My Week In Pictures #Project 52

A wet half term meant lots of indoor activities with fancy dress, baking and family fun.  We got into the Jubilee spirit and enjoyed watching the concert.  Kizzy had her Fabulous Bakin' Boys factory visit to work on her cupcakes that are coming to a supermarket near you in July!!  We had our first peek at Joe and Jade's baby...my future little grandchild...with Jade's 12 week scan.  

Here is my week in pictures.

Making Union Jack Cushions

A Rainy Day Craft Activity...Sewing A Union Jack Cushion

Unfortunately, yesterday was a rather wet and cold and windy day for the Jubilee celebrations and our street party was cancelled.  So instead of singing God Save the Queen while eating scones and cucumber sandwiches with our neighbours, we were stuck indoors.  But with an Interplay My Style Make Union Jack Cushions set to try out, we could get down to some patriotic crafts instead!

The set includes everything needed to make two hand sewn felt Union Jack Cushions, one large and one small.  The cushion pads come vacuum packed and spring up when removed from the plastic packaging.  You just need your own scissors and you're ready to go.  The pre-cut felt pieces are sewn together according to the instructions using the coloured thread.  The sewing holes are ready punched and line up well.

9 year old Kizzy set off stitching together the pieces and although I had to unravel a few knotted threads she did quite a good job initially.  She did however get a bit confused as to how to assemble all the parts and I have to admit that with my lack of spatial awareness and lack of sewing skills I wasn't much help.  I'm pretty sure we had two of the diagonals sewn on upside down!  Kizzy found it a bit complicated and fiddly as we progressed.

We persevered together, and even though we ended up probably doing some bits our own way, rather than sticking to the instructions, we did end up with a rather nice little button-up cushion at the end of our session.  It isn't perfect...but we were proud!

The Union Jack Cushion Set costs £14.99 and is aimed at ages 8+. 

Kizzy is not a naturally gifted seamstress, but she was quite pleased with the finished pillow.  I'm sure with practice she'll improve and quickly surpass my sewing talents!!  But between us, we had fun and created a Jubilee souvenir that will forever remind us of the day that our street party was rained off!

Reasons To Be Cheerful Week 22 #R2BC

What's Made Me Smile This Week?

Another week has flown by, bringing with it a whole host of reasons to give cheer!

1:  Half way through Ian's 90 day redundancy notice, there is a ray of light.  Another employee has accepted another job in a different department meaning that Ian's role is now potentially safe!!  HR refuse to commit to putting it in writing, but this is as close to a reprieve as we can hope for.  So fingers crossed we won't be yet another victim of the economic recession.  I hadn't realised just how worried we actually were, as I was trying to put a positive spin on it all.  But the sudden sense of relief in both Ian and myself is palpable!  A huge weight has lifted!

2:  It's the Jubilee weekend and we are looking forward to the two extra days off!   Kizzy went to school in her Jubilee attire today and looked gorgeous.  She is so excited about the Diamond Jubilee and has learnt all sorts of facts about the Queen!   She had a special picnic lunch which included a gingerbread queen!  They released red and blue balloons and the choir was recorded singing The National Anthem for Shropshire Radio.

She is also very proud of her Grandad who marched in the Coronation as a Coldstream Guard back in 1952!  It has made it all very real to her having him as part of the historical event.

She showed this photograph to her class, Grandad is in the very middle of the front row looking very smart in his uniform!

3:  Ella is just four exams away from finishing her GCSEs and Megan is one exam away from graduating from University.  It is a difficult time in the year, but both of my grown-up girls have coped really well and will soon be able to relax and enjoy the summer.  It will be lovely to spend some extra time with them, I love their company.

I couldn't be more proud of Ella who has had such a tough year.  She has now officially left school (and has a signed shirt to prove it) and will be starting a new college in September.

Megan has a lot of exciting opportunities coming up...not exactly sure what they will be, but she has a few ideas and knowing my daughter she'll be embracing them with open arms!  She has also relaunched her blog Not Met Megan with the tagline:

"Looking forward to meeting all those new people who have Not Met Megan yet."


So do drop by and say hello and make her day :)

4:  My last reason to be cheerful is that it is half term next week.  I love it when the kids are off school.  No early mornings, no school runs and permanent sisterly entertainment on hand for Freddy!  I cannot believe we are this far through the school year already.  I really must try and find a nursery for Fred in September!!




That's me for this week...check out other reasons to be cheerful and link up at Mummy With A Heart!

Celebrating the Jubilee Weekend With Aldi

A Right Royal Knees Up with the Big Jubilee Price Bash At Aldi

This weekend heralds the much anticipated Diamond Jubilee weekend.  With people up and down the country celebrating all that is British, Aldi is offering some great priced products to make your party go with a patriotic bang!  I have been sent a selection to try out.

If you are having a street party, Aldi have a range of party ware in Union Jack, Official Jubilee and Keep Calm and Carry on designs.  Packs of 8 Cups, 8 Plates and a Tablecloth cost just 99p each.  I love the quality of their tableware.  Jubilee Face Paints will  add an element of fun and at just £1.99 for six crayons are a real bargain.  Fly a Union Flag with pride for just £1.99!  The eyelets allow you to hang it from any pole with ease. Tall Top Hats will prove to be the crowning glory of any party and are available in red or blue for just £2.99.  The velvet feel, novelty headwear are emblazoned with the Union flag and will definitely get you noticed!  I love the Keep Calm and Carry On mug twin packs that cost just £2.99.  They will make a great souvenir after the event!  I really like the popular Keep Calm and Carry On design and am really pleased that it appears on so many of the Aldi Jubilee range.  It is so stylish and so very British!

