Sticky Fingers

Making me want to be a better person

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Six months ago this week I flew out to Indonesia with UNICEF to see for myself the amazing immunisation campaign they carry out there with Pampers.
I've blogged about it extensively here.

We were in no man's land. Deep in the jungles of Papua where no one travels and I was seeing things and meeting people very very few others have ever had the privilege of doing.
It quite literally felt like the edge of the world. Here was real poverty. Real hardship. Dirt and death.
Me. Out there. Me.

I'll never forget the reactions of the locals as we arrived at their villages by boat.
A sea of huge, muscular arms reaching down to help us off the boat. Helping with our bags, smiling, curious, intrigued, staring.
They welcomed us strangers in. Strange faces, strange clothes, strange camera things around our necks.

I didn't come away from Papua feeling sorry for the people out there.
I came home feeling sorry for us.
As I landed in the UK, the riots were in full swing and I was seeing words like 'poverty' and 'hardship' being bandied around as one of the reasons for the behaviour.
These people know nothing of poverty or hardship. Or community or worth or having to work bloody hard just to survive.

I think back to those 10 days in Indonesia with huge warmth and gratitude that I was trusted with telling their story and that I got to see these amazing things.
And I have passed what I learned and felt and saw on to my children.
It felt like that was part of my mission too; to teach their generation that they can help bring some genuine compassion and feeling back into our lives.
Because children see, children do, right?

Have you ever had an experience like that? Something that made you want to change, to do good, to be a better person; a better parent?

By the way, the photo here isn't one of mine.
Even though I took like a gazillion wonderful pictures, I thought this one perfectly captured what we saw when we arrived at the villages. It's by professional photographer Josh Estey who travelled with us on the trip.
.

The Photo Gallery: Week 89

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to week 89 of The Gallery.

This week I was tagged in a great hashtag on the photographic site Instagram.
The premise was really simple. Take a photograph of yourself at that moment and post it.
(You can find me on there as TaraLara).
So I'm paying homage to it. Or celebrating it. Ok, I'm pinching it. Whatever.

So this week's theme is: Me Right Now.

Literally take a photo of whatever you're doing when you read this prompt.
I know, I know there will be some people reading this all wide-eyed and yelling BUT I DON'T POST PHOTOS OF MYSELF. What are you doing to me Tara? What, what?
Well, it doesn't have to be your face. If you're watching the TV, take a picture of your outstretched legs or your hand clutching a cuppa/beer/cocktail.
Get creative - I think it's going to be really interesting to see what everyone is up to when they're browsing the internet!

So, if you want to join in with The Gallery and showcase your photos, come back on Wednesday and when my Gallery post goes up, add a link to your post on the Linky below mine.
The link stays open until the following Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
Remember, The Gallery isn't about technically brilliant photos. It's about rediscovering photos; both old and new.
It's about sparking your imagination, being inspiring - and inspiring others.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

Also, if you're linking up to The Gallery then try to visit as many of the other entries as you can to see what they've come up with. Say hi, discover new people, welcome them in when they discover you.

You will get out of this what you put into it.

NEW HERE? NOT SURE HOW TO ENTER?
If you're new here and want to find out what The Gallery is all about and how to enter visit here.
And if you want to make sure you don't miss any prompts or entries in future, make sure you subscribe to my RSS or email feed.

Go on, clicky click away, you know you want to ...

The Photo Gallery: My Photography Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:30:00 +0000

I've made it my New Year resolution to make sure there are more photos of me in our family's pictorial history.
I take all of them so am very very rarely in any.
Of course like many, I hate hate hate being in photos but I think about my kids in years to come asking why mummy didn't come on holiday with us that year or why was mummy never around at Christmas and, well, I've determined to change all that.

So I thought I'd start with the big change in our lives right now - certainly my life - the dog.
The dog whom I walk every single morning after dropping the kids at school, come rain or shine.
Take a nice picture of me and the dog I thought. Just use the phone camera; nice and easy.
Jeeeeez.

Taking photos of me and this dog is nigh on impossible. Even when I rope the kids in.
The big softie just wants to sit on your lap and lick your face all the time.
But I tried. And I've started. My resolution starts here . . .

This post is for for week 88 of The Gallery: My Photography Resolution.

If you're new and want to know what The Gallery is, go and read here , and then come right back and join in!
You can also pick up The Gallery code if you want too.
Now go forth and show some big blog love. Visit other posters, comment, get inspired. This virtual gallery of photographs is about enjoying each other's work, so go make someone's day.
The link stays open until Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

False advertising

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:45:00 +0000

I found this in the kid's playroom at the weekend and confess I CHEERED.
Woop woop, we are going to 'Disny Land', according to my 6 year old.

On her list Mia has clearly worked out what we need to take (worcing shoos?), a cap (sensible girl), 'sandwij'.
Now if she's put this much thought into the travel arrangements and how we'll pay for the trip, then yay!
Otherwise, no, we're not going to Disney Land.
.

The Photo Gallery: Week 88

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:30:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to week 88 of The Gallery.

