Baba Reviews

Mamma Fairy Great Reads – the kids edition

The Top 10 books we are loving

I loved reading as a child and I still do. I think my own love of reading developed from my own parents love of it and the time they spent with us each evening succumbing to the often relentless – one more story please.  History is most definitely repeating itself in The Mamma Fairy house and requests of one more story are nearly always met! I have put together a list of our current 10 favourite books. At the moment this is the core group where “one” (!!) story is chosen from these nights.

 

  1. Midnight Creatures (By Helen Friel)  – This is really cool, its a pop up story book that you use your torch to find various animals across the five scenes in the book.  
    Scene from the book Midnight Creatures

    Midnight Creatures – Pic Credit Laurence King Publishing

    The detail is really intricate and the kids absolutely love being using their torch to show the shadows on the wall. This one suits both boys ages 2 and 5 and keeps both engaged. 

  2. Pirates Love Underpants (By Claire Freedman and Ben Cort) – Nothing like the mention of underpants to emit howls of laughter from young kids.  Join the pirates as they search for the fabled pants of gold!!! It doesnt matter how many times I have read this they love it every time and laugh their heart out a the mention of “big knicker bay”. Its beautifully illustrated. Their are loads of other underpants loving books by Claire Freedman, kids are looking forward to adding to their collection!
  3. Animal Architects (By Julio Antonio Blasco and David Nassar) – This is a stunningly intricately illustrated hard back book that gives you an insight into how animals build there homes. It really is a fascinating book. Each home contains a pull out section with more details.  The kids adore this book.
  4. Hide and Seek (By Charlene Man) – As with number 3 above this is another Laurence King published title with the same level of intricate detail. While not strictly a story book this is more of a interactive book where you have to find the animal that doesn’t belong in the scene. The illustrations are just gorgeous and its a firm favourite  in our house.
  5. Salty Dogs (By Matty Long) – Sticking with the pirate theme. Salty Dogs is another action packed mad cap story involving the Salty Dogs setting off on an adventure around the Pirate Islands.  Each page of this one has absolutely tonnes of detailed illustrations with something new to spot each time. This one is enjoyed by both boys.
  6. Rhyme Crime (Jon Burgerman) – Not quite a fall asleep type story but a funny interactive one. Premise of this that a thief has committed a crime and everything he stole is replaced with a rhyme! Really silly but really funny for the kids. Probably not the wind down before bed type of book though!
  7. I want to go first – (By Richard Byrne) – This one id say is my youngest little mans favourite at the moment.  Its a gentle tale encouraging (just enough) reader participation.  The story centres around a baby elephant who in contrast to elephant rule wants to go first not last. She enlists the help of the reader to assist her. I like this one, its really nicely illustrated too.
  8. How to Babysit a Grandma (by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish) – our love affair with this book began well over a year ago and its certainly a testament to its popularity in the Mamma Fairy house that its still going strong a year later.  In a reversal of roles this clever book teaches you how to babysit your grandma. I am not joking when I say I can quote from this word perfect.
  9. Animals at home (By Claudia Boldt) – Not strictly a book but I have included this one as its our bedtime game. Quite simply its a gorgeously illustrated card game where you match 27 animals to their home.  Its really lovely and both kids play together for this one which I really love to see.
  10. The Magic of my Name – This book belongs to my oldest and its a personalised story based on the letter of his name.  I think all kids go through that stage where they ask why did you call me x.  Its a really detailed book, in fact my husband calls this “the long one” as there are about 40 pages in it!! Kids love it and the mention of their names makes it all the more special.  Again like many of the others above it contains lovely illustrations.

Reading back the above I have come to realise visual books are what really appeal to the boys.

I love reading with them, its a lovely special time when my time is 100% theirs no distraction. I do hope they grow up with the same love of reading that I did. All books above readily available both online and in traditional bookshops with the exception of number 10 which is personalised therefore available direct from the publisher.

 

 

You Baby Me Mummy
Laura's Lovely Blog
September 18, 2017 by
Features

Plum Recipe for kids with thanks to Organix

Its plum season!

