Sunday 29 April 2012

Our Visit to Frankie & Benny's


Frankie & Benny's have launched their new dessert, lunch and specials menu !

Last week i visited one of my local Frankie & Benny's restaurants which is based in the The Fort Shopping park next to a wide selection of  shop we visit quite often. I went a long with my mum, sister and daughter Davina aged 17months. This was our very first visit to Frankie & Benny's so i really didn't know what to expect, when we arrived we entered the restaurant to be approached by a kind lady who greeted us and showed us to our seats. We was brought a highchair and a children's "Hobbies Junior fun pack" for Davina which includes a pencil with four colours, a jigsaw and an activity book,these are great as they keep the children occupied while waiting for their food.

First of we ordered our drinks while taking a look at the lovely selection of meals in the menu, Me and my sister had a unlimited refill cola each, my mum had a gorgeous looking hot chocolate with cream i just had to take a photo to show you

doesn't it look delicious.

We all had a real good look at the menu and decided to go for the fantastic 3 course meal for just £9.25 which meant we got a starter a main and a dessert.

First we chose our starters:

(Starter's)

         

 I went for the Amazing skins BBQ chicken, sweetcorn & cheddar, served with sour cream on the side.








My mom went for the Crispy Coated Chicken Strips Two southern fried chicken breast strips served on honey and mustard dressed salad leaves with a pot of our delicious dressing served on the side.



My sister went for Meatballs Neapolitana which was three classic pork and beef meatballs in our delicious Neapolitan sauce served with toasted garlic ciabatta on the side.



All three looked and tasted delicious they arrived within 10 minutes of ordering which was really quick services we just couldn't wait to get tucked in the smell was making my mouth water.

(Mains)



I had the F&B Omelette which was cheese, tomato and onion Served with house fries and fresh rocket topped with our bruschetta mix on the side.
My mom went for the Fish, Chips & Salad
Our prime fillet of cod in a light golden beer batter served with house fries, mixed salad and tartare sauce.

My sister went for the Cheeseburger Our 6oz* prime Irish beef burger topped with Monterey Jack cheese, served in a toasted sesame seed bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion, dill pickle and mayo, house fries with a pot of tomato-chilli relish on the side.



I really enjoyed my meal it was cooked perfectly there was just the right balance of cheese, tomatoes and onion for me as i love to lots of flavours, i also had a nice portion of fries and rocket too which was all very tasty, My mom was a little disappointed with her meal she had the fish and found it was a little on the small side and had a large portion of fries, also the batter was a little sticky on the inside and the fish was like jelly compared to most fish she has tried, also my mom hadn't read the menu probably as it does state you can swap your salad for an extra piece of fish but that meant having no salad to enjoy it with.
 My sister enjoyed her burger she said it was delicious and i didn't hear one complaint from her so that a good start her burger was cooked nicely and had just the right balance of flavours.

 (Children's main meal)

Davina had one of the children's meals which are priced at £3.95 they include a main meal, dessert, soft drink and a fun activity pack. For Davina i chose Fish fingers served with fries a tomato and cucumber garnish and a pot of ketchup on the side and beans. Davina didn't get a dessert as they only asked me if i would like to order her one after we had all eaten our desserts which was a little disappointing apart from that her meal was cooked great i have no complaints about her meal.


  (Dessert)


Me and my sister chose the Brownies & Ice Cream which was Moist chocolate brownies served warm with cream, ice cream and topped with chocolate sauce.

We both loved our dessert, i felt like i was in heaven it was just so delicious the warm chocolate brownie topped with ice cream was absolutely delicious and i will definitely be returning for more.

 My mom chose the Mamma's Hot Crumble Baked to perfection! Choose from American-style Apple & Cinnamon. Served warm with your choice of custard or a scoop of our delicious real dairy vanilla ice cream.
My mom also loved the dessert her clean bowl proved that, there was just enough apple and cinnamon to get her taste buds tingly.



Over all we really enjoyed our visit to Frankie & Benny's the staff were polite and very welcoming, there was always someone on hand if you needed anything. The restaurant was clean and tidy the service was really quick we didn't have to wait long for our food to arrive. The food was delicious and cooked to perfection. I will definitely be going again very soon.


