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Are you fed up of the X Factor race for Christmas Number One? Well Ladbrokes have just announced that two unknown school children from Oxfordshire are now in the chart battle for the coveted Christmas Number One Spot with odds of 10/1 with their charity single ‘Dare Make A Wish’. 400 other children also from the Oxford area came together to record the song, with the two youngsters, which will see all proceeds being donated to the Dyslexia Action charity.

Francesca Longrigg, writer and creator of The Land of Sometimes CD from which the single is taken from has said

“This single is by children for children. In the music industry particularly with the likes of X Factor and Novelty singles competing for the top spot we wanted to remember what the heart of Christmas is all about – the children and give them a chance to shine and have their special moment.”

Ladbrokes have put the children in front of the likes of Kylie Minogue, Girls Aloud and Olly Murs with only the X Factor's James Arthur and the Hillsborough charity single in front of them.

Background Info

Auditions have taken place in Banbury over the last few months to search for two children to play the lead vocals for a Christmas single called ‘Dare Make a Wish’, which is set for release on the 9^th December.

The Land of Sometimes are joining forces with the charity Dyslexia Action to release the charity single, which will be a version of one of the album tracks ‘Dare Make A Wish’.

The proceeds will go to the charity ‘Dyslexia Action’, the biggest dyslexia charity in the UK. We believe in the tremendous power of music in helping to transform learning difficulties, and indeed the Land of sometimes very own Isadora, who plays Elise on the album, who felt that her involvement in recording The Land Of Sometimes boosted her confidence and helped her overcome learning difficulties from her dyslexia enormously. Libby Griffiths who will sing the lead part of Elise is also Dyslexic, which the panel had no idea of until after she had won the part!

“Dyslexia Action are so grateful for being the partner charity of the single made by all at the ‘Land of Sometimes’. We are very keen to have enthusiastic fundraisers such as LOS on this team, supporting the charity. It is both such a lovely and unique idea and we are glad to be a part of it. The money raised from this single will be used to help change many lives and help to break down the barriers in education that those living with dyslexia face. On behalf of Dyslexia Action, I’d like to thank all those involved in making this wonderful piece of music and to all those who purchase it and therefore support this very worthy cause”

Danielle Perrin, Supporter Relationship Team

Go and download it NOW ..... click HERE 

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Regular blog readers may remember we were treated to a "Pamper Package" at the Village Hotel, Coventry quite recently and whilst we had a fabulous time, I had a niggling guilt that we hadn't shared this with the children, so were delighted when we were asked back to try out their "Splosh & Nosh" package.

The main premise of the package is a family day pass to the leisure club and a meal for 4 - all for £39.99* (Saving at least 40% on the usual prices). The Splosh ‘n’ Nosh deal is only available up until Christmas and is a great family day out.

Both of my girls go to swimming lessons, one at a local shool and the baby with Water Babies but I rarely get the chance to get in the water with them. I loved that my eldest was excited to show us how well she can swim and it was lovely that the little one was happy bobbing around in the water. This is a far cry from them both clinging onto my neck when they were tiny.

The pool was lovely and warm and not too deep, so I wasn't concerned about them getting cold or where in the pool we were and it was only when I looked up at the clock, I realised we had been in the pool for nearly an hour. We had been having too much fun! So I went back to the family changing rooms (which were great) and eventually we managed to get the big one out of the water and all went to the Victory Pub for something to eat.

We had definately worked up an appetite and were genuinely surprised that we weren't given a specific menu, we were able to choose a meal from the main menu and the food, as we found last time, was delicious. My eldest daughter said before we even got there that she wanted prawns for lunch, so she was thrilled to get the biggest prawn cocktail she has ever seen!!

This is the second time we have been to the Village Hotel, Coventry now and I genuinely can't sing their praises highly enough. We were asked to review the Splosh & Nosh package and as a fun and food loving family, it was perfect for us. It is a great way to spend an afternoon all together ..... and much warmer than traipsing round Christmas shops!!

*T&Cs apply

Offer is for 2 adults and 2 children up to the age of 14

Adults have access to all leisure club facilities

Children have access to the pool only and must be supervised at all times

Victory Menu is subject to change. Drinks not included

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We all know the story about going on a Bear Hunt but we didnt have to go through any woods, or mud or caves, we were simply invited to the Build-A-Bear Workshop in Solihull to enjoy the whole "Build-A-Bear" experience.

