Silent Sunday - 30th September 2012

Saturday is Caption Day - 29th September 2012

Since having chickenpox, Eliza has decided that sleep is for wimps and has become an absolute nightmare to get to bed in the evening.

Here is a photo of Daddy trying his best to persuade Eliza it is time to sleep, but the look on her face suggests otherwise.

What do you think she is saying?

Save money on what you really want? Before you buy it, Flubit

Last week I wrote the post A Step too Far? about a new company who had sought out a new way of marketing, which I was freaked out about at the time.  However, once I had calmed down (and took the necessary steps to restrict the information that is public online) I have to admit I was intrigued.

Let me introduce you to Flubit.

So, what do they do?

Firstly, they are not a comparison site.

They find the item YOU want to buy at the best price - simple.  

But - is it that simple, I hear you asking - so I asked for you and this is what they said:

• Total funding raised: US$2.75 million. Our main investor is Pierre Andurand (founder of BlueGold Capital Management).
• 26 employees
• In our first week open to the public:

• we’ve created bespoke offers on just under £114,000 in products;
• we’ve offered £11,000 in savings for individual users; and
• almost 44% of customers have returned to buy again.

On the human side, we’re a team with an interesting range of experiences. Our CEO spent 6 years as Neville Longbottom’s stand-in for the Harry Potter films. His co-founder used to paraglide for France. I used to be press secretary to the Prime Minister of Australia. 

We’ve all come together because we’re passionate about changing the way the UK shops online - by making it simpler, cheaper, and quicker.

The whole office was early adopters of the big wave of money-saving websites (flash buying and group buying and the like) but ultimately we stopped using them because they were using really steep discounts to encourage us to buy things we didn’t really want.

We knew we were pretty good at using the Internet at finding good prices. What we wanted was a place where we could get that little bit extra, every time, on exactly what we wanted. 

We think that’s precisely the sort of site we’ve built.

It sounds good so far, but does it work?

I have been putting off replacing our TV unit for a while as we just couldn't afford it, but this week it finally broke and became unsafe so I had to bite the bullet and get a new one.  If you have read my blog before, you will know I will trawl the Internet to get the cheapest price I can find before I even think of making a purchase, so the perfect challenge for the guys at Flubit.

The website is so easy to use  - simply click the tick below "Ready to Buy?" and away you go.

Firstly, you asked to give your search a name, so I chose TV Cabinet (original aren't I) and then click next.  You are then asked to copy and paste the entire URL of the item you wish to purchase and register your email, so they can let you know when they have the best deal, which they will have for you within 48 hours.

I have used them twice now, and both deals came back the same day.  You can choose to accept the deal, but have a limited time to do so, so you must be prepared to purchase that item within the next 4 days, or you can choose not to accept the deal.  I gave myself a couple of days to see if I could find my items cheaper anywhere else, but even I had to admit defeat!!  Plus you can pay using PayPal.

Was it worth it?

You are not going to get the sort of discounts you get on Groupon, or other such sites as these offers are on the products you actually want.  I saved 14% on my TV Stand, which equated to £26.86 and 16% on the Play Kitchen (£12.46), which is not to be sniffed at, plus the postage was free on both!  The TV Cabinet arrived within 24 hours and the Play Kitchen within 48 hours, so I was impressed on all counts.

You can Like them on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter too.

If you are still a little skeptical, have a look at their youtube videos below, which help explain how it all works, but before I leave you with them, I did have one more question.............

"Where does the name Flubit come from?"

"It's the name of the ancient Greek god of online sales."

The real answer is it's a made up word. Just like the platform, it's entirely original.

Dreaming of Sailing away on the Seven Seas

Have you ever thought about taking your children on a Cruise?

If I am honest, I hadn't as I had always associated cruises with the older generation.  That was until my friends came back from their family cruise gushing about how wonderful it was.

