Learning Through Play with Chad Valley plus Giveaway

I’ve really loved the Chad Valley toys that we have been sent being part of the play panel.  The main reason being, that in each bundle has been something that’s reminded me of my childhood.

We were sent some of the new selection from the 2018 range and there are some absolutely fantastic items included; toys that reignite my love of play and allow me to reminisce and enjoy time with my children.

Included in the most recent play package was the amazing 6 in 1 Multi Games Table, a 100 Piece Styling Dolls Head and the Be U Jewellery Bead Tree Set.

I absolutely love all of them but I wanted to focus on the styling head as it reminded me so much of my Girl’s World from back in the 80s.  That was without a doubt one of my favourite Christmas presents, I even remember looking for it and circling it in the Argos catalogue.

As I have a shorter hairstyle, my daughter doesn’t really get to play with my hair, so I love that she can sit and play with this and brush it as much as she likes.

It comes with plenty of accessories for clipping hair, tying up hair, and simply making the doll’s hair look pretty. The clips and accessories are bright and colourful and can easily be used in my daughter’s hair too.

It comes with a little hairdryer, which sadly is for effect only, but makes a convincing sound.  This is probably the one thing I would change as I think this would really add to the effect, and since it comes with a little bottle for water to help style then it actually blowing out air would make it feel like you were styling the hair.

We have enjoyed playing with all of the toys we were sent, the bead station has been great and allowed me and my daughter to spend some time together making bracelets.

The 6 in 1 Multi Games Table is an immense piece of kit and we haven’t managed to play all of the games yet, but I can see this being the perfect outdoor game for the summer months, especially for parties. It took me a while to put it together but it was well worth it.

To celebrate the new range of Chad Valley toys I have £75 worth of Argos vouchers to giveaway, simply enter via the Rafflecopter form below. (T&Cs apply)

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Chad Valley Designafriend Amelia Doll & Fluffy Friends Sitting Dog Plush Review plus Win a £75 Argos Voucher

The children and I are excited to announce that for the next few months, we are part of the Chad Valley Play Panel and will be reviewing some of the fabulous toys they have to offer.

Chad Valley have been part of our lives for many years so we are really excited to have them on the blog. 

"Chad Valley is 150 years old, with a range of over 400 toys exclusively available at Argos. The majority of toys are for babies, toddlers and younger children. 

The really special thing about Chad Valley is that all the toys are designed and developed purely with play in mind. That’s it, just pure play and imagination! So, you’ll see hero products such as the Tots Town Pirate Ship and the incredibly life-like Chad Valley Tiny Treasures New-born Doll , which are incredibly popular as they allow younger children to submerge themselves in pure imagination, creating their own little worlds to play in. That said, older children are important too, which is why you’ll also find ranges like Designafriend and Chad Valley Double Sided Easel offering imaginative fun for children up to the age of nine."

We were sent a wonderful selection of toys to play with but the ones we are going to focus on are the Designafriend Amelia Doll and Fluffy Friends Sitting Dog.

My daughter gasped when she opened the box containing the doll, with long blonde hair it looked just like her, dressed in a super funky pair of leggings and leather jacket it looked the part too. It came with little accessories, including some super snazzy sandals, sunglasses and a little bracelet for my daughter to wear.

The box itself tells you all about the range which is a lovely touch and wrapped in tissue paper she reminds me of a doll from a book I had growing up.

The fact the dolls hair is just like my daughters is great and she was so excited to have a doll that looked just like her, the Designafriend range has dolls with all different looks and styles so whatever your little one is in to there is a doll to suit them.

The Fluffy Friends Sitting Dog has been a favourite with both my son and my daughter, it's been shared between the both of them, it has worn a hat and been covered in a blanket at bedtime. We have more soft toys than I care to remember, but this one has been loved and shared like no other before it. It is exactly as described... fluffy, so very fluffy!!

The whole Chad Valley ethos is "that just 15 minutes of imaginative play a day can make an enormous difference to a child's development". I love this sentiment and certainly feel that all of the toys we were sent enabled the children to do just that.

If you like what you see, then you too can get in on some toy action.  I have a £75 gift voucher to giveaway. The perfect little extra to put towards, dare I say it, Christmas this year.

