Schleich Ocean Range Toy Review

I have been a lover of real life toys since before I can remember. As a child I always wanted to have a shelf that I could place my little toys on and they would never move except for play all in there perfect place. Sadly this never happened and I stayed in my parents bedroom till I was a bout 10 which is rather weird (more on that another time, but on another level means I can put up with the worst of snoring). I noticed these little Schleich toys in my local toy shop and was fascinated. I loved the little figures and imagined my children playing with them. Ive shown my children when in the store and promptly placed them back on the shelf when realising the price.

I never really understood why they were a little more than the cheaper ones I brought until I received a set to review. Quite frankly I was surprised at the quality, they are heavy too not the cheap plastic ones like I purchased before. I didn't realise that each figure is individually painted not make in some factory. I didn't know that a lot of effort was made to make one little figure. From then I understood why they were little bit more expensive and how much they were worth that little more.

We received a large selection of the Schleich Range which included the Schleich Ocean set, a blue whale, Killer whale, Dolphin, Blue shark and a Saw fish. My personal fave was the Killer whale just due to the massive size. The Ocean set contains 4 different sea species all based on the great barrier reef. The animals in the set contained a turtle, Manta Rays, sea horse and a shark. I used to love sharks as a child especially documentaries so I hoped they would generate some interest from my 9 year old son who is fascinated with the sea.

The toddlers loved playing with them Ami's favourite game is to line them up by size any try and tell me what animal they are which is rather hilarious. Son Son likes to make them swim in the water and make them go Rarr which I'm not sure sharks and whales make that noise.

Definably a great purchase and a toy you will know will stand the test of time. The ocean set costs around £15 and is worth it as it contains 4 sea creatures.  The single figures such as the whales and sharks do vary from prices from £5 upwards which looking back really weren't as pricey as I remember in the shop that day. A great present or stocking filler as we are this side of Christmas. They have gone down a treat with my little ones.

DO'S AND DONT'S OF EATING OUT WITH CHILDREN

When you have a baby you have all those plans of eating out whilst on maternity leave, going to coffee shops and generally relaxing with your child. Well I hate to say this is far from the case its more of a battle ground. A battle ground where you leave feeling more stressed then when you stepped in, maybe this is just me? So here is a list of Do’d and Dont’s for eating out.

DO take a selection of toys with you something or them to play with.

DONT expect them to play with the toys finding salt and pepper shakers to be more interesting. 

DO order some food maybe treat yourself to something you love.

DONT expect to eat all off it as suddenly your food looks better than theres and you have to share, also is worse with more children you have as after they have tried it you are left with not much at all.

DO make sure you order some drinks.

DONT think that you will end a meal with out one of the children spilling their drinks.

DO take some colouring or some stickers.

DONT forget to move out of the way of crayons as they are launched at your head.

DO make chit chat with the staff

DONT let your children pipe up and start telling the waitress she had dull hair (this happened at the weekend my poor 2 year old I think she meant something else, maybe doll hair was a bit hilarious).

DO expect the children to be excited. 

DONT forget to ignore the looks as your child continues to shout/scream whilst waiting for their dinners. 

DO make sure you are sat at a table well away from anybody humans/ animals any one or anything that can be used as a target. 

DONT forget to applogise when your toddler has thrown food and it has hit them (true story). 

DO expect children to be messy and if out with toddlers they WILL DROP EVERYTHING.

DONT not pick some of it up, I always pick the stuff up from the floor or at least make an attempt I would be so mortified to leave something behind. 

DO expect some people will moan if your child is noisy.

DONT wind the children up so they get louder (or do if they are being extra annoying) We have never done this especially that time when we got dirty looks in Toby Carvery from a group of old people. 

DO take complements when people say your children have behaved well. 

DONT get cocky and ask if they have hearing problems just take it, it may not happen again. 

DO make sure you enjoy your dinner

DONT forget you will have to eat it so quickly as your tending to the kids before eating your own dinner, the standard usually is cold dinner at home so why not expect that at home too.

DO pick a child friendly restaurant. 

DONT go somewhere posh and then be stressed to keep them quiet during the dinner,  also don’t go to NANDO’S the music and lighting sends them crazy every time, sad thing is me and the hubby went there with out the children and it was rather dull without them.

DO route round your bag for anything to keep them entertained. 

