Playdays and Runways

Days Out · Experiences · Jamie Raven · Magic · review · Theatre

Jamie Raven Live 2017

On Tuesday Daddy and I headed to Southport to see Jamie Raven. For those that don't know who he is, Jamie came runner up in the 2015 Britain's Got Talent final. He narrowly lost out to Jules and Matisse by just 2 per cent of the vote. We remembered his performances and loved watching him so we were quite excited to see his live show. We have been to a few magic and illusion shows and whilst they have been okay we have always left the theatre feeling quite underwhelmed. Hopefully Jamie would amaze us and we would be heading home with confused looks on our faces and wondering "How on earth did he do that?'

review · Schleich · Toys and Games · Wild Life Starter Set

Schleich Wild Life Starter Set Review

You may remember that last year we reviewed the Schleich Farm and how much we loved it. We still do and out of all of little J's toys this really has been played with the most and it is still in perfect condition. Quality is everything when it comes to toys, obviously you want them to be enjoyable but they also need to be durable. Last week we received a Schleich Wild Life Starter set which includes 4 animals. Little J is really enjoying playing with his animals at the moment and it wasn't long before they were introduced to his lion playset.

#StreamTeam · Entertainment · Netflix · TV and Film · Valentines Day

Tech Tuesday - Valentines Day on Netflix #StreamTeam

We don't really do anything exciting for Valentines Day, usually we will grab a takeaway and pick a movie to watch. We usually have to decide which movie a few days in advance otherwise we will end up scrolling through 100's of movies on Valentines Day deciding what to watch. This year we have Netflix so even more movies to choose from, however Netflix have provided us with a list of best Valentines Day films to watch for all types of romantics.

Entertainment · Gaming · Nintendo · Nintendo Switch · review · Tech Tuesday · Technology

Tech Tuesday - Nintendo Switch : Do We Need Another Console?

The Nintendo Switch is being released on 3rd March in the UK. With a price tag of £279.99 for the basic package it will be interesting to see how this fares with gamers. I remember buying the original Wii console not long after release. It was expensive at the time, I can’t remember how expensive, but expensive enough for us not to have bought at initial release. Honestly, with Wii for us did bring us years of enjoyment, mostly on Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort, but also with Wii party, played almost exclusively at Christmas - but so much fun. Wii Fit was also a firm favourite - even it was just to tell me I have put another pound on.

Cinema · Days Out · Entertainment · La La Land · review · TV and Film

La La Land Review - City of Stars, Are You Shining Just For Me?

La La Land was a film that I had wanted to see for a few months after seeing trailers online, reading about it on Social Media and although I had an idea of what it was about nothing could have prepared me for just how fantastic this movie is. Most of my childhood saw me acting out the dance scene from West Side Story in my front living room or singing Grease songs in front of the bathroom mirror. La La Land took me back to those memories and how good musicals were and how sad it is that they just don't make movies like that anymore, until now.

#StreamTeam · 4K · Netflix · review · Streaming · Tech Tuesday · Technology

Tech Tuesday - 4K Definition The Future Of Streaming

You may have recently read my review of the Xbox One S in which I talk about the difference I have seen with 4K and HDR definitions. One of the features is the ability to stream HDR and 4K definition through the Xbox One S with 4K compatible providers like Netflix. As part of the StreamTeam, I have written recently about Stranger Things - the superb TV series with a retro feel to it. We watched that in 1080p through Netflix and the quality was brilliant. If I had waited a few months until we got the new 4K TV then we could have watched it in 4K definition on Netflix.

Food and Drink · Homemade Recipes · Quorn · Slimming World

Slimming World Slow Cooker Lasagne Recipe

Recently I bought myself a slow cooker and I've made a few things in it so far but our favourite last week so Slimming World Slow Cooker Lasagne. I've just started my Slimming World journey so I will be making more meals but for now I thought I would share with the Lasagne recipe.