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This is a collaborative post, all words and images are my own.

Happy Pony Stories Giveaway

Last week, we reviewed a wonderful new series of books called Happy Ponies, they were a welcome addition to our reading pile. These are such easy to read stories that you and your children can relate to, they have been thoroughly enjoyed in our house.

Best of all I am really excited to be able to offer the first three books in the series worth over £20 to one of my lucky readers, as well as five runners up prizes of a set of stickers from the series, perfect for those sticker loving pony fans you might have.

All you need to do is enter via the Rafflecopter form below, T&Cs apply.

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Ivy Cabin Review & Giveaway

A few weeks ago I was approached by the lovely people at Ivy Cabin to see if I would like to review one of their products. A quick look round their beautiful website and it wasn't hard for me to find several gorgeous items to choose from that I knew would fit in my home.

My daughters room currently lacks pretty storage, so I chose this beautiful bear drawstring bag for her dressing up clothes.

Arriving beautifully wrapped I was excited to open it, it was a lot bigger than I was expecting which is good and is great quality. It has a drawstring across the top and a hook so you can hang on a on the back of the door.

The perfect size for all my daughters dress up clothes and easy for her to open too.

I think it fits perfectly with the mixed vintage and modern styling we have in her room, and I am a huge fan of the bear print on the bag. It is well worth the money and I think £10 is great value for such a huge bag!

And finally the lovely people over at Ivy Cabin have given me one of these fabulous sacks to giveaway, just enter via the Rafflecopter widget below (T&Cs apply and can be found on the entry options). Plus if you can't wait to see if you win or see something you fancy over on Ivy Cabin's website then you can get 10% off until the end of May with code MUMMYDIARY

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Barbie Bubble-tastic Mermaid Giveaway

A few weeks back we reviewed the fantastic Barbie Bubble-Tastic Mermaid, the perfect summer toy and great for bubble and Barbie lovers alike.

So you’ll be excited to hear that I have one to giveaway to one of my lucky readers, your little one can spin and twirl with Barbie creating bubbles as they go.

A great way to get your little ones out in the garden as well as the perfect companion for bath time.

All you need to do is enter via the Rafflecopter form below, T&Cs apply and can be found on each entry criteria.

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Win 1 of 5 Spirograph Optical 3D Studio Sets

Do you remember Spirograph? I do and spent many hours drawing and making shapes with it.

Now the iconic Spirograph is back, kids of all ages can draw cool, geometric creations in bright colour. The new 21st century Spirograph now comes with eye-popping 3D technology, so kids can watch the drawings jump out from the page in an amazing display.

I am offering my readers the chance to win 1 of 5 Spirograph Optical 3D Studio Sets, worth £24.99rrp

With it's geometric and swirling patterns, Spirograph has helped kids big and small to create beautiful art, stunning designs and wonderful memories for generations.

Spirograph continues this tradition in 21st century style with all new sets. The Spirograph Optical 3D Studio Set also comes with cool 3D glasses that enable you to watch the different colours in your design pop out from the page in cool 3D. 

Includes:
• 12 Drawing Wheels and 4 Templates.
• 3D Effect Dual Colour Pen, 2 Florescent Markers, 3 Colour Pens and a Rainbow Pencil..
• Optical 3D Glasses - includes 3 LR44 Batteries
• Spirograph Design Book.
• 10 Drawing Papers and 1 Spirograph Sticker.
• Sealable Storage Bag.
• For ages 5 years and over

Entry is via Rafflecopter, T&Cs apply please read before entering,

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Rocket and Rose Competition

Today I would like to introduce you to a lovely small business called Rocket and Rose, I've chatted with Gemma the owner for a while now on Instagram, she works hard and is an inspiration to the small business world and I am amazed at how much she does.

Polka Dot Apron

Running an online business selling clothing is difficult enough, I should know having run one. But making personalised items is a whole different ball game,  her items are beautiful and can be custom made to your requirements.

Big Brother Tee

From birthday to race for life t-shirts, mugs to canvases, she does it all, here is a little about why Gemma does what she does.

"My idea for Rocket & Rose started back in November 2011.  My twin girls were very tiny and whilst they napped I started designing tutus and outfits for them and for family and friends.  I decided to venture into boys fashion and my ideas and drawing and practise outfits and clothing items soon escalated into the wonderful world of Rocket & Rose and here we are now! 

