Birimingham Sea Life Centre review and giveaway.

I was very pleased to be invited to go Birimhgham Sea Life centre, i have been to many aquarium around the world so I was interested to go to a local world. First impressions was that it was a very busy attraction which is a good sign!.

A busy Sea Life Centre

The star attraction were  the Hammerhead Sharks and turtles ( though one turtle was away and the other was asleep, famous people can be fickle.) we found all the attractions fascinating to watch,. . Another highlight was the rock pool where you can hold crabs and starfish if you are brave enough. 

J getting interactive with the rockpool.

An informative Sea Life staff member giving an interactive talk on rockpools.

I’d also recommend the walk-through underwater tank. It’s like being in a submarine. Huge turtles, manta rays and leopard sharks swim just above your head – quite unforgettable.

A Moray eel wouldn't want to get on his bad side!.

Nemo ie the Clown Fish.

Negatives.I would like the Jellyfish to have a better looking tank, my son J commented on it and it was his fear that it might get bored.


Overall, I’d recommend it. But as it’s not cheap, it’ll be a while before we go again. However, the wide variety of species, seen at close quarters makes it a memorable experience for all age groups.


However you can buy a Merlin pass as well that lets you enter all the Sea Life Centre and attractions such as Alton Towers as well all year.

Yes it can be quite expensive to go round , I would recommend it as part of your day out as it is not a day out in itself you will probably be there 2 and half hours maximum. There are always plenty of 2 for 1 vouchers around.

There is also a 4d cinema show there showcasing scenes from Happy Feet , probably a bit scary for really young centre but gentle enough fun .

Throughout the Birmingham Sealife Centre there is a emphasis on sustainable fishing. You can take a takwaway card with tips on how you can reduce your impact on fish in general ( including tips on eating sustainable fish). Its good that they do this and if you can catch the young ( No pun intended it's a good thing!.)

Sustainable fishing

Visit http://www.visitsealife.com/  and then come back here and tell me your favourite sea creature. The prize is a family pass to a Sea Life Centre. just in time for half term that's one day sorted.

Ends 19th October



( I was given a family pass for the purpose of this review and opinions are entirely my own)

JmL Vacpac Vacuum Storage Bags review.

I honestly believe this to be a good product, much preferring this to the shoe storage offered by JML , it allowed me to Vac Mr T's cricket gear up instead of it clogging up the bottom of the wardrobe. I have one of those lift up beds with not alot  except junk not mine Mr T's honest  no I lie it's mine!

Running out of storage room? Are your wardrobes a disaster zone? VacPacks are the incredible storage solution that gives you more space for your stuff! Just pack, seal, then Vac, and in no time at all your home will look and feel so tidy. It's the revolutionary way to store, protect and care for your possessions. You could make up to a third more room in bulging drawers and wardrobes instantly.

Condense clothes with Large Vacs - Just pack it ... and Vac it!!

Simply place your items into VacPack Large, seal the patented watertight zip and vacuum out the air. Bulky ski and sports wear, duvets, towels and sleeping bags pack down instantly. Store away your summer or winter clothes when the seasons change. You'll find so many uses - triple your storage.


Running out of storage room? Are your wardrobes a disaster zone? VacPacks from JML are the incredible storage solution that gives you more space for your stuff! Just pack, seal, then Vac, and in no time at all your home will look and feel so tidy. It’s the revolutionary way to store, protect and care for your possessions. You could make up to a third more room in bulging drawers and wardrobes instantly. 

Simply place your items into VacPack Jumbo, seal the patented watertight zip and vacuum out the air. Bulky ski and sports wear, duvets, towels and sleeping bags pack down instantly. Store away your summer or winter clothes when the seasons change. You’ll find so many uses – triple your storage space today! 

• Contains 2 Jumbo VacPacks (90 x 125 cm)


• Compress, protect and organise for more space in your home


• Durable construction and double sealed locking mechanism


• Airtight and waterproof so your items stay safe, dry and protected


• Also available in Large, Tote, Hanging Suit / Dress and the complete VacPack Collection


• Made from nylon to lock out dirt, dust, bugs and moisture


• Transparent so storing and finding is simple


• Works with any vacuum nozzle

Admittedly at first after getting the product out of the it seemed really really, thin like it would tear perhaps. However after getting Mr T's gear into the product neatly I soon realized this was not the case. However when you do pack items away make sure the nozzle for when you use the vacuum cleaner on it is facing upwards!.

