A Little Lyrical

15Dec 2017

Winter Wonderland Manchester is Back!

by Lyric ⋅ Leave a Comment

Winter Wonderland Manchester – Eventcity

Winter Wonderland Manchester is back and we’ve been to check it out!

Manchesters biggest indoor Christmas attraction is not to be missed!

This week we kindly invited to check out this years Winter Wonderland at Eventcity, right next to the Trafford Centre.

We’ve been before so knew what to expect but this year really is bigger and better!

Legendary children’s TV show Rainbow are the star attraction of this year’s Christmas extravaganza, Winter Wonderland 2017!

Winner of the Best Family Day Out at the Raring 2 Go Awards 2015, the festive family favourite event is back for its fifth consecutive year.

The fabulous festive event will return to Manchester from Saturday 9th December 2017 toMonday 1^st January 2018.

The mammoth 22,000sqm exhibition space at EventCity will be transformed in to an unbelievable wonderland extravaganza, featuring over 50 family rides and attractions all under one roof – including new rides for 2017, and all included in one ticket price.

When you book you’re tickets you can chose a 4 hour time slot. During that 4 hours you can ride as many rides and see as many shows as you want to. Tickets are available to buy here. But be quick, it’s a popular event and some dates may sell out so it’s advisable to book online before you travel.

We had so much fun in the fours hours we were there. I lost count of the amount of rides we went on. Theres rides suitable for everyone. Theres even a baby chill out zone for those little people who just want to play with some toys.

We took little Roo who is only 10 days old and he was really good. I even saw a few friends I know who were more than happy to have cuddles with Roo!

With food stalls a plenty, a visit to Father Christmas included and a whole host of fun. Winter Wonderland is once again sure to be a great day out for the whole family this Christmas. Have you been yet? If you have let me know what you thought!

With thanks to Winter Wonderland for inviting us to come and have some highly recommend festive fun!

12Dec 2017

My Favourite Christmas Films

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Christmas Films

This time of year is my favourite time of year!

Christmas…I love it…I love everything about it.

The sights, the sounds, the smells, the traditions.

I love snuggling indoors with the heating on under a blanket to watch a Christmas film with the family.

I’ve made a list of my top 10 Christmas films so that the boys will always remember. If you haven’t seen any on the list them please do go find and watch them.

10. It’s a Wonderful Life – A classic from 1946, if you haven’t seen it you absolutely should!

9. Home Alone – The snow, the jokes, the slapstick, need I say more?

8. Love Actually – Make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Because Love actually…is all around!

7. Nativity – This was a film I only discovered in the last year or so. I don’t know why I’ve never really seen it before. It’s a trilogy of films but as usual the first one in probably the best one. Theres even a musical version now.

6. The Holiday – Another feel good film, plus it has snow. So whats not to love about it?

5. Polar Express – I remember going with my mum to the cinema to watch this one when it first came out. It’s grown on me since as I wasn’t super keen the first time. I do love it now though. I love the bell.

4. Arthur Christmas – I’ve lost count of the times I’ve seen this one. I probably know every line and every joke but I still love watching it. We usually have it on from November time onwards. A great film with a lovely story.

3. The Santa Claus – This film is just so clever. I love how they include lots of classic Christmas references. My favourite is on the ladder when Santa falls. One I love to watch every year a few times. Again it has sequels but I think the first one is the best one.

2. Elf – This was a close call for number 1. I love Elf so much but it has been pipped to the post for a very special reason. It’s not Christmas without the Elf film.

1.Muppets Christmas Carol – This film for me holds special memories. Growing up we always watched it last thing Christmas eve together with my mum and brother. To this day we also always watch it on Christmas Eve only. I adore the songs in it. They make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. To me this film IS CHRISTMAS and all it represents to our family.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight x

11Dec 2017

Babies First Christmas Gifts – My top picks this season

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Babies First Christmas Gifts

So as I’m now counting down the days to our babies first Christmas my thoughts are turning to gifts. I’ve got a few friends with new babies this year too so have a few bits to buy. Our baby will only be 3 and a half weeks on Christmas day so won’t remember anything about Christmas. I’d like to buy him something with sentimental value. Something that he can look back on in years to come and be reminded that it was his first Christmas gift.

I’ve put together a small list of items I’ve been thinking about buying for our little guy and for other babies that I have to buy for.

