Farmer Palmers Has Grown!!

One of Dorset's biggest tourist attractions, Farmer Palmer`s Farm Park, has just got even bigger!!!

Today saw the launch of their new play barn; Little -Farmer`s Fun Barn. 

Situated next to Straw Mountain, the new play barn is any little persons paradise!!

The new barn is tardis of little play areas, suitable for all ages 0-8 years. 

There is a soft play area for toddlers, which was an instant hit with Ben!! A `barn within a barn` that has giant Lego to play and create with and wooden musical instruments to bang about.

The mini farm house is adorable, with its lovely wooden kitchen and decorations, what child wouldn`t want play in there?? 

There is a tunnel from the farm house leading onto the start of the climbing frame, a rope bridge. The climbing frame wraps around almost half the barn raising and dropping several times before ending in a spiral slide.

Underneath the climbing frame you will find a sensory tunnel filled with fairy lights, and projectors.

The floor is covered with lovely soft artificial grass so is soft and non-slip, great for the kids to be running around on.

There is a huge cow statue for the kids to climb on and by the look on Ben`s face in the photo below, you can tell he wasn`t too sure about it!!

All of my 3 boys loved the new barn and it was a hard job to get them to leave!!

Make sure you pay the new barn a visit next time you are at Farmer Palmer`s

Silent Sunday 28.09.2014

Halloween Crating Activites

I don`t know about you guys but I am already starting to plan days out and things to do for the upcoming half term.

For the first time in a long time I`m really looking forward to the school break. Yes I know the new term has only just started but with 3 kids you can never be too organised!!!

Whilst searching for project ideas I have come across these FREE, yes free, downloadable papers for craft projects from docrafts.

Click here to grab yourself these gorgeous downloadable papers.

Enjoy xxx

Giveaway #7 The White Company #PMBirthdayBonanza

Recently I reviewed a car seat for the new parenting advise website Bella Kidz and to help celebrate my blogs first birthday they have kindly given me a £5 gift voucher to use a The White Company.


I had heard of the White Company before but never actually looked at their website. This was the perfect time to have a nose and oh my, I wish I had`nt, my bank balance isn't going to appreciate it!! The products that they provide are gorgeous and I am totally in love with the kids range -  The Little White Company, now I know that white isn't always practical with kids but they look so smart in white.

My favourite item by far has to be the textured pixie bootie, I just need to find an excuse to get them for Benjamin!!!

To be in with the chance of winning a £5 gift voucher please fill in the rafflecopter widget below.

To Enter:

• Open to UK residents only
• Fill in the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries
• Entries can be by Facebook and Twitter etc
• Please read the rules below
• Closing Date: 30th September 2014
• If there is no form hit refresh (F5) and it should appear
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• You need to complete the mandatory entries first.
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Giveaway #6 - Win a docratfs Xcut Xpress Die-Cut Machine RRP £139.95 #PMBirthdayBonanza

I love crafting but with 3 kids and husband to look after time is very, very precious!! Because of this I am constantly on the look out for new crafting gadgets to save me time.

The Xcut Xpress Die-Cutting Machine from docrafts does exactly that. 

It does what it says on the tin!! It`s an A4 die-cut and embossing machine that has a turnable gauge on the top that allows you to adjust the roller level to accommodate all major manufacturers dies. The Xcut allows you to cut/emboss paper, card, felt, foam, fabric and adhesive paper to name just a few materials.

The space saving design is brilliant, it folds in half so only has a small footprint. To me it looks a bit like a sandwich toaster!!

Hold on to your hats guys...the very generous peeps at docrafts have given me the chance to offer one of you lucky readers a chance to win one of these amazing machines for yourself RRP£139.95!!

Below is a video of Katy Godbeer demonstrating the Xcut whilst making a christmas wreath...maybe your first project if you win????

All you have to do be in with a chance of winning is to fill in the rafflecopter widget below......Good Luck, I have to say I will be a tad jealous of the winner xx

To Enter:

• Open to UK residents only
•  Fill in the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries
• Entries can be by comment, Facebook, twitter etc
• Please read the rules below
• Closing Date: 30th September 2014
• If there is no form hit refresh (F5) and it should appear
• If still not working please check that your computer is running Javascript
• You need to complete the mandatory entries first.
• Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf making it really easy to enter
• Really want to win the prize? Come back every day for bonus entries via twitter
• Terms and Conditions can be found in the Rafflecopter form below

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All Wrapped Up with wrapped4you

Do you go the extra mile when organising a party??