Big Hugs · Closed Giveaways · DVD · Teletubbies · TV and Film

Teletubbies - Big Hugs DVD Giveaway

The Teletubbies are back with a brand new DVD and I am giving 3 of my readers and followers the chance to win. Big Hugs features 6 episodes, special features and a colouring pad.

Disney · Disney Toys · Flair Plc · Hyena Hideout · Just Play Toys · review · The Lion Guard · Toys and Games · TV and Film

The Lion Guard Hyena Hideout Playset Review

Little J was so excited to receive the Lion Guard Hyena Hideout Playset to review. As you probably already know we are huge Disney fans and we love watching The Lion Guard Series, which is a spin off from the movies The Lion King. We already own a Lion Guard Defend The Pride Lands Playset so little J is happy to have a 'bad guys' playset too.

August · August wireless stereo headphones · Headphones · review · Tech Tuesday · Technology

Tech Tuesday - August Bluetooth Wireless Headphones Review

We already own a number of August products, most recently we reviewed Augusts WS300 and WS150 Multiroom Wireless Airplay speakers. We use these a lot throughout the home as they are portable and easy to use. When I was asked to try a set of wireless headphones I was happy to give them a try. We were sent a pair of EP636R wireless stereo headphones

Days Out · Experiences · Ice Skating · Ice Slide · Liverpool · Liverpool Wheel · Pizza Express · The Ice Festival · Travel

Our New Years Eve

This is a little late, but better late than never I suppose. We ended 2016 with a visit to the Liverpool Ice Festival. It's something we did a few years ago and we thought it would be nice to do it again. Both Daddy and I aren't keen on New Years Eve so a nice day out was perfect.

Gaming · review · Tech Tuesday · Technology · XBOX · Xbox One S

Tech Tuesday - Xbox One S Review

I am a Xbox owner after converting from the PS2 to the original Xbox a long time ago. I still have PS consoles, but the Xbox has been my favourite for some time. I bought the Xbox One on initial release date in 2013 - the Day One edition. I have had no problems with it at all, other than running out of storage space. Luckily the Xbox allows external hard drives to be connected in a plug and play style to improve the capacity overall.

A False Pregnancy · Parenting · Pregnancy

A False Pregnancy

A few months ago I was convinced I was pregnant. I think I knew in my heart I wasn't but my head convinced me otherwise. We are not trying for another baby in fact another pregnancy is definitely not something we want to go through again after everything that's happened in the past. We are completely happy and blessed to be a family of four, not forgetting our two angels in the sky.

Droidbox · PlayOn · review · Tech Tuesday · Technology

Review - Droidbox PlayOn

Droidbox PlayOn, Handheld Console, Buttons, Screen,

I recently bought the Droidbox PlayOn handheld console. For years I have looked for and bought a number of units with the intention of being able to play emulated games from computers and consoles long gone, in a simple format with easy to use controls.

Changing Our Blog Name - Say Hello To Playdays and Runways

I'm guessing that if you are reading this then you will have noticed that we have decided to change the name of our blog. This wasn't a decision I made easily, it's taken months and months to finally pluck up the courage to do it but now that we have, we are so happy. When we first started our blog back in February 2014 we had no idea of a) what we was doing - we winged most of it in the early days and b) we didn't really think of a name that would be able to grow with us as a family. I loved Mummy 2 Monkeys when I first started blogging but now neither of my boys call me Mummy anymore so it was time to change to a name that reflects us.

Argos · Chad Valley · Chad Valley Play Panel · Closed Giveaways · Toys and Games

£75 Argos Gift Voucher Giveaway

To celebrate the ending of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 we are offering one lucky Playdays and Runways reader and follower the chance to win a £75 Argos voucher. We were so proud to be asked to be part of the Chad Valley Play Panel and have loved reviewing so many fabulous toys this year.