DONT rule out the old tat you forgot about in your bag to become the best toy ever at this time. 

DO make sure you eat out at a good time missing peak times. 

DONT go at peak times!!! 40 minute wait plus wait for food is enough to send a tame child to despair. 

SO here is just a few tips obviously eating out can be enjoyable with children, I have had a few times where this has been possible but now there is more of them I am out numbered. 

Dont forget to check out my other DO's and DONT's post they include tips for going to the Beach and Soft Play. 

Being a mum to three 18 months down the line

18 months down the line, what, how? No your having a laugh it was only yesterday I just had Ami. 18 months of being a mum to 3. 18 months of change, 18 months of learning to love all over again. I was the youngest of three but I never realised quite what having three children would mean. I didn't realise it can take Twenty minutes to just get out the house. 6 shoes that all seem to be lost, 3 coats that nobody wants to wear not to forget mummy who has forgotten her cost due to sorting the kids out. 

It's busy three children take it out of you. I glad that Asti is at school as two is a bit more easy to deal with, I sometimes look at my friends who have just one child and think oh I remember that luxury. The time where the kids didn't fight for your attention, where I didn't have three children wanting things ALL THE TIME. 

I do love it though. Each three of my children are so different, so full of fun. It's a blessing it really is. Don't want to make you vom but it can be nice. It's those times I need to focus on when the days come where I feel overwhelmed. That does happen too.  Having to get all the kids out the house for nursery and school is done in military position. I come home knackered and it's still early. Dinner time comes and there's nothing but fighting from the kids, arguing over who gets to watch the TV, arguing over nothing. I wait for bedtime then it comes and I can not wait till there up. Me and my husaband spend the evening sharing stories and pictures. Then the morning comes and Ami wakes everyone up and 6 and we wait for bed time again. 

There is so much bickering too much, many hits made and a lot of shouting. Nobody invites us round for lunch or dinner were to large and noisy. Our stuff gets lost everywhere we go and we never go to coffee shops with all three. Well except drive through Costa where they can have a babycino in the car. 

Washing is a big thing i have mounds on a weekly basis, I'm forever loading and folding. My least favours job of putting it away too. Every wash the machine Sachs a few socks as have a basket full of odd socks!  

Three children is busy busy busy, it's non stop and each day brings new challenges, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Those times when they behave and everything is going a bit too much step ford wives like then I realise it's great. Watching the kids play nicely is great, drinking a hot tea is the best. Life is good. 

The Siblings Project - January

This year I said I would be more creative with my pictures, well I failed or maybe starting small. I love taking pictures of the three of them, all so different and full of energy. Three so beautiful, three so smart (not biased at all). So here is the first of a new year, a exciting new year that is going to be full of adventures!

The photo shoot started like this, Little Bear was cross as he usually is when he see's the big camera, Ami who is poorly was not fussed and Pants who was far too busy on his tablet to take part. My idea was to get a cosy morning shot of them but as you can see from the photos below it ended up a bit different. They ended up chasing each other round in circles and playing games. The little onsies just looked far to cute to miss.

It has been a interesting month for the three of them as Little Bear gets bigger. Him and Ami argue over things alot, espeically parents attention. I am hoping it will get better and they do become best of friends. We also have the other side Ami who thinks she is 8 like Pants. She is always being told off by Pants for messing with his lego/ match attack cards or moving somthing. She doesnt quite understand she can not take part. Pants loves Little bear who wants to just cuddle Ami all the time. Its funny thier little circle it goes round and round. Hoping for some sibling love and less arguing. Although Ami and Little bear are now starting to play and she is hitting him less we will see where it goes from here.

Happy new year, heres to a fantastic 2015

So another year has flashed by with out me being ready but we made it through. What a challenging, exciting crazy year. From highs of going on holiday to crying most nights with a baby who would not sleep. It's this year I have seen amazing blessings and changes within our family. We moved from 2 bedroom flat to a 4 bed house and little bear turning 1. I've gone back to work and now the new year is upon us.

I was chatting with my husband about the new year and what we are dreaming for, and for the first time in my life I feel like I do not know what I am doing, not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing but I am kind of trying to enjoy life. Not worrying about the things that get me down and focusing on the blessings. I'm living in the now at the moment seeing what is in store as I have no clue what life is like 6 months down the line. It's exciting and scary at the same time *makes mental note to read In 6 months time!* 

So here is some of my highlights of the last year it has been awfully busy so I hopefully I can remember some of the good stuff!