It was one of my close friends hen do the other weekend and I was asked to help plan it...eekk, no pressure there then!!

We had a lovely day of pampering planned followed by a lovely meal at a local Thai restaurant.

The obligatory hen veil and sash was bought, as were the name badges and wobbly heart headbands, but I wanted something different.

After endless hours of researching on the web I came across the lovely Kerry and her business called Wrapped For You. Wrapped For You provide personalised chocolate party favour/treats for any occasion.

Kerry can supply you with any design, be it a pre designed template or you can design you own.

Wrapped For You caters for any event you can think of....baby shower, hen party, leaving do, birthday party, wedding, christening, baptism, fundraiser, blogger meet up, the list is endless.

Now, I did leave organising something rather late and contacted Kerry with only 3 days to go to the hen do but she worked a miracle and got to them to me on time, even though normal turn around is usually 20 days.....MIRACLE WORKER!!

The ordering system is so easy and within a few clicks they were sorted.

I was a tad worried about having thin chocolate favours sent in the post because I can only imagine what happens to a parcel on route to its destination!! I had visions of opening the box to find them in a million pieces but they arrived in perfect condition, all wrapped up a lovely little package of brown paper. There was even an extra one in a cellophane bag which had a little card in saying "for your memory box"...how cute is that??

I decided on the stilletto design as my friend, Jeni, loves her shoes, and had it personalised with her name, the date of the hen do and on the back a little line saying Mrs Hale to-be.

They looked great scattered over the table and had a lot of hens say that they were a lovely touch and for an astonishing 20p each they tasted amazing too!!

If you are looking for something a little different for a party or event that your are planning then you MUST take a look at  Wrapped For You.

Jeni loved her little treats xx

I received this product free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion of the product.

Giveaway #5 Organyc Baby Products #PMBirthdayBonanza

Since taking part in Real Nappy Week earlier this year I have been intrigued as to what else is available on the market which is nicer to the environment.

Whilst trawling the internet I came across Organyc.


Organyc supply 100% organic cotton feminine care products; from Sanitary and Maternity wear to Beauty and Baby Care. Made with organic cotton wool that gives softness, comfort and breathable products the range is huge.

The generous guys at Organyc are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a packet of Organic Baby Wipes and super soft Organic cotton squares.

The cotton baby wipes are infused with soothing extracts of organic chamomile and calendula, making them the kindest and gentlest way to cleanse baby`s delicate skin and nappy area. Being free of pesticides, parabens and synthetic fragrances the baby wipes are specially formulated to help reduce skin irritations whilst effectively protecting and moisturising your baby`s sensitive skin, face and hands every time you use them.


The cotton squares are made from only 100% organic cotton, are super soft, thick and durable. They can be used with bay oil or water to efficiently and effectively cleanse baby`s skin.Each square is embossed for gentle, yet deep cleansing, which means they are also perfect for mums to use in their daily beauty regimes.

To be in with a chance of winning the wipes and cotton squares just fill in the rafflecopter widget below.



To Enter:

• Open to UK residents only
• Fill in the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries
• Entries can be by Facebook and Twitter etc
• Please read the rules below
• Closing Date: 30th September 2014
• If there is no form hit refresh (F5) and it should appear
• If still not working please check that your computer is running Javascript
• You need to complete the mandatory entries first.
• Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf making it really easy to enter
• Really want to win the prize? Come back every day for bonus entries via twitter
• Terms and Conditions can be found in the Rafflecopter form below

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Giveaway #4 PilatesOD #PMBirthdayBonanza

I am forever trying to find the time to exercise; show me a mum who doesn't have to complete a mountain of chores before she can try and find the time to exercise!!

Recently I have started running around my local roads and heath but still want to do something else to help tone as well as loose weight. But who has the time and energy to go to classes of an evening once the kids have finally gone to bed?? I know I don`t!!


pilatesOD has the answer for all of mums struggling to juggle childcare and exercise. Pilates is a fantastic form of exercise that benefits your fitness level, health and posture. Pilates can do amazing things to your body!!


PilatesOD.com is a website offering unlimited access to a wide range of top quality HD video classes and workouts from world renowned teachers, whether you are a pilates beginner or a seasoned pro, you will find a class to suit your ability level and busy lifestyle.

