Win a Lego Advent Calendar - Competition

My girls are huge Lego fans. They've gone through many stages, starting with the bigger Duplo blocks and gradually moving on to all of the different themed sets. A big favourite for them is Lego Friends, my youngest is a huge Star Wars fan so she's rather keen to collect more of them and then of course there's the recent Harry Potter releases. Christmas is coming up and my eldest has unsurprisingly written this on her wish list.

Talking of Christmas, have you ever purchased one of the Lego Advent calendars? We had one a couple of years back and the pieces that you attain each day are really good. The kids still use them amongst all of their other sets and I've been known to use the Lego Christmas tree as part of my decorations during the festive period. 

Now the guys over at Gratisfaction are currently running a competition where you could win one of 50 Lego Advent calendars. All you need to do is sign up to the Gratisfaction UK newsletter and you will be in with a chance of winning!

First Act Discovery Ukulele - Review and GIveaway

When I was younger my musical talents didn't manage to stretch further than twinkle twinkle little star on the keyboard and an ok version of three blind mice on the recorder. It's not that I don't like music, I love listening to other people play their instruments, I just wasn't blessed with the musical genes. My little brother on the other hand is actually quite good, he plays the bass guitar in his own band and is quite the dab hand with his ukulele. 

Now my kids all adore their uncle and all look up to him in a their own way and when I was asked if I'd like to review the First Act Discovery Ukulele, it was my eight year old who jumped for joy and proclaimed that her Uncle Alec could teach her how to play. And if that wasn't enough, it turns out that her teacher is also a really talented ukulele player and she recently bought in her instrument to school to demonstrate just how fun it is to make songs with.

The First Act Ukulele isn't a 'toy' instrument, it is the real thing. It comes complete with:

Win a Lindt Bear Advent Calendar - Competition

Ok, now that we are nearing the end of October I think we're safe to start mentioning the 'C' word, that is Christmas. It always comes round faster than we're prepared for doesn't it!

If I'm honest I love this time of year and I always try to be as organised as possible, this includes buying presents whenever I spot a bargain. I've already purchased my own advent calendar (Reese's) for fear that that they might sell out before December arrives.

And the lovely people at Wow Free Stuff seem to be just as forward thinking as me and they want to help you guys get ahead with your festive preparations.

They currently have a fantastic competition running where you can enter and to have a chance of winning one of ten of the very yummy Lindt Bear Advent Calendars, and who wouldn't love to be counting down the days to Christmas one of those, anyone else think this chocolate makes the ideal breakfast during December?

Style, Cuddle and Play With Rainbocorns + Giveaway

These days there seems to be a new collectible available for children to play with every other week and this week is no exception because today sees the launch of a brand new toy, Rainbocorns. Get ready to hatch, hug and play with these adorable plushies from ZURU.

If you follow me on Twitter you will have seen me slowly hatching and revealing a few of these cuties to my followers, giving you a sneak peek to what could become your child's new sparkly best friend.

Thorpe Park Annual Pass Giveaway

Thorpe Park might be closed right now but that doesn't mean that there aren't some real bargains to be had right now. Their annual pass is on sale right now and what's great about that is you pay for a day and gain entry for the entire year!!

Michael Morpurgo's Animals Book Tour - Born to Run #MorpurgosAnimals + Giveaway

Last week happened to include World Animal Day and in late celebration I have teamed up with nine other bloggers alongside author Michael Morpurgo to bring you activities and giveaways whilst also taking a look at some of Michael's best-loved animal stories.

My eldest daughter has the privilege of telling you more about the heart-warming tale that is Born to Run:

The bag wasn't just drifting gently along, it was turning of it's own accord. There was something inside it, squeaking and squealing in terror. Patrick didn't think about it. He shrugged off his school bag and leaped into the canal.

For Best Mate, being rescued from drowning as a young puppy is only the start of his adventures. From unwanted burden to favourite companion, and from pet to champion race dog, this remarkable greyhound proves that it's not just cats who have more than one life. Cast aside, kidnapped, adopted or living rough on the streets, Best Mate can always find a way to survive. But will he ever find a real home?

Step Into an Augmented Reality and Enter a Smurftastic Giveaway

Imagination is a powerful tool that we should encourage our children to use and with the release of Smurfs: The Lost Village we want you guys to step away from reality and make use of your imaginations by spotting some Smurfs in your own back garden. 

My girls were keen to join in with this activity. We were kindly sent a Smurf house, a set of instructions, some summoning tools to make and a guide on just how to spot those sneaky Smurfs, just where would they be hiding?

MOKURU - Fidget Toy Giveaway

Last months the kids and I had the opportunity to review the latest fidget toy to sweep the nation, MOKURU. This wooden desk toy is the latest invention to come from Japan, it aims to test an individual's focus and motor skills and for something that looks quite simple, it's extremely addictive once you get going.

