Learn To Do The Mobot with Mo Farah!

Post sponsored by Virgin Media

He wowed us all at the London 2012 Olympics with his brilliant performance and his awesome victory dance.  Now you can learn how to dance the Mobot with double gold medallist Mo Farah.

Viral video by ebuzzing

Submit you dance and you could be in the official Do The Mobot music video, in aid of the Mo Farah Foundation!

Double Olympian gold medalist Mo Farah is aiming to raise £100,000 for the Mo Farah Foundation in partnership with Virgin Media. The Mo Farah Foundation was set up by Mo and his wife Tania to provide aid to children affected by drought in the Horn of Africa.

The Foundation wants to raise £100,000 towards the 'Mo Farah Orphanage and Sports Academy'. Virgin Media has pledged that for every 'Do The Mobot' video uploaded they will donate £2, representing Mo's two gold medals, to The Foundation.

Those uploading a video will also be given the chance to feature in the music video track which will be relased on iTunes this December, just in time for Christmas.

So go on...watch the video (it's very funny) and do The Mobot!

How The Olympics Has Awoken My Inner Patriot!

It's not often that I feel proud to be British.  Usually, my nationality is nothing more than a fact about myself  that I have to fill in on the various forms I have had to complete throughout the course of my life.  However, these last two weeks have launched my inner patriot into overdrive and I am bubbling over with pride in my country.

When I first discovered that the Olympics were coming to London, I was nonplussed!  I am not that interested in most sports on TV as a rule and the thought of London 2012 hijacking our telly channels for a fortnight seemed excessive.  How wrong could I have been!

From the brilliantly British Opening Ceremony I was hooked.  I went on to watch cycling, swimming, rowing, boxing, archery and other random sports, many of which I didn't even understand the rules of.  I quickly began to recognise many of Team GB's sporting greats alongside the old familiar faces of Bolt, Phelps et al and excitedly followed their Olympic journeys through heats, semi-finals and then the glory of the finals themselves.  I celebrated every success and shed many a tear at the emotional medal ceremonies.

The atmosphere of all the venues and the respect shown by the British audiences to athletes of all nationalities  was humbling.  We are a nation often criticized for being rude and disrespectful, but the people who usually give us this bad reputation stayed away.  There was no trouble at all.  No negativity.  No protests.  No violence.  We did ourselves proud on the global stage.  We were able to forget our economic problems and put aside our differences.  After all the troubles in the UK it was like a breath of fresh air to see us united, happy and all working towards a common goal.

The Closing Ceremony was a triumph, celebrating Britsish music, sports, vehicles, comedy and culture.  It made me realise just how 'great' Britain is.  How our reach and influence transcends global boundaries.  How amazing we actually are as a nation.  The Spice Girls arriving in their personalised black cabs was a joyous moment.  OK, they are basically now just a bunch of  30-something mums whose kids were probably hideously embarrassed...but hell, they invented "Girl Power"! Take That singing their beautiful and oh so poignant "Rule the World" made me sob.  Gary Barlow was so brave and so professional, my heart broke for him.  Seeing our music greats from across the decades on giant screens, or watching them perform aboard iconic road vehicles was just genius.  We really know how to put on a show.  We are relevant, current and we are the trendsetters that the world follows.

This fortnight has put our nation on the world map as a creative, innovative, talented and incredibly welcoming bunch.  With my faith restored in humanity and my pride in my country rekindled, I look forward to doing it all again for the Paralympics!

Silent Sunday - Beach Volleyball

My Olympic Themed #Project 52

My Olympic Adventure was amazing, inspirational, awe-inspiring and incredible.  This once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of this event has been so emotional: watching the fastest men in the world race; singing the National Anthem as Mo Farah and Greg Rutherford received their gold medals; being part of the crowd with its deafening roars and pin dropping silences; watching Oscar Pistorius make Olympic history!

London has done us proud.  Team GB has done us proud.  I am so proud to be British right now!

