I Can't Do That Now, I Am A Mummy.

No comments

The other day on the way to work I was listening to the radio. It was one of those 'guess the top answer in a survey' and people were ringing up trying to guess. The question was ' What is the one thing you can't do now because you are a Mummy?' I stopped and thought for a moment and my mind went blank. I couldn't think of anything that wasn't obvious as I knew it would probably be something you wouldn't expect people to say. I was listening to the callers saying things like 'go out clubbing till 4am' or 'sleeping in till noon'.

The actual top answer given my 79% of the Mums asked was ' Bounce on a trampoline or similar type of exercise'

Read More

Savse Smoothies Review

No comments

When we received a selection of Savse Smoothies, I was looking forward to trying them. I was quite shocked when big J wanted to try them to. Normally he doesn't like anything like this but he was really keen to try.

Read More

October Review Round Up

No comments

October has flew by, I can't believe it's November already. Have a look at what we have been trying out below in our October Review Round Up.

*****

We haven't heard of Zoflora before so was keen to give it a try. Zoflora Disinfectant is a fragrant antibacterial house cleaning product which can kill 99.9% of bacteria around the home. Zoflora is concentrated so doesnt take up much space when storing.

Read More

Fisher-Price Silly Wheelie Mickey Review

No comments

I don't know who was more excited this week when Silly Wheelie Mickey arrived for us to review, Me or little J. I love Disney toys and we had actually seen this on TV last week and both thought it looked lots of fun. Made by Fisher-Price, Silly Wheelie Mickey Mouse Toy will bring a smile to your face no matter how old you. Check out our review.

Read More

Halloween - Don't Get Tricked By Treats

No comments

Halloween in almost here and just like the kids I am really excited. I love Halloween and for us it's the start of the countdown to Christmas, Halloween, then Bonfire Night and then before you know it Christmas is here. Although Halloween is lots of fun with chocolate and sweets you will have to make sure your little ones don't get tricked by treats

Read More

Bratz #FierceFitness Yasmin Doll Giveaway

No comments

To celebrate The Bratz life size Photobooth touring the UK and Ireland this October I have a Bratz #FierceFitness Yasmin Doll Giveaway. If you are a Bratz fan you will love the Photobooth as it is jam packed with cool props including pink moustaches, bunny ears, red lips and Sasha's famous bunny boo beanie hat. 

Read More

Our Day At Toytopia

No comments

When we were asked to visit Toytopia I knew we would all love it. We love toys and having lots of different brands and toys under one roof is a our idea of heaven. With Christmas just a few months away it was a perfect chance for little J to try out some possible choices for his Christmas list. I have to say we have just got back from a fulfilled day - here is our day at Toytopia.

Read More

Visit Brewers Scare This Half Term

No comments

You will know by now that we are very fond of Brewers Fayre and we are lucky to have one quite close to home. Earlier this evening we enjoyed a lovely meal and if you are looking for somewhere to take the kids then I would definitely recommend a visit to Brewers Scare this half term. After its recent refurbishment little J loves the new Beano play area and with spooky activities planned for next week I'm sure we will be back for another visit.

Read More

Disney On Ice - Worlds Of Enchantment Review

No comments

It's not every Saturday you are whisked away on a magical journey to Sunnyside Day Care, Under The Sea, Radiator Springs and Arendelle. If you hadn't already guessed it we went to see Disney on Ice - Worlds Of Enchantment in Manchester.

From the moment the lights went down and Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy took to the stage we where all mesmerised. 

Read More

Roald Dahl Storytime At McDonald's

No comments

Disclosure - We were invited to the event at McDonalds for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. 

To celebrate McDonald's teaming up with Roald Dahl for their Happy Readers Campaign we were invited to a very special Roald Dahl story time at McDonald's in Liverpool. Over the six weeks McDonald's will include a book featuring extracts from Roald Dahl books in every happy meal. An estimated 14 million books will be given away.