The great thing about pilatesOD is that you can do it whenever and wherever you want as all the classes can be viewed on almost all mobile devices and laptops.





I have the pleasure to say that I have teamed up with pilatesOD to offer you the chance to win 3 months unlimited access to the vast library of lessons ranging from 10 minute starter lessons to 60 minute advanced sessions.





To try and win this amazing chance to tone up and loose some weight just fill in the rafflecopter widget below.

To Enter:

• Open to UK residents only
•  Fill in the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries
• Entries can be by comment, Facebook, twitter etc
• Please read the rules below
• Closing Date: 30th September 2014
• If there is no form hit refresh (F5) and it should appear
• If still not working please check that your computer is running Javascript
• You need to complete the mandatory entries first.
• Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf making it really easy to enter
• Really want to win the prize? Come back every day for bonus entries via twitter
• Terms and Conditions can be found in the Rafflecopter form below

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Silent Sunday 14.09.14 #MySundayPhoto

Feeling bad for not feeling bad!!

Today brought a day that I had for a long time been looking forward to...Jacob`s first day in reception.

Now there are many, many mums out there that have been dreading this day but for me I was happy for it to arrive. I know I`m going to be told I`m cold hearted that I was counting down the days till the end of the holidays but I knew that Jacob would be fine and that he he was soooo ready to start school.

Jacob is a very confident and bright little boy who needs stimulation and the need to learn has been apparent from an early age.


To say that I was counting down the days till he started school didn`t mean that I didn`t cry today....I did!!!

In the run up to today I have heard other mums saying that they are so emotional and crying all the time about their child starting school, and the whole time I have been like, nope I`m ok with it happening.

I started to feel bad for not feeling bad!!

This morning Jacob woke with so much enthusiasm about going to school that it warmed my heart. He jumped out of bed and asked if he could get dressed for school before breakfast but unfortunately he wasn`t due to start till 1 pm; a random time in my eyes but the school had decided to cut the class in half and do a staggered entry.

I was slightly apprehensive as to how Jacob would go into school this afternoon but I need not of worried....he ran on in and I had to call him back to grab a kiss and hug!!!


Emotionally I was ok until I found a lovely poem written by Emma Robinson from Motherhood for Slackers / http://www.facebook.com/motherhoodforslackers....after reading it I was a blubbering wreck!!!

Let me know what you think xxx

Dear Teacher

I know you're rather busy 

First day back, there's just no time

A whole new class of little ones 

And this one here is mine

I'm sure you have things covered

And have done this lots before

But my boy is very little

He hasn't long turned four

In his uniform this morning

He looked so tall and steady

But now beside your great big school

I’m not quite sure he’s ready

Do you help them eat their lunch?

Are you quick to soothe their fears?

And if he falls and hurts his knee

Will someone dry his tears?

And what if no-one plays with him?

What if someone’s mean?

What if two kids have a fight 

And he’s caught in between?

You’re right, I have to leave now

It’s time for him to go

I’m sure he’ll learn so much from you

Things that I don’t know

Yes, I’m sure they settle quickly

That he’s fine now without me

I know he has to go to school

It’s just so fast, you see

It seems like just a blink ago

I first held him in my arms

It’s been my job to love, to teach

To keep him safe from harm

So, when I wave goodbye in a moment 

And he turns to walk inside 

Forgive me if I crumple

Into tears of loss and pride

I know as I give him one more kiss

And watch him walk away, 

That he’ll never again be wholly mine

As he was before today.

Dear Parent,

I understand that you are scared

to wave your child goodbye

and leave him in a teacher’s hands

don’t worry if you cry!

I’m used to weeping parents

It’s hard to leave I know. 

But it’s time to share him (just a bit)

To help him learn and grow.

Let me reassure you

That I’ll give your child my best

I’ll wipe his tears, soothe his fears 

And change his dirty vest!

If your darling child is full of cold

I’ll blow their nose all day

Just like you, I’ll care for them

In a special way.

I’ll treat him like I would my own

I’ll catch him from a fall and

If there is ANY problem 

I’ll be sure to tell you all.

It’s true he’ll grow to love us

They’ll talk of school a lot

It doesn’t mean they hate you

And that you should lose the plot!

I’ll tell you a secret..

That when your child is here

They talk to me as much of you

Of this please have no fear.