Amazing Architecture

Inspirational Athletes... Oscar Pistorius

Fastest Men in the World... Bolt and Blake

Enthusiastic USA Supporters at the Beach Volleyball

Britain's Pride...Mo Farah

My Amazing Olympic Adventure Part 2

After a fantastic first day in London, experiencing the Roux Restaurant and the Beach Volleyball, we were looking forward to our second day of our BMW Olympic experience.  After a 6am start and a quick buffet breakfast in the restaurant, we boarded our coach to head out to Wentworth Golf and Country Club.

We were met by the incredibly attentive staff who gave us goodie bags, booked us in for our spa treatment and gave us coffee and pastries.  We had a tour of the place and then Ella and I headed for the pool.  I embraced my inner Rebecca Adlington and swam a few lengths, burning off the breakfast I had previously enjoyed!  Afterwards I had a manicure and a rest in the Relaxation Room.

From here we went for yet another incredible meal in the very posh banqueting room which was decorated with fantastically adorned portraits and chandeliers.  The displays of food which were being served were themselves like works of art!  The ice sculptures and platters of  fabulous looking foods were so impressive.  We were instrumental in introducing the joys of the quintessentially British Sticky Toffee Pudding with clotted cream to the two lovely Korean guys from BMW in Italy, whom we befriended!  It was a real hit with them and it was so delicious!  We got to hold the prestigious PGA Championship golf trophy which BMW sponsors.  I'm not a big golf fan but even I recognised the likes of Nick Faldo and other golfers whose names are engraved on the trophy!

We headed from Wentworth straight to the Olympic Park.  Just seeing the incredible stadium gave us goosebumps and made us proud to be British!  We went through the security which was really efficient.  We loved the verges planted with meadow flowers and the attention to detail that had gone into the design of every element of the venue.

BMW are sponsors of the games, providing the official vehicles used.  London 2012 is the most sustainable Olympics ever held and BMW are the most sustainable car company, making them perfect partners.  They have a big display of their cars at the Olympic venue which we looked round, seeing the new innovative environmentally friendly vehicles.

We simply had to go to the biggest McDonald's in the UK and have a McFlurry which we enjoyed whilst sat in the sunshine, watching the myriad of people of all nationalities meandering around.  The atmosphere was incredible.  News of Murray's gold medal began to spread and soon everyone was cheering at the great news of yet another gold for Team GB.  We went to the BMW Hospitality Lounge where we were treated to more incredible food...Fennel and Tomato Gratin with a number of fabulous salads, followed by a lovely strawberry and raspberry tart.  We got to meet Olympic gold medallist (and very handsome rower) James Cracknell who spoke to us about his own experiences, adventures and future goals.

The highlight of the day was of course the Athletics session that was to include the 100m finals with the awesome Usain Bolt.  We had the most brilliant tickets (the face value of them was a jaw dropping £725 each!)  Our seats were directly in front of the medal podium about half way along the 100m track.  Perfect!  Walking into the stadium was unbelievable.  I felt so emotional seeing all the people, the Olympic Flame burning and the sheer scale of the arena.  The first event of the night was the medal presentation for the Long Jump which had been won by Greg Rutherford.  Hearing our national anthem sung by thousands of people made me actually cry!   We also saw Mo Farrah pick up his gold medal.  We quickly realised that sat a few seats behind us were the young Royals...Kate, Wills and Harry!  We were a bit excited....however seeing Tony and Cherie Blair just a few seats away wasn't quite as thrilling by comparison!

We were sat in front of the Royals!!

BMW have a team of remote control mini cars that are used to fetch the javelins, hammers, shotputs and discuses back from where they are thrown in the competition.  We were impressed that BMW had managed to get themselves centre stage in the field events.

We were treated to some incredible displays of sporting excellence.  The women's 400m hurdles, men's 3000m steeplechase, women's triple jump, men's high jump, men's 400m semi-finals, men's hammer and of course the men's 100m semi-final and final!

