2018 Christmas Gift Guide For The Foodies

 At Christmas we have to buy for all different types of people. This Christmas gift guide is one for the foodies. We have included gifts for all tastes including Spice Pioneer, Mad Millie and Eat 17.

2018 Christmas Gift Guide For The Book Lovers

As a family we love books. Whether it's a bedtime story for little J, A rom com for me or a game guide for John we love reading. Here's a few of our favourites this November.

2018 Christmas Gift Guide for Gamers

I'm sure every family has a gamer to buy for, we have three here. These are our top picks for Christmas gift ideas for the gamers including Fortnite, Roblox and the very popular FIFA.

Steps to Make a Bed Look Plush and Beautiful Like a Dream Bedroom

Chic sheets, plump pillows and sumptuous luxury throws are all crucial elements of a perfectly plush bedroom. But simply putting all these components together will not automatically create a ‘beautiful dream bedroom’. You will need to follow a few certain style steps to achieve a luxurious and exquisite bedtime resting place. Have a look at our steps below

The Ring O Bells, Warrington

Have you ever walked in somewhere and got a good feeling about it straight away? I have a few times and one of those times was recently when we went for a pub lunch at Ring O Bells in Warrington. We were invited along to sample the menu and take a look at the pub which is soon to celebrate it's 1 year anniversary under new ownership. 

Review - Kids Menu at Turtle Bay

Last week we headed in to town to for lunch at Turtle Bay. This was our first ever visit to Turtle Bay so we were not sure what to expect. Little J is quite a fussy eater but as they had just updated their kids menu we were keen to give it a try.

Review - Pull My Finger

To a five year old there's probably nothing funnier than toilet humour. Being the only girl in a house with 3 boys I have heard all the poo and fart jokes and whilst I may find them funny, they find them hilarious. When we were sent Pull My Finger game to review I knew instantly little J would love it. 

Tattoos Are Not For Life Anymore

John has been talking for some time now about getting a tattoo. He only wants a subtle one on his lower arm near his wrist. He wants the black flag logo from the game Assassins Creed. He has asked my opinion and I have been very honest in saying that tattoos are not for me but it's his body and if he wants one then he should go ahead and get one. Times have moved on with regards to tattoos and they are not for life anymore. If you change your mind you can have laser tattoo removal done. I think knowing that this is available is making a tattoo more appealing to John right now.

Review - Tesco Photo Canvas Print

Since I became a Mum I am obsessed with taking photos of the boys. I always have my camera or phone to hand to capture memories. I'm lucky that they like having their photo taken although sometimes little J will pull funny faces or stick his tongue out but thats okay, because that's just the way he is. When Tesco Photo asked us if we would like to review their services I instantly thought 'A new canvas for the wall'. I love my canvases and have lots that we rotate through the year keeping the walls fresh every few months.

Review - Oregon Scientific Smart Globe Myth

Just over a year ago we reviewed the Oregon Scientific Adventure Smart Globe. Little J absolutely loves the globe and over the past year has learnt so much about different countries and his knowledge of capitals is amazing. Over the past few weeks we have been trying out Smart Globe Myth and we are really impressed.

Pumpkin Picking at Kenyon Hall Farm 2018

We had so much fun Pumpkin Picking last year that we decided to visit Kenyon Hall Farm again to pick our pumpkins. 

Oven Cleaning With Fantastic Services

 I know we all like to do a spot of Spring cleaning but I also like to do a big clear out and clean in Autumn, getting ready for Christmas. I think the Summer months are so busy for us that we tend to be on the lazy side when it comes to cleaning so I really feel it this time of year. I have been browsing Fantastic Services looking to see what they could help me with and I found a job that I knew would be perfect for us.

Review - Disney On Ice Dream Big

Last week we headed to Manchester to the Manchester Arena to see Disney On Ice Dream Big. We have seen Disney On Ice many times over the years but each show is completely different and we couldn't wait to see what magic was in store for us this time.

