November 09, 2013

Speedo Swimming Training Toys. Get Kids Water Confident.

November 09, 2013/ Claire Spence

Speedo sent us a selection of swim training toys for my six year old son to try out. As well as the traditional arm bands we all grew up with, they also have affordable life jacket design floats, and strap on floatation boards.

We took the Sea Squad Back Float to the pool for a test run. The water is shallow, so my son was able to practise floating on his front, supported by the float, and holding on to the board. This gave him the extra confidence to try out kicking and splashing to move along. A great step for little ones who aren't quite brave enough to attempt swimming without help.

i was concerned that after five minutes practice he would want to take it off and continue playing about, but he kept it on the entire time, it didn't get in his way, or uncomfortable at all. It costs £14 via the Speedo website.

November 07, 2013

These Aren't Your Granny's Mini Coopers

November 07, 2013/ Claire Spence

Some of these are digital mock ups, but most of them are very real.

November 07, 2013

We Test Out the Go MINI Crew-zers HQ Garage Play Set

November 07, 2013/ Claire Spence

The first car my son started 'spotting' when we were driving about was the Mini. It's classic design is unmistakable. It's no surprise that when Go MINI Crew launched he loved them too.

This Christmas the range has expanded to include a three level Go Mini Crew-zers HQ play set that costs around £34.99

There are also a new selection of Stunt Racers, each with their own unique stunt. Our Minis did donuts and wheelies.

The HQ play set comes in pieces, which is something to bear in mind if Santa is planning on bringing this as a gift. Although saying that, I had it put together in under five minutes.

So what's the verdict? It's a good garage play set to opt for if your child is just a little too old for Fisher Price Little People now. The spinning turntable with lights and sound is entertaining, as well as the trapdoor which drops your Mini through a tunnel past a barking bulldog. My son gives it a thumbs up. Another plus is it comes pre-loaded with batteries, and the single cars are all pull back, with no batteries needed.

He has been playing with it for over an hour solidly now, so it's a positive review from me too.

November 06, 2013

Christmas 2013 at Ikea

November 06, 2013/ Claire Spence

A peak at what Ikea has in store.

Don't forget Ikea as a destination for well designed, nicely priced toy presents too. Click to enlarge thumbnails below for detail.

November 06, 2013

Turn Your Lovable Scruffy Scamp into a Ship Shape Sailor

November 06, 2013/ Claire Spence

Lucas Frank is a boys' designer clothing range for Sunday best outfits that feel comfy & cool too. They also have a Bonga Club where you can download & print fun PDFs for creativity and games.

I've chosen my favourite items that I would dress my son in. I love anything nautical, it always looks smart and classic. Lucas Frank says their site is a girl free zone, which is the only negative factor. Gender shouldn't come into it, and how cool does a little girl look I'm a rugby shirt? Change it, Lucas!

Some items are on sale at the moment too, like these t-shirts down to £10.49 - £11.89 and shipping, gift wrap and returns are all free.

Squirrel  Point down to £24.99 — Squirrel Point down to £24.99

Carmanah Rugby Shirt £40 — Carmanah Rugby Shirt £40

November 05, 2013

Mind Blowing Taxidermy Sculptures Made from Louis Vuitton Bags

November 05, 2013/ Claire Spence

Louis Vuitton commissioned Billie Achilleos to scuplt a menagerie of beasts from their luggage, handbags, wallets and bags. The results are stunning.

May I take this opportunity to also say happy birthday to Jen Dent, one of my Vine app pals. She's 40 today and often makes 6 second videos with her taxidermy pet, Nigel. Have a lovely wine-box filled day.

November 04, 2013

The Super Duper Heroes Birthday Party- The Aquabats

November 04, 2013/ Claire Spence

Thank heavens for Birthday Express! The UK doesn't stock Aquabats merch yet, as the first series has only been shown on CITV so far. I was able to source everything for my son's Aquabats Party in one place, and I think you'll agree, for a hired room in a leisure centre it looked really cool.

A word to the wise though- if you are having 24 kids in one room, all eating Haribo and feeding off each other's hyperness, keep the matching blowouts for the party bags. Do not put them on the tables. 24 excited children blowing 24 Aquabats party blowers is very, very loud. Still, the reviews from his friends were that it was the 'best party ever', so thank you Birthday Express for helping make it look so groovy.

birthday boy, very sweaty after the soft play area beforehand!

costume $24.99 click photo to link to buying page, also available in adult sizes on costumeexpress.com I was tempted, I'll admit

click here to explore BirthdayExpress.com's extensive range of birthday party themes that you just won't find in the UK

November 04, 2013

Let Ralph the Dog Tape Dispenser Be Man's Best Friend This Parcelling Season.

November 04, 2013/ Claire Spence

My usual Christmas wrapping routine involves dozens of precut pieces of cellotape all over the legs of my coffee table. Ralph the Dog, the cute tape dispenser is available for £8.99 through 3M Direct, pre-loaded with Scotch tape, which is refillable. He's bound to make the chore of present wrapping a little easier.