Airport Playset · Chad Valley · Chad Valley Play Panel · review · Toys and Games

Chad Valley Airport Playset Review

Just before Christmas we got a special delivery from Chad Valley. As we are part of the Chad Valley Play Panel, little J was sent the Chad Valley Airport Playset to try out. It was perfect timing as little J was getting fed up waiting for Santa to bring him new toys. Little J absolutely loves everything that involves cars, planes or trains so the Chad Valley Airport Playset was the perfect choice.

Julia Donaldson · Puzzle · Ravensburger · review · Stick Man · the gruffalo · Toys and Games

Ravensburger Stick Man and The Gruffalo Puzzles Review

This week we had an early Christmas treat when Stickman and The Gruffalo jigsaw puzzles arrived. We love The Gruffalo and Stickman so we were thrilled. The two jigsaw puzzles are by Ravensburger and are based on the popular books written by Julia Donaldson.

#M2MAdventGiveaway · Cbeebies · Closed Giveaways · Little Babas · Mr Bloom · Toys and Games

Win Mr Blooms Talking Veggies

On The 9th day of December I have teamed up with Little Babas Toys and Costumes to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a full set of Mr Blooms Talking Veggies

#M2MAdventGiveaway · Baylis and Harding · Beauty · Closed Giveaways

Win a Baylis and Harding Gift Set

On The 9th day of December I have teamed up with Baylis and Harding to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a Baylis and Harding Gift Set

#M2MAdventGiveaway · Cartamundi · Closed Giveaways · Shuffle Games · Toys and Games

Win Shuffle Games

On The 8th day of December I have teamed up with Cartamundi Shuffle Games to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a Connect 4 and Game of Life.

Beefeater · Days Out · Eating Out · Festive Menu · Restaurant · review

Festive Menu at Beefeater

A few weeks ago we were treated to a delicious meal from the new Festive Menu at Beefeater. We have never dined at a Beefeater restaurant before so we were all excited. When it comes to eating out we do usually like to try different places but the Beefeater has never popped up and I'm not sure why as we have many close by.

#M2MAdventGiveaway · Closed Giveaways · East Coast Nursery · Say Hello Glove Puppet · Toys and Games

Win Say Hello Glove Puppet

On The 7th day of December I have teamed up with East Coast Nursery to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a 'Say Hello ' glove puppet.

#M2MAdventGiveaway · Books · Closed Giveaways · Little Tiger Press

Win Little Tiger Press Christmas Book Bundle

On The 6th day of December I have teamed up with Little Tiger Press to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a Christmas book bundle.

Food and Drink · Hollands · Micro 2 Go · review

Hollands Micro 2 Go Pastie Slice Review

When I was younger Hollands was the only brand of pie I knew. It was the brand my Nana and Grandad bought, My Mum and Dad and whenever you had a pie from the chippy it would always be a Hollands. Growing up I was never a lover of meat based pies but I loved Cheese and Onion. A cheese and onion pie with lots of tomato sauce, yummy.

#M2MAdventGiveaway · Closed Giveaways Nick Jr · Ready Steady Dough · The Entertainer · Toys and Games

Win Nick Jr Ready Steady Dough

On The 5th day of December I have teamed up with The Entertainer to offer one lucky reader the chance to win Nick Jr Ready Steady Dough - Swirly Whirly Sweets.

#M2MAdventGiveaway · Closed Giveaways · Clothing and Accessories · Suttons

Win Bed Socks from Suttons

On The 3rd day of December I have teamed up with Suttons to offer one lucky reader the chance to win two pairs of bed socks, perfect for chilly Winter evenings.

#M2MAdventGiveaway · Closed Giveaways · Drumond Park · Og on the Bog · Toys and Games

Win Og on the Bog by Drumond Park

On The 2nd day of December I have teamed up with Drumond Park to offer one lucky reader the chance to win Og on the Bog

#M2MAdventGiveaway · Books · Closed Giveaways · tigeropolis

Signed Tigeropolis Books Giveaway

On The 1st day of December I have teamed up with Tigeropolis to offer one lucky reader the first two Tigeropolis books signed by the author.

