We Are Part Of The Netflix Stream Team

When we were contacted by Netflix to ask us to be part of the Netflix Stream Team I was so excited. Mummy and I absolutely love watching movies and tv programmes but like most people we find everyday life takes over and it’s just impossible to sit down and watch live tv. We would rather watch movies at a time that suits us and we also love to watch tv programmes as boxsets so there is no long wait in-between episodes.

Q Pootle 5 - Pootle The Explorer DVD Giveaway

I can't believe it's been 18 months since we last reviewed Q Pootle 5 DVD. Little J is such a fan of the show and we are both so excited for the releases of Q Pootle 5 - Pootle The Explorer on DVD. Although we have CBeebies on TV I do like to have a back up of DVD's they keep little J entertained  especially on car journeys or when we go away.

Warner Bros. Easter DVD Bundle Giveaway

Little J has become really interested in watching TV and movies over the last few months and I am actually quite excited about it. There is nothing better than siting down in front of the tv and watching a dvd or movie. I am hoping this continues and we get to have some nice family chill time on the sofa this Easter half term.

The Beatrix Potter Collection DVD Giveaway

When I heard that The Beatrix Potter Collection was to be released on DVD I was genuinely excited.   I loved watching Peter Rabbit when I was little and I am hoping little J loves it as much as I do. Its amazing to think that 2016 marks 150 years since the birth of Beatrix Potter. For me she is one of  best children’s authors and has captured imaginations around the world with her beautifully illustrated tales. We were lucky enough to visit Beatrix Potter's home Hilltop a few years ago and if you are a fan I would highly recommend a visit. To walk around the home where all the amazing characters were thought of and drawn is truly special.

Must See Musicals 10 Film Collection Giveaway

Ever since I was little I have always loved Musicals. I was brought up with both my Nana and my Mum watching movies such as Gypsy and my all time favourite Calamity Jane. My love of Musicals didn't just stop at watching the movies, I love listening to the soundtracks and watching the stage show versions too. You might have already read that we went to see Calamity Jane and it was amazing.

DisneyLife Review

This month we have been trying out a new subscription box called DisneyLife. I first noticed it just before Christmas when it popped up in our local Disney Store. As it was Christmas and a little manic I didn't stop to look what it was. If you haven't heard of DisneyLife let me tell you a little bit about it first.

Movie Night In

It can be difficult sometimes to get together as a family to watch a movie. As there is such a big age difference between the boys and we have all different interests it's usually impossible to choose a film we all will enjoy. Luckily we do all have one genre in common and that's Disney.

Our New Year Bucket List

I hadn't thought about writing a bucket list before as I thought a bucket list was things you wanted to do before you die. However, I have noticed that some people have seasonal bucket lists on their blogs. They write down all of the things they want to do in the following three months. We have had a little think and there are a few things we want to do so I've decided to write them down.

Our New Year Bucket List 2016

Star Wars - The Force Awakens Film Review

Before I start I do want to say that I am not a huge Star Wars fan. I like Star Wars mainly because Daddy and big J like Star Wars. I play with lightsabers mainly because big J and little J like playing with lightsabers and I don't think I have watched the original trilogy all the way through. I was excited to see the new movie mainly because Daddy and big J were excited to see the movie. However after watching the film on opening day I do feel the need to write my opinion on probably one of the most anticipated and talked about movie of the year, Star Wars The Force Awakens.

Mummy 2 Monkeys Advent Giveaway Day 15

I am so excited to be hosting an Advent Calendar style giveaway this year. When I used to enter competitions I loved advent giveaways. The idea of an advent competition is every day a new door on the virtual advent calendar would open and you had the chance to win the prize behind that door. I am so lucky to have worked with some amazing brands and companies this year on my blog. I am so grateful to those who have offered me 24 prizes so that I can host my very own Advent Calendar giveaway. Its very simple each day from midnight - 11:59pm a door on my virtual calendar will open. The prize will be revealed and you can enter  to win that prize using the giveaway app below. Once the door closes at 11:59pm the giveaway is over and the winner will be chosen and announced.

Day 15

Thomas and Friends - The Christmas Engines DVD Review

Every year we start getting in to the Christmas spirit earlier and earlier. We have a HUGE list of Christmas films to watch and we have a Christmas CD we play in the car. We usually start around 25th November but this year we have already started when we recently watched Thomas and Friends - The Christmas Engines DVD.