I spoke last week about setting photographic New Year's resolutions.
You know the ones, like get in more pictures with my kids (instead of TAKING them all the time).
I am so guilty of taking all the family photos that there will probably little documented proof I ever existed when the family looks back on our lives!

So this week's theme is: My Photography Resolution.

Because once it's in writing, you HAVE to do it, right?!

Stuck for ideas? Here are a few:
1. Get in front of the camera.
Step out from behind it and get into the record of your life.
It doesn't matter if the photo isn't perfect or 'how I would take it' (I have thought that so so many times!), or that you're not the weight you want to be or your hair isn't done. The important thing is YOU are in it.
In years to come your kids won't care that you didn't have your make up done or you hadn't shaved (the men, obviously); they will care that you are there in the shots and part of the memories.

2. Improve your photography skills
It could be as simple as improving your composition to switching from auto to manual.
Look around at other photos and see what you like and see if you can mimic that. And then take it another step and see if you can improve on it or give it your own slant.
Of course the best way to improve your photography, no matter what challenge you set yourself, is to practice practice practice.

3. Photograph the details
We all take pictures of the 'big' things; birthdays, births, first this, first that.
But what about the little things that go to make your life what it is? The books you read, the curls on your child's head, the garden you spend all your time in, your favourite shoes, your favourite spot in the house, muddy shoes because you walk a lot, the dog's lead curled up on the work surface. Get right into the details of what makes you you.

So, if you want to join in with The Gallery and showcase your photos, come back on Wednesday and when my Gallery post goes up, add a link to your post on the Linky below mine.
The link stays open until the following Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
Remember, The Gallery isn't about technically brilliant photos. It's about rediscovering photos; both old and new.
It's about sparking your imagination, being inspiring - and inspiring others.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

Also, if you're linking up to The Gallery then try to visit as many of the other entries as you can to see what they've come up with. Say hi, discover new people, welcome them in when they discover you.

You will get out of this what you put into it.

Go on, clicky click away, you know you want to ...

Dog walker

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Yes yes we have a new dog and he's totally taken over our lives and my husband is totally besotted with him which pretty much means I've lost my 'spot' on the sofa.
But he's utterly gorgeous so I'll let him off (the dog, not the husband, he's in deep do do).

And obviously, because he's in the Sticky Fingers household, he has to get used to having his photograph taken.
A lot.
So, I took advantage of the fact that I was sent a Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray phone to test the camera out on, and started taking it on our walks. Just popped it right there in my pocket next to the poo bags and the doggy treats.

Ah yes the walks. I am totally hooked.
Granted I haven't had to endure the rain yet, but at the moment here in the UK the mornings are just gorgeous - cold and crisp - and I get to see things I would never ordinarily see from my office chair or the treadmill in a gym.
Plus it means we get outdoors more as a family and you really can't put a price on that.

So here are a few photos from our walks over the passed two weeks.
Welcome to your new home Ronin. We think you're bloody ace.

(Note: These photos are all straight out of phone, unedited pictures so judge for yourself how good the camera phone is. I was really rather impressed)

The Photo Gallery: Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

You see that there glint in those big, brown eyes?
Right there, just underneath those unfeasible long eyelashes for a boy.
That's love that is. And he's looking right at me.

This photo for for week 87 of The Gallery: Eyes.

If you're new and want to know what The Gallery is, go and read here , and then come right back and join in!
You can also pick up The Gallery code if you want too.
Now go forth and show some big blog love. Visit other posters, comment, get inspired. This virtual gallery of photographs is about enjoying each other's work, so go make someone's day.
The link stays open until Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

The Photo Gallery: Week 87

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to week 87 of The Gallery.

Have you set your New Year resolutions yet? If not, why not make one of them to take more photos? Or to get more creative? Or even to finally make that switch from automatic to manual?
And then drive every single person you come into contact with MAD as you point 'that bloody thing' at them even more. Or is that just me?!

So anyway, on to this week's Gallery theme. Which is simply: Eyes

It's time to get down to the detail and focus. See what I did there?

So, if you want to join in with The Gallery and showcase your photos, come back on Wednesday and when my Gallery post goes up, add a link to your post on the Linky below mine.
The link stays open until the following Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
Remember, The Gallery isn't about technically brilliant photos. It's about rediscovering photos; both old and new.
It's about sparking your imagination, being inspiring - and inspiring others.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

Also, if you're linking up to The Gallery then try to visit as many of the other entries as you can to see what they've come up with. Say hi, discover new people, welcome them in when they discover you.

You will get out of this what you put into it.

Go on, clicky click away, you know you want to ...

The Photo Gallery: Phone Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

As someone who absolutely loves photographs, two of the greatest things that ever happened in the world of photograph taking was:
1. They made camera phones awesome and
2. They invented photo apps.
Apps like Instagram which I simply could not be without any more.
And if you're reading this and thinking 'eh?', get thee over there now and find out what I'm talking about and how it's making photograph taking so easy and uber social.
AND how the filters can transform an OK photo into something really special.

Being able to take photos on your phone means you never ever miss out. On anything. It's non intrusive and easy and you have it with you all the time.
And it means you really get to capture 'moments'.
So while my 9-year-old son poses in front of the mirror pretending to be Elvis during the bedtime hour, I can snap this before he's even realised mum is pointing anything at him!
Thankyouverymuch.