Also available are a range of kitchen textiles.  The tea-towel three packs for £2.99 are great quality and value.  In the same three themes of the party ware, they are colourful and cute.  This floral Union Jack design is just gorgeous.  It's a touch Cath Kidston but at a fraction of the price. 

With hundreds of great everyday savings you can buy food and drinks that represent great value and quality.  A four pack of Great British Ales is just £4.99.   Or treat the kids to a huge jar of sweeties for just £2.99.  The Let's Party range offers buffet goodies from just £1 a box.  So whether you are having a small family gathering or a street party for all your neighbours, Aldi can help cater for your needs!

So have a fantastic weekend and celebrate in style with Aldi.

These offers and many more fabulous items are available in store while stocks last.  Find out more on the Special Buys page at www.aldi.co.uk

We're So Impressed With The Nintendo 3DS

 Gaming in 3D With The Nintendo 3DS

Kizzy is one happy little girl.  After years of coveting a Nintendo DS, she has finally got her hands on the bang up to date, super entertainment system, the Nintendo 3DS thanks to the lovely people at Nintendo.  Being the proud user of the Nintendo 3DS means Kizzy can do games reviews and try out the features of the Nintendo 3DS and report back here on the blog.

The Nintendo 3DS is a smart looking, compact hand held gaming and entertainment system.  The integrated battery and base unit makes re-charging the 3DS a doddle.  Simply plug the base in and once the 3DS is charged you are ready to go with its range of built in features.

Nintendo's Latest hand Held Entertainment System

The Nintendo 3DS opens up to reveal two screens.  The top screen can be viewed in 2D or 3D using a sliding switch on the side of the screen.  You can change the depth of the 3D or play games in crisp 2D.  You don't need glasses to achieve the 3D effect meaning you can enjoy it anytime and anywhere. The bottom is a touch screen that is used to control the game play using a stylus or your finger.

Nintendo 3DS...The e-Shop

The Nintendo e-shop gives you quick and easy access to hundreds of downloadable games and videos.  You can even watch films via Netflix, perfect for entertaining the kids on the go.  There is even the opportunity to download exclusive weekly episodes of Shaun the Sheep that kids will love, including a special episode that includes Nintendo's own famous plumber Mario!

My Mii Character...Looks Just Like Me!!

One of the many built -in features of the Nintendo 3DS is the Mii Maker software allowing you to create yourself, family and friends as Mii avatars.  You can use Street Pass Mii Plaza to interact with other players.  Kizzy has made our family in Mii form!  I think mine is very accurate!  The Mii characters show up from time to time and can be used with special AR cards that bring them to life.

Face Raiders is a massively addictive game that uses a photo of your face to create a flying character that you then shoot down as it flies around your room.  It is so clever and a little bit spooky seeing your own face in a game.  The technology still astounds me!!

Playing on the Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS includes a camera allowing you to take 3D photos by using two outward facing lenses.  You can then use fun filters to have fun with your photos and make an eye-popping gallery of snaps!  AR cards add an amazing interactive element to your entertainment with augmented reality gaming technology! Special cards are included with the 3DS which, when viewed through the camera spring characters to life before your eyes on screen, as if they were really there in front of you.  It's just so clever!  You can also make your own 3D videos using the camera.  This is great for stop-motion animation projects.

Mario on the Nintendo 3DS

There are masses of games to play on the Nintendo 3DS.  It is back compatible with previous consoles which is something that I think is really impressive. Many Nintendo favourites such as Mario, Kid Icarus, Pokemon and Zelda are all available in games that can be played in stunning 3D.

The Nintendo 3DS has wireless internet access allowing you to browse the web anywhere with wifi.  Keep up with social media, search for games tips or upload photos on the go!  This console is connected!

This is just the start of us exploring the features and functions of the Nintendo 3DS.  We are looking forward to testing out the two games we have, Kid Icarus Uprising and Super Mario 3D Land.  (Reviews to follow!)   We are also excited about exploring all the free content that is regularly updated and can be downloaded to the Nintendo 3DS.  More on this to come!

All of us have enjoyed trying out the Nintendo 3DS and we've only used a fraction of the potential of this exciting entertainment system.  There is so much more fun to be had and so many games of Face Raider to be played.

*Stop Press...Nintendo 3DS For The Jubilee*

Patriotic Gamers can prepare themselves for the Queen's Jubilee (and in time for the London 2012 Olympics), with a Nintendo 3DS available in the royal colours of red, white and blue.  It offers a unique way to capture all of your Jubilee celebrations in 3D.  You can experience this momentous occasion of the Jubilee in full 3D without the need for special glasses. The full glory of the Jubilee pageantry can be captured on the Nintendo 3DS video recorder and watched back on the console to relive the memories in amazing 3D.  It's easy to get online when you’re out and about by using one of thousands of WiFi hotspots available free to Nintendo 3DS users across the UK/Europe and you can send notes and drawings to your friends via Letter Box, a delightful messaging feature on the Nintendo 3DS.  So wherever you are for the Jubilee weekend you can stay connected and be entertained with a Nintendo 3DS!