Five Things I Want You to Know About Your Father

Your Father Saved Me.
I was lost inside myself and he rescued me.  He knew everything and never judged me. He waited until I was ready to be saved and was there.

Your Father is Strong
I know it appears that I wear the trousers in this relationship, but it isn't because your dad is in any way weaker than me.  We are a team.  We work together to our strengths.  Your dad is strong enough to recognise that I am the control freak and he allows me to take charge.  That is a sign of real strength.

Your Father Loves You All Unconditionally
We have never once used the word "step" to prefix any relationship in our family.  Regardless of biology you are all equal in your dad's eyes.  Even in our most private moments he has never once shown any preference over any child.  You are all his and he is so proud of that.  He is honoured to be your dad.

Your Father Knows Me
I am complicated.  Living with me is not always easy but your father accepts that as a part of me.  He knows me better than anyone.  Never doubt our relationship.  Don't think that he doesn't understand me or holds anything against me.  If I get down and take it out on him, he knows I don't mean what I say.  He doesn't retaliate.  He is calm.  He is my rock.  I am tethered to him and he reels me in when I am ready.

Your Father Is So Proud of You
Your dad comes from an undemonstrative family.  He never felt that his mother was proud of him, although in hindsight he is sure she must have been in her own way.  He never, ever wants you to feel that he is disappointed in you in any way.  Every achievement big or small swells his heart with pride.  He never compares you against each other...he loves your uniqueness and the qualities that make each of you so special.  Joe, he loves how you are thriving in the workplace.  He always said that would be where you shone. He loves that he is your hero and your role model.  Megan, your dad loves how you prove everyone wrong .   You sailed through school a year ahead of yourself in spite of all the so-called experts saying you wouldn't cope out of your peer group. You are so strong but he loves that you still need him.  Ella, your dad loves that you have followed in his love of music.  Your guitar playing is a gift that is so special.  Your tenacity and natural talent amazes him. Kizzy, your dad thinks you are a star.  He loves how you jump into things with both feet and meet challenges head on.  He is so pleased with your attitude to learning and how you've turned your school experience around.  You make him laugh.  Freddy, your dad thinks you are a trooper.  You have stormed through everything you have come up against since you were born.  You make him smile with your antics.  You are a joy to him.

Never, ever doubt your father for a moment.  He will always be there for us all....this I know without question.  We are his life and the reason behind everything he does.  We are truly blessed to have him.

This post is for the Friday Carnival at Notes From Home.

**CLOSED** Win a HOP DVD!

On August 29th, the brand new movie from the creators of Despicable Me was released.  Hop bounced into the shops bringing a tale of friendship, fame and fortune to family audiences.  The hilarious rock 'n' roll Bunny E.B. voiced by the wonderful Russell Brand pursues his dream of being a drumming rock star with hilarious consequences.

E.B. flees his life, where he is lined up to take over the Easter Bunny business, to head for Hollywood.  He is run over by jobless Fred (played by the very cute James Marsden) who, after attempting to putting a feigning E.B. out of his misery, takes him home. Fred wants rid of E.B. until he realises he is the Easter Bunny (who can poop jelly beans!)

Fred helps E.B. as he tries to fulfil his dream of stardom, unaware that the cute but deadly royal ninja bunnies have been sent to bring him home!  Meanwhile the Head Chick on Easter Island (how cool that it is actually partly set on Easter Island) uses the opportunity to try and take control of the Easter Factory in a chick revolution and get the top job himself.  Hank Azaria voices him brilliantly and he is a great character turning the cute chick image on its head.  Fred also has designs on the job and E.B. gives him tips as he tries to learn the trade!  Trouble is bound to break out...and it does!

The star studded cast includes the voice of Hugh Laurie as E.B.'s dad....I adore him so that was a nice bonus.  Russell Brand is fabulous as always as the teen wannabe superstar (yes I am a bit of a fan!)  The mix of real life and animation is seemless.

At 91 minutes long it is the perfect length for a family film.  The glimpse into the Easter Factory is wonderful with all the choccie and sweeties being made.  There is lots of slapstick humour and the Hoff makes a great cameo appearance.  The film appeals on many levels. I loved the School Play scene!  Kizzy really enjoyed it, especially the end involving the chick and the wand! (Shhh....No spoilers here!!)

