|REVIEW|selfie clothing, kids Christmas T-shirt review

When a kids T-shirt turns up in a box like this...

Wrapped like this...

You know that it's going to be blooming good, right??  I was pretty happy to review a 

Selfie Clothing T-shirt, I was even happier when it arrived!

I chose the Mini Claus selfie Christmas design and loaded a 'selfie' photo of T which fitted perfectly.

The process is really easy, choose your desired design, load a photo from your phone or Instagram, pay and a couple of days later a beautiful little package arrives, with an even better T-shirt inside!

Made from high quality material with a fantastic clear image these T-shirts are a steal at £15.00 in my opinion.  However, I can give you an extra 20% off by using code larabee20 (not just for Christmas, it's forever!) so you could order one for £12.00 + P&P.

One comment is that the colours on our T-shirt are not as vibrant as those on the website, personally I prefer this.  Being a little 'old school' I like the retro look as I think it's pretty reminiscent of the old print T-shirts 'when I was a girl' ;)

Here's my little man (who's nearly 4) modelling the 4-6 size.  As you can see it fits well now, but still has lots of room to grow in the length and arm length.

I really love these T-shirts and will most certainly be keeping an eye out for other designs in the future.

|GIVEAWAY|Lush T-shirt (size small) I love cake t-shirt

I was recently invited to try and review a fab slogan t-shirt from lush t-shirts, it took me ages to decide on a slogan as there are so many I loved.  I finally decided on a hot pink and black 'I love cake' t-shirt.

The t-shirt is really well made, of great quality and the most fantastic and vibrant slogan. My photos couldn't do it justice so I took this one from the website.  They are well worth the £14.99 price tag.

There's a great line of festive T-shirts, with clever, funny and Christmassy slogans, I'm sure you could find something for all the family and use their 4 for 3 special offer!!

Like a complete wally, I ordered small not medium and so my loss is your gain!  I'm offering the T-shirt in a giveaway, but please remember when entering THIS IS FOR A SMALL BLACK T-SHIRT ONLY.

Here are the rules...
1. Giveaway is for a small 'I love cake' t-shirt only
2. Winner must compete all mandatory entry methods to qualify
3. No cash alternative
4. This giveaway is from LarabeeUK not Lush T-Shirts and will be posted by LarabeeUK
5. Winner will be drawn 1 December 2015 and has 7 days to respond, after which the giveaway will ever re-drawn. 
6. UK residents only I'm afraid 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was sent a complimentary T-Shirt for this purposes of this honest review.

|FUN|christmas rainy day bag

Back in the summer I made a rainy day bag which I filled with a number of activities to get us through rainy days. You can see what we had it in originally here. I must admit I've changed things up a few times through the summer and autumn and we've used it quite a few times for rainy days or car journey, taking to friend and relatives houses etc.  It's really useful to have everything in one place to grab quickly. Especially since T seems to have upped his pace to warp mode all the time!  Everything he does is at high speed now and he can't wait for anything!

So I thought I'd change all the contents of the bag for Christmas, I think I'll do this every couple of months in the next year or so because it really has been such a godsend. 

I have added the Christmas CBeebies art magazine, I can't tell you how much T loves this magazine, I think for him it had just the right amount of arts and crafts, stickers and his favourite characters. 

I also added a set of Christmas stickers he got in his Christmas kids sticker swap last year. 

A new book has also been included, it isn't a Christmas book but it is new so I'm sure this will be a huge hit when he time comes. 

Some homemade play dough was next, along with some loose parts, a small Baker Ross ornament kit and a DVD.

I'm really pleased I have my little bag of goodies for when I need to keep T entertained, without me having to think!

What would you include?  I'm even thinking that a filled bag would make a good gift for one of T's friends for Christmas or birthday. 

|#toddlerapprovestuesday|week 56 - 17 November

Nearly midway through November, not long now until the big day!  Are you starting on your Christmas activities and fun yet? We've got lots planned, we all love Christmas and I'm really enjoying celebrating early!  Thanks to everyone for joining in last week and to everyone who popped by to read the great posts that were linked up. 

