CozyPhones - soft, fleece headphones for kids

Freddy loves his iPad, whether he is watching YouTube videos, listening to music or playing games. However, he also loves getting into bed with us early on a Sunday morning to watch the latest video or listening to his own music playlist in the car or playing a game snuggled up to me on the sofa while I'm trying to watch something on Netflix. Now, there is only so much DanTDM, Ariana Grande or Hello Neighbour that I can deal with in a day, but I don't want to send Fred away or ruin his fun by telling him to turn it off. Up until now, there has been no alternative for me other than sucking up the cacophony of different noises as Freddy hates bulky headphones and uncomfortable earbuds. 

But then, a miracle happened! I was contacted by a US company called CozyPhones who offered to send us a pair of their super comfortable and soft fleece headbands, which contain a discreet pair of quality, ultra thin speakers and a flexible, durable, braided stereo plug. They are easy, safe and fun to wear and allow children to listen to their music, films or games without sharing the noise with everyone else!

The CozyPhones come in a variety of designs including the adorable panda that Freddy received. Other designs include a frog, unicorn, monster, bunny, cat and fox. They are all cute, colourful and fun with masses of kid appeal. The fleece is super soft, light and comfy to wear, providing a hassle free solution for listening to favourite devices.

Freddy loves the cool design, the comfy fit and the ease of use. He is delighted that they don't hurt his ears and he loves wearing them. The headphones work really well and provide a great way for little ones to listen to music, watch videos or play games while providing a peaceful atmosphere for everyone else. They are perfect for bedtime, travelling or for using around the home.

I am so impressed with the CozyPhone headphones. Freddy does struggle a bit with sensory issues, but he absolutely loves these. They don't hurt his ears at all, unlike other headphones we have previously tried. He can use them in his car seat, on the go or while lying in bed. It is easy to adjust the speakers into the optimum position and the band holds them perfectly in place. We get peace and quiet, he is happy. Perfect!

They are available to purchase in the UK from Amazon at £15.99 a pair (just search CozyPhones) with free next day delivery for Prime members. They also come in adult sizes too, in fleece, lycra and contour fit. They would be perfect for listening to music while exercising or for listening to audio books, music or hypnosis tapes in bed. The speakers are removable so the headband can be washed to keep it hygienically clean.

Find out more at www.cozyphones.com.

Num Noms Series 3 Lunch Box

Num Noms are the collectable little toys that kids just love to play with. The new series 3 scented Num figures come in fruit, veggie, candy, marshmallow, Fiesta and donut designs, which can be combined with eraser, stamp and lip gloss Noms. There are just so many combinations that can be created by stacking, mixing and matching the Nums and Noms.

We received a Lunch Box set that comes with thirteen pieces including nine colourful, scented Nums, two Erase-It Noms, a Stamp-It Nom and a mystery piece. With delightful characters such as Victor Vines, Peyton Peppermint and Carrie Corn, the Num Noms are perfect for creative play. The packaging can be used as a storage case and features a decorative, mauve, spoon shaped handle.

Also available in blind packs, the series 3 Noms introduce a whole host of brand new figures to the collection and include some special edition pieces including Coolie Cucumber and Rainbow Pop. We discovered Paula Pumpkin and a two flavoured Orange-Pina Gloss-Up in our pot. Each Num Nom has its own personality and quirky detailing.

Num Noms continue to be a really fun collectable toy with so many foodie scented combinations to create. We love the colours and the smells and the characters of the pieces. Having the useful Noms that double up as erasers, stamps and lip glosses adds an extra element of interest to the collection.

Ballerina - out on DVD and Blu-Ray this Easter

This Easter families can enjoy the fun-filled animated adventure that follows the story of Félicie, a young orphan who tries to make her wildest dream of becoming a dancer come true. BALLERINA is out on Digital Download from 14th April and Blu-ray™ and DVD from 17th April, courtesy of Entertainment One.

BALLERINA follows Félicie's moving and magical journey and features en pointe performances from; Elle Fanning as the aspiring young dancer; Dane DeHaan as Félicie’s best friend and aspiring inventor, Victor; Carly Rae Jepsen as former prima ballerina, Odette; and Maddie Ziegler as a snobby trained ballerina, Camille Le Haut.