I’m no food blogger and I make no secret of the fact I rely on some of my lovely blog buddies to help feed my growing pair with healthy nutritious food – im talking about you One Yummy Mummy. I like to eat it alright but im a hopeless cook!  This week its a little something different and im sharing a recipe with thanks to Organix.  It’s a delicious receipe for Organic Roasted Plums.  Not only are plums in season in Ireland in August and September, the month of September also celebrates all things Organic.

Some interesting facts that I never knew about plums!!

  • Plums are a rich source of vitamins C and K and dietary fibers
  • It can take 3-5 years after planting for the trees to bear fruit
  • There are actually over 200 varieties of plum in the world!!!
  • Plums are used to produce wine or spirits in some countries!

Organic September Roasted Plums

12+ Months
10 – 30 minutes to prepare
10 – 30 minutes to cook
Serves 2 adults and 2 children

Ingredients:

Roasted Plum treat

Pic Credit – Organix

Roasted plums
3 large plums
Coconut oil (or melted butter) to brush
Almond & oat crumble
3 tbsp porridge oats (or gluten free oat)
1 tbsp ground almonds (or desiccated coconut if nut allergies)
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp melted coconut oil (or butter)
2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey for children over 12 months)

Mascarpone cream
150g of mascarpone
3 tsp lemon juice
3 tsp maple syrup (or honey for children over 12 months)
¼ tsp vanilla extract
A couple of mint leaves (optional)

 

How to make:

Step 1 –   Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas mark 6. Line a baking tray with parchment paper

Step 2 –   Prepare the crumble by mixing the oats, ground almonds and cinnamon powder together in a small  bowl. Add melted coconut oil (or butter) and maple syrup. Stir until you get a crumble texture

Step 3 –  Spread crumble on baking tray. Bake for 10-15 mins until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and set aside to cool down

Step 4 –   Put the grill on to 275°C

Step 5 –  Cut plums in half and remove stones carefully

Step 6  – Brush each plum all over with some melted coconut oil (or butter)

Step 7 –  Arrange plums in an oven proof dish, cut side up

Step 8 –  Place until the grill for around 5 mins or until the plums soften

Step 9 –  While the plums are in the oven, mix mascarpone with lemon juice, maple syrup and vanilla extract in a small bowl

Step 10 –   To serve, dollop the mascarpone cream on a plate. Add 2 halves plum per adult or 1 half plum per  child on top of mascarpone cream. Sprinkle with crumble.

And there you have it – Orangic Roasted Plums.  Let me know if you give this a go, even better show me the pic’s!

 

 

September 15, 2017 by
Mamma Musings

Living Arrows 36/52 Coffee and Chill

The Pod located on the side of the road along the Wild Atlantic Way

The Pod – Killybegs

“You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth”

Living Arrows 36/52

As the dust settles on the first week of “big” school for my oldest.  For the first time in a long time I have had time to sit down and relax and quite literally have a coffee and chill. This weeks Living Arrows post is inspired by this gorgeous coffee spot in the picturesque Wild Atlantic Way as you drive towards Killybegs.

I have vowed for the coming school year to make time to be present and not be rushing and dashing around the place doing jobs that in reality could wait.

playing on the beach despite the weather

Fun without the sun

We had our final farewell to summer holidays in a typically wet Donegal despite the weather, we ran, we laughed we played but most of all we were present in the moment.  I am a full time working mum and im guilty of checking my mails, picking up messages and texts when in  reality they can wait.

As we sat on the beach and had our picnic and a delicious coffee from The Pod, I thought about the milestone my son had ahead of him – starting school. It really is such a milestone.  For him and for us.  Where did 5 years go?

Well as I sit here chilling with my coffee I can happily report week one was a success. The only tears were my own, he skipped in the door and looked forward to returning the following day.  I’m under no illusion every day will be like the last couple but fingers crossed most days will be like this.   The house feels so quiet, its actually hard to get used to it! Not that im complaining!!

Signing off with a coffee in hand, two feet up and the TV on – coffee and chill it is…….

Living Arrows
September 7, 2017 by
Features

Tips for making your garden a safe and fun environment for kids

We have been renovating our house over the last number of years and while the inside is nearing completion, an equally challenging task is next on the agenda……the outside spaces.  I decided to reach out to my fellow bloggers to get some tips from them on making the garden a safe and fun place for kids.