Read More

Pampers Unicef Partnership - Wishes

No comments

If someone asks me to make a wish I always think about my boys. I never think about myself and what I want my thoughts go to them instantly. Being a parent you put your children first always. I have been following the Pampers Unicef Partnership - Wishes campaign recently and my one wish is always, that I want the best for my boys. I want them to be happy and healthy. I'm sure all parents think alike but not everyone gets their wish. 

Read More

Young Driver Lesson Giveaway

No comments

The first thing I wanted to do as soon as I was old enough was learn how to drive. I loved the idea of being a driver with the independence to go anywhere, whenever I wanted. It took me a few times to pass my test but at the age of 18 I had my own car and loved it. Nowadays you can enjoy driving lessons from the age of 11 which is amazing. Last year big J had a Young Driver lesson and he loved it. If you have a teen that would love to get behind the wheel I am giving my readers the chance to win a Young Driver lesson giveaway.

Read More

My First Pizza From Little Dish

No comments

I am a big fan of Little Dish meals and more importantly little J is too. He has tried most of the meals now and little J does have his favourites including Alphabet Pasta Bolognese and Lasagne. I was so pleased when I heard that last month they have included My First Pizza from Little Dish to their product range.

Little J has been trying out My First Pizza and he loves them. The full range consists of three flavours. Margherita, Mini Meatballs & Veg and Pesto Chicken & Veg.

Read More

Organix Goodies Bundle Worth £20 Giveaway

No comments

Little J doesn't always tell me when he is hungry but as his Mummy I have started to know the signs. He becomes cranky and clingy. Have you noticed any signs with your toddler? Maybe they seem a  little tired, cranky, clingy, or you can see the start of a tantrum brewing?  You know then that they are probably ‘hangry’, that’s grumpy, hungry and in need food. 

Little J is a big fan of Organix Goodies and we always have some to hand when snack time arrives. Although little J does eat three balanced meals a day he loves to snack in between and that's okay because he needs it.

Read More

Twirlywoos - There's Somebody At The Door DVD Review

No comments

 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.

Read More

Lunch at The Beeches, Wrexham

No comments

Last weekend we had planned to do some shopping at McArthur Glen, Cheshire Oaks and were lucky enough to be asked to review a local pub restaurant. So after a morning of retail therapy we headed off for lunch at The Beeches, Wrexham.

Lovely beer garden - although it was a little too cold for us. Maybe in Summer!

On arrival The Beeches was quite large and was next to a Premier Inn. We parked up and where one of the first in the restaurant for lunch which starts at 12pm.

Read More

Daddy Changes Nappies Too.

No comments

I honestly cannot remember changing big J's nappy when we were out and about, it was 13 years ago and I can't remember whether there was a problem or not. Nowadays I am so aware that some changing room facilities are only located in the ladies which can cause a problem for Daddy when he is out and about. Daddy changes nappies too so its surprising how many places just don't cater for this.

Read More

Cardooo Cards Giveaway

No comments

Last week we had two birthday celebrations to enjoy, so it was perfect timing to receive some Cardooo Cards. Cardooo Cards that are available exclusively through Asda and they are more than just a greeting card.

Read More

Pumpkinanza October Half Term

No comments

Discover the 4 corners of the Greater Yarmouth borough on the Pumpkinanza Trail on the last weekend of October half term! Join in on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November.

Read More

Little J's Toddler Days - September

No comments

It's been a few months since I updated Little J's Toddler Days so I have put both August and September together.

This was taken on a day out to Thomas Land - Drayton Manor. These two just love spending time together. It's so lovely to watch

Read More

September Monthly Review Round Up

No comments

September has been a busy month here. The Summer has officially gone and it was back to school and work. It's always a busy month for us and it flies by so quickly. We did manage to try a few great products so here is our September Monthly Review Round Up

Birds Eye

Read More

Bedtime Stories Perfect For Halloween

No comments

Disclosure - We were sent the products below for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our unless stated. This post contains affiliate links. 

