Back To School Shoes from Wynsors

Back To School Shoes from Wynsors

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I still can't believe the Summer holidays are over and its back to school already. It only seems like yesterday that they finished. We have to buy Big J's uniform from the school uniform shop but we can buy any school shoes. We usually tend to buy Big J's school shoes from the same shoe shop every year although this year we were sent a pair for big J to try.  

We were sent a pair of Kickers for big J from Wynsors.   Wynsors is a shop that is local to us but we had never really shopped there although I know people who have. At the moment there are huge signs outside promoting that they are the biggest stockist of Kickers in the area.   Big J has quite a wide foot so because he hadn't tried them on before they arrived I was unsure whether they would fit. He has struggled with shoes in the past and that is probably why we shop at the same shoe store each year. Also he varies in size. Some shoes or trainers he is a size 5, others 5 and a half and others a 6.  

When they arrived they were really nice and looked very smart. We had decided on Velcro fastening because big J finds that easier if he wants to make them a little tighter.

Big J's school requires that all school shoes are ones that are able to be shined and I know from when Daddy has had these that they shine really well.  

The soles are lovely and chunky with good grips. I don't like shoes with thin soles because they wear down to easily and you end up having to replace them in no time.

When it came to trying them on big J didn't seem happy. They felt a little too big. We had ordered a 6 but as we already know different brands sizes can vary a lot. The width seemed fine which was good but they were slipping up as he walked.

We took them along to Wynsors to see if they could maybe swap them for a smaller size. I have to say the staff were so pleasant, friendly and very keen to help find the right size for big J.

They brought out a size 5 and also insoles to try with the size 6. They also brought out other Kickers shoes that are not as wide at the front as others. They really did go out of their way to try and help us and I would give them a 10/10 for customer service.

We managed to sort out the right size thanks to the member of staff and big J was very happy with his shoes and the fit.

All ready to start a new school year.

I'm hoping the kickers will wear well especially during the winter months. Will post an update soon

You can view the Kickers range by visiting Wynsors online HERE

  *we received the shoes above in return for a return, all thoughts above are our own*

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Labyrinth Board Game by Ravensburger

Labyrinth Board Game by Ravensburger

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For me there is nothing better than spending a Sunday afternoon playing a board game, especially if it is raining. We have so much rain this past week that we didn't bother to make any plans for today we just stayed in and had a play day.  

Today we played a new game called Labyrinth by Ravensburger. As always I was left to read the rules and then set up the board.  

The game has 34 maze (path) pieces which are placed on the board. 24 treasure cards which you pick up and tells you which piece of treasure you need to collect and 4 playing pieces.   The idea of the game is very simple. You make your way through the maze collecting your treasure and using the shortest route possible. Obviously that does sound easy but there is a twist. The walls of the maze can be moved by other players which will either make their route easier or block other players on their path.   The first player to successfully collect the treasures and make it home wins.  

Setup was easy and took less than 5 minutes. You set out the board and fill it with maze (path) pieces. You use all but one piece. So you place 33 on the board and leave one at the side.   The Treasure cards are dealt out evenly between all players. Each player only looks at their top treasure card and then its time to start.  

On a players turn they take the spare board game piece and slide it onto the board to make a path for themselves so they can move. The piece that falls out the other side now becomes the spare piece and then the player moves and the turns continue clockwise.  

When you have got to the space where your treasure is you then turn over your treasure card to show the other players and then you look at your next card and try and find a way through the maze to collect that.  The best part of the game is the board can change so much so it keeps the excitement going.   

Every time we have played it was like a new game because you have to build the board the treasure was in a different place each time. Daddy won, which was a surprise as he never wins. Haha.  You can view the wide range of games available by visiting Ravensburger HERE   *we were sent Labyrinth to review. all thought are our own*

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#Win a copy of Mr Super Poopy Pants #Competition

#Win a copy of Mr Super Poopy Pants #Competition

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Today on my blog I have a lovely competition to win a copy of Mr Super Poopy Pants by Rebecca Elliott.  

Toby had been looking forward to all the adventures he would have with his new baby brother. Instead, when he arrives, he just.... poops. ALL THE TIME.   How BORING. But then Toby realizes that his little brother's pooping might have some SUPER advantages.   I have a copy of Mr Super Poopy Pants to giveaway.   To enter you MUST Answer The Question - Who is the author? And leave your answer as a blog comment. Once you have done this it will unlock the other entries.   Question: Who is the author of Mr Super Poopy Pants?   Mr Super Poopy Pants     Good Luck     *Terms and Conditions* Competition closes on Wednesday 23rd Sept 2014 at 12AM Entrants must have a valid UK address Bulk, third party or any other entries using automated software will be disqualified All entrants and entries are checked and verified. All entrants must follow the mandatory steps and answer the question as a blog comment.  1 lucky winner will be chosen at random by the Gleam application. Mummy2Monkeys will contact the lucky winner within 1 day of the competition closing The winner must respond within 7 days. If no response a new winner will be chosen. The prize is a copy of Mr Super Poopy Pants. There is no cash alternative. It will be the responsibility of the representative of the named company above to issue the prize.  The winner must consent to their name and details being passed on to the representative so their prize can be distributed.