With a cruise, there is no better way to see the world.  By day, tick off a list of iconic places and by night, fill up on fine food and entertainment!  My dream is to cruise around the Nordic Fjords and witness the miracle that is the Northern Lights and taking the little ones to meet Santa, although I am sure the older children would much prefer somewhere hot with lots of sunshine and the chance to splash about in warm seas.

With Thomson Cruise Holidays they take the stress of entertaining the kids away from you with their fantastic  action packed clubs - Kidzone, for children aged 3-12 and Palmy for ages 3-11.   Thomson's Kidzone offers junior cruisers aged 3 to 12 a place to make new friends, while Island Cruises' Palmy provides plenty of fun for 3 to 11-year-olds. They're both brimming with creative play, there's everything from storytelling to team challenges and mini discos on the activity menu.

Plus Thomson have put children's choices into their eateries to make picking child-sized portions a piece of cake and with their child-friendly offers you get more for your money on their cruises.

• Child prices apply to children up to the age of 16
• Children don't pay cabin supplements
• 7-night cruises from £249 per child
• 14 night cruises from £299 per child

With Thomson you can choose from number of wonderful destinations to visit, from the Caribbean to The Red Sea, to Scandanavia & The Baltic to The Mediterrean and even Canary Islands and Morocco.  What a fantastic way to show your children the world.

For now I shall have to keep on dreaming, but one day my lottery numbers might just come up!!

Loveliest Blogger in Town

Wow - what an honour. 

I have been nominated for the "Loveliest Blogger in Town" accolade by the equally awesome SonyaCisco and have to complete this most smashing award/list of annoying questions.

The rules (as lifted directly!)

1. Answer the questions, if you like.
2. Link back to the blogger that nominated you, if you have time.
3. Nominate five more bloggers to receive this awesomeness, if you fancy.
4. Drop me a link here in the comments so I can come and have a nosey too, if it isn’t too much trouble.

So here goes...

1. If you could be any superhero who would you be and why?

Elastigirl from the Incredibles

Why?

She is loyal to her husband and family and would do anything for them.  She is an experienced jet pilot and has sharp wit and superb espionage skills, as well as her experience as a superhero, which make her an excellent tactician and leader!  (Plus being able to clip someone around the ear from the other side of the room would be a great skill to have too)

2. Marmite on toast. Match made in Heaven or Hell?

Heaven, although I prefer the toast to be cool and it mixed with lashings of butter - or melting through a crumpet!!

I was gutted when I finished my jar of this Jubilee inspired Marmite:

3. Boris Johnson. Discuss.

Erm, a bumbling, eccentric English buffoon that I seem to have fallen in awe of.  He made the Olympic Games fun, has been a great Mayor of London.  His speeches are just brilliant and keep you transfixed from beginning to end, although I could never see him being PM I'd like him to have a continued role!

4. Full-fat, semi-skimmed or skimmed?

I prefer semi-skimmed, but do insist the little ones have full fat milk!

I am rather nervous of the Cravendale kitties though (Cats with opposable thumbs)

5. Bum exercises. Squats, lunges or sofa?

I'd love to say I am a gym bunny or such like, but my motivation got up and went somewhere and I cannot find it for love nor money, so a dedicated sofa girl!!

So that's me finished.

I pass the baton onto these gorgeous lovelies:

TheMummyBlogger

MummyCentral

NinjaKillerCat

AnnieQPR

MyMillsBaby

Have fun lovelies!!

Picking up where we left off

It is part of modern day life, losing touch with friends - family life and work gets in the way.

One of my best friends got married in 2007 and due to her husbands work has been all over the world and she has finally settled over in Germany.  We had struggled to see each other prior to that as I had moved away and we both worked full time, but we managed to see each other a handful of times each year but since then the contact had diminished to messages via facebook and we haven't actually spoken in a good couple of years.

This week things changed, and we were in desperate need of some advice.  Not everyday advice but advice from a professional, who is top of their game as things were happening with hubby's job that were, quite frankly hooky and underhand.  I cannot say more at this time.