We Give Frankie & Bennie's a big 5/5



Tuesday 24 April 2012

Club Penguin Champions Real World Environmental Change Though Online

Club Penguin Champions Real World Environmental Change Though Online Play


In Celebration of Earth Month, Players Learn About Endangered Animals and Play in the Virtual Environments They are Helping to Protect



London, United Kingdom, April 19thClub Penguin is celebrating Earth Month this year with the launch of new activities allowing players to learn through role play about endangered species and declining habitats. These in-world activities align with the real-world environmental efforts Club Penguin supports – allowing kids to impact social change through play.
Now – April 25th playerscan dress up as endangered species such as Rockhopper Penguins, Andean Cats,African Painted Dogs and Snow Leopards and learn through role play in the Earth Month themed environments in game. Players can also decorate their igloo to create the perfect natural habitat for these animals and further extend their role play experience.
“Earth month is the perfect time to educate our players through original game play about theanimals and environments they are helping to protect in the real world,” said Lane Merrifield, one of Club Penguin’s co-founders and executive vice president of Disney Online Studios. “Kids care about the planet and Club Penguin makes it easy for them to drive meaningful change.”
As part of Club Penguin’s Coins for Change program, an annual in-world event where the company matches the virtual coins players donate to real world causes -- players voted to give 37% of a $2M donation to support environment and conservation projects including: the Wetlands in China, Coral Reefs in the South East Asian waters, Penguin nesting sites in Argentina & Africa and ongoing educational programs that protect endangered animals living in community members’ environments around the world. These specific causes inspired the in-world game play featured on the site during Earth Month.



To find out more about Club Penguin’s earth month initiatives watch this video:http://bit.ly/HUloQp

Momma-Drinking cups review


FUNCTION AND BEAUTY COMBINED


mOmma® by Lansinoh® is the latest move in Lansinoh’s quest to expand its product line to meet the needs of parents and their developing babies.

The range of stylish products from Italy is purposefully designed to encourage your baby’s development. By thoughtfully combining shape, movement and colour, mOmma products transform each moment of a baby’s meal into a time of growth, learning and fun.

Each product is specially designed to entertain and stimulate, as well as encourage your child to become more self-assured and independent.

Innovative rocking movements and round shapes engage your little one and capture their attention, while different textures, colours and shapes trigger their curiosity, encouraging them to explore their surroundings.

What’s more, mOmma helps make mealtime easier for you too. While the products rock, they will always remain upright and protective covers ensure optimum hygiene while on-the-go.

With a distinctive look – the result of innovative and modern Italian design – the extensive mOmma range combines function and beauty, for mums looking for a quality, well-crafted brand.
momma cups
With mOmma Non-Spill Cups learning does not have to mean a messy floor. While the rounded bottom and ergonomic shape encourages a rocking movement to entertain your baby, the soft silicone spout will never touch the surface of tables or highchairs, ensuring maximum hygiene. Suitable from six months, the latest spill-proof technology delivers liquid only when your child sucks and is a perfect fit for little hands. Designed to suit different age groups, the standard mOmma Non-Spill Cup is aimed at children aged six months and above, while the mOmma Non-Spill Cup with Dual Handles is ergonomically designed to encourage development in children from nine months.
As your child grows, so does mOmma; and from nine months old, children can move onto the mOmma Cup with Straw. With the same rocking movement to delight your little one and a twist lid to ensure no leakage, the BPA free, silicone straw cup is something both mum and baby will love. Again, mOmma has ensured their products help children of all ages learn and grow, by developing the standard mOmma Cup with Straw for children aged nine months and older, while the mOmma Cup with Straw & Dual Handles is perfect for children aged twelve months or more.
momma cup with straw & dual handle