Do you have a collection of seasonal books for the kids? We have lots of books and I try to keep collections together so that I can get them out depending on the season. As Autumn is here it's time to dust off our Halloween books and start reading them before bed.

We have two favourite books at the moment Boo and Ten Spooky Skeletons

Boo is a fun novelty rhyming story all about finding out who is saying Boo. Each page has a different character on, Pumpkins, Wizards and little witches and each page says the same. for example "Spider, Spider was that you? Were you the one who shouted Boo?" Then there is a picture of the spider saying "it wasn't me" Little J loves this and as each page turns there are holes were the eyes should be so when I am just about to read out Boo I look through the holes and shout Boo. He finds it so funny. We love Little Tiger Press books and I can't wait to dig out some of big J's old books because I know we have lots similar to Boo that little J will love.

The next bedtime story is Ten Spooky Skeletons. Similar to Boo there are peek through holes on each page as one lonely skeleton goes on a search to find more skeleton friends. I always pop my fingers through the little holes which little J finds very amusing. A lovely story and a great way to talk about numbers and counting as each page starts with the number of Skeletons and a new skeleton is added every time. One, Two and so on. There is a lovely glow in the dark finale too.

I'm sure little J's favourites will swap and change all the time because I remember big J having a new favourite every night. I think reading to our children is so special and a lovely way to spend those last few moments of the day together before sleep time.

Do you read to your little one? What is their favourite story?

Michelle

Read More

Pampers Wonder Week

No comments

The 1st October 2015 at 10am marks the launch of Pampers Wonder Week and I am really excited. You all know I like looking for deals and bargains and I am always happy to 'stock up' if the price is right. So when I heard about Pampers Wonder Week I was keen to find out more. Pampers are offering amazing savings for a whole seven days, with wonderful deals that shouldn't be missed.

 I buy jumbo packs which can help save some pennies

Read More

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert Tour Starring Duncan James

No comments

Last month we celebrated my Mum's birthday and as a special treat I booked tickets to see Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. We love going the theatre and we have seen so many great shows together, Whistle Down The Wind and Starlight Express to name a few. I had no idea what Priscilla was about, I was drawn to the show based on the fact that it featured lots of songs that we absolutely love. It looked like a feel good get up and dance show and it was just what we needed.

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert is a show about 3 drag queens and how they travel through the outback of Australia to reach a town called Alice. Priscilla is the name of the camper van they buy to get them there.

When we arrived at the Opera House, Manchester it was really busy, it must have been a sell out because we couldn't even see an empty seat in the stalls. There was a really feel good atmosphere and the show hadn't even started yet. There were lots of people dressed to the nines looking fabulous in full drag. I wish I could walk in some of the shoes we seen. Heels were inches high and attached to the most amazing pairs of legs we have ever seen. We were so jealous.

The show was non stop glitz, glamour and amazing songs. It became clear quite early on that Tick played by Duncan James was a married drag queen who had a little boy named Benji. He hadn't seen Benji for many years but still had a strong relationship with his wife as we saw them speak on the phone. She asked him to visit her and Benji in Alice where she ran a casino. He would be able to work there and spend time with his son too.

When Tick agreed to go and see his son we then saw the journey he and two fellow drag queens made across the country in Priscilla.

It was jam packed full of laughs, dancing and songs that just made you want to get up on your feet. The acting by all three men was very camp and very believable. I wouldn't hesitate in seeing this again. I had thought about booking again for Liverpool but it is starring Jason Donavan instead of Duncan James and that put me off a little. I am sure Jason will be amazing but for me I thought Duncan was fabulous and he was definitely the star of the show.

Have you seen Priscilla Queen of the Desert? Leave us a comment below and let us know.  

If you enjoyed this post you can check out more by clicking our  'you may also like' posts below. 