I sent a message to my friend, with a brief synopsis of what had happened to see if she could help.  We arranged a phone call for when hubby was here, so she could take down the history and give him advice.

As soon as I heard her voice on the phone, we reverted to type and chatted like we always used to.  It was so lovely hearing her voice and learning about all her adventures abroad and I was quite reluctant to give up the telephone to hubby.

She worked her magic professionally wise too, giving hubby the reassurance he needs, constructing emails and coming up with a plan of action.  The issue is by no means sorted, but we know what needs to be done and she is now on the end of the phone whenever we need her advice.

Once they had finished we resumed our chat and ending up gassing on the phone for over an hour, only finishing when our respective children demanded our putting them to bed services.

What I did discover is that she is back in Blighty next month, so we have arranged to meet up so we can catch up properly - I cannot believe we left it so long and can't wait to see her and the family and pick up where we left off.

By Carla Mattress Protector - Review

I have been searching for some waterproof bedding for Isaac for a few weeks, but nothing really stood out as being comfortable, or indeed practical.

We are currently trying to get Isaac out of nappies at night, and like any child in the same situation, sometimes we have dry nights, but other nights we don't.

I was sent the By Carla Sleep Easy Mattress Protector to review.

What they say:

A By Carla bed protector is a great addition to any mattress. It will help to protect the mattress and body against night time wetness caused by bed wetting, leaky nappies or nursing mums. Our two bed protectors have an extra soft top surface for comfort and a non sweat, waterproof and wipe-clean reverse for a comfortable night’s sleep. These thick and absorbent bed protectors will enhance night time dryness and breath-ability.

The Bed Protector has a quilted jersey top surface and a waterproof backing which measures 86 x 76 x 0.5cm, so it only covers a portion of the mattress on Isaac's 3ft single bed.  That said, it does cover it edge to edge so there is no risk of him wetting the mattress underneath. It covers a larger proportion of Eliza's cot, so would comfortably protect the mattress with even the wriggliest of babies (unless they managed to wedge themselves up in the corner).

Isaac is a bit of a wriggler in bed, but the mattress protector stayed in position well and didn't ruffle up underneath the sheet which I thought it might.  It is comfortable to sleep on too, as it is slightly padded, and doesn't give the plastic rustle when he moves unlike some waterproof bedding.

It was typical that the first new nights on the bed Isaac stayed dry but I can now say that it survived an incident of bed wetting and the mattress remained dry!!  Perfect!

It is easy to wash and can withstand temperatures up to 95 degrees and you are also able to pop it in the tumble drier - perfect now that Autumn is upon us.  I have found that it has curled slightly at the edges though, although once the fitted sheet is on top it holds it flat.

At £12.99 I think it is very reasonably priced and does its job well.  I will definitely be investing in another one for Eliza's bed.

Tritton Detonator Stereo Headset for XBox 360

Way back in August I got the opportunity to review the Tritton Trigger Stereo Headset for the XBox 360.  My boys both love them, and the fact that they can also attach them to their iPods is a huge bonus.

Soon after receiving them, my gaming mad husband got offered the Daddy's version of the headset to review - the Tritton Detonator Stereo Headset.  Both these headsets are part of the new range of Tritton official XBox 360 headsets and, is part of the only official licensed headsets available for the XBox 360 from Mad Catz.

I will give you the techy stuff first.......The Detonator is created with the highest quality 50mm Neodymium magnet speakers enabling a high fidelity game and chat audio to be pumped out with rich bass and crisp highs.  Adjustable chat volume and game volume is available on-the-fly, enabling you to easily fine-tune your audio experience within your grasp.

As with the Trigger you can effortlessly convert the Detonator headset into portable headphones by disconnecting the in-line audio controller and plugging the 3.5mm jack directly into your device, such as mobile phones or MP3 players.