I have seen a few different reviews on the orange momma cup with straw & dual handle and many people have said they leak. I was sent a momma cup with straw to try with daughter Davina and i can honestly say we have had no leakage what so ever, it has actually been the best cup we have used. We now take it every where with us as its really small and fits nicely in my bag or baby changing bag. If your like us and are forever losing your bottle lids mommas cup with straw has a great feature to help prevent you losing those lids it has a great In&out straw system which means the straw goes into and out of the cup by simply turning the cover. This modern closing system also ensures maximum hygiene even when you carry the cup around.  And when baby grows... momma grows with him thanks to Cup With Straw & Dual Handle and Cup With Straw & Single Handle. The dual grip strengthens baby’s grip and helps them to move on to a single handle. The single grip helps the baby to naturally move on to normal cups and glasses.  Another great feature is the Rocking The rocking movement is one of babies’ favourite games. It entertains them during mealtime and stimulates their reactivity and concentration. The bottle rocks happily but it always remains upright this is great as the suction never comes into contact with the surface of tables or highchairs ensuring maximum hygiene for your little ones. Suitable for 9months+






momma-Non-Spill cup & Dual handles
We was also sent a green momma Non-spill cup & dual handle which is similar to the momma cup with straw shown above only the drinking system is different. The momma modern non-spill system is made of semi-rigid material, encourages baby to move on from soft teats to rigid cups. The non-spill system delivers the liquid only when the baby sucks. This too has a  cover thoroughly sealing the non-spill mouth, thus ensuring maximum hygiene even when you carry it around. I was quite surprised with this cup as i really thought it would leak but it hasn't, I've brought many juice cups which have had teats like this and everyone has leaked. Davina has dropped, thrown and shook this cup and nothing has came out.  Suitable for 6months+

Im really happy with both momma drinking cups they have both past our tests  and get a big thumbs up. They have been tipped, shook and dropped and there hasnt been a drop spilt,  they are really easy to clean too which is great as juice can get a litte smelly or stain.


There are range of  lovley bright colours to choose from too on momma website at      
                                         
          
     We give the a whopping 5/5



Saturday 21 April 2012

Competition Tippitoes StarWrap (Babygrow, Blanket and Buggy footmufffall in one !) To be Won









A Babygrow, Blanket and Buggy footmuff all in one !!!

The Star Wrap is swaddling at its best, both for Baby and Parents. Wrapped loosely in the Star Wrap, Baby can move easily but still feel secure and comfortable, the unique shape provides a modern twist on the everyday blanket by ensuring that Baby's legs stay in the Wrap and cannot kick themselves free.
The Star Wrap has been designed specifically without a hood in order to prevent over heating and a cotton lined inside keeps Baby cool. When it is time to move Baby, the Star Wrap aids convenience allowing Parents to put Baby in a car seat or stroller, fitting the harness around the Star Wrap without the need to wake or unsettle a sleeping child.

How to use
1. Place babys legs into the Wrap legs.
2. Fold either flap over the chest including or excluding arms as desired.
3. Bring other flap across
Your all done
I have one Gorgous yellow StarWrap to giveaway in a competition if you would like to win one please Enter through the Rafflecopter below
Goodluck



Tippitoe StarWraps are priced at £14.99 and can be found on their website at http://www.tippitoes.com/star-wrap.html. They have many more colours to choose from these include,  Blue, cream , pink and print. 






Saturday 14 April 2012

THE SEARCH IS ON TO FIND BRITAIN’S GREATEST BABY SMILE!



THE SEARCH IS ON TO FIND BRITAIN’S GREATEST BABY SMILE!



A baby’s smile is infectious. Their wide gummy grin has the ability to melt any frown and soften even the hardest of hearts.


However, when it comes to the baby who has the country’s greatest smile every mother would say their child wins that title hands down.


In an effort to settle the argument once and for all, Bonjela, Britain’s number one teething gel* has launched the Britain’s Greatest Baby Smile competition.


The contest comes as part of the 12-month Britain’s Greatest campaign – from the makers of Bonjela, Reckitt Benckiser – which celebrates everything that is great about Britain in 2012.


Bonjela Teething Gel provides effective, soothing relief from teething pain. Its local anaesthetic action relieves pain and soothes sore gums, while its antiseptic action can help prevent minor mouth infections – for turning those teething pain-frowns upside down!


The nationwide competition will kick off on April 10, and the winning baby will be launched into the spotlight as the face of the new advertising for leading* baby brand – Bonjela.


The competition is being held in partnership with supermarket giant Tesco and Bounty website, with brands Nurofen for Children and Karvol participating with in-store promotions.