Remember you can post your weekly post to the #toddlerapprovedtuesday Facebook page too, I like every one which will mean you continue to show up in my feed when you post new posts! 

If you are not yet in the Facebook group send us a request and we'll add you. Feel free to post anything in there all through the week if it's relevant.

This week I've updated our rainy day bag for Christmas, 

Becky is sharing with us, 5 handmade calendar gifts, great ideas for grandparent or teacher gifts for Christmas! 

My showcase

These fizzy fireworks puddles from Monkey and Mouse are such a great idea, I know T will love them so I'll be sure to try these out with him soon. 

My second showcase this week are these lovely thanksgiving turkeys from My Bored Toddler

We would love it if you would join us, the linky will open every Tuesday and Wednesday and give us a good few days to see what your little ones have approved! Every week Becky and I will each pick our favourite two links for our #ToddlerApprovedTuesday showcase which will be featured on our posts and in the weekly #ToddlerApprovedTuesday email, which hits over 125 email addresses each week!

Remember to share your post and the linky using the hashtag #ToddlerApprovedTuesday on your social media, Becky and I will retweet all your posts via Twitter (make sure you mention us in your tweets @3princess_1dude/@larabeeuk for us to be able to Retweet).  

Rules:

1. Link as many posts as you like (well with in reason!), remember to copy and paste the #ToddlerApprovedTuesday badge on each post you would like to link up.

<div align="center">
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20151120045630/http://www.larabeeuk.co.uk/search/label/%23toddlerapprovedtuesday" title="Toddler Approved Tuesday"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20151120045630im_/http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/labrabeeuk/tat_badge_zpsyypmaqhl.jpg" " alt=" Toddler Approved Tuesday" style="border:none;"/></a></div>

2. Pop by and comment on as many as you can. Can't comment? Why not Pin It or share on Facebook or Twitter instead? It only takes 2 seconds to click the share button!

By linking up you agree to receive future email notifications regarding #ToddlerApprovedTuesday. These emails can be unsubscribed from by clicking the unsubscribe button in the email.

An InLinkz Link-up

|FUN|snowman coaster and giveaway

In our winter/Christmas Baker Ross bloggers kit we recieved these great snowman coasters priced at £3.60 for 6 coasters these are super value.

As usual for Baker Ross, the instructions are clear and everything in contained within the pack, making these great for trips away, dining out or in-car activities.

T is nearly 4 and loves sticking the corresponding stickers onto the coaster.  Great for grandparent gifts or stocking fillers these are a cheap yet effective craft.

We have 4 individual packs left that we thought we'd giveaway.  Enter below.  Closes midnight 26 November 2015

a Rafflecopter giveaway

|CREATE|handmade cat toy

Yes, you may have noticed that I have turned into a crazy cat lady!   Now we have our little pet Twiggy, T decided that she should have a Christmas stocking, so I've been thinking about things I can either buy or make for her.

The intention was that T would help me with this, but he got bored... quickly... And so I did it myself.

Twiggy actually was the inspiration for this toy as she has a fascination for my hair bands and can often be found batting one around the floor a bit like a frisbee!

To make this simple and cheap toy you will need:

Wool

Various ribbons

An old shower curtain hook, old plastic bangle or hairband

Some feathers or feather edging

1. Start off by threading the wool around the shower curtain hook, the easiest way I can explain how to do this is like casting on when knitting.  It's pretty difficult to explain but really easy to do, I hope the photo above demonstrates it as week as I think it does!  If not, please do leave me some feedback!

2. When you are about half way round tie the ribbons and feather edging if you are using it.  Continue to work your wool around the hook making sure you cover all the ends from the ribbons.

