Date Night

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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?
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Winning December

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I tried to start my hobby again in December which is probably the worst time to start entering competitions but I did and I managed a few little wins. 

I thought I would share them on here so I had a little record of what I won in December. I mainly did twitter competitions which are a lot easier to enter than Facebook or websites especially if you don't have a lot of time. I do however like to have a browse at the website of the companies giving away prizes as sometimes you can come across sites you might not stumble upon usually.

My first win of the month was from Smooth Radio. There was a competition over on twitter which asked you to tweet a photo or a memory of Blackpool. I have so many memories of Blackpool. I have been going since I was little. Its such a fun day out and we try to go as often as we can. My memory however was the first time that big J walked on the Skywalk. The piece of thick glass that you can walk on which when you look down is 380ft. Its expanded over the years but when we first went on it it was only a small square and big J lay on it. He was bothered at all that you could see right down to the floor. He loved it. Anyway this was my memory and it won. I won afternoon tea at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Sounds lovely and we can't wait to go.

Next I entered a competition over a Hitachi Finance to win a Festive Betty's Hamper. I was so pleased when I got the message to say I won. Daddy loves christmas cake and there was a lovely one included in the hamper. The presentation of the hamper was lovely. It came in a gorgeous hat box which I will use for something else once we've ate it all.

Boyles Bingo picked me as one of the winners of their festive stocking competition and I received a stocking full of christmas treats including lovely Jelly lollipops which big and little J enjoyed. 
I did win a few other competitions but the prizes haven't arrived yet so I will include them next month.

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Getting Cosy With Gro

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I'm not quite sure why we never used a sleeping bag with big J when he was little. It is almost 13 years ago now so I don't know whether they were not available to buy or maybe we just missed them amongst the madness and craziness that comes with having your first baby. Little J however was a different story we knew about sleeping bags before he was born as a friend had recommended we get one. He has slept in one ever since he was born and not only does he enjoy snuggling into it each night, its part of his routine. Little J has been getting cosy in a travel Grobag over Winter and its been perfect for late evenings out over the Christmas.


 Its very unusual for us to be out and about around bedtime as little J loves his routine but over the Christmas the routine went out the window and there was a lot of late night shopping and evenings out. Little J loves his sleep and would drift off in the car on the way home. The travel version of the Grobag was prefect for such occasions because of the travel opening at the back allowing a 5 point harness to fit through. We were able to pop him into his sleeping bag before our journey, fasten him securely in his car seat. It was just as easy to then remove him from the car seat then into his cot if he was asleep. 

We were sent an 18-36 months sleeping bag and I was really happy with the room little J has to spread his legs and move around. He is quite tall for a 21 month old but there is plenty of room for him to grow.


Even when not using it as a travel Grobag it is just the same as a normal Grobag which can be used in the cot as the travel opening just closes with velcro.

The Up and Away Travel Grobag is available in 2.5, 1.0 and 0.5 tog and in sizes 0-6, 6-18 and 18-36 months.

100% woven cotton with a two way zip at the front.

Easy access travel opening.

Machine washable and can be tumble dried on low heat.

There are lots of designs to choose from  and you can view them over on Grobag website.



*we were sent a Travel Grobag in return for a full honest review - all thoughts, opinions and photos above are our own*
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A Perfect Smile

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If there is one thing I would love to change about myself it would have to be my fear of the dentist. I have been scared of the dentist for as long as I can remember and I would love to completely conquer that fear one day. I say completely conquer my fear because I have to admit it isn't as bad now as it was. As I have grown up and got older I realise it probably isn't the horrendous experience as I used to think but I do still walk in the room with butterflies and my tummy churns every time I sit down in the chair. 
Having that fear means my teeth are not as good as what they should or could of been. I will go the dentist for check ups and I have had work done on my teeth over the years but I probably leave it too long in between but that is something I am working on because I would love a nice smile showing off lovely straight teeth.
I have looked trying to get that perfect smile before and I have considered braces in the past and it would be something I would have if the dentist recommended it. There are so many different procedures you can get now to give you that smile you always wished for and I would have to opt the easiest option available. 
I have been looking at fastbraces recently. Although its a new fixed brace treatment its actually been in development for over 20 years. It appealed to me straight away because it promises speedy results and a beautiful straight smile. Fast braces are able to produce the same results as fixed braces but in half the time so around 12 months. Using state of the art materials enables the braces to work quickly and painlessly. This would be a perfect combination for me.
Daddy had braces when he was younger and his teeth are lovely and straight. He is confident to smile with his mouth open and teeth showing whereas I prefer to smile with my mouth closed. I try not to let my fear of the dentist effect my two monkeys because going the dentist is such an important part of life. Luckily they both have lovely teeth and enjoy going the dentist. I hope it stays that way.
*collaboration with Sensu*
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Fun On The Ice

