I'm Going To Britmums Live Courtesy of Look Again!

Back in 2011 I went to a brilliant Parent blogging conference called Cybermummy. I was 39 weeks pregnant and I waddled around the entire day, chatting to other bloggers I'd only ever tweeted or met for a few hours at an event. People thought I was slightly mad, with my mahousive bump, and there was talk of potentially popping out the sproglet at the conference! I was so glad that Noah decided to save his appearance for another day (although 12 days late did get me down slightly!) as it meant that I had a fabulous time and I learnt a lot. I missed Britmums (as it is now called) last year, and I was gutted to miss out, so this year I'm so happy to say that I'm going and that Look Again are sponsoring me to be there! I am looking forward to meeting bloggers new and old, trying to learn more about blogging and improving my social media skills, and obviously taking part in the social aspect that comes with it - particularly having a few alcoholic drinks that I couldn't partake in the last time hahahahaha!

Here's a little bit about me:

Name: Sharon

Blog: I Heart Motherhood

Twitter ID: @iheartmuthahood

Height: 5ft 11 - yeah, I'm tall!

Hair: Bobbed brown

Eyes: Green and Hazel

Is this your first blogging conference? No it's my 3rd

Are you attending both days? Hell yeah!

What are you most looking forward to at BritMums Live 2013?

Catching up with all my favourite bloggers, attending some great sessions and feeling inspired!

What are you wearing? Is it a cardinal sin to admit that I don't have a bloody clue! I know that this is extremely disorganised of me!

What do you hope to gain from BritMums Live 2013? I hope to build on my blogging skillz!

Tell us one thing about you that not everyone knows

I used to have some weird crushes as a youngster - Stephen Hendry anyone?
Here's a little bit about my sponsors:

Look Again, packed with inspiration for a fashionable wardrobe and home, Lookagain.co.uk is a fresh, new ultra-stylish and easy to navigate online store. Brimming with gorgeous clothing, footwear and interior looks, plus a host of fabulous features and new interactive tools, it’s all been designed to make shopping a dream. 

There’s always something new to inspire & surprise! 

We’re dedicated to helping you keep your wardrobe on-trend with the very latest looks - so 100 brand new styles are launched every week. And because they all have 10% off for the first seven days only, you can get the newest styles first for less. Our whole collection is priced to compete with the high street, too, so you can shop effortlessly from home with the confidence that you haven’t paid a penny more than you need. Looking for ideas? We’ll show you how to wear the must-have looks, your way. And our regular trend reports will show you what’s hot this season. If it’s snappy style advice you’re after, our celebrity stylist ’60 second fashion fix’ videos are just the thing. And we’ll help you find the perfect item easily with our innovative online shopping tools. With both exclusive new brands and those you love at your fingertips, a wide range of 17 shops for all occasions and specially selected ranges for you, your family and home, make Look Again your first port of call every time you shop. Not only that, with fantastic treats up for grabs in our weekly prize draw plus a whole host of exciting new features coming soon to the site.

I'd just like to say THANK YOU Look Again for sponsoring me to go to the Parent Blogging Community's event of the year. I'm looking forward to every minute! 


Look Again have paid for my Britmums ticket, travel and overnight stay

Annabel Karmel Quick and Easy Toddler Meals - Book Review

In a move to make mealtimes more manageable for busy mums and dads, the UK’s number one parenting author and expert on baby and child nutrition Annabel Karmel MBE launches the first in her ‘Quick and Easy’ series: Quick and Easy Toddler Recipes.

With mealtime meltdown a daily occurrence across thousands of busy UK households, Annabel has cooked up a 144 page full colour recipe book to help hard-working families feed their children a healthy, balanced diet – in quick time!

With recent research deeming British toddlers to be the fussiest in Europe and with 42% of parents admitting to a repertoire of just seven meals they cook for their children, it’s no surprise that parents regularly become locked in a battle of wills.

But mealtimes are about to get tastier for tiny tums – and easier for mums – with over 100 delicious and nutritious time-saving recipes packed full of natural flavour. And it’s not just little ones who will love them; combining everyday kitchen ingredients with simple-to-follow instructions, Annabel’s recipes can be whipped up for the whole family too.

