Walkers Baked Hoops & Crosses *Review*

It can sometimes be a bit of a struggle to get our little ones to always eat what we provide, with them turning their noses up at certain greens and shaking heads to fruit. But Walkers have come up with the new Hoops & Crosses range to make boosting their wholegrain intake easy.

 

 The baked snack is made from 56% wholegrain with no artificial colours or preservatives.

Each bag is only 85 calories so they are great for mums and dads trying to watch their weight too! They are ideal for days out and lunch boxes and perfect for picnics now that summer is finally approaching.

 

We received a lovely delivery from Walkers including a very cute monkey, a book on the importance of wholegrain and a packet of crisps to try.

The Mini Mes were eager to dive straight in as they definitely love their savoury foods.

They were packed with flavour yet light in texture. They make food fun which is always beneficial when it comes to encouraging children to eat and being shaped as hoops and crosses we could use them to play noughts and crosses before eating them!

 

 

 

 

There are three flavours to choose from, all of which are suitable for vegetarians; Roast Beef, Salt and Vinegar and Prawn Cocktail. We all agreed that they were very nice and I've since purchased multi-packs to use for school - at just £1.79 for 6 bags they are great value too!

 

 

You can find out more information on the Hoops & Crosses range here: http://walkershoopsandcrosses.co.uk/

 

 

*This is a sponsored review. The opinions given are honest and our own*

 

 

 

The Hundred Decker Bus *Book Review*

Featuring a very big fold-out page and lots of intricate, coloured pictures this book is a fun read for little ones. The story follows the adventure of a bus driver who is bored of his every day routine of a cup of tea, popping on his jacket and driving down the same route seeing the same people. He decides to take a little road that he hadn't noticed before and therefore he explores new places and meets new characters on the way.

The bus is extended in size to make space for all of the passengers, travels across water on a ferry and receives assistance when it comes into difficulty with smoke billowing out from under the bonnet... Where is ends up you, I'll leave for you to find out!

 

This debut picture book from Mike Smith is packed with detailed drawings and has new things to find with each read. It also helps to develop counting skills as children can count all of the different decks up to 100 and shows that with teamwork anything is achievable.


The Mini Mes enjoyed the book.

 

 

Jamster: The map page is good as you can see where the bus has been and I liked the fold out page as it's massive!

 

You can purchase The Hundred Decker Bus from Amazon:

 

Blackpool Tower Ticket Giveaway

Fancy heading to the seaside this summer for a family day out? You can enjoy a trip to the Blackpool Tower, having fun at Jungle Jim's, admiring the beautiful Ballroom and visiting the Circus with this great ticket giveaway!

 

Not only does the Blackpool Tower provide an amazing view across the beach, but there is plenty of entertainment, for young and old, inside too!

You can join Mooky and Boo at the circus where you can witness incredible acrobatics, comedy capers and stunts galore. Take a break with afternoon tea in the Ballroom listening to music and even having a waltz around yourself. Let the kids run wild at the Lost City themed Jungle Jim's indoor play centre, where they can glide down slides and throw themselves in ball ponds!

 

 

*** WIN ***

 

For your chance to win a family ticket (4 people) to Blackpool Tower you can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below.

 

The giveaway closes on 1st June 2013.

 

Good luck!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

If you wish to read our review of Blackpool you can do so here: http://www.theminimesandme.com/2012/12/a-weekend-in-blackpool-merlin.html

 

7 Summer Essentials for the Family

The sun is shining, the smell of BBQ's lingers and the giggles of children playing in paddling pools can be heard from most gardens, making now the ideal time to think about those summer essentials!

Here is our list of family must-have items to get you through to Autumn:

 

 

 

Hand Sanitiser

Playing in sand, picking up daisies and eating sticky ice creams can leave your hands a little bit messy. Having a hand sanitiser spray is perfect for keeping clean when on the go. We particularly like My Pocket buddy which is alcohol-free and comes in a slimline bottle - great for delicate skin!


