On Saturday we bowed to recent (somewhat excessive) pressure from our 3 year old, who was desperate to see “the piggins”, and took him to one of our local-ish City Farms, Reddish Vale Farm.
We’d been before, last summer, and I was surprised that he remembered the visit. As we turned into the car park he was so excited, bouncing around in his car seat pointing at the tractors and horses.
He loved it, we took him round to see all the animals; cows, alpacas, llamas, ducks, chickens, pigs, donkeys, goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, tortoises and there’s even an aviary full of parrots, budgies and other birds.
He loved it and can’t wait to tell his friends at nursery about his little farmyard adventure. We’ll be back again in another few months, if for no other reason than to check on the piggins.
This is not a sponsored post, just a diary of a day out. If you want to visit yourself then you can find their website here.
A couple of weeks ago I took the boys (one big, one small) to the Disney Store in Manchester for their Internet Safety day. My little boy is 3 and he’s all over my iPad like a rash, and can operate it about 10 times better than his Dad. This event was very timely as he’s started messing about with things he shouldn’t be. Although he’s not yet gaming and chatting with friends it’s really only a matter of time.
We arrived and all the children were given pictures to colour in while they waited for the talk to start. Sue who was hosting the session went through some things that were ok and were not ok to share on the internet, things that wouldn’t easily identify you like first names are fine, addresses and dates of birth are not.
Sue then read a story about a duck who was chatting online with his farmyard friends and got involved in bullying a pig, which is not cool. We then talked a bit about bullying and all the parents were given some leaflets about Internet safety to take home and read.
Story time with Sue
There was also a very helpful lady from the Geek Squad who we could go to with technical questions about setting up restrictions etc, which was really useful.
Here are 4 Top Tips from the session, though there’s plenty more on the Disney Club Penguin website…
People you don’t know are strangers. They’re not always who they say they are.
Be nice to people on the computer like you would in the playground.
Keep your personal information private.
If you ever get that “uh-oh” feeling, tell a grown-up you trust.
We were given heaps of information on the day which can all be found on the Disney Club Penguin website. It’s really assessable, easy to use and easy to understand with sections for children and adults, it’s all part of Disney Club Penguin’s online safety campaign, It Starts With You which aims to empower kids to take the lead in spreading positive behaviour online and give their parents the tools to better support them. Families are encouraged to learn the rules of the online road and spread the word about online safety. There are hints and tips to keep safe online at Club Penguin, as well as downloadable educational activity sheets.
For more information on online safety please check out the Disney Club Penguin website. Stay safe out there kids!
Being an avid reader and lover of blogs I stumbled across this little cracker. Primarily the blog is about making sure your little nipper gets enough Vitamin D during the long, dark, cold winter months; but the bit that grabbed my attention was the “Winter Potty List” which is basically a mini winter bucket list of fun things to do over the winter for kids.
I actually love this, I sometimes really struggle to be creative and think of fun things to do with the lad. I’m going to print the graphic out, stick it on the fridge and see how many we can tick off before the trees go into blossom next spring.
The ones I’m most looking forward to trying are –
Salt dough hand prints which we can decorate and give to Grandma for Christmas
Making messy fruit scones and gobbling them down still warm from the oven
Teddy bears picnic for him and a couple of his little chums
Making naughty hot chocolate and snuggling under a blanket watching a Christmas film
I think he’ll love this and enjoy helping me plan what we’ll do and then ticking them off. Hope you like this too, thought it’d be rude not to share!
Last Saturday it was my little big man’s 3rd birthday party. It was, I’ll admit an occasion I was partly dreading. He’s not great at parties and never really wants to join in. Part of me considered it a massive waste of time, energy and money throwing a party for a kid who’d much rather run around with his chums than sit down and partake in an activity session. Thankfully I was wrong.
We’d invited 20 of his bestest friends forever to our local church hall, booked a very nice lady from Rhythm & Rhyme to come and entertain the troops and my mother ordered a cake, a very expensive, very amazing cake.
NOT homemade but still amazing birthday cake
Apart from the cake we did the rest of the food ourselves. We went to Aldi, I made a stack of sandwiches. We had crisps, pizzas, dips, cakes, fruit, biscuits and juice. Standard toddler fayre.
The party went rather swimmingly and was a real whirlwind of fun. He behaved himself impeccably, only really throwing a wobbly when he was accidentally kicked in the head by another child.
He properly joined in with Rhythm & Rhyme, passed the parcels, he ate most of his buffet, graciously listened to everyone singing happy birthday and then blew his three candles out leaving surprisingly little spittle on the cake. We all clapped. Everyone left with a fairly decent party bag and a wedge of cake.