Finally Graduated hurray

In January I finally graduated from university, you see I started university as a single mum desperate to get a career in something to make my son proud of me and to give him a better life. Little did I know I would get to the end and be where I am today a qualified nurse it took 7 years a lot of study, a lot of missing things and so much stress. Walking down the long halls of. Canterbury cathedral I was a little bit chuffed,  it may have took so much longer and I got married and had two more children it shows I am determined when I set my mind to something. Crazy though all this from a advert in the paper.

All babies sleeping through the nigh (most nights) when Little Bear was 6 months we started to get a full night sleep huzzah! This may not seem like a massive highlight but looking back over the year this was something that stood out. I was suffer erring with post natal depression I think I was being to silly to ask for help and getting up a few times a night was making me feel so low. So when that magical few nights sleep came it was amazing, we have had blimps obviously Ami went through a stage of waking up at 2 every night, very frustrating at times but it's nice to get some sleep now though. They turned a massive 8, 2 and 1 and that brings new challenges but as they say parenting is a learning process!

us on our holiday

Our first ever family holiday was deffo a highlight this year and the kids surprised us at how long they could stay in the car for as the journey home we spent a massive 13 hours in the car which for a 8, 2 and 9 month old was rather good I thought. They loved hanging with all their family and lots of swimming, we may have had the coldest week in history but was a lot of fun. Barbecues every night what more could you want. 

One of our biggest highlights would be moving house, we have been after somewhere a lot bigger for ages, we loved our little flat in the heart of a sea side town but we were living on top of each other and it was at times rather claustrophobic at times, so when we saw a house at the right price for us we went for it and got it. Now we have an extra 2 bedrooms and tons of space, it really is a massive blessing and being able to host people and have the space is awesome.

I did love last year for many reasons but there is alot I would like to change too. lets see where it all goes aye! Heres a little video of photos of the last year take a look I think its rather sweet.

This year also I am going to enjoy blogging, unlike the past year where I been frustrated and upset at times. No longer am I going to avoid the tots100 tweets about rankings because I have come to the terms I will never have a massive blog. Quite frankly I do not want one I do not have the time to put the effort in, I just want to have my little space to write about my little family and the fun we get up to. So hopefully I can stick to what I love my little children, whilst they are small and that way I can look back in years to come, 

So here is to this year and what it brings,

Happy New Year 

Surprise walks with the family

I usually work long days on Thursday leaving before everyone gets up and home before they are all in bed so when I got home early last Thursday I knew I wanted to go for a little walk with my little monkeys. When I got home I have never seen them so pleased, was such a surprise for them and was nice to see the response my husband gets every time he gets home from work.

So after a lot of chasing and encouragement we finally got out and I am so glad we had. The weather was getting a bit chilly but not so that you needed a coat. The sun has just set and there were the last bits of light before we were plunged into darkness.  Moving to a new area we still have not found somewhere the kids can let loose like in our old town.  There we had hills and sandy beaches not that I am complaining I love the beach regardless.  We decided to walk along the prom Pants on his bike, Ami with her dolls pushchair and Little Bear being the most sensible in the pushchair.

We had a lovely little walk although we were attacked by swarms of flies and mosquitoes. The bigger ones enjoyed exploring the environment and my eldest was pleased to find a quilt in a whole. Rather random I took them away quickly. The ran ahead and Little bear toddled behind and when  our tummies rumbled and it was time for dinner. Although Ami did not want to she stripped her coat of and sat on the floor wanting to stay out.

It was a lovely end to a usually working day. 

Siblings - July

Being a parent is the biggest gift in life. One day I will sit my son down and tell him how much he helped me be who I am today. He filled me with so much love that I just wanted better for us. He helped me meet my husband and is the best big brother to his little brother and sister.

They both adore him and the main part of Ami's day is getting Pants from school. The other day he slept next to her cot, she was so excited he was there I could hear he squealing at 6am the other morning.We wondered how much being an only child for nearly 6 years would effect him, but actually he flourished and really loved the two little ones.

For this month's Siblings photo challenge we attempted to go to the beach.

