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The Happy Badger Popped By

The Happy Badger is a very generous badger who donates money to charities you nominate.

The Happy Badger popped by Mum Friendy and donated to Cancer Research. My dad died of bowel cancer, my mum has had two forms of cancer as well as other complications and my nana died from leukaemia, Cancer is something which I’ve lived alongside for over twenty years.

Cancer is something our entire family has lived alongside.

I’ve done Race For Life several times (I had a year off this year but intend to do it again next year, possibly with H) and raised upwards of £750 each time – running or walking or jogging with friends, raising cash along the way for Cancer Research. See, I figure any money which helps towards a cure for cancer means at some point in the future H or her children will talk about it like it was an age-old disease, something people don’t get any more. Maybe there’ll never be a cure, but every penny helps towards research.

I’ve sat with two of my closest family members as they passed away – and I don’t want H to go through that, I want research to make a difference once we’re all a bit older. Every bit of money makes a difference, and that has to be a good thing.

So thank you Happy Badger, I really appreciate your donation. I nominate http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/ as that covers the many cancers we’ve come across.

I find writing about it all quite difficult even several years on, but I do recognise the need for awareness and making sure people know to check for the signs. My dad didn’t, and the doctors didn’t suspect a thing – in fact it was only when he was diagnosed all the symptoms made sense (bowel cancer with secondary cancer in the liver) and it surprised everyone.

Other Links :
Beating Bowel Cancer
My mum and sister in the local paper raising awareness
MacMillan
Marie Curie nurses

The Happy Badger /Appliances Online donated £50 to Cancer Research for this post – thank you.

by jo

A Big Lollibop Update!

LolliBop, the UK’s biggest kid’s festival, has announced Britain’s Got Talent finalists Pre-Skool will be performing live at this year’s event.

LolliBop 2013

Lollibop is two weeks away! Last week they announced another fantastic addition to the lineup – the 12-strong dance group Pre-Skool. They’re all aged between 5 and 9 andare making their very first live appearance since the hit ITV show and will perform daily for mini festivalgoers.

Choreographer Terry Michael, who runs the TDM stage school where the group meet and rehearse, said: “The children are really excited about going to LolliBop – there are loads of things they want to see in between performances!”

Everyone’s favorite fashion icon, Hello Kitty, is also confirmed to appear at LolliBop 2013.

Hello Kitty will be meeting her adoring fans around the LolliBop site and also as a special guest appearance during the official opening. Expect plenty of glamour, a sprinkle of Hello Kitty magic and all round super-cute fun!

LolliBop’s event manager Jenny Kane said: “Hello Kitty is an international icon and her fan base spans many generations, we know parents and kids alike will be thrilled to meet her in person.”

And the cast from Peter Pan the Arena Tour will be flying in to perform a medley from the hit show on the Lolli Live stage over the three days.

LolliBop, the UK’s biggest festival for kids, takes place at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, August 16-18. The newest acts join an impressive bill, which includes Justin Fletcher, Cloudbabies, Dick and Dom, Skylanders, Rastamouse and Postman Pat.

LolliBop’s live theatre tent – The Lollipalladiam – showcases performances from pioneering and internationally renowned companies and artists. Tween Town is especially for older kids, with cool activities like radio workshops, movie editing and beatboxing masterclasses. Imagination Stations are situated throughout the festival for 3-10 year olds to get crafty, there’s also a 3ft and under zone for pre-schoolers. The Enchanted Forest will host reading and stories and there’s also a brand new Discovery Zone, Meadows area and Lolli Promenade.

LolliBop offers all the fun of a festival without the hassle of camping and all activity is programmed for the under 10s.

For more information and tickets, visit http://www.lollibopfestival.co.uk

Our giveaway is still going – don’t forget to enter to win a family pass!

by jo

Specsavers and Moshi Monsters

Specsavers have just announced a brand new Moshi Monsters range in their glasses in-store, featuring some of the favourite popular monsters!

ALL the way from Monstro City, kids’ favourite Moshi Monsters™ Furi, Poppet, Diavlo, Zommer, Luvli and Katsuma are appearing on their very own range of glasses. Specsavers was our destination last Saturday – H had her new prescription so we needed to order a new pair where we spotted their fine selection in-store.