What did we think?

We have road-tested the book and the kids have enjoyed what we've made so far. We have two very fussy and headstrong kids and they have a very small repertoire of meals that they will eat without considerable badgering from us. First up I made Meatballs in Goulash Sauce. We served these with pasta, not rice. I know I should have gone with the rice but I wanted to avoid any aggro that night and I felt that rice would make the kids not eat any of it. They loved the meatballs and so did me and the OH - proof that although the book is aimed at cooking for toddlers it works for the entire family. Next time I make it I will man-up and serve with rice, after all the more times kids are served a food, they will become familiar with it, and become more likely to try it. 

Next up we tried Quick Chicken Nuggets. These were delicious. The coating was crushed up cornflakes and it was Isla's job to smash them all up - she enjoyed doing that! I much prefer chicken nuggets that are freshly made but it is easy to fall into that trap thinking it's more convenient to buy them but these are so easy to make and you know what chicken you're eating. Look at them, they look so golden and crispy. Yum.

And our final road test was a bit of a disaster (at first) as while I was trying to concentrate on the recipe (Isla was helping me again) I had Noah having the most EPIC tantrum in the kitchen, demanding to be picked up. I started off making Tomato and Basil Risotto but I ended up with a bit of a cross breed of that and the recipe on the opposite page! I got so distracted that I put Creme Fraiche in the Risotto, which wasn't part of the plan, but actually ended up being a fortunate accident as it was really tasty. Again, Isla helped me to make dinner and I think it gave her a sense of pride and I also believe prompted her to eat more of it than she would have otherwise. 

So there you have it, 3 very successful dishes and a desire to make more from this lovely little book. We give this book a big thumbs up and would recommend it to any time poor, frazzled mum of fussy eaters. 

Quick and Easy Toddler Recipes (RRP £9.99) is published by Ebury Press on 20^th June and will be available from all good book shops and Amazon.

We were sent the book free of charge but all opinions in the review are honest and my own.

Fun In the Sun!

This weekend we went Up North to visit friends and a freakish thing happened - it was sunny the whole time we were there - we had fun in the sun! It wasn't just a bit sunny but totally scorchio. I'm not saying it's never sunny in the North, just that it's never sunny whenever we go there, so this was such a bonus and meant that we spent the majority of it out in the open and had barbecues both days. Oh Happy Day!

We went to visit my longest standing friend from senior school and her family and Isla and Noah had a lovely time there playing with their kids and all their toys. By the end of the weekend Noah had taken quite a shine to my friend's little girl and even uttered "I luff you" - too cute. Isla also loved her because of their shared love of Lelli Kelly shoes.

Following that there was fun in the garden in the paddling pool and running around soaking everyone with the hose.

Then on the Sunday we went out for a picnic to Dunham Massey, a National Trust property, which was lovely.

We didn't venture far into the grounds but we were right next to a natural playground with loads of logs to balance on and brilliant animal wood carvings. There was a lot of horsing around, jumping all over each other and kicking the ball around etc, all good fun.

We even managed to get this family shot of the four of us.

All in all we had a great weekend, catching up with friends, laughing lots, eating a fair bit and making memories. The sunshine really does make a difference doesn't it?

LOLLIBOP SET TO ROCK QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK THIS SUMMER

I'm so happy to announce that I am an official Lollibop blogger. We love Lollibop having been the last 2 years and so over the coming weeks I will be letting you know all about the fun that Lollibop has in store for you and your mini festival goers! The venue is new for this year and will be at The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London - an awe inspiring place I think you'll agree! Keep your eyes peeled on my blog for a family ticket competition, discount codes for ticket purchases and interviews with LolliBop talent and organisers, a behind the scenes look at Lolli as the build takes place at the Olympic Park and lots more. Exciting stuff!
Joining some of the hottest names in kids’ entertainment, as well as hundreds of activities, workshops and interactive demos, are the Mr. Men and Little Miss Village Green Event and Shaun the Sheep’s Championsheeps LIVE!

