Playing with PlayMais!

When we were offered a bucket of PlayMais to review, Tiny Tester Kizzy couldn't wait to get her hands on it!  She loves arts and crafts!  Usually, this equates to her ending up to her neck in glue, cardboard, sellotape, loo roll tubes, paints, tissue paper and felt tips, but having no real direction as to what to make. She tries to replicate what she sees Mister Maker knock up, but it never really works and we end up with some soggy lump of sticky goo which we admire for a couple of days before making a gift of it to the bin men!

When the big bucket of PlayMais arrived I was impressed to find out that it was 100% bio-degradable, completely harmless, made from non-modified maize and coloured with non-toxic food dyes. So it is safe for both my children and the planet!  The pieces stick together with water so you need no glue or sticky tape to make a model. The pack contained 500 pieces along with an absorbent cloth and a bio-degradable modelling tool.  The pieces can be easily cut, rolled or torn into shapes before sticking together with a tiny drop of water.  The natural starch content of the maize makes a glue when it comes into contact with water on the moist cloth.

We made the decision not to let Freddy lose with the PlayMais today.  Although I'm sure he would have loved to have played with it, he also would have thrown it, eaten it and generally smooshed it up.  I know it would be harmless, and that the dyes are washable from clothing at 30 degrees, but I thought Kizzy would have much more fun playing without her toddler brother interfering!   So while he enjoyed a film with his Daddy, me and Kizzy got stuck into the PlayMais.

Kizzy loved the colourful bricks and thought they "looked, felt and smelt like Wotsits!"  She quickly got to grips with cutting pieces to size and using just a touch of water from the damp cloth to stick them together.

The instruction leaflet had lots of ideas for different things to make and she diligently cut and stuck to make a range of animals, people, plants and bugs.  The pieces are easy to manipulate into whatever shape you can imagine.

It was so simple to make things without worrying about glueing or waiting for it to dry. The pieces stuck together instantly which meant Kizzy could create whatever she liked quickly and simply, which was very satisfying for her.  She let her imagination run wild and created her own little world of PlayMais characters.  PlayMais can be as simple or complex as you want it to be.  At 8, Kizzy was able to mould the pieces to create what she wanted to make.  It gave her a real sense of accomplishment (unlike when trying to emulate Mister Maker and his unachievable 30 second makes!!)

Here is a video of her demonstrating how to make a PlayMais person and showing some of her finished models!

She really did love it and it was nice to be able to compost the offcuts knowing they are completely bio-degradable.  We had no trouble with running dye as she was old enough to understand about not using too much water.  There was no mess on her hands, clothes or the table after we had finished playing.  As far as I am concerned, it is an excellent arts and crafts product...it was not too messy, it was quick and easy, it didn't frustrate her because it did exactly what she wanted it to do and the waste can be disposed off into the compost bin. The bucket keeps it all contained and stores it away nicely. It's eco-friendly, green, versatile and a lot of fun!

She made a little film using some of the characters we made.  It really fired her imagination!

PlayMais originates from Germany where it is an award winning favourite.  It is now taking the UK by storm. It is available from John Lewis, Amazon and from good toy shops.  Prices start at just £2.99 for a small themed kit.  It is recommended for ages 3 and up, but really does become as complex as your child's needs.
I give it a big thumbs up...I really can't fault it!

We Love Our Pre Shoes!

Pre-Shoes xxx

Freddy has become the proud owner of a gorgeous pair of 'Young Farmers' Baby Shoes courtesy of  Pre Shoes.  We were sent these beautiful little booties to review, and I can honestly say it was love at first sight for Freddy when he saw the fun tractor design and vibrant colours!

They arrived presented in a transparent zip up bag with a neat carry handle.  The design was brilliant with a tractor on one foot and a trailer on the other.  I was ohhing and ahhing from the moment they arrived.  Not only is the design unique and quirky, it also means I'll never get the left and right shoes mixed up (a real plus for the spatially challenged among us!!)