Alcohol · Becks Blue · Collaboration · Drink Smart · Food and Drink · Switch It Up

Switch It Up and Drink Smart

As soon as the Christmas season begins we usually have lots of invites for nights out, get togethers, and meals and to me this means lots of fun but others its an excuse to have lots of alcohol. I am not a big drinker in fact whenever I go out I am usually the driver and would much rather drink water or a glass of diet coke than wine or vodka. To me drinking is a social thing and people use it to have great time but I don't need it. Don't get me wrong when I was younger I would party all weekend but I was younger then and had no responsibilities but I now one night of partying would make me feel ill for a week after and with two kids and a husband to look after I much prefer to to stay alcohol free. Recent research commissioned by AB InBev was done to demonstrate the benefits of smart drinking encouraging Brits to 'Switch It Up'

Chad Valley · Christmas · Christmas Gift Guides · Drumond Park · gift guide · Itty Bittys · Little Tiger Press · Nerf · Nick Jr · Sense Organics · Smiggle · Star Wars · The Christmasaurus · Tom Fletcher

Our 2016 Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas will soon be here and whilst I love buying presents I often get stuck for ideas on what to buy. So this year I decided to make notes every time something caught my eye on TV or whilst browsing the internet.

Food and Drink · Go Ahead · review

Go Ahead Snacks Review #SnackSmart

We love reviewing new products as it gives us the chance to try out new stuff we may have missed in the shops. However when we were asked to review some Go Ahead goodies it reminded me of a brand I used to love but just forgot about somehow. We used to eat Go Ahead bars a few years ago but stopped and I'm not sure why as they are so tasty and low in kcals.

Collaboration · Deliveroo · Hungry House · Just Eat · One Delivery · Technology · TechSavvyDad · Uber Eats

Our Top Five Takeaway Apps

*collaboration

Its nearly time to decorate our home ready for the Christmas celebrations. We have a tradition that every year on decoration day, we will tidy up, then get the decorations from the loft. After that the usual ornaments and pictures take their turn up in the loft for a month or so, and then the decorating begins. At about the time we are sorting the teddies and ornaments, we will usually order a takeaway meal to be delivered. Now I remember when we first started the tradition of decoration day we would go out for something to eat, but we would find ourselves short of time and rushed. Over the years that we have been ordering in I think that Pizza has been the most popular choice, but then is that because until recently Pizza was one of the only things you could get delivered?

Annabel Karmel · Food and Drink · Parenting · review

Annabel Karmel Frozen Meals Review

When it comes to mealtimes I have mentioned before that I do like to cook from scratch but realistically there are days when this does not happen. Being a parent it's busy, busy, busy and there are days when I just have to throw something together quickly if we are running late and I haven't had time to prepare something. Having said that I still make sure what we eat isn't junk and that it is something that is nutritious and healthy. When we were asked to try out Annabel Karmel Frozen Meals I took a look at the website and the products and I was impressed. Annabel Karmel has turned her best-loved children’s recipes into nutritionally balanced freezer fillers for parents like me that have days when we are just too busy to cook.

Home and Garden · ResMed · review · S+ · Sleep · Tech Tuesday · Technology · TechSavvyDad

TechSavvyDad Tuesday - S+ by ResMed Review

Sleep. Does anyone ever get enough these days? I know that being a dad to two boys, one a toddler and one a teen, there is a huge differential in the times that they sleep. Little J is often asleep by 6pm and up again ready for the next day at 5am whereas Big J will be in bed by 10pm on a school night and much later at weekends. I get to sleep in-between these times but generally I have some ‘Dad’ time that means actually I think I average around 6 hours each night. I know that's not enough, but how can we monitor and improve our sleep? I have tried a few apps from the google play store over the years, with mixed results. I have never stuck to one app to try to improve my sleep as I haven’t yet been convinced that any of them actually work. I have been trying the S+ by ResMed to try and improve my sleep.