Clothing storage Jml Vacpac.

These VacPac bags come in a variety of sizes the one I was sent to review was the jumbo size perfect for duvets an other such bulky. This item retails for around £12.00 a price I feel happier paying though I always shop around for the best price. You cam buy this from JML though it will cost you slightly more though if you are buying more than £50 worth of items postage will be free , so it might be worth placing a bulk order of items you need.

JML Shoes Under review

I was sent the Jml shoes under for review. Reviewing this gave me the opportunity to sort out my wardrobe! and that of Mr T. This product was fine for my need of just a few pair of shoes.

However if the product was made of hard plastic this would be better for stacking in a wardrobe. That said you could store more of them under your bed however you would need a valance sheet to hide them from public view!.

The product description is as follows

"Do you have a passion for shoes? Shoes Under stores twelve pairs of shoes neatly under your bed out of view, saving you valuable wardrobe space. Your footwear will stay neatly separated, so it’s easy to find just the right shoes when you need them. Now you can keep your bedroom free of shoe clutter when you store your sandals, trainers, kitten heels, court shoes and many, many more. Just slide and store! Shoes Under easily fits in the unused space under your bed. "

• No more clutter


• Keeps shoes protected from bugs, dust and moisture


• Holds up to 12 pairs of shoes


• Clear zipper, see-through cover


• Sturdy nylon handle


• Material: nylon, PVC and non-woven polypropylene


• Size: 75 x 60 x 15cm

Prices seems to vary on this item I feel that it is a little pricy at the suggested retail of £9.99 is a little bit too much in my opinion if you were buying more than one.

Mad Beauty Rose confetti and MAD Beauty Slipper review .

The lovely people over at MAD beauty sent me some gorgeous slippers and body lotion to review, along with some rose petals confetti that you put in the bath. Sadly Rollie didn't understand that cats don't do bath reviews, they in fact hate water. Would you argue with this cat that has a psycho stare and gives me the hebejebees.

The perfect set, jump into a bath delightfully fragranced with a MAD Beauty Rose confetti £3.99 afterward pop on a pair of soft and cosey MAD Rosey Slippers, then moisturise with some lovely Rosey Body Lotion.  £9.99

MAD Beauty Bath Confetti.

MAD Beauty Rose Confetti in the bath.

Sadly or luckily for you I did no recreate the scene from American Beauty !. The bath with the confetti was both sutle and realxing. My only word of caution would be make sure you don't hav any own yur hands as you get out of the bath as it can be quite slippy otherwise.



MAD ROSEY LIPS N/L slipper Set.


After your bath pop on a pair of soft and cosey MAD rosey slippers,then moisture with some lovely Rosey Body Lotion.

I love the packaging of the slipper set.

Me wearing the slippers.

No Rollie you can not review bath products.

I said "NO Rollie" poor @mummybarrow rubby ducky in corner is scared.

Even though MAD Beauty products are not tested on animals , Rollie was not allowed to try them ,bad Kitty trying to muscle in.

Starting School ,Preparing your child for school.

Whether its is because children start school to early , some have just turned 4 when they start school or whether parents or nursery are not preparing children for school. Many are coming to school nowadays without basic skills.

• They can not dress themselves.
• They can not cut up their own food.
• They don't know when to ask for help by putting up their hand.
• They have no manners.

Image courtesy of [ imagerymajestic],/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

You need to prepare your child for school in conjunction with your nursery  or any one else involved in your child's care.

• Visit the nursery or school with your child to give them an opportunity to see what the class does.
• Explain what will happen during the school day ,: play at school children will love being the teacher!.
• Read books about starting school.
• Reinforce the activities that your child interests and the things they will enjoy " there's be lots of duplo to play with- you love building" or "There's a teddy you can take on holiday!."
• Talk about the fun activities you already do at home that will be replicated in school such as painting,drawing,craft activities story time etc.