Garden Safety 

Garden Safety - locking shed

Garden Safety

First up some great tips around keeping the area itself safe and enclosed.  Elizabeth from The Homemakers Journal had some great suggestions in terms of basic safety, keeping the tools and equipment in separate storage areas.  Also crucially and a very important consideration, keep all sprays and fertilisers out of reach of little hands (and animals).  Jo from Cup of Toast also highlighted the importance of keeping hazards out the way, I love her suggestion of giving the kids their own shed that way they are contained and away from potential hazards or even escaping!

Pete who writes at Household Money Saving highlighted the importance of making sure the toys themselves are in good working condition.  This is a brilliant suggestion and probably one im guilty of not doing enough off particularly for the likes of trampolines and swings which could pose a risk if not installed or used correctly.

I love Natalie from Mummy and Moose suggestion of training the dog to do its business in one area and training the kids to avoid! Genius!! While we don’t have any pets one suggestion that ill definitely be implementing is from Sarah of A Few Favourite Things of keeping the wheelie bins separate. Safety aside we have 3 and they are so unsightly looking!

I also love Carolin of Mummy Alarm suggestion of  soft surfaces for playing on.  I have two boys and they just love playing rough, climbing and skipping around the place.  Hopefully a soft surface would lessen the cuts and scraps. Something like rubber mulch flooring would be ideal.

Garden Fun

Garden Fun in the sun

Garden Fun

The bit the boys will love!! Both Stacey of One Small Human and Anoushka of Spitting Yarn mentioned mud kitchens!! I have never heard of this before but I suspect the boys would love it, quite literally, a sectioned off area with some kitchen utensils and some muck/mud. You can’t beat the messy play to keep them entertained for hours.  Emma from Our Fairytale Adventure suggested a sensory garden including a fruit and veg patch. I love the idea of growing some of our own vegetable so this is something im definitely looking into. Check out Emma’s gorgeous garden at the above lunch, that pergola is some serious garden goals!

The boys really want a tree house and the Dada Fairy has promised them he would make one for them!   Some fantastic tips and inspiration above.  Ill look forward to revealing the finished product over the next few months.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post 

 

Mummascribbles
September 1, 2017 by
Features

Top 5 Gardening Projects in 2017

Every gardener knows that for a flourishing summertime garden, you need to start planning and preparing the year before. That’s why gardening projects in 2017 will come into full bloom next summer.

But what garden projects could you undertake? And why is the tail end of summer the best time to do it? We found out with thanks to Rattan Direct.

#1 Update the Garden Furniture

Why now? Late summer deals mean you can pick up great quality items for use next summer but at a great price.

Budget: mid-range.

Enjoying an afternoon in the garden, either reading the latest novel or admiring your gardening prowess is the ideal way to relax. However, gone are the days when the only option was a striped deck chair or dining table set.

From day bed to sun loungers, the range of rattan garden furniture has increased considerably, giving you ample choice when it comes to creating a superb relaxation spot or an al fresco dining area.

#2 Create an Outdoor Kitchen

Why now? The building work involved means it needs to happen during good weather. It will overwinter well allowing you the look forward to spring and summer in the garden the following year.

Budget: mid-range +

This is one step up from BBQing in the garden – the garden kitchen is a ‘fitted’ kitchen, just like you would expect to have in a home.

Lower end budgets will still get a lot for their money with built-in cupboards and worktops, along with a fixed BBQ. Why not add a pizza oven to enjoy in the summer?

For shade, add a pergola with pretty, scented climbing plants to spread their aroma whilst you cook and eat outdoors.  

We’ve seen some exciting examples, of outdoor kitchens also been plumbed in too, with a sink and drainage making it a fully working kitchen for the outdoors. In the UK, we have always shied away from creating outside rooms, so look to Mediterranean countries for inspiration as cooking is usually done outside for the majority of the year.

#3 Add a Pond

Why now? Adding a pond to your garden now means it has a chance to get established before the main insect breeding season in spring. It also means that when you add fish, the environment is not hostile to their survival.