We had the best view and it was truly exciting.  The silence of 80,000 people waiting for the starter's gun to go off for the 100m final followed by the deafening roar as Usain Bolt strode into the lead in a race that broke Olympic records as the fastest final, with 7 runners finishing with a sub 10 second time, is something I will remember forever.  History was made right there!

Perhaps the most moving moment for us was witnessing double amputee Oscar Pistorius make Olympic history by competing in the 400m semi-finals.  We've followed the career of the Paralympian dubbed the "Blade Runner" for years, as he has fought for the right to compete in the Olympics.  Watching him running was awe inspiring.  The man is an inspiration and a true sporting legend, breaking down barriers for the future.  I felt so honoured being there.

Blade Runner....Oscar Pistorius

The whole experience from the moment we arrived in London has been a real once in a lifetime affair.  Being there, being a part of something so historic has made me proud to British.  Watching the inspirational sportsmen and women in action is so exciting.  I am loving the Olympics!

Thank you so much to ParkatmyHouse.com * for the opportunity and BMW for the hospitality.  I can't imagine having a better Olympic Experience!

Ella and I Enjoying London 2012

*Do take a look at www.ParkatmyHouse.com who offer a revolutionary new approach to parking, offering the largest online parking community where you can find a private drive, parking space or garage to park your car, saving money and offering peace of mind.  Perfect for when going on holiday or attending an event such as the Olympics, knowing your car is safely parked.  You can also make cash by renting out your spare parking space.

My Amazing Olympic Adventure Part 1

Our London 2012 Experience with BMW

When I filled out an app on ParkatmyHouse.com's Facebook wall, I did not think for one second that I would end up winning a VIP Olympic weekend to London for two, as guests of BMW...but that is exactly what happened!  The package included two nights at the Four Seasons Hotel in Canary Wharf, a morning at Wentworth Park Country Club, tickets to the Beach Volleyball, dinner at the Roux Restaurant, tickets to the Athletics including the Men's 100m final, a host of official Olympic merchandise and all the food, drink and transport required.  An unbelievable package by anyone's standards!!  Ella was chuffed to be my guest (while my fabulous husband held the fort back home) as we set off to London on Saturday morning to experience first hand the excitement of the Olympics Games!

As we arrived at Euston Station we were met by a BMW chauffeur who drove us to the Four Seasons Hotel at Canary Wharf.  BMW had taken over the entire hotel for the duration of the Olympics and it was teeming with BMW employees from across the world who were all invited to attend. We were given details of which group we were part of and we joined the Italian group on their weekend of ultimate corporate hospitality.  We were also given a bundle of fantastic official BMW and Olympic merchandise including coats, rucksacks, caps, umbrellas and other goodies.  After being shown to our amazing room, with its huge feature window with a view towards the city, we went down to the restaurant for our first meal of our weekend.  All the food and drink we wanted was available to us 24/7.  We enjoyed a delicious mushroom risotto, fruit salad, artisan bread and a selection of fancy desserts.

We had a bit of time before the first outing on our itinerary and enjoyed a couple of non-alcoholic cocktails in the lounge whilst watching the Olympic action on the big TVs that were set up for the event.  Our coach arrived and we headed off to central London to enjoy some fine dining at The Roux restaurant at Parliament Square. At all times we were escorted by our two BMW hosts Becky and Doris who looked after us and lead us as a group to our destinations.

We had a private dining room at The Roux.  Ella and I ended up seated with a group of non-English speaking Italian executive types which was a bit awkward!  However, we enjoyed sampling the world of posh nosh Michel Roux style!  As vegetarians we had different dishes to everyone else.  I don't know if they forgot to prepare us a starter and had to hastily knock something up, but where the carnivores had a beautiful looking crab and caviar starter, we had some roughly chopped raw tomatoes in a bowl!  Surely not an original Roux recipe??  The main of roasted artichoke and the chocolate cremosa dessert was however wonderful and presented exquisitely!

