Six Year Old Striker Raises £1000
Published January 31, 2012 | 
SIX-YEAR-OLD STRIKER, AIDAN SMITH, RAISES £1,000 TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF FOOTY TEAMMATE
Beko Mums United celebrates community grassroots hero
Six year-old striker, Aidan Smith, has convinced family and friends to sponsor every goal he scores this season, to raise money for the family of best friend, Callum Henry, who passed away in September.
Aidan, from Castle Vale, Birmingham, sadly lost teammate and friend, in a car accident. But rather than let the loss of his friend affect his football, Aidan decided to use his hot form in front of goal, for Castle Vale Under 7’s, to support his close friend’s family.
Aidan’s story was selected from hundreds of competition entries on Beko’s Mums United Facebook page. Each month, Beko rewards a winner with a new football kit, a week’s soccer school place and £500 worth of Beko home appliances. Aidan’s story was selected by Beko Mums United ambassador, Kirsty Gallacher.
Mum, Jayne Smith, explains how the idea came about: “Aidan was understandably very upset when Callum passed away. They used to train together with Callum’s team, Castle Vale Under 10’s, even though Aidan was a few years younger. Aidan would also watch as many of Callum’s matches as he could.”
“To help Aidan remember his fond memories of playing football with Callum, I sat down with him to talk about things we could do. Aidan came up with the idea of getting sponsored for every goal he scores. Friends and family were immediately supportive, and before long, we were up to £30 per goal!”
So far, the striker has raised £1,020 in Callum’s memory after finding the back of the net 34 times this season. And, with Castle Vale’s season coming to a close in Easter, mum Jayne, says captain, Aidan, has no plans to stop scoring goals as the season comes to a close:
“We are hoping more sponsors get in touch with us. Aidan is determined to keep scoring goals and raise even more money next season, in memory of his friend.”
Beko Mums United ambassador, Kirsty Gallacher, said: “What a truly remarkable young man. He’s an inspiration to kids, and adults, all over the UK. Aidan was a worthy winner of the monthly Beko Mums United Facebook competition.”
Beko Mum’s United is an online community helping mums (and families) to have fun through football. Visit Mums United’s facebook page to find a host of video tips from Kirsty Gallacher. Beko Mum’s United is giving mums the chance to enter the simple monthly promotion by telling Beko why their child deserves to win the prize.
Recent research by Beko found that 68% of mums want to get more involved in their child’s sporting activities. Beko spoke to 2,000 mums and 48% of mums said if they had an extra hour a day, they’d like to spend it having fun with their family. Join now at www.facebook.com/bekomumsunited.
To sponsor Aidan, please email Jayne Smith on Castlejks8@hotmail.com
For more information on the Beko home appliances range, please visit www.beko.co.uk.
For more information on Official Soccer Schools, please visit www.officialsoccerschools.co.uk.
Forest Of Kings Review and Giveaway
Published January 30, 2012 | 
When we received The Forest of Kings by Sir Fox de Fox book, I was suprised at how big the book was, However this is not a problem, It actually reminds me of a story tellers book, You know the ones where you see them sitting in there chair with children my their feet reading a large book to them.
My daughter is 5 and could read a lot of this herself while I supervised her, however at bed time it is another matter and mummy read the story to her.
The book looked like it would take a fair while to read, however I was pleasently surprised, it wasn’t as long as I had first thought.
The written in the book were in a large format so a lot easier to read than some books with way to small writing in them and the illustrations are fantastic and as I had expected from a Far Far Away book.
Being a hardback book too there is no worries of the cover or pages getting bent.
My daughter loved this story about the boy and the fox and how the little boy saved the Forest of Kings from a fox hunt. She then asking me if people go on fox hunts now and why they do it.
I think this is a fantastic book for both boys and girls and our copy has been read several times so I know others copies will be well read too.
The Forest Of Kings costs £12.99 from www.farfarawaybooks.com and is aimed at children from 5-11 years old.
The Forest Of Kings … By Sir Fox de Fox
Through the friendship of a young boy and a fox, an entire forest is put under the King’s protection.
This highly original and heart warming story takes place in France during the reign of Louis the XI.
Child and fox play together, acting out grand tournaments with wooden toy kings and knights, forming a unique bond.
One day after the young boy knighted the fox “Sir Fox de Fox” he gives him a wooden king of his very own with a bag full of toy kings for the fox to bring to his family.