Freddy really has taken a shine to his Pre Shoes.  At 18 months old, he is a great little walker but his outdoor shoes are quite clompy and restrictive for wearing all day long.  These soft soled leather shoes are so easy to wear and comfortable, that Freddy loves wearing them.  For running, crawling, playing and climbing, these Pre Shoes are proving an excellent choice!

They are made of soft, top quality leather that allows baby's feet to breathe, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer.  The anti-slip suede sole is perfect for when learning to walk or toddling...and is especially good on laminate floors.  They are durable and flexible allowing baby's little feet to move and tiny toes to grip, giving unrestricted movement, perfect for play time!  The elasticated comfort band keeps the shoes snugly in place without the need for annoyingly fiddly laces or buckles.

They fit Freddy really well and are generously sized.  They are available in four sizes from newborn up to 24 months.  They would make a perfect gift idea for birthdays, christenings or for a new arrival.  The range has so many fun and funky designs for both boys and girls in a whole spectrum of colours, there really is something for everyone.

The Pre Shoes can be worn inside or out.  I've found them invaluable for travelling in the car or the buggy because they are so light and comfortable on Freddy's feet.  They are excellent for playing indoors as I don't worry about him clambouring on the furniture (in true boyish style) as they are soft and have no buckles to catch or snag the sofa (or himself!)  Freddy has tested his shoes hard and they still look great.  The sole is fairing up excellently to his abuse and the stitching is still perfectly intact.  They are very well made, excellent quality and creatively designed shoes.

My only wish is that I'd discovered them sooner.  I love them!  Freddy loves them!  People comment on them because they look so cool!  I highly and wholeheartedly recommend Pre Shoes.  This video shows Freddy having some boisterous fun whilst wearing his Pre Shoes.

The shoes that Freddy was sent to review are Pre Shoes Young Farmer Baby Shoes priced at £15.99 and available to purchase online at Pre Shoes.

*Pre Shoes work closely with the Leather Centre to ensure the highest quality of standards.  The leather is tested and awarded the Leathersure Mark.  Although I am a vegetarian, I use leather products because I think that leather is often the best material for the job.*

Silent Sunday...My Daughter

A Healthier Chocolate Fix with Mighty Mix Cookies!

It's nearly Easter and the shops have been displaying hundreds of chocolatey treats for weeks.  It can be hard to resist the temptation, but there is another way to achieve a chocolate fix with a healthier twist!  Linwoods have an alternative where you can enjoy an Easter treat without the guilt.  Linwoods Milled Flaxseed, Cocoa, Strawberries and Blueberries give you the all the flavour of quality cocoa whilst giving you a health and energy boost at the same time.

Natural Cocoa powder which is used in the mix is high in Flavanols , which help maintain a healthy heart and circulation.   Just two spoonfuls of this tasty mix contains the same antioxidants as 3 portions of broccoli, a cabbage, 6 carrots, 10 tomatoes, 2 apples and a grapefruit!

It also has 75% reduced fat when compared to other cocoa in most dark chocolate products.

This Superfood Mix also contains Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Selenium and Omega 3.  This chocolate fix will add valuable nutrition to your diet.

We've been sent a packet of Linwoods Milled Flaxseed, Cocoa, Strawberries and Blueberries along with a recipe to make  "Chocolate Mighty Mix Cookies"!

So with the help of my Tiny Testers, we have put Linwoods to the test.  Is it possible to make a  chocolatey treat that is really good for you?!

  

125g Linwoods Milled Organic Flaxseed, Cocoa and Berries 100g Margarine  or Butter 60g Oats 70g Self Raising Flour 45g Sugar 5ml Vanilla Flavouring

The cookies really do taste healthy.  They are wholesome,  oaty, earthy, seedy and have an intense chocolatey taste.  They were very moreish but not very sweet.  The girls happily chomped through them (but said they would have liked a bit more sugar in them). 