Window Blinds
When travelling in the car the sun can glare through making the kids hot and uncomfortable in the back seats. Window blinds are essential to keep the heat out and bright light away and purchasing some from Web-blinds for at home is a wise idea too - they help to ensure a perfect nights sleep and create a little shade during the day too.

 

Sunscreen Wipes
Ideal for when you have babies and toddlers that like to wiggle about, these wipes make applying sunscreen easy and will help to ensure your little ones skin is protected from the suns harmful rays.


Drinks covers
If you plan to eat alfresco, it's important to ensure drinks are properly covered to prevent bugs and wasps getting inside. Can covers are an essential for all of those afternoons outside, picnics and days out and these transform yours into bottles!

Picnic Blankets
There aren't always enough benches to go around so having a waterproof and fold up blanket makes picnics hassle free. Leave it in the boot of your car so it will always be at hand when needed.


First Aid Kit
Spending more time outside having fun can sometimes result in cuts and bruises so it's best to be prepared! This miniature kit from Baby Aid contains everything from plasters and dressings to bravery stickers for cheering up injured children... and parents too, so pop one in your beach bag today.


Repellent
The warmer weather, flowers and food can attract unwanted nasties so it's a good idea to have an effective repellent in your bag at all times, to keep those pesky bugs at bay so you can enjoy your day.

 

 

 

What is your summer essential?

 

 

 

*Sponsored post*

 

The Wild Weather Book

Living in England rain is not usually far away but there is no need to let miserable weather ruin your

plans -you can still make the most of the snow and mud outside.

The Wild Weather Book helps to inspire you, providing a great variety of activities to do outdoors whether there is rain, wind, ice or snow lurking.

 

The book has some unique ideas that I probably wouldn't have thought of myself like rain stencils and track traps. There are 72 projects in total across chapters on Rainy Days, After the Rain, Windy Days, Snowy Days and Icy Days. The projects vary from things you can complete within 5 minutes to things that could take half a day or more to suit the time scale you have to play. There are some handy tips and safety guidelines at the rear of the book to help the natural world and you from getting damaged in the process too.

 

There are plenty of photos and a lot of the projects include step-by-step guides to make them easy to follow. The projects allow you to explore, take risks and learn have adventures outside while learning new skills.

We have made ice decorations before, details of which are included within the book, and there are instructions on making kites and windsocks too. 

 

 

The usual retail price is £9.99 and it is well worth getting if you like to have family fun outdoors whether the sun is shining or not!

 

You can buy the book online here: http://www.franceslincoln.co.uk/en/C/0/Book/5059/The_Wild_Weather_Book.html

However, with discount code 46WWB you can purchase the book for £7.99 including postage and packaging by calling Bookpoint on 01235 400 400

Polarn O. Pyret - Review and Giveaway

Polarn O. Pyret have a lovely variety of stylish clothing and accessories for the little ones in the family. From newborn bodysuits and toddler trousers to junior jumpers and dresses they offer clothes that allow children to be children and that can withstand wear and tear year after year.

After receiving an amazing coat last year we were very pleased to have a t-shirt and swimshorts arrive for Jamster; their new Spring collection is superb!



 

 

 

 

Instrumental t-shirt - £6
Featuring a guitar motif on the front this t-shirt is 100% cotton and gentle on delicate skin. The ribbed neck and soft seams help to prevent chafing and if it gets really grubby you can pop it in the washing machine on a wash of up to 60C!

Jamster really liked the design and has been bopping about like a little rockstar! The colour scheme means it is a versatile piece that will match any trousers, jeans or shorts.

 

Check Child Swimshorts - £16.50
These print check print swimshorts are ideal for summer water fights, swimming and days at the beach. The elasticated waist with drawstring provide a comfortable fit and the longer length means your little one can wear them out and about without too much flesh on show. They are machine washable and lined for extra support. Jamster thought they were really funky and the quality and fit is great.



*** WIN ***

Polarn O. Pyret have kindly provided a £50 voucher to spend on their website.
You can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below before 26th May 2013.