Twirlywoos - There's Somebody At The Door DVD Review

 When I first saw the Twirlywoos on Cbeebies I knew instantly that little J would love it. Its colourful, fun, cute and educational. However, I didn't expect to like it myself but I do. I think its a great show and I can actually watch a whole episode without thinking ' what is it?' to myself like I have done in the past with other children's programmes.

Twirlywoos features the adventures of four adorable characters, Great Big Hoo, Toodloo, Chickedy Chick and Peekaboo. You can join in there adventures aboard the Great Big Boat.

DreamWorks - Home

Last weekend we were lucky to receive preview tickets to see the new Dreamworks movie HOME. I hadn't heard of it until I received the tickets and googled. Big J had already viewed a trailer of the movie and it was on his 'to see' list. 

What We've Been Watching

Daddy and I have been making the most of our evenings lately as little J has been falling asleep between 6-7pm.  We have watched a few films, its been nice to sit and chill for a few hours as usually we are busy and don't seem to find the time. So what have we been watching. Well we are big fans of Liam Neeson and we watched Taken 2 just around christmas time ready for Taken 3 when it came out on the cinema.  They are such great films and although the storyline is similar in each film I am always blown away with just how good these films are. So after Taken's we decided to see what else Liam Neeson was in. Love Actually was first. I love that film and have watched it many times, really enjoyed it even though it was after christmas.

Project 365 Days 61-67

Its been a lovely dry week this week so plenty of chances to head out in the garden for some fresh air.  

61/365 - My week got off to a very good start when I lost albs. I started slimming world the week before and I am really enjoying it. I don't actually feel like I am on a diet and I am amazed with my weight loss. I know when you start dieting you always lose more in the first week but its really motivated me to do good.

Date Night

One of my resolutions is to spend more time with Daddy. Obviously I see Daddy every day but I do want to spend more time doing something just for us two. Being a parent is so time consuming and some days you don't have a minute to sit, chill and relax. When we do get to sit and talk we are normally to tired (or well I am) so its cut short. I love being a Mummy and spending as much time with my two monkeys as possible but I do think its nice to spend time alone with Daddy.

We did manage a few nights out together in December which was nice. We are not big drinkers so a night out on the town isn't for us really. We don't go crazy maybe just a meal or the cinema. For those two hours or so you feel completely relaxed knowing that you don't have to worry about anyone or anything.  One of our nights out was going to see the Hobbit - The Battle of The Five Armies. We booked our tickets really early to secure our seat at the Odeon in the Gallery. I love the Gallery and if you haven't been - you must. It's not available in every Odeon but if it is in one by you, do give it a try. It does cost slightly more than a usual ticket but the experience is so much more. 

We like to arrive at least 45 minutes before the movie but we got stuck in traffic with everyone christmas shopping so we were running slightly late. We headed up to the gallery which is located on the top floor. When the lift doors open you are greeted by a huge window the length of the cinema looking out over Liverpool. You can sit and relax on the sofa's while enjoying unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee, nachos, popcorn and chocolates. 

I usually just have a Pepsi Max and Nacho's. I not a big fan of popcorn but Daddy loves it. The seats are so much bigger in the gallery too. You get a double leather sofa to share with speakers in. The Hobbit was in imax so the sound was amazing. Once we were settled and had our goodies to eat and drink we were ready to watch the film. We are huge Lord of The Rings fans and have been for years. We watch the trilogy every christmas and have seen the Hobbit films as soon as they come on the cinema.  Anyway the film was amazing and we didn't move for the duration which is probably a first for me because usually I am the one that squeezes past everyone to go the toilet at least twice through a long film.  After we watched we returned to the gallery and had a chat about the film. Its sad to think that this is the last one. I hope Peter Jackson does something again in the future.  So thats it, my resolution has been made that more 'Date Nights' are to be had for Daddy and I. We need to make the time and no excuses.  Do you have 'date nights?' How do you plan them?

My Christmas Movie List

I love Christmas so much, its my favourite time of year. Every year I make a Christmas movie list and although we never get round to watching them all. This year I am hoping to get through a few of them.  This was on my Christmas to do list HERE so I can cross this one off.