Preparing For Year One

It only seems like yesterday that little J was starting Reception but fast forward a year and we are almost at the beginning of his second half term of year one. For me this is when school really starts. I think it's been a big shock for him as in Reception it is mostly learning through play, however his classroom is very different now. There are almost no toys but lots of desks. He still seems so young and although he has lots of energy he does get tired quite easily as I've mentioned before. He's usually in bed before 7pm and needs his 12/13 hours sleep. John and I have discussed whether he may need to take a multivitamin as he is quite fussy when it comes to eating foods that are good for him. We were delighted when Bassetts vitamins sent over their Omega-3 + Multivitamins Orange Pastilles. They were just what we needed.

Review - Cozmo by Anki

Meet Cozmo.  Cozmo is the cutest little robot that we have ever seen.  Anki offered us the chance to review Cozmo, meaning we could get to know him and he could get to know us.

Dessineo Learn To Paint Bundle Giveaway

We have teamed up with Jumbo Games to offer one lucky Playdays and Runways reader the chance to win a Dessineo Bundle worth £100. Dessineo Learn to Paint and Draw range is perfect for any budding artist.

Review - Thunderbirds Are Go International Rescue

Thunderbirds Are Go - International Rescue is a new free game from Kuato games, who you may have heard of with their range of Dino Tales Storytelling and literacy skills apps for children. Thunderbirds has been around for ever, however is still really popular with children and with this game, you can become the hero and stop a disaster from destroying the arctic.

Review and Giveaway - Drumond Park Foxy Pants

Autumn in our house means board game season. We love playing games all year round but just play more when the darker nights creep in. Little J is at the age now were he loves playing games and a few weeks ago we were sent a new addition to our collection, Foxy Pants by Drumond Park. You will be able to tell from our blog that we love Drumond Park games as they never disappoint.

Our Sunday Photo 21/10/18

Last weekend we were lucky enough to have rink side seats to Disney On Ice, Dream Big. All I can say is 'wow'. It was an amazing show. I thought I would pop this on as a little teaser before our full review is posted this week.

Disney Limited Edition Designer Fairytale Jasmine and Aladdin

When I heard that Disney were releasing a Designer Fairytale Limited Edition of the Princesses I knew instantly I wanted to get them. I had seen a few images that fans had uploaded from the D23 convention and they looked amazing. The third set to be released was Jasmine and Aladdin.

How To Create A Warm And Cosy Home This Winter

This year will be our first winter since our whole house had a makeover. Everywhere feels so fresh and new but it just needs some finishing touches to help create a nice warm and cosy feeling for the winter. We have already started buying a few little bits and pieces and Christmas decorations too. There is nothing better than snuggling up on the sofa while the weather is cold outside. We have created some tips for you all on how to create a warm and cosy home this winter.

Royal De Luxe Giants Come To Liverpool

Last weekend we were very fortunate to witness the amazing Giants as they visited Liverpool. Royal De Luxe last visited Liverpool in 2014 and I was so amazed back then that when we heard they were bringing their giants back to the streets of Liverpool we just couldn't wait.

The Best Pumpkin Picking In The UK

Last year we went Pumpkin Picking for the first time and it was so much fun. We went to Kenyon Hall Farm in Warrington and it was really good. Obviously living in the North West we had to choose somewhere close by however I asked some of my friends from all over the UK to tell me their favourite places to Pumpkin Pick so check out our recommendations below.

Giveaway - Family Ticket To Winter Wonderland

One of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks will be transformed into a magical, immersive, Christmas attraction for 2018.St Luke’s “Bombed-Out” Church, situated at the top of Bold Street, will be turned into a Winter Wonderland for almost four weeks this festive season and is set to become the ‘must visit’ Christmas Grotto experience of the year in Liverpool. I have a family ticket worth £60 to give away to one lucky reader.

Portion Sizes For Children

I've spoken a lot about mealtimes with the kids recently and I did a little research about portion sizes for children. Portions sizes obviously differ from child to child and as a parent you know best what your child needs and what they don't, however this is just a guideline and may help those who need it. 

Venue Ideas For Kids Parties

Little J hasn't had a proper birthday party yet but we will definitely be planning something for his 6th birthday next year. He received another birthday invitation last week to a play centre that we haven't been to before so he is looking forward to that. It got me thinking that over the years we have had so many different types of birthday parties for big J and I'm looking forward to planning lots of parties for little J as he grows. I have had a think about our top venue ideas for kids parties.

