Ravensburger Statue Of Liberty 3D Puzzle Review

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We recently received Ravensburger Statue Of Liberty 3D Puzzle and we couldn't wait to complete it. This is our third 3D puzzle from the range and probably my favourite so far. I say so far because we are planning to collect them all because not only are they fun to complete but they look amazing and now take pride of place in my living room. The Statue Of Liberty 3D Puzzle only has 108 pieces so over 100 less than we were used to. I thought the actual statue would be a puzzle but she is a figure, the puzzle makes up the base.

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Ravensburger 3D Big Ben Minions Mayhem Puzzle

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Unless you have been on holiday to another planet you will know that Minions have took over this summer. Whether its on yoghurt's, cheese or cereal, Minions are everywhere. Big J went to see the Minions movie last weekend and loved it. I was a little gutted as I wanted to see it too but he went with his friends. Big J was excited when we were sent the Ravensburger 3D Minions Mayhem puzzle. We have done this type of puzzle before and it was lots of fun.

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Fisher Price Talking Bing Review

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Little J is a big fan of CBeebies and although he is happy to watch whatever programme is on it's obvious he does have some favourites. He gets excited when In the Night Garden is on, Something Special and also Bing. Bing is an adorable bunny who goes on lots of adventures with his friends including his carer Flop.

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WOW Toys Countdown Calendar Competition

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You may have spotted a nice new shiny badge on my sidebar this week letting you all know that I am now a WOW Blogger Buddy. We have recently been browsing toys shops and online for some new toys for little J because he has a sudden interest in figures and playsets and WOW was one of the brands we were looking at. I was so happy to receive an email to say that WOW toys would us to check out their new Countdown Calendars and also give one away to my readers.

I'm sure most of you will know WOW Toys and will agree that they are perfect for little ones. The toys are so colourful, cheery, chunky and they don't need batteries. I was quite excited to hear more about the WOW Toys Countdown Calendar. I instantly thought about Advent calendars and how exciting it is for little ones to open them each morning, counting down the days till Christmas.

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Promise Pets - Build A Bear

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Little J was invited last week to visit our local Build A Bear to make a Promise Pet. We love Build A Bear and over the years we have made so many. We have had dogs, bears, an Alvin (from the chipmunks) and most recently Olaf from Frozen. Building A Bear is a lovely experience for children and I know over the years big J has had so much fun and has given lots of love to the teddies he created.

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Don't Rock The Boat

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Last week we were sent Don't Rock The Boat by University Games. As it has been a double birthday week we didn't get chance to play it until Sunday. I love playing games on a Sunday, its a nice time to just sit, chill and have fun.

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Bubabloon Review

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This week we have been trying out BUBABLOON. As soon as I read about BUBABLOON I knew instantly my monkeys would love it. My living room floor is always home to a selection of balls and balloons as well as a small goal so they can play football indoors. 

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Plasticine Fun

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Remember the days before iPhones and iPads? When you received a toy and didn't wonder 'What does this do?' I remember those days and I remember having lots of fun playing with dolls, board games and plasticine. Actually plasticine was one of my favourite toys, I loved being creative and making lots of figures. We always had a supply of plasticine in our house because it would provide me with hours of fun, no batteries required.

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#Win Heroes Of The City Goodies

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A few friends and fellow bloggers have been talking recently about Heroes Of the City. I hadn't heard of it until last week but I am glad we checked it out because little J loves it. 

Heroes Of The City can be found on YouTube which features episodes following the adventures of Paulie Police Car, Fiona The Fire Engine and lots more.

Each episode is perfect for babies, toddlers and preschoolers teaching them the importance of friendship and what we can achieve if we help each other.

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I Got My First Tsum Tsum

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Last year when we were in Disneyland Paris, Tsum Tsum's were everywhere. In every shop there were huge displays of these little cuties. I had no idea really what they were other than there were lots of them in all different characters.

For those that have no idea what a Tsum Tsum is.

 Originally from Japan, Tsum Tsum stackable plush  come in your favourite characters. Collect them all to build a tower of cute and cuddly friends

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My First CloudBaby

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Since little J's birthday last month he has really enjoyed playing with his toys. I know that might sound strange but if you have read my blog you will know he went through a phase of just wanting to play with telephones, remote controls and my iPad. It was so frustrating and no matter how many toys he had he just wouldn't play with them. It was hard to decide what to buy him for his birthday because we honestly felt like no matter what we bought he wouldn't play with it anyway. Daddy and I put our heads together and decided to buy him a kitchen. He plays with the one in nursery and does enjoy making pretend cups of tea and eating pretend pizza. We also took it a step further with a shopping trolley, cleaning trolley, till and pram. He had everything he needed to create house for himself and I am so pleased to say it worked, He has really enjoyed playing with his new toys.

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I Am The Queen Of Connect Four

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post
Connect Four is probably the first game I ever remember playing when I was little. I used to play it with my dad all the time. I loved it and still do, over the years I have become an expert at it. Without blowing my own trumpet I haven't been beaten yet. Big J enjoys playing lots of versions of the game, Original, Launchers, Travel Size, Connect 4 online even Spongebob but I'm still the Queen of all of them. 