Of course Christmas isn’t just about the gifts, it’s about love and family and happiness and celebrating the birth of Jesus. To quote one of my favourite Christmas songs, “It’s true wherever you find love it feels like Christmas”

So in no particular order (as they say on I’m a celebrity!) this is my top picks this year!

Guess How Much I Love You Booties

We absolutely love this story in our home. Flixster has the hare from the story as his favourite toy that he takes to bed every night. So when I saw these I thought they’d be perfect for a gift to keep for years. As well as practical while the winter month are here to keep tiny tootsies warm!

They come in a beautiful keepsake box and are perfect for a girl or boy. You can find them here on the Find me a Gift website.

Wooden Car Transporter

For a friends almost 1-year-old baby I have chosen this Classic World car transporter that you can buy from the Hippychick website. I love wooden toys because they always last far longer than plastic counter parts. The car transporter is so well made and comes with 3 wooden cars to load onto it.

Childs Farm – Baby Bedtime Set

We’ve used Childs Farm products for some time now at home so I’m often recommending them to friends. Especially when my mum or dad friends are worried about delicate little skin. I was recommended Childs Farm by a friend of mine who raved about it clearing up her dry skin, so even I use it now and love it. When I found out that Childs Farm sell a baby bedtime kit I thought it was a great introductory gift for a new mum or dad no matter what age the baby. The set contains full size bottles of Baby Wash, Baby Moisturiser and Baby bubbles. The products are all suitable for newborn upwards.

All the Childs Farm products, of which there are many can be seen on their website.

Babies First Christmas 2017 Set

I’m a sucker for anything with the year on it when it comes to Christmas. Each year we buy a bauble with the year on it somewhere. A tradition we started as a couple when we moved into our first home together. When our boys came along we also bought them their own baubles too with the year on. So when I saw this set in John Lewis I fell in love.

It comes with a photo album, a photo frame, a jelly cat toy and most importantly a first Christmas bauble to treasure.

London Bus Hat and Socks

If like me you have family and friends who live in other countries then you may be looking for small light gifts to send from the United Kingdom. I absolutely adore these items available from the Museum of London Shop. Don’t worry you don’t have to live in London to buy them either. They are available for mail order so you can wrap them up and send them to family abroad.

The designs are super cute and I love the iconic London bus.The socks have little rattles in them to keep baby amused while the hat is sure to keep little heads toastie in winter.

I’ve absolutely adore Christmas and really enjoy scouring the internet for more unusual gifts that not everyone thinks of. I hope my list gives you just a little more inspiration if you too are stuck for baby gifts this Christmas.

I was not paid by anyone for this post, for some of the items I was sent a sample but I have chosen to feature all the items myself.

10Dec 2017

My Sunday Photo – Welcome to the World

by Lyric ⋅ 17 Comments

I did it, he arrived. We are getting to know each other in the world.

He was born at home on the 29th November, I’m still in shock that I did it again. I brought my baby into the world by myself at home (watched on by the amazing midwifes).

We are in love.

I am a mummy of three boys.

Welcome to the world little Roo.

19Nov 2017

My Sunday Photo – The Coffee Table

by Lyric ⋅ 3 Comments

My Sunday Photo – Coffee Table

Staying with last weeks theme of baby bump photos because I’ll never get this chance again. This week marks 38-39 weeks pregnant. The bump now makes a perfect coffee table for my morning coffee. A nice big bottomed mug sits perfectly on top of the bump. The problem comes when I try to eat something and it ends up all down me because I can’t get close enough to a table or plate to catch the crumbs! I’m sure all pregnant ladies will know my predicament!

17Nov 2017

Dear Boys – In the precious few days before 2 become 3

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Dear Beautiful Boys

Dear boys,

There are now precious few days before the 2 of you become 3.

I need to tell you that I love you. I feel the need to hug you a little bit tighter. I need to hold on to you as you are. To pause time. To make sure you remember how it was before your brother arrives. How much you love each other now. How close you both are. How even though two are becoming three I’ll still have just the same amount of love for you and more than likely more.

My heart gets bigger everyday. Every time I hug you both. Every time I see you do something for the first time. Every time you make me proud. Every time you make me laugh. Your new brother will bring us more love. He’ll be the baby all of a sudden and I am well aware that in the moment he is born you two will suddenly seem very very old again.

