fun

Children’s firsts!

- TracyB Leave a comment

If your anything like me you literally want to save everything from your child’s childhood!

However, this would only be possible if you had a huge mansion or paid storage space LOL

But I do keep a treasure box ( or should I say several boxes now) with the significant memories.

Photos however, are a different thing altogether, I have unbelievable amounts looking back at all their different stages. One of my favourite memories is when my youngest ( now 12) decided to colour himself in with red and orange felt tip pens just before we went to a toddler club!!!! HONESTLY I WAS ONLY ON THE PHONE FOR A MINUTE

Anyway check out this video below put together by Startrite for some of peoples memories of their children’s firsts:

 

Something for the memory box…

First smiles, first teeth, first steps…all monumental milestones in your baby’s development. As parents, we treasure these occasions and watch with pride and elation as our babies grow.

To help celebrate these special moments and everything it is to be a parent, Start-rite Shoes, with the help of the mums and dads, has created a touching video collection of special ‘first’ memories.  It forms part of a wider Start-rite campaign, which helps mums and dads treasure the precious memory of their child’s first steps and their first pair of shoes.

Parents who buy a pair of Start-rite first walking shoes will be invited to enter the online magical world of Mr Smith the shoe maker, where they can create a personalised video (set in Mr Smith’s shoe workshop) which stars their child and features photos of them experiencing special milestones in their development.

From first cuddles and smiles, to those tentative first steps and beyond.

The videos are easily sharable, either by email, or through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter and provide parents with a digital keepsake to help preserve priceless memories.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvcC_Vs47JY&feature=plcp

 

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE FIRSTS FOR YOUR CHILDREN?

Phineas and Ferb

- TracyB Leave a comment

Anyone love drawing? Cartooning? Phineas and Ferb?

What do they all have in common…………..check out below:

JOIN THE CREATORS OF PHINEAS AND FERB FOR A LIVE CARTOON MASTERCLASS

Show date:           Thursday 28th November

Show time:             5pm
Dan Povenmire and Jeff ‘Swampy’ Marsh created the hit animated TV series Phineas and Ferb in 2008, which has gone on to become the number one rated show on Disney XD, watched by over 10 million people in the UK[1] which is half of all kids! The dynamic duo were also behind some of the most popular cartoons of recent decades, including The Simpsons and Family Guy.

Now you have the chance to have all your questions answered by the show’s creators, learn about cartoon animation and even learn how to draw your favourite characters from the show.

The series, which has just been nominated for two BAFTAs, has seen cameo appearances from a host of British stars including David Beckham, Jonathan Ross and Jamie Oliver, and centres around the adventures of Phineas and his English stepbrother Ferb, played by British actor Thomas Sangster. The step-brothers set out to conquer boredom and make every day of their 104-day summer holiday count, much to the annoyance of their older sister, Candace, voiced by High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale.  Meanwhile their family pet Perry the Platypus is actually a secret spy trying to save the world from the evil Dr Doofenshmirtz.

Not only did creators Dan and Swampy develop the series concept together, they also voice the show’s villain Dr Heinz Doofenshmirtz and Major Monogram respectively.

So have you ever wondered what goes into producing a series like Phineas and Ferb and where the creators get their inspiration from?  Well now’s your chance to put your questions to Dan and Swampy, find out about their favourite episodes and learn how to draw characters from the show, straight from the experts!

To find out about more about this Emmy award-winning show, grab your pen and paper and join us live for this cartoon masterclass.

Live Interactive tech-IQ Test!

- TracyB Leave a comment

Go on admit it would you know what tablet does what, and I’m not talking about the kind you get at the chemist!!

I for one struggle with new technology, I am a true ‘technophobe’, always thinking that if I try something new I will probably break it! In fact it is sad to admit that I rely on my OH and my 14yr old to get me through anything I need for the blog………….ssssshhhhhhh don’t tell anyone.

So here is your chance to find out all about the latest gadgets and which one does what!