Our Favourite Stories - Autumn 2018

Ever since I can remember little J has had a story before bed. It's part of his bedtime routine and no matter how tired he is or how late he's gone to bed he has to choose a book for us to read.At the moment he does have quite a few favourites so I thought I would share with you what we have been reading as it is Libraries Week.

Our Sunday Photo 07/09/18

This little monkey is absolutely loving football at the moment and has received player of the week. I love how much effort he gives every training session or match. He's having a ball and I love watching him play.

Review - Knowsley Safari Park

We live under 20 minutes away from Knowsley Safari Park yet we haven't been for years which is such a shame. Last week we visited and I instantly remembered all the things I loved about the park and how much fun we have missed out on.

Review - Zuru Smashers Series 2

When I was asked if little J would like to try and test Zuru Smashers Series 2 I obviously said yes. He loves blind bag type toys and these are advertised as Gross so I knew he would love them. I wasn't wrong. The Smashers are actually quite fun because instead of opening a bag to find out what's inside, you have to smash an eye ball!!!

Disney Limited Edition Designer Fairytale Rapunzel and Flynn

When I heard that Disney were releasing a Designer Fairytale Limited Edition of the Princesses I knew instantly I wanted to get them. I had seen a few images that fans had uploaded from the D23 convention and they looked amazing. The second set to be released was Rapunzel and Flynn.

Spending Time Together As A Couple

John and I make sure that we spend time together as a couple as often as we can. When you become a parent its sometimes hard to be anything else except for a Mum or Dad. You have to remember that before baby came along you were you, and if you are in a relationship or you are married you are a couple. Sometimes we lose the chance to be a couple and do couple things but its so important not to. Date nights can be tough but with some planning and a good babysitter they won't be as hard as you think.

Blogtober18 Day Two - I Found A Lump

It's day two of Blogtober and today's topic is boobs as its Breast Cancer Awareness month. I know some people have gone off topic today because this subject is either too sensitive for them or they don't feel they can write about it as it hasn't affected them or someone close. For me I wanted to write about it for two reasons the first I have had someone close to me diagnosed with breast cancer and because of that it made me become more aware of my boobs and what they felt like. It also made me realise one day that they didn't feel their normal usual self which led me to have a mammogram.

Review - Kinetic Sand Beach Sand Kingdom

Summer may be over but we have been trying out Kinetic Beach Sand for the last few weeks and its made us feel like we are back in Cyprus. The Kinetic Sand actually feels like wet beach sand and the set includes a variety of moulds and tools so perfect for making lots of sandcastles.

Blogtober18 Day One - All About Me

I've decided to join in with this years Blogtober. It's a chance for bloggers to write posts based around a different theme each day. Today's theme is All About Me. I'm looking forward to posting each day plus it has given me a much needed kick up the bum as I haven't been around much lately and I honestly have no excuses for that. So here it goes... All About Me.

What Are Food Jags?

 I went on a course all about eating and the term came 'food jags' came up a lot and it's so important that as parents we understand just what food jags means. For those that don't know, food jags means eating the same foods every single day. I recently wrote about tips on what to do if your child doesn't eat but I wanted to pop this on separately as it may only appeal to a specific audience.

Review - Ready 2 Robot

When we were asked if we wanted to review Ready 2 Robot I said yes straight away as I had already read about the range and knew little J would love them. Ready 2 Robot is a very similar to LOL dolls in where there are lots of different surprises as you unwrap. Little J is really into bling bag type toys and if he's not buying similar toys with his pocket money he's watching kids open them on You Tube Kids.

Disney Limited Edition Designer Fairytale Snow White and The Prince

When I heard that Disney were releasing a Designer Fairytale Limited Edition Collection of the princesses I knew instantly I wanted to get them. I had seen a few images that fans had uploaded from the D23 convention and they looked amazing. I already owned a Rapunzel Designer Doll and I love her so naturally I wanted to add to my collection. The first set was Snow White and The Prince.

Review - Oonies Inflator Starter Pack and Orbeez Wowzer Surprise

I love this time of year for lots of reasons and one of those reasons is that darker evenings means we 'play' inside a lot more. Little J has already started choosing to play games inside rather than playing in the garden. So we have been swopping football and trampolining for lots of indoor play. The past few weeks we have been playing with the Oonies Inflator Starter Kit and The Orbeez Wow World Wowzer Surprise Magical Pets.