Moshi Monsters Glasses at Specsavers

Available exclusively at Specsavers, the selection of eight styles for boys and girls are priced at £64, or free with an NHS voucher.

In true Moshi style the designs include a mixture of materials and eye-popping colours. Fans will also receive a free Rox token with every Moshi frame purchased to redeem on MoshiMonsters.com along with stickers and balloons. Our local Specsavers had Moshi masks in stock which was a nice touch – they made sure H got one as well!

Moshi Monsters Glasses at Specsavers

With over 80 million registered users across the globe, parents will no doubt be familiar with MoshiMonsters.com. A virtual world in which kids can adopt, customise and nurture their very own pet monster. Kids can also collect Moshlings (pets for their monsters), send safe messages to friends, play games, complete educational puzzles, share artwork, customise their rooms and much more!

Luella Cristofoletto, Specsavers’ frame buyer, says: ‘I’m a mother as well and so I know how much of a phenomenon Moshi Monsters really are! Now children can have their favourite Moshlings with them wherever they are. Plus it’s another great way to show younger specs wearers that glasses can be fun. I’m sure there will be a few jealous non-specs wearing fans as well!’

Moshi Monsters Glasses at Specsavers

All frames in the range come fitted with SuperTough Trivex lenses as standard. Trivex is impact-resistant, lightweight, hard-coated and also offers 100 per cent UV protection.

Current Specsavers offers for under 16s include Kids Go Free, with eye examination free and frames in the £64 and £85 ranges free with an NHS voucher. Children choosing frames from the £64 range can also choose a second pair at £32. And for a limited period children can choose a free pair of prescription sunglasses when they choose a pair of glasses from the £64 range.

Check here for the full range of Moshi Monsters at Specsavers!

by jo

Pocket Money – What Do You Do?

Pocket money is one of those things which will creep up on us all before we know it. We’ve been tackling it early but keeping it simple.

Pocket money, oh joy. H isn’t even four yet and we’ve been doing it for a year or so now – last year we were one of the finalists in a money saving competition and over the year we’ve done lots of 5p tasks, putting the money into her moneybox as we go.

pocket money box

The tooth fairy paid a visit recently and bumped up the amount to a much higher one (okay, just £1 but in H terms that’s like a million pounds) – and we’ve not been as good at assigning 5p tasks as we should be.

Locally we’ve a shop, Calladoodles which I’m going to post a feature on soon – it’s a lovely shop with gorgeous handmade things on sale and we’re in there most weeks. They’ve just opened a mail order site and need to be checked out – I could spend so much in there. They stock Miffy things (we love Miffy in our house) as well as Cath Kidston and Orla Kiely… yum.

The last time we were in, H spotted a bracelet she liked so we decided we’d count her pennies and if she had enough we could spend them in there – and as of this morning she has enough. My little girl will have a little purse with her savings in, and will spend it on something she really wants – I’m a bit excited!

We’ve kept it simple as well, while this isn’t pocket money it won’t be long before she’s asking for some. So what is the right amount for an almost four year old starting school in just over a month? I’m thinking 50p a week with anything extra being things she’s earned (at 5p a time). I want her to have some money sense and ideally add the savings to her bank account – what do you do?

by jo

Polesden Lacey Family Events Sept /Oct 2013

Polesden Lacey have some family events scheduled for September and October 2013

Polesden Lacey Easter Egg Explorers

Polesden Lacey in September

Bug Hunt

Daily throughout September 11am – 4pm

There are some very lucky bugs who have made their home in the house at Polesden. Discover our secret lodgers, and how they live life in style beneath the carpets and coving!
Normal admission, plus £1 to follow the trail and look under the microscope!

Family Volunteering

Every Sunday from 11am

Join us for a Sunday of family activity to help keep our lovely grounds in order, including scrub bashing and bug hunting. Please call 01372 452048 to register your interest.