Log onto our live and interactive Tech-IQ test, with Pollyanna Woodward where she will be testing the nation’s tech savviness and advising us on the latest ‘must have’ gadgets in the run up to… Christmas!

 

Show date: Friday 16th November 

Show time: 2.30pm

Do you know what Wifi means? Or how to Tweet? Can you download music, upload photos and use an app?  Do you know the difference between a tablet and a laptop? And is it true that the younger you are the more attuned to technology you are?

The internet, smart phones, tablets and social media are now categorised as essential to millions of us, but just how much do you really know about gadgets and the big World Wide Web we orbit? Moreover, have you ever tested your Tech-IQ to figure out whether the products you buy and use are actually suited to your technical ability and lifestyle?

With gadgets such as tablets continuing to dominate our Christmas wish list this year, how many of us actually know our Nabi from our Nexus or will match the tablet with the task?

And should we be taking into account our technical ability when we are buying new products or putting them on our Christmas list? Luckily for us, one of the UK’s largest technology retailers Argos, has teamed up with Pollyanna Woodward to help match up which tablets suit what Tech IQ.

To find out how her own family compare, Pollyanna will be joined by her mother for a family tech-off.

 So how good are you?

Log onto our live and interactive Tech-IQ test with Pollyanna Woodward, where we will be testing how tech-savvy you actually are and what tablets and gadgets will suit you and your family

 

 Pollyanna Woodward joins us live online at http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/live-techiq-test on Friday 16th November at 2.30pm

Click here to submit questions before the show http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/live-techiq-test

FOR MORE INFO CHECK THE WEBSITE

argos.co.uk

 

OMG How the other half live………Volvo XC60 review

- TracyB Leave a comment

No I haven’t won the Lottery ( I’m still waiting on that) however, I am getting the chance to drive something you may buy if you did win the Lottery!

Ok I will explain. I was recently offered the chance to ‘Review’ a brand new car for 3 weeks!!! YES a brand new car, from the lovely Volvo people, with a full tank of petrol( or actually diesel in this case) and both myself and my OH fully insured to drive it.

Well lets face I would have been a complete mug to turn this opportunity down- wouldn’t I?

So this car was delivered to my door yesterday evening and the driver took me through a quick brief of all the gadgets, buttons and controls.

To say this car has been pimped is an understatement!!

The car itself is a Volvo XC60……………I realise that will probably mean nothing to most of you so I thought I would show you instead:

I want you to overlook the rather BRIGHT blue colour!

This was a quick snap taken when I went out in it today……………yes I have already put it to use! This picture does not really do it justice so I will be posting better ones over the next few weeks, as I will be posting about how ‘we’ as a family find the car for town journeys, shopping and days out, how family friendly it is, and how we all get on with the gadgets…………..and believe me there are many!!!

Sat Nav

CD and DVD player

Digital TV ( I know……….AMAZING!)

Cruise control

Bluetooth technology to sync my phone ready for hands free!

Sun Roof

Tinted back windows

Heated Seats people!!! HEATED SEATS

That’s before I start on the safety elements on the car- all of which I will go into in later posts. Today on my 1st run out I happened to notice a little orange light on the inside of the door opposite the wing mirror???? Now I kept seeing this light coming on and off and couldn’t work out why!! Then the penny dropped…………………..its a warning light indicating that someone is overtaking and in my blind spot!!! GENIUS

Now as an ex driving instructor some of the available gadgets do go against the grain at first sight- the reversing camera for one! I’m a true believer that if you going to drive a car then learn to do it properly without relying on anything to do it for you!! HOWEVER, I’ve got to say I found myself looking anyway as it comes on automatically……….so I may get converted yet.

So, to say I am a happy chappy is an understatement.

Notice the BIG smile………I didn’t actually realise I had colour co-ordinated myself to the car!!!! DUH

For the next 3 weeks I will be looking as though I’m living like the other (rich) half do!! Blimey, who knows I could make a ‘Yummy Mummy’ yet……………………………………………………..OK don’t hold your breath on that one.