It was a simple party, and it seemed to us like we’d thrown it together at the last minute, but I think it was a success. We’ve had lots of positive comments since so that’s always good.
The next task is to sit down and write thank you cards. If you came and bought him a present, thank you, really, he got some amazing presents, you’ll get a card soon, I promise.
Next year I won’t fear his party, I reckon it’ll be cool and he’ll be old enough to tell us more about what he wants, within reason. It was worth the stress and the making of egg mayonnaise at midnight just to see his happy face, plus he’s talked of nothing else since. Happy birthday son x
Like most families we’ve got a wii, originally bought for the purposes of making our bottoms smaller, since it was purchased it’s languished in a cupboard looking forlorn. That was until the boy discovered it, and to his eternal joy and amusement manages to go wii bowling with some success. There’s none of that wearing of other people’s shoes malarkey to contend with either. Result.
So what does Santa get the boy who’s got everything? Coming from a family of keen gamers (Tetris still counts as a game right?) we thought we’d have a little look at some of the new games consoles on the market. To be honest it’s time for an upgrade, Hodge is still playing with his ancient PS1, bless him.
Ideally we want something for Father and Son to enjoy together on rainy days and dark evenings when the park is somewhat less appealing. Luckily we have a room in our house, which we christened “the man room” which has manly stuff in it. We have plans to put a decent gaming TV and comfy chairs in there, so at least I can shut the pair of them away and have some peace.
Educational iPad fun
Both the new PS4 and new Xbox One are due to be released over the next few weeks and are the source of heated debate in this house. Whichever one we go for, it needs to have games suitable for my little monkey and his fractionally more mature father. It needs to be technically fairly easy to master. I’m not sure why I’m worried about that as he already knows how to work my iPad, plays lots of games and watches YouTube videos on Mummy’s “Tumble Tap”.
He loves my iPad, I did consider getting him a mini but it’s a bit solitary and I want him to play games with people rather than by himself. I’ve downloaded some educational games onto my iPad and they’ve been fantastic. They can keep him happily quiet if we’re ever out and about and need him to hush for a bit, like waiting at the Doctors or on a long, boring car journey.
We’re still unsure what to go for out of the PS4 and Xbox One, both look brilliant and pretty child friendly to use. With Angry Birds, Happy Feet and various dance based games to choose from there are game options for children aged 3+. If it was entirely up to me I’d go for the Xbox One as it has Kinect 2 which is a bit like the all familiar wii. But ultimately the boys get to choose.
I do like the idea of sprucing up the man-room in time for Christmas, I sense it’s going to be a long, cold winter so the boys will get lots of use from it. I guess as well as the actual games console and comfy, supportive chairs they’ll need a decent gaming TV and possibly a little beer/apple juice fridge.
I’ve looked into it a bit, asked some of my techie friends and they’ve suggested my best bet is an LED TV rather than LCD. Apparently the picture quality is better and that makes a real difference to the enjoyment of the games. I’ll need one with lots of HDMI outlets too, the more the merrier. My techie chum Ken (real name) suggested getting the best we could afford, something that ticks all the boxes and is a known brand like Samsung, Sony, LG or Panasonic. Sounds fair.
I think while we’re setting up the man room we ought to consider gaming headsets. Not only would they help keep the noise down for those not joining in with the Angry Birds game or whatever, they’ll apparently help Father and Son get fully immersed in the gaming experience.
Lots to think about, but I think sorting the man room out might be a very wise investment. Just need to persuade them to sort me out with a pamper room and everyone’s happy.
It’s World Prematurity Day on Sunday and a lot of us are getting very excited! This year the theme is #GiveAHug. We can all give hugs and write about them. If you would like to join in blogging for World Prematurity Day all you have to do is write a post about hugs! We would love to put this link to Bliss in your posts, and on that page you can read more about how you can get involved with social media on World Prematurity Day. – See more here.
I’ve always been a hugger and a cuddler. I don’t actually like being touched by people; but show me a friend in need of a hug and I’m straight in there. I used to give the best cuddles, but my gorgeous son Splodge has stolen my crown. He gets right in there; arms squeezing you tight, head buried in your neck, that boy hugs for minutes, not seconds. He even has his own name for them, they are duggles. We no longer cuddle in our house, we duggle.
It’s a bit of a weird thing to look back on but there have been cuddles, sorry duggles, at key times in my life that have been game changers.
The hug Hodge and I shared when he wrote his car off. Silly him was worried about his car, I just clung to him because he’d been in a nasty car accident and walked away unscathed. A small brush with mortality that made me appreciate him more.
The hug we shared just after I peed on a stick and a coloured line appeared. That was a hug of joy, but mainly terror, massive amounts of terror.