1. Love Actually 2. The Holiday 3. Home Alone 4. Home Alone 2 5. While you were sleeping 6. The Family Stone 7. Mickeys Christmas carol 8. The snowman 9. The snowman and the snowdog 10. The family man 11. Serendipity 12. Bridget jones diary 13. Bridget jones diary - the edge of reason 14. Jingle all the way 15. Sleepless in Seattle 16. The polar express 17. The Santa clause 18. The Santa clause 2 19. The Santa clause 3 20. Santa Claus the movie 21. Hobbit 22. Miracle on 34th Street 23. Lord of the rings - the fellowship of the ring 24. Lord of the rings - the two towers 25. Lord of the rings - return of the king You may notice that Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have made it on to my list. Now I know they are not very Christmassy but we love to sit and watch the LOTR films back to back once our decorations are up. Strange I know but its become a tradition. Do you like to watch Christmas movies? Whats your favourite?

We had a DVD weekend with Fireman Sam and Q Pootle 5

Little J likes to watch TV and is starting to have a few firm favourites. He won't sit and watch a programme from start to finish just yet but he is certainly starting to enjoy it. He will glance over every now and then and if there is something in particular he likes then he will sit and stare whilst fiddling with a toy in his hand, but not for to long before he's off playing. I usually find myself still watching children's programmes even when he's not around.  We have recently been watching two DVDs which were sent for little J. Fireman Sam - Ocean Rescue
I am a fan of Fireman Sam myself. We have been watching him for years since big J was little and it's nice to see Fireman Sam has stood the test of time and is still a favourite of little ones. I have to say we really enjoyed this. Little J has watched Fireman Sam before and he seems to like it. I thought the episodes were really good. I loved the fact they were on the ocean and I have been looking at the range of toys to go with this.

New coastguard Ben works alongside the Rescue Team to keep everyone safe with heroics on the high seas. Mike takes on the choppy seas alone as he attempts to set up some fireworks but they accidentally all go off at once. Meanwhile Norman and Mandy row out to sea in search of a rare turtle. Its not long before they are lost and the waves keep getting bigger. Will Fireman Sam be able to find them before disaster strikes? Find out all this and more in this collection of new, daring Ocean Rescues. The DVD features six episodes  All at Sea Whale Watch The Pontypandy Cup  Turtle Hunt The Treasure Trap Stage Fright running time is 70 mins approx. Q Pootle 5 - The Great Space Race and other adventures
If I am honest I hadn't heard of Q Pootle 5 before which i'm shocked at really because as you may already know we are huge fans of cBeebies. I was eager to give the DVD a try because after watching the trailer ( which you can below) it looked great. Again little J seemed to really enjoy it. We watched two episodes over the weekend and its a really cute show.

Join Q Pootle 5 and his friends in 13 of your favourite episodes The Great Space Race Pootle's House Guest Groobie's Spacewash A day with Ray The Biggest Picture Ever Maurice Rocket Bird Oopsy Flower Power Hitting The High Note The Singing Valley Runaway Rocket Eddi's Hat It Came From Outer Space\ Also includes extras
Okidoki Karaoke The Making of Q Pootle 5 So both DVD's got big thumbs up from us here and I am sure they will stay in our dvd collection as little J gets older. *we were sent the dvd's for review purposes. All opinions are our own*

Lena Dunham - Girls

A few weeks ago I didn't feel to good, well it was just a cough and cold but it took me out. I was really bad with it and it lasted almost a week which is really rare for me. I usually just have it for a day or two and still able to do my normal things, this wiped me out completely.   I looked after little J as normal during the day which was okay although he had his usual appointments so I just made sure I had lots of tissues with me. When Daddy came home he took over and I was able to go to bed. I just couldn't sleep, which didn't help me get better. Instead I was flicking through some TV Shows and I couldn't believe it when I realised the third season of GIRLS was out.   

I'm not quite sure how I came about watching GIRLS I think I had read an article about it when it had just premiered on HBO in America.   I watched the very first episode and I was hooked. It is such a great programme and I can relate with all the GIRLS in different ways.   If you have never seen it, GIRLS was created by Lena Dunham who also stars in the show. It follows the lives of four friends in their twenties living in New York City.   It reminds me of Sex in the City but more realistic and genuine.    Anyway so I wasn't feeling well and found season 3 of GIRLS to watch. Now all parents will know it is hard to get a few minutes to yourself and it normally takes me a long time to get through a series of a TV programme but once I started watching it I couldn't stop. Although I felt like rubbish I was enjoying my chill time and I watched a whole season in less than a day. I really enjoyed it and I'm gutted I have to wait till next year for season four. 