Also you can always keep up to date with us on our socials, give us a like on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or if this post has helped you, you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

Michelle

Read More

How To Make Sure Your Children Are Healthy And Happy

No comments

Disclosure - this is a collaborative post

When you’re raising children, regardless of how old they are their health remains a top priority. A child’s health encompasses many things: their diet, exercise as well as their emotional wellbeing. It can be tough to juggle these concerns simultaneously and yet by managing to do so can only mean that you are doing the best for your child. Like anything else, practice makes perfect and parenting offers lots of chances for practice!

Here are some tips for ensuring your little ones stay fighting fit.

Encourage them to eat their vegetables from a young age

It can be tough getting your children to take an interest in healthy eating if you don’t start early. A fun way to ensure that your little ones enjoy their food is to make sure that you yourself don’t see healthy eating as a chore, but rather something that can be fun and enjoyable. Cutting their vegetables into funny shapes can help when they’re reluctant to try something new. Similarly, appreciating the various colours and textures of vegetables can help – if your children don’t like peas, try something else! There’s no point trying to force them to love something but with so much variety of vegetables available, there’s bound to be something that they will enjoy!

Keep an active lifestyle 

Whether it’s walking to school instead of driving or treating yourself to a quick swim in the evening it is vital that your children learn the importance of keeping active from a young age. If they show an interest in a sport or hobby, encourage them to practice it and take an active interest in it yourself. This will not only help them develop confidence but will also help your relationship as parent and child.

Have their own mind

Unfortunately as our children get older they can become involved with smoking, vaping and other things. However schools are taking this seriously installing vape detector to try and minimise this. 

Follow your own advice

Like any of the ideas I’ve listed, the key to making sure your children realise the wisdom behind them is to employ them yourself. There’s no point asking your children to be active and conscientious of other people’s feelings if at the end of the day you ignore your own advice!

*collaboration*

Read More

Natural History Museum Shop - Personalised T-Shirt

No comments

One of the many things I love about being a blogger is finding out about brands, companies or shops that I haven't heard of before. When it comes to buying presents I do like to find unique and special presents and I spend lots of time browsing through google especially around Christmas and birthdays.

Read More

Personalise Your Accessories At JD Sports

No comments

When big J was in primary school he never wanted to take a school bag, he didn't feel there was a need for it as he had the schools own book bag. Since he started seniors that changed, in fact his school bag has become a big deal.

Read More

Thomas And Friends Remote Control Thomas

No comments

Little J has become a fan of Thomas The Tank Engine over the past few months. We enjoyed a lovely day at Thomas Land last weekend and little J is also enjoying his new Thomas and Friends books so when we were given the chance to review Thomas - Remote Control Train we jumped at the chance.

Read More

Thomas The Tank Engine Potty Training Books

No comments

Last week we made the first step at potty training little J - we bought a potty. We have left it in the corner of the room just so he can get used to it being there. He knows what it is and what it's for and I think he genuinely wants to use 'a big toilet' as he calls it and he is showing signs.

 He knows when he has done a wee or a poo because he will touch the front of his nappy if he has done a wee and he will come to me with a fresh nappy in his hand. If he does a poo he tells you straight away. He doesn't really like his nappy being wet or soiled so he is always keen to have a nappy change. I know it doesn't bother some children and they will sit with a dirty nappy without letting you know but he's the total opposite. I've took this as a sign that its time to potty train. He has had a few accidents during nappy free time but again when he's wet he won't sit in it he will come straight to me and let me know.

Read More

Aldi Special Buys

No comments

As you may already know I am a big fan of Aldi and have been doing our main shopping there for a year or so now. We have had two new Aldi's open up close by now so its good to have one within a short driving distance. Although we shop there weekly, I had no idea about Aldi Special Buys. I do have a look though the non-food section and have picked up a few bits in the past but I didn't realise they have items on offer too.

Aldi Special Buys are released twice a week on a Thursday and a Sunday.  They are usually grouped together in categories, for example at the moment there are Rugby Special Buys and on Thursday 17th September all Aldi Special Buys will be Baby and Toddler.  A few weeks ago the it was bedroom ranges on offer and I was lucky enough to receive a few items to try out.