The next morning when the King’s hunting party arrives in the forest the young boy must do all he can to save his beloved friends. But Sir Fox de Fox has a charming plan of his own …
A touching tale that explores the balance of humans and nature beautifully told and illustrated many many years ago by Sir Fox de Fox himself!
Far Far Away Books and Production is publisher of the literary works of fairytal characters. Their homes, the magical forests, fields, valleys, rivers and oceans are in danger. To help save their enchanted lands all over the world, a tree will be planted for every books sold – to restore their and our magical forests – just as Sir Fox de Fox would wish it!
A beautifully produced, large format, hardback classic. A gorgeous gift.
Published by: Far Far Away Books
Price: £12.99
Launched in the UK in October 2011
Age: 5 – 11 years
Linen-bound spine
Available from all good bookshops and www.farfarawaybooks.com
All Far Far Away Books are produced on exquisite paper, with timeless illustrations and are true modern classics.
Giveaway
We have very kindly been given 3 copies of Forest Of Kings by Sir Fox de Fox book to give away.
All you have to do to enter is following the instructions on the rafflecopter form below.
Ends midnight 13th February 2012
Posted in Books/E-Books, Competitions, Reviews | 
Book, books, Children, Competition, Far Far Away Books, Giveaway, Review, Reviews, story | 
72 CommentsBic Kids Felt Tip Pens
Published January 30, 2012 | 
My daughter is very creating only just turing 5 she is always drawing and colouring in things. She is at the stage where she wants to colour with felt tips but I have had bad experiences with felt tips before with marks left on the tables and clothing and on her hands and arms too and even claiming to be washable but still not coming out.
With that said I was asked to review Bic Kids felt tipped colour pens and agreed as my daughter like I said loves to draw and colour.
The pack had 12 pens of all different colours in and the tips were fine tipped. They claim to not dry out which I thought was an added plus, How many times have I gone to use a felt pen and they have dried out,loads, how annoying!
The pens are suitable from 3 months of age with the cap removed which in my opinion if fantastic as you can let your child be creative from a very young age.
I let my daughter was let loose with the felt tips demanding that the pens stay on the paper . She did lovely pictures but unfortunately she whipped them away before I could take a photo and gave them to her friend.
My daughter did in fact mark the table and her hands and even her clothes, I cringed when I saw it, but the pen did wash off exceptionally easy from the table, clothing and her hands.
I am very impressed with the Bic Kids felt tips they are washable like stated and now I don’t need to worry if my daughter accidently gets the pens on the table or her clothes, so I can relax.
I would definitely recommend these to people I know.
Bic Kids Felt Tips are available at all good stationary shops costing around £3
**This was reviewed for Mummy News
Now That’s What I Call Fitness DVD
Published January 30, 2012 | 
The Ultimate Dance Workout includes music from Jennifer Lopez, Jessie J, Rihanna, Roll Deep, Cheryl Cole, Nicole Scherzinger and many more.
When the DVD starts up there are four options,Play intro, Play Workout, Create your own workout and behind the scenes.
I pressed the Play Workout which had two options to choose to play with the instructions or music. Both versions have the same music but in the option with instructions the instructor tells you what to do and when to do it, I would suggest doing this for a while until you get to know the routine.
The warm Up session is pretty easy just stretching your muscles really, but its so much fun as it to music I listen to a lot.
Next was Ease It In, this was fun as the workout it was like I was doing a dance routine more than exercising, It hurt a little but no pain no gain as they say!
I was however worn out after doing the Ease It In starts to get a little fast and especially as I haven’t done a workout for a long time.
Take It Higher section gets pretty intense but it does have the slower exercises to it too, it goes fast and slow so it makes you sweat which is what proper exercise should do.
The next section was Rock It Out, the first routine was pretty slow and easy, As soon as the second routine started and I LMFAO song Party Rock came on I knew this one was going to be a faster one you really can feel the burn and your heart pumping hard. Your legs just don’t stop at all. This is a real calorie burner.
The third routine again was hard work I had trouble following the routine as with all of them to start but as they do it more than once you get to learn it pretty fast. My heart was still pumping fast at this point my legs didn’t feel like my own but loved the songs which gave me the will to carry on.
Dance Dance Dance was next, I think this was more intense but that may have been because I had been doing the DVD for about 35 minutes by then. My arms and shoulders were starting to ache. You really do feel the burn. the second routine did seem to be all in the arms but it is designed to tone the arms.
With the Grab Your Mat section, I didn’t actually do as I don’t have a mat yet but I will definitely be getting one. The only real thing I think I will have difficulty on this one is the press ups as I am useless at them.