The ever-popular Mr. Men will be hosting a fun maypole activity area and favourite characters, such as Mr. Bump, Mr. Tickle and Little Miss Sunshine, will be meeting and greeting fans at the Mr. Men and Little Miss reading hubs. 

Shaun the Sheep will be personally on hand at the Championsheeps with sheepy shenanigans, including Shirley’s Pie-athalon, the Naughty Pig’s Sack Race and Get Fit with the Flock. Kids and parents are ‘wool-come’ to get involved!

Other big names confirmed so far, include:

- LolliBop favourites Dick and Dom return with their special mix of madcap games, songs, jokes and a foam pie or two…

- Peppa Pig will be at the festival all weekend, meeting and greeting all her little fans

- Sid Sloane and Andy Day will be hosting their very own Big Birthday Bash and everyone is invited! Expect lots of energetic songs and silliness and plenty of audience participation

- Watch and learn how to ‘Copy Poppy’ with Poppy Cat on the Lolli Live stage

- Straight from Nickelodeon to the Lolli Live Stage, The Go! Go! Go! Show are bringing brand new pop songs, catchy, easy-to-learn dance moves and loads of laughs

- Sing and dance along with the adorable Cloudbabies mini show

- Witness the amazing wildlife showcase with National Geographic Kids Animal Man

- Laugh along with hilarious antics from the amazing 8ft Titan the Robot

Returning LolliBoppers will also see old favourites mixed with new attractions for 2013, including:

LolliBop Live – Popular CBeebies presenter Alex Winters is comparing the live stage which plays host to some of the biggest names in kids entertainment, with live music and performances from stars of stage and screen.

Lollipalladiam - is a live theatre tent showcasing performances from pioneering and internationally renowned companies and artists. This year it features Spooked, the critically acclaimed Broken Rose Performing Arts first show for children – a hilarious and spectacular blend of dance, theatre and spoken word featuring skeletons Molly, Jinny and Charlie.

Science Zone - Make a rocket, hold a dry ice cube, or get messy with gooey slime in the LolliBop lab - brimming with exploding experiments for pint sized guests to try! London’s Science Museum will also be attending with live demonstrations and interactive activities.

Run wild and have fun in the LolliSports area. With activities including retro favourites like swingball, hula-hoop and frisbee to football tournaments and sports day style races.

3ft and under is also making a comeback but this time is it within the brand new Itsy Bitsy Zone. Activities for babies and toddlers will include soft play, baby massage, storytelling, mini discos and much more

The Lolli Promenade – Situated on the River Lea! We’re very lucky to have a real river running through our new home, so why not relax and enjoy an ice lolly at the Lolli Promenade which also features beach hut crafts and bandstands.

Discovery Zone - will host a number of educational, interactive and hands on activities where kids can learn a new skill like beatboxing in one of the many workshops.

Lolli Stops – Enjoy crafts from puppet making, and customised fashion workshops, to balloon modelling, and graffiti painting, there is a something to make and do around every corner.

The Meadows - A perfect spot to chill out, enjoy your lunch and watch our special street performers.

There is also a wide selection of food and drink stalls at LolliBop. Extensive covered buggy parks, baby changing and breast-feeding areas are also available.


For more tickets and more information: http://www.lollibopfestival.co.uk

"When I Was a Lad" by Megson - Review

Have you heard of Megson? No I hadn't either until I was sent their CD to review and I'm glad I know of them now as their music is beautiful. It is simply beautiful, melodic folk music and the best thing about it is that my kids love it! Isla asks for specific songs, "Can we have the shop song now Mummy?" (All the Shops Have Fallen Down), "can we have the first song again Mummy?" (Bee-O). And I go with whatever they choose as I really do love them all too. The tunes are so catchy and the words are easy to learn and l so love the times that we have in the car nowadays where I can hear them both in the back, picking up the words, getting them muddled up occasionally, but with each and every listen they are picking up more and more of the song. It reminds me of when I was little and my Dad, being a big music fan was always blasting something or other out (mostly I remember David Bowie, 'Lets's Dance'). I even caught Noah just randomly singing "Jenny Jenkins" (only those 2 words, over and over), so at pre 2 years old he's loving the music too.