Defend The Pride Lands Play Set · Disney · Disney Junior · Flair Plc · review · The Lion Guard · Toys and Games

The Lion Guard Defend The Pride Lands Play Set Review

Being huge Disney fans we are quite shocked that we haven't sat down yet and watched The Lion Guard TV series which is based on The Lion King movies. We've heard of it and it has been on our 'to watch' list for a while. When we were asked to review The Lion Guard - Defend The Pride Lands Play Set it gave us the excuse to sit down and watch an episode before it arrived. Little J loved it as did I. It's a lovely series following Kion, Simba's youngest cub.

Closed Giveaways · Lord Of The Rings · TechSavvyDad · the Hobbit · TV and Film · Warner Brothers

Epic Moments From The Middle Earth Collection

This week I have noticed that Christmas is already everywhere. Shops, adverts on TV, Online ads, you can’t get away from it and its not even 5th November yet. This got me thinking about some of the traditions we have at home for Christmas, one of which is to watch the extended editions of all three Lord Of The Rings movies, we attempt this usually in one epic sitting when Little J and Big J are having their Christmas day out with their grandparents.

Chad Valley · Chad Valley Play Panel · review · Toys and Games · Wooden Fire and Police Station

Chad Valley Wooden Fire and Police Station Review

You may have seen our very exciting post recently about Playdays and Runways being chosen to be part of the Chad Valley Play Panel. We are so excited to be involved with a brand that means so much to us. Chad Valley was a huge part of I and Daddy's childhood and I have fond memories of toys I used to play with. I really must dig out some photographs of me as a child on christmas morning opening lots of Chad Valley toys.

#JakksBathTime · Disney · Jakks Toys · review · Toys and Games

Disney Princess Colours of the Sea Ariel Toddler Doll Review

Both little J and I were excited when Colours of the Sea Ariel from JAKKS Pacific arrived this week. I knew she was on her way but I didn't tell little J so when he opened the box his little face lit up. He loves Disney and Disney Princesses and is always trying to play with my collector Disney dolls so at first he wasn't sure whether he could touch her or not. When I told him Ariel was for him and she could go in the bath he instantly pulled her out of the cardboard box and wanted me to open her.

Farm · review · Schleich · Toys and Games

Schleich Large Farm, Animals and Accessories Review

Recently when we were shopping in Hamley's we noticed the Schleich range of figures and play sets. I spent a couple of minutes looking at the animals especially the horses and I was so impressed with the quality of them. Little J was actually looking for a dinosaur so we decided to buy him a Schleich one. It's really lovely and the detail is amazing. Shortly after we actually received the Large Schleich Farm to review and I was so excited. I knew instantly that it would be a hit with the whole family.

Cbeebies · Entertainment · Magazine · review · Teletubbies · Toys and Games

Teletubbies Magazine Review

When big J was growing up Teletubbies dominated our TV and also big J's toy box. He absolutely loved Teletubbies and had lots of Teletubbies toys including talking ones, a phone, books, even a Noo Noo that moved along the floor. Teletubbies were so popular, they were everywhere and you just had to love them. When the Teletubbies made a comeback I was so excited because little J is the perfect age and I knew he would love Teletubbies just like his big brother did. I wasn't wrong. Our house has been filled with various Teletubbies toys over the past 9 months and now little J has just received the Teletubbies magazine.

#StreamTeam · Entertainment · Halloween · Netflix · TV and Film

Our Top Five Netflix Halloween Movies #StreamTeam

We love Halloween and for us Halloween is the beginning of the countdown to Christmas. We have started getting in to the Halloween spirit by browsing through Netflix for some movies to watch. I don't like being scared so adult horrors are not for me so we have chosen our top five Family Halloween Picks on Netflix.

