Building a dream house from LEGO

As you may be aware our whole family are big LEGO fans so when the lovey folks at Think Money got in touch to see if we wanted to take part in a very special LEGO challenge we couldn't resist.

The challenge was for a child to build their dream house out of LEGO. Our almost eight year old Ben, took on the challenge and was sent a LEGO Classic 10695 set to get creative with and build his dream home.

He's an imaginative child so I really wasn't sure whether we'd end up with a futuristic spaceship or a huge skyscraper! What he did end up creating was more traditional looking but had some very interesting features:

At the front of the house we have traditional front door with an interesting coloured glass pane above not dissimilar to our own front door, to the right of this we have a window and if we peep inside we see a dining table with four colourful chairs.

We also see an interesting object with two eyes which Ben informs me is an oven in the kitchen! I wonder if it does the cooking for you? In another room we see  a comfortable looking sofa with a side table on which there are two 'books'.

Other features of Ben's dream house include a set of blue stairs up to the second floor and some eco friendly additions including a wind turbine and a large solar panel on the roof. Ben also created a car to park outside his house.

I have to say that i'm impressed to find that the features of Ben's 'dream house', although abstract in it's creation, are not far away from my own ideal home. The solar panel and wind turbine, the books on the table next to the sofa and maybe even the idea of an oven that will cook dinner for me!

What would your child include in their own dream house?


This post is an entry for the LEGO Dream House competition from Think Money. contains affiliate link.

Marvel Superhero Costumes #bargainoftheweek

Are your children fans of Captain America, Thor, Iron Man or the Hulk?

Both my son and daughter are mad about Marvel, especially The Avengers, so I was rather excited when my friend and fellow bargain hunter Pippa posted in the Mymummyspennies Money Saving Group about a selection of Marvel dress up costumes she had seen for just £3.99 in her local Home Bargains!

She had immediately purchased Thor for her eldest superhero Bud. The next day I nipped out to our local franchise Quality Save but was disappointed to find they only had Captain America left and only in age 3 - 4. This was ideal for my 3 year old daughter who was delighted to meet 'Captain America' at Hamley's last month, however I really wanted to treat my son also. This is where Pippa came to the rescue again and managed to get not just a Captain America in size large for my eldest but a Thor for both of them too!

The sizes available were S (3-4) M (5-6) and L (7-8) - not all were available in all stores but at that price it worth a look!

So if you have a mini Marvel fan who not pop down to your nearest Home Bargains or Quality Save and see what's left?

If you've found any bargain this week why not share them in the linky, I'll give them lots of social media love! You can pop my #bargainoftheweek badge up by just grabbing the code below...

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An InLinkz Link-up

HABA is 75: Haba Doll Rainy Day set review...

We are big fans of HABA toys in our family, but before now I have associated them purely with wooden toys as that was the only part of the HABA brand that I had personally experienced. However, I was thrilled to learn that they have quite a vast range of toys and games that all seem to hold the same ethos as the wooden toys my children love so much. If your're not familiar with the brand they are a wood manufacturing company known for their high-quality baby and children's toys, as well as their children's games and furniture. You can find out more on their website www.haba.co.uk. Or by following on Twitter andfacebook. I love this quote from their brochure...

At HABA we design and invent what our research shows us that today’s children and parents really want - high quality toys that support children’s development in an enjoyable way that is age appropriate.

Do you know what? That is exactly what I want! Not faddy toys to go with the latest craze that will be broken or discarded in a matter of weeks...

As they are celebrating their 75th Year at the moment,  they have chosen 75 bloggers to share reviews of their lovely children's products. We have been sent three items and you'll be able to read the reviews here over the next few days.

Yesterday we shared our review of the HABA Charlotte Doll, today we have a lovely rainy day outfit made for Charlotte or any other 38cm HABA doll.

This is a really pretty set and looks lovely on the Charlotte Doll. The wellies fasten with velcro at the back so are really easy for Elizabeth to take on and off, the rain jacket is in the style of a cape with a velcro spot to fasten at the front and slits for the arms, again making it simple for tots to dress and undress their dolly. They are lovely bright colours and made from a lightweight lovely quality material. We haven't yet tested it out in a downpour to see if it is really waterproof but I will let you know when we do!

The third part to this set is the gorgeous red spotty umbrella  It has a plastic frame with a fabric covering the inner mechanism so little fingers cannot get trapped. The brolly is really easy to open and close and my daughter loves playing with it.

