3 Copies of the 30th Anniversary Edition of The Snowman DVD to be Won

Christmas is getting closer which means one thing Christmas movies! I love a good Christmas movie to get me in a festive mood and you can’t get more Christmassy than The Snowman.

I can’t believe it is 30 years old, makes me feel very old indeed!

There is something magical about a Snowman, BG adores making them. Here is ours from last year.

Duncan Hamilton from Hamilton ice sculptures has some great tips on our to create the prefect snowman:

Duncan says:

The traditional way to build a snowman is to pack snow together by hand, roll it to form balls and pat snow on to the surface to make the shape.

This is quite limiting in terms of design and is not how the pros do it! To make a really strong snowman with lots of extra detail, why not try the following tips. But make sure you get a grown up to help you!

• Get four equal sized sheets of wood. Arrange them to make a box with an open top and run a strong rope around them to keep them steady.
• Now shovel fresh snow into the box.
• Stamp or push it down carefully to compact it and carry on until you have filled the whole box.
• Leave it to stand for at least a couple of hours.
• Now remove the rope and the sheets of wood to reveal a perfectly compacted block of snow.
• You are now ready to carve your snow. Use any tools you have to hand – knives, saws, even spoons. You should find the snow quite easy to sculpt.
• Think carefully about your design and make sure that it is heavy at the base to prevent it collapsing or falling over.
• Be ambitious and have a good time!

To celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of The Snowman I have 3 Copies of the DVD to giveaway.

Just follow the instructions below and good luck. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 of the Best Christmas Stockings £12 and Under

Christmas Bird Stocking from Cath Kidston £12

Snowy Christmas Stocking from Birdyhome £11.75

Made With Love from Marks and Spencers £9.50

Small Red Stocking from John Lewis £8.95

Santa Long Legs Stocking from Mothercare £5

A Christmas Tradition: The Radio Times

This may sound like a stupid tradition but its mine and I have been doing it ever since I lived by myself 12 years ago (that makes me feel really old).  I don't generally buy TV magazines but I make an exception at Christmas. 

I got really excited today when I saw it in the supermarket and it is now hidden until I have some time to myself. 


This is what I need:


*I have to be all by myself and this takes at least an hour


*One copy of the Radio Times and it *has* to be the Radio Times. Know one is allowed to read it until I have!


*One pen, you can use any but I find a felt tip pen best


*Christmas Music 


*Hot drink, preferably a hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows


*Slice of cake


*Blanket


I then snuggle on the sofa and plan my Christmas viewing. This may happen more than once to make sure I haven't missed anything. 


The magazine may become dog eared by the time New Year is here but that doesn't matter, it can take it.


With the added bonus of having sky + I can also spend time scheduling it all in on reminders, moving things around and looking for repeats as necessary. 


Don't judge me, try yourself. I am going to try and sneak an hour to myself this week to do this. It really gets me in the Christmas spirit, I love all the Christmas specials. It also helps with crazy in me that Christmas brings out, I like to be well organised. 


What silly traditions do you have?


By Carol

STOP BEFORE YOU BUY ANYMORE STUFF AND READ THIS…

Some clarity at this consumer crazy time of year in this post by Becky from Baby Budgeting 

*******************

Parents can often get themselves in a money pit pickle at Christmas. They love their kids and want them to have the BEST time and so they buy and buy and buy for them.  People want their homes to look nice, the food to be great, everyone to look good, If money is tight this can seem pretty impossible and so we go into debt figuring we have the rest of the year to sort it out. It’s not worth the stress/debt that will come,  one day of magic does not have to cost the earth. Read these 10 tips. I hope they help.

1. Wrap early and write a list of everything you have bought your child and that you know they are getting. This will reassure you they have fab pressies and DO NOT need more.

2. You haven't visited Santa? Hold onto your money and visit HERE

3. Not sent your Christmas  cards don’t buy any visit HERE

4. Need a fab table decoration but don’t want to spend money. Here's a beauty

5. Find out what’s on for free over the next few weeks, christingle, nativity plays, craft fir kids at a Christmas fayre and plan your diary. Free and much more festive than soft play!