The DVD has some great bonus features and  the Blu-Ray contains loads of extras.  Why not treat the kids to a Back to School Treat for the weekend and buy a copy of Hop!  You will all be laughing!

If you want to win a copy of Hop, I have one DVD to give away.  

Simply make sure you are a follower of my blog by email, GFC or Networked Blogs and leave me a  comment below telling me what is your favourite...chicks or bunnies before the 20th September.

For a extra entries:


Tweet:
HOP to it if you want to win great prizes with @wendymcd83 at http://tinyurl.com/3otoeuf


Like Inside the Wendy House on Facebook.

Like Hop on Facebook.

Leave me  a separate comment for each entry.

UK only.  Prize drawn by randomizer.  Good luck to everyone!

www.iwantcandy.com

Join the conversation at http://www.facebook.com/hop

Terrible Twos and Travelling with Toddlers

Freddy is now 26 months old.  The easy going baby boy now sometimes morphs into a temper throwing toddler over the simplest thing...I opened his banana wrong, I didn't let him butter his own toast, he doesn't want to take off his pyjama top or he wants to wear his sister's dress that she has on...all these have evoked tantrums!  Over the years I have learned that staying calm and finding humour in the situation is more valuable than gaining an upperhand with a two year old whose emotions have simply got out of control.  I don't make battles out of situations and try to find a suitable compromise that makes everyone happy.  This approach is saving me from getting any extra grey hairs and is maintaining my sanity, so it works for me.

A Trampoline Related Tantrum!

However I am always happy to read advice and so when Need-2-Know Publishing offered to send me some titles from their range of parenting self-help guides I chose ones relevant to Fred's stage of life.

Need-2-Know is an independent publisher with books covering many topics on the subject of Health, Lifestyle, Emotional Issues and Parenting.  They are available as both paperbacks and e-books.  The range is really comprehensive which impressed me a lot.

I opted for the Terrible Twos book.  It covers a host of areas with the following chapter headings.

• Understanding the Terrible Twos
• Your Child's Emotions, Behaviour and Needs
• Freedom From Limits
• Play Time
• Sleep
• Meal Times
• Toliet Training Without Tears
• Childcare and Early Education
• Siblings
• Seeking Help

Written by a parent and early years' practitioner, the book shows us that this stage of our children's lives is completely normal and empowers parents to enjoy their toddlers.  It is not written as a definitive guide, instead it explores options, gives suggestions and is sympathetic to differing parenting techniques.  I found this approach really modern and refreshing...I hate preachy childcare practioners, especially as my parenting style is sometimes quite unorthodox with my co-sleeping!  

This book is very sensitive to the child's needs and the balance between allowing the child freedom to develop and setting limits is explained well.  There are lots of  case studies and tips from other parents which gives the book a personal touch alongside its professional expertise.  It is easy to read, well laid out and good to dip into for information.

I also reviewed the Travelling With Children guide.  I am quite terrified of travelling but really want to be able to enjoy more family holidays so this seemed like a good choice for me .  It has the following chapters:

• The Right Holiday
• Plane, Train or Automobile?
• Babies and Toddlers
• Package Beach Holidays and Theme Parks
• Camping and Caravanning
• City Breaks
• Off the Beaten Track
• Skiing
• Luxury, Cruises and Spas
• Holidays on a Budget
• When Things Go Wrong

There are some inspirational ideas alongside some very practical advice so it ticks all the boxes.    

The book aims to guide parents through the process of choosing a suitable family holiday and making the most of it from start to finish.  Although it applies to holidaying with all ages of children, their is  a whole section dedicated to babies and toddlers.  With tips on transport, packing, avoiding common pitfalls and what to do when things go wrong, it offers a wealth of information and advice.  The money saving ideas are very interesting and the case studies are really helpful showing how other people have managed to go on holiday and have lived to tell the tale!!  There is a list of child-friendly holiday ideas and useful contacts at the back of the book which has given me some food for thought.  I predict more holidaying for my family in 2012!

This book is perfect for nervous first time parents but also great for people like me who want to dip in for advice and ideas to make holidaying as stress-free as possible. In includes inspirational ideas alongside practical advice.

The 'When Things Go Wrong' section is very informative and I think I'll be popping my copy of this book in my suitcase when I next travel, just in case!