The hug we shared when we were told that we’d need further tests on our unborn baby to see if it would live or die. He lived and thrived and has just turned three; but we had a tough time and a fight on our hands to get him here.
The hug I shared with my brother when we realised our very much loved Nan was dying. He’s very controlled with his emotions so it was a rare thing for him to show his vulnerability.
Cuddles with Grandad
Every hug with my son is special and beautiful. Even the ones where he turns and coughs in my face; or wipes his nose on my shoulder. Boy, that kid can cuddle, sorry, duggle, and he’s not shy about giving them either.
So if you’re feeling low and need a duggle give us a call, but be prepared to leave with a snotty shoulder and a smile on your face. Congrats, you’ve just had the hug of your life!
My Dear Benjamin,
Happy Birthday darling, you’re three today and so grown up.
Birthday boy Benjamin
You’re such a cheeky, funny little monkey. Tonight you grabbed my boob and sang “jelly on a plate, jelly on a plate, wibble, wobble, wibble, wobble, jelly on a plate” it was a bit inappropriate but absolutely hilarious.
That’s you all over. You’ve got funny bones. I always say you’re the best bits of me and your Daddy rolled into one gorgeous, perfect little package. You’ve got your Dads calm, you’re clever like him too and can be quite considered; physically you’re almost identical to him, you run and walk the same, everyone says so.
You’re funny and cheeky like me; you’re a quick learner, pretty astute, but mainly just funny and laid back. Oh and your stubbornness, that comes from both of us, we come from a long line of pig-headed sods. Embrace it as the irritating gift it is, it’ll see you through some tough times one day, I’m pretty sure of that.
So, my beautiful Benjamin. You are much admired for your good looks and squishy cheeks. People comment on your gorgeous deep brown eyes with lashes that 98% of girls would kill for. They think you’re laid back and chilled, you’re funny and kind, you really are so kind Benjamin. Never lose that please.
You’ve got just the right amount of confidence. Enough so you can walk into a room and crack on with stuff without clinging to my legs, but not too much that people think you over-confident and precocious.
I think we’ve done a pretty decent job of dragging you up so far. You really are a good, easy going lad and we’re so proud of you. We’ve had a bad year and I’ve not been able to be the Mummy that you needed me to be, I hope that this next year we’ll be able to make up for lost time.
Stick to your guns and just be you, be true to yourself and always do what feels right. If you do that you won’t go far wrong.
Have a brilliant birthday Benj. You really are the best thing that’s ever happened to me and your Daddy. Keep being you.
If like me you’re of a certain age, somewhere slightly north of 21, then your head is likely filled with the terrifying public information films which were shown during the 1980s (a decade I can barely remember). As a result of this I physically recoil at the thought of a frisbee near a pylon, I know to sit under a table in the event of a nuclear war and that fireworks are potentially the most dangerous thing known to humanity.
My parents being risk (and fun) averse never really did fireworks. I have a vague memory of a poor quality Catherine wheel being nailed to the shed, when lit it promptly fell off and went mental around the garden while we watched balefully from behind locked patio doors.
One year my Dad, keen for us not to miss out on the “fun” bought some indoor fireworks. These were as dull as cheese. The one I remember the most was a black coin shaped thing which you held a lighter to and then it kind of unravelled itself like a demonic poo.
Since leaving home we’ve never had fireworks, we’ve always had a dog who is terrified of whizz-bangs. So for many years we’d escape down to Devon for Bonfire night. Fireworks in the deepest, darkest countryside are a bit frowned on due to the farm animals. Sure, we’d get some sparklers in and that would be our limit. It was actually very lovely.
These days in our new house we overlook woods and fields. We can cheerfully sit on our bed; curtains open and watch all the fireworks for miles around. There is also a local firework display on the field below. We get all the fun, none of the danger and we get to stay warm and cozy. So that’s what we’ll be doing tonight, and eating sausages and Parkin obviously, though not on the same plate.
On Saturday, a crack squad of Mancunian bloggers attended an early morning event at the Trafford Centre. The event was pulled together by the gorgeous girls at The Sweet Shop.
The Sweet Shop has been part of the Trafford Centre for the last two years. They originally opened a Stall opposite Carluccio’s in the Great Hall. In March this year they opened the shop in the Trafford Centre, closely followed by a new Kiosk in Cheshire Oaks in June. I also have it on good authority that they’re opening a pop-up shop at the Spinningfields Ice Rink in time for Christmas.
The Sweet Shop is a delightfully retro shop, with a massive; I mean massive range of sweets. From retro favourites, to American candy and modern classics. As a vegetarian I was hugely impressed that everything was properly and clearly labelled as vegetarian, gluten free, halal, sugar free etc. I loved that they had a whole section devoted to sugar free sweets and treats. Perfect for diabetics, or those looking to reduce their sugar intake.
All the amazing Sweet Shop products are available online and I’m really pleased that I’m able to offer my gorgeous blog readers a special discount code for online purchases. Just quote ‘bloggers10’ for a 10% discount at the checkout. You can find them online at www.thesweetshops.co.uk and they deliver traditional and retro sweets and American Candy across the UK.’
We had a fabulous breakfast of pastries and juice courtesy of Carluccio’s who also offered us a discount on the day, which we took advantage of on our way out when we grabbed one of their delicious coffees. I’ve always meant to try Carluccio’s and we’ll be back soon to try the food.
While we were there, we were treated to a lovely hand and arm massage by the Lush girls, my skin smelt and felt amazing afterwards. While we were getting our rub down, we chatted about their gorgeous smelling limited edition rose jam shower gel and their fun bath time play-doh style soap which can be shaped and moulded. Great fun.
Massages from the Lovely LUSH Girls
The generous folks at Boost Juice Bar gave us all a really lovely strawberry smoothie. I’m not really a fan of strawberries or smoothies, but I gave this a go and I liked it a lot. Everyone else was raving about them and I’m keen to see what else they have on their smoothie menu. We were all given a cute chocolate cupcake from Zara Cakes in Prestwich which I saved and shared with Splodge when I got home. It was moist and lovely!
A number of businesses in the Trafford Centre were on hand to talk us through their product ranges. I was very excited to speak to the team from Win Naturally who have a concession in Selfridges. Win Naturally was started by Phil Neville and his nutritionist wife Julie and they offer a range of calorie controlled and nutritionally balanced products, as well as nutritional services such as detox, sports nutrition and weight loss. We were given a massive goodie back of tasty snacks and supplements to try. We’ve been slowly munching our way through it’s contents. Who knew food that was so good for you could taste this great!
The Perfume Shop were also there, offering us a range of samples and an on the day discount. Their great smelling shop is packed full of presents for Christmas and to make life even easier they also offer an in-store gift wrapping service.
Although we didn’t get to meet them, we were given a goodie bag of samples from high-end and fabulous Shu uemura who are located in Selfridges, the goodie bag included some of their award winning cleansing oil, some other product samples and a complimentary brow service voucher. I am unutterably excited about having my hairy caterpillar eyebrows transformed into things of beauty.
The day I choose to de-fuzz my brows I’ll also be popping in to top salon, Regis for a colour gloss and blow dry. A proper pamper day. I’ve only ever heard great things about Regis and I’ve always meant to try it, and now I will. I’ll pop the results on my Instagram page. Very glam!
So a huge thank you to The Sweet Shop for organising such a fab event and to all the businesses who we met on the day or will meet shortly. Don’t forget to visit The Sweet Shop website and use the discount code. Keep your eyes peeled for them popping up at Spinningfields too!
Young Splodge is nearly three and is increasingly aware of the seasons and celebrations in our lives. Last Halloween he, like his nursery contemporaries dressed up for Halloween and trick or treated around the nursery. He dressed as a spider in an outfit we bought for a few pounds from Quality Save. He loved his spider costume so much he slept in it for two nights.
This year he’s more aware of what’s going on and has ambitions to dress as a pirate. He still fits in his spider costume so he’ll be wearing that, like it or not.
I love Halloween but I hate English style trick or treating. It’s basically begging and it gets on my nerves. Before you all shout “bah humbug” at me, I have absolutely no objections at all to dressing up and having a little spooky party, carving pumpkins and telling ghost stories. I love it all.
When I was 13 I was lucky enough to go to America in October. It was a school exchange trip and I stayed with a local family. It was a bit of a weird experience but exchange trips often are. The highlight for me was going trick or treating with some of the local kids.
I’m sure you’ve all seen American TV and films where Halloween is celebrated. It was pretty much exactly like that. We went to a thrift store and bought our costumes, I was a witch but I can’t remember what the others wore. We all carved enormous pumpkins. Back then pumpkins were really expensive in the UK and we’d never been able to afford one. We all had a spooky meal, dressed up and went trick or treating.
At some houses the porches were all decorated pretty elaborately, they really went to town; they’d leave huge trugs full of sweets with a note to help yourself, so we did. Some doors you knocked on and were greeted by the householder dressed up and offering goodies. It was magical and the atmosphere was terrific. Nothing at all like the pitiful trick or treating efforts in England.
I’d love for Splodge to experience what I did in America. One thing’s for sure though, he won’t be doing any trick or treating in England. We’ll throw a party, have a special tea, bake spooky treats and carve giant pumpkins. We’ll make it special and different and start our own lovely family traditions. No tricks, just treats.