6. Rich food just makes you and your kids hyper…don’t buy lots of chocolate and sweets. Just a few and RATION them for all your sakes

7. Forgot a pressie? Need some standbys, Don’t panic and buy something expensive, instead grab some hot chocolate packs, batch make these gorgeous choccy spoons and have them on standby.

8. Christmas is about faith, tradition , family not just STUFF so pack your home with reindeer dust , visits to those you love and some carols, storytelling and a Rudolph inspired disco. Plan these into your diary and you will look back on this Christmas and these are things you will remember not the STUFF you bought. One of my kids favourite things is to drive around in the dark and go ooooooooh at all the lights!

9. Dried sliced oranges and some cinnamon sticks make your house smell lovely just add a quick decutter too and it will look brilliant, Get  the best plates out,  Super ironing and hanging yours and the children's best clothes can make them feel pretty special too. Make the best of what you have, there is no need to shop for that feeling you can create it.

10. Breathe, relax  Christmas is for you too mum. Long baths, your music for once, everyone together. Let yourself off the hook. YOU have done a great job.

Oh and if someone invites your family for Christmas dinner...Say YES! It will save you tons of stress (effort, energy and money!)

Have a good one xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

5 of the Best Christmas Tree Decorations under £3

Wooden Robin Tree Decoration £2.50 from John Lewis

3D Star Tree Decoration £1.50 from M&S

Handpainted Gold Glitter Star £2.95 from Bollywood Christmas 

Glass Angel Baubles £1 from Poundland 

18 Luxury Glass Baubles £2.99 from Poundstretcher

Tried & Tested Christmas Gifts for Adults £50 and Under

Twinkle Twinkle – Organic Luxury Facial 

 Price: £40 
 Available from: Green People Organic 


Initial Reaction: This special gift set is beautifully presented and I was looking forward to trying it out. Green People products use fairly traded, organic ingredients, so ethically they’re right up my street. Green People are joint third in the Ethical Consumer shopping guide for skincare products with 14.5/20 – compared to 6/20 for ‘natural’-styled brands like Aveda and Origins, and 0/20 for Olay and Boots. I was hoping that the products would be as good as the ethical credentials. The Twinkle Twinkle gift set contains three products: Brightening Exfoliator, Rejuvenating Facial Oil and Reviving Day and Night Cream. 


At first I was a bit sceptical: they want me to put oil on my face?! I have combination skin and short cropped hair that’s often covered in oil-based hair wax, so I can easily end up with spots and was wary of putting more oil on my skin. With this in mind, I started out just using the moisturiser. At first I thought it was great, as it’s rich but not too heavy. After a few days, however (especially given the wintery weather) my skin began to feel dry and tight. The moisturiser on its own wasn’t enough; it needs to be used with the oil for the best results. 

Since I started using the oil my preconceptions have really been proved wrong. It’s totally different from having oily, greasy skin – I apply just one squirt of oil after washing my face and I find it really soothing. It leaves my skin relaxed and primed for the moisturiser – not at all greasy, which is what I was expecting. I was also a bit sceptical about the concept of a ‘day and night’ cream. Usually I use a lighter moisturiser in the daytime and a heavier cream at night and I wasn’t sure that one cream would do both jobs well. But because the moisturiser is rich and nourishing, I feel it does a heavy-duty job on my skin overnight – but it isn’t too heavy for the daytime. I’ve been using the oil and cream combination for two or three weeks now and I’m really impressed – my skin is smooth, doesn’t feel dry in the wind and cold, and I’ve even had fewer spots.

Tried & Tested Christmas Gifts for Children £40 and Under

Winnie the Pooh Interactive Friend 

Price: £39.99
Available from:  Tesco, Argos, Amazon 
Suitable from:  12 months + 


Initial Reaction:   A lovely traditional looking Winnie the Pooh Bear. Couldn’t wait to get him out of the box.

Pros:

• Lovely and cuddly.
• Just the right size for a 1 yr old to carry.
• Programmable by parents to match their own child’s individual routine.

