Category: The Toddler Years

1. Tommee Tippee Training Cup Review & Giveaway

   Posted on 10:23pm Sunday 28th Jun 2015

   Tommee Tippee as a brand need no introduction, although most people seem to associate the brand with baby bottles but they also have a range of weaning cups. Tommee Tippee states that; 

   "Up until this point they’ve been used to breast or bottle, so introducing a cup is an important step in their weaning journey.To help the transition go smoothly, this cup features a super soft spout that is gentle on gums, and large handles that are easy to grip. And because life with a baby is messy enough, a non-­spill valve keeps mess to a minimum!"

   We decided to let one of our tiny testers to review it.

   

   His happy face tells a story but his mum actually tells us that "it is a fuss free and truly non spill bottle. My son drinks so nicely from this and there is literally not a drop of spillage, even when he pretends its an aeroplane and runs around the garden with it."

   

    Key Features

   • Specially designed for baby’s firsts sips providing a smooth transition from breast or bottle to cup drinking
   • Removable, one piece non-spill valve keeps mess to a minimum
   • Super soft spout is gentle on your baby’s sensitive gums
   • Removable, easy-grip handles designed for tiny hands
   • All tommee tippee cups are BPA free

   

   Some of our favourite features : 

   • Dishwasher safe
   • Interchangeable lids
   • Perfect for little hands
   • Available in pink, green and orange

   Verdict : Mum and toddler like this bottle ALOT!

    

   So would you like to win a 6m+ 1st straw training cup and 7m+ straw training cup? All you need to do is enter below:

    <a Rafflecopter giveaway

    

   UK Entrants Only.
   The winner will be chosen at random by the random winner generator on Rafflecopter and notified within 5 working days by email
   Tommee Tippee will make every effort to provide the gift set requested but this cannot be guaranteed
   By entering this competition, you understand that your details will be retained by Little Lilypad for future mailings. You can unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time.
   There is no monetary equivalent.
   Little Lilypad Co take no /responsibility for loss or damage in the despatch of prizes
   If the prize is unclaimed within 7 days we reserve the right to redraw the winner.
   End Date 11/07/2015 at 12am

   Listed on Prizefinder

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2. How to go camping without a tent!

   Posted on 10:58am Wednesday 24th Jun 2015

   Yes I know there is a picture of a tent (!!) but when our friends asked us to go camping with them, I have to confess to being a little reluctant. I will openly admit that I am not a big fan of sleeping on an airbed and I like to have a proper toilet to use, rather than running across a field to a shower block in the middle of the night but its all down to personal preference isn't it?

   Me, I prefer not to sleep in a tent. 

   

   So how do you go camping with friends without tent? You book a caravan on the same camping site of course! 

   

   Our friends had booked a pitch at the Hoburne site in the Cotswolds and with the weather looking good, we decided to book a "silver" caravan for the same weekend. I have vivid memories of my family all in our touring caravan as a child but this was a million light years away from those days.

   

   Even on holiday, I am a stickler for us all sitting at the table to eat, so it was great that we had a dining area to serve up the BBQ food!

   

   We arrived late on Friday afternoon (after picking the little ones up from school / nursery respectively) but the check in was quick and easy and we were soon enjoying a drink on the "terrace" while the sun set.

   

   The site itself is beautiful and was an idyllic setting in the sunshine.

   

    With lots to do for the toddler (and competitive dad) .....

   

    To an arcade for the tween (I may have tried to beat her on this and failed!!).

   

    The weather was scorching, so it was great to all be outdoors and we loved getting a pedalo and going out on the lake (for a small extra cost).

   

   We watched the Swans from a distance as they had signets with them and I didn't want to get into a debate with an over protective Mummy Swan whilst on the lake!

   

   It was great to get the tween away from technology for a few days and she loved searching for new adventures to be had. The same has to be said for me, having some "down time" really gave me a chance to recharge my batteries and enjoy some quality family time.

   

   The Hoburne Cotswolds site has something for everyone from an indoor and outside pool, small bowling alley, tennis courts and regular entertainment, not to mention a handy onsite shop and laundrette to help dry those swimming towels. I can imagine that the inside activities could get a little crowded if the weather was bad but during our stay, we rarely had to wait to use any of the facilities.

   

   The Cotswolds have a peacefulness that seems rare to find in our normal busy lives. In 3 days we were relaxed but not bored and we didn't even venture out of the park as everything was on hand. 

   But we have so much more we want to explore on our next visit.

   I am not a travel blogger and sometimes I am not sure I classify as a lifestyle or parent blogger but I am a parent, who enjoys a nice lifestyle and loves to travel. We paid for this long weekend out of our hard earned pennies and it was worth every single penny. Obviously the weather always helps when you are staying in the UK but I have my eye on one of these waterside lodges for when I book our next stay .... I just need to book the weather too! 