Heritage Weekend – Polesden Open Day

Saturday 14 September

House open to the public for free as part of National Heritage Week.
Dorking & District Radio Society will be setting up their aerials in the ground, transmitting and receiving to other enthusiasts around the world. A great opportunity to find out more about this fascinating hobby and have a go yourself.

October

Surrey Hills Challenge

Saturday 12 October

Walking reveals secrets of the Surrey Hills that can only be discovered on foot. A range of different length circular walks in this beautiful countryside will be available all starting from Polesden.
Register in advance by calling 01372 452048: £15 per walker, or £10 per family for the short

family walk (including children under 16) . Runners also welcome to take part

Behind the Scenes Family Tours

Sat 12, Sun 13, Sat 26 and Sun 27 Oct 11.30am

A rare chance to catch a glimpse below stairs, in these guided tours of the kitchens, and servants

rooms. Tours nclude rooms in the basement and last 45min-1 hour.

Normal admission applies

Woodland Skills Workshop

Sunday 13 October

Drop in and learn a new skill with Andy and the Ranger team. Whittling, hurdle making and using a pole lathe
Normal admission applies.

Children’s Photography Workshops

Wednesday 30 October

2 sessions each day: morning: 11am-12.30pm for ages 6-10 yrs

Afternoon: 2-3.30pm for ages 10 – 16yrs

Shutterbugs will show you how to take amazing shots using just your camera and your imagination!

£15. Please contact: suzie@shutterbugkids.co.uk

Halloween Spooks & Stories

Saturday 26 October – Sunday 3 November 2013

Scary ghost stories in our wild woods!

Normal admission, plus £2 per child

by jo

Kattoo – A Temporary Tattoo

Kattoo is a brilliant idea – a temporary phone number tattoo which you can stick on your child.

KattooKattoo tattoos are for children, and a great idea, and really simple.

You peel off the backing paper of the tattoo.

Place it on your child’s skin making sure it’s clean and dry.

Put a wet cloth on top to seal the tattoo onto the skin.

Peel off the backing paper.

Allow it to dry for a minute.

Write your phone number in the space provided.

That’s it – how simple?

Kattoo

I like the idea as we often lose things, so having a band with this kind of information is handy, but you can almost guarantee we’d change our number if H had something like that- whereas with a Kattoo you’re writing whatever is current.

H tried it out today and it stayed strong all day, no cracks and my handwriting was still readable.

We’re going to Lollibop in just over a fortnight and will be using our other Kattoo tattoo we received in our BritMums goody bags – and I’ve already ordered another pack as we have some local fairs coming up in the next few weeks.

Kattoo
Things you need to know about Kattoo:

A pack of six costs £5.99 (the website says free UK Shipping)
They come in six different colours, with an ‘if I am lost’ message with a box to write your phone number
They are safe, non-toxic, FDA Certified and CE Certified. They’re also latex free and cosmetically safe.
Depending on your skin type a Kattoo will last 2-5 days.
Kattoos are UV blockers, so you don’t need to put sunscreen on your Kattoo area (though make sure you put it around it, obviously!)

We had a few comments today from people who spotted H’s tattoo and could see what a brilliant idea it is. While I know she’s the kind of child who doesn’t tend to run off, there’s every chance she could, so knowing there’s a way for her to tell someone where her mummy and daddy are is a good thing. I would recommend these.

I received a sample pack of two Kattoo Tattoos in my BritMums goody bag.

by jo

Stamptastic – A Personalised Name Stamp Suitable For Clothes

Stamptastic are a simple stamp and ink pad which are long-lasting. They are also the answer to my prayers – they stop the boredom when it comes to labelling H’s clothes!

Stamptastic Stamp PadsStamptastic is a simple clear resin stamp with an accompanying ink pad. You can stamp on several surfaces, including School Uniform. This appealed to me a lot – oh, the tedium that came with handwriting H’s name on every single piece of clothing at nursery. I got so bored I forgot what I was writing, and put something else in there instead. Some people call it baby brain – I call it labelling boredom brain!

After having written out twenty or more party invites recently, the next thing on the list of most boring things you have to do as a parent is labelling clothes. I have a pen I can use but after I’ve done five sets I’m bored, my pen is bored, the clothes are bored waiting for me, and I lose the will to continue.