Good luck!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bank Holiday Family Fun

Hoping to have a fun filled family day out this bank holiday weekend?
These discounts from MoneySupermarket.com may help you save a few pennies in the process!
 

Image source: MoneySupermarket Travel Insurance

 

 

 

Where will you be going this weekend?

 

Shwings - review and giveaway

I always look for new and interesting ways to update my wardrobe and Shwings are perfect for making footwear fun! They give old shoes new life and brighten up any pair you have.

 

• They lace into any pair of trainers, boots or shoes
• Ideal for both low and high tops
• Universal sizing
• 50 colours and styles to collect

Initially I thought they were a little quirky but that is never a bad thing as I like to make a statement anyway! I found them really funky and unique so I added them to some dark, plain shoes to stand out from the crowd.


Jamster was eager to use the blue ones that we received as anything relating to wings and flying means he can become a superhero in an instant! They are great for children in particular to make walking more exciting and with new Velcro slot versions available too even toddlers can join in.

The metallic fabric wings are simple to fit to your footwear; there are three holes in each Shwing where laces can thread into them with ease to keep them firmly in place. There are also new styles which include butterfly wings, glitter and even flames! You can double up for several splashes of colour per foot and even overlap them for a rainbow effect. They help to make the boring tasks of going to the gym or walking the dog a little more exciting and at only £9.99 a pair they are reasonably cheap.
 

 

 

 

Jamster: "These are so cool!"
 

Minxy: "One of my favourite colours is pink so I like that I can always have pink on any of my shoes."

 

*** WIN ***

For your chance to win a pair of Shwings, in a colour of your choice (subject to availability) you can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below. The giveaway closes on 24th May 2013.

 

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

You can purchase a pair here: http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/


*We received Shwings for the purpose of this review. The opinions given are honest and our own*
 

Ecover - message in a bottle

Ecover have a pledge to clean the planet one bottle at a time.

 

"We pledge to constantly innovate, evaluate and future proof our products; from the ingredients we choose, the processes we use to the bottles in your home.

We're hooked on plastic - future proofing our bottles with the clever mix of Plant-astic, Recycled Plastic and reclaimed Sea Plastic will set new standards in packaging, closing the loop in everyday recycling making it the easy choice for you.

Our pledge to you is that we will never stand still when it comes to sustainability."

                                           

Philip Malmberg, Ecover CEO

 

 

 

Cleaning the seas, one bottle at a time. Visit The-Splash for more information and to read our pledge.

 

 

Will you be switching to Ecover?

 

 

Cool Family Activities to do over the Summer

When the children are off school all Summer it’s difficult to keep them entertained without spending an arm or a leg. Nowadays it is imperative that you look online for events local to you on directory websites, to be able to get out and about as a family for as cheaply as possible.

Do not be scared to compare places depending on their prices, as long as it is an activity, and gets you out of the house, with a change of scenery, you will all have something to experience.

Another option is monitoring online competitions, which are often advertised via social media, such as this one from Wow247 where you can win an annual Merlin pass allowing you entry into over thirty attractions for free for four people (normally costing £146!). This also means exclusive offers on short breaks within resorts such as Legoland and Chessington Hotel.

You could also find some free activities online to do such as arranged park explorations to identify animals, trails and their habitats. Check out the top film releases and buy a family ticket to receive a discount.

If it’s enjoying your own home that you want to do then get baking with the kids, teaching them about ingredients, shopping for a recipe and culinary skills. What better excuse to invite friends and family round for a tea party afterwards to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Hopefully, you’ve been inspired to keep your eyes out on the Internet for discount deals, as well as competitions and free activities to keep you all busy over the holidays for a realistic price.

*Sponsored guest post*

Pennywell farm and Wildlife Centre

Situated in South Devon, only a few miles from Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay, is Pennywell Farm and Wildlife Centre; a fantastic interactive family day out.