Feel The Burn, well I thought I had already felt the burn but apparently not. This is a toning section and boy did I feel the burn in the top of the thighs, in my calves as well as my abdomen and arms. My heart was pumping like mad too.
There was another Grab Your Mat section which is an intense abs and butt workout. Which again I don’t have a mat to do it yet. This is a particular section that I am interesting so even more reason to get the mat and try my best to sort my abs and butt out.
Finally the Cool Down section this is a slow section what I’d call a warm down, slow stretches, slow breathing and getting your heart rate down for a few minutes.
The DVD made me pretty ashamed of myself really as I used to love doing things like this, I felt so worn out and ached so much the next day so I gave myself a day off, and then tried it again the day after that and it did seem easier the more times I did it.
One thing I would recommend is a bottle of water near you. Its thirsty work you know! and also if you are feeling really worn out take a break for 5-10 minutes and go back to it.
I’m not going to lie, It is hard work but its an exercise/fitness DVD and I didn’t expect anything less.
The music on the DVD during the workout sections was fantastic, There wasn’t one song I disliked on it and I really think it helps having good music to exercise to.
I would recommend this to anyone that is wanting to lose a few pounds, loves exercise and music.
Now That’s What I Call Fitness DVD costs around £10.97 and can be purchased from a number of stores including Tesco, Play.com and Amazon.co.uk
Now! That’s what I call Fitness DVD
Release Date: NOW
Label: EMI
Fitness is about to go to a new level as Now brings you the most dynamic and fun work out ever on DVD!
Are you ready to hit the new year running? Throw down that turkey sandwich and step away from the mince pies – Now! That’s what I call a fitness DVD is here to whip you into the shape of your life!
For the first time in 25 years the world-famous Now brand are combining their legendary compilation CDs with some killer fitness moves to present the biggest and best fitness DVD ever! It’s the ultimate feel good, high energy workout set to the biggest hits of the year.
Featuring the cream of the crop from this year’s NOW albums get ready to flex those biceps and go for the burn with the best tunes around!
With 5 different work out sections, each led by a professional dance and fitness instructor, you’ll be sure to find the perfect routine to get that A-list physique!
As you’ll be able to mix n’ match the routines so you’re sure to never get bored with working out at home while the warm-up and cool-down sections will help keep those pesky aches and pains at bay!
NOW that’s what I call fitness is your route to a fitter, trimmer and slinkier figure. With this new DVD you can dance and tone up your body at the same time for that popstar physique!
Show off your new body next time you’re out on the town. So c’mon, let’s get fit and fabulous for 2012 and beyond!!
Posted in Health, Uncategorized | Exercise, Fitness, Fun, Health, Music, Now Fitness, Now That's What I Called Fitness, Review, Reviews, Toning, Workouts | Leave a comment
Saturday Is Caption Day #SatCap
Published January 28, 2012 | 
Leap Frog Tag Reading System
Published January 27, 2012 | 
My daughter is 5 and started school in September. She loves looking at books and spelling words out but does get frustrated when she sounds them out like swan and cloud they don’t sound like they should when being sounded out.
So when I was asked if we would like to review the Leap Fron Tag I had to say yes as I have seen them on the TV advertised and actually said to my husband that we should buy her one to help her with reading.
When the Leap Frog Tag arrived my daughter was the happiest little girl in the world as she asked me if she could have a purple tag and that is what came, along with 3 books, KungFu Panda Po’s Tasty Training, Madagascar 2 Air Penguins and Paddington all of these books are for children from 4-6 years old.
We had to plug the Tag into the computer (usb lead provided) to download the Leap Frog connect, and then download the audio book associated with the main book.
My daughter decided to read first Po’s Tasty Training, on the first page it says Let’s Play Tag with different icons to read the page, read the story, repeat, stop, game and levels 1-3. All you have to do is pur the tag onto the icon you want.
There were different pictures in the book that said different things such as putting the tag on the soup picture it said “slurp, ouch, I burnt my tongue” in a funny way. Skye loved this and continously pressed this one.
Once she had finished playing with the noises, She wanted to do the game which was pressing 2 different pictures to get her KungFu name which turned out to be Kick Dumplings which made us laugh too. She also loves putting the tag onto all the pictures to see what they will say or do.
All she had to do to read the book was press the tag onto each word, which she did and she repeated all the words once they were said. She has now started recognising the words so is getting more confident with the words and sounds, it is a great and fun way to help her with her reading.