When Your Child Doesn't Want To Eat

It's okay to let children eat with their hands

I recently went on a course all about children and their eating habits or lack of them. It really did open my eyes to just how many children out there either refuse to eat or will only eat certain things. I suppose we have been lucky that both our children are good eaters, I can't imagine what it must be like for parents whose children don't. Hopefully the tips below will help you deal with 'when your child doesn't want to eat'.

Our Sunday Photo - 16/09/2018

John knows just what to buy me when I'm having a tough time or a rough day. Obviously I love my Disney stuff but I love this mug and it is so true 'Tea Makes Everything Better'

£100 M & S Voucher Giveaway

When John and I have a movie night we usually curl up on the sofa with a nice takeaway. It was only recently that we realised that we could actually grab a meal at our local M&S,  not only does it taste better than a takeaway but works out so much cheaper too. M&S food has just opened by us and throughout the year they offer lots of special offers on their food range for example Dine for Two for just £10. This month you can choose from Pizza which includes two mains and two sides or an Indian again two mains with two sides all for just a tenner.

Review - Schleich Dino Set With Cave

Little J loves playing with Dinosaurs and why not? They are big, scary and cool and playing dinosaurs gives you the chance to roar loudly, stomp your feet and pretend you are the most powerful creature to ever roam the Earth. When we were sent the Schleich Dino Set With Cave I knew little J would love it. He already has dinosaur figures so adding more to his collection and also a play set would definitely enhance his play.

We Have Adopted A Fuggler

Have you ever wanted to open a letter or parcel but you know that you shouldn't because the circumstances could be catastrophic. Well last week a parcel arrived and we were desperate to take a peek inside but the box was clearly marked with a warning. Did we package the parcel back up and return to sender? Nope, however looking back now that could have been the better option. Inside our package was a Fuggler, I don't think I have seen anything as ugly in my life and those teeth... they are  insane. It is quite clear that our Fuggler was sent to us to turn our normal happy home into chaos.

5 Ways To Make Some Extra Money Before Christmas

Those who know me, know I like to find ways to make a little bit of extra money each month. It helps pay for days out with the kids or a meal. This part of the year I start thinking about Christmas and how using Cashback Apps, Coupons or finding the latest deals can help save some pennies for my most favourite time of year. I've popped below 5 ways to make some extra money before Christmas.

Our Sunday Photo - 09/09/2018

First week back at school and little J has already been to a party. This week he celebrated one of his friend's 6th birthday. It's strange that some of his friends are already 6 or will be soon when little J was only 5 a few months ago. Here he is with PJ Masks Catboy and Gecko. 

The Past, The Present or The Future?

A long time ago a friend told me that there are three different types of people. A past person, a present person and a future person. When an opportunity crops up for light conversation or general chit chat a ‘past person’ will talk about things that have already happened. Their conversations will start with ‘remember when..’ or ‘ I remember’. They don’t live in the past as such but they do spend an awful lot of time talking about things, people, events that they’ve already experienced. They like to reminisce.

Tips To Keep Your Home Safe

There's been a chill in the air the past few weeks and we've already noticed that it's getting darker much earlier than it was before our Summer holiday. It's always this time of year I start to feel a little anxious and probably more aware of keeping our home safe. We are very good at making sure our home is secure and we still use our Piper camera however darker nights and mornings attract opportunists so I've created a list of top tips for keeping your home safe.

Disney Limited Edition Designer Princess Rapunzel

Disney is such a huge part of my life and I haven't really shared that on my blog before in great detail so I thought I would start. I am a Disney fan and collect lots of Disneyana including Limited Edition dolls. Today I wanted to show off my first ever Limited Edition doll that John bought for me just after I had watched the movie Tangled for the first time. Rapunzel is my favourite princess out of all the princesses so I was so overwhelmed when he brought it home.

Our Sunday Photo - 02/09/2018

On the eve of back to school week this photo, this memory, our holiday seems like a million years ago however it was only two weeks. We can't complain because we have had a fun filled Summer doing lots of amazing things and meeting lots of new people. I am sad it's over but I have our fabulous photos to remind us of all the good times we had.