Kelloggs, Swimming and Olympic and Paralympic Hero’s

- TracyB Leave a comment

Although my boys are now 12 and 14 when they were younger there was one thing that I always thought was important. This was never going to be one of the things they had a choice in doing. They were made to do swim lessons until they were safe and comfortable swimming in the deep end. After that I left it to their choice. Both my kids still love to go swimming either with us as a family or with their friends independently. This is a life skill that will be with them forever and I can be calm in the knowledge that if they do water activities at all I know they are strong enough swimmers to at least help themselves should it be necessary.

Obviously the Olympics in London this year caused such a buzz for everyone and so it’s the right time to introduce more children to sport. This one is aimed particularly at swimming……….take a look below.

The importance of getting your kids swimming with our Olympic heros

Watch our video with Ellie Simmons to see the importance of swimming at the ASA Swimtastic Awards

Swimming is a skill that all kids should learn and a skill that remains with them throughout their lives;  and a great form of exercise which promotes both health and social skills in young people. The aerobic exercise doesn’t place stress on developing joints and the water provides a therapeutic environments for children, including those with disabilities.

One of the enduring images of the Paralympics was of swimmer Ellie Simmonds crying tears of joy as she overcame exhaustion and fatigue to beat her rivals to yet another gold medal. Ellie eptimosises the spirit of the Paralymics, overcoming adversity to become a world class sportswoman who has inspired a generation.

Not surprisingly the 18 year old is a huge advocate for the sport of swimming, considering the opportunities it has given her in her life and last weekend she joined a number of other British swimmers to celebrate the role of swimming in the lives of ordinary Brits at the ASA Swimtastic Awards.

Hosted by former Olympic swimmer and now commentator Steve Parry, the awards celebrated some of the country’s most outstanding non-elite achievements in the pool.

Held every year, the awards recognise children, as well as those responsible for providing swimming lessons. The awards are divided into ten clear categories and recognise achievements made through the Kellogg’s ASA Awards Scheme.

Watch our video to learn more about this year’s winners and see how Paralympians and Olympians, such as Ellie Simmons, have inspired people to get involved.

Check out the video here

A bit of this, that and the other.

- TracyB Leave a comment

It’s all gone past in a bit of a blur………………………the last month or two!

I hope I am not the only one who feels like this. Thankfully I have photographic evidence to prove that it all took place.

Where do I start?

There’s been a bit of this:

My 42nd *cough* birthday!
1 week scout camp for my youngest
A trip to Duxford…. Love it there!
10th Anniversary of my Dad passing away :((

 

Good ‘ol Hamleys

 

Hubby’s birthday

A bit of that:

YAY………….the Paralympics!
Goalball
GB wheelchair tennis………..AMAZING!
Wheelchair basketball…………MANIC GAME!
A new secondary school for my youngest!
My youngest turned 12………….now that makes me feel old!

Oh and a LOT of the other:

A biggy at last 🙂
Ok admittedly they are not always big!!!!

Looked like a huge goldfish????

So there you have it, my life in pictures- and if you flick through them really quick it’s like one of those picture books!!

What have you all been up to?

 

A-Z of recent times

- TracyB 1 Comment

A-Arguing…..yes it has started early in the hols with my 11 and 14 yr olds who do NOT get on together!

B-Brother…..I have 2 but my older is travelling over from America and we all haven’t seen him for a long while so should be fun.

C- Cornish Pasties……………one of the treats of visiting mum, the best Cornish pasties!!

D- Danny Boyle……oh what a genius job he did with the Opening Ceremony.

E- emotional as my youngest left primary school and exhausted after all the Leavers celebrations.

F- Family History………….I had the full run down of where we all came from as my younger brother has researched it all in recent months but saw the pics for myself in a recent visit.

G- Great Britain………..C’mon, the nation is proud!

