Family Fun from University Games

Whether you're at home or on holiday this summer this trio from University Games will help to keep the young, and young at heart, entertained.

Seagull Splat

Seagull Splat is the mischievous and hilarious children’s game that will have kids screaming with laughter. Are you lucky enough to dodge the poop? You may end up pooped out if you aren’t! For 2-4 players. 

Postman Pat Word Rhyming Game

A card game that helps children have fun while picking up the language and rhymes from the story. Players follow the rhyming patterns but have special cards to help them out. There is an additional, bonus card game inside where the characters in the story are collected and the first player to have the set wins.

Mini Games

If you’re planning on going away, take one of the Mini Games to keep the family entertained. These games can be played anytime anywhere, whether you’re travelling by car, plane or even boat. The collection includes: 5 Second Rule, Spot the Difference, Smart Ass, Who What Where Jr, Man Bites Dog, Pointless, and Sort it Out! 

Back to School Essentials - HUGE Prize Bundle

You may be thinking that the summer holidays has only just begun but there is nothing like being organised and prepared for the return, or start, of school. I've teamed up with some great brands to provide a lovely bundle of essentials ready for September and what's even better is that you can win them all. 

Not only will this save you time wandering around the shops in the summer sun (fingers crossed) it will save you money which you can spend on extra days out making magical family memories - perfect!

DIY No Sew Tote Bag {Creative Summer 7}

Being busy bees over the summer it's useful to have a nice bag to carry your books, sun cream and snacks around in and this simple activity allows you to make your own from a t-shirt! It's a great craft for tween girls in particular - Minxy loves hers as it's ideal for sleepovers with her friends as an alternative to a handbag or backpack. It's also a nice way to reuse old clothes that no longer fit or you no longer need, like my Game of Thrones themed one below...

Cress Heads {Creative Summer 6}

One of the things I love about the summer holiday is the lazy mornings. There are no alarms to set so I can go at whatever pace I like and enjoy a relaxed breakfast without any rush. When we have more time on our hands the Mini Mes often request pancakes or waffles when they get up, instead of cereal and toast, so with lots of egg shells available I thought that we could use a few for a nice little activity - especially as we received some cress seeds in the children's packs from Harvester during our recent review visit!

These cress heads are not only fun to create but they teach little ones about growing food at home.

Naturelly Children's Snacks

Made from delicious fruit juice and gelatine free jelly, Naturelly prevents little ones craving sugary treats while filling up their tummies between meals. With no sweeteners, added sugar or artificial colours it's a far healthier alternative to most snacks they might want to get their hands on over the summer holiday and as they come in no-spill pouches there shouldn't be any mess - bonus!

Naturelly has been shortlisted for a Loved By Parents Awards and to celebrate we have some cases and vouchers to give away! You can vote for them here.

School's Out For Summer: Teacher's Gift Guide

I always think it's nice to show your appreciation to those that help your little ones to learn and grow day after day. Teachers may choose their career but many go above and beyond what is expected so showing thanks at the end of the academic year is a lovely gesture - it's something I and many other parents do.

These 9 ideas suit different budgets and will no doubt be gratefully received whether your child's teacher is in need of a little r&r or a tasty treat this summer!

Unwind in the Wilds Colouring Book and Pencils
This nature themed book inspired by artist Sarah Taylor's home location in the Lake Distrcit, is a great way to relax while improving both colouring and blending skills. This is the latest release from Derwent in collaboration with the illustrator and there are 96 high quality pages to create some beautiful artwork of your own at home. There are lots of tips included on how to use the pencils too which really helps.

Silent Sunday

A photo posted by Emma (@theminimesandme) on Jun 17, 2016 at 9:19am PDT

Sibling Rivalry - The Poop Edition

 Although Jamster and Minxy generally get on really well, like any siblings, they have their moments. They play tricks on each other and they try to wind each other up to breaking point at times.
I remember similar moments from my own childhood with my brother and sister too - my poor mother!

They currently have a favourite seat in the lounge where they both like to sit at every opportunity and if one moves out of it, even for a second, the other will jump straight into it. The arguments they have had over it, along with who gets to have the remote, are ridiculous. I've no idea why they both need to sit in it as there is plenty of room for everyone on our corner suite. Although this specific chair is nearer to the TV and plug sockets for charging tablets which may have something to do with it.

WIN Mira-Skin™ Hyaluronic Serum worth £99

Sleepless nights with newborns and toddler tantrum stresses can certainly take their toll over time - it can really leave parents looking a little worse for wear! Mira-Skin™ Hyaluronic Serum is a unique combination of high-quality, short-chained hyaluronic acid, which promotes regeneration and supplies your skin with valuable nutrients and antioxidants for ultimate hydration. 

It's a beauty miracle for mums in a bottle.