Take a look at Need 2 Know books to see their extensive range of titles.  Priced at £8.99-12.99 for a paperback copy and £3.99 for an e-book they are well priced and they cover a vast number of topics.  Whatever self-help guide you are looking for, Need-2-Know would be a good place to look first!

  

The Gallery....Shoes

This week's Gallery prompt has seen me dust off an old favourite for another airing.  It's one of my favourite photos because of what it symbolises.

It's a pic of Ian's big size 12 work boots next to Freddy's first shoes.  It's hard to believe that one day those feet that were then in tiny size 5 shoes, will one day be as big as his daddy's.  

Such a tiny boy, but full of so much promise and potential.

It's magical watching your child grow.

Already he is is size 7 shoes and is getting taller by the week.  I love every moment of him.

One day he will be a man like his big brother Joe and his daddy, but for now I relish having a baby boy to love, cuddle and adore.

Link up at Tara's where you can see other shoes...many probably a lot more glamorous than these ones!

Paper Jamz Pro Microphone

My daughters love their music and you can usually hear guitar playing and singing somewhere in our house at any time!  Toys R Us sent us a Paper Jamz Pro Microphone by WowWee which seemed like something my girls would absolutely love to test out.  It allows you to sing like a pop star using a series of special vocal effects.  You can download music to sing along to and the set contains a USB cable to connect the amp to your PC.  The box contains a full size mic along with a mini voice amp which clips on your belt for portable vocals.  The pink design was really funky, I love Paper Jamz branding.  This microphone joins the other products from Paper Jamz including guitars, drums and amps...become an instant rockstar!

The effects that this gadget can give your voice are quite amazing! The Pro Mic gives Perfect Pitch to your voice, automatically correcting it to keep you in tune.  The Chorus function multiplies your voice to give depth.  Auto Harmony allows for awesome harmonizing as you sing. You can do a one man duet!   Auto Vibrato gives you a warble that would give Leona Lewis a run for her money.  Melody Match tunes your voice for a perfect melody.  You can sing like a diva using this nifty toy, perfect for taking centre stage and impressing the family!

It comes with two pre-loaded songs to sing along to, I'd never heard of them but they come with lyrics enclosed to sing along to them!  Shame it doesn't also include a backing track that the kids could make up their own words to, that would have been a good addition to encourage some vocal freestyling!  The amp will hold up to three MP3's of your own choosing so you can belt out your favourite tracks along with your favourite artists.  The software is easily accessed at paperjamz.com.  The amp takes 4 x AA batteries.

The microphone created a synthesised version of your own voice, a little bit like a melodic robot with the Chipmunks singing backing vocals!  The effects can be switched on individually or all together giving lots of options.  The effect was pretty impressive and we all enjoyed singing into the Pro Mic.   Freddy was surprisingly taken with singing into the mic and made up his own song...a version of Postman Pat with a long note to finish!  It is the long notes that sound the best through the amp. I think he may become a future rock god/prima donna!  Kizzy used the mic to accompany her sister on her guitar which gave her confidence.  Ella had a go at a bit of electro-pop!  We also sang along with the two pre-loaded tracks. (Ella tried to Google them but they do not exist on the internet! Where did they get them from??  "Love Karaoke" is our particular favourite...it's a bit Lady Gaga-esque!!!)

The PaperJamz Pro Microphone costs £34.99.  It is a really fun product with huge novelty value as well as being a lovely way for kids to enjoy singing.  Anything that encourages music gets a thumbs up from me.  We are having a real blast with the Pro Mic...it's a very cool gadget for all ages!

Horrible Science Explosive Experiments

I think this is the toy that has elicited the biggest squeal of joy from Kizzy.  The Horrible History Explosive Experiments kit from Toys R Us is a tantalising box containing the equipment needed to carry out six experiments.  You just need to add a few household items to complete the experiments.

The kit included the Top Secret Lab Notebook which is done in the style of the Horrible Science books and includes cartoons, information, fun facts and instructions for the experiments.  There are ideas for further experiments and explanations of the science behind the results.

Kizzy chose to do the Snot Experiment!!  This entailed mixing the Slime Powder into some hot water so it was very simple to carry out.  Once the mixture has been left for a few minutes, it is ready to handle.  This was a messy affair which Kizzy absolutely loved!  It demonstrates the properties of matter as it can behave as both a solid and a liquid.  So it is educational as well as fun.  