Flixster up until now you’ve been the baby. Despite you reminding me all the time that you’re not a baby because you don’t wear nappies anymore! You’ll always be my baby. All three of you are my babies and always will be. You seem so loving towards your brother already. Keep hugging the bump. You are always saying hello to him. Recently your favourite phrase is to say that when I’m busy you will help to sing to the baby. I hope you do. I hope the new baby doesn’t disrupt you too much. You make me proud everyday with the things you do and say. You’re so observant and remember so many things that I didn’t think you would from being little. I hope your brothers birth is as magical as yours.

When I look back I don’t know where the time has gone. 3 and a half already. School next year, I’m not ready to let go of you yet. Please don’t grow up too quickly my baby.

Big boy, my first-born, my original baby. I hope you find the transition to three ok. I almost hope in a gentle way you don’t really notice that there’s much different.

I will still be there for you. I’ll still read with you and help with your homework. I’ll still listen when ever you need me to lend an ear. I’ll still nod along even when I have no idea what you’re really talking about (as it was prob a dream or something that happened at school) I’ll still be there to kiss you goodnight (and every single one of your teddies that currently crowd your bed). You will be the oldest of three. I hope that doesn’t make you feel too responsible. Daddy and I will still always be here for you, you don’t have to do it all alone.

You’ll be first to do many things like go to high school, sit exams etc. But don’t let that worry you. As we always tell you as long as you always try your best it doesn’t matter what happens. Yes I’ll prob say you should lead by example but it’s because you are the eldest. I’ll need you help most of all with the baby. Of course you are still only little yourself, just 6 but I know you can help me. Help me get to know the baby. Help me to show him lots of love. You can help Flixster and show him how to be gentle around the baby. I want you to be the proud older brother.

As we all look forward to a new chapter in our lives together never forget how much we both love you.

I love you more than all the stars in the sky.

Love Mummy xx

14Nov 2017

37 Weeks – Any niggles, had the baby yet?

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Any Niggles?

Still pregnant? If you’ve ever had a baby then you’ll know this famous phrase! I know people are just being nice but I find it odd the things people ask you…

Here are some other things you get asked all the time near the end of pregnancy:

Anything happening?

No – and even if it was I probably wouldn’t want to mention it until we knew baby was safely here.

Are you sure it’s not twins?

Commenting on the size of a bump….yes I’m pretty sure since most pregnant women do opt for a scan at 20 weeks so can be fairly certain theres only one child in there. Unless of course you are having twins or more and can answer yes!

Oh you look ready to pop!

What? I’m not a balloon! If by pop you mean go into labour then what exactly is meant by that? Do I look tired and uncomfortable because I feel it?

Don’t go into labour here!

Well I’m sorry I can’t actually control when I go into labour but I’ll try my best to leave if I get any ‘niggles’!

Best get the hot water and towels!

Where did this come from? Towels I sort of understand but whats the hot water for? You wouldn’t wash a baby in it, you wouldn’t drink it? I’m genuinely confused if anyone has the answer I really would like to know what the hot water used to be used for. I’ve had two home births and hot water (apart from the water in the birth pool) was not on the requisite list! Read about my last home birth here.

My all time favourite comment………

Have you had the baby yet?

Where to start with this…… surely people can see that you’re still pregnant if they are asking in real life. If they are asking on social media or by text message then you know you probably would have mentioned such a thing? And if you haven’t theres generally a reason why you haven’t mentioned it yet. Maybe you have family to tell first.

13Nov 2017

Power Rippers – Competition Set and Double Pack

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Power Rippers – No batteries needed!

This week we’ve been testing out a new toy called Power Rippers! Despite what you might think this toy needs no batteries, hurrah! The power for the Power Ripper comes from your own hand. The faster you pull, the faster your ripper will go!

There’s 16 fab Power Rippers to collect in the first set. With lots of different characters available from sharks to robots. With single Power Rippers starting at a RRP of £4.99 theres something for everyone’s budget.

The way they work is with a rip cord which slides easily inside the ripper and you pull and pull until you’re happy with the speed, then let it rip!

Want to race the Power Rippers with friends then you can with the 2 in 1 Competition Play set which also opens up into a battle arena!

Rev up your Power Ripper and watch it loop the loop on a long track. Or battle with friends for the best time against each other in a head to head loop the loop. Set up the track however you want and add a fantastic jump at the end. Be quick though to catch the action. These Power Rippers don’t hang around long!

