Review: SuperAwesome.tv Box of OMG and Box of Awesome

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I was asked if my children would like to try a Box of OMG and a Box of Awesome from SuperAwesome.tv these are described as a free box of curated items .. from brand partners which allow children aged 6-16 to discover new collectables, books and other items once every 2 months. We were lucky and got sent the Mega boxes which cost £4.99 every other month. You aren't guaranteed a free one but are encouraged to answer surveys and join the online communities to boost your chances.

So first up the Box of OMG which is aimed at girls:

This turned out to be a bit too girlie for my tomboy! She liked the Zelf as she loves collecting small characters:

Not so enamoured of the Jacqueline Wilson Pet Journal:

Though she wanted to know more about Ruby Redfort (bubble gum scented bands to advertise her):

Review: Mattesson's Double Dippers

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My life can be so hectic that I often grab food on the go and its not always healthy! So when offered a chance to try something new from Mattessons I was keen to give them a go. The company have done a survey on snacking and much of the results ring true for me:

So the new double dippers are perfect for me. First up Chicken Tikka:

As you can see each pack contains chicken, a dip and breadcrumbs plus a little fork. All you do is dip the chicken into the yoghurt, then into the breadcrumbs and finally enjoy! The chicken was very succulent and I liked the yoghurt dip which reminded me of trips to the curry house. With the addition of breadcrumbs the whole thing made a very quick and tasty lunch. I did find that the fork is a little bit short and I ended up with sticky fingers.

Next up Thai with sweet chilli dipping sauce:

This one was pretty spicy and I didn't use all the sauce. It was very tasty just a wee bit too hot for me but I'm sure other people would love the spiciness.

The third flavour is the classic with ranch dip:

This is the highest in calories at 190 per pack but that's the creamy tasty sauce for you.. I really enjoyed this one.

Finally the Italian option:

This has the least number of calories at 142. The Italian sauce was very tasty with tomatoes and herbs. Yummy for an easy lunch on the go.

Overall I think these are a great idea and I will certainly look out for them in my local shops when I want a tasty healthy lunch on the go.

#SilentSunday

 

 

#CountryKids at Staveley Winter Festival

One of the things I love about my kids going to a village school is that we get involved in lots of village community things. This week it was the Winter Festival which we have been involved with since it started 3 years ago. There is a big eco/green community in the village so there plenty of emphasis on events promoting local businesses and being as carbon neutral as possible. So the winter festival is all about walking around the village to visit both permanent local businesses and to have other ones on stalls in key points. There is also lots of entertainment and a procession through the village to turn on the village hall lights. All in all a great family night (not that I see too much when running a stall!).

This year we were in the Pavilion which is next to the children's playground. I opted for an indoor venue after freezing in the Mill Yard last year, although the atmosphere was fab. The children helped me set-up the stall as we had a mad dash from my day job to get there in time:

Then they both pretty much vanished off to enjoy themselves for the next 4 hours and I only saw them when they wanted food or drink! My daughter had free rein to wander anywhere in the village that things were going on. She had a lot of fun discovering things like a bacon butty stand (she did go and buy me one!) and exploring with her friends. Her little brother was content to be allowed to play in the playground in the dark with his friends...

Periodically we had entertainment in and around the pavilion to attract people to the venue. My daughter enjoyed the story teller who enthralled a large number of children. It was a shame we couldn't hear more of the brass band who played just outside the window though:

We did get a visit from the Fiddling Green Jig Machine who is a one woman band:

The other stalls in with me were mostly local crafts and it was hard to resist the art clubs Christmas wreaths:

The whole evening is just such a fabulous event and I can't wait for next year, just wish I got to see more of it than the beautiful lights etc outside the pavilion:

“What's happening to me?” by Usborne Books

There comes a time all parents dread when you know its time for that conversation, you know the one about puberty and all the things to do with your child changing into a grown up. We all know it happens but maybe aren't confident enough to broach the subject.

With a 10 year old daughter I know that I ought to be talking to her now and not leaving it until its too late. So luckily friends recommended an Usborne guide:

“What's happening to me? (girls)” so I armed myself with a copy and last night had a perusal through it. The book has sections on all the bits that girls want/need to know:

• boobs
• periods
• pubic hair
• spots
• body image
• sex and babies 

Its a no nonsense book that will hopefully answer most of the questions a girl needs to know. It may raise a few too but hopefully I will be able to answer them!

Of course there is an equivalent for the boys:

I had a look at this with some mum's of boys the same age as my daughter and they have all bought copy! It is very similar to the girls one but obviously has:

• voice breaking
• changes to boy bits
• wet dreams

This one I hopefully won't need to buy for a little while yet for myself but I will bare it in mind for when my son gets to double digits... Obviously being a woman I have no personal experience of male puberty so this could be enlightening for me too!

How do you deal with discussing puberty with your children?