You’ll always be their mother

Whilst teachers come and go

To them you are their number one

This I truly know.

Soon you’ll see some changes 

In your little girl or boy

They’ll become more independent 

And to see this, it’s a joy!

I’ll teach them all I have to give

To share, climb and to write

But to you they safely will return

To tuck them in at night.

With love from a teacher…

By Emma Robinson and Leonie Roberts

Giveaway #3 Little Grippers #PMBirthdayBonanza

Back at the start of the year I reviewed a set of baby socks from a company called Little Grippers.



Ben was continuously loosing socks when we were out and about and I was fed up of having to buy new pairs all the time.


Little Gripper changed all that!!






Using a unique stay-on technology, the 100% natural adhesive silicone is robotically applied to each sock cuff ensuring that they will stay on no matter how wriggly your little one is!!

And they work...no more lost socks!!

The stay-on technology is not just limited to infant socks, football and school socks are available too.

Check out the varied range here.







The guys at Little Grippers are kindly offering one lucky reader the chance to win a gift box containing 3 pairs of socks in your choice of size - newborn, 0-6 mths, 6-12 mths, or 12-24 mths, in either their Jungle mix or Ballerina mix designs. RRP £12.

To be in with a chance of winning a lovely little set of socks just fill out the rafflecopter widget below.

To Enter:

• Fill in the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries
• Entries can be by comment, Facebook, twitter etc
• Please read the rules below
• Closing Date: 30th September 2014
• If there is no form hit refresh (F5) and it should appear
• If still not working please check that your computer is running Javascript
• You need to complete the mandatory entries first.
• Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf making it really easy to enter
• Really want to win the prize? Come back every day for bonus entries via twitter
• Terms and Conditions can be found in the Rafflecopter form below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway #2 el Rhey - Colour Me Wellies #PMBirthdayBonanza

I love hearing success stories of local businesses starting up from scratch and excelling in their niche area.

A few months ago I began seeing and hearing a buzz on twitter about a Bournemouth company called el Rhey.

Me being a nosey moo wanted to learn more about them so started to look into them. I started chatting to the el Rhey team through twitter and finally met with the lovely Sophie, el Rheys PR a few weeks ago and had a lovely chat with her, learning more about the el Rhey brand, products and philosophy.

el Rhey is a specialist rain wear designer and wholesaler based on the South coast in Bournemouth. They supply creative and original rain wear collections that are only exclusively available through selected retailers.

The el Rhey team believe in the importance of encouraging creativity in children; all of their products are designed to bring joy whilst allowing children to develop their skills and future ambitions.

The first product of many to be launched are ColourMe Wellies. The ColourMe Wellies allow your children to be fashion designers, artists, explorers and owners of the most beautiful and original wellies in the world.

The wellies come in two designs at present - a giant moth and zebra. These designs allow your children to colour and decorate to their hearts content. The sizes available at the moment are UK 9-12.5 ( EU 27-31)

Supplied with each pair of wellies are a selection of el Rhey`s art markers. They are permanent, non-toxic, acid and odour free with transparent ink which drys fast, The colour stays on the boot permanently but washes off skin with a little soap and warm water. The markers are dual nibbed with one broad nib for bulk colouring and a fine nib for delicate edging and detailing. Adding more layers of the colour to the boots will produce a more vibrant colour and variety of shades.

I absolutely love the whole idea of the ColourMe wellies and can`t wait to see what is next in the pipeline for el Rhey.

The ColourMe Wellies are being launched this October, perfect timing for all the great Autumn fun to be had in the falling leaves and muddy puddles!!

The amazing el Rhey team are offering one of you lucky readers the chance to be one of the first people to get your hands on a pair of these gorgeous wellies as soon as they are released.







To enter just fill out the raflecopter widget below and keep your fingers crossed!! You can also leave your email address to subscribe to the el Rhey newsletter; every subscriber will receive a £5 money off gift voucher, so its a win win situation!!

To Enter:

• Fill in the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries
• Entries can be by Facebook, twitter, blog comment etc
• Please read the rules below
• Closing Date: 30th September 2014
• If there is no form hit refresh (F5) and it should appear
• If still not working please check that your computer is running Javascript
• You need to complete the mandatory entries first.
• Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf making it really easy to enter
• Really want to win the prize? Come back every day for bonus entries via twitter
• Terms and Conditions can be found in the Rafflecopter form below

a Rafflecopter giveaway