Shiny Happy People Meme

The lovely Becs over at Beetroot and Gherkins has taged New Mummy's Tips in its first meme.

This is the Shiny Happy People Meme and the rules are


1. Name a song that makes you happy - a song you would listen to if you needed a sudden injection of happiness;


2. Post an image that makes you smile. It can be anything - a silly photo, an image taken from the internet, It just has to make you smile

The song that makes me happy is Living On Prayer by Bon Jovi.

The are my favourite band and I love singing this from the top of my lungs, though its even better when you sing along live with them!



Enjoy!

The picture that makes me smile the most at the moment is this one of BG, she has the cheekest grin ever and couple that with a face covered in foods it just makes me giggle.

I now have to pass this on to some more bloggers, as I've a few memes to do in the next week I shall pass on to two only and these are....

A Mother's Ramblings  and Violet Posy

Guest Review - Flat Stanley at Nottingham Lakeside Arts Centre

The wonderful Jo Beaufoix has reviewed Flat Stanley at Nottingham Lakeside Arts Centre for New Mummy's Tips

Jo Beaufoix is an aquarious with two kids aged 4 and 9, she loves chocolate and she once met Grotbags from Emu’s pink windmill show! To find out the other 18 fantastic facts about her read this and then read her fabulous blog.



If anyone had told me that a cast of 4, minimal props, and an hour long show with no breaks, would keep a very wriggly 4 year old Miss M in her seat, I would never have believed it. In fact, I'd have probably bet you a pound of chocolate, my favourite shoes, and my left ventricle that it could never be. But Lakeside's presentation of Jeff Brown's well loved story, Flat Stanley, did just that.

With a bright and vivid set patterned by coloured lighting gels, and the occasional 'special effect' that left Miss M tugging on my arm;

Miss M: Is that boy really flat Mummy?..

this cast of 4 were totally believable in their roles, and although at least three of them played more than one character, Miss M and her 3 year old friend never once seemed confused.

Splitting the tale into 5 chapters, high-lighted by a song and a numbered box filled with props rising from the floor, broke the show into digestible chunks. The tunes were well performed and catchy enough to still be humming them a few weeks later, and although specially adapted for the pre-school audience, the performance also appealed to older children and I'm sure 9 year old Miss E would have found it just as entertaining.

As a Mum, what made the show even more eenjoyable was the venue! Small and intimate, there was enough of a crowd to excite but not to overwhelm, and when the cast waved goodbye it was as if they truly could look at each individual child and share a smile. Miss M and her friend were mesmerized.

The added bonus of a warm and friendly staff (who kindly led me to a back exit when Miss M was desperate for the loo about three quarters of the way through) engendered a very comfortable and almost homely feel, and they were happy to interact with the children and seemed to see them as little people rather than sticky little monsters to be shushed and cleaned up after.


The building itself is modern and fresh, set amidst the beautiful grounds of Nottingham University Park. The duck filled lake is an added attraction, and I imagine it is a beautiful place to sit and drink coffee in warmer weather.

The cafe sold a variety of quality food, and there was plenty to satisfy both grown ups and children. The small play area and 'Flat Stanley' themed gallery, was clean and bright and kids were encouraged to explore the area without fear of 'the look' from either staff or parents.

We were able to buy the book there, but this wasn't 'in your face sales' and we didn't feel pressured in any way.

All in all, Flat Stanley was a wonderful experience and I have no doubt the Beaufoix family will be returning to the Lakeside very soon. In fact we've already checked out the upcoming events, and recommended it to a few friends.

Sadly we saw Flat Stanley on the final day. But this was their fourth Christmas Production and I have no doubt there will be another next year which we will definitely attend. And, when you consider the cost of many shows aimed at children, the price of £7 a ticket is a pleasant surprise.

Thank you so much for hosting us Lakeside, and for up and coming events please visit the site, and for children's events including hands on art sessions visit here You really won't regret it.

Lakeside Art Centre
UniversityPark
Nottingham

NG7 2RD

Review - The Owl and The Pussycat Chilled Baby Food

It’s time to hold my hands I say “I’m not the perfect parent” and not matter how hard I try sometimes I can’t live up to my own standards. When I first started weaning BG I made all my own food for her, and very pleased I was with myself. A freezer full of little coloured cubes gave me great satisfaction and still does! However on day trips out when I didn’t know where we would be stopping for lunch so I didn’t know if they would heat her food, I started use pouches. Big mistake as BG liked those better then Mummy’s cooking and not matter how much I tried to copy the recipes it wasn’t the same and it became easier to give her a pouch or pot and of course I feel like a terrible mum for not giving her homemade food.

BG now being 13 months is off the Jars finally and back to mummy’s homemade food, just in time for me to find this great range of fresh baby food! The Owl and The Pussycat Chilled Baby Food Company Kindly sent me some of their range to test on BG.

We tried their new savoury range Sweet Potato with Chicken, French Beans and Coriander, Tomato and Celeriac Risotto with Cheddar Cheese, Parsnip with Beef and Apple.

Unlike jarred and ambient baby foods which have been heated to very high temperatures to sterilise the ingredients, the organic food selected for the Owl and The Pussycat dishes have been gently steamed to preserve the fullness of flavour ensuring that each dish tastes and smells delicious and fresh.

All Owl and The Pussycat meals are certified organic by government approved inspectors, Organic Farmers and Growers. The new range of chilled baby food is based on the classic bedtime story by Edward Lear with the famous title characters featuring on the packaging. The chilled weaning food is being launched by a small family run food business, based in rural Wiltshire – Sally, Simon and Sarah are the people behind the new range.

Each pack of The Owl and The Pussycat chilled baby food contains two individual 100g pots (priced at £2.79) and can simply be heated in the microwave or on the hob before being served. 

So the most important question was did BG like them? Well of course she did mummy didn’t make them, what did surprise me was that her favourite was the Tomato and Celeriac Risotto with Cheddar Cheese. To me it looked like lightly cooked scrambled egg (sorry!) but she lapped it up. I do have to say that BG is too old now to be eating from these pots, she needs both 100g pots to fill her up and even though the texture is great they are too smooth for her. However for younger children then are ideal, if you need a quick meal for your baby and hate the idea of jars then these are for you.

They are suitable from 6 months and are available at Ocado and Waitrose.

For more information on this range then pop along to their website.


NM X

The Sun Newspapers £9.50 Holidays

The Suns £9.50 Holidays are back!!

Start collecting tokens this Saturday in the Sun, you will need to collect 10 tokens in total from the Sun and News Of The World  and you can book your Holidays from the 12th Febuary.

You can take you £9.50 holiday in February, March, April, May, September, October and November 2010


Full listings of the parks will be in a pullout inside The Sun on Saturday, 16 January, 2010


For full terms and conditions click here

Hoildays in the UK and Europe are avalible, have a great holiday!


NM X

Pizza Deals

Both Pizza Hut and Pizza Express have some great deals to help you through the tight month of January.

Save £10 when you spend £30 at Pizza Hut, go here to print the voucher offers starts 8th January and ends the 31st January

If you prefer Pizza Express then click here for there 1/2 price pizza voucher, offer end 18th January

And don't forget Dominos Two for Tuesdays and their curent 555 deal

Enjoy

NM X

Happy New Year from New Mummy's Tips

Happy New Year my lovely readers!

I have some fab things coming up for you this year, including some great guest posts, the review rodeo is back and money saving advice plus the usual great offers and reviews!

Watch This Space

NM X