3. I didn't go right to the edges as I'm pretty sure if I did, Twiggy would pull it off.

I hope you like my first cat toy!  It does feel a bit weird writing a blog post for a cat toy but as she's part of the family we can't leave her out!

|REVIEW|gotrovo treasure hunt game

We were recently sent the Gotrovo treasure hunt game from the fabulous, local to us creaters.  We have the mini version which we've used before for play dates so I was looking forward to reviewing the full board game version with T.

The game is based around a number of clue cards, ranging from pictures and words, riddles to role play.  A versatile game aimed at children 3-8 and beyond.. Children can either play alone, against each other or in teams.  

Priced at £22.95 you can purchase direct from the Gotrovo site.

The game comes with everything you need, including cards, coins and the treasure map.

Being familiar with the mini game, T was super excited to try the full version and collect the coins as he followed the clues I left for him around the house.

I know we'll get so much use out of this game which can be used at parties and play dates, on your own or with a group of friends, or indoors, outdoors and both!   It really is what it says on the box 'the game that gets children moving and expands their imagination'. 

If you are looking for a family friendly game this Christmas you won't go wrong with Gotrovo!!

Disclaimer: we were sent a copy of Gotrovo to try in exchange for our honest review.

|REVIEW|party bags and supplies review

We recently received a package from Party bags and supplies of party ware for T's birthday next month.

We chose the TMNT Partypack for 8 including filled party bags which included napkins, cups, plates, a tablecloth and even FILLED party bags!

There are literally loads of designs and characters to choose from all the latest designs as well as the classics.

The party ware is great quality as you would expect with the plates being substantial enough to hold a plateful of food and dip and the cups are of high quality and will withstand a fair amount of chewing from small teeth! 

The tablecloth is made of thick plastic which will certainly be able to be used a good few times and the napkins are nice and thick, certainly durable enough to contend with messy fingers and spills!

At £28 for the kit I think this is great value, yes you could get cheaper from pound shops but you certainly wouldn't get the quality.

The piece de resistance for me were the filled party bags.  I must admit I was not expecting much, I've seen some filled bags from other companies which either contain very little, are filled out with sweets or  contain cheap cracker type fillers.

The bags contain a mini frisbee, a kids wristband, a sticky man (for walking down windows!) a pack of sweets, a mini spinning top and a puzzle, everything bar the sweets and sticky man are brands too.

I shall be adding another pack of sweets and some stickers but that's only because I already have those, not because they particularly need it.

The filled party bags also can be purchased at £1.99 each, not just in the packs.  I think this is pretty good value.

All in all I think Party bags and supplies, party packs are fantastic value for money and perfect for small birthday parties.

T has 2 small birthday parties planned which we'll use these for, he has a party with his cousins on his actual birthday and a sleepover with 3 of his best friends in the new year. 

Look out for posts for both of these!!

Disclaimer: we were sent a party pack for 8 in return for our honest review.

|FAMILY|New play date tips

This Friday we attended our first play date with a child I don't know from nursery and one of T's new friends.  I must admit I was totally out of my comfort zone but we had an awesome time, here are some tips from someone who's not a natural with these situations!

1. Only book a short play date for the first time and have a get out clause not to allow it to go on longer, best to leave wanting more than sit there for 5 hours looking at your watch dying to find an excuse!

2. Wear good socks! You don't want holey socks if they have a no shoe policy!

3. Make sure your child has a bath/shower before you leave, if your kids are anything like mine, stripping off to put dressing up clothes on is the first thing they do! The last thing you want is pen on legs and dirty toes!

4. Take a familiar toy to use in case of friction to distract your child. 

5. If you take cake, gluten free carrot cake is a good option, slightly healthy and good in case of intolerance.  Oh and of course bloody delicious!

6. If you take some healthy snacks, better to have something that any child can have than take sweets to a house who don't have sweets.

7. Take a change of clothes for you and your child/children to leave in the car. Highly embarrassing if something gets spilt or someone has an accident, this actually goes for any occasion though doesn't it really?