When not communicating over Xbox Live and just listening to music, a headset's microphone only gets in the way.  The problem is solved with the Detonator's removable solution; it provides the freedom to use the mic only when necessary and when privacy matters most, the mute feature allows you to easily turn the mic on and off as needed.

The Detonator headsets are fully compatible with any XBox 360 console and come supplied with all the required cables and adaptors to connect to legacy or current-gen consoles either connected to a display via HDMI or component/VGA/composite.

What did hubby think?

The headphones are bigger than their little brother, the Trigger, and therefore perfect for older teens and adults.  They are comfortable to wear, even after a long period of time and the sound quality is excellent.  Hubby remarked that game play was very realistic when wearing these and could even hear bullets whizzing past his ear or fans cheering loudly during Fifa! Apparently the best bit is the clarity in the commentary on Fifa - so much clearer than the TV!

The ear cups are soft and pliable and are so could at keeping ambient sounds at bay, that he couldn't hear me shouting to him that his dinner was ready.  It also means that I can't hear the sounds coming from his headphones, which has been annoying in the past.

The cabling provided is really long, which I do see as a problem - mainly as it means that he can do his gaming on the main television and lounge around on the sofa preventing me from watching my TV doing the housework.

The other good thing about having both these headsets in the house, is that now the boys can have one each so there are no arguments!  Callan had wanted a pair of Dr Dre beats (nope I have not heard of them either), but even he admits that these are just as good, and at £40 are very reasonably priced!

If you have gaming mad children, teens and a hubby then I highly recommend these headsets.  The Trigger is perfect for the slightly younger gamer and the Detonator is perfect for older teens and adults!

Silent Sunday - 23rd September 2012

Moving into a Big Bed

Eliza is now almost 20 months and we felt that now was the right time to move her from her cot into a big bed.

I wasn't confident that she would manage the 3ft bed that is already in her room as it is quite high, so when my friend offered her toddler bed to us I couldn't say no.

Finding a new mattress was a challenge.  I should be an expert at this with 5 children, but times and products change and it can be very difficult to decide which option to take, especially when buying online as you cannot see the product.  I read every review possible and made the decision to buy a sprung mattress as it is likely that Eliza will be in this bed for around 3 years and foam mattresses only have a life of around two years before they start to dip.

It can be quite shocking how much price difference there is between products that are very similar, with some charging up to £160 for a small sprung mattress.  I am very pleased with my purchase, especially as it was one of the cheapest options.  It is comfortable, with a nice thick padded cover which means you cannot feel the springs, which I have found an issue previously and it even comes with a spare mattress cover should an accident happen.  I have included a link to this mattress at the bottom of this post, should you need it!

Next on my list was a bed guard.  Isaac had a Tomy metal one which we really didn't get on with and I was always worried that he would trap his fingers!  Thankfully my lovely friend Charlie from TheMummyBlogger came to my rescue and suggested Purple Daisies Bed Bumper.

It is a genius idea, can't believe no one has thought of it before.  It is a 100cm Foam Wedge (you can get different sizes for bigger beds) which lies directly on the mattress and is held securely in place by the fitted sheet.  It is tall enough to stop Eliza from rolling over and falling out, but she is able to clamber easily over the top when she needs to get out of bed.  The only thing I have found is that I need a slightly bigger fitted sheet, but they are available on the website too!!

Because it is so small and light, it is easy to transport too, so if you are going away on holiday or visiting the in-laws, you can guarantee little one will still be safe.  If you bed isn't up against a wall like ours, you simply buy two and have one either side.  Little one won't feel like a baby either as you don't even know it is there when the duvet is on! 

The Bed Guard is cost effective too, with prices starting from just £6.99.  If you have any questions, you can find the lovely Caroline on twitter @purpledaisiesco or like their facebook page.

Now, what is next for a little Prince or Princess?

The perfect duvet cover of course!!

