Blog : Little Lilypad Co

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The Little Lilypad is a lifestyle blog mostly written by a mum to two beautiful, cheeky and entertaining daughters. It is sometimes written by the Man on the Pad or by one of our baby bloggers. Occasionally we accept guest posts too. There is frequently talk of sustainable living, saving money, lifestyle and travel. It is hopefully helpful, sometimes funny and always honest.

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  1. Back to School. It seems like we have been back for weeks now. 

    The alarm clock goes off every morning and the dawning realisation that I have to brave the school run again dawns on me. The girls both (thankfully) enjoy school so once they are up there is never a huge drama about going (it is usually me they have to drag out of bed). 

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    After the first week or so back, we were thrilled to receive a goody bag from our friends at Moj Moj. We like to think it was a reward for surviving the first week back at school and both girls dived into the mega bag of goodies to see what they had been sent. 

    As you can see, it was a truly great bag of goodies!

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    Moj Moj are a big favourite in our house at the moment and we have talked about them recently on the blog. They are one of our current favourite collectibles as Moj Moj squish, squash and stretch and are totally adorable. Moj Moj are perfect for cute little collectors aged 5 and up.

    Each creature belongs to their own group of family which include Adventure Seekers, Party Animals, Couch Potatoes, Happy Campers, Sun Bathers and Day Dreamers.

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    Each "blind bag" pack contains two Moj Moj and there are so many to collect, duplicates don't happen very often but even if they do, swapping with your sister, or your friends is half the fun. There are 95 squishy Moj Moj to collect and they come in all shapes and sizes with different animals and fun, bright colours to squash and squish.

    You can buy Moj Moj mystery packs at Smyths Toys, they are £3.99 a pack which makes them ideal pocket money treats. We are therefore thrilled to be running a little giveaway at the moment for you to win your own Moj Moj bundle so if you want to be in with a chance to win your own Moj Moj to squish and squeeze, just enter below. 

     Moj Moj giveaway

     

    Terms & Conditions

    The Prize:  1 x Moj Moj bundle (1 prize)

    The winners will be chosen at random by the random winner generator on Gleam and notified within 7 working days by email
    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 29/09/2018

     

  2. How do you get the best deals online? This is a question that my mom in particular regularly asks me as I am always on a quest for a deal online, whereas she prefers going into a physical shop to do her shopping (and haggling). She is very tactile and likes to see things in the flesh, a real old skool shopper but what if you can do all of those things AND still get the best online deals?

    Let's say that you go into a shop, find the perfect item but it is a little more than you really want to pay? Well now you can simply go home and find the best deal.

    Sounds good right?

    I am going to let you into a little secret, this week I have been introduced to a new price tool alert in the form of PIWoP which lets me know when the item I want is at the price I set.

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    I can't tell you the amount of times I have seen a product I want, only for the price to change a few days later.

    Or get a discount code from a voucher site, then to find it has expired.

    PiWop takes away all of this guess work, their universal price-drop alert engine simply tells you when items you like drop in price to or below a level you choose. Take a look at this video that explains a bit more.

    Registering for the service is FREE and it can be used on a PC/Mac but, if like me, you prefer all the information at your fingertips, you can also download the App so you can use on your phone/tablet too. 

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    I usually get involved in a weekly link up of money saving activity and 5 frugal things I have done this week and I have to be honest after our holiday and a certain little lady's birthday, things have not been so frugal around here but I think that is about to change after being introduced to PiWop.

    In my mind, finding the best deal means more shopping for less money and whilst that may not make me frugal, it definitely makes me happy!

    Why not take a look for yourself?

     

  3. I have to admit that since having the children, we have not been particularly brave with our hoilday choices. We have always chosen somewhere that is well known and a relatively short flight away but maybe we should be a little more adventurous and look at exploring somewhere new.

    In recent years Oman has had a turn-around that is unheard of in almost any other country's history. A nearly bloodless exchange of power has put a forward-thinking, and modern monarch into power that has delivered the country into a golden age. You can get your Oman visa and book a trip to experience this new wave of Omani history.