Other experiments include making a rocket, an exploding volcano, a lava lamp and fireworks (don't worry, they are made using food colouring and vegetable oil and not gun powder!) Attention is given to safety rules and there is advice for supervising adults.  The kit is recommended for ages 10+ (Kizzy is almost 9 and I felt she was old enough to carry out the experiment with supervision.)  For £15.99 this is a great set which is perfect for budding scientists.

Kizzy said "It was really fun and I love the style of the Horrible Science Lab Notework.  It was really interesting and funny."

Win with Aldi's Award Winning Ranges

Aldi have been doing it again!  That is, they have been winning more awards, receiving more glowing reviews in the press and scoring a real victory for value!  They are also helping me celebrate my blogaversary with an exciting product giveaway at the end of this post!!

Over the summer Aldi notched up 99 awards for its quality products, going against products costing much more to buy.  Aldi have won 33 awards for their wines and spirits this year including a Best In Class for their Oliver Cromwell 1599 Premium Gin. The Guild of Fine Food Great Taste Awards has awarded two of Aldi's products that I have been sent to test out.

The Diplomat Speciality Tea sells at just 99p for a 125g of 50 quality tea bags.  We received the Afternoon Ceylon tea bags which have a delicate and uplifting flavour.  The tea was very light and refreshing, perfect served black.

The Choceur Belgian Milk Chocolate is made from the finest Fairtrade Cocoa Beans and costs just 99p for a 100g bar.  It is smooth, creamy and comparable to premium brands.  Well deserving of its award!

Which? has recently awarded three Aldi products with their Best Buy award.  Magnum washing-up liquid is just 59p a bottle and in tests washed 11,750 plates.  It out performed Fairy which has gone unbeaten in 20 years!  To wash an equivalent number of plates with Fairy would cost £1.97.  Penny for penny, Aldi is a top performer.  The Magnum All in 1 scored as the best dishwasher tablets and cost just £3.99 for a 40 pack.  The Del-Rivo Orange Juice came top in consumer taste tests against all the leading premium brands but is just £1.29 a litre.

In addition to this, Aldi's Lacura Beauty Range is receiving lots of positive attention from the press.  It is award-winning beauty at a beautiful price!

The range looks so much more expensive than it is with its sleek packaging.  No wonder it has attracted the attention of beauty writers and has won awards from the Celebs on Sunday Beauty Survey.  These are premium products at affordable prices.

The Lip Gloss is just £1.99.  It adds instant gloss and shine and comes in a range of colours to suit every look.  It is perfect for both day and night and fits into your handbag for glossing on the go!

The Concealer Pen contains light reflecting particles to cover and conceal fine lines and dark shadows.  It has an applicator push button for easy use.  The fragrance free formula hides signs of fatigue which is perfect for me as I try to cope with the school runs again!  It really works well and at just £3.59 is an absolute bargain.

The Shimmering Day Cream has light reflecting pigments which add a silky, shimmering effect to skin.  The light, creamy gel is enriched with Defensil to condition and protect skin.  It goes on easily and feels light as it absorbs so quickly.  It is good on sensitive skin.  It costs just £1.99 for a 50ml bottle which is incredible for such a luxurious product.

The most exciting product in the Lacura range is their premium product Wrinkle Stop.  This product created quite a buzz when it was first launched.  Here's some of the quotes:

"Snake venom has inspired a new anti-wrinkle cream that offers a recession-busting alternative to Botox"
OK! Online 9th April 2009

"DIY - Lacura Wrinkle Stop is the anti-ageing skin pen that everyone is talking about, containing Syn-Ake, a man-made version of a protein found in the venom of an Asian snake which is proven to show up to a 52 percent reduction in wrinkles after 28 days"
Marie Claire 1st November 2009

"My lines didn't disappear completely, but they are definitely less evident. For the price, it can't be beaten"
Woman's Own 19th October 2009


Chat Magazine awarded it "Best Wrinkle Beater" in 2009.  The product comes in a syringe shaped pot which is a clever touch...it's like botox in a bottle!  The science behind the product says:


This oil free, anti-ageing cream called Wrinkle Stop contains a key active ingredient - Syn-Ake. Syn-Ake is a synthetic substance which mimics the effect of a protein found in the venom of the Temple Viper Snake. Amino acids found in the venom block nerve signals telling muscles to contract, which helps to stop wrinkles forming as well as smoothing out the skin, producing a wrinkle free appearance. It has been proven to help reduce forehead wrinkles by 53% and crow's feet by 24% after 28 days.