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I mentioned recently that whilst we were in Disneyland Paris the ice rink was not open which was very disappointing for both Daddy and big J. They love ice skating and were keen to have a go whilst we were there. They were both pleased though when I told them that there was an ice skating rink at Selfridges, intu Trafford Centre and we had been invited to pop along for a family skate. We booked in the same day we were going to see Father Christmas at The Snowman and The Snowdog grotto so it was a nice christmas family day out.
The ice rink is situated in Selfridges Car Park. We arrived before our allocated time so we could get booked in and Daddy and big J could put on their ice skates. I stayed and watched from the side because I had to look after little J plus I haven't been ice skating before. It looks so scary.
Their was a member of staff brushing all the ice from the rink towards the sides and everyone had to wait until he had finished. 

Daddy and big J put on their boots and were ready to go.
 Big J fell a few times but he kept on going and towards the end he was a lot better than at the beginning.

There were skate aids which were available for those that wanted them. They were a seal design and you could either push them or sit on them and get someone to push you.

I was going to get one for big J just so he could get his balance and used to the ice but they had all gone so I would advise getting there early to ensure you get one, if needed.

There is plenty of room for spectators and there is a also a place to grab a coffee to keep warm.

Although it was quite busy the rink was big enough for everyone to have lots of space to skate round. Big J really enjoyed it and I would definitely return next year.

*we were invited to the selfridges ice rink in return for a honest review, all thoughts above are our own*
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Back To Reality

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I am so lucky to be in a job which allows me to have the entire Christmas holidays off. It's a lovely feeling knowing I don't have to worry about work and I can spend precious time with my friends and family. Although its only two weeks off and its basically all for just one day - I find it really hard to get back in to a routine. 
I love Christmas but I do find the lack of routine a little stressful at times. Some days over the Christmas I had to ask what day it was because I just didn't have a clue. I don't think I cleaned up for about a week at one point. Toys everywhere but we had lots of fun just playing all day. I think me and Daddy enjoy some of the toys more than big and little J.
Little J was staying up so much later than usual because we were out and about more in the evenings. This meant he was waking later than normal so taking a later nap which then led to a later bedtime and so on. We did have a few pyjama days too. Who doesn't over Christmas?
Big J was also staying up later talking online with his friends so again was waking much later, some days it was almost dinner time?  He's been missing breakfast and just snacking on buffet food, biscuits and chocolates which we have boxes and boxes of. I don't think I have cooked a proper meal in weeks. 
I did try and start trying to get our routine back before work and school started again but its really hard to get back into the swing of things. So basically on Monday when it was back to reality I did go 
to work feeling a little tired but once I was there I felt okay.
I think as the days go on our routine will fit back into place, hopefully. We will start eating breakfast, lunch and dinner which doesn't involve any biscuits, chocolate or eating out. Our bedtime routine for both big and little J will return to normal and there will be no-one awake past 11pm on a school night.
Having said all the above I do enjoy Christmas and I am sad its over but it is nice when everything goes back to normal.
Do like getting back to your routine after the festive period?
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Energy Saving Awareness with LED Planet

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Now that we have darker mornings and it goes dark earlier in the evenings we have had our lights on a lot more than normal. Back in October we switched most of our bulbs over to LED lights which prove to save on energy, bills and don't need to be replaced as often. We started my using an LED Lamp in little J's room and it was perfect so that's when we made the switch.

After reading about energy saving I cam across LED planet which have a wide range of products. I have to admit that while at first I thought that LED lighting seemed a little more expensive than normal bulbs I now realise that over the long term it's definately a money saver and I wouldn't switch back. 

Whilst browsing the website I came across this infographic and I thought it would be a great read for those that are still unsure about making the switch to LED lighting.

*in collaboration with LED planet*
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We Are Trying To Keep Fit This Winter

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This morning when I woke up I actually thought it was the middle of the night. It was so dark outside but when I looked at the clock it was actually 6:30am. The dark mornings and dark nights are approaching fast and very soon it will be dark by 5pm.
Its so easy to come home from work or school and pop on your Pjs and veg out on the sofa in front of the TV. I still like to keep motivated in the winter because I can easily pile on the pounds so I know if I don't stay active I start feeling sluggish and grumpy.
I actually like going out in the cold dark evening even if its just a quick trip to the park before teatime. It may sound weird but I like to be out and about when its cold rather than when its warm. I am not to keen on the heat.
I have mentioned it before HERE that our local parks have outside gym equipment which you can use in any weather and its free. There is a variety to choose from and even if you just do the recommended amount on each one that can be 30 mins and it really doesn't feel like it. Big J goes on them and he loves them. He thinks its fun and doesn't realise he's actually exercising.
Big J and Daddy go for a nice run most nights and when they return home I can always feel the cold on them but they feel refreshed. Big J usually wears astro trainers but we recently got a pair of running shoes from Sports Shoes to help support his ankles when he's running. He loves them and they are so light.
We also like to visit on our local swimming pool at weekends too. Swimming is great for all over fitness and again lots of fun. Little J absolutely loves the water just like his big brother. They are definitely water babies.
Do you like to keep fit in winter?
*in collaboration with Sports Shoes*
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Mummy Takes The Reins