Budget: dependent on the size of the project

Gardeners the world over will tell you that nature is both your enemy and your friend. To get the most help from other nature, you need to create the best environment that you can in your garden.

That means offering an attractive place for good bugs and insects, along with garden birds to enjoy – and keep bad bugs away! A pond is a great idea because where there is water, there is bound to be slug and insect eating frogs. Damsel flies and dragon flies are also welcome garden visitors.

You can create your own unique pond with plenty of digging, pond liner and stones or you can choose a rigid pond liner for extra stability. Add a water fall to oxygenate the water for the fish as well as adding a relaxing sound to the garden.

#4 Create a Meadow

Why now? Spreading wild seeds in a part of your garden now will mean an attractive meadow for the buzzing bees in spring and summer.

Budget: minimal

We tend to think of gardens as being manicured and ordered but our favouring of some plants over others have meant the bees, an important crop pollinator, are struggling to find the sweet pollen they need.

Creating a meadow is simple and easy. Choose a spot in the garden. Dig over the soil, adding plenty of organic matter. Either roll out seeded mats or liberally scatter seed across the surface, covering with a thin layer of compost. Protect over winter with a layer of mulch and enjoy the dancing meadow of native wild plants from spring to late summer. Allow plants to go to see and scatter their seeds for the following year.

#5 Create an Outdoor Chandelier

Why now? As the summer drawers to a close, introducing solar lights means you can enjoy the evening for longer, huddle around the fire pit. But this idea takes solar lights to a new level. Just one of many craft ideas for the garden.

Budget: the cost of solar light, around £5 or less

If you have trees you need to prune, then this homemade chandelier will reuse the smaller, more malleable offcuts.

Create a circle, square or any shape you like by intertwining the small branches of the tree or shrub together. You may want to use small cable ties or twine to hold it in place. Once you have your band of twigs, wrap solar fairy lights around the shape. Use twine to create a hanging strap and fix to your pergola, allowing the homemade solar light chandelier to adorn the seating area in your garden.

Pack away when winter comes but enjoy the sparkling lights in spring once again.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post with Rattan Direct who stock a wide range of rattan garden furniture and other accessories, all ideal for any garden, no matter the shape or size.

August 30, 2017 by
Baba Reviews

Paw Patrol Sea Patroller Review

Paw Patrol Sea Patroller Toy

Paw Patrol Sea Patroller

Paw Patrol Sea Patroller – Our Review

You have to picture the scene for this one…..you are four years old and love the TV show Paw Patrol and wait for it …..this lands through the door! I only wish I videoed his reaction. I can only liken his reaction to my own if I won the lotto!!

He is beyond thrilled as he had been eyeing it up on the TV ad for the last number of weeks.   The product itself is recommended for ages 3 plus and retails at a hefty €80.  So whats included for the price -key features include:

Paw Patrol Sea Patroller contents

Paw Patrol Sea Patroller contents

  •  The Sea Patroller itself can be converted to both a land and a sea vehicle quite easily (but its not a water toy!);
  • It does light up and make sounds (it takes  batteries but they are included);
  • It comes with Ryder and his quad or ATV as im reliably informed.  Not sure I knew what an ATV was at 4!
  • A cage to lower Ryder down for his rescues
  • A life ring launcher (this is what the kids totally love!!) – it quite literally launches the life ring when you push the button;
  • Its quite big, definitely much bigger than I expected but im not complaining –  it has the wow factor and its the ideal size of sharing and going on “secret missions” as my pair call them.

Mamma Fairy Verdict

I’m calling it now, I think this going to be one of the hot toys for 2017 – last year it was the Paw Patrol Air Patroller among my sons pre school friends and I sense this will be this years equivalent.  Its a big toy with lots of fun parts to it and therefore lots of opportunity for kids to let their imaginations run wild.

Just one word of caution though, it doesn’t come with any of the pups. My Paw Patrol fanatics already had most if not all of them so wasn’t an issue but perhaps something to keep in mind.  I think Santa will have his work cut out this year making Sea Patrollers and if the excitement here is anything to go by  I suspect this toy will be very well received.

It’s readily available both on line and in most toys shops.

 

Note: We were sent this toy for the purpose of this review however this in no way influences mine or the boys opinion where appropriate.