Cons: 

• Takes a little while to programme, as you have to go through every bit of your child’s routine and put in the times (bed time, meal times etc.)
• If your child isn’t in a set routine Winnie the Pooh won’t match every day.
• Winnie will suddenly pipe up and say something when you aren’t expecting it. I made the mistake of putting him to bed with Brandon the first day we got him. After Winnie tried to get Brandon to play Hide and Seek when he should be sleeping  he was moved back downstairs (Winnie, not Brandon).You can programme the evening sleep, but I didn’t realise that Winnie randomly came to life lol.
• Although Winnie will not “play” when your child has bedtime, he will snore really really loudly if your child accidentally rolls onto him. It didn’t wake Brandon up, but did wake me up every time I heard it over the monitor.

Value for money?  Ok 


Overall Reaction:  Winnie is a lovely toy. Although he can’t sleep with Brandon & still occasionally frightens me when I hear his “old man” voice calling I would still buy him. Brandon loves him.   

By Sarah 

Light Strike Assault Striker with Mini Target

Electronic guns, Action at the speed of light. 


Price:   £40 
Available from:  Amazon, All good retail stores, for full range visit Lightstrike.com or wowee.com 
Suitable from:   8+ 


Initial Reaction:   Oh, my boys were absolutely over the moon to receive the light strike set and couldn't wait to get them out and start a battle. 


Pros:  Lots of play value, sturdy, volume control switch 


Cons: No batteries included, each set requires 4xAA for the assault striker and 3xAAA for the strike target, so that is a lot of batteries needed before you can start. 


Value for money?  Very good value, I was quite surprised and expected the set to be more expensive.


Overall Reaction:   Overall, we were really pleased with the light strike, the boys play with these every day.

 


By Cherilyn

Tried & Tested Christmas Gifts for Adults £30 and Under

Freya Pollyanna White Nursing Bra

Price: £29.00 
Available from: Freyalingerie 
Suitable from: D cup through to HH 


Initial Reaction: A nursing bra for a yummy mummy. It was nice to find a nursing bra which was young and hip.


Pros:

• The bra offers firm support
• The bra is designed to support the entire breast
•  The bra offers complete comfort
• The bra has easy drop down cups
• The bra has four hook settings at the back
• The design features an all over mock broidery anglaise floral print combined with pretty lace and beautiful floral motif detailing

Cons: None 


Value for money? Yes 


Overall Reaction: I really like this bra; it has a lovely discrete pattern which makes you feel feminine and girly without being over the top. I found I had lots of support when wearing this bra and could easily release the clips to nurse my child. The straps are very soft and nice and thick too which makes it very comfortable. 


On the back strap there are four different hooks so the bra can be let out or taken in depending at what stage you at with nursing or pregnancy.


 Throughout my pregnancy and whilst I have been nursing I have searched for a nursing bra which suits me and I haven’t come across many that do. I found that the Freya Nursing bra ticked all of the boxes. 


I will continue to use this bra for as long as I am nursing as it fits really well and makes me feel good at the same time. It washes really well and holds it shape and size. I would buy this bra and I would recommend it to others.  

By Vicky 

Lynsey Full Cup Bra by Fantasie 

Price: from £30
Available from:  Leia Lingerie 


Initial Reaction:  Felt really well made and the fabric was pretty


Pros:

• Fits really well
• Supportive
• Washes well
• Gives a great shape
• Nice thick shoulder straps but they look pretty
• Looks great

Cons:

• The only problem I have was after a while the underwire started to hurt. However that is probably due to the fact that I haven’t worn an underwire bra since I was first pregnant.

Value for money? I struggle to find nice bra’s in my size and would pay any price and think that its quite reasonable for a decent bra. 


Overall Reaction:  I really love the shape and support this bra gives me. I can’t wear it all day as the underwire starts to hurts a little in the middle, but to be honest I would probably save a bra like this for going out.  Apart from that I found it great to wear and it is nice to find good bras in my size that aren’t dull and boring (38D). 


You can also get the matching knickers, shorts or thong to go with the bra

By Carol

Tried & Tested Christmas Gifts for Children £30 and Under

Big Red Trains Children Cushion

Price: £24 
Available from:  Scamp Baby Gifts 


Initial Reaction:  It arrived wrapped in tissue paper and just looked so lovely.
Pros:

• Handmade
• The trains are screen printed
• Case is machine washable
• Feels nice
• Looks great
• Good size
• Nice and plump

Cons:

• It’s really hard to find anything wrong with this

Value for money? A good price for a handmade product 


Overall Reaction:  You can tell a lot of love and work has gone into this cushion. The fabric on the back is bright and the trains look great.  It would look great in any nursery and babies will love the bright colours. And of course it’s handy for parents when they are feeding! Scamp Baby Gifts have a great range of handmade products, a site to visit for Christmas and New Baby gifts!    