As Eliza was going into a toddler bed, my choice was really restricted and I couldn't find a duvet cover I really liked.  Eliza hasn't really got a favourite character yet, although she adores butterflies.  She took over her room from Isaac, who had a jungle theme and I have yet to decorate it again, but plan to make it into a fairy garden.

I really wanted a handmade quilt by Sophie from StepfordStitchers, but I am on a limited budget and couldn't quite stretch to that, so she offered to make me a duvet cover.  She asked what I wanted, showed me some materials and the decision was made.........Tinkerbell was my theme.

My duvet cover was here super fast and is better than I could ever have hoped for - Eliza has a one of a kind duvet cover, which she adores!

Eliza spent ages inspecting it and was excitedly pointing out butterflies, dragonflies, flowers and fairies.  Sophie even embroidered her nickname in a heart on the front of the cover.  She used several different materials to create a patchwork effect on the front of the cover, which looks really effective and the back is a fleecy panel with Fairies, Stars and Princess Castles which will keep Eliza warm and snugly for the winter as well as being tactile too!

I think you will agree that someone looks chuffed to bits with their new bed!!

If you want your own bespoke duvet cover, quilt, taggy blanket, Christmas stocking and more you can contact Sophie via her website or on facebook and she tweets at @Cwtchies.

All we need to do know is persuade Eliza that she wants to stay in bed and sleep all night!!

Saturday is Caption Day - 22nd September 2012

This week has flown by, and with both little ones having having chickenpox I have not really taken many pictures.  However, here is Eliza with her brand new duvet cover made by the ever so lovely Sophie from Stepfordstitchers and I think she looks rather pleased with it - don't you.  Now what do you think she is saying?

Coffee, Apple and Walnut Cupcakes

It has been what seems like an eternity since I last posted a recipe, so when my daughter phoned and asked for help making cakes for her work charity event, I agreed to help her.

Sadly, with both little ones poorly, my help only consisted of telling her what equipment she needed and reassuring her that the mixture was OK, she had just forgotten to add the flour!! (Oh - and to clear up the mess in the kitchen afterwards)

I can tell you that the Coffee, Apple and Walnut cakes have turned out delicious so here is the recipe we she used!

Ingredients

125g Butter
125g Caster Sugar
125g Self Raising Flour
2 medium size Eggs
50g Ground Walnuts
1 Bramley Apple
1 Tbsp Instant Coffee
1 Tbsp Boiling Water

Frosting
125g Butter
250g Icing Sugar
1 Dessert Spoon of Instant Coffee blended with 1 Tsp Boiling Water
12 Walnuts to decorate

Instructions:

1.  Preheat the oven to 180 or Gas Mark 4
2.  Start by blending the tablespoon of coffee with a tablespoon of hot water in a small bowl.  Peel the Bramley Apple and grate the flesh into the coffee.  Stir until the apple has absorbed the coffee and cover and set aside.
3.  Cream the butter and sugar together, then beat in the eggs.
4.  Sift the flour and fold into the butter mixture and then add the nuts and apple
5.  Spoon into baking cases and bake for 15-20 minutes until firm but springy to the touch.
6.  Cool on a wire rack

Frosting

1.  Blend coffee and water as before then prepare the buttercream by creaming the butter and icing sugar together.
2.  Add the coffee mixture and beat until combined.
3.  Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cakes and decorate with a walnut.

We made 12 - she left me with 4.

Delicious!!

A Step too far?

Yesterday I got a real shock (well two, but that's for another post).

I was eagerly awaiting the postman's arrival for Eliza's new duvet cover, so was a little disappointed when it didn't arrive. What did arrive however was a large brown envelope with my full name and address.

Nothing strange in that I hear you saying?

In it was an A4 piece of paper with just a hashtag and the picture of the twitter bird in the middle. Nothing else - no marketing info, no leaflets, no nothing.