The product is thin so goes a long way as you apply it directly to your problem areas.  It is one of the hero range of beauty products which rivals the famous high street brands with huge price tags.  This is an absolute must have at £4.99!

I have three tubes of Lacura Wrinkle Stop to give away to three lucky readers.  You can try this award winning product for yourself and have an introduction into a range of luxury beauty products that will save you a fortune over the years if you make the switch.  Recession busting beauty care, that is not a compromise!!


To win a Lacura Wrinkle Stop simply follow my blog and tell me your beauty must have in a comment below! Please leave a way of contacting you so I can inform you if you're a lucky winner.


For an extra entry tweet:


I'll be wrinkle free if I #win with @wendymcd83 at http://tinyurl.com/3w4r3jr


Leave me a comment to let me know you've tweeted!


Winners drawn on 30th September.  UK only please. Good Luck!  For more info on Aldi's range please visit www.aldi.co.uk

CLOSED** Win a Gorgeous Layla Changing Bag from Minene

Minene is the company everyone is talking about. They design and manufacture high-end innovative nursery products that are taking the UK by storm.

Minene (my child) was established in Israel in 2005 by three mothers with a vision to create practical yet stylish products for the new generation of parents, babies and toddlers. Their range of products include: changing bags, cot bedding, activity mats, bibs, pushchair accessories, towels, muslins, baby clothing & more. All products have been meticulously designed with clever features to make parents lives as easy as possible.

We all know that being a parent is hard enough without all the day-to-day annoyances of badly designed nursery products, Minene simply wanted to make mums lives easier with a range of products that have been well thought out and well designed. For example, their multipurpose 3 in1 Activity Mat accommodates different stages of a child’s development changing from a play pen to a play mat and finally to a comfy sofa, saving parents from buying three different product. Their award-winning bedding is another example of their ingenuity. The 100% jersey cotton sheets come with three detachable dribble pads that can simply be replaced instead of changing the sheet when the area becomes wet.

Their revolutionary changing bags are also creating quite a buzz. With a growing celebrity following these multi-functional changing bags are a must-have for all new mums. As mums they understand that one changing bag isn’t always going to cut it, so they came up with a range of changing bags that can be split in to two and even four separate bags, making sure you are covered for all possible outings from weekends away to popping out to the shops.  The Layla bag is their best selling changing bag, it is super stylish and accommodates all your baby essentials whilst providing you with both style and comfort.The bag contains 2 large compartments divided by a large zipped pocket in addition to a generous sized detachable pouch which can be used to store all personal belongings. The pouch can also be used separately by attaching it straight to your pushchair for those days when you choose to travel light. There are 3 external thermal pockets, a stylish matching padded changing mat and insulated thermal bottle holder. The innovative design of the bag enables it to be worn in 3 different styles to suit your needs; it can be carried as a backpack, a shoulder bag or attached to any pushchair using the straps provided. 

Minene are constantly introducing new and exciting products to their existing collections and have just launched their brand new UK website www.minene.co.uk



The Layla changing bags are available from Minene.co.uk and Babies R Us.

To be in with a chance of winning a Layla Changing Bag worth £70 simply fill out the entry form here http://www.jotform.com/12470048262

Please let me know you've entered with a quick comment.  UK only. Closing date for entries is October 5th 2011.  Good Luck!

Gaining Some Mumentum

Over the Summer, I've had lots of opportunities to over indulge with stays in hotels, all you can eat buffets and day trips with fast food.  Although I've not slipped back into my self-destructive binge eating (thanks to my Thinking Slimmer Slimpod which seems to have 'cured' that part of my pysche), I haven't had the best diet.  Some days, I did not eat my 5 a day *slaps wrist* and other days ended up with us having to eat out in McDonald's through sheer lack of choice when out and about.  So although I haven't undone the weightloss I achieved, I haven't lost any more weight.

Now the kids are going back to school and the non-stop activity of the holidays draws to a close, I've got the luxury of concentrating on myself again in terms of what I consume.  This should result in me feeling a lot better and hopefully begin the weightloss again.

