Disney | My Mary Poppins Wish List

I cannot wait to see Mary Poppins Returns when it is released in the UK on the 21st December. Growing up Mary Poppins was my favourite film. I would watch it every day after school and at weekends. I would pretend I was Mary singing and dancing in our front room. My nickname at work used to be Mary because people would say I was Practically Perfect In Every Way. I loved that and that phrase is probably my favourite out of all the Disney movies. I have made a Mary Poppins wish list and if you are a Mary fan like me then you will love my choices. 

Review | Slurpees Snot Suckers

What is it about Slime that makes kids just love it? Is it the fact that it's gooey, slimy, gross or all three? Little J absolutely loves slime and has various pots of it dotted around the house in a variety of colours and textures. I'm not a fan of it myself but I have to say when we received some Slurpees Snot Suckers I did find playing with it quite enjoyable as did little J.

Collaboration | The Perfect Mums Night In

Christmas can be a stressful time for everyone but I personally find it so tiring. I don't know whether it's a Mum thing but I like to take charge and make sure everything is perfect for the big day. If like me you need to have a relaxing evening before the festivities begin then check out my recommendations for the perfect Mums night in.

Review | Silk Filled Pillows

This weekend we will be putting our Christmas tree and decorations up and I can't wait. I have started to add a few Christmas themed bits around the house already including my festive place mats and Christmas bedding. We were recently sent some Silk Filled Pillows which we have added to our 'Walking In A Winter Wonderland' bedding and our bed has never been cosier.

Our Sunday Photo | Llangollen

This will be our view today as we head to Llangollen for their Santa Train Special. This visit has been a tradition in our family for about 14 years now with big J visiting every Christmas with his Grandma and Grandad. It's only been in the last few years that we have joined in too as the family has grown and now there are 14 of us that enjoy this special trip to see Santa.

Christmas 2018 | The Lanterns at Chester Zoo

On Sunday we headed over to Chester to experience The Lanterns at Chester Zoo. We have never been before but some of the family went last year and loved it so they booked for us all to go this year. I had no idea what to expect so I was really surprised when we got there to see lots of animals made out of lights.

Christmas 2018 | A Letter To Santa

3 months ago little J looked through every age of the Smyths toys catalogue and circled everything he wanted for Christmas. He was so excited but we told him it was too early to write his letter to Santa but this weekend he finally got the chance to write his letter and send it to the North Pole.

Christmas 2018 | Our Favourite Stories

You may have read that we wrapped lots of Christmas books and Winter stories up for little J's book Advent Calendar. He loves books whether it is trying to read them himself or a bedtime story. This is the first year we have done a book advent and I am really excited to have lots of festive bedtime stories each night.

Christmas 2018 | Tea With Santa At Dobbies

On Saturday we headed to Dobbies Garden Centre for our first visit of the year to see Santa. I say our first visit because we have at least another 4 visits planned to various grottos but I can honestly say now I doubt any will compare to the whole Dobbies experience.

Christmas 2018 | Our Sunday Photo - Meeting Santa

 Yesterday we had our first Santa visit of the year. We visited him at Dobbies Garden Centre and it was one of the most magical experiences we have ever done. Little J absolutely loved it and it has definitely put us in the Christmas mood. What a great way to start the month!

Christmas 2018 | Our Advent Calendars

It's the 1st of December which means I am now allowed to be excited for Christmas. We have so much planned for December so it's nice to start off the month with our official countdown to Christmas, our Advent Calendars.

Review | What's That Smell?

We recently received a game to review called What's That Smell? We have never played anything quite like this game before. Basically it's a scratch and sniff game but honestly some of the smells are so disgusting it will make your eyes water.

Collaboration | What We Will Be Watching This December

There is nothing better than curling up on the sofa on a cold Winter's evening catching up with your favourite TV programmes. I want to have everything sorted for Christmas soon so that we can just sit back and relax in December. I have a few Christmas movies on my watch list but I also want to start a new series too.

Review | Slime and Gelli Baff and SnoBall Play

Although little J seemed quite excited by the idea of having a bath full of slime, I wasn't sure what he would make of it. We have seen Gelli Baff in the stores and on TV but I've never thought of buying it for little J. His older brother didn't like anything like this when he was younger so I just thought little J would be the same, I was wrong. 

Review | Paw Patrol On a Roll Xbox One Game

Little J has watched Paw Patrol for a few years now, and the release of a Paw Patrol On A Roll video game for the major consoles isn't a surprise given how its popularity has increased in recent times. It's an interesting release as it surprises me that there are enough children old enough to play console games, but still young enough to enjoy Paw Patrol, to warrant a major game release. Having said that Little J loves his Xbox time, so maybe gaming is more popular with small children than I would have thought.

Review | Beaker Creatures Liquid Reactor Super Lab

For the past few months little J has absolutely loved creating potions in the shower and bath. He mixes all the shower gels, bath bombs and bubble baths in to old shampoo containers. It's made bath time fun again for him since he outgrew his old bath toys. He loves watching the colours of the different gels mix together, different textures and watching the bath bombs fizz. I actually said to John that we should look into getting him a little science set because he finds it fascinating. I recently was introduced to a new range of toys that would be perfect, Beaker Creatures from Learning Resources.

Review | Carpet Cleaning From Fantastic Services

It has been almost a year since we had our new carpets put in, and I thought it would be a good idea to get them cleaned to keep them looking fresh and new just before Christmas. You may have read recently that Fantastic Services cleaned our oven and they did a 'fantastic' job so I was confident the carpet clean would be great too.

Closed Giveaway | The Littlest Reindeer DVD

Over the next week or so I will start making my Christmas movies watch list. I do it every year and the list is filled with everything I want to watch between now and the big day. This year I will have a new entry to the list The Littlest Reindeer.

Review | InfaCare Bath Time Products

When we had a bathroom makeover I thought little J would prefer the new walk in shower instead of the bath. He loves showers when we stay in hotels or after going the pool but I was wrong. He still loves his bath and it's a big part of his bedtime routine. We have been using Infacare Bath Products now for well over a year and little J loves them.

Christmas 2018 | Gift Guide - Fortnite Fans

Fortnite has been the gaming sensation of the year.  Playable on most devices, even your phone, it has captured the hearts and minds of most children and a good many adults too. If you have an Xbox or Playstation at home then I would be surprised if your children's Christmas lists don't have something Fortnite related on them! So here's some ideas that we think will make your Fortnite fan happy on Christmas morning.

Christmas 2018 | Gift Guide - For The Kids

 If you are looking for gift ideas for the kids this Christmas check out what we recommend. We have tried and tested all these products over the past year and they would make a perfect gift choice for the kids.

Christmas 2018 | Gift Guide - 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.

Christmas 2018 | Gift Guide - 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.

Christmas 2018 | Gift Guide - 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.

Collaboration | 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

Dining Out | 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. 

Dining Out | 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. 

Collaboration | 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.

Seasonal | 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. 

Review | 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.

Review | Autumn Wardrobe with Fashion World

Autumn is here and I have been removing all my Summer clothes from my wardrobe and replacing them with lots of Autumn / Winter clothes. I have a few new additions thanks to Fashion World.

Parenting | 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.

Closed Giveaway | Dessineo Learn To Paint Bundle

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 | 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 | Flynn and Rapunzel

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.

Collaboration | 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.

Days Out | 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.

Seasonal | 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.

Closed 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.

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.

Parenting | 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. 

Parenting | 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 Favourites | Bedtime 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 | Football Mad

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.

Days Out | 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.