So who are they? Megson, are an award winning husband and wife folk duo who have produced their first ever album aimed specifically at children. Something totally different from the TV-based or nursery rhyme themed music that pre-schoolers normally listen to. And to say I'm relieved that we've moved away slightly from the Oxford Nursery Rhyme CD in the car is an understatement! The music isn't just for kids, it's a really nice easy listen for us grown ups too. The voices and harmonies are gorgeous, I love that you can hear their wonderful accents coming through in their singing too. All in all I think this would be great for many parents. The uptempo songs are great for a rowsing singalong and the slower, gentler tunes are wonderful for chilling out overtired babies!

The album When I was a Lad is available to purchase from Megson's website at £10: http://www.megsonmusic.co.uk/?page_id=141

And if you fancy catching Megson Live on the folk festival circuit, check them out at:

Beverley Folk Festival; 21st and 22nd June

Larmer Tree Festival; 18th and 21st July - This one looks like a corker for families! 

Village Pump Festival, Trowbridge; 27th July

Dunton Folk Festival, Bedfordshire; 7th September

Southdowns Folk Festival; 21st September

We were sent this CD free of charge to review. All opinions and views are honest and my own.

Emmetts Gardens, National Trust

This week we went to Emmetts Gardens, a really lovely National Trust property and gardens in Kent, not far from us. We’ve been before so we knew how lovely it is, but we hadn’t bargained on seeing SOOO many bluebells. We saw loads the other week at Hatchlands Park, but there were so many more here I think. It was a bit of a ramble round especially with the buggy but it was worth it. As usual we took a picnic and just let the kids roam a bit. The rhododendrons and azaleas were all in bloom and looked absolutely gorgeous, the grounds are just so well maintained. We didn’t do any of the NT 50 things that day (well there was a bit of rolling going on but I felt it didn’t count as it wasn’t a big enough hill!) but we just enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air. I particularly loved the magnifying glasses that you can loan for the day, the kids loved walking around like Sherlock Holmes. 

My Bluebell Fairy!

Swathes of Bluebells!

I spy with my little eye.....

Race for Life - I Did It!

On Sunday I took part in Race for Life in Guildford with my little family supporting me. The night before Isla was very excited at the prospect of seeing Mummy running, she kept running up and down the living room and hurling herself on the sofa, supposedly showing me how to do it! She also planned what she was going to wear for the big day (!) and then subsequently didn't seem able to get to sleep either she was that excited!!

Anyway, we arrived at the race and it was beautiful sunshine and everyone was adorned in pink and there were feathers and sequins aplenty! I collected my race T-shirt from the cute little Brioche Pasquier van (who were giving out lots of yummy Brioche!) and I got going. I'm very pleased to say that I did the run in 33 minutes, which for me is normal for 5km - I haven't got any slower, so that's a relief! I was quite emotional on the start line and then when I finished the race I felt so much relief. I'm pleased to say that apart from the generous starting donation of £250 from Brioche Pasquier I managed to match that with donations from friends, work colleagues and family and I've made over £500 for Cancer Research UK. I'm so pleased. It's still not too late for you to take part in Race for Life and Brioche Pasquier are also running a promotion, ‘Raise Some Dough’, throughout June and July which gives customers the opportunity to win donations of up to £100 to send to friends or family taking part in a Race for Life event through their JustGiving page - or alternatively they can simply donate to the Brioche Pasquier Race for Life team. 

At over 200 Race for Life events this summer, Brioche Pasquier UK will also be rewarding every participant crossing the finish line with a sample from PITCH, its filled brioche range. In addition, Brioche Pasquier will be hosting a variety of exciting experiential activities across 10 events, enhancing the overall race day experience for participants and their families.

If you fancy entering Race for Life, enter now at www.raceforlife.org or via the hotline on 0845 600 6050. The entry fee is £14.99 for adults and £10 for girls 16 and under. This covers the costs of staging the event series and means that money raised in sponsorship can go to help beat cancer. Events take place across the UK from May until the end of September