For three days now I've returned to the religious listening to Trevor and my Slimpod.  For breakfast I'm having Special K with So Good soya milk.  Lunch is veggie soup and fruit.  Dinner is a Quorn Steak, rice and vegetables.  I also snack on fruit and raw carrots to top up my 5 a day quota.  I drink black decaff coffee and have one glass of fruit juice a day.  It's been really easy...no hunger pangs, no cravings...fingers crossed I'll be reporting back with some results soon!

As Helen pointed out, it's just 16 weeks until Christmas!  How lovely it will be to look exactly how we all want to look...good luck ladies!

Going Potty with Boots

Freddy is now 26 months old and getting ready to take his giant leap into big boy-dom!  We are about to embark in earnest into the potty training stage.  We have had a few false starts.  I also thought that the Summer Holidays were not the best time to begin.  We did so many outings, day trips and short breaks, adding the demands of a nappy-less toddler to the proceedings would have been a nightmare.  I remember the frantic searches for toilets and the disaster of incidents involving soggy trousers only too well!  I'm in no hurry to make my life more difficult than it needs to be until I am good and ready!

But with the kids back at school this week, me and Freddy will be at home throughout the day which is a great opportunity to try again.  The lovely people at Boots are helping me out and have sent me some of their potty training products to try.  I received a Potty and a Padded Trainer Seat...both in pink!  Although Freddy is of course a little boy, in the name of gender neutral parenting I was perfectly happy to introduce Fred to his new pink accessories!  After all they are only going to be pooped on!

The potty is a basic model which is a bargain at £3.05.  You could keep one upstairs and one downstairs, have one in the car and a spare at the grandparents' house at that price!  It is functional, a good size with wide back and sides for comfort.  It's cheap and cheerful!  Available in pink and blue...but remember you don't need to conform to gender stereotypes!!

The Padded Trainer Seat fits onto the adult toilet seat giving a comfy place for your toddler to sit.  Freddy actually seems happier perched on the big toilet than sat on a potty for pro-longed periods.  And although he is yet to perform, his confidence is encouraging.  The seat is just £7.15 which is reasonable.  My only concern is that the part of the seat that sits on the adult toilet seat is quite small, meaning that it can slide around so I wouldn't leave Fred unattended (lest he slid off the loo!)  Otherwise it is a really good product, especially as it is so soft making it perfect for little botties to sit on!

Boots also sent me a Caryy Pack of their Active Fit nappies to try out.  They are designed for both rest and play allowing baby to move freely.

The nappy has extra stretchy sides for a secure and comfortable fit, an ergonomically designed shape with elasticated leg cuffs that prevent leaks and allow movements.  A super absorbent core locks away moisture keeping baby dry.  They have a cute animal character design and velcro tabs.  I was very impressed by the performance of the nappy and at just £4.99 for a pack of 26 Maxi size (for 15-40lbs) they are a good alternative to more expensive brands found in Boots.  Hopefully our nappy days will soon be over, but until then I'm happy to use these on Fred.

To top it all, Boots are currently offering 3 for 2 on a range of thousands of mix and match baby products (the cheapest is free!)  Full details can be found on the website here.  And don't forget you can collect Advantage Points too!  Another great reason to shop at Boots!

CLOSED** My Next Big Fat Blogaversary Giveaway!

To celebrate the month of September I'm hosting a series of giveaways.  This is the next instalment of competitions!  All you need to do is follow my blog and then leave me a comment telling me which draw you want to enter.  Leave me a separate comment for each prize you would like to win with a method of contacting you.  Enter as many as you like!

Win a Penn State Snacks Goodie Bag!

Pretzel giant, Penn State Snacks, is helping Inside the Wendy House celebrate its first anniversary with some tasty treats! One lucky reader will win a goodie pack crammed full of Penn State’s scrumptious snacks, including Sour Cream & Chive and brand new Worcester Sauce flavour pretzels.

To win simply leave me a comment below saying you want to be entered to win the Penn State Goodie Pack!

Win a Mookie Toys All Surface Swingball Set

Swingball is a classic brand which has been around since I was a child!  It is perfect for getting kids outside in the fresh air, exercising and having fun.  It is fully portable with all component parts packing neatly into the base. The carry handle means you can just pick up and play! It is perfect for all ages and genders, resulting in some fabulous, competitive family fun!  Visit www.swingball.co.uk for more details. (Watch out for our video review of the Swingball Set coming soon to my blog!). 