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3. Play by Dr Amanda Gummer : Review

   Posted on 9:04pm Tuesday 23rd Jun 2015

   I love reading and I love being a parent, so why wouldn't I want to read a parenting book that is going to encourage fun time with my child?

   Play is a practical and inspiring book for all parents who want to support their child’s development in a fun and pressure free way. Written by Dr Amanda Gummer, child development expert and play psychologist, it’s packed with activities and insights to help parents support their child through the critical first five years of life.

   I read ALOT during my pregnancy with my eldest daughter and when she was little and I was convinced that I was the "perfect parent" until my youngest daughter arrived to remind me that not every child conforms to what a book tells me she should and shouldn't be doing. I found my usually composed exterior flapping and despite assuring everyone that this "experienced mum" knew what she was doing, I struggled to find the right balance of mental, social and physical activities to keep everyone happy. I wished that I had had this book then.

    

   Play looks at those early baby days right through to starting school, which makes it a refreshing change to many books that stop at the toddler years. 

   My favourite parts of the book are:

   • The ability to make notes at the end of each chapter regarding your baby's progress.
   • The easy reference sections makes it easy to pick up when you need guidance with something specific.
   • The way you don't need to read the entire book to know "everything" you need to know.
   • The book gives you both practical and simple ideas

   Despite being eternally broody, we are now past the baby stage *sob* but I know that our baby blogger will be coveting this book when I am finished with it!

   If you want to see more of Dr Amanda Gummer, you can follow her on Facebook here and her website is www.fundamentallychildren.com 

    

   Play is available to pre-order though Amazon , the paperback version is £10.68 and kindle £5.03, so would make a great gift for a baby shower or new baby present.

    

   Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.

    

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4. Guess who just flew into Birmingham Airport?

   Posted on 10:01pm Monday 22nd Jun 2015

   Okay, the title may be a little luring but that is nothing compared to the temptation of the new Marcos restaurant close to Birmingham Airport. Marco's New York Italian is situated at the Holiday Inn, just 10 minutes from the NEC / Genting Arena, Birmingham International rail station and Birmingham International Airport .As a Midlands lass, I couldn't wait to try it out and Fathers Day seemed like the perfect opportunity.

   I have to admit that I was a little unsure of what to expect with the "New York Italian" description but with Marcos name above the door, there was a certain expectation of the food and ambience and it didn't disappoint.

   

   From Italian dishes including mouth-watering Italian sharing platters, fresh seafood, home-made pizza and pasta to American favourites such as succulent steaks, burgers and Marco's special BBQ ribs (which were my starter of choice and were absolutely divine). We enjoyed the set Fathers Day menu, for the exceptionally good price of £19.95 for 3 courses (or £16.95 for 2) and for every table of 4, Dad ate for FREE (but shhhhh don't tell my Dad that I didn't pay for his meal!!).

   With the exception of my Mum, we all chose the beef main course and it didn't disappoint. I was initially worried that the meat was a little on the rare side for me (personal preference and all that) but it tasted exquisite. So much so that my Mum started pinching it off our plate after we had groaned in delight.

   

   The restaurant wasn't overly crowded, which was surprising given the affordable menu choices on the day we visited and the staff were extremely attentive. It will be interesting to see how they will cope as the bookings increase and the restaurant becomes more popular.

   I have to give particular mention to Karen, the restaurant manager, she was extremely welcoming, very professional and coaxed conversation out of a very shy toddler. It is always a worry when we take the children to nice restaurants, not because I am worried about how they will behave, but as to whether or not the restaurant "really" caters for children and welcomes families. We certainly felt welcomed by the whole team and the childrens menu gave a good selection - rather than the tiresome chicken nuggets and chips most restaurants insist on giving younger diners.

   We were seated on a circular table in the centre of the restuarant so were central to the "buzz" which was perfect for us but there are more secluded booths if you are choosing the venue for a romantic meal or business meeting. Every time I looked up from our table, I could see Marco looking down at me from his picture but we didn't get to see the man himself, although I can imagine it may be a little intimidating complaining about a meal if he was in the kitchen!
   

   

   The venue is well placed for motorway links and close enough to Solihull for those who may like to go out dancing afterwards and the only downside was the parking charge from the hotel, despite being discounted having dined in the restaurant.

   For me, it was the perfect way to spend Fathers Day with my husband, children and parents. Unfortunately for my husband, he was not feeling so well so couldn't finish his food (which is unheard of and no reflection on the restaurant) so we have made a resolution to go back to Marcos, so he can see what he was missing!

   For the avoidance of doubt, we paid for our meals and the thoughts, comments and compliments are our honest opinions. No recompense has been received for this review.

   

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