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Last month I posted that little J had finally took his first steps. It's took a long time to get him up on his feet and now that he is he doesn't want to stop. He is walking everywhere and he is just so quick. When we are out and about he just wants to be out the pram all the time. When we try and get him in the pram he arches his back or goes as stiff as a board and its impossible to get him in. I can understand why he doesn't want to go in the pram now, he has this new skill and he just wants to show it off. I am so glad Trunki sent us a Toddlepak to review recently, it was perfect timing.
The Toddlepak has been just what we needed when out and about. We were sent the orange Toddlepak which has a cute monkey design. 
On a recent visit to very busy and crowded shopping centre we decided to try it out.
Its design fits from the front. Its very easy to adjust the shoulder and waist by using the clip. It fitted securely around little J both with and without his thick winter coat.


Once we were up and running we just grabbed on to the rein and let little J wander around. There are two adjustments on the reins. It can be used as a training rein or a leading rein. 
We went to try the training rein but decided not. As you can see from above you have more control but we just left it the way it was set up and it was fine as a leading rein. 
Little J always tries to let go of my hand when we are put and about so I think he just loved the independence the Toddlepak gave him. I obviously didn't need to hold his hand whilst he was wearing it so he had complete freedom - or so he thought!!!
There are a seven colours available in the Toddlepak range and each colour is represented by an different animal. To view the collection please visit Trunki 


*we were sent a trunk Toddlepak to review. All thoughts and opinions are our own*
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Christmas Is Over

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Either today or tomorrow we will start to de-christmas our home. We actually put our decorations up really early this year and I think it was the 1st December so they have been up for over a month already. I always think the house looks bare once the decorations go away plus it means Christmas is over *sad face*
This Christmas was very different for us and although I enjoyed it overall I never want to spend another like it. Leading up to Christmas both big J and little J were sick and I don't just mean for a few days, it was pretty much the whole of December.  They were full of cold, runny nose one minute then blocked nose the next. Both got an ear infection too so it wasn't pleasant for them both. 
We did manage to get to our Santa's Sleepover in Alton Towers which as always is lots of fun and great for the kids. Before the journey we did have to take a trip to the local NHS walk in with big J who had mucus in his ear, poor thing. It didn't stop him having a good time though although the waterpark had to be postponed until they were both feeling better.
This year CBeebies and was open for us to enjoy. Little J loves Cbeebies land and although it was a little cold we had fun on the rides, including his two favourites, Postman Pat and In The Night Garden.
We did get to meet Upsy Daisy which was a nice treat. She was very friendly and gave us lots of cuddles.
Father Christmas was in his grotto in the woods and we got to meet him and he gave both big and little J a lovely present. Little J was too interested in seeing what he had got that he wouldn't pose for a photo.
After an afternoon in the theme park it was time to head back the hotel for a Christmas dinner. We had a nice evening watching the children entertainment before it was time for bed. 
Christmas Eve started with our usual tea party. Little J however slept right through it so it was just the three of us. 

After little J had woke up and had some food it was time to watch The Snowman. I have watched the Snowman every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember so its our Christmas Eve tradition.

Then we opened a few Christmas Eve Presents. We always get new PJ's on Christmas Eve :)

Father Christmas has been.


Christmas Morning was filled with opening presents and lots of playing with toys. Then it was time to visit our families. Usually we will go to one of our parents in the morning and then the other in the afternoon. As little J wasn't too good we decided to keep him home which made Christmas very different. Daddy stayed home while big J and I went to my Mums then after we came home Daddy and big J went to his brothers for Christmas Dinner. This was the first year in fifteen years we haven't had Christmas Dinner together which was sad but it was better for little J to stay home. I then went to my Mums in the evening and had my Christmas dinner there.


Then just before bed there was still more presents to open.


Big J treated us to a home made snow cone which was very tasty indeed.
So Christmas this year was very different but it still was fun. Big and little J got some lovely new toys to play with.
Hopefully next year we will be illness free and we can enjoy the big day all together.
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Hello 2015

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I can't believe its 2015 already. Eek. I hope everyone had a great 2014 and you are looking forward to 2015. Have you made any resolutions? I normally have a list as long as my arm but I never stick to them, so this year I am only doing a few and I must stick to them. 
My first resolution is the same as every other year for as long as I can remember - lose weight and get fit. Unfortunately I never lose weight and I'm not fit either but this year I am going to try my hardest. We have a summer holiday planned and I really don't want to go away looking like a beached whale. I know I will never be a skinny minnie but I do think I could lose a stone or two. I just need to get motivated and I think once I see some results that will spur me on.
I might start to record my progress on my blog each week. I know lots of bloggers do a weigh in Wednesday and show their results each week to help others get motivated too. I like the idea of this because I think it will make me more determined if I have to write down my results each week. 
My other resolution isn't really a resolution but more of a 'must do'. This year will mark the five year angelversary of Isabella and Rosie and I would love to continue to fundraise for Sands and raise stillborn awareness. My just giving account has reached over £12,000 and I would love to reach £15,000 before the end of 2015. 
I have a blog related resolution and that is to give vlogging a try. For those that don't know what vlogging is - its very similar to blogging but you video instead of writing. Its very very popular at the moment over on YouTube so I would love to give it a go too. Might take some practising.
I would love to know your resolutions and to all my readers Happy New Year.
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The Snowman and The Dog Grotto at intu The Trafford Centre

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I recently saw an advert on TV that there was a Snowman and The Snowdog grotto in intu Trafford Centre. When I went online I was gutted that it was pretty much sold out, obviously very popular. We were going to the Trafford Centre last weekend but there was no times available. I double checked the night before to see if any times had become available and I was so please that one time slot was showing green instead of the sold out red. 

I quickly whizzed through the booking form and secured our placed in the grotto. There was an option to book and pay for your photographs and other souvenirs online but I decided to wait until we got there.

The Snowman and The Snowdog is situated in Barton Square amongst lots of festive stalls and a lovely Victorian Carousel.

We arrived 10 minutes earlier than are booking time and joined the queue. Only 45 people can go through at any one time so even though are timed slot had past by the time we got to the front of the queue we had to wait a further 15 minutes to go through as it had reached full capacity. 

We left our buggy by the entrance and when it was our time to go through we were taken into a room that was set out as Billys living room and we were greeted by Billy's Mum. We took a seat on the benches provided and the children were invited to sit on the floor at the front.

Billy's mum told us all about the Snowman and The Snowdog and what had happened on one Christmas Eve when Billy had made them both and at the magic hour 12:00am they both came alive. 
There was a large TV screen and we got to watch snippets of The Snowman and The Snowdog. It really put us in the Christmassy mood both the Snowman and The Snowman and the Snowdog are our favourite christmas movies.

Once we had finished in Billy's living room (approx 15 minutes) we walked past all the snowmen until we cam to a place were we could write a letter to Santa.

We were actually first in the queue to walk through the magical walkway to see Santa but little J kept running back and forth and looking at all the snowman so we were actually last in the end.


Towards the end there is a huge display with the snowman and the snowdog. 


We managed to get little J to sit down for two minutes while big J wrote him out a list so we could post it in the big red postbox.

Once we had done that it was time to see Father Christmas. He was lovely and gave both big and little J a gift. 

The overall experience was lovely and it was well worth the wait and I can see just why it is so popular. We were inside for approx 30-40 minutes in total and it was truly magical.

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The Dinosaur That Pooped

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Its pretty obvious from past posts that I am a huge Mcfly/Busted/McBusted fan. As well as amazing singers, song writers and musicians, Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter have put pen to paper and created a trio of children's books featuring a Dinosaur that likes to poop. The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas, The Dinosaur That Pooped A Planet and The Dinosaur That Pooped The Past all feature rhyming text, colourful illustrations, great fun and yes, a great big pooping dinosaur.
  


There is quite an age gap between my two monkeys so I decided to read to both of them and yes as you probably guessed it my 12 year old was grinning from ear to ear throughout all three books. Why is it boys just love toilet humour? Little J loved looking at the pictures and sat for the whole story which he hasn't done before.
 
I have to admit I did find them quite funny myself and particularly liked the pooped a planet story. 
The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas
 
When Danny asks for too many presents, Father Christmas decides that Danny deserves a huge dinosaur. The Dinosaur is very, very big and very, very hungry and eats up all of Christmas and you guessed it what goes in must come out.
 
The Dinosaur That Pooped a Planet
 
Danny and his dinosaur are back and this time they are going on an adventure into space. Unfortunately Danny forgets his very hungry dinosaurs lunchbox. Dinosaur starts to eat everything in sight including the rocket to get them home.
 
The Dinosaur That Pooped The Past
   
Danny and his Dinosaur are sent back in time in their third adventure. Dinosaur gets to meet new friends and all is well until there is a huge volcano about to erupt. How will they get back to the future?
 
Lots of fun for children of all ages and adults too.
 
To find out more about Danny and his pooping dinosaur check out
https://www.facebook.com/TheDinosaurThatPooped
https://twitter.com/PoopingDinosaur
 
Have you read any of the Pooping Dinosaur Books? Which is your favourite?
 
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