 

Cuddle Fairy
August 29, 2017 by
Baba Reviews

Big Beard Battle Review

Our review of Brainstom’s Big Beard Battle

Big Beard Battle Game

Big Beard Battle Game

Ready to play Big Beard Battle

Big Beard Battle – Ready to play

As you might have read, we recently went glamping.  A couple of weeks previous we had been sent Big Beard Battle by Brainstorm to review.  I decided to keep the game until our glamping adventure as I knew the kids would enjoy playing a fun game like this in the absence of all things techie! We are already board game fans in this house especially my oldest, he really loves them.

This game can accommodate up to four players but can be played by less players and not impact on the game.  There is a little bit of pre set up work required, simply to attach the velcro dots to the beards but that takes only a couple of  minutes to do.

The game itself is very simple, the aim being to grow the longest beard without it being cut or shaved off. Its so simple but so much fun, made all the funnier by the fact the Dada Fairy has an actual beard!! You start with the youngest player and spin the spinner that comes with it. The spinner determines you task, whether thats growing your own beard or shaving or cutting another players beard. The game is aimed at ages 4 and up however the littlest man (2 and half) got great fun out of it so it is really a game for all the family to take part.

Games like this are ideal for Christmas and at approx €15 not bad value at all, all the parts are very durable and well able to withstand our very own Mr Destruction.

If you too have a board game fan in your house, it a big thumbs up from us.

Note: We were sent the game for the purpose of the review however all opinion are my own or the boys where appropriate.

 

August 28, 2017 by
Baba Reviews

Brainstorm Toys Mega Globe Review

Brianstorm Toys Mega Globe Review

Mega Globe Inflatable

Mega Globe – Fintra Beach, Donegal

A couple of weeks back we were sent Brainstorm Toys Mega Globe to review – and it is indeed mega!! When inflated its about 50cm.

Mege Globe on the beach

Mega Globe – Fintra Beach, Donegal

It is packaged really neat so no issues transporting it. We took it with us to our usual holiday destination in Donegal and the kids had tonnes of fun playing on the beach with it. It is a great size and it wont get lost too easy. It is readily available both online and toy stores.

I sat back and watched the kids play and try to pin point their exact location on the map. We are a travel loving family and the kids are lucky to have been on many adventures both around Ireland and overseas.  They had so much fun locating the places they have been and the places we plan on going to next. The Dada Fairy even got involved in the action.  They ran, jumped and hopped after it.  While it comes with some suggested activities the kids just loved making up their own games with it.

One bit of advice is that you do need a pump or you may need to pop into the local petrol station to pump it up!!

It really made me think – they really do have the whole world in their hands to explore, to discover, to investigate.  And I hope they take full advantage of it.  I think im a tad sentimental these days with my oldest starting school 

Note: We were sent the Mega Globe for the purpose of this review, however all view are my own or the boys where appropriate.

Brilliant blog posts on HonestMum.com

August 25, 2017 by
Fairy Travels

Visit Kinnity – Glitraps Glamping Review

Visit Kinnity Giltraps Glamping – our review

When my oldest suggested we go camping for his birthday im sure he could see the look of fear in my face! Some frantic google searches ensued and I stumbled across Giltraps Glamping in Kinnity, Offaly.  Bingo I thought, this looks like the ideal comprise. The first line in their web pages called in luxurious glamping –  no further research needed – done!  I sent them an email and 2 weeks later we were off to Offaly for the night.

We were checked in by Julie, who I had been dealing with over email, she was incredibly helpful and accommodating, allying my fears about the upcoming Storm  Gerturde weather warnings!!

The setting itself is gorgeous 6 log cabins and a Mongalian Yurt.  Also on the site were pigs and chicken whom i don’t doubt will run in fear should my pair ever arrive down again.

The Cabin

The view from the cabin at Giltraps Glamping

Glamping at Giltraps

We stayed in cabin number 2 which had a double and 2 single beds, which was ideal for us.  The cabin was absolutely spotless. Bed linen and were towels supplied.  There was a little area outside with chairs where we sat while the kids happily played   When we arrived at the cabin they had put balloons and birthday banner up for my sons birthday which I thought was a really lovely touch. We opted for the breakfast hamper delivered the next morning – one word – AMAZING.  Around 9.30 the following morning a home cooked breakfast bap arrived at the door with a flask of tea.  We sat outside and ate the breakfast, seriously yum.