*looking back to 2012*

So my next challenge was to become the queen in the GIANT version. I have played the GIANT version once or maybe twice whilst we were visiting a castle in the Lake District. They had it in one of the stately rooms. It was mainly for the children to play with but the competitive side of me wanted to have a go and I did but there wasn't much of a challenge as I was playing a younger big J at the time.  I remember thinking how amazing it would be to have a GIANT version of the game. Perfect for the garden and when having family and friends over. Once we got home it completely slipped out of my mind until last week when we were sent the GIANT version to try. 
Wow, its huge. Its stands 1.1m and we love it. I'm sure everyone reading this will know what Connect Four is but if you don't its very simple but very very addictive.
The game is designed for two players, yellow and red, although you could play in teams if you wish. You sit or in the GIANT version stand on each side of the game. All you have to do is drop your counters in turn into the game and try to get four in a row. It can be horizontal or diagonal but you must remember to block your opponent too. Once you have four in a row you win. Simple.
Daddy set the game up in our living room for us to have a try. It was an easy set up and within 10 minutes it was up and ready to play.

Its so much fun on the GIANT version, I'm not sure why it feels different when its the same game but it does. We have played it so much over the last week so we have left in assembled in the front room. Although its weatherproof and durable for the winter months I like having it indoors at the moment so we can play even when its raining outside.  Little J has enjoyed it too, he likes to empty the counters by pulling the lever at the side. He then flings all the counters all over the floor so we have to then go on a hunt to try and find them under the table and the sofa. He also likes to be picked up and pops them in the slots. He does this for all the counters until every hole is full. 
What We Liked 
Everything really. Its Connect Four, whats not to like? It's a classic game on a GIANT scale. The fact that you are standing to play makes it more exciting. Sounds strange but it does. The plastic is durable and weatherproof, hopefully without any damage to the colours. You can buy replacement counters. This is a big thumbs up because I don't know how many games we have had to throw away over the years due to missing pieces. 
What Could Improve
Although I love everything about it the only thing I could really say under this section is the price. Currently £189.99 which may seem a little steep for a game. There is a section on each side of the game that holds the counters although they seem to fall off very easily. It may have been better for the holder to be enclosed rather than open.
So the question is am I still the Queen of Connect Four? Oh yes, still undefeated. I am really looking forward to including this in our garden games over the next few months and will be challenging everyone who will play with me. 

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Our Own Eiffel Tower

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I will always remember the first time I saw the Eiffel Tower, I was blown away. I remember looking up and just thinking WOW. Although big J and I were desperate to go up, Daddy was not as excited. 

*looking back to 2007*

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Our February Monthly Review Round Up

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I know February is only a short month but I just feel like its flew by so quickly. It doesn't seem like a month ago since I was writing my January Review Round Up. This month we have been trying out some products that I hope you will like as much as we do.

Top of our review roundup this month is something we were all very excited about. We had the chance to have a listen to Justin Fletcher - Just Party before it is released. We are huge fans of Justin and have been since big J was little. I can't believe just how great he is with the kids and he has so many shows on cbeebies - little J loves him. So last week we popped Justins album on in the car and all four of us couldn't help but sing along. The first track Just Party is a new track and it is really fun and little J loves it. He spins around the room dancing to it. Its a real get up and dance party track. I wasn't too sure whether Justin would be any good singing Let It Go but he does a pretty good job.  The highlight was The Macarena were Justin has changed the words to sing about getting ready for a party. Its catchy and its lots of fun. 

Overall the album is really good. There are 19 tracks in total and we didn't skip one. Its had us all singing along and little J has been dancing all week. The album is definitely one for Justin fans, the kids will love it. Just Party is available to buy from March 2nd or you can preorder now HERE ******************** I'm not a big fan of giving little J a bath, I do it if I absolutely have to otherwise its Daddy's job. I panic if little J starts to stand up incase he slips and although he's having fun splashing around and pretending to swim I am having a panic attack incase he goes under the water for too long. Also I have the worst judgement on how hot/cold the bath should be. I am more than happy sitting in a cool bath myself but sometimes I make it just that little bit too cold for little J. 

This month we have being trying out the very cute Brother Max Ray Bath and Room Thermometer. It does exactly what it says in the title. Ray displays the temperature of both the bath or room on its LCD screen display.  The ideal temperature for a bath is 37 degrees and if Ray reaches a temperature of 39 degrees the display blinks HOT As a room thermometer the ideal temp is 19 degrees. Ray displays both ideal temperatures on his display for your information.