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My Lumbar Puncture Experience

My Lumbar Puncture Experience

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A few months ago I found out I would need a Lumbar a Puncture. My knees turned to jelly and I thought I would pass out. I am such a wimp when it comes to needles. The thought of a needle makes me shake from head to toe and the thought of having one in my back makes me feel sick.   All throughout my pregnancies I always told Daddy, no matter how much pain I am in or even if I am screaming for one I will never have a needle for pain relief or an epidural during labour and thankfully I never needed one.   So the reason for me needing a lumbar puncture is I have become a little unsteady on my feet and I went through a period of falling over. I don't fall so much at the moment although I did have a nasty one in the summer holidays. Also I have started to walk funny. I didn't notice it at first but daddy did and now I am more aware that my left foot rises higher than my right foot when I walk.    I went the doctors and they referred me to a neurologist. He then referred me for some tests. I went for a EMG and a NCT. An electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction. Nerve conduction studies measure how well and how fast the nerves can send electrical signals.   I was worried about the tests but it wasn't to bad in the end although I got very abnormal readings which brings me to why I need a lumbar puncture.    So I've been waiting for my appointment date and two days ago I got a phone call to say there had been a cancellation and I could go in on Friday.    I was so nervous. I felt so sick. I have googled lots of forums and everyone had these horror stories about just how horrific it is and how painful and unpleasant it was. I didn't find one person who had a positive experience. Everyone was just warning others to only get one if absolutely necessary because it's unbearable   Well after reading these I worked myself up so much that I was really thinking about not getting it done. I didn't want to be stabbed in the spine, I didn't want a splitting headache for days after and I didn't want the worst pains ever in my back. So I weighed it up and although I knew it would be unpleasant and unbearable at times I needed to know why I am falling and why I am walking this way. It may be just a trapped nerve after little J was lying back to back through labour but it could be something more serious.

 *photo courtesy of NHS*   So I plucked up the courage to have it done but if I am honest I nearly refused a few times before I even got into the procedure room.   So I arrived at the hospital about 11:30am and I was admitted to the day ward quite quickly. I was given a hospital gown and was seen by a nurse who did my blood pressure and temperature.    I was quite upset at this point and had tears rolling down my face. The nurse was really lovely and gave me a hug and said she would get the doctor to come in and see me. Daddy was sat next to me and he looked as scared as me.    When the doctor came in he explained the procedure to me and was very sensitive to how I was feeling and reassured me that it's a procedure he does quite a lot.    He said that once I was prepared to go ahead with it then I would walk to a side ward which is where it will done.    Once I was ready I walked to the side room with another nurse who made me feel quite calm and we were just chatting about our children. When the doctor came in I lay down on the bed on my left side. I had to took my knees up to my chest as far as I could go. I was trying to stay calm at this point but I could feel myself tense up and my breathing was getting faster.    The doctor talked through the procedure as and when he was doing it which I prefer  because I hate surprises. I like to know what is happening.   Once I was in the right position the doctor started feeling towards the base of my spine from my hip. He moved his fingers round putting lots of pressure trying to find the small pocket at the base of my spine which contains the fluid.   Once he had found the spot were he thought the fluid was he then cleaned the area with sterile wipes and then told me I would feel a sting as he inserted local anaesthetic. He inserted it just under the skin at first and I didn't feel more than a scratch. He had to wait a few minutes before he could insert more. This time he went deeper so it numbed  the inside of my back were the lumbar puncture needle would go. Again I didn't feel nothing more than a slight scratch.   After the local anaesthetic had numbed the area he inserted the needle that was going to withdraw the fluid. This didn't hurt but it felt strange. I could feel pressure and then I got a weird feeling in my leg and stomach but it passed after a few seconds. It was like a tingling sensation and it made me go 'ooh' and jump a little bit it wasn't pain. Once the needle was in the right place he just leaves it there and lets the fluid drip out. I didn't feel anything and we just sat and chatted really. It took about 15 minutes to get the amount he needed. It drips out so slowly.    Once he had the amount, he removed the needle and I stayed on my side for a further 5 minutes. I then sat up and he then took blood. They need to take blood to get an accurate reading of the fluid. Not sure why.   I then put on my shoes and walked back the day ward where Daddy was waiting. They said I could sit in the chair but I lay down because I had read it helps prevent headaches. I lay for a hour while drinking a litre of water and two cans of full fat coca cola. I was also given a sandwich. After one hour I sat up for about 15 minutes and they then let me go home.   I arrived at 11:30am and went for the procedure at 12:15pm. I was back on the ward at 12:55pm and I left the hospital at 2:15pm.   When I came home I lay flat and tried to drink more water. They recommend three litres to help replace fluid loss. Caffeine also helps so that's why I drank the coca cola.   At the moment I feel fine and I can't believe how upset got myself. Googling obviously made me lots worse after reading so many horror stories.    I was lucky that the doctor found the pocket of fluid on his first attempt. He did say that if he couldn't find it after 3 times he would need to get someone else.    The side effects can occur upto 5 days later which include headaches, back pains, infection or bleeding so I will keep an eye on that.    Have you had a lumbar puncture? How did you find it?