Step forward Stamptastic. Now I can cover the pad with ink, get it into the right place and I’m able to see where I’m stamping too thanks to it being clear. Never has such a tedious job been so much fun – I LOVE it. I am living my inner librarian when I stamp, stamp, stamp – it dries quickly and even better, it stays.

Stamptastic

You can also use the stamp on lunchboxes and water bottles. I’ve found the ink doesn’t stay on as long this way, but you can always re-stamp! I prefer the Bandino bands for water bottles, as these tend to mean the bottles are easier to find (as you can guarantee there will be a minimum of five other children In Your Class with the same bottle!

I needed something to make labelling life easier and this does. I’m impressed and may have stamped lots of H’s things.

Even her shoes (top tip, the soles don’t hold the ink well, the sides do. I realise this is common sense but I just wanted to stamp and didn’t think). Now all her possessions have her name on them – and it took me a fraction of the time.

Stamptastic

We got H’s name put onto the stamp – generally Stamptastic can fit most things on there. We kept her class group off there so we can use it throughout school. At £8 for a stamp and £10 for a pad I think this is really reasonable price to pay. The convenience factor is a huge plus. (edited to add, after two five (!) years it’s still going strong too)

Each stamp is 38mm x 15mm in size, the fonts used are Arial, Arial Narrow or Abadi MT Condensed Light.

We were sent a stamp pad and stamp for the purpose of review, all opinions are mine, and that of my patience.

Stamptastic Ambassador

by jo

The Ultimate Summer Driving Playlist

What’s your Ultimate Summer Driving Playlist?

MoneySupermarket have a new competition, to compile the Ultimate Summer Driving playlist, as THINK! research suggests that almost 20% of accidents on major roads are sleep or tiredness related. Long journeys on motorways can lead to a lack of concentration and, as well as other preventative measures, listening to songs you love can be a great way to stay alert and focused on the road.

Back when I had to drive back to York a lot on my own, I created a playlist on my iPod to help keep me focused and awake, and a lot of these songs featured. When you’re driving for four hours or more you need something which doesn’t let you drift off.

This is mine – it’s going to be easy as we created a Summer Playlist on Spotify at work which keeps getting songs added to it.

==

This reminds me of the Reading Festival in the early 90s, Buffalo Tom playing ‘Summer’ on the stage and my friend Helen and I dancing on the grass clutching a pint of beer singing along. Aah. It’s good for driving too.

Bananarama’s ‘Cruel Summer’ is another essential. They make fun pop music and there isn’t enough of that these days. They also didn’t take themselves too seriously.

But when you’re driving you do need your music faster with lots of ‘oo’s in there, you know the sort of thing. Lucky we have The Undertones then with ‘Here Comes The Summer’. See, you can mix up the slower with the fast too, that way you’re always kept on your toes.

Not all summer music needs to be pop. Everyone needs a bit of rock in their lives and Queens of the Stone Age have theirs with the top driving song ‘Feel Good Hit of the Summer’ which probably has the least appropriate refrain to sing in front of your child. Better save that one for solo drives… or headphones.

This one always makes it on to my summer playlists – I was a huge Lush fan, and when they (sadly) split and Emma formed Sing-Sing their first single was this, a top summer pop moment, ‘Feels Like Summer’.

If I was to choose the ultimate two driving songs which I think are in my key, these two win. They’re not summer songs, they’re perennial. But they DRIVE.

and this because the video makes me think of the summer and it’s really silly. One night driving home from work Magic AND Heart played it within ten minutes of each other. I drove the long route home. Oh yes.

I hope you like them, I could have made a longer list but I’m sparing you all.

I was gifted an amount of money to pay for these songs – all opinions are my own.

by jo

Jack The Giant Slayer – Movie Night

Jack the Giant Slayer is a film I’ve wanted to see as it’s a remake of the two traditional stories Jack and the Beanstalk and Jack the Giant Killer (a film I watched every year when I was young when it was shown on Christmas Day – check that link for the trailer, seeing the giant on there still scares me – despite it being the least scary giant ever, serious 1970s flashback moment)

magic beans

We all know the Jack and the Beanstalk story, but the other story is lesser known. In Jack The Giant Slayer, Jack (Nicholas Hoult) is given beans, the beanstalk grows as you’d expect, but the other story’s elements are a little more violent, giving this film a 12 rating.