I was freaked out. How on earth had someone got my address. I am quite protective of my contact details and my Facebook page has a high security level and no contact details on it. I have handed out my card to PR's at events but I can't imagine they'd send so little information?

It didn't take me long to search the company concerned on twitter and they informed me that it is very simple to search for addresses online and they'd found mine within minutes (although when I tried I couldn't).

So, was this a genius bit of marketing? They did spark a conversation after all, or is it a step too far?

Everyone is always making comments about online security, I thought I was secure so I'm off to make sure my details are now and so should you!!

Silent Sunday - 16th September 2012

I am a Student once again!

So, from today it's official.......... I am a student again, 20 years after leaving school after completing my A-Levels.

If I am honest, I am a little scared.  Not by the work, but where on earth am I going to find time to do it.  I currently work around 50 hours a week, look after a family and try to find time to blog.

I was quite surprised at having an aptitude test today, but took it in my stride.  What shocked me most though was the simpleness of it.  We were given a hour to complete three tests (20 minutes each) - English, Maths and a dyslexia test.  It took me 15 minutes to do all three, and check my answers.

For example:

2+2 = ? (no I am not kidding, this really was a real question)

If you paid £2.90 for a coffee and paid with a £5 note, what change would you get back?

Maybe it is my years of managing checkouts, doing till and safe checks and then moving onto a bank where I dealt with millions of pounds on a daily basis but these tests my 12 year old could do without stopping to ask for help.

The English wasn't much better.  Spot the spelling mistake in a sentence, or guess the next word with four options - three of which were so ludicrous that the answer could only have been the remaining word.

Apparently this is an across the board test that all applicants to college fill out and it does make me question the quality of our secondary school teaching if students cannot even get these sorts of questions correct.

I have no doubt that my course will challenge me, and that it will make me a better Childminder.  My ultimate goal is to be a qualified as a Teaching Assistant by the time Eliza is at school.  I have 18 months to complete it, but am aiming for a year.........wish me luck!!

Saturday is Caption Day - 15th September 2012

I haven't really been on the boil with taking pictures in the last week, thanks to a combination of Chickenpox and working, but we have finally moved Eliza into a big bed, and she looks like she is thinking very hard in this picture, so my question to you is, What is she thinking?

Goodbye Chris Moyles Show

It's the end of an era!

The last Chris Moyles Show on Radio One!

I have loved Chris Moyles and Dave Vitty since they were on Radio One in the afternoons.

When they moved to the morning show I was delighted as it meant I got to listen to them as I went to work. I loved the banter between the team, the comedy and the near the knuckle comments.

I loved Carrie, Dom and Dave's football rivalry and then there were the interviews - sometimes cringeworthy (especially from Dom) but always brilliant and different from all the other run of the mill ones.  The gentle mickey taking of Aled, Rachel and now Tina.

Christmas wouldn't be the same with Dominic the Donkey (eye-ore eye-ore) and what is Red Nose Day going to be like without Chris and the team.  Even the jingles were brilliant, I loved joining in Rob DJ's Pub Quiz and Friday just wouldn't be the same without McFly Day!

But my very favourite thing was the Parody's. I'm not sure which is my favourite but Jose sung by Dom is up there, as is I Predict a Diet and Mouldy Looking Stain!

So goodbye Chris, Dave, Dom, Aled and Tina you will be missed by our whole family, but we hope to hear you again very soon!!

Win a copy of BFG The Movie & a Golden Family Ticket to the Roald Dahl Museum

“WHERE ARE WE?” SHE ASKED.

“WE IS IN DREAM COUNTRY,” THE BFG SAID. “THIS IS WHERE ALL DREAMS 

IS BEGINNING…”

THE BFG – THE BIG FRIENDLY GIANT

DIGITALLY RESTORED ON DVD AND BLU-RAY

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF THE BFG

RELEASED 10^TH SEPTEMBER 2012

Brought to you for the first time DIGITALLY RESTORED and in WIDESCREEN on DVD and Blu-ray and available to download from iTunes, FremantleMedia Enterprises presents THE BFG – THE BIG FRIENDLY GIANT, available to own from 10^th September 2012.  