Do you watch GIRLS?

Wimbledon Day Seven and Eight Round Up

Well we are in to the second and final of week of Wimbledon and I'm quite sad to think it will all be over soon.

Day Seven saw some of the outside courts matches rained off but thanks to the roof on centre, play could resume for Murray and Djokovic.

Murray v Anderson

I had not heard of Anderson before this game but when I saw him I thought 'wow he's tall' :) with a height of 6ft 8ins I thought Murray wouldn't stand a chance because Anderson would be able to get from each side of the court in just a few steps. 

I was wrong, Murray was in complete control of the first two sets and Anderson despite his height and arm span couldn't really get in to the game.

The third set saw a tie breaker and I actually thought Anderson might grab a set and take it to at least 4 sets but Murray wrapped it up and earned a place in the Quarters.

6-4, 6-3, 7-6

Djokovic v Tsonga

Again I thought this would be a real battle for a place in the quarters but Djokovic just dominated the first two sets.

Tsonga seemed to get his mojo back on the third set and wow did anyone see his serves? Some were straight down the line at a whopping 133mph. I wouldn't like to be standing in the way of them.

I again thought this was going to be at least 4 sets as it went to tie breaker but Djokovic slammed a return and won the set and match. Whilst Djokovic was shouting with joy it seemed the umpire had called it out. Djokovic and Tsonga both gathered at the net and Djokovic challenged the call. The crowd clapped as hawkeye announced the result on the screen and the was in.

Game, Set and Match. Djokovic through to the Quarters.

6-3, 6-4, 7-6

Day Eight which is usually Ladies Quarter Finals Day saw both men and women's tennis due to cancelled matches.

Kerber v Sharapova

I really like Sharapova and I suppose I am old school and I like to see the oldies do well. Not that Sharapova is old I just mean I like watching the players who have been around for a while. 

There are a lot of players this year that I've not heard of before but I'm sure they are the stars of the future but for now I'm cheering on Sharapova.

Kerber managed an early break and was able to secure the first set. Maria came back fighting in the second and sailed through. The third set Maria struggle and with a break again from Kerber she whizzed through to quarter finals.

7-6, 4-6, 6-4

Robredo v Federer

Federer was sent out to court one today instead of the usual centre. It was full of supporters ready to see him take charge and grab a place in the quarters, and he did just that.

I didn't really like Robredo if I'm honest he seemed quite cocky at first and his talent didn't match his attitude. It was all one sided again and Federer played some amazing tennis. 

Over again very quickly.

6-1, 6-4, 6-4

Kyrgios v Nadal

I'm loving Nadal at the moment and I've enjoyed watching him throughout this tournament so far. He was up against Kyrgios today, I always get nervous when wild cards and underdogs make it through because they always seem hyped up and wanting to prove themselves. Kyrgios did just that, omg he was amazing.

He played every shot almost perfectly and throughout the first three sets only one break was made. The Australian wildcard just seemed unstoppable and took the first and third set after tie break. In the forth I thought his energy levels would deteriorate but he could see the Quarter finals in his sight and this made him unbeatable.

Nadal struggled and when he lost the first I thought this seemed familiar as this has happened every match so far at wimbledon. This match was different Nadal continued to struggle and it lost him his place in the competition.

Kyrgios at just 19 years old, knocked the worlds number one out of the competition. Whilst it was exciting to watch I'm gutted a Nadal is out.

7-6, 5-7, 7-6, 6-3

Other news and probably the headline in every paper is the William sisters forfeited their place in the doubles competition after Serena decided she couldn't carry on. Spectators watched as Serena walked out onto court looking dazed, disoriented and confused. After receiving a 13 minute medical time out she started the match and left her viewers in shock as she missed the most easiest of shots. Just three games were played before Serena decided to quit the match and put her health first.

When leaving the Wimbledon courts she still looked dazed and confused. I really hope she is okay and all is well, I'm sure we will find out soon.