Princess Isabelle happens to be in Jack’s house when the beanstalk grows, taking her up to the land where the giants live, so Jack and the King’s men all climb up the beanstalk to find her. Ewan McGregor is the military commander in charge, Ian McShane is the king. Bill Nighy plays the part of the two-headed leader of the giants, Fallon – just one of the heads though. Ewan Bremner appears as one of the Kings men too.

There’s plenty of giants eating humans, you don’t see a lot but it’s implied. Ewan McGregor almost becomes a sausage roll and there’s plenty of ‘fee fi fo fum’s in there too – which originated in Jack the Giant Killer and has evolved through the years (as you’ll hear at the end of the film).

I found the film enjoyable, grim (the picking nose bit made my stomach turn!) and one of those ones you enjoy watching. It’s 109 minutes long, and is out now. Here’s the link at Warner Bros for more information

Jack The Giant Slayer

We were sent a DVD with some beans for the purpose of review, all opinions are our own. No beanstalks have yet grown, nor giants harmed.

by jo

Lollibop 2013 Family Ticket Giveaway

Fancy a Lollibop 2013 family ticket? It’s less than a month away, and we’ve got a giveaway! LolliBop 2013

A Lollibop 2013 family ticket can work out a bit pricey now the early bird price has finished – we’re getting excited there’s less than a month to go; our leave is booked from work; H is booked out from nursery; we’re ready to bop to Rastamouse so bring it on! If you fancy going too, here’s your chance – we’re giving away a Lollibop family ticket for up to four people, under 12 months go free.

Taking place from 16 to 18 August, the incredible line-up – all aimed at children under the age of 10 – combines some of the hottest names in kids entertainment, as well as hundreds of activities, workshops and interactive areas.

Activities and acts confirmed, include Cbeebies superstar Justin Fletcher (Saturday and Sunday only), Dick and Dom, Roald Dahl Museum & Storytelling, London Urban Arts, Skylanders SWAP Force, Shaun The Sheep Championsheeps, Peppa Pig, Science Museum Live, Postman Pat, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Titan the Robot, The Go Go Go Show, Transformers, Poppy Cat, Rastamouse and Da Easy Crew (Friday only) and Cloudbabies.

LolliBop’s live theatre tent – The Lollipalladiam – showcases performances from pioneering and internationally renowned companies and artists.   Tween Town is especially for older kids, with cool activities like radio workshops, movie editing and beatboxing masterclasses. Imagination Stations are situated throughout the festival for 3-10 year olds to get crafty, there’s also a 3ft and under zone for pre-schoolers. The Enchanted Forest will host reading and stories,  and there’s also a brand new Discovery Zone, Meadows area, Lolli Promenade and much more.

LolliBop offers all the fun of a festival without the hassle of camping and all activity is programmed for the under 10s.   For more information and tickets, visit http://www.lollibopfestival.co.uk

We’ve got one Lollibop 2013 family ticket to give away to this brilliant festival. To enter, answer the following question on the Rafflecopter widget:

Q: Which duo will be at LolliBop 2013?
A: Dick and Dom
B: Peter and Paul
C: John and James

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Terms & Conditions

  • The giveaway closes 8th August 2013
  • We have one family pass to giveaway. The pass admits 4 people, one person in the group must be aged over 18 (NB children under the age of 12 months do not require a ticket)
  • The winning family can attend on the day of their choice, either August 16, or August 17 or August 18. The date must be specified at time of confirming the prize
  • Travel and accommodation are not included
  • The prize is non-refundable and no cash alternative will be offered
  • The prize is non transferable and ID will be required at time of collecting the tickets
  • The prize includes all events and activities at LolliBop but not food and drink from any stalls or outlet

If you like this giveaway, why not check out the Big Fish Little Fish family ticket giveaway too?