H- HOLIDAYS! at last the long awaited and sometimes dreaded school hols……..I for 1 am glad not to have the early mornings

I- Injustice as my bank account is hacked to the sum of £590 and used for online Bingo!!!!!!!!! Bizarre.

J- Joking

K- Kids………cannot live with them and cannot live without them!! Wish they would just get along and make everyone’s life a little easier.

L- Laughing………..a weeks worth with a stay at my mums!! Don’t ask but she thought Ciabatta bread was called Carburetor bread!!!!!

M- Medication…………has been increased and added to……….but still in pain.

N- NEED a proper holiday, with sunshine and things to visit……….oh and the money to enjoy it!!

O- obviously the Olympics!! Something I wasn’t too bothered about until the opening ceremony and now watch everyday

P- Paralympics! I have been so into the normal games we have bought tickets to a paralympic event to get into the spirit of the whole thing and want to see the Olympic park.

Q- Queen………what a star to get involved in the Games with Mr Bond himself!! Brilliant.

R- Relax………..a few days away and I did just that.

S- SUNSHINE………..yes we had it ………for a week, but oh how lovely it was. Please come back soon.

T- Travelling. To go and visit my family I have to travel from London to Plymouth. Worth the travel but oh sooooooooo tiring for me.

U- Unwashed!!! Not me of course but my youngest on his return from his week long scout camp………………..NASTY!

V- visiting family and relaxing, which I managed to do last week.

W- Wedding! Yes I’m excited to have a family wedding next week. I cannot wait, have a new frock and everything!

X- X marks the spot……..not for treasure but my fishing spot. Have been again and looking to sort my next day there!

Y- YAWN………….more than a regular occurrence for me regardless of how many coffee’s I have.

Z- Zonked!! No other word for it. I am officially Zonked to within an inch of my life at the moment.

Life since my trauma!

- TracyB 2 Comments

So I haven’t posted for a while since my trauma in London a few weeks ago- if you haven’t already then check it out here . It has taken me a while to get over the shock.

But I have also had a lot of mundane normal stuff going on. My youngest is in yr 6 and due to leave so we have been organising the Leavers party

We wont mention the Ralph Lauren Polo top I had to drive to Ashford for on my birthday!!

CD photo books and after school picnic’s and water fights!!

In between that I had my birthday. Yes *groan* another year older and wiser. Although I had to drive to Ashford designer outlet for my son’s Leaver’s party shirt (typical) I had a great day. It was very chilled, me and the OH had a lunch out and did my pressies when the boys came home from school.

A nice roast dinner out with the boys!
Complete with dessert

Sorry for the bad pics they were taken on my phone by my youngest in poor light!!

Anyway, moving on I came home to these…………

I also managed to squeeze a relaxing day fishing with the OH ( YES I DID SAY FISHING!) and I caught………………………………….wait for it……………………………….57 fish!!! AMAZING!

Ok I will admit some of them really were tiddlers however I was pleased to be catching some slightly bigger ones too.

Now concentrate on the size of the fish rather than the state of my barnet!! It had been raining people!!!

Sadly, I really have got into this fishing malarkey- even to the point of taking the hooks out after the catch!!! Something I thought I would never do.

Then we had some Groupon vouchers to use up for Namco up in London. I must say the deal was fab as we got over £50 in tokens for only £14!! Now I wasn’t expecting too much of the place, never having been there myself. I thought we would be in and out in an hour. How wrong could I be we spent several hours in there enjoying bowling, bumper cars, and arcade games!!!

The boys racing each other on the bikes!
The 3 of them gearing up for the race!

So that’s me caught up I think. I’m now preparing myself for an emotional week as my youngest goes through the traditions of the last week of primary school!

Cue the tears……………………………….

What have you all been up too??

Ok who mentioned the ‘C’ word……….Christmas!

- TracyB Leave a comment

It’s sad that we haven’t even experienced our summer yet *cough* and already Christmas is being mentioned!!! Shoot me now!