Upon entry you arrive in Pets Corner where you can cuddle up with your favourite smaller sized animals with friendly staff on hand to answer any questions. The Mini Mes thoroughly enjoyed this area (as did I) where they got to hold goats, rabbits and even their famous miniature pigs!

 

The Main Barn next door is where a lot of the activities take place and with it's large seating area there is plenty of room for everyone to get involved. We listened to an informative yet interesting talk on goat milking and then had the opportunity to take part too, earning a stamp for the Mini Mes certificates in the process.

If you collect 6 stamps during your visit a child can enter for free when you return - a great idea!

There is a new activity every half an hour including egg collecting, falconry displays, ferret racing and a family entertainer so there is always something to keep you occupied throughout your trip. We remained in the barn and fed the newborn lambs next which is a truly lovely experience for both young and old. There are plenty of bottles to go round to ensure everyone gets a turn.

All rides are included within the admission charge of £11.95 for adults and £9.95 for children (under 3's go free) which I felt was very good value.

The Tractor and Trailer ride takes you out into the fields where you can look for a variety of animals that are displayed in the trees and bushes. The driver got out briefly to discuss the views and local area.


The Run Rabbit Go Carts are suitable for children aged 8+ as they can pick up speed quite quickly and younger children may struggle to reach the pedals. Minxy and the Mr went on these and had a great time racing under the bridge while Jamster and I cheered them on from above!


The Rainbow Railway is a small train that does several circuits of a track, ideal for the whole family.


The Red Rocket is great fun for those over 4. The two wheeled barrels are pulled along for a bouncy ride!

We wandered around, fussed and fed a variety of animals and groomed some ponies too. There are plenty of sheep, horses, pigs and even deer to get up close to which we all really enjoyed.

Apart from the rides and animals there are trampolines, a play area for under 5's, ride-ons, bouncy castles, sand pits and an assault course to play on. There is a willow maze to explore, a tower with a nice view across the land, a variety of cafes, areas for picnics and pond dipping.

There is plenty to do and see for a full day of fun and I would definitely return again. I would say that Pennywell is the best farm for hands-on fun that I've ever been to!

 

Minxy: "It was awesome! I loved holding the tiny pigs."

Jamster: "The best day ever."

If you wish to find out more about Pennywell Farm and Wildlife Centre, book tickets, arrange a birthday party or plan a school trip you can head over to their website: http://www.pennywellfarm.co.uk/

 

*** WIN ***

 

The lovely team at Pennywell have kindly provided a family pass (2 adults, 2 children) to giveaway so you can have a great family day out too!

 

You can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below before 18th May 2013.

Good luck!
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Family fun - planning for the summer

With the sun finally high in the sky I've been thinking alot about the summer holidays and where is best to go for some family fun days out.

 Here are some of my top attractions to visit with children:

Drayton Manor
With a variety of rides, a zoo, Thomasland and even a Dinosaur Trail, Drayton Manor has something to offer for the entire family. There is a hotel and camp site on the grounds so you don't have to worry about travelling all in one day and with several resturants on site and discounts available online it's definitely worth a visit.



Pennywell Farm
The best interactive farm I've had the pleasure of visiting, Pennywell is great when it comes to hands on fun. Kids (and grown ups) can handle newborn lambs, rabbits, goats and even miniature pigs and learn through play on a wonderful variety of outdoor equipment including trampolines, ride ons and slides. The staff are friendly and informative and there is a lovely gift shop to pick up a souvenir on the way home.



Twinlakes
Bringing the beach to the Midlands with their huge splash zone complete with waterslides, a farm and lots to do and see, Twinlakes is a great and affordable day out. The Gauntlet Falconry Centre has an array of birds of prey and with creepy critters and rides galore you will be thoroughly entertained.



Legoland
With a resort hotel and up to 30% off ticket prices at present, you can book a stay at Legoland and enjoy Miniland, DUPLO Valley and the Kingdom of the Pharoahs at a leisurely pace. There are many rides including ones all of the family can appreciate, a chance to earn a driving license on L-Drivers and the chance to put out a 'fire' at the fire academy too!