I would say the KungFu Panda book is her favourite at the moment as that is the one I see her reading all the time.
I have ordered more “girlie” books for her now and am awaiting Tangled to come, which I know she definitely going to enjoy.
I would recommend the Leap Frog Tag Reading System to all parents that have children around the same age as my daughter as I think they are a fantastic way to help children read.
The Tag costs around £30 and books cost around £9.99 each
The Tag Reading System has won 11 awards so far since 2008.
For more information visit the Leap Frog website http://www.leapfrog.com/en_gb/new_home.html
TAG the No.1 Learn to Read toy – Turning reading time into playtime!
The Tag magic pen reads stories out loud and interacts with different elements of the book. As children touch the reader to the pages of the specially printed Tag storybooks, children can hear their favourite characters speak, listen to pictures sing and hear the words on the page spoken aloud.
Tag works with a range of exciting book titles of well-loved characters. Children can explore classic books such as Paddington Bear and Cat in the Hat, or join popular characters such as Ben 10, Disney Princesses, Dora the Explorer, Spiderman, Scooby Doo and more. There are 18 exciting book titles to choose from and go an interactive reading adventure.
Throughout the Tag books are fun learn to read activities and games, which introduce a variety of reading skills such as word building, reading comprehension, vocabulary and more. In addition children can unlock extra content online in the form of printable activities and certificates.
Amazingly easy to use, the Tag Reader holds audio for up to five books, allowing children to seamlessly move from one book to another. Tag also comes with an included book that introduces over 17 learning activities. And can store up to 5 books at any one time.
Parents can also see their child’s learning progress through the use of a unique online tool called the LeapFrog Learning Path. This free tool allows you to see details as to which stories and activities your child is most engaged with and which reading skills they have been introduced to.
Click here for more information. http://www.leapfrog.com/en_gb/play/information_center.html
**This was reviewed for MummyNews
Top 5 Toys for Children in 2012
Published January 27, 2012 | Finding a gift for a child may seem easy but it is not. You want to choose something that not only they will like and enjoy playing with, but also something that they do not already have. It’s important to find the right toy for all age groups. Here is a list of the top 5 wooden toys for children in 2012.
Number 5: Le Toy Van Sophie’s House
Every little girl dreams of owning a house like Sophie. There is room to play, go to sleep, raise a family, and go anywhere their imagination will take them. Sophie’s House is beautifully decorated with basic traditional colors of pink and white. The windows open as well as the window shutters and doors and there is a central stair case which joins two levels.
Consumers who purchase the doll’s house will also be able to enjoy the furniture that is sold separately. There are different sets of play furniture to choose from which will sit perfectly in your little girls doll house; starter furniture, kitchen supplies, and the basic furniture set. You can also purchase a doll’s house play mat so your child can take their imagination outside of the doll house.
People who purchased Sophie’s house claimed to be thrilled at the actual item. As it is so well built, the doll’s house will last for many years, therefore making this purchase well worth its money. Another advantage to purchasing Sophie’s house was how easy it was to put together.
Number 4: The Lionheart Castle
What could be better than a castle to protect the civilians from the enemy and provide a safe place to live and play? The Lionheart Castle is a great way to entertain your son for many hours. The castle has seven towers and two flag poles. There is one working drawbridge that has a portcullis and a moat. The castle is balanced to provide stability during play.
There are hours of play time found here in the Lionheart Castle. Whether your child is a brave knight or a damsel; there is something for every child.
There are many additions you can purchase with this castle including the King’s family, a castle play mat and a trebuchet. Parents who purchased this castle had only great things to say about the quality of this product as well as the many adventures their child had playing with it.
Number 3: Le Toy Van Down on the Farm
There is nothing like a day at the farm to get you back to nature and learning more about how to manage cattle or help newborn baby animals learn how to eat and drink like their mummies.
In addition to small portable farms, you can purchase a tractor and trailer, stables, and a simple barnyard. If your child wants to explore beyond the barn, you may want to purchase a farm play mat. This will give the child the freedom to play for hours without any interruptions.
Don’t forget the animals on the farm. Animals come in sets which include a goat, milk cow and calf, barn cats, and more.
Parents who purchased this toy agree that it is definitely good value for their money and there is nothing their child cannot accomplish with the right tools and their imagination.
Toy 2: Kitchens and workshops
Kitchens and workshops are portable and give the child the freedom they need to create hours of memorable moments whether they are by themselves or they have others there to play with them.