Read More

Letting Your Child Choose New Toys

No comments

I decided to take little J for some new toys recently. He loves toys and he hasn't really had any new ones since his birthday in March. When we arrived at Smyths I told him that he could buy some new toys and he could pick them himself. He was really excited and kept saying 'new toys for me'

Just outside the store was a huge Lego figure so he climbed on and posed for a photo.

Read More

Bananagrams Wildtiles Review

No comments

As soon as Autumn begins I get all the board games out. I love playing board games and as much as Daddy and big J may protest because they would rather play the xbox they always end up having great fun. We usually get a few new games for Christmas but last week we received Bananagrams Wild Tiles in the post. I have heard of the Bananagrams before but had no idea what it was.

Read More

WOW Toys - Tow Truck Tim

No comments

I am genuinely proud and honoured to be a WOW Toys Blogger Buddy and not because we get to try out cool toys but because its a brand that I really believe in. We have a few WOW toys now and little J loves playing with them. He is at the stage now were he is using his imagination to create little role play scenarios with his toys. His favourite is still cars and figures. It's very rare to see him without a car or a little man in his hand. He just loves toys and I could watch him play all day. When we received Tow Truck Tim to review he was so excited. He wanted it out the box and in his hands faster than I could get it there. He eagerly stood waiting for me to pop it out the box.

Tow Truck Tim is a motorised tow truck who comes to the aid of Rolling Ray. Ray is car that has broken down and needs help.

Read More

In The Night Garden Live - The Ninky Nonk Show Review

No comments

In The Night Garden Live is touring at the moment and last month we visited the purpose built showdome in Manchester. Little J has never been to a show before so we were unsure whether he would like it. He loves In The Night Garden and has met Iggle Piggle and Upsy Daisy many times in Alton Towers. He gets so excited when he see's them so we decided we would take him along.

Read More

August Degustabox Review

No comments

I am genuinely excited to be reviewing Degustabox again this year. I absolutely love the idea of receiving a box full of food / drink surprises each month. When we last reviewed Degustabox we found quite a few brands that we either hadn't heard of or hadn't tried yet so it was nice to explore new foods. 

Read More

World Class Fragrances Giveaway

No comments

I am so excited to team up once again with World Class Fragrances to offer a very special giveaway on my blog. Five lucky readers will win one of the top 5 women's fragrances by World Class. Which one will you choose?

Colour Me Purple

An elegant rich modern fruity chypre fragrance. The fresh top notes of bergamot and watermelon are boosted by a subtle floral accord of pretty jasmin, rose and violet notes. The dry down is a tenacious blend of oakmoss, amber and precious patchouli woods.

Loves Me, Love Me Not

Feminine natural freshness with top notes of wild strawberry, violet leaves and ruby red grapefruit; a luminous modern vintage heart note of violet, jasmine and gardenia; and finishing with a smooth softness and warm notes of vanilla, musk and white woods

 

Miss Tutu

A modern sensuous chypre fragrance with bergamot, muguet and water fruits to sparkle. Precious jasmin, velvety red rose and woody vetivert give heady floralcy which reaches into a warm feminine sensuous background of amber, patchouli and creamy vanilla.

Perfumers Choice - Natalie 

The vibrant top note of a delicious fruity accord combined with the sophistication of a powdery iris. A feminine and velvety floral heart accord tenderly envelopes the transition to a warm and addictive dry down composed of gourmand and sensual woody ambery notes.

Colour Me Femme Gold

Fresh sparkling citrus, neroli and raspberry top notes lift and embrace the rich jasmin and commercial white floral heart. Elegant tenacious base notes blend white honey with warm patchouli woods and sensual musks.