Félicie is a young orphan who has a great passion - ballet. With her best friend Victor, they come up with a madcap scheme to escape their orphanage and head to Paris where she plans to fulfil her dreams. Through cunning plans, hard work and a little trickery, Félicie lands a spot at a top dance school. She has to take on the talented, driven but mean spirited Camille and prove herself to make her dreams come true. Camille's evil, pushy mother is determined that her daughter will win the starring role in The Nutcracker and Félicie has to try and beat the bullies and show them that she is more than the 'nothing' they see her as.

Ballerina is an emotional adventure that makes you root for Félicie and celebrate her triumphs. The film's message of never giving up on your dreams, even when you suffer set-backs, makes you believe anything is possible. There are some beautiful relationships within the story of the film that are genuinely heartwarming. Félicie learns lessons and comes to see what really matters and who she really is as she pursues her dream. Love, friendship, passion, dedication and refusing to give up are what can make dreams come true. It is a lovely family movie, perfect for the Easter holidays.

Digital Download Date: 14th April 2017

Blu-ray™ & DVD Date: 17th April 2017

Certificate: U

Genre: Animated / Family

Format: Blu-ray™ and DVD

Run time: 87 minutes

BALLERINA is available on Digital Download from 14th April and on Blu-ray™ and DVD from 17th April, courtesy of Entertainment One.

Perfectly Pink Pinot Grigio and Just Flapjacks

Barefoot Wine's Perfectly Crisp Pink Pinot Grigio

As the weather starts to improve, my thoughts are turning to the joys of sunnier days and al fresco dining. The perfect tipple for sipping this spring is a glass of perfect Pink Pinot Grigio from Barefoot Wine. This drier style rose wine features notes of tart apple, peach and raspberry. It's refreshing, crisp and fruity.

At just £6.99 a bottle it is a great choice when relaxing and sitting out in the sunshine. Barefoot Wine Pink Pinot Grigio is available from Sainsbury's.

Just Flapjack

For a sweet treat, gift, favour or just because...Just Flapjack is a mail order company, selling incredibly delicious, home-baked to order flapjacks. Made using wholesome, natural ingredients, they come in Just Flapjack, Seed & Sultana, Big Softy and Chocolate Drizzle Big Softy varieties in various sizes up to a big family size package.

UK postage and packing is included in the price with a six piece treat size package delivered for just £3.50. The flapjacks are wrapped in brown paper and tied up with string (no plastic is used in the packaging). They look traditional and taste delicious! They make a lovely little gift to send to a loved one, perfect for birthdays or special occasions. For Easter, Just Flapjack has decorated egg shaped flapjacks delivered for £3.50, a super yummy, healthier alternative to chocolate!

www.justflapjack.co.uk

Word Has It! - building the tallest word against the clock

We really enjoy playing family games, especially the ones that make you use your brain but are still a lot of fun to play. Word Has It! from University Games definitely meets this criteria. It is a quick paced game where players scramble to create the tallest word, using the stacking letters, against the clock.

The game includes an electronic timer (AAA batteries required) that counts down and builds the tension as players try to come up with a word that fits the criteria of the round. The criteria is decided using a category card and a spinner which picks the starting letter. From there it is a free for all, as you try to think up a word, find the letters you need on the three sided pieces and stack them up to create the tallest word you can think of. It's not that easy when you are under pressure and against the clock.

Each round is quick to play so you can play for as long as you like by playing as many rounds as you want. If you are like us you will always be wanting to play just one more round, hoping to beat your tallest word! It's great fun for wordsmiths and helps children practice their spelling in a really entertaining way.

Word Has It! is suitable for children aged 7+. Younger children might get a bit frustrated playing against competitive adults, but Freddy enjoyed playing with is as we gave him a bit of help to ensure he could keep up and make his words. Anything that encourages a love of words is worth making some concessions for.  When playing with the older children though it was every man for himself!!

You can play with 2 - 4 players so it is great for couples or families to play together. The RRP is £19.99 and it is available from Argos and Amazon.

Board games such as Word Has It! make a great alternative Easter gift and will keep families entertained over the school holidays. University Games also make the Pointless and 5 Second Rule board games, also excellent choices!