To win this prize from Mookie Toys simply leave me a comment saying you want to win the Swingball Set! 

Win a Star Wars Clone Wars Light Up Scooter from Ozbozz

The Star wars Extreme 2 wheeled folding scooter is an extremely cool mode of transport!  With light up deck, awesome graphics and decals and a sleek black body it is a futuristic toy.  It is extremely durable and excellent quality with safety features and an adjustable height setting.  It folds away when not in use  For further details on this and other fabulous products visit www.ozbozz.co.uk.

To win this cool scooter from Ozbozz just leave me a comment saying you want to win the Star Wars Scooter!

Win a Brother Max 3-in-1 Digital Thermometer

Parents can now have complete peace of mind with the One Touch 3-in-1 Thermometer from Brother Max.  It gives precise readings from both the ear and forehead, and also measures room temperature avoiding the hazard of over heating.  With sophisticated design and cutting edge technology, it is fast, accurate and convenient.  It is suitable for both babies and adults using digital infra-red accurate to +/- 0.1 degrees. It comes with a stand and has a built in back light for night time reading.  The batteries are included and will provide 3000 readings.  See www.brothermax.com for more information on this innovative and potentially life saving  home essential.

RRP £34.99.

To win this prize from Brother Max  leave me a comment saying you want to win the 3-in-1 thermometer!

To double your chances...giving you 2 entries into each competition you have entered simply tweet and tell me you have done so in a separate comment:

I've entered My Big Fat Blogaversary Giveaway with @wendymcd83 at http://tinyurl.com/3pyfdn3   

  

I will sort through all the valid entries and make 4 separate draws, one for each prize on September 30th 2011.  UK only.  Winners will be notified and asked for details which will be forwarded to the relevant company for delivery of their prize!  Good Luck to everyone! 

Back to School Style for Mums...Seriously?!

This year it seems that not only the kids are worrying about how they look in their new uniforms as the school year begins.  Apparently the mums are spending just as much time, cash and effort on their school run outfits as the playground turns into a runway with wannabe yummy mummies dressing to impress.  Supermodels Claudia Schiffer and Elle Macpherson are being blamed for the latest trend, which is seeing mums up and down the country stressing about what they wear as they roll up to the school gates in the morning.

Shops are cashing in on this phenomena offering ideas for Back to School chic.  Now, I'm sorry, is it just me but..SERIOUSLY?!?  It's about all I can do to haul my sorry carcass out of bed at the start of the school term, let alone worry about what I'm wearing.  My hair is lucky if it gets a brush and as for make-up *snorts*.  Come tomorrow morning, my priority is to get my girls out of bed, washed, dressed, fed and delivered to the school gates in time, whilst little brother Freddy comes along for the ride (probably clad in his PJ's and clutching a piece of toast and marmite!)  How on earth would a mother find the time to pamper and preen herself before slinking into the latest fashionable attire?  School mornings are a maelstrom of frantic rushing around, searching for school bags, plimsoles and lunchboxes.  How on earth would anyone have the luxury of getting dolled up in their school-run outfit whilst this is going on?

Now, don't get me wrong, I draw the line at wearing pyjamas out of the house and I'm certainly not about to show my face in my thermal two-piece!  But for me my "school run" uniform consists of the same clothing I wear any other day...jeans, T-shirt and Conserve...sans make-up!

There is so much pressure put upon women to conform to the media stereotypes, but expecting us to doll up for the school run is one step too far.  What about focusing on our kids and letting them have the limelight as they turn up looking crisp, smart and ready to learn.  Do we really have to compete with other mums who will judge our dress sense?  If I'm not in Hollister am I less of a mother?  Does my penchant for buying my clothing from the River Island sale rack mean I will be judged by the bang on trend fashionistas?  Will I be outlawed for failure to comply with the current colour-blocking fashion?  Regardless to the answer to these questions...I honestly couldn't care less!

So I will be school running in my usual mum-uniform.  Comfortable, practical, probably a little bit covered with sticky toddler hand prints and dishevelled by the morning's chaos...but do you know what, I wear what I like.  If you don't like it...tough!!

I will dress up for special occasions, weddings, parties, hot dates with my hubby (albeit a rare event!) and fancy days out....I refuse to dress up for the school run!