In battle mode you can go head to head with friends to battle the Power Rippers in the arena, think robot wars on a mini scale. Will your Power Ripper win the ultimate battle and keep going longer than the other rippers?

When you’re finished for the day, pack everything back up in the case and it’s ready to travel anywhere!

Overall Experience

What we loved:

Theres no batteries needed so it’s just set up and go
Theres lots of way to play, we liked the long track best
The battle arena was fun to watch and more a game of luck than skill which is great for smaller children
We got quite a lot of play from the set and the boys were keen to play again the next few days
The track set up is pretty easy to do with lots of configurations possible

Other thoughts:

It can be tricky to get the hang of starting the power ripper on the track so be sure to practice lots before you agree to battle with friends (unless you want to lose!)
Mind your fingers! Power rippers are powerful so keep your fingers well out-of-the-way of the fast spinning wheel!

Power Ripper Video

Most of our video footage had to be shot in slow motion as the Power Rippers are just so quick!

If you want to find out more visit the Power Ripper website.

Power Rippers are available now in many toy shops across the UK.

We were kindly sent the toy for review but were not paid for the content, all our views are our own.

12Nov 2017

My Sunday Photo – 37 Weeks Pregnant

by Lyric ⋅ 21 Comments

This weeks photo is me.

For all my flaws and dislikes of my own picture, one day I’ll look back and want to see what I looked like pregnant.

I’m 37 weeks now, time has flown. I haven’t really got many pictures of the bump so when my mum took this at the Ideal Home Show this week I thought it would make a good memory. This is most likely our last baby, the last boy in the trilogy. He has no name yet and we won’t pick one until we meet him. I’m planning another home birth and all being well he’ll arrive near his due date (hopefully after my birthday). Although in theory I’m ready for him any day I’d like to have a few more weeks of my final pregnancy to enjoy before he arrives.

07Nov 2017

Winter Wonderland Eventcity Manchester Ticket Giveaway

by Lyric ⋅ 3 Comments

Winter Wonderland Eventcity 2017

If you’ve ever dreamed of an indoor Christmas themed fun park then look no further than Winter Wonderland at Eventcity. Event city is next door to the Trafford Centre. There are rides, shows and fun galore to be had when you walk through the doors of this very special Christmas treat!

Last year we had so much fun the boys didn’t want to leave and we can’t wait to go again! In addition to the rides there are bouncy castles and slides a plenty, with food and drink available to buy inside too.

Winter Wonderland 2017 runs from 9th Dec – 1st Jan 2018. It is all indoors at Eventcity right next to the Trafford Centre. So no matter the weather you’ll be sure to have fun! With loads of free parking available you’re sure to have a fab time. Each session lasts 4 hours and includes all rides. Also the Rainbow show (with Zippy and George!) and the Christmas Circus. As well as meet & greet with the big man himself, father Christmas! Of course the sessions after the 24th December don’t include Santa as he’ll be off having a very well deserved rest!

And if you have been inspired by the amazing acrobatic acts at the circus show , there is also an opportunity to try out your own circus skills in special workshops on site.

Meanwhile there will be a chance for children to create their own amazing models in the interactive building block zone.

The mammoth 22,000sqm exhibition space at EventCity will be transformed in to an unbelievable wonderland extravaganza. Featuring over 50 family rides and attractions all under one roof. Including new rides for 2017, and all included in one ticket price.

Rainbow

As well as the rides and the bright lights, there will be a dazzling array of colourful shows and this year, Winter Wonderland is delighted to welcome the nation’s favourite children’s TV characters Zippy and George from Rainbow who will no doubt bring lots of magic, mayhem and comedy capers!

Rainbow dominated the nation’s television sets for 20 years and continued to capture hearts long after its final episode screened. Families and children who fell in love with show’s famous characters will have the chance to meet Zippy and George. When they roll into Manchester this winter for the Christmas spectacular with their comedy capers.

Booking Information

Advance prices for Winter Wonderland start at £20.50 per person with a family ticket for a single session costing £70 and can be booked through the Winter Wonderland website.

Children under 3 go free! (A ticket for them is not required)

We have been kindly offered a family ticket to give away for Winter Wonderland. Ticket for use on the evening of December 11th. See below for entry to this fabulous competition.

Winter Wonderland 2017 – Family Ticket