By Carol 

Hot Wheels Wall Track 

Price: Starter set : £29.99 Downhill Flip Drop-Track £29.99
Available from: Amazon, Toys r us, Argos, Tesco 
Suitable from: 4 Years 


Initial Reaction: My eldest son (4) loves all things cars. In fact we already own some of the regular hot wheels tracks. So when this toy arrived he was beside himself with excitement. He couldn't wait for it to be assembled. 


Pro's: It's a great idea to have the tracks on the wall. With previous hot wheel tracks we have had to put them away and reassemble (not easy) them regularly as they take up a lot of floor space. They work better than some floor based tracks because you have gravity on your side. 


Con's: You need a fairly large clear piece of wall to put the tracks on. We had to rearrange furniture. 


Value for money: The price is in line with other Hot Wheels sets. I think they are a little expensive. 


Overall Reaction: The tracks have been a popular toy in this house, my little boys love them. However I have never found Hot Wheels tracks hold their attention for very long. Good for short play sessions

By Ella 

 iHelicopter

Price:  £29.99 
Available from: ParamountZone 
Suitable from:  14+ 

Initial Reaction:  Well made product. My son couldn't wait to have a go.


Pros:

• Supported by android phones, not just iphones (check website for full list of phones)
• The app will be updated when new features are available.
• Crash resistant material
• Charges via USB cable (included)
• Can be controlled just by tilting your phone.

Cons:

• Very difficult to control until you get the hang of it.
• Could damage wallpaper if used in a small room.

Value for money? Good (it's currently on offer) 


Overall Reaction: I would move anything breakable out of the way to start with. Despite the fact that it was very difficult to control at first, my son soon got the hang of it. There were a few unfortunate crashes into the walls and the ceiling though. Even though the helicopter crashed at speed more than once, it did not damage it in any way. 


Apart from the fact that the baby was terrified of it, this gadget is actually brilliant and great fun to play with. I think it’s definitely a toy for the boys :) 

By Sarah

Tried & Tested Christmas Gifts for Adults £20 and Under

Philosophy Mulling Spices gift pack 

Price:  £16 
Available from : QVC 

Suitable from:  5+ 


Initial Reaction: Beautifully boxed with 2 bottles containing a shower gel, bubble bath and shampoo and a body lotion. 


Pros:

• Products fragranced with spiced chai tea making it really refreshing and warming with a festive feel.
• Luxurious products
• Make an excellent gift as comes in a great little box
• Following up the bubble bath with the body lotion smells divine.

Cons:

• Nothing!

Value for money? Good value for a luxurious product you wouldn’t necessarily buy for yourself but nice to receive as a treat. 


Overall Reaction: I loved this product with its warm, spicy scent good for an autumn/winter mornings in the shower or in the evening in the bath. 

By Louise

Tried & Tested Christmas Gifts for Children £20 and Under

  

Inch Blue Shoes – Frosty Blue Baby 

Price: £18.00 Available 
from:  Inch Blue Size: 0-6 months
Initial Reaction:  They look gorgeous and feel really soft


Pros:

• Handmade
• Super soft
• Breathable leather
• Look great
• Great for growing feet
• Keep little toes warm
• Come in a large selection of designs
• Elastic ankles so they stay on

Cons:

• None

Value for money? Average for baby shoes 


Overall Reaction:  I am a fab of Inch Blue shoes, I find them really soft on babies feet and the older sizes are non-slip for those first steps. They go on easily and stay put. They keep your babies feet warm and are breathable. If you are looking for baby shoes this winter then you can’t go wrong with Inch Blue.

 
 By Carol

Fireman Sam Spin and Rescue Game 

Price: RRP£12.99 
Available from: Amazon, Argos, Toys R Us, Kiddimax 
Suitable from: 3 years 


Initial Reaction : This game arrived on a wet and windy day, perfect for playing games. Unfortunately we had not got the batteries required to make it work. However we discovered that you can play a version of the game without batteries, so this is a bonus.