CLOSED**Giveaway with Munchkins and Poppets

One of the nicest things about blogging has been the people!  The lovely community of fellow bloggers was so welcoming at the start of  my journey.  Over time, some of these bloggers have become friends.  One such friend is the fabulous Helen from The Crazy Kitchen.  Helen is helping me celebrate my Blogaversary with a fabulous giveaway from her online shop Munchkins and Poppets.

Munchkins and Poppets has been established since 2005 and has developed over the years to meet customers' needs.  Selling a brilliant range of baby and nursery products including items from top brands such as Zoggs, Konfidence and Sunshine Kids, Munchkin and Poppets gives fabulous customer service with same or next day delivery.  The prices are competitive and Helen is always on the lookout for new products to sell. This is a business with a real personal touch that cares about its customers!

We have a fabulous giveaway offering one reader a brilliant Home Safety Bundle from Munchkins and Poppets.

The set includes:

• Multi purpose latches
• Toilet lock
• Door finger protectors
• Socket inserts
• Corner cushions
• Cabinet & drawer latches
• 2 x fridge / cupboard locks

To win this bundle which is perfect for keeping your toddlers safe around the home, all you need to do is pop over to Helen's web shop Munchkins and Poppets  and then let me know in a comment below what product you like best!  Is it the Gumigem teethers?  The Konfidence Floatsuits?  The Zogg's Poncho?  Or maybe you're a fan of Dribble On Bandana Bibs!  

(Be sure to leave me a method of contacting you!)

For bonus entries:

Like Munchkins and Poppets on Facebook  and leave me a separate comment below.

Like Inside the Wendy House on Facebook and leave me a separate comment below.

Tweet:  Win a Home Safety Set at   http://tinyurl.com/3gexelf with @munch_pop and @wendymcd83 

UK only.  (Maximum 4 entries per person.) Winner will be drawn from all correct entries on September 30th 2011.  Address details will be forwarded for delivery of the prize.  Good Luck everyone!!

Silent Sunday

Find Me A Gift Review and Giveaway

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love horror! I have written about our Halloween Fun, My Horror Marriage and about Freddy Krueger (the inspiration for my youngest son's name!)  It is definitely a fundamental part of life Inside the Wendy House!

When Find Me A Gift offered to help me celebrate my Blogaversary I was very excited to find some novelty horror T-Shirts on their website.  So I have one to review and one to give away to one of my readers!  This is the first of the many giveaways I am hosting over the month of September!

Find Me A Gift is the perfect website for finding unique and thoughtful gifts for any recipient, regardless of their age, gender or taste!  They stock a terrific range of gifts for all budgets.  They specialise in the whacky and unusual but also stock more traditional, luxurious gifts and personalised items.  They cover every occasion from christenings to birthdays and have great ideas for Secret Santa gifts for co-workers.  The brilliant Personal Shopper Service "Gift Finder" allows you to input details of the gift recipient and receive ideas for the perfect gift for them based on age, gender, budget, hobbies and likes.

The Flipping Frightening range of T-Shirts are chillingly clever items of clothing!  Seemingly innocent at first glance, the black or the white slogan T-Shirt looks harmless enough.  That is until you flip the tee over your head revealing a frightening blood spattered hockey mask or a terrifying werewolf head.

They are perfect for horror fans and lovers of cool T-Shirts and make wicked Halloween outfits.  You will definitely be the centre of attention when you flash your scary mask to surprise your friends and family!

Priced at £14.99 they are available as a white "Are You Scared?"/ Serial Killer Tee and as a black "Full Moon Tonight?"/Werewolf Tee.  Ian tried out the Werewolf Flipping Tee.

Looking smart and rather innocent!

Rawr!!  Made you jump!

It is very much a novelty garment and it is really fun...perfect for the man who has everything!

I have one White Flipping Frightening T-Shirt in Large to give away to one of my readers.  To win simply follow my blog and post a comment below telling me what would give you a fright!  Are you scared of spiders? Rats? Scary Movies? Heights? Rollercoasters? Or do you have an irrational fear of something unusual?!  Just let me know with a way of contacting you.

For a bonus entry tweet:

Win a Flipping Frightening Novelty Tee at http://tinyurl.com/3uk8q2q with @wendymcd83 and @findmeagift     

Leave me a separate comment to let me know you've done it!

UK entrants only please.  A winner will be drawn from all valid entries on September 30th 2011 in plenty of time for Halloween!!  Good Luck!!