesn't like mushrooms, can you come up with exciting healthy vegetarian meals every day that aren't mushroom based?
  • Are you happy to do a meat alternative also for the men in my house? 
  • How will you cope when a toddler throws your beautifully cooked, well presented meal onto the floor? ( we aren't allowed to swear in front of the children)
  • Can you work with a weekly budget of £50 for all meals?
  • Do you feel 5-A-Day is an important part of diet? (If yes, what ways would you make sure we get them? - If no, why do you feel it's not important?)
  • Will meals be served at the same time each day?
  • Are you ok for us to be in and out of the kitchen while you work? (since the kitchens part of our home)
  • Can you work seven days a week and how soon can you start?

I think that's all I would like to ask him for the purpose of the job.
 I'm sure I could think of a lot more interesting, personal and unrelated questions to ask when hes stood behind a frying pan but that's it for now.

So Would I give him the Job?

Well I would like to say no, just to give his massive ego a knock but I have the chance of a personal chef here and cooking dinner everyday to keep the whole family happy is one of my most frustrating jobs.
So after the interview above, providing all questions were answered to my satisfaction.
 He would get the job
 I think it would be fun to be his boss, I'd love to see how he copes with my demanding orders!
I would also need to negotiate pay, I'm sure he wouldn't mind doing it for free..... Right?!