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Showing posts with label live. Show all posts
Showing posts with label live. Show all posts

Thursday, June 25, 2015

My First Time at BritMums Live

Last weekend saw my first time at BritMums Live, I had heard great things about it for a few years now and I was lucky enough to find my fabulous sponsor, Zoflora to help get me there.

I was up early Friday morning, probably nerves, excitement and the fact it was a bright morning and the sun was shining through the window.

I got on the train in an empty first class, enjoying the journey down there, reading tweets and Facebook posts of other bloggers on their way too.


I met up with a few other bloggers for a drink first, a little bit of dutch courage to be honest before heading to the the fabulous surrounds of The Brewery and Montcalm Hotel.

We were welcomed by the Twirliwoos, I hadn't really heard of them before but my daughter had and she loves the fact I have had my picture with them, I was also given a Twirliwoo headband which she hasn't taken off since Sunday.


The event started with a with a welcome from Suzanne and Jennifer of BritMums and then the first keynote speech from Ella Woodward of Delciouslyella, her journey was really interesting to listen too and it just proves anything is possible.

Followed by the very inspiring Victoria Wright, she made me laugh and bought a tear to my eye with her wonderful insight into growing up with a facial disfigurement and her journey into adult life and having a daughter.


We also attempted and broke a world record, it was a rather apt record of most mummies wrapped in three minutes, we broke the record by one which I think you'll agree is amazing, well done to us all.

I got to make a mood board in a session with a blogger I have long admired, Capture By Lucy's session was absolutely fabulous, I had such a great time and took so much away with me, what my style is and what I need to do to better my blog. I loved making this mood board, everyone says it is very me and I am inclined to agree.


We then got to try some fabulous Lindemans wine, it was a lovely evening so I sampled some of the Rosé which was really refreshing. Myself and a few bloggers then headed to Wagamama for some tea.

After that we headed back to the hotel, I was absolutely shattered so it wasn't long before I headed up to bed.

The following day was an early start, with coffee and pastries being served in The Brewery, the food was really delicious and the granola bars and fruit juices were just what I needed to kick start the day.

The day kicked off with a keynote from Carol Smillie on her fabulous new venture Diary Doll, it was great to hear what she'd been up to. The product itself is something I could really relate too, and although talking pants and periods isn't for everyone, for me and my journey with endometriosis it was a cause close to my heart and I will talk more about it on the blog soon.

Afterwards I went and spoke to Carol, we chatted about Diary Doll, I did a video in the booth they had setup and I got to have my picture taken with her too.


Some of the other fabulous brands there for the event included Santa Maria, Boots, Merci Maman, Super Savvy Me and Parragon Books to name but a few. 

A big wave to Joules, who you'd be mistaken for thinking were my clothing suppliers, I didn't know they were going to be there but I have recently become a huge fan and the skirts I wore are super soft and stretchy so perfect for a mum on the run.


I had an amazing experience chatting to fellow bloggers about their blogs as well as my sponsor Zoflora, so many people had heard of the brand and gave me some hints and tips on how they used it in their home.

I got to meet up with friends and make some new ones, as well as learning so much about how to enhance my blog, make my blogging life easier and lots of tips on SEO, design and much more.

I hope to go back next year, armed with knowledge of how to make the most of the event and hopefully making even more friends.

Friday, May 22, 2015

I'm Going to BritMums Live




Name: Ellie

Blog: The Mummy Diary


Twitter ID: themummydiaryuk

Height: 5'10

Hair: Short and shades of brown and blonde.  I had it cut off for charity 20 months ago and I've kept it short ever since (much easier in the morning rush)

Eyes: Blue

Is this your first blogging conference?: Yes, I am kinda nervous as it's my first time but I know lots of great bloggers from Nottingham already and have the lovely Jaime from The Olivers Madhouse to take me under her wing. Although once i've had a glass of wine there is usually no stopping me from chatting!!