If you fancy a longer break away perhaps a peaceful cottage stay would be the perfect getaway. Royal Cottages specialise in UK holidays and I recently came across a great competition on mumsnet run by Regional-Cottages.co.uk to win £350 towards a break too!



What is your favourite family attraction?

 

 

 

*This post is in partnership with regional cottages*

 

Dr. Oetker Panebello Pizza *Review*

Although I enjoy making my own pizzas it is always quite handy to have a few hidden away in the freezer for convenience. There are days when I don't have time to make something fresh or simply don't have the energy to!

 

 

 

We had previously tried the Dr Oetker Ristorante range which we all really enjoyed so we were keen to try the new Panebello versions too, pizza is always a great hit with our family.

There are currently two varieties in the Panebello range:

 Carne Speciale - blends delicious slices of pepperoni and mozzarella, topped with yellow & red peppers and red onions on a spicy tomato sauce.


Pomodoro Mozarella - Mozzarella cheese is perfectly combined with tomatoes and basil on the Pomodoro Mozzarella to create a pizza that is simply mouth-watering.






Each is deep pan with a light inside, crispy base and crust and inspired by fresh baker's bread.

The toppings are plentiful, delicious and Italian in style. They cook in less than 20 minutes so they are fast and easy and ideal for when you are late home or in a rush.

 

All of us really liked the flavour of these pizzas and I would purchase them again even though they are a little high in calories and fat.

 

 

You can check out the Dr. Oetker Pizza UK Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/Dr-Oetker-Pizza-UK where you can catch up on all of our latest news, win vouchers and prizes and explore the world of Dr. Oetker pizza.

 

 *We received 2 pizzas for the purpose of this review. We enjoyed the products and this views and opinions given are honest and our own*

 

Bar Keepers Friend - Win a years supply of cleaning products!

Launched in 1882 Bar Keepers Friend has a range of products that are great for battling grease and grime at home with minimal effort. The brand has recently relaunched with a new design and two new products - POWER Cream and POWER Spray.

 

 

 Bar Keepers Friend, containing Oxalic Acid (found in rhubarb), has a unique formula which is ideal for cleaning work surfaces, sinks, hobs and even your burnt and tarnished pans! It works on stainless steel, glass, porcelain, tiles and many other materials too to help make your spring cleaning a little easier and less time consuming!

 

 

 

POWER Spray - Suitable for kitchens, bathrooms and surfaces, this all purpose active foaming spray is great for removing light and heavier stains. It helps to remove limescale and leaves the toilet sparkling!

 

POWER Cream - Perfect for stubborn stains like felt-tip, baked on food and even rust, this cream can be squeezed onto a sponge and wiped across a variety of surfaces.

 

Stain Remover - This product cleans, restores and polishes china, marble, brass, laminates and more to eliminate soap scum, coffee and dirt.

 

 

 

 

*** WIN ***

We have a years supply of Bar Keepers Friend products to giveaway which includes the 3 products mentioned above!

For your chance to win you can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below before 15th May 2013.

 

Good luck!

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Poker night in

Poker is a hobby of mine that I've enjoyed for a few years (despite playing for fun rather than real money) and I've recently introduced both of my parents and the Mr to the game so I can defeat them lose against them terribly too! It's fairly simple to play, it doesn't take long to learn and it makes a great evening in, especially when food and drink is involved and a good movie is playing in the background.

 

We recently received a Pizza Hut voucher, poker set and Oceans 11 DVD to enjoy, so we arranged a family night in and had a catch up while playing cards...

 

 

 

 

We combined the chips and cards that we received with our own set to make the night last well into the early hours. Having something delicious and easy to nibble on was lovely as it meant we could continue to play without needing to clear the table to set out plates and cutlery ...and having Brad Pitt on TV, well, need I say more!?