You can see from my You Tube video that it takes some getting used to however the frustration from not mastering it initially just spurs you on to keep trying, it's like you're fighting with yourself to do better each time you pick it up. I'm still attempting to flip it up and catch it (I've never been good at using both hands at the same time) but what I love is that has kept the kids quiet for hours at a time as they concentrate on flipping it over.

HarperCollins Kids Summer Reads Book Tour and Giveaway

HarperCollins Kids launched a fantastic campaign on the 1st July, 11 days, 11 blogs and 10 epic book reviews along with the grande finale. Each blogger will be showcasing a fantastic story from an unbelievably good bundle of books (pictured below). We're now on day five and my post is all about the magical story The Fox and the Ghost from Michael Morpurgo.

Keeping in theme with my usual blog posts I thought I'd share with you a little mum and daughter review, with both myself and my eleven year old sharing our thoughts on the book, after all it's a children's book so we need a child's point of view on it now don't we.

May Madness Offers at Thorpe Park + Family Pass Giveaway

Today my family and I are making our first visit of the year to Thorpe Park so I thought whilst we were there I'd share with you some fantastic offers that they have running this month and keep reading to see how you can bag yourself a family pass to Thorpe Park too.

So first here’s what’s happening:

DC SuperHero Girls Book Review and Giveaway

Move over boys, the girls are taking over. Superheroes are now sporting some real girl power in the shape of DC SuperHero Girls. My daughters were already huge fans of superheroes such as Batman (thanks Lego Batman), Spiderman and The Avengers but I can't deny that they are utterly in love with superheroes from their own gender.

They already have a collection of all of the dolls and now they've kindly been sent a set of books to read and review. These include : the power up sticker activity book, the scribble book and the wonder woman at super hero high book. 

What I immediately love about these superheroes is that yes of course they appeal to girls but they are just as appealing to boys too because we all know that everyone can be super. The books are no different. Each one aged at a slightly different aged range.

WOW Toys Advent Calendar Review & Giveaway

I know a lot of people don't like to hear the C word in October but Christmas is coming and this means it is time to think about things like gifts and of course advent calendars. I'm personally eyeing up a Yankee Candle one for myself but I have the kids to think about too and WOW Toys have kindly sent one of their their range of advent calendars for my girls to enjoy.

Getting Prepared For Going Back to School With Duck Tape (GiveawayIncluded)

If you are anything like me then you will already be trying to get prepared for your kids going back to school. I have already bought all of the uniform although I'll admit that I've been putting off labelling it all. The one thing I've got left to sort is stationery but of course Duck Tape are around to lend a hand.

Summer Storytelling with Little Tiger Press + Giveaway

The Summer holidays are upon us and I'm sure there are a lot of parents now sitting wondering just what are they going to do to keep their kids occupied. Of course there will be days out but not all entertainment has to cost the earth and that's where Little Tiger Press are here to help with some brand new picture books ready for storytelling this Summer.

The Sky Guys Pop Out Book Review and Giveaway

It wasn't that long ago that I reviewed The Marine Team and The Forest Folk but now Mibo are back with their latest pop out book to join this range, The Sky Guys (12.99).

My Fairy Garden Giveaway

My Fairy Garden has been refreshed for 2016 (watch out for the advert hitting TV screens this week) and it gives your children a chance to create a magical oasis. Included in this wonderful craft box is a 12 page activity guide which helps you learn just how to construct your gorgeously enchanting miniature cottage and pretty garden. The kit includes everything you might need to make your fairy feel right at home.

Bratz Remix Doll Review and Giveaway

My girls are definitely big fans of Bratz dolls, they were lucky enough to get the chance to review the range last year when they made their superb comeback and now they are back again with a brand new style and accessories to match, introducing the Remix range.

The Fitbelt Review and Giveaway

I'm sure you have realised by now that I love to exercise, especially running but one thing I have always struggled with when it comes to working out when away from home is being able to carry any of my belongings with me. I feel a bit lost having to leave my phone and keys at home due to lack of pocket space and that is where The Fitbelt comes in to help.

Clever Tykes Book Review and Giveaway

I was recently asked if my daughters and I would like to review a set of books called Clever Tykes. Now being honest I hadn't heard of them before so I was surprised to find out that these books have actually been used as reading/learning material in 50 primary schools across the UK.

There are three books in the set : Walk-It Willow, Change-It Cho and Code-It Cody

Disney Pictopia Review and Giveaway

Board games, I have to admit I love them. They are something that I really enjoyed playing with my family as a child, even though I was a bit of a sore loser at times *coughs*. So now I'm trying to get my kids feeling the same because I'd like for them not to spend all of their time on computers, watching tv etc. I tend to buy a new game each Christmas for us all to play in an attempt to keep things interesting. Well this year we've already received our new game. We were kindly sent Disney Pictopia to review.

The ultimate Picture-Trivia family game!