Before there first day.... well before their first day that is. You might want to check a few things with the school.

• 
  
• What's the typical school day.

• Toilet trained our child where possible- though not a problem if your child has learning delays etc as school will have an intimate care plan in place.

And these tips are the ones that will make your life, your child life much easier at school as it is often the little things that upset them such as not being able to put on their own coat.

• Try and mimic the timings of the school day where possible "Oh Look it's 12 o' clock the children at school are having their lunch now."

• Practice doing up buttons and fastening shoes.... Velcro is ideal but as they get older laces are ideal especially as by the time they get to senior school : Velcros trainers  really are not cool.
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• Practise social skills, such as taking turns, following directions and making choices
• Visit friends with children or invite other children to play
• Teach simple  jobs that may be useful at school, such as packing away toys. The teacher doesn't want to break their neck on a stray sheep now do they?
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• Help your child to recognise his name - most children can't read or write yet, but they may be able to recognise the first letter of their name or even the whole thing

Remember, all these activities should be fun - it's important not to pressurise your child. If you're making your child in the least bit anxious, stop talking about it quite so much.

The first day

The first day of school is one of your child's biggest milestones. How they react depends on many factors up to this pint such as home life etc, personality etc. If they have never been to nursery or playgroup adjustment may be a little more hard. So hopefully if you child has been to nursery / playgroup transition will be easier.

• Talk together about school and listen to any worries they may have.

• Include him in shopping trips to buy their school uniform or a fun lunchbox

• Be upbeat and positive - don't pass any of your worries to your child.

• Be informed - find out as much as possible about how the school works

The school will almost certainly give you information on any items your child needs, such as PE kit, and what happens at break time and lunch time, but be sure you ask if you have any queries.

The first weeks

Starting school can have a huge impact on your child, as it requires them to lead a double life. At home they aredependent, secure and loved, while at school he has to be independent and work hard to make others like him and to gain the approval of the teacher. So it is very hard for children to switch hats.

Problems can occur if their school and home lives are out of harmony. Family tensions at home, for example, can lead him to be distracted and unable to concentrate at school.

During the first few months, try to avoid major changes and keep home life as calm, stable and supportive as possible. Familiar routines are particularly important. Your child's likely to want to find the house as they left it when he gets home.

They should also know who'll collect them and when. Any changes to this routine should be explained.

A warm welcome home is essential. Give them some undivided attention - sit down together and share a snack and chat about the day.

Don't be surprised if there's some deterioration in your child's behaviour or a regression to more babyish ways. It's common for children to display negative or defiant behaviour or to have tantrums. Remember, they are tired, needs attention and wants to reassert some power with you.

Some children have a positive start, then go off school once the novelty has worn off and they realise they have to keep going. If this is the case, it shouldn't last for long.

Share your concerns about this with your child's class teacher.

Common issues

• It is only natural you may find  yourself about your child few few weeks, months at starting school. You'll probably finding your self worrying at various  points in their school life if I am honest!.

• Your child doesn't seem to be making friends.

• Your child is not be picked for games or teams, this is a situation more typical of the playground and not whilst your child is being taught.

• joustled on the playground. Many school with keep reception children separate for a  while then integrated them and make sure that not too many children are on the playground at any one time.
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• Another big stresses is going to toilet at school if it was anything like my son he would not do a number 2 motion at school.
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• Also children get worried about not having enough time to eat at school .

• What you can do.

• You should speak to your child's teachers about any concerns you have. Listen to your child any little thing can be useful. try not to bombard them with asking them what they 've done they seldom remember that very moment. You can always ask them to draw you a picture and see what they produce- though being eaten by aliens probably did not occur during the school day.

•  Your child , will adapt you will adapt it is perhaps their self reliance that will make you sad in a way- they still need you just because they don't need you to put on their coat or wipe their nose,. They need you to guide them through living steering them in the way of the correct life choices.
• Don't assume your child's teacher will help them with coats/ shoes with a class of 30 its really not practical, of course they will help buts it going to take a really long time.
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• I can not stress enough how your world will change from meeting new friends yourself - to in encouraging your child in new hobbies and activities. To the wonders and pressures of the parties but that is a blog post for another time....