Parents who purchased either the kitchen or the workshop enjoyed setting their child up with a spot in the kitchen, or the garage, so their children can imitate them in order to learn. Only positive reviews came back from parents who purchased the wooden kitchen or workshop.
Toy 1: Wood Train Sets
Priceless memories are made with wooden toys for children including train sets. They provide hours of enjoyment. Some train sets are placed on frames and lifted up off of the floor while others are directly on the floor. Each one provides several twists and turns that will take your child on a journey for hours.
There are many accessories that you can purchase to go along with your train set; trees, shrubs, buildings, and different color railroad cars.
Parents who purchased wooden train sets also enjoyed joining in the fun while their child spins the train around the track.
There is no doubt that shop brand names like Brio, Bigjigs, John Crane, and Pintoy continue to provide quality play toys for your child.
Biography Comics Are A Hit With Us
Published January 26, 2012 | 
Thank you to who?Comics for sponsoring this post and encouraging my child to read biographies in comic book form! Please click here to learn more about the app. And follow who? Comics on Twitter for updates
We were asked if we would like to review an App for the iPad called who? Comics.
It was easy to find the App through the Apple istore.
I needed to download through the iPad and it took no time at all to download it.
Inside the App are a list on different comics which you can download individually with 2 free comics available to start you off and take about a minute if that to download.
All of the comics in the App are biographies of famous people past and present.
My eldest daughter chose to download J.K Rowling and Marie Curie.
If you didn’t know already, J.K Rowling is the famous author who wrote the Harry Potter books.
So we decided to read this one first as my daughter loves the Harry Potter books and films.
It did feel very odd reading a biography in the style of a comic, but it definitely makes it more fun for the child and to be honest me too, as it was quite a long story.
My daughter loved finding out about one of her favourite author, How Joanne Rowling dreamt of being a writer when she was a child and how she thought up the names of all the characters in her books and the sadness when her mother passed away.
It was a lovely biography the fact that J.K Rowling went really from rags to riches because of her love of writing.
Joanne had the will and commitment and I am so glad she found a publisher to publish the Harry Potter books which are ranked 2nd best selling book, The first is The Bible which is an amazing achievement.
My daughter was particularly impressed when she learnt that Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone books went on to book store shelves on the day she was born, she that is a new talking point with her “Did you know?….”
It was interesting to read about J.K Rowling’s life from being born up to now, as all we really knew about her was that she wrote the Harry Potter books.
We later read Marie Curie. I had heard of Madame Curie however I am ashamed to admit I didn’t know what she had done to be famous, Nor did my daughter. So this book gave us both a fabulous insight into Marie Curie.
Marie Curie was a complete inspiration to women in my opinion she discovered Radium which is now used to treat many cancer patients, and used in many things such as Nuclear power plants and in surgeries.
Marie studied constantly got a Doctoral Degree in Physics and later became the first woman professor and won not one but two Nobel Prizes also being the first woman to win these.
Again this comic did have sadness learning that Marie’s mother died when Marie was just 11 years old and Marie’s husband, Pierre died due to being exposed to too much Radium as did Marie when she was in her late 60′s.
I think the Who? Comics are a fabulous way to learn about different famous people. They are very educational as I found I had learnt a great deal more from the biographies about who Marie Curie was and what she had discovered than both myself or my daughter had learnt at school.
They are a fun and easy way to learn as the way they are set out, as comics, makes it easier to digest information for children and adults.
I will definitely be buying more of these books as I think they are very interesting and it’s good to know about famous people especially the people who have invented or discovered something we now rely on so much and will definitely benefit my both of my daughters.
For the length of the books, the learning factor and the ease for children to read and understand them £2.99 ($4.99)
I would highly recommend these.
Thank you again to who? Comics for sponsoring my post. Please click here to learn more about the app. Visit who? Comics for updates. I was selected for this opportunity by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own. #CleverWhoComics #spon
Posted in Reviews | App, Biographies, Children, Clever Girls Network, Comics, Educational, Family, Famous people, Fun, iPad App, iphone App, J.K Rowling, Kids, Leaning, Marie Curie, Review, Reviews, story, Who?Comics | 3 CommentsStop, Drop and Alexa Hop 1/26
Published January 26, 2012 | 
Welcome to the Stop, Drop and Alexa hop! This hop is hosted by Beauty Brite, Stressed Rach, Ever After PR, and Book Crazy Reviews.
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