Are you attending both days?: Yes, got me a day off work for this bad boy ;)

What are you most looking forward to at BritMums Live 2015?: Putting names to faces, socialising with lots of like minded people and finding some great brands to talk too. A weekend away is also a bonus!

What are you wearing?: What right now???? On the day I have no idea, hopefully weather permitting at least some Sun Jellies on my feet for comfort and then probably skirt or jeans and whatever is clean and ironed!

What do you hope to gain from BritMums Live 2015?: I've been blogging a while now but I am still kind of a newbie, having only 'come out' about my blog about 20 months ago, before then I was just writing about me and not really shouting about it. So I am looking forward to hearing from the experts and finding out how I can make my blog better.


I am still looking for sponsorship for Britmums. I have a few packages available so if you are interested and would like more information then drop me an email at ellie@themummydiary.co.uk for a virtual cuppa and a chat.

Monday, April 20, 2015

Disney on Ice - Magical Ice Festival

Who hasn't loved Disney at some point in their life? I love sharing the Disney stories that I enjoyed as a child with my daughter, so imagine being able to see some of those characters for real and on ice.

With the new Disney on Ice - Magical Ice Festival currently working its way around the UK, there is no better time to enjoy some of your favourite characters as part of a spectacular event on ice.

With firm Disney favourites including Mickey and friends leading the way....


...and some of the more recent characters Disney have created popping up as well. Including a duo sure to get most little girl's attention, Anna and Elsa from Frozen, they are sure to be a huge hit and have everyone singing along.


This is sure to be a spectacular show, full of energy and a great way for the family to spend some time together.


You can see your favourite Disney characters between now and 17th May at London, Cardiff, Nottingham and Leeds so why not book your tickets to Disney on Ice - Magical Ice Festival.

NB: I have been given a family ticket in exchange for a preview post and review of the Disney on Ice show.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Win Tickets to see Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Live

If you have children, then you probably know of a little kingdom hidden among the thorny brambles. Ben and Holly are a favourite in our house and I am sure they are  for many other families around the country.


My daughter loves to watch Ben & Holly on their adventures, her daddy has even met the voice of Gaston (yes we know he just barks).

So it’s great news that the hugely popular Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom theatre production takes to the road again for a second UK & Ireland tour this year.  A BAFTA award-winning TV animation, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom comes from the makers of Peppa Pig and was produced for the stage by top children’s theatre producers Fiery Light Productions, whose growing stable of work includes the stage adaptions of Peppa Pig and Octonauts.


The Little Kingdom –where everyone is very, very small –is home to Princess Holly and her best friend Ben Elf. Holly is a young fairy princess who is still learning how to do magic properly and sometimes her spells don’t work out quite right. Ben is an Elf. Elves don’t do magic but they are very good at making things. Ben doesn’t have wings like Holly but he flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird.


In this exciting new musical adventure, Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston clean up his messy cave; they go on a trip to The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum; and still have time to plan a surprise for King Elf’s birthday party, complete with an unplanned jelly flood.


Packed full of games, songs and laughter, this is an enchanting and magical visit to the Little Kingdom, live on stage for the very first time. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family.



Now for the really good bit, I have one family ticket up for grabs for a venue of your choice (T&Cs apply). To find out where the show is playing near you visit http://www.benandhollylive.com. Just enter via the Rafflecopter form below, terms and conditions can be found on the Rafflecopter widget against each entry tab, by entering your agree to the T&Cs.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, October 24, 2014

Win a Family Ticket for Octonauts Live

We are huge fans of the Octonauts in our house, in fact they are an integral part of our bath time routine, usually the first choice of toy to take the plunge into the bath. So it is exciting to see that one of our favourite adventures is coming to the theatre.


Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure sees the entire crew of the Octonauts, led by intrepid explorer Captain Barnacles, Lieutenant Kwazii and Medic Peso, embark on an exciting new underwater quest and visit amazing underwater worlds full of adventure, with surprises around every corner. This action-packed interactive show features new music (from BAFTA-award winning composer Mani Svavarsson) and all the Octonauts live on stage for the very first time.



Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure is produced by live childrens show supremos Fiery Light (a joint venture by Fiery Angel and Limelight Productions), the team also behind the recent tours of the three successful Peppa Pig stage shows. Their most recent – Peppa Pigs Big Splash - is currently on tour. It has broken box office records for a pre-school show and will return to the West End for fifth consecutive Christmas season at the Criterion Theatre this year. Other Fiery Light productions include the recent tour of Ben and Hollys Little Kingdom, LazyTown Live! and Roald Dahls The BFG.


Director/adapter Richard Lewis said: ‘Octonauts is all about adventure and exploration which offers up a whole host of possibilities in a live environment. From the colourful characters and fantastic underwater setting to the amazing octopod where the Octonauts live, theres great scope for a really unique, interactive theatre experience. We cant wait to take fans on an adventure like never before.

And why am I telling you all of this? Well I have one family ticket up for grabs for a venue of your choice (T&Cs apply). Just enter via the Rafflecopter form below, terms and conditions on the Rafflecopter widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Peppa Pig's Big Splash Live Tour

Whether you have young children or not, you will most likely have come across the rather cute pink piggy that is, Peppa Pig.

From now until the new year, Peppa and her friends are on tour throughout the UK, you can join them on an all singing, all dancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles.


With super cute puppets and plenty to sing along to, this brand new show will be sure to brighten your day.


Travelling to 12 venues throughout the UK, there is plenty of opportunity to find a hotel and make a weekend of it, locations include, the fabulous Woking with it’s beautiful canals and the lightbox museum.

Or how about a weekend away in vibrant Southampton, with a few hotels nearby including Eastleigh and Fareham there are plenty of places to stay meaning you can explore what this great coastal town has to offer.

Peppa Pig's Big Splash Live Tour will be appearing at the following locations over the next few months.

  • Grimsby Auditorium - 27 - 28 Sep 2014
  • Woking New Victoria Theatre - 1 - 2 Oct 2014
  • Isle Of Wight Medina Theatre - 4 - 5 Oct 2014
  • Bristol Hippodrome - 7 - 8 Oct 2014
  • Southampton Mayflower Theatre - 10 - 11 Oct 2014
  • Bournemouth Pavilions - 15 - 16 Oct 2014
  • Clacton-On-Sea Princes Theatre - 18 - 19 Oct 2014
  • Billingham Forum Theatre - 22 - 23 Oct 2014
  • Nottingham Theatre Royal - 25 - 26 Oct 2014
  • Leeds West Yorkshire Playhouse - 30 Oct - 2 Nov 2014
  • London Criterion Theatre - 2 Dec 2014 - 4 Jan 2015

For more information visit http://www.peppapiglive.com

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

Monday, May 20, 2013

Walking with Dinosaurs

It had been almost a year of waiting to see Walking with Dinosaurs at the Ice Arena, but eventually the day arrived last week!

So was it worth it? Yes, is all I can say.

Whether you have children who love dinosaurs or not this is a truly amazing experience and if you do have children who love them then it is even more magical.

My son hates really loud noises so he did spend most of the show with his fingers in his ears (whether it was where we were sat i'm not sure) but his face when the dinosaurs came out was a picture.

Also to be fair when the T-Rex roared I did jump out of my skin (think Tom and Jerry) this also accounts for the not so brilliant shots ;).

Here are some snapshots from the experience, if it is coming to a town near you I can highly recommend going.

Before it started...
Mr Diplidocus
Pretty flowers
Utahraptors 
Mama T-Rex doing her thing...
Big momma and little baby t-rex
The end of it all

There were quite a few smaller children there but it was loud so if your children hate very loud noises and are scared easily then you my wish to take ear defenders.