This is a lovely set and would make an ideal gift for a little one who has (or is going to have) a Lottie and friends or similar sized Dolly. The set is recommended for 38cm dollies. I'm not sure of the retail price as cannot find this set online  in the uk currently. I will update when I do.

HABA is 75 : Charlotte Doll Review

We are big fans of HABA toys in our family, but before now I have associated them purely with wooden toys as that was the only part of the HABA brand that I had personally experienced. However, I was thrilled to learn that they have quite a vast range of toys and games that all seem to hold the same ethos as the wooden toys my children love so much. If your're not familiar with the brand they are a wood manufacturing company known for their high-quality baby and children's toys, as well as their children's games and furniture. You can find out more on their website www.haba.co.uk. Or by following on Twitter and facebook. I love this quote from their brochure...

At HABA we design and invent what our research shows us that today’s children and parents really want - high quality toys that support children’s development in an enjoyable way that is age appropriate.

Do you know what that is exactly what I want! Not faddy toys to go with the latest craze that will be broken or discarded in a matter of weeks...

As they are celebrating their 75th Year at the moment,  they have chosen 75 bloggers to share reviews of their lovely children's products. We have been sent three items and you'll be able to read the reviews here over the next few days.

The first product we received was the Haba Charlotte Doll...

As a parent I am quite particular about the type of doll my children play with. I really don't like 'battery operated' plastic dolls that cry and burp and do lots more that would be much better placed in my child's imagination, and I'm not a fan of dolls that come with bottles either, my daughter didn't use a bottle so why should she be encouraged to feed her dolly with one? She happily holds dolly to her chest (or more like her tummy most of the time!) to feed. If I'm totally honest I just don't like plastic dolls in general. I much prefer soft fabric 'ragdoll' style ones instead and my daughter seems to agree!

She absolutely loves the Charlotte Doll from HABA and has been carrying her around everywhere with her since she arrived. Like many children her age (her brother was the same) Elizabeth loves undressing dolls (or teddy bears etc) to find out what's underneath (even when they are sewn on!) The clothes on the Charlotte Doll are designed to be taken on and off and are mostly easy for Elizabeth who is two and a half to do herself. This in itself is a game for Elizabeth as there are so many different items of clothing: Charlotte comes with a lovely soft kitted hat, a scarf, a cord waistcoat, a blouse, skirt, panties, shoes and socks. What a selection!

All of the clothing is beautiful quality, well made and of such an intricate design, the fastenings are all velcro to  allow small hands to undo and refasten them easily. I wouldn't mind an outfit like Charlotte's myself...   In a bigger size of course!

The Charlotte Doll itself is made from fabric with soft stuffing and a bean filled bottom. Her hair is lovely and wild and made from chenille which feels velvety to the touch and Elizabeth LOVES to stroke it, especially at bedtime! Her features are embroidered and so detailed with a wide eyed inquisitive expression and smile, she even has freckles and an embroidered belly button! Her bright blue eyes will appeal to young children and because there are no small parts she is actually suitable from 18 months. At approximately 38cm tall, she is just right for small hands to carry everywhere they go. I think this would be a lovely age to introduce the Charlotte Doll as a companion for cuddles and to start to encourage Imaginative play.

At Elizabeth's age (2 1/2) Charlotte is the perfect dolly to encourage imaginative play and support her development. She has tea parties with her, gossip's away to her, 'reads' her stories and of course undresses her and tucks her in to bed. I can see Charlotte being a companion for Elizabeth throughout her childhood as there are no faddy features for her to outgrow. This is a doll made to last, not just in material and design but in a child's imagination too!

From a parent's point of view I have to say I love the doll! Although not the cheapest (retailing currently on amazon the Charlotte Doll is around £37) You do get what you pay for and I think it is great value. This is the doll that you would buy your son or daughter for their childhood not just for Christmas! The doll can be handwashed in hot water as can her clothes so you I don't need to worry too much if Elizabeth gets a bit too enthusiastic when sharing her dinner with her!

A beautiful product that will last a childhood and could even get handed down to my grandchildren one day!

Come back tomorrow to see our review of one of the additional outfits available for Charlotte and her HABA friends....

Due to computer issues I have not been able to upload all the photo's that I wanted to, so more will be added soon.

I was sent this doll for review purposes, all opinions are my own.