 

We even took the compact set on holiday with us which was the ideal size for our suitcases so once the Mini Mes were fast asleep we could play - the Mr and I are both quite competitive!

 

I think the Mr had a few too many beers!

 

 

If you fancy a go at Poker you can pick up a beginners guide and basic set very cheaply or you can even play poker games online.

 

 

How do you spend your evenings in?

 

 

*We received a voucher, poker set and movie for the purpose of this post. The thoughts and opinions given are honest and our own. Yes, I really do love poker!*

 

Everyday value from Aldi - Win nappies!

Aldi’s Mamia Nappies and Baby Wipes offer quality and reassurance for parents at a great price. With awards such as the Loved By Parents ‘Best Wipes’, Mother & Baby’s ‘Best Wipes’ and Prima Baby & Pregnancy’s 2013 Reader Awards for ‘6+ older baby nappy’, mums can be assured their little ones are getting the best possible care and guaranteed quality with Mamia.

 Aldi’s Mamia Nappy range is regularly tested against other leading brands and features an anti-leakage system to prevent accidents. With overlapping and resealable fasteners in a range of sizes, Aldi’s Mamia Nappies are ideal as your baby grows. The nappies are dermatologically tested as hypoallergenic and have an extra soft breathable cotton-like finish for extra comfort.

Mamia New-Born, Size 1, £1.69, 24 Nappies
This product is available in stores nationwide all year round.

Mamia New-Born, Size 2, £2.99, 44 Nappies

This product is available in stores nationwide all year round.

Mamia Ultra-Dry Midi, Size 3, £4.49, 56 Nappies

This product is available in stores nationwide all year round.

Mamia Ultra-Dry Maxi, Size 4, £4.49, 48 Nappies

This product is available in stores nationwide all year round.

Mamia Ultra-Dry Maxi+, Size 4+, £4.49, 44 Nappies
This product is available in stores nationwide all year round.

Mamia Ultra-Dry Junior, Size 5, £4.49, 40 Nappies

This product is available in stores nationwide all year round.

Mamia Easy Pants Junior, Size 5, £2.99, 20 Nappies

This product is available in stores nationwide all year round.

Mamia Baby Wipes (Fragranced or Sensitive) are an essential for any parent. The Fragranced Wipes were awarded Gold in the Mother & Baby Awards in 2012, proving they really are the best when it comes to cleaning in an instant.

Mamia Baby Wipes, 79p, 80 pack, available in Fragranced and Sensitive

This product is available in stores nationwide all year round.

 

*** WIN ***

 

For your chance to win a pack of nappies, in a size of your choice, you can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below.

The giveaway closes at the end of 26th April 2013.

Good luck!
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

For more information about Aldi’s award winning baby range visit www.aldi.co.uk

Greener Days - Win a £30 Wikaniko voucher!

We can all do our bit for the environment and Wikaniko can help us in the process - they are the UK's largest online Eco supermarket!

 

 

Many of their products are sourced specifically for them and contain organic and natural ingredients and come in recyclable packaging. You can switch your normal products for greener alternatives without spending a fortune.

"At Wikaniko, ‘green’ is not being rammed down your throat at every opportunity, just to scare you into buying something. Instead, through a process of education, the supply of information, and explanation, we hope to help you improve your outlook with regard to the environment."

 

Some Wikaniko products...
 

Made from sugarcane waste, these toilet rolls are biodegradable and 100% tree free!

Presented in a silver tin, this natural soy candle will fragrance your home with Mimosa & Mandarin.

 













Alcohol, paraben preservatives, sodium laureth sulphate, synthetic perfume and colouring free this is super soft on delicate skin!

You can earn Eco points on your purchases and as Wikaniko believes that no animal should be harmed for the purposes of producing cosmetic and toiletry products, they use ingredients that have not been tested on them

 *** WIN ***

 

Greener Days is an independent distributor of Wikaniko products and they have kindly provided a £30 voucher to purchase some products of your choice.

 

For your chance to win you can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below before 11th May 2013.

Good luck!

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway