Friday 9 September 2016

Urban Hike - Manchester

As  a mum I love to get my kids out of the house and off for a walk, most Friday's you'll find me sat on the laptop whilst they are at school trying to find somewhere new to go or even an unknown walk  with things to see and do around Sheffield.

When I was told about Manchester's Urban Hike that Regatta launched earlier this month (working alongside Anja Phoenix).  I was intrigued, so me and the boys set off for Manchester on a glorious summers day to find out more.





Sunday 14 August 2016

Cadbury World

Mmmmmmmm Chocolate ........... from the moment you enter the car park that amazing smell hits you and stays with you for the entire visit.

I like most chocolate, but Cadbury's has always been up there as one of my favourites.  I remember going on a trip to Cadbury World when I was really little so when my mum asked if I wanted to go again with her and the kids my inner child very quickly replies yelled "yes please" (tho probably not as fast as my 2 boys did!).


Tuesday 22 March 2016

Review: Blue Kangaroo Series by Emma Chichester Clark

Back in 1998 Emma Chichester Clark wrote the first of her Blue Kangaroo books, "I Love You, Blue Kangaroo!".  A delightful story about a little girl called Lily and her favourite toy Blue Kangaroo. at least he was her favourite until Wild Brown Bear comes along, and Yellow Cotton Rabbit, and the Furry Puppies, and then more and more new toys, until Blue Kangaroo feels there just isn't room for him any more.  The book won the Grinzane Junior Award and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal.

4 years after the last of the Blue Kangaroo books was released Emma has a new title out and has re-released 2 of the old favourites.


Friday 11 March 2016

Review: Weetabix Protein

Breakfast is always a very boring affair in our house.  I tend to rush off to work on a weekday, with porridge for breakfast once I get in (the benefit to an office job) whilst the kids have whatever cereal happened to be on offer that week (at the moment they are quite happy eating Value branded Cornflakes, so you can see why I'm not a fan of spending a lot of money on breakfast cereal.  When we were told Weetabix had launched new Weetabix Protein and asked to try it out we said yes please.


Wednesday 9 March 2016

Bringing the Teddy Bears Hospital to Beavers


With 2 boys of my own (1 a Beaver and 1 in training) I have spent more than my fair share of time at the Sheffield Children's Hospital in the last 2 years.  From X-rays to bandages my boys haven't been scared at all, and I really do think the Teddy Bears Hospital (TBH) has had something to do with this.





2 years ago I took them along to Western Park Museum where the Teddy Bears Hospital was being held the boys loved it and came away knowing so much more about what they could expect from a trip to the hospital.    When I was told that the students wanted to branch out to Youth Groups I couldn't get the contact details fast enough to invite Jess, Ally and the rest of the team along to one of our nights for the introduction of our Emergency Aid badge.

To find out what happened head over to my Scouting Blog here.

Wednesday 2 March 2016

Review: BikyBiky Kids Cycle Harness

We've been pulling our hair out with Ben (7) last Summer.  He decided he was too old for his stabilisers but trying to teach him to ride without was frustrating us as much as him.  We tried everything recommended; holding his shoulders, holding the saddle, holding handlebars ... we bought a balance bar but still we had tears and tantrums every time we let go and he wobbled.

His confidence, it's safe to say, was pretty shattered.  So when we are asked if we wanted to try the BikyBiky Kids Cycle Harness I thought, why not.  Things can only get better.


Friday 5 February 2016

Review: Storytime Magazine

30 years ago I remember sitting with my sister and mum and reading Storyteller Magazine,  Disappearing into a world of Gobbilino and My Naughty Little Sister and learning new rhymes and songs. When I was needed a change there were activities to do ........... Fast forward to 2016 and say hello to Storytime.


A small, independent publisher, Luma Works, had much the same views as me, magazines aimed at children nowadays are full of adverts and plastic toys.  I don't like them and my children don't like them!  They get bored within 2 minutes and abandon it in the corner of the room and lets face it most magazines nowadays cost more than a paperback book (I know which I'd rather spend my money on).    They remembered Storyteller fondly and thought it was high time the world had another story magazine for the new generation.

Storytime is about parents and children reading together, sharing great stories without an advert break.  YES - the only advert you will find in this 50 page magazine is how to subscribe for even more great issues.

I was excited when I heard about this magazine but I was worried .... what if it didn't live up to my childhood memories?  What if it was soo much better and tainted my memories?  What if my children didn't enjoy it as much as I used too?

Friday 22 January 2016

Review: Mega Marshmallows by Innovative Bites

Me and my boys love marshmallows so when we were asked if we wanted to try the new Mega Marshmallows from Innovative Bites the boys were very quick to reply "yes".

These marshmallows certainly live up to their name, at 5 centimetres high, they really are MEGA! 

Mega Marshmallows are a guilt-free snack for mummy too, containing 0% Fat and just 84Kcal per serving