After our meal we walked to Horse Guard's Parade to attend our first Olympic event, the Beach Volleyball. It was a lovely walk and the weather was lovely, but like an idiot I had new shoes on which rubbed like hell leaving me hobbling...thank goodness for our BMW host and her stash of Compeed!

The Beach Volleyball arena was so impressive.  The atmosphere in the place was very reminiscent of the American heritage of the sport.  Lots of Mexican Waves, crowd participation with chanting and clapping, a troop of scantily clad dancers who came on between each break in play and lots of great music!

It was real entertainment and the crowd was fantastic.  We had a group of Americans in front of us who were fans of the US men's team of Rosenthal and Gibbs.  Watching their enthusiasm and the way they leaped to their feet dancing and cheering after every point was such fun! Both the American men's and women's teams won through to the final eight knocking out the Russian and Dutch teams.

While we were watching, news came through of Jessica Ennis winning gold and we enjoyed our first Team GB moment when the Brits in the crowd went wild!  It was so moving.  News of the 10,000m and long jump successes were also announced and were met with similar stamping, cheering, chanting and clapping!  Amazing moments.

We got back to the hotel at midnight and with a 6am start planned for the next morning we hit our incredibly comfy beds in our very plush room straight away.

Part two to follow....

They're Getting Sporty in Smurf Land!

Schleich's Smurfs Celebrate London 2012 By Getting Sporty!

Everyone is getting excited about this summer's major sporting event, the London 2012 Olympics and that includes the Smurfs who are joining in with the fun!  Schleich have introduced ten new Smurf characters to their collection, who are all taking part in different sporting events such as swimming, weightlifting and javelin.  One is even proudly sporting a gold medal!  (Here's hoping GB will be winning plenty of those come summer!)

As with all Schleich figures, the Smurf Sports characters have intricate detail and are beautifully made.  They are great collectibles aimed at children aged 8-12 years old (although loved by all ages) and are a fun way to celebrate sporting success!

Just take a look at this selection of Sporty Smurfs we received, ready for sporting glory this summer. Each stands approximately 5-6cm tall.

Smurfette is running in the Relay and is ready to pass on her golden baton as quick as a flash.  

Shotputter Smurf is going for gold and hoping for a personal best. Such concentration!

Swimmer Smurf is on the starting blocks ready to make a splash!

Weightlifting Smurf is going blue in the face as he lifts the weights.  Just look at that effort!

Any Smurfs fans will love these latest additions to the Smurf collection.  They are a fun way to celebrate sport and inspire youngsters to get active, just like they do in Smurfland!!

See the full range and find out more at www.schleich-s.com

Wear It! Wave It! Win With It!

Official Team GB Olympic and Paralympic Supporters' Scarf by Next

Next have launched the historic must-have for the London 2012 Olympic Games.  The stylish scarf has been designed as a tribute to Team GB and is a lasting iconic memento of this momentous occasion.  It is a statement of support and involvement.

The intricate patterns incorporated in the scarf represent the athletes, the events, symbols of our nation, representations of the supporters, the date of the Olympics and a GB map.  It is truly a piece of art.

Available as a 90cm or 50cm square, the scarf can be worn or waved with pride.

There is also a Paralympics design representing the 'talent, pride and determination' of the GB team with 'ice in their minds and fire in their belly'.  The hand painted lion symbolizes this, and the sixty hands represent the sixty million supporters of our greatest team. The large size costs £10, the smaller size costs £5.

Everyone purchasing an official Olympic or Paralympic scarf from Next can post a photograph of themselves wearing it to win prizes, including hugely coveted Olympic London 2012 tickets.

Check out the Wear It! Wave It! Win With It! page for more details.

Next sent me a scarf to try out and here is how Kizzy wore it!

All profits from the sale of every scarf go to support our athletes in the quest for Olympic and Paralympic glory.