If you are looking for a really healthy ingredient to add nutritional value to your diet, Linwoods is definitely the answer.   I will definitely experiment by using it in other recipes.  The list of health benefits listed on the pack is impressive.  Just adding two dessert spoonfuls of the mix to your meals in a day will provide all the benefits of this superfood.  Sprinkle over cereals, put it in smoothies or in homemade bread, add to yogurt, use in stuffing or nut roasts, sprinkle over cooked vegetables or use in desserts, cakes or biscuits.  There are nine different products in the range so you're sure to find one you love!

Available from independent health food stores, Holland & Barrett, Julian Graves, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and pharmacies across the UK and retail at approximately £8.00 per pack and range from 49p to 99p for a mini pack.

If you would like to start feeling the benefits from Linwoods Superfoods, register free for the 10 Day Healthy Superfoods Challenge via the Facebook page and receive a 10 Day Variety Pack!

Farty Sounds are Funny

I just had to share this video of Freddy demonstrating the new sound effect he has learned.  Blowing raspberries is something this boy just can't get enough of.  Anytime, anywhere.  This morning we filmed him at it.  I hope you enjoy his talent as much as I do.

Jackson Reece Unscented Baby Wipes...Kinder by Nature x

Back in December, I reviewed Jackson Reece's Baby Wipes and was impressed by their greener, safer credentials and their price tag, which was the same as other premium brands.  You don't have to pay the earth to help save it!

I've now been sent a pack of their Unscented Wipes to try out.  They are pure and simple made using high purity water.   With the same impressive specifications as the original wipes, they are:

• 100% bio-degradable, compostable and chlorine free
• Have recyclable packaging
• 99.9% of the ingredients are plant derived
• Unique vegetable based preservative system
• Dermatologically approved
• pH balanced
• Not tested on animals
• Do not contain any potential irritants...No parabens, no alcohol, no SLS.
• Made in UK

Unlike the original pack I tested, they are completely fragrance free.  The unscented formula smells exactly the same as if you'd used water.  It's fresh but scentless leaving no lingering smell on baby's skin.  I actually thought I'd not like fragrance free wipes as much as scented ones, but these were lovely to use and left Freddy smelling clean but not perfumed!

They are a good size and lovely and thick and do the job brilliantly.  They are definitely a top quality wipe!

The packaging now incorporates a new strong plastic rigid label for keeping the wipes moist.  I think that it's a really clever design feature.  It isn't made of raised plastic like on some wipes, it is flush with the packaging so you can stack your packs in storage neatly. Thoughtful and practical!  It is still working well half way down the pack and hasn't lost its stick.

Jackson Reece Unscented Baby Wipes are perfect for any messy clean up jobs.  Bottoms, hands and faces are all cleansed thoroughly and gently.

Jackson Reece's Award winning range of wipes are available to buy online and in the baby aisle of leading retailers.  

Flashback Friday...School Memories

I've spent a lot of time this week thinking about my school years since hearing of the tragic sudden death of an old school friend. I went to Herschel High School, a grammar school in Slough.  It wasn't all bad!  I found the work easy and coasted through the exams.  I wasn't in the popular crowd but I had some very good friends.  My very best school friend Lianne,on the right in this picture, is someone I don't see anywhere near enough.  We stay in touch but aren't very good at it.  She still lives down south whereas I'm now a relative Northerner (north of Watford at least!)  She juggles motherhood of two little ones, with being a high flying professional. I've been a SAHM on and off since I was 19!  Our paths diverged but she will always be my best friend.  We went through a lot together (well, I put her through a lot to be honest...she was a saint!)  I spent more time at her house than I did at my own.  I dedicate this post to my very best friend and vow to try to do better.  She has just had a baby boy that I've never seen.  She has yet to meet Freddy who was born in 2009.  Real life gets in the way.  But knowing how fragile life can be, being busy or the distance between us shouldn't be a stumbling block to friendship. 

This picture was taken on the last day of term in the 5th form in 1985.  I'm the one with her legs on the table...not sure why??  Cute boots though!  I clearly favoured the rebellious skinny tied look!  I have some great memories of us lot together at school.  We had a laugh with the boys and have some good memories!