For a chance to show off your baby’s winning smile, pick up your camera and get snapping. Entry couldn’t be simpler, just head to Bounty website and upload your picture. The entry phase closes on May 8, so make sure you don’t miss out on this opportunity. 
Once all the photos are collated, they will be short-listed to 10 baby finalists by our expert panel that includes:
  •    Helen Wynne, who was recently awarded Tesco Achieving mum of the year, will be sharing her expert opinion. As the mum of a child with special needs, Helen used her experience to set up her own inclusive child-minding centre, Blythswood in Wrexham.
  •   Lisa English, Brand Manager at Reckitt Benckiser
  •    Blogger Emma Sheppard, who writes the popular baby blog “Me. The Man and the Baby.”
  • Lisa Penny, Head of Stakeholder relations from Bounty
  •    Vanessa Tilley, Marketing manager for healthcare and pharmacy at Tesco
  • Lucy Butler, Editor from the Tesco baby and toddler club Debbie Bird, Editor at Babyworld
  •    Katya Crichton, Art Director from creative agency Euro RSCG
Once the top 10 have been agreed by our panel of experts, the final decision is in your hands! The photos will be posted on the Bounty website on the 16th May 2012, for people to vote for their favourite cheeky smiles.
Make sure you share the link with as many people as possible on your social network pages to get as many votes as you can. Don’t forget to encourage your family and friends to nominate your photo too!
The new face of Bonjela Teething Gel will be announced on the June 20, 2012 with advertising to launch in 2012.
Lisa English of the Britain’s Greatest Campaign, said: “We’re really excited to launch this competition to find Britain’s Greatest Baby Smile.  We expect there to be a lot of competition and look forward to finding the winner for our new advertising campaign.”
Full terms and conditions are available on http://www.bounty.com/babysmile
Visit www.britainsgreatest.co.uk for more information





Leapfrog - Leapster Explorer, Games and Camera review



Leapster Explorer and video camera


Here at Mums diary of three wonderful children we was sent a  Leapster Explorer console, two game cartridges and Camera to review. The Leapster Exploer has an amazing new learning experience that encourages children to discover something new every day. There are endless ways to play and learn--from games, e-Books, videos, and online play to customisable learning skills and more.
Leaspter Exploer has more than 35+ games and activities including cartridge games and down loadable learning apps, children can learn school skills like reading, maths, science, geography, creativity, music and more!
Your children can also go on exciting adventure with popular film and TV characters such as Ben 10, Woody from Toy Story 3, Dora the Explorer, Disney Princess, Penguins of Madagascar and more!

The Leapster Explorer handheld features the biggest, brightest touch screen, hi-res graphics, a stylus to practise writing, and a powerful processor that allows for action-packed game play. Skill levels continually adjust for the optimum challenge in each subject and the handheld remembers your child's level form game to game.
Plus you can expand the fun and learning in LeapWorld - a safe, online world of learning games and activities especially designed for children. 

 One thing i found that was really good about the Leapster is that parents can connect to the online LeapFrog Learning Path to see what their child is playing and learning, and explore ways to expand their child's learning journey, like at your own words your children maybe learning at school this enables them to learn those words while playing the games this is really good for my daughter Michaela aged 5 who has just started reading, spellings and phonics at school  the Leapster is just the right device that will help and encourage her to want to learn more frequently.

Michaela has only just started her reading at school so i was a little worried she was going to constantly keep asking me what options to choose but luckily she didn't this is because the great thing about the leapster is it told you every thing and every option you needed to select by voice, so for all those children who cant read yet can just just listen and follow instructions which were very clearly spoken and you had arrows to direct you through the game when you first begin to play.


Leapster Explorer comes with a Leaplet learning app download card and pet game. The console is sold at a great price of - £59.99 which is a great value for your money and your children's learning too. I would highly recommend this to any parent wanting to help their children learn in such a fun way.  
Appropriate for children ages 4 to 9 years
Console requires 3xAA batteries
Which we found don't last very long but you can also purchase an adapter from Smyths Toy Store at for £9.99

Games
(sold separately)

Below are two of the games we were sent to try with the leapster, they are both easy for both Michaela 5 and Callum 8 to play.
SpongeBob
The Spongebob game helps your children Read, Spell and Race to the Finish as you join SpongeBob and friends on a wild reading ride through Bikini Bottom. Choose a character and get ready to race on 12 tracks where you can collect letters, spell words, unlock shortcuts, earn tune-ups, power-ups and more whilst dodging obstacles, taking off on jumps and navigating hairpin turns.

With Leapster Explorer and LeapPad Explorer the game dynamically adjusts the curriculum to the player's skill level so it's not too easy and not too hard.
 Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog Learning Path to see what their child is playing and learning as well as exploring ways to expand their child's learning journey.
Teaches
- Letters
- Spelling
- Phonics skills
- Word Building
- Word recognition
- Matching

Appropriate for children aged 4 - 7


Cars
(Sold separately)
With Cars you are ready to be part of an international spy adventure? Play as Mater as he travels through Radiator Springs swapping stories with friends and visitors and reliving his recent escapades in the world of global espionage.

Enjoy 8 high-action mini-games that test your mathematics and logic skills. Measure the distance to make a fantastic jump, find the correct coordinates, decode ciphers or complete patterns to find clues or escape traps!

Race as lightning McQueen and see who’s the fastest car. Use patterns skills to safely guide Mater through big Bentleys gears and collect car parts and meet friends as you tour radiator springs.

With Leapster Explorer and LeapPad Explorer the game dynamically adjusts the curriculum to the player's skill level so it's not too easy and not too hard.
 Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog Learning Path to see what their child is playing and learning as well as exploring ways to expand their child's learning journey.

Teaches
- Measurement
- Problem solving
- Number patterns
- Charts and graphs

Appropriate for children ages 4 to 7 years

LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Camera and Video


 (sold seperatley)


Turn your Leapster Explorer handheld into a digital camera! Take pictures or capture video that you can personalise your way and play activities that explore creativity, reading, mathematics and science.

Become a photojournalist as you find pictures to match each challenge. Add fun effects to your pictures and use them in games. Then create your very own music videos.

We found the Camera really fun you can make all sorts of funny pictures, take pictures and add them into a story, make cards and add your own photo to it and many more. I think this is a really good feature for children to have fun and learn to take wonderful pictures, its really easy to use and you also get clear instructions on how to use it.



Appropriate for children ages 4 to 9 years.
We love the Leap frog Leapster Explorer it has so many games and apps to choose from on line or in the shops, we cant wait to purchase more to have a whole new experience.
One thing i will say is that you will need is to have access to the Internet to be able to connect your Leapster and download your apps and free app too, you will also have to do the same with the Camera it will need to be added to your leapster console through your computer for you to be able to use it.
 We already downloaded Leapster connect to our computer from other Leapfrog products we have so this was time saving for us.
I think the Leapster is a great alternative to a Dsi for those children who may be to young.
The Leapster has so many games and learning for children who are learning at a very young.
I think learning is very important for my children and do my very best to help and encourage them to learn in so many ways and Leapfrog have so many products that not only help my children to learn the help to have fun whilst learing.
All products are sold separately-
Console- £59.99
Video camera attachment - £14.99 products sold separately

GOSH Smokey Eyes Palettes Review and Giveaway


Get the A-List Smokey Eyes Look
with the
GOSH Smokey Eye Palettes


I only ever wear make up on special occasions or if I'm going out as im a busy mum of three and just never find the time to put it on everyday, i was not very good at applying the smokey affect until i was offered to try Gosh Smokey eyes palettes which have been a great help each palette comes with a numbered guide to show you exactly where to apply each colour so if your like me and haven't worn it before  or because you just haven't got a clue where to apply it Gosh smokey eye palette is the one for you. Gosh smokey eyes palettes are available in three beautiful shade combinations complete with four flattering shadow shades that blend to suit any eye shape and skin tone.
 I was sent a black smokey palette which isn't a colour i would normally buy but i really did like it once i had applied it, it was really quick and easy to use. I would normally use one shade colours as they were so much simpler to apply.


 I have found using GOSH Smokey Eye Palette so much easier with the helpful number guide at hand, i think its really great for those just learning how to create one of the 'must wear' classic make up looks that most celebrities have also be wearing on the red carpet from season to season.
These smokey eye palettes are slim and neat enough for popping in your handbag' and it hasn't opened or leaked in my bag which i know we all have had that problem from time to time, it seems to gently close by its self by some sort of magnetic force. These palettes don't come with a brush but I'm sure we all have one lying around in our make up bag we could use.
 Overall i really like Gosh Smokey Eye Palettes and cant wait to buy my self the brown palette.

