Insomnia in Rhyme; A Collaboration!

If you have ever heard the story of The Elves and the Shoemaker, you may recognise the tale I'm about to tell you. It begins like this; I like to write the occasional silly poem, just for fun and post them on the blog, so one day someone might read one and it might make them smile. I'd had an idea a while ago, but had never finishied it. I thought I probably should, in the interests of tidying up, so opened it on the laptop, and wandered off to put the kettle on. When I came back, my poem, which I had struggled with for quite some time, was finished. Not quite by elves, but by L, who is ten. I thought it was so great, I kept it exactly as it was. I hope you like it too.

Review of Wallace Barbers, Thornbury

The little market town of Thornbury is a quiet, unassuming place. Not somewhere you would necessarily associate with cutting edge (sorry about the pun!) barbering, but all that has changed, with the arrival of Wallace Barbers. A new, modern barbershop, offering quality styles at affordable prices. I took L and he loved it! It's perfectly suited to fidgety, bored children, with drinks available, a Playstation 4 and even a Gameboy color! He also left with an actual style and they weren't fazed by his persistent floppy fringe, or the perpetual tuft that makes a break for freedom at every opportunity. At the ripe old age of ten, he finally has a 'proper' style, and they were more than happy to give me advice on how to maintain it.

Win a Poseable Deluxe Minion and Sparkly Shower Gel!

We all know how important it is to treat yourself now and again, but we also know it's not always easy when you've got children. There is always something they need more, or something really cute that you need them to have! So, we've got another competition with a prize for you, and one for them, so you don't have to share. To win a Minion for your little (or big!) one and some sparkly shower gel for yourself, or significant other, just make your way through the rafflecopter below. You can enter with as few or as many options as you like. Good luck!

SATs Debate; Testing in Moderation

Every SATs season, there is more debate over the necessity of testing in schools, particular in the lower year groups, and whether it puts too much pressure on pupils. Parents are concerned about the effects of formal exam conditions on their children's stress levels, as well as the increasing demands of the new curriculum. With some seriously difficult and demanding grammar questions added to the mix, there is even more potential for problems this year. So, is testing really necessary and, if so, how much and under what circumstances? Do children need to 'learn' to cope under exam conditions from such a young age? 

Spongebob on Now TV!

Now that L has got older, and left a lot of the younger television behind, we have all been discovering the joy that is adolescent TV. I don't know why it's so much more tolerable than pre-school programmes. I suppose it's because the stories are a little more in depth and the language is more advanced, giving more scope for humour and silliness that even adults can appreciate. I do know that it is far easier on the senses, particularly on repeat, than the psychedelic colours and repetitive script of its preschool counterparts. I would even go so far as to say, it's pretty watchable stuff. Ok, it's never going to be Panorama, but, it's been a revelation to be able to sit down and enjoy a programme together, that actually has something to offer other than numbers 1 - 10 and a few primary colours thrown in.

My Sunday Photo: Winter V Spring

Gtech Multi Review

I have been curious about the Gtech Multi for some time. I have always wanted cordless handheld cleaners to work well, because they have such an array of potential uses. Everyone has that niggling housework job that would be made easier by having something pokier, or more maneouverable but, finding something with enough oomph to do the same job as a full size vacuum cleaner can be a struggle. I know I have had very little success in the past. They would either lose charge quickly, or have very limited 'suck' in the first place! It's been years since I've tried a new one, though, so I was keen to see what had changed and how I would get on with this new technology.