But in all fairness if you have kids it’s best to get organised and be ahead of the game, so………………………………………………………………………..

Sneak Preview Of This Year’s Must-Have Christmas Toys

Log on to our live and interactive WebTV show to get the inside track on Argos’ Top 10 Christmas Toys countdown

Show date: 19th July

Show time: 3pm

Christmas may still be five months away, but millions of children will already be starting to think about what they want in their stocking come December the 25th.

Every year, there’s a must-have list of toys that all children are desperate to get their hands on, so what will be the big hits of 2012?

Last year it was all about talk-back toys such as Dance Star Mickey, a talking robot for girls called Fijit and Sesame Street Let’s Rock Elmo. In previous years it was all about kids’ construction toys, with the Real Construction Deluxe Workshop topping Christmas wish lists in 2010.

As the UK’s leading toy retailer, Argos will once again announce their Top 10 Christmas Toys list, a prediction of this year’s most-wanted toys and games.

Over the years many parents and grandparents have come to rely on the annual list to get the inside track on what will be on children’s Christmas lists so they’re ahead of the game when they start their festive shopping.

So what will be the new craze this year? Will digital toys continue to dominate or will we see a return to the retro? Log on to our WebTV show where all will be revealed.

We’ll also be discussing the importance of toys and how different types of toys not only keep your children entertained but also help them learn and develop key creative and problem solving skills.

Watch our live and interactive WebTV show from the launch of Argos’ Top 10 Toys Christmas event with [Richard Woolfson Child Psychologist, Mummy blogger and Toy Buyer at Argos]

The above guests join us live online at http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/sneak-preview-of-this-years-musthave-christmas-toys

on 19th July at 3pm
Click here to submit questions before the show http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/sneak-preview-of-this-years-musthave-christmas-toys

 

 

Check out the new Butlins Hotel

- TracyB Leave a comment

Check out the new Butlins Hotel

Butlins has a certain reputation. It’s a bit like Marmite, you either love or hate it.

So for those of you who may need convincing check out this new fab Butlins hotel in Bognor Regis  complete with all the mod cons of the 21st century!! Have a sneak preview on tomorrows show at 2pm!

Join Angela Griffin as she takes an exclusive look around Butlins’ newest hotel

Log onto our WebTV show where we’ll be at the opening of the iconic British family holiday resort’s Wave Hotel and Apartments in Bognor Regis

Butlins

Show date: Monday 2nd July

Show time: 14:00
Summer holidays are something that we all look forward to – they are a chance to get away from the madness at home and they give us the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy time with our families.

Holidays give both children and their parents a chance to relax from the grind of everyday life, and research shows for kids, the best holiday is one in which they can simply spend time with their family and where everyone is happy and relaxed.

Butlins recognise this and has played a massive part in the history of our nation. For many of us as kids, summer was not complete without a trip to one of their seaside resorts where the iconic Redcoats would greet us at the gate, signally the start of an exciting and action packed holiday.

The resorts have come a long way since their beginnings in the 1930s and this summer the quintessentially British holiday company will open its newest hotel in Bognor Regis.

The Wave will stay true to all of the qualities that have made Butlins a household name for 75 years, but will also reflect the changing world we live in with all the mod-cons such as dedicated games room with Wii, PS3, DS or Band Hero games, a Kindle library and iPod docks in every room a big part of the new hotel.

Log on to our live interactive WebTV show where Angela Griffin will join Jae Hopkins from Butlins and mummy blogger Antonia Chitty at the opening of the Butlins Wave Hotel in Bognor Regis for a sneak preview of the nation’s newest and most exciting family holiday resort.

 

Angela Griffin and Antonia Chitty joins us live online at www.studiotalk.uk

Click here to submit questions before the show http://www.studiotalk.co.uk/show/join-angela-griffin-as-she-takes-an-exclusive-look-around-butlins-newest-hotel