Pro's: Features Fireman Sam , who is a character most children recognise and love. This is a memory game, which is great for helping with those skills. 


Con's: It takes batteries which obviously is a problem if they run out and you don't have replacements. Also means it's not as environmentally friendly as games which do not use batteries. 


Value for money: I feel this game is a little more expensive than other similar style games. This is obviously because you are paying, in part, more because it is Fireman Sam. 


Overall Reaction: When we got some batteries this game became really good fun. Fireman Sam spins around and tells each player how many cards to pick up, or put back. The player who completes their character's set first wins, My children really enjoyed playing and the sound effects defiantly added to that.

 

By Ella  

Tried & Tested Christmas Gifts for Adults £10 and Under

The Cookiepedia by Stacy Adimando

Price: rrp £11.99 available at £8.39 on Amazon 
Available from: Bookshops or Amazon 


Initial Reaction: The Cookiepedia is very stylish. The cover and pages have a heavy, matt feel, with a large ring binder which means it stays open with ease as you bake. The primary colour scheme and silhouette illustrations have a vintage feel without being twee or flowery; it’s a fresh, modern look that’s a world away from baking classics such as Mary Berry and Delia. Each section features a spread of photos at the start so it’s easy to browse and choose something to make.

Tried & Tested Christmas Gifts for Children £10 and Under

Carddies 

Price: £8.99 
Available from: carddies.com and amazon.co.uk 

Suitable from:  3 years 


Initial Reaction: We received the “caveman” and “knights” carddies. Not knowing a great deal of information about the product it was great to be able to see from the box clearly what it was  i.e. a colouring in game that could be played anywhere.


Pros:

• Handy sized sturdy box – would fit in a bag easily to take with you anywhere
• Good choice of designs – cavemen, knights, princesses, football etc
• Comprises of 12 characters and plastic holders, a scene and 12 pencil crayons that fit neatly in the box.
• Excellent quality think card and coloured pencils
• Designs drawn and made in the UK
• Child can name each of the 12 characters and mount them on their own stand, making it double as a game once the colouring has finished!
• Keeps children amused for ages!

Cons:

• Can’t think of any!

Value for money? Good value for money. When I heard the price I did think it sounded quite a lot for what basically is colouring in but when we opened the box I could see it was in a different league. 

Overall Reaction: This product was very well received by my 4 year old boy who had chicken pox at the time. He sat for ages colouring in each character and the scene and was very pleased with the final result. This would make an excellent treat to get out on a rainy afternoon, if you were confined indoors for any reason or when out and about at a restaurant etc .

By Louise 

 Stabilo Cappi Pen 

Price: Around £6 for a set of 12 
Available from : all good stationary shops, supermarkets and department stores. 
Suitable from:  6+ 



Initial Reaction:  They look quite different to your usual felt pens.


Pros:

• Caps are threaded onto a ring, so hard to lose the cap.
• Specially shaped so that they don’t roll away.
• Grip zone to help children hold the pen properly.
• If the cap is accidentally left off , the pen won’t dry out for 24 hrs
• Nice Colours & a wide variety to choose from.

Cons:

• Because all the pens are joined together, when you grab hold of one to fetch out of a pencil case it pulls all the other pens in the case with it.
• It’s strange having the “grip” if you’re an adult using the pen.

Value for money? OK


Overall Reaction:  Clever idea and there are lots of nice bright colours.

   
 By Sarah  

Crayola Colour Mix-a-roo Game.      

Price: £9.99 
Available from: Amazon, Smyths, Play, Tesco Direct 
Suitable from: 4 years upwards 


Initial Reaction: Initially I thought that this game involved actual paint. I was thrilled when I received it and discovered it doesn't. My children love games and were interested in this one as it is a unique game about colour.


Pro's: Teaches children about colour mixes, with no mess. Fairly short game so a good one for younger children. 


 Con's: This game doesn't have any negatives. 

Value for money: The game is reasonably priced. 


Overall Reaction: I played this game with my eldest son who is 4. He loved it. The basic idea is to mix the colours on the spinning wheel to match the colour on your game card. You dial the colours into the wheel and then the colour they make is revealed beneath a lift up door. My son was fascinated by how this was working, as it does appear 'like magic'. It was a fun game and completely different to anything else on the Market. A hit in this house.

   

 By David