Mike the Knight Mission Set review

Ever since we visited Camelot Theme park last year and watched the Jousting My 4 year old has been fascinated by medieval knights, So as you can imagine when Mike the Knight started on Cbeebies he very soon became a huge fan! The animated show follows knight in training, Mike, on his adventures around the Kingdom of Glendragon. It really is a lovely show that not only entertains with stories of castles and dragons but also teaches pre-schoolers values such as responsibility and the importance of doing things right, even if they don't succeed at first. A catchphrase of the show that Ben regularly quotes is 'Be a knight, Do it right!' I think that's a lovely sentiment!

Therefore I was delighted to hear that character online were launching a new toy range to accompany the show. When we were offered the chance to review one of the products from this range before they were available to buy in the shops I just couldn't resist!

The Range includes a variety of play figures, play sets and accessories, as well as plush and role play toys.

Ben was sent 'Mike's Mission Set' from the role play collection which consists of a blue plastic helmet with detachable feather, adjustable visor and chin strap and comes with a high density foam sword.

Since his fascination with all things medieval Ben has had a few toys swords but to be honest I've never really been happy with their quality. (The foam ones tend to be flimsy and fall apart after being played with just a few times and the plastic ones can been poorly made and one has actually snapped while being played with leaving a rather dangerous exposed edge.) However as soon as this one came out of it's packaging I was impressed. The attention to detail is great and it really doesn't look or feel like it is made from foam, while still being soft enough to be safe for young children.



The helmet is made from sturdy plastic with a movable visor that Ben loved and an easy to adjust chin strap. There is a red solid plastic feather that attached into the top of the helmet and it has the 'mike the knight 'logo on the front. There are no rough edges and again you can see that this is very well made.

Ben has enjoyed playing with these, putting on the helmet and being transformed into a heroic character to reenact scenarios from the show and create his own missions! (Often involving rescuing princess 'sister' from a 'very, very, very tall tower in a big castle with a pointy top')

I love how this set encourages imaginative play and I can see Ben playing with it long in to the future with many different scenarios! Even though it's aimed at an age range of 3 - 5 I think the simplicity of this set means that older children will also enjoy role playing with it, the helmet has plenty of room for growth and even fitted on my head (when Ben decided it was Mummies turn to be Mike!)

At an RRP of just £14.99 this set is really good value for money, both the sword and the helmet are high quality and even though Ben can be quite rough with his toys, after two weeks of playing with this regularly (including sword fights with the door!) there are no signs of wear or tear at all. I would reccomend this playset to any parents whose little ones like to play knights...

Also available in the range launching this weekend are the Glendragon Arena - for Mike's jousting competitions, Hairy Harry's Horse Stop - for Mike to take Galahad to the Viking Boat - with unique multi-oar rowing action and the Deluxe Glendragon Playset - A two tiered tower with hidden treasure features!

We were sent this item to review, but were not paid to write this post, all opinions are own own.

City of Friends...

City of Friends is the beautifully animated pre-school TV show that’s turned into something of a global phenomenon! Originally from Norway, City of Friends is now airing in more than 150 countries around the world!


Currently showing on Channel Five’s Milkshake! the series centres around the three emergency teams; Police, Ambulance and Fire: and the three friends, Max the police officer, Elphie the fire officer and Ted the paramedic who work together to solve problems and help people around their city.

Max is everyone’s friend and the city’s mischief-maker. The children in the city think he is the coolest and the funniest in the whole city. Elphie is a bubbly and adventure-loving elephant. Her impressive trunk and its water-shooting abilities make her a natural fire-fighter. Ted the caring young teddybear, is starting his life in the ambulance service. He’s very popular and offers great comfort to people in need, providing reassurance with his cuddly warmth.

This is a pre school show that's a bit different from the others! It still has thecatchy theme tune but unlike many animated shows available City of Friends promotes themes of cooperation, friendship, tolerance, knowledge, activity and fun . The series sparks the imagination with exciting, playful storylines which are entertaining and teach very gentle, but valuable life-lessons along the way.





  


The inspiration for the stories came from creator Carl Christian Hamre’s own day job working as a member of Norway’s state police. “One evening I told my son a bedtime story about the three emergency services; how they work together to solve the challenges and problems they are called out to. However, this time, I replaced myself and my colleagues, with people and animals in the emergency services, and City of Friends was born.”

City of Friends airs weekdays on Channel Five’s Milkshake! at 6.20am every day. To see the rest of the characters and some clips why not head over to the City of Friends website and the Facebook page?