At Build-A-Bear Workshop^®, their mission is quite literally to bring the Teddy Bear to life and thats what we planned to do. I was originally taking my two daughters but my eldest (in her infinite wisdom) decided that the youngest was too little to enjoy it and could we take her best friend instead? How can you argue with that kind of reasoning from a 7 year old?

Both girls were beyond excited at going to the Build-A-Bear Workshop^® and even more so when they realised that we were going to have someone "helping" them to make the very best bears. We were introducted to Olga, who told us that Evie was going to be looking after us during our visit. Evie was just brilliant with the girls and they were totally captivated by her enthusiasm as she filled the bears with their stuffings ..... and with a specially selected heart too!

Once the bears were suitably cuddly enough, they had a wash in the bear wash ..... where else??

Now it appears that my daughter has inherited my desire for shopping, either that or the bear really is part of our family as it "needed" a dress, a cardigan, shoes and a bag. I actually saw that you can buy a bear wardrobe to keep all of those clothes in and I suspect that Father Christmas may need to be considering one of those!!

 So eventually the bears needed to be "officially" brought to life by creating their very own birth certificates and I therefore proudly introduce you to ......... Super Star and Twinkle Star!

The team at Build-A-Bear Workshop^® in Solihull were supportive and encouraging without being intrusive and the girls had a totally un"bear"liveable time! Its a great experience for any child and with some fantastic festive friends to be made, it would make a perfect Christmas treat for any little girl or boy!

 

Disclaimer: We were asked to attend the Build-A-Bear Workshop^® to carry out the review. All opinions and views are both honest and true and even if we hadn't been given the bears to take home, we would still have had a fabulous time!

Carrying on with our advent theme (we just can't get enough of it), we are delighted to share another Advent guest post from one of our Lilypad friends.

Advent calendars signal the beginning of Christmas festivities. It’s a sign to our children that they are merely days away from a shed load of presents. It’s difficult to pinpoint whether it’s the chocolates or the opening of the windows that triggers the most excitement.

What we do know, however, is that advent calendars are an integral part of every kid’s Christmas. Sometimes an adult’s as well *cough cough*  They’re not going anywhere anytime soon, so why not mix things up a little for the kids by creating their very own handmade advent calendars.

Below are 5 of the best handmade advent calendars that are sure to give a little inspiration to all who choose the crafty Christmas option. 

Once you’ve finished the hard work, simply sit back and enjoy watching the kids open their advents. Then demand a back massage from the husband for all your endeavours.

1. Blitzen’s Buckets

25 miniature buckets, a set of numbered stickers or stencils, 25 hooks and a large chalkboard or reinforced cardboard are all that’s needed to make advent a little unique.

 

It offers the option to fill the buckets with less than conventional goodies for the little ones.

Because chocolates are so 2011.

2. The Elf’s Envelopes

This one is simple but very different. 25 envelopes, 25 pegs and a piece of string are all that’s needed to create this.

You have the option to fill each envelope with something different. Perhaps one different figurine each day to complete a whole set by the 25^th day?

3. Merry Matchboxes

This one is pretty cool. To make it, all you’ll need is 25 matchboxes, some glue, a spare piece of wrapping paper cut to size and a pen. The rest is up to you. 

It’s definitely something different that Susan up the road wouldn’t have thought of. The matchboxes are just the right size to slip in a chocolate coin or a sweety.

4. Jingle Jars

What a neat idea this is – again using matchboxes. Each of the 25 matchboxes is decorated in wrapping paper, filled with a small gift, numbered then placed into any kind of glass jar. A big brandy glass would probably do the job as well. 

It’s almost like a lucky dip as the kids rummage around looking for the right numbered matchbox. Great fun to make and equally great fun for the kids.

5. Tiny Tim’s Tree

This is a little different. Using either a stripped back plant or one that’s already lost its leaves, simply hang decorative paper tags from the branches.

Instead of attaching chocolates or other gifts to the tags (because of the weight), write a note on the back of each one which contains a clue as to where they will find a treat in the house.

 

There are some brilliantly unique ideas there, but if you’ve got any other ideas we’d love you to share them in the comments box below.

Hopefully together we can come up with enough ideas for every advent until a time when our kids have outgrown them. If you’re anything like me though, that won’t be anytime soon!