Being July we thought it would be ok but we seemed to get the only day in July where the wind was so strong it was blowing a storm on the beach. As you can see from some photos how windswept the kids all look. We ended up giving up on that plan and just played on the banks by the beach. Ami and Pants climbing whilst Little bear tried to crawl. We love our little beach its so close we do not go there enough sometimes. 

Ami just loves everyone she asks where her brothers are and get so concerned when one of them is missing. She hates to be parted from either of them and will be well looked after when older. When Ami was a baby she would  only laugh at Pants, he was the funniest thing ever and he still is to her. I can not wait to see this become more as she gets older and Little bear too. I am so so blessed with my three. 

We have joined in with the awesome Siblings project find out more and how you can join in by clicking on picture below.

My Kitchen Story

Our kitchen is very busy and often messy. It doesn't matter how often it is cleaned two minutes later something gets spilt on the floor, one of the babies mash something on the cupboard and before you know it your back cleaning the kitchen. We only have a small kitchen but I dream of a house where I can have a large open kitchen with enough room for a table and I can watch the kids do there homework whilst I cook dinner, one day soon hopefully. I love to look in home magazines and really can not wait to make somewhere my own. My little kitchen does get used all the time though and I can't complain has lots of memories but sadly as our family gets larger so does the need for more space.

My children love to cook and help mummy in the kitchen. Especially Ami who loves to get a little brush and a bowl and scrub everything she can see. With all the helping and cooking means washing up is huge and although they love to lick the bowl it doesn't actually mean its clean. We were sent some Fairy dishwasher tablets to try, which were great in getting some caked on grease of most pans and dishes. Helpful in saving time with a wire brush using that special elbow grease your mum told you about. I love cooking and my husband says I love to make a man, not a pot or pan is left untouched when I am in my zone, I have never really been the wash up as you go type so its nice to get it clean with one little tablet rather than a long time stood at the sink washing up everything I have used.

 “This post is an entry for the “My Kitchen Story” Linky Challenge, sponsored by Fairy Platinum” and link to Facebook.com/fairydish

Annual Blossom walk - 2014

Since my son was at nursery we walked down this road and shaked the trees and seen the blossom fall down. There is a lovely road not far from where we live that is laden with blossom trees and the road looks so beautiful every springtime. 

As my son is getting older these things sometimes do not compete with minecraft or other cool things that all 7 year olds do. This was one thing he loves maybe because it reminds him of sunny days walking home from nursery when it was just the two of us. One time a car beeped us thinking we were young people causing mischief I hid!

We had alot of fun shaking the trees, and Pants even filled my sleve with blossom so when I put it on there loads of blossom would fall out. I loved spending time with him outside we never spend time the two of us, with three kids sometimes my time is spread between the babies and less with Pants as he is self sufficient. He deserves my time and I must make more time for him.

So there we are annual blossom walk of 2014 if we are lucky we may manage to shake a few more trees before all the blossom falls.

Getting Crafty for Mothers Day with Cuticura

Recently I got sent a lovely package from Cuticura with a card and mug for my children to decorate for Mothers day. My daughter absolutely loves drawing, sticking and generally anything that involves getting messy. My son it has taken 7 years to get him to want to do any sort of craft. For him sitting down is a waste of energy but he was so pleased to decorate a mug for his mum. Research shows that making things can help with all areas of learning. Then princes foundation state that Engaging with art from a young age can really contribute to gaining nurturing skills, improving self esteem, confidence and communication. 

So with all that we got stuck in, neither wanted any help and got on with it my daughter desperately wanting to paint but managed to keep her satisfied with crayons and stickers for a bit. My son which is a huge break through sat for ages perfecting a little heart that he painted on the mug. That kind of thing speaks more than words, he didn't want me to see and wanted to hide it for Mothers day (I found it in his bedroom to take a photo of it). 

Homemade gifts from your children really are the best gifts, they mean so much more than any brought item. I love that my children have thought and shown how much I mean to them through making somthing. My mum used to keep all the stuff we made and I loved to see that.

Lovely gifts ready for Mothering Sunday, I'm glad as a couple of years ago my husband forgot to get a card for my son to give me I wasn't impressed! below is some other lovely bits I got from Cuticura which is great, I didn't even know they made soaps so why not check them out your self at their facebook page. 