 

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Ramada Hotel Birmingham Solihull

Ramada Hotel Birmingham Solihull

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If you have read any of my recent posts you will know we had a lovely trip recently to Lollibop and we stayed at the Ramada London North. We had such a great time and when planning a trip to Warwick Castle I decided to look for a Ramada Hotel close enough for our visit.  

Ramada Birmingham - Solihull is perfectly located for lots of attractions including Warwick Castle, Sealife Centre, Cadburys World, The National Motorcycle Museum and Birmingham Airport.   The Ramada Birmingham - Solihull offers free Wifi throughout the hotel which is a must for me because I can't live without my internet.  

Accommodation is a choice between double, twin or family.  

If you are looking for something special you can stay in a townhouse suite. The two storey rooms have a separate bedroom area accessed via a spiral staircase. The rooms sleep 2 and look lovely.   If you are flying from Birmingham Airport you can take advantage of a Stay, Park and Fly offer from Ramada Hotel - Solihull.   The package includes 1 nights accommodation for 2 adults and 2 children including a complimentary breakfast. Up to 8 days car parking at the hotel and transfers to and from the airport.   You can visit the offer here  

If you are in the area and fancy popping in to the hotel for afternoon tea you will be welcomed in George's restaurant or bar. Serving a traditional afternoon tea including bloomer bread sandwiches, scones, macaroons and amaretto truffles and fresh strawberries with marshmallows and dipping chocolate. All the above served with traditional or speciality teas.   Times and prices can be found here   This is just a snippet of what the hotel has to offer so if you want to know any more information you can visit the website here. Make sure you keep an eye on my blog to read about our stay.. coming soon.   Have you stayed at a Ramada Hotel before?  

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Little Dish Meal for Little J

Little Dish Meal for Little J

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Little J has a big appetite and up to now he has eaten everything we have put in front of him. I haven't found anything that he doesn't like yet.  

 Little J has been trying Little Dish meals and today he tried the Cottage Pie with Seven Veg. Minced British beef in a tasty tomato and seven veg sauce, topped with potato and veg mash.   Heating instructions say it is best to be heated from chilled in the oven but I did it in the microwave.   It was ready in 5 and a half minutes. Actual cooking time is just 2 and half minutes,1 minute stand in between cooking and 2 minutes stand after cooking.  

After it had cooked and I opened it I thought it didn't look much and there seemed to be very little mash on top. It was really hot so I let it stand for a further minute or two before I popped it on the plate.

When I put it on the plate it looked more appetising than before and it did smell nice.

Little J enjoys feeding himself and he was able to with this because the mash is quite thick and stayed on the spoon as he lifted it to his mouth

The cottage pie with seven veg is suitable from 1 year old. The 200g portion is 2 of 5 a day, low salt (0.4g) and contains 183kcal. I was happy to see the salt content as I know microwave meals can be pumped with salt and sugar to add flavour.

It is suitable for home freezing and can be cooked from frozen too.

After he's finished we always have messy dishes but luckily we can pop them straight in the dishwasher. It's always important to remember to deodorize your dishwasher using a dishwasher deodorizer.

I will definitely try a few more of the dishes available. They are handy to have in when you need to make a quick meal, even cooking in the oven is just 25 mins.

When we purchased from the supermarket there were a few more dishes to choose from but there are 13 in total and can be viewed online at Little Dish

     

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iPhone 5 Case from Case App

iPhone 5 Case from Case App

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Daddy has previously reviewed 2 iPhone 5s cases, and was offered the chance to review a further case from caseapp. You may think that 2 cases would already be enough, but cases that are personalised are a great gift and means you can swap your case from time to time.    

The process for ordering was very simple with a simple click and drag process used to add the picture to the virtual case, and the chance to make the picture bigger, smaller, or select certain parts of a picture of you wanted to.  You can then preview your case to get an idea what it will look like. Then it's onto options followed by a simple checkout process and all done.   The phone was swiftly delivered securely packaged, and fitted through the letter box which is good as no need to pick up from neighbours if you are out.  

The first thing I noticed about the case, which differs from others is that the picture I selected 'wraps around' the phone, ensuring that all sides are also part of the picture.     The case feels secure and sturdy, and fits really snugly onto the phone. As expected there are spaces for the volume controls which takes the form of one large spaces rather than 3 smaller ones - this means a potentially better fit and very little chance of damage to the buttons, which can be a concern when fitting a new case to your phone, especially if like me you like to change it from time to time.   I chose a glossy finish for the picture, having had standard finish in the past, and for the picture I chose this was perfect. With a number of different colours in the picture it really makes certain parts stand out, for example you can clearly see the different colours on big j's World Cup loom bands!!   Overall I would recommend the service provided by caseapp and the quality of the iphone case is really good. You can order yours here. Enjoy!!

  *we were provided with the iphone case for the purpose of the review - thoughts are our own*

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