I design and create all the items you can see on the Rocket & Rose website whilst still raising my gorgeous Twinklies.  I am a part time working Mum and Wife, hence why there is a short waiting list for my items - but I have been assured they are worth the wait! 

I studied fashion and textiles at the Kent Institute of Art and Design, followed by a degree in Theatre Costume Design for the Performing Arts at the London College of Fashion, so I am delighted to be able to use my skills more than 15 years later in a career that I absolutely adore. 

Along with my husband, Dan we run the business from a lovely workshop in the heart of the Devon countryside." 

I hope you’ll agree she is a pretty amazing lady, not only does she run this business she also has three young children too.

Tutus

Finally she has offered a brilliant competition prize, one lucky person will win a £25 voucher to spend on the Rocket and Rose website. So whether it is something for your little one to dress up in or some goodies for a birthday or Christmas there is something for everyone.

Entry is via the Rafflecopter form below, T&Cs apply. 

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Sun Jellies Giveaway

I have raved about Sun Jellies a lot on the blog recently, the reason being is they are super colourful, very comfy and bring back memories of the 80s.

So I am oober excited to be able to offer you this super great prize of a Mum (or Dad) and Me pack, this includes one adult and one child pair of Sun Jellies. 

They are the perfect way to welcome in summer with some of the most spectacular colours ever, I already have two pairs and may have to add another to the set when I order my daughter some.

You can go all matchy, matchy or be completely different it's entirely up to you....what colour will you choose?

T&Cs Apply, entry is via the Rafflecopter form below. Closing date is 19th May at 10am, UK only giveaway.

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Poddle/Toddle Pod Giveaway

They say that necessity is the mother of invention and with something like the Poddle Pod this sounds about right and I only wish it had been around when my two children were younger.

Instead of placing my children in a rickety old hand me down rocking chair that made a noise when you tried to place them in it, this would have been a soft less noisy place for them to sleep.  It may have also given my children somewhere to want to sleep with both of them never really napping in their bed.

So what is a Poddle Pod or from 6 months onwards the Toddle Pod…

What Is A Poddle Pod?

The Poddle Pod is a wonderful handmade baby snuggle nest... quite simply a safe, snuggly and very convenient place to put your baby down... anywhere and any time you need it. The Poddle Pod was designed to meet an infant's need to feel secure and a mother's need to know her baby is safe and comfortable.

When a baby is laid in the pod, the sides gently pull in to hug them, making them feel as if they are still being held or touched. This comforts the baby and ultimately makes them more content when parents need to lay them down. This design also helps prevent the baby from rolling or turning, easing your mind and giving you the confidence to take care of yourself.

What is A Toddle Pod?

Toddle Pods are designed to be used from approximately 6 months to around 3 years, although as they are unbreakable, your child can use them for as long as they wish.

Perfect for nap times, lounging, visiting friends and relations and for babies that suffer from reflux.

So a snuggly and perfect place for your children to rest and the best thing is I have one to giveaway. You can choose from either a Poddle Pod or Toddle Pod depending on what age your child is, for more information on which one to choose please see the Poddle Pod website.

Entry is via the rafflecopter form below so good luck, competition is open to UK entrants only. :)

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Gumigem Mothers Day Giveaway

We have had our Gumigem for the last couple of years and it is a really simple yet brilliant idea, so I am really pleased to be able to host this giveaway to win not one but two pieces from their range.

Gumigem offers a wide ranging line of award winning, baby proof, mummy jewellery designed to look amazing, but with your baby in mind. Babies love to grab, pull and chew on jewellery and this jewellery collection accommodates this, without damaging the jewellery or harming your baby. Nor does Gumigem compromise on style although it is practical and baby friendly it also looks great with a huge variety of necklaces and bangles.

The creator of Gumigem is Jenny McLaughlan who came up with the idea while on maternity leave with her second child in early 2010.  Jenny's son inspired her to start the company, as he was a nightmare during teething, biting everything in sight! She used to tie and strap teethers to herself until the light bulb moment hit her and she decided to create a teether into a stylish piece of jewellery? Gumigem was born!