The glamping site lit up at night time was magical – (im choosing to ignore the 500 toilet breaks my oldest insisted he needed just to go outside to see it lit up!!) Speaking of which there was a number of shared toilets and showers again- spotlessly clean.  There was also a small kitchen which you could access any time of day or night.

The Area

Kinnity itself is only a small town probably best knows for the famous Kinnity Castle about a kilometre from the glamping site.  We had drinks in Giltraps pub on site.  This was like stepping back in time, it reminded me of my own family holidays as a child visiting my mothers home place in the West of Ireland.  The pub oozes old world charm, we were served by a really nice girl whose name I wish I had got.  She will most likely remember the crazy kids there last Saturday!! I loved the relaxed homely vibe, complimented totally by the staff. There was a coffee shop also on site however we didn’t get to visit this time around but it looked lovely.

All in all this was a thoroughly enjoyed experience and we have vowed to come back next year as the oldest has decided this time he wants to stay in the Yurt! I wont be disagreeing. Service and attention to detail is top notch here and makes the ideal get away being only an hour and a half from Dublin.

Insider Tips

  • The town doesn’t have a bank machine – you can get cash back in the pub though
  • We brought snacks for the kids, this was a good call, options for shops locally are limited enough
  • There is great free playground within walking distance behind the church. Kids had it all to themselves Sunday morning and really enjoyed
  • Pop in to Kinnity Castle for drink – the Dungeon bar is lovely and such a novelty.

We booked direct which was the best value I could find, for further details see website

Note: This is not paid or sponsored, we paid for this ourselves, we are just  happy campers (sorry!!!!)

 

 

ethannevelyn.com

Country Kids

August 23, 2017 by
Baba Reviews

Spy Gear Ultimate Night Vision Goggles Review

Spy Gear Night Vision Googles – what we though

My oldest is going through a ninja phase where he is totally convinced he is a fully fledged Ninja! We were sent a pair of night vision goggles to try out and I couldn’t think of a better man for the job!

The package was torn open and away we went. For the first time since he was born he couldn’t wait for night time to try them out the back garden.  He wasn’t content with the curtains closed he wanted “black sky”!

Night vision googles

Spy Gear night vision googles

The googles (pic opposite) were really easy to assemble (bonus points from me for this!). I literally  had to slot the two parts together, insert 3 AAA batteries (not included) and away you go. The product description maintains its capable of  night vision at 30 feet away through the use of infrared LEDs.  We are both really eager to see these in operation.

Spy Gear Night Vision Googles

Spy Gear Night Vision Googles

We hid a number of objects in the back garden and set him off with the task of locating them in the dark! He was truly wowed, he just loved them.  The vision was surprisingly really clear and he had no problem locating the items hid.  The following weekend we headed to Donegal for the weekend and he was hyper waiting to show his grandad his night vision googles and to see them in action in the pitch dark away form city lights as it never really gets totally dark where we live with the street lights.

The Dada Fairy also gave them a go and affirms that he could in fact see around 30 feet away in the dark! I love toys like this – toys that get kids out and about and exploring. Toys that get kids using their imaginations.

The Verdict

He really loved these and I can see him gravitating towards these older toys now. They ticked the boxes for him – in his own works a proper big boy toy.  If I was to be totally critical two points come to mind – we had to go out to buy batteries, no biggy but at approx €30 I would have liked at least a test set to be included. They aren’t cheap but you do pay for the quality product.  The quality is really excellent – they are very durable. Durable enough to survive our two year old, who is affectionately know as Mr Destruction.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend these as a gift for any budding spy’s or Ninja’s. I can see these and some of the other Spy Gear products in the range featuring heavily on Christmas lists this year. The night vision googles are made by Spin Master,  see here and here  for some other Spin Master products we loved.  The googles are readily available both online and toy shops.

 

Note: We were sent the Night Vision Googles for the purposes of this review however this in no way influences mine or the boys (where appropriate) views on the product.

 

 

August 20, 2017 by