In celebration of the 30^th anniversary since the publishing of the book, THE BFG movie has been lovingly restored from the original film reels, and as originally intended, to be seen in widescreen for the first time!  The DVD and Blu-ray include an exclusive interview with the creator Brian Cosgrove from the famous Cosgrove Hall studios.

Re-live your childhood with this charming animated adaptation of Roald Dahl’s celebrated and timeless story and follow the adventures of lonely orphan girl Sophie as she meets her twenty-five foot high prince and is whisked off into the wonders of Dreamland. Tasked with harvesting dreams and blowing them into the minds of children with his magical trumpet, the Big Friendly Giant pulls Sophie into his magical Giant Country, full of snozzcumbers and whizzpoppers to help him defeat the evil gargantuan grumps who are filling the heads of England’s children with fear and dread.

Together, and with the help of Her Majesty the Queen, they deliver the most spectacular dreams imaginable, and now you too can revisit the magic of this wonderful and inspiring tale. Originally nominated for Best Children’s Program by the Academy of Film and Television, and starring stellar British talent including David Jason (Only Fools and Horses, A Touch of Frost), Amanda Root (Jane Eyre, The Iron Lady) and Angela Thorne (To The Manor Born, The Royal), THE BFG is a must have addition to any film collection and a beautiful story for all children, adults and dreamers everywhere.  

Win a copy of The BFG and Family Golden Tickets to the Roald Dahl Museum!

To celebrate the digitally restored and first widescreen release of The BFG on 10^th September, I am offering you the chance to win a Family Golden Ticket to The Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire. On top of this, you will take home a copy of The BFG on DVD or Blu-ray, courtesy of Fremantle Media Enterprises.  

The award-winning Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre consists of two fun and fact-packed biographical galleries – one now housing the interior of Roald Dahl’s writing hut – plus the interactive story centre. Visit www.roalddahlmuseum.org or call 01494 892192.
You can also turn yourself into a giant on their facebook app and follow them on twitter @TheBFGTheMovie

• To Enter:
• Fill in the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries
• Entries can be via comment, Facebook, Twitter etc
• Please read the rules below
• Closing date: 30th September 2012
• If there is no form hit refresh (f5) and it should appear
• If it still not working check that your computer is running Javascript
• You need to complete the mandatory entry first – leave a blog post comment
• Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf making it really easy to enter
• Really want to win the prize? Come back every day for bonus entries via Twitter

a Rafflecopter giveaway ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

Win a Family Ticket to "How Lion became King of Tinga Tinga Land"

Barisons Productions presents on UK Tour

How Lion Became King of Tinga Tinga Land

Writer & Director Iain Lauchlan

Producer & Composer Brian Hill

Choreography Alison Coyne

From the creator of ‘The Tweenies’ comes the brand –new LIVE children’s stage show, HOW LION BECAME KING OF TINGA TINGA LAND, a fun-packed performance that will transport children and their families on a high-octane adventure to the African Plain as it embarks on a nationwide theatre tour from 15 September.

HOW LION BECAME KING OF TINGA TINGA LAND follows the adventures of the wise old bird ‘Banjoko’ as he decides that the land of Tinga Tinga should have a King, and how he sets about finding the suitable Animal worthy to wear the crown.  On his journey, Banjoko meets a host of characters, including the Cheeky Monkey ‘Maliki’, a kind but goofy giraffe named ‘Gowon’, a groovy zebra called ‘Zalika’ and a very proud lion called ‘Lutalo’. 

It’s an historic day in Tinga Tinga Land: the competition to decide which animal will be King. Cheeky Monkey, Kindly Hippo, Wise Bird, Groovy Zebra, and Proud Lion will compete in singing, dancing, storytelling and painting, to see who is worthy to become the next King. Then the King will be crowned, and the party can begin!