The current range includes Bangles & Bracelets

As well as a wide range of pendants and necklaces, as well as bespoke necklaces and many combination deals that offer big savings

The jewellery is made from silicone (like what you would find a dummy teat, teething toy or baby spoon to be made of), so is soft and flexible. It is BPA, PVC, Lead, Latex and Phthalate free, can withstand high temperatures and be easily washed in hot water or placed in the dishwasher. The necklaces come on a long cord, so there is plenty of reach for baby, and for extra comfort and safety, each necklace has a breakaway clasp.

So here is what you could win, this gorgeous bright Squash Bermuda Bangle, perfect to warm up these cold days and a Pepper Raindrop Pendant, wonderfully simple and will go with pretty much anything. Just enter via the rafflecopter form below and one winner will be picked at random next week.

For more information and latest updates you can follow Gumigem on Twitter and Facebook.

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Baker Days Review and Giveaway

Last week I was sent a special mothers day cake through the post from Baker Days, my husband thinks this is a way of him getting out of doing the whole mothers day thing but it's another couple of weeks away so I had to tell him otherwise ;)

Anyway on to the subject of cake, I am a fan of cake and am usually the baker so imagine my delight when I was offered the chance to review a cake that would be delivered direct to my door.

In a rather unassuming box, was delivered a little bit of happiness, a pretty tin containing a gorgeous cake accompanied by a little card and a packet of love hearts.

Imagine, you live far away from a loved one and it's their birthday, well how about sending them a cake in a box, personalised and containing everything they'll need to add a little sparkle to their day.

And it's not just birthdays there are mothers day, valentines day, get well soon and thank you cakes and many more. You can even upload your own image to be included on the cake, how about your child's drawing for mum, dad or grandparents.

You can also choose from different types of cake including gluten and wheat free cake, they really have thought of everything. And best of all the letterbox gift cake means there is no need to worry  the recipient won't be in and it can be waiting for them on the door mat when they get home.

I was sent a Madeira cake and it was moist, soft and very tasty and as I am a bit of a icing fiend the butter cream and icing encasing the cake was also very tasty and meets my high standards. To say this cake was delivered to the door by a postman and pushed through the letterbox I was most impressed that not only was it still intact but still tasted so lovely.

At only £14.99 for the basic cake including delivery I think this is very reasonable and will definitely be using them next time I need a cake delivering to someone.

So now on to the really exciting bit, the lovely people at Baker Days have kindly offered me one of their Letterbox Cakes to give away, just enter via the rafflecopter form below and one winner will be picked at random next week. Leaving just enough time to order a mothers day design if you want, however the winner can choose any design and it is fully personalisable.

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*I was sent the cake to review, all words and opinions are my own. 

Win, win, win! A Gorgeous Organic Childs Tee

Today I have a little competition for you, you can win on of these delightful tees by Barley & Birch from Baby Duck Shop.

We own several of these tees and they fit, wash and look fab on, oh and did I mention are 100% organic!

This gorgeous blue footed booby print makes me laugh every time I look at it, I mean just the name is enough to make you giggle but if you have ever seen these beautiful birds then you'll know they are pretty cool too.

You can choose any size from 3-6 months upto 18-24 months (they do come up small) if you win and it is perfect for a girl or boy.

Just enter via the rafflecopter form below and good luck :)

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Favourite Recipe Friday and Recipe Book Competition - Slow Cooked Shredded Barbeque Beef

Today's favourite recipe is not an old one but in the last few weeks we have had it three times after buying some brisket on offer at the local farm shop!

It is super tasty and really easy and can be served in so many ways...we had it with roasted herby new potatoes and peas one day and pittas and salad another.

In the recipe I substituted the chilli with two teaspoons of chilli flakes so I didn't have to buy chilli's just for this recipe, but if you have them great.

You don't need a slow cooker for this either, although it is perfect if you have as you just bung it all in the cooker in the morning and serve in the evening.

http://www.channel4.com/4food/recipes/popular-dishes/slow-cooker/slow-cooked-shredded-barbecue-beef-recipe

Also on today's Favourite Recipe Friday I have a recipe book to giveaway to one lucky person, all you have to do is enter via the Rafflecopter form below to win this fab book containing loads of simple, easy and classic recipes.

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