8. If it's not clear, assume food isn't provided or check as subtley as possible, for instance a play date we went to was arranged 1-3, I thought lunch wasn't included in the invite but I followed up with 'see you after lunch' to make it clear from our side that we are not expecting to be fed!

What have I forgotten?

|CREATE|poppy foil painting for Remembrance Day

 

I like to help T make a little poster for our front window for remembrance.  Not only does it give us a chance to talk about why we are remembering, it gives T a chance to recall what he knows about remembrance and it reinforces the image of the poppy which he's now really getting to recognise the image and say what its for.

 

For this really simple art project you will need:

Tin foil

A marker pen

PVA glue

Red paint

Black and Red sequins 

 

 

 

1.Start off by drawing a poppy shape on your silver foil, we used a sharpie to do this.

 

2. Mix equal parts of pva glue and ready mixed paint, this makes a slightly thicker paint, but it does mean that the sequins will stick better.  Alternatively you could just mix the red sequins into ready mixed paint, however, they will lose some of their sparkle.

 

3. Paint the poppy with the glue/paint mix.

 

4. Using black sequins make the stemens in the centre of the poppy.

 

6. Sprinkle the red sequins on the poppy.

 

Leave to dry and then display to show everyone your thanks to the brave soldiers who have given us our freedom.

 

You can also use this activity to talk to your children about remembrance day, you could start with a minutes silence at 11 am on 11 November. :)

See more remembrance ideas here.

 

          

 

|#toddlerapprovedtuesday|week 55 - 10 November

Welcome to another week of toddler approved Tuesday!  I honestly cannot believe that another week has passed it's just going by far too quickly isn't it?

Remember you can post your weekly post to the #toddlerapprovedtuesday Facebook page too, I like every one which will mean you continue to show up in my feed when you post new posts! 

If you are not yet in the Facebook group send us a request and we'll add you. Feel free to post anything in there all through the week if it's relevant.

This week I have a remembrance craft for you, we made this foil painting poppy to put in our window to mark our respects.

This week Becky is linking up her delicious sweet potato and tuna fish cakes You Tube video, make sure that you subscribe while you are watching, and give a thumbs up :)

My showcase

How 'yumptious' (as T would say!) do these cheese muffins look from Dancing Dandelions?  I'm going to make these, this weekend for a nice brunch/breakfast.

How amazing are these bonfire night sausages from The Errant Sock??  I will most definitely be trying this, especially as they have 3 of T's favourite foods in.

We would absolutely love it if you would join us, the linky will open every Tuesday and Wednesday.  Every week Becky and I will each pick our favourite two links for our #ToddlerApprovedTuesday showcase which will be featured on our posts and in the weekly #ToddlerApprovedTuesday email, which hits over 125 email addresses each week!

Remember to share your post and the linky using the hashtag #ToddlerApprovedTuesday on your social media, Becky and I will retweet all your posts via Twitter (make sure you mention us in your tweets @3princess_1dude/@larabeeuk for us to be able to Retweet).  

Rules:

1. Link as many posts as you like (well with in reason!), remember to copy and paste the #ToddlerApprovedTuesday badge on each post you would like to link up.

<div align="center">
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20151120045630/http://www.larabeeuk.co.uk/search/label/%23toddlerapprovedtuesday" title="Toddler Approved Tuesday"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20151120045630im_/http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/labrabeeuk/tat_badge_zpsyypmaqhl.jpg" " alt=" Toddler Approved Tuesday" style="border:none;"/></a></div>

2. Pop by and comment on as many as you can. Can't comment? Why not Pin It or share on Facebook or Twitter instead? It only takes 2 seconds to click the share button!

By linking up you agree to receive future email notifications regarding #ToddlerApprovedTuesday. These emails can be unsubscribed from by clicking the unsubscribe button in the email.

An InLinkz Link-up