August · review · Tech Tuesday · Technology · TechSavvyDad

TechSavvyDad Tuesday - August Multiroom Wireless Airplay Speakers Review

Recently we got the chance to review some wireless airplay speakers from August. We have purchased August products before including headphones and a TV box and they were both really good so we were very excited to test out the speakers. As I am useless with technology I asked Daddy and he has kindly reviewed them so I will hand you over to Daddy now.

Closed Giveaways · Food and Drink · Organix · Organix Goodies

Win An Organix Goodies Bundle Giveaway

To celebrate the launch of its tasty new snacks Organix Goodies is giving away a hamper for your little one to munch, crunch and nibble away at the new foods. There’s also a lunch bag, a hat and water bottle for your little explorer’s adventures.

Character Online · Chillfactor · Toys and Games

Chillfactor Frozen Milkshake Maker Review

We recently received the ChillFactor Milkshake Maker to review. The boys really enjoy milkshakes so they were excited to try it out. The ChillFactor Milkshake Maker makes delicious, frozen, foamy milkshakes in minutes. You just freeze the special milkshake maker, then pour in your flavoured milk and watch the magic begin. So easy to do and in minutes you'll have thick, foamy, frozen milks.

Books · Closed Giveaways · Mcfly · The Christmasaurus · Tom Fletcher

Signed Copy Of The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher Giveaway

Anyone who reads my blog or follows me on social media will know that I am a huge fan of McFly and have been since the beginning. Big J grew up listening to their music and now little J does too. Over the years I have followed them outside of McFly too. Whether it is watching Tom's You Tube videos, reading The Dinosaur That Pooped books to little J, McBusted and now Tom's latest venture The Christmasaurus.

Collaboration · Pampers · Parenting · Unicef

Pampers-UNICEF #1Photo1Vaccine Campaign

All babies are amazing and they bring their own special form of magical happiness to everyone around them, and they always know how to somehow put a smile on your face or make you laugh. But did you know – babies can even help save lives by doing nothing more than wearing Pampers. Pampers donates 1 vaccine against maternal and newborn tetanus for every pack of Pampers nappies and wipes sold through the “1 Pack = 1 Vaccine” Pampers-UNICEF campaign.

Netflix · review · Stranger Things · Stream Team · Tech Tuesday · TechSavvyDad · TV and Film

TechSavvyDad Tuesday - Stranger Things on Netflix

You may have seen that we have been tweeting about the latest Netflix original series ‘Stranger Things’. We have now finished watching series 1, and absolutely cannot wait for the second series. For those who haven’t read anything about the series, I will attempt to explain how good it is, without any spoilers, so feel free to read on if you haven’t yet seen it. Throughout the series I was convinced it must have something to with Stephen King. The way the story is written, the characters, the feel of the series. It appears I am wrong as the series has been written by the Duffer brothers, although there is a cursory nod to King in one of the episodes where one of the leads likens the events to a Stephen King novel, so maybe a little thanks for the inspiration. Or is there a pseudonym at work here?

Collaboration · Cyprus · Holidays · Parenting · Travel

Planning Our Next Holiday To Cyprus

You may already know that we visited Cyprus in August for the 2nd time and it was amazing. Cyprus was never on my destination list until I won a holiday back in 2014. There was a huge list of places we could choose from and after months of deliberating we chose Cyprus - best decision ever. We stayed at the Malama Beach Holiday Village and it is perfect.

Crazy Claw · Drumond Park · review · Toys and Games

Crazy Claw by Drumond Park Review

I'm guessing we are not the only ones to spend endless amounts of money and time trying to win teddies in the arcade grab machines. Most of the time we don't even want the teddy it's just the thrill of seeing the 'claw' pick it up, move it towards the opening and drop it down to make us a winner. The Crazy Claw from Drumond Park brings the excitement and thrill of trying to win to your home without spending lots of money.

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