    This uprising and historical oddity have many people flocking to experience a country that was shut up in isolation for so long. Now, the new Sultan in power doesn't intend to let the raw beauty of the landfall by the wayside either. He's brought a balance to updating the country bringing in improved living condition and education access, as well as protecting these hidden gems. 

    The Green Mountains

    These mountains are regularly called “Magical Mountains” or “The Magic Mountain” which says a lot about their stunning geographical features, but more about what these mountains have done for Oman. Omani tribes were separated by these mountains creating historical divides that still have some semblance today. 

    But you’ll find that these tribes have protected much of their culture, and these mountains truly are magical.

    Wadi Nakhr

    A Wadi is any channel or river that runs through a valley or ravine. Wadi Nakhr is special because it runs through an area known as Oman’s Grand Canyon. This ravine sets inside the Hajar Mountains. Its beautiful clear waters are an enchanting contrast to the sandstone cliffs that rise around it. 

    When visiting Wadi Nakhr, you should plan the whole day. Because you’re far out from nearby cities or villages you should account for needing to bring water, and food. Oman camping policies don’t allow people to camp directly next to any wadi, so be sure to go out a few miles before setting up camp.

    Misfat Al Abryeen

    A bit of history still living today, the traditional Omani village of Misfat Al Abryeen is one of this country’s greatest hidden treasures. The stone housing flows right from the mountain. Many houses sit underneath a canopy of banana palms. You can walk through the many lanes of this old village for a lazy and relaxing day.

    If you’re planning to see this ancient big of Omani culture and history, bring a lot of water. Always take your time getting there as well, much of the beauty in Oman is between the villages and towns.

    Al Ayn Beehive Tombs 

    These beehive-like structures are a far cry out from the killing fields that many travels to Cambodia to see. Instead, these toms commemorate a time frame in Oman. These tombs are from the 3rd millennium, B.C. The tombs themselves stand individually with only a single opening to enter or exit and a single room inside.

    When you're visiting the Al Ayn Beehive Tombs, you must be careful to watch your footing. The same stones used to craft these structures lay all across the ground. Losing your balance is easy.

    Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve and Beach

    Although this isn't necessarily a hidden gem, it is the most protected turtle beach in Oman. Ras al Jinz is a world-famous reserve for turtles, and it's only a short trip from the city of Sur. At the right time of year, you can watch sea turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean.

    The warm gulf waters and mostly untouched beaches are the haven that sea turtles look for when nesting. If you're planning on making a trip  to Ras al Jinz, you'll need a reservation. Even during the offseason, many people flock to this reserve for the experience.

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    Whenever visiting reserves, or sanctuaries in foreign countries it’s important to ask about the rules. Some places only allow visitors during certain times of day, or in Ras al Jinz’s case, by reservation.

    My girls would love the turtle beach and maybe, just maybe we should look beyond the usual all inclusive holiday options and look for something different next year!

  4. It is no secret that my girls love a collectible and if you mix a collectible with a squishy toy, what do you get? A Moj Moj (and happy children). 

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    Moj Moj squish, squash and stretch and are totally adorable. Moj Moj are perfect for cute little collectors aged 5 and up. The characters include family groups such as Adventure Seekers, Party Animals, Couch Potatoes, Happy Campers, Sun Bathers and Day Dreamers ... not to mention the sparkles!

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    MGA Entertainment, Inc are the makers of some your favorite brands including our other favourites L.O.L. Surprise! and they totally understand that as parents we want children's toys to be safe. So it is good to know that their toys are  subjected to a rigorous testing process that not only meets, but quite often exceeds legal requirements. 

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    Each Moj Moj pack is priced at £4 but we are thrilled to be able to give you the chance to win a Moj Moj bundle of 5 packs (each including 2 Moj Moj). There are over 95 to collect so lots of chances to find new little creatures to squish and maybe you’ll strike lucky and find one of the ultra-rare characters in your packs.

    All you need to do is enter below: 

     Moj Moj giveaway

    Terms & Conditions

    The Prize:  1 x Moj Moj bundle (1 prize)

    The winners will be chosen at random by the random winner generator on Gleam and notified within 7 working days by email
    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 29/09/2018