2013 Round up 2014 is here..

Its finally here, Im not sure why I put finally as the last year just flew by. I still feel like I should be wearing summer dresses because that's where my mind is! Last year was a really good year for us we have seen many blessings on us as a family on been on some crazy adventures. A year of firsts for Ami and a new addition to the family has been a great thing too.We have been on many adventures seeing us being stretched beyond our capacityand feeling tired to having a blast and wondering what we are doing.

Disney Land Paris

To start of the year we decided to go to Disneyland paris for a day trip! Yes a day trip that involved getting up at 1 and travelling for 5 hours including a ferry trip to Disneyland and arriving home early hours of the morning. The only problem was Ami broke out in spots with chicken pox and was so itchy and contagious! We still went dosed Ami up on piriton and found out you can baby swap meaning Pants could go on the rides two times in a row!

Spring Harvest

We as a family served at spring harvest in minehead this year, Well everyone except the kids they enjoyed being part of the team and playing with all the other children that were around. My husband was there for 3 weeks we just joined him for the middle one. It was a lot of fun and something that pushed us a little having a family with us. 

Scripture Union

Me and the kids went on mission within our local scripture union. Which we helped out in the toddler age. We as children were taken to this as my mum wanted a few hours peace from us but I kept on going as a result found my faith there so I always enjoy helping their. They also host a massive water fight where the fire men come and spray water at all the kids its alot of fun

Lark in the Park Sidcup and Ramsgate 

This is both my church and New Generations Community events where they see thousands of families come along to experience kids clubs, family nights out, craft and good fun. All put on for free for the benefit of the community. I love it It holds a good piece of my heart I met my husband their and who doesn't enjoy hanging out in marquees, letting the kids have some freedom to play and serving on a team with your friends. 

Denmark

We went to Denmark to serve on a team in a school, we went to teach some lessons and host a week called Jesus week. It was hard work I was 38 weeks pregnant and found myself just chasing after Ami the whole time. She enjoyed all the attention she got from the students. We went to a really cool pool and I didnt give birth which was helpful as that eventuality could have been a little crazy. 

Ami's Firsts

My little girl went from being a baby to turning into a chatty toddler. She achieved many firsts and just grew up too fast for our liking. She learned to sit, crawl, stand, walk, run and turn into the cheeky girl she is. She is such a blessing and so funny to watch. 

Pants Football

Pants joined his first football team and has scored many goals (a few own goals to add to the list too). He has grown up loads and is such a lad. He is loving being a big brother to his sister and brother. 

Little bear joining us

In November little bear was born, completing our little family and just slotting in. After a uncomfortable pregnancy I was glad it was over. He has settled in well and now life is so busy with a 15 month age gap can be crazy at times but also alot of fun! 

Finally a Nurse

After nearly 6 years at university being part time and maternity leave I finally finished my training! years of sitting in front of a laptop wondering what I am doing is over. I got a job at our local hospital and am on maternity leave again crazy.

So that was a few highlights of last year, this year is new, this year is exciting I cant wait ti see what adventure lays ahead. We sadly lost our friend Joel last year and times we still dont believe it but look forward keep our eyes on the good, keep our eyes on Jesus. 

Thats My Kids #Week 2

if you havent Linked up before Thats my kids is a linky to share and chat about your kids, what they have been up to good or bad! last week had 10 linkers! So join up and share the love!
We have had another quiet week not great weather keeping us in, tried to do something for fathers day but ended up at a local pub garden and take away pizza (husband enjoyed it)! they had a bouncy Castle and he and the kids played non stop for ages! Lovely moments to watch!




Anyway on to my superstars this weekend Pants had been a little ruffled! in one of those moods where everything they do is just to push boundaries! Im not very good with discipline really, id like to think that i was but not good at sticking with it! We used to do a jar where good behavior filled it with Skittles and the jar had lines on and if he filled it he got £10! but since Ami we have not really done it! we now do a three strike approach where he gets the three strikes then when they are gone no video games for 24 hours! Not overly effective! How do you discipline your children?

Ami she has been a little grumpy, especially around dinner time making it hard work to do any cooking, meaning having to wait till 6 or feed Ami and do dinner at the same time! no my ideal situation as she usually eats what we eats around the table but its just a phase, separation anxiety maybe! She has been good otherwise, such a funny girl loving to make us laugh!

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