Mixing classic nursery rhymes with traditional East African tales from the animals of the African Plain, five performers and two drummers lead audiences through a lively journey filled with music, puppets, dancing, and plenty of interaction.

The set has been produced utilising the traditional Tanzanian Tinga Tinga painting style and children will be encouraged to turn-up in costume, as their favourite animal, to bring a truly authentic African flavour to the performance.

Suitable for ages 3+, HOW LION BECAME KING OF TINGA TINGA LAND is touring UK theatres this autumn.  For further information and a full tour schedule, please visit: www.kingoftingatinga.com

FB - http://www.facebook.com/KingOfTingaTinga

Twitter - @KingofTinga

To celebrate the launch, I have a family ticket, comprising either: 2 Adults & 2 children or 1 Adult & 3 Children, to any single performance on the tour (winner to decide – subject to availability)

• To Enter:
• Fill in the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries
• Entries can be via comment, Facebook, Twitter etc
• Please read the rules below
• Closing date: 18th September 2012
• If there is no form hit refresh (f5) and it should appear
• If it still not working check that your computer is running Javascript
• You need to complete the mandatory entry first – answer the question
• Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf making it really easy to enter
• Really want to win the prize? Come back every day for bonus entries via Twitter

Competition Terms & Conditions: 

1. This competition is open to residents of the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland aged 18 years or over, except for those associated with the production company, their families or anyone else associated with this competition.

2. All information detailing how to enter this competition forms part of these terms and conditions.

3. All entries must be received by the advertised closing time date.

4. One entrant shall win a family ticket comprising of either: 2 Adults & 2 Children or 1 Adult & 3 Children to a single performance on the UK Tour
5. The winner may be required to take part in publicity.
6. All prizes are non-transferable and there are no cash alternatives.  The prize is subject to availability.
7. Events may occur that render the competition itself or the awarding of the prizes impossible due to reasons beyond the control of the Promoter, and accordingly the Promoter may at its absolute discretion vary or amend the promotion and the entrant agrees that no liability shall attach to the Promoter as a result thereof.
8. ChelseaMamma is responsible for the first part of the promotion, which is the publication and adjudication of the competition. All other facilities connected with the provision of the prize are the responsibility of the Promoter.
9. English law applies and the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts shall prevail.

a Rafflecopter giveaway ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

Chickenpox

It's not been in our house for about 10 years but this week it hit, with poor Eliza (now known as Spotty Dotty) picking it up from somewhere.

Luckily she hasn't had it too badly, but has suffered most with spots on her head, face and girly bits, which have got very sore as she is still in nappies.

Treatments have changed in the last ten years as I remember slathering my oldest children with the horrible pink Calamine Lotion, which didn't used to work.

Thanks to you lovely lot on twitter, I was sent a whole host of remedies and advice which made the whole experience more bearable for both Eliza and I.

So if you're little one is unfortunate enough to catch it, then I highly recommend you stock up the medicine cabinet with the following:

Virasoothe - the modern day calamine lotion that cools, soothes and stops the itch as well as helping prevent scarring! It's a good as it claims!!

Calpol - a staple of any medicine cabinet when you have children and a no nonsense way of helping with the flu like symptoms

Piriton - an anti-histamine which helps stop the dreaded itching. It has the added bonus of causing drowsiness too so can aid sleep

Bicarbonate of Soda - no we weren't baking cakes, but a handful added to bath water helps stop the itching

Lavender Oil - I added to her bath water and it also helps stop the itch as well as having an antiseptic quality as well as a lovely fragrance. I also dabbed this neat onto the spots on her head that the Virasoothe couldn't get too. (be careful not to get it onto healthy skin)

TeaTree Oil - again added to her bath water and used for its antiseptic qualities - it also smelled lovely!!

So, on behalf of Spotty Dotty - thank you for helping her feel better!!