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Tuesday 31 March 2015

Mr Tumble's Circus is coming to an Arena Near You


Mr Tumble's Circus is touring arenas this Easter. His first tour in 2013 was a sell out so I know all who go to see his 2015 tour will be in for a treat. My children love Justin. I remember seeing Big T's eyes light up when he saw Mr Tumble doing makaton. He had been taught it from a young age: due to his disabilities his speech was delayed. My two youngest children also love Mr Tumble and have quite a few toys of his, even his spotty bag which I am sure will be coming along with us when we go to see Mr Tumble's Circus in Liverpool. This will be the first time they get to see him live, they will think I am the best mum in the world!

Anyway back to the tour before I talk about my children for the whole post. Mr Tumble is bringing along some very special guests with him on his tour. From Something special he has Aunt Polly and Grandad Tumble.
Cat Sandion and Swashbuckle presenter Gem will be on stage which will be their first CBeebies Live! show. My children love Swashbuckle, they dream of being on the show as much as I would dream of being on Fun House as a child. If that was not enough the fabulous, adventurous Andy Day will be making an appearance.

But uh-oh!
Mr Tumble's Circus is delayed on route!

The CBeebies mega-stars with the help of Gigglebiz favourites, including Keith Fitt, Dina Lady, Gale Force and Arthur Sleep - must swing into action and save the day! In doing so, they discover that they too have some pretty amazing talents as well!

But with Robert The Robot insisting that everyone do their chores and Little Monster just wanting to cause mayhem and mischief...Will Justin and the CBeebies stars help get Mr Tumble’s Circus to town on time?

Nine different arenas, 11 different dates and each day has two shows available to book. To find out the dates and time head over to the CBeebies Live website.




Thursday 26 March 2015

Easter is almost upon us

Easter is just around the corner. Usually we would be very busy right now as we usually spend Easter on our annual holiday however this year we decided to book for the summer time. We made that decision as I knew I would be snowed under with work from college and we were right. I have assignments to write, revision for Maths and English and just as return I have the dreaded mock exams. This will be the first time we have been home in 5 or 6 years.

I am excited to take part in all the exciting events that are on in our area for a change. Next week we are heading off to Blackpool to delve into the deep. Okay we are going to the Sealife Centre to see their brand new stingray adventure. We will be tracking down Nemo(clown fish) and watching out for the scary sharks too. The children do not know about this so shhh, top secret! 
I hope to fit in a few extra days out, maybe to the zoo or safari park. 

Booted Bantam Chick
We will be kept busy at home. Two weeks ago we had nine little chicks hatch, two of them I loaned to college so that leaves me with seven little babies at home. They are messy little things and I have to clean them out more often that I have in the past as they keep getting their little feathered feet clogged up. I think you'll agree that they are super cute and worth it. Another thing we usually do at Easter in bottle feed lambs. The closest park that offers bottle feeding is Park Hall Farm so maybe a trip to there is in order.

If the weather wants to be extra nice maybe we could fit in a beach day. I know I am wishful thinking but miracles do happen.
Blackrock, Wales

Whatever your plans are, have fun and make memories.

Thursday 19 March 2015

Must have skills for every 11 year old

Little T joined Beavers last year and he thoroughly enjoys it. He loves nothing more than running through the door to tell me that he has several new badges for me to sew onto his uniform. He happily shows me as he knows I am not a massive fan of sewing them on. He beams with pride as he has worked hard to achieve each one. One badge I will be happy to sew on is the farm to fork badge. It is new partner badge launched by the Tesco Eat Happy Project in conjunction with the Scout Association.
The skills that the scouting volunteers thought that children should have by the age of 11 are:

1.     Know what to do in a first aid emergency
2.     Spend at least one night away camping
3.     Be part of a team
4.     Be able to make new friends
5.     Navigate a short trip with a map and compass
6.     Know how and when to call 999
7.     Know how to cook safely on an open fire
8.     Cook or prepare a healthy meal
9.     Know how to stay safe online
10.  Know how to tie three knots
11.  Tread water for three minutes in a vertical position 


The badge they receive is one I am sure all of the children will have fun achieving. I think it is really important for children to learn where our food comes from and how it is best prepared. At home we have chickens so all of my children know the process of how we get fresh eggs. I have also grown my own vegetables in the past and every time we have a roast we talk openly about what animal it comes from. As part of my college course I work with the farm animals, even delivering some lambs just last week so they know where our food comes from. 


Bear Grylls, Chief Scout said  “Many young people have lost touch with where their food actually comes from and it’s great that Tesco, in partnership with the Scouts, have created a Farm to Fork Trail that Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts can go on that provides a meaningful way of reconnecting young people with what’s on their plates, and that knowledge and experience will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.” 
I have to whole heartily agree with him, not because I am a massive fan but because what he said is true. Often the food served up to them looks polar opposite to what it looked like in its raw state. Many children no longer spend the time in the kitchen with their parents, helping them prepare the meal. It is time we get back to basics and teach our children skills that they will carry with them into adult hood.


Watch the short video below to find out how the children learn about the foods we eat through the Tesco Eat Happy Project.




I can't wait for my own little Beaver to achieve his farm to fork badge.


Monday 16 March 2015

March is the month of new shoes

I have noticed this month an abundance of shoe images cropping up on my social media. The weather has warmed up by a few degrees, the tulips and daffodils are displaying their fabulous colours as are the array of shoes on display. Seeing all the lovely shoes made me log on and start to search. My sister in law introduced me to Spartoo last month. I looked at the huge amount of different styles of shoes they had to offer for my children. Having five children means I have a huge shoe bill but looking through the Spartoo website I have found plenty of shoes that I adore and are at great prices too.
The main brand request I receive from my older children is always Converse. They are the must have shoe for teens they tell me. Thankfully after completing a search on Spartoo's website I found plenty to choose from. All different colours, patterns, styles and sizes all in a different range of prices too so I knew I could find some within my budget. I found some double tongued sparkly purple ones that are priced and just £25.49. My girls would love them to be on their feet this summer. I think Little Lady would suite these cute pink ones in the image. They would go perfectly with her pink check braces skirt teamed with a crisp white T-shirt. These have gone onto my must buy list.
 
The boys shoes is something I normally struggle with. They seem to be so much harder to find in styles that I like. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw how many styles I liked for the boys and will be purchasing most of their holiday shoes from Spartoo. They both have completely different shaped feet. Little T has narrow feet and Big T has really wide feet, he is also flat footed. Whilst browsing I came across these shoes that would be perfect for the boys when we go to the beach. We spend a lot of time at the beach throughout the summer and often spend the whole day there. I always worry about their feet, especially the soles of them when they are in the water or playing on the sand dunes. You never know what they could possibly be stepping on. These shoes are the perfect water shoes that won't rub their skin and allows them the flexibility that is needed in the water and running around.

What ever your shoe taste is for your children or yourself you are sure to find it here. Now all I need to do it figure out which child I buy new shoes for first, I might get them to draw straws.