For your chance to win one of the gorgeous fragrances just complete the entry form below. Good Luck

World Class Fragrances Giveaway



Terms and Conditions


Competition closes on Tuesday 18th September 11:59PM
Entrants must have a valid UK address
Bulk, third party or any other entries using automated software will be disqualified
All entrants and entries are checked and verified.
5 lucky winners will be chosen at random by the Gleam application.
Mummy2Monkeys will contact the lucky winners within 3 days of the competition closing.
The winners must respond within 7 days. If no response a new winner will be chosen.
This prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative.
The prize is each winner can choose a perfume from the women top five fragrances as shown above

Read More

September, The Beginning Of My Year

No comments

For me the beginning of the year is never January its always September. I think because big J starts his new school year September and my work year starts in September it just feels right. So with September here its time for me to start planning. They say there are 3 types of people, a past person, a present person and a future person. I am definitely a future person. I'm not truly happy unless I am planning something.

The iPhone calendar is a great way for me to keep on top of what I need to plan for.

So every year around this time I start thinking about the year ahead and what I need to plan and usually it involves working to a budget.

Read More

Time To Freshen Up Our Home

No comments

I recently mentioned that our bedroom needs a makeover but after sitting back and thinking about it the whole house does too. We got a double extension on our house back in 2007 and we decorated from top to bottom. Since then it has only been painted once. I think when we found out we were pregnant with little J we didn't want to decorate then as it meant lots of work and we didn't have the time or money as we were saving for a new baby. Then it got to the point were we thought we don't want to decorate when he's a toddler because he will be drawing on the walls and getting up to all sorts of mischief. Actually little J is a very good toddler and I don't think he will have the 'terrible twos' at all, *fingers crossed* so we have decided to decorate the whole house.

The beige coloured walls and dark furniture were great at first but now its time to add a bit of colour.

Read More

Back to School Nike Trainers From Get The Label

No comments

I think its just a 'boy thing' but I am forever buying trainers or tracksuits for big J. Trainers for running, boots for football, trainers for playing out and trainers for best. It goes on and on. With school starting he needs a good pair of trainers to be able to use for multi sports indoor or outdoor. I have used Get The Label before and was very pleased with the price of the items we chose and the service too so I popped online to take a look.

Read More

5 Reasons To Get A Dehumidifier For Your Home

No comments

Daddy and I have been thinking about giving our home a makeover. It's in desperate need of a  Spring  Autumn clean. There are a few items we want to get too including a fan. Our home gets so warm during the evenings and I suspect we may have an Indian Summer so I am expecting it to be warm in September. Also we want a Dehumidifier. I actually didn't even know these excited until recently but after reading the benefits we want one. They are a cheap but excellent addition to your home. They come in different sizes and can stop many problems.

Here are five reasons to get a dehumidifier for your home.

Read More

#ChangyEFC Challenge

No comments

Today we headed to Everton Two, Liverpool One to take part in Changy's Challenge. Its pretty obvious that the boys are Everton fans so when we found out about the challenge big J couldn't wait. Changy's challenge offered Everton Fans the chance to win some fantastic prizes including hospitality tickets to the Everton v Liverpool derby, a chance to meet the players or even the 3rd Everton shirt that hasn't even been released yet. Being a true fan big J had his eye on the ' meet the players' prize but would have been happy with any of the prizes. Like I always say its the taking part that counts.

Read More

Our Bedroom Makeover With The Yorkshire Linen Company

No comments

There is one thing about me that you possibly don't know yet but I love sleep. I have always loved sleep and if I don't get enough I get very grumpy. When I was younger I loved my bedroom it was the one place in our house that was mine. Okay my Mum and Dad technically owned it really as it was their house but it was decorated the way I wanted it and my bed was always so comfy. Now I share the bedroom with Daddy and it isn't as cosy as I suppose it could be. Our room can become messy quite quickly especially with little J wandering in early in the morning carrying various toys and teddies. Also our duvets are in desperate need of a change and so are our covers. Sometimes I find it very hard to drift off to sleep and I'm wondering if my surroundings have anything to do with it.

Our current bedding set is very dark and although its New York (which we love) the colours don't really reflect our personalities. We need something a bit more bold and bright. The Disney cushion is years old as you can probably see. Daddy uses this if he is reading or playing on his phone or computer.

Read More