GOSH Smokey Eye Palette are available exclusively from Superdrug from 14th March - priced at £7.99

If you would like to get your hands on one of these for free you can win 1 of 3 palettes GOSH have offered me to giveaway you can enter below through the Rafflecopter.
GOODLUCK !
You must Follow my blog all others are Extra entries.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday 6 April 2012

Leapfrog - Lettersaurus









Roar, sing and learn letters with Lettersaurus the dinosaur pal that helps your children explore letter names, letter sounds, colours and music.
Each press of the 26 colourful letter buttons on his back rewards children with a familiar tune, and pressing his head lets them sing along to the Alphabet Song.
You can even make letter learning a personal experience. By adding in the first letter of your child’s
name they will hear a personalised response when they press that letter e.g “L! That’s the first letter of your name!”



We buy a lot of Leap frog products as they are not only fun and exciting i find my children learn so much form the Leap frog products, We've have got My Pal Violet ,Shapes & Sharing Picnic Basket, Baby Counting Pal Soft Plush Toy, Twinkle Twinkle Little Violet and my older daughter Michaela has the leap frog Tag Reading System-Pink cant you tell we are big fans of Leap frogs products.
 As a big fan of their products i jumped at the chance to try one of their New products which was the Lettersaurus dinosaur pal which Davina has had so much testing.
When it first arrived i didn't even get chance to take it out of the packaging before Davina had whisked it away.
 Davina is now 17 months old and knew straight away what to do once i had turned the dinosaur pal on, she began pressing the brightly coloured letters giggling and rocking to the music.
Once she had finished playing i took it out of the packaging to find a card attached to the bottom with STOP in big letters to let me know i had to visit the leapfrog website to set and personalise the first letter of Davinas name so when Davina then pressed the letter D in the ABC mode the Lettersaurus dinosaur will the then tell Davina that D is the first letter of her name.
 I found personalising it was really easy to do all i  had to do is turn it off them press letters L and M at the same time while switching the Lettersaurus back ON, whilst still holding L and M it will then you your in parent mode i then pressed the first letter of my daughters name i then let go of all buttons. After you have pressed the letter of your child's name it will ask you to press it again to confirm, you then switch it back off and on again to go back to play mode its really that simple no wire or registration needed.

Davina loves to press the dinosaurs head and dance to the alphabet song while clapping her hands, i thinks its a great way for your children to learn not on only will they learn the alphabet they will also learn colours too.
Over all i think its a lovely toy has lots of different features is a nice size and not to heavy for your little ones to pick up or carry around with them.

Its also a great value for money i would recommend this to anyone wanting to teach their little ones the Alphabet, Colours and Motor Skills in a fun and exciting way.



Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog® Learning Path for customised learning insights and ideas  to expand the learning.


Appropriate for children ages 12 to 36 months
 
We were given the Lettersaurus Dinosaur Pal for free for the purpose of this review but this review is all mine and my own honest opinion.

Wednesday 4 April 2012

Power Rangers Samurai


Get ready for battle with a new generation of Power Rangers that must master the mystical and ancient Samurai symbols of power.


Power Rangers Samurai is currently the number one boys show on Nickelodeon UK – top 5 show overall!

10cm Action Figure

Unite in the fight against the sinister forces of the Netherworld with Power Rangers 10cm figure collection.  Each comes with a samurai sword and an individual power weapon to battle evil.


We have had Power Rangers in our house for many years and they seem to get smaller every time but they do have stronger flexible arms and legs which is great as they no longer feel stiff.
My son Callum loves playing with his Power Rangers and has said he loves that you can move the arms more compared to his old figures which makes them more fun to play with, Callum has also said the best feature is the samurai sword. 
The quality of the figure is a great value of money.


We give Power Ranger Samurai 5/5 
Out Now RRP: £6.99





Power Rangers Samurai toys are suitable for children aged 4+ and are available at Argos, Toys R Us, Tesco, Asda, The Entertainer, Smyths, Toymaster and all good toy stores.

Check out the full range on www.bandai.co.uk, visit the Facebook page for even more fun at http://www.facebook.com/BandaiUK, or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BandaiToysUK



Christmas Hamper Competition

Tis the season to be jolly fa la la la la With Christmas just around corner I want to give one of my followers a little Christ...