Little J loves Ray in the water and will swish him about so he doubles a bath toy too, well he does for us anyway. For more information on Ray and the other products available from Brother Max you can click here to visit their website. I have teamed up with Brother Max to offer my readers the chance to win a Ray Bath and Room Digital Thermometer so make sure you check out my competitions page HERE. *******************

We were sent a My Buddy Box to try out this month and I can honestly say I love it. More and more shops are now charging for carrier bags and whilst I don't mind paying the odd few pence for a bag, it just annoys me that I always forget to bring one of the hundreds I have at home. I do try and recycle the carrier bags and use them again but I am rubbish at remembering to keep a few in the car. On a recent shopping trip I brought the My Buddy Box and popped it in the car. It folds up to the size of a folder or small laptop case but when you open it, its a huge big box. Perfect for popping in your shopping. It can be used for loads of things really but for me its going to stay in the car and stop me from bringing home more carrier bags that I don't need. To find out more about My Buddy Box you can visit the website here. ********************

With Mother's Day approaching I thought I would include this beautiful heart shaped photo frame as a gift idea.  The frame can hold 7 photographs, 3 hold size 3x3ins photographs and 4 hold 3x2.5ins photographs. The heart design just makes it extra special and it would be perfect to fill the frame with special memories, maybe photos of the children or grandchildren. This would make a perfect present for any Mummy out there.  ******************** *we were sent the above items to try, all thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own*

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Project 365 Days 33-39

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Hi all. Another week and another seven photographs capturing what we have been up to this week.

The sun has been shining this week but it is very very cold. It was -1 during the week on the way to school.

33/365 - Little J spent the morning in nursery today and was so tired he fell asleep for almost 4 hours. 

34/365 - The Meat and Greet details were available online for the forthcoming McBusted Tour. Too expensive for me. Gutted.

35/365 - It was nice to have some time with Big J tonight and we played some board games. We received Disney Hedbanz for christmas and its so much fun. Its very similar to Guess Who but with disney characters.

36/365 - Daddy had a little go on a tombola in Tesco today for charity and won two little prizes. Well done Daddy.

37/365 - Enjoying a pre valentines meal at Prezzo. Keep an eye out for our review this week.

38/365 - In the early hours of Friday Morning Daddy and I became an aunty and uncle for the first time. Big J has a new cousin, baby A. He is absolutely adorable and we couldn't wait for cuddles.

39/365 - Big J and little J rolling down the hill at Clifford Tower, York. We had a lovely day taking in the sights in York.

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Peppa Pig Holiday Time Grandpa Pig's Boat

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We recently saw an advert for the new Peppa Pig Holiday Time range from Character. Little J got all excited, mainly because he loves Peppa Pig at the moment. He now goes right up to the TV and points and claps. I love the fact that he recognises characters now and looks really happy when he sees his favourites. 

He got a very special treat this week from the new range of Peppa Toys, Grandpa Pig's Boat. He has started to enjoy playing with figures and playsets so I knew this would go down well. The boat comes with three figures, Peppa, her brother George and Grandpa Pig. 

Each of the figures fit perfectly in little J's hand. The body of the figures are nice and chunky but the arms are slightly smaller and they move back and forth. The legs are on a moulded base so they sit perfectly in the holes on the boat.

The boat itself is again quite chunky. It's all one piece which I love because I don't really like little bits that can be removed as I always find they get lost amongst other toys.

Little J was playing with the boat on the rug and easily learnt which figures go where on the boat. Grandpa pig is the captain of the boat and he has a larger base so there is only one place he can stand, by the steering wheel of the boat. Peppa and George stand at the back of the boat.

He happily played putting the figures in and out of the boat and pushing it along the floor. As I went to put the packaging in the bin I noticed that the boat floats on water too. Instant thought - perfect bath toy. 

Little J loves the bath and he does have a nice selection of toys but he hasn't got a boat, well not until now. So at bathtime we popped it in the bath and it floated around. Little J played with it similar to what he did on the rug, popping the figures in and out and pushing it along the water. He seemed to really enjoy playing. 

I love watching little J playing with toys like this, he's using his imagination playing with the figures and I can't wait for him to start talking to add his own little dialogue too. What We Liked.
Two in one toy. Great for the floor and bath too. The boat is nice and chunky. Colourful and lots of detail. One piece so no worries that small pieces will get lost. Includes 3 figures. What Could Improve.
The figure's arms are really thin and look like they could easily snap off. If water gets in the holes in the boat it will tip up, little J did however find that very funny. ************** Currently priced at £19.99 which I think is really reasonable for a Character branded toy. Like I said earlier I love that the boat can be used on the floor for daytime play and in the water too. You can find out more about the Peppa Pig Holiday Range by visiting Character Toys Here

*we received a Peppa Pig Holiday Time - Grandpa Pigs Boat for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photos above are our own*

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Project 365 Days 26-32

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 Here is our Project 365 for this week. Can't believe we are in February already.

26/365 - There are lots of bugs going round at the moment so Daddy steamed the house from top to bottom.

27/365 - Little J has been testing out Peppa Pig's - Grandpa Pig's Holiday Boat. Keep and eye out for our review.

28/365 - Big J enjoying a nice pre birthday meal with his Grandad

29/365 - Today is my Dad's birthday. We gave him his presents and ate some cake.

30/365 - Little J's new shoes and leg cast arrived at the hospital today so we went to collect them both. I know they don't look like the nicest pair of shoes but if it they fit around his toe and support his walking then thats all that matters.

31/365 - Today was a tidy the house day while big J went the cinema with his friends to see Big Hero 6

32/365 - We found some leftover snow today so little J decided to dive in it, head first. 

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