This photo for for week 86 of The Gallery: Phone Photo.

If you're new and want to know what The Gallery is, go and read here , and then come right back and join in!
You can also pick up The Gallery code if you want too.
Now go forth and show some big blog love. Visit other posters, comment, get inspired. This virtual gallery of photographs is about enjoying each other's work, so go make someone's day.
The link stays open until Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

We have a dog. WE HAVE A DOG!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

On New Year's Day we went for our usual walk to the local woods.
Purely by chance we saw a lady with two dogs walk by - a breed of dog we have been considering getting for ourselves.
You know the eternal dog dilemma? The shall we/shan't we/could we inflict Mia on the poor thing?
Yeah, it's been ongoing for a while.
I grew up with dogs and it feels just wrong to not have my own children experience that joy.
On New Year's Eve we chatted about it. Again. And decided we'd want to actually 'see' them in action before committing rather than just paw over pictures of them in books.
We had set our hearts on a Hungarian Vizsla.

So the very next day, we're off on our walk an these two dogs literally ran before our very eyes. They're not a breed you see that often, so I stopped their owner. I actually ran after her and accosted her.
And we chatted for ages about what sort of pet they are, are they suitable for children, could they withstand an animal MAD 6 year old hugging them to death?
And she was wonderful and really helpful and put our minds at ease that yes, these were the dogs for us.

So I took her phone number and a few days later sent her a text to say could she give us any advice, or hook us up with the breeder where she had had her two from.
Then she sent me an email that was to change our lives. For personal reasons she was struggling with her two. Although they are still pups they are big dogs and, well, after meeting us she had made a decision; would we like to consider adopting Ronin?
I may have actually squealed.

To cut a long story short, we now have a new dog. An 8 month old, leggy lovely.
Just 7 days after this chance meeting on a day when their owner very nearly took her two dogs to the Malvern Hills instead of the woods where we were tramping.
How's about that for a start to 2012?

This is Ronin. He is quite magnificent and now totally big headed as I can't stop telling him how handsome he is.
We're hooked.
I wonder how long it's going to take him to get bored of me pointing a camera at him . . . ?

The Photo Gallery: Week 86

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to a new year and week 86 of The Gallery.
We've had a little breaky over the festive holidays, but now it's time to get back in the saddle so to speak and get showcasing those photos.

Over the holidays I confess I put my fancy camera down and tended to just use my camera phone.
I love and adore the Instagram app and the wonderful filters you can add to your picture to give it a whole new feel. AND it allows you to send your photos directly to Twitter or Facebook.
I've also been trying out Vintage Cam which also allows you to add lovely effects to your snap.

And so, this week's theme is: Phone Photos.

The only rule is you have to have taken it on your phone. Doesn't matter what app you use.
Camera phones have moved on so much and I've seen some quite stunning photos from these little in-your-pocket devices!
So there is never any excuse for now snapping whenever you're out and about.

So, if you want to join in with The Gallery and showcase your photos, come back on Wednesday and add a link to your post when The Gallery post goes up.
The link stays open until the following Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
Remember, The Gallery isn't about technically brilliant photos. It's about rediscovering photos; both old and new.
It's about sparking your imagination, being inspiring - and inspiring others.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

Also, before I go, I should announce the winner of the My Awesome Photo Gallery - who wins a giant photo canvas from Photo World.
The winner was You're Not From Around Here with this photo, as judged for me by the lovely Victoria.

If you're linking up to The Gallery then try to visit as many of the other entries as you can to see what they've come up with. Say hi, discover new people, welcome them in when they discover you.

You will get out of this what you put into it.

Go on, clicky click away, you know you want to ...

Starting 2012 as I mean to go on. DIRTY

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

It's a family tradition of ours to go for a big ole walk on New Year's Day come rain or shine.

Mostly it's really really white and frosty.
But this year it was mostly muddy. Very very muddy.
Much to my 6 year old's delight!
.

Do you do New Year?

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

We do.
Ever since we discovered one of the greatest joys a parent can experience during this time of year is actually sharing the countdown and seeing in the New Year with your kids.

We did it for the first time last year. Little party at home, playing Guitar Hero and having Grown Up and Little Grown Up Cocktails.
Playing games, giggling, watching TV, more games, more giggling.

This year they have spoken in awe of The Countdown as much as Christmas Day itself!
Mia has NO idea what it is, but there mere fact that it's a day Dan has given capital letters is enough for her.
So I've snaffled this idea I saw on Pinterest for the photos, we've got The Michael Jackson Experience and Just Dance on standby and we're ready.

I'm not big on New Year's Resolutions truth be told, but in my head I have one wish and that is to be the best parent I can be. I owe that to my two at the very least.
I've also written a guest post over at Tesco Magazine online if you're looking for some New Year Resolutions inspiration!

So from my family to yours, I wish you all all the very best for the New Year.
And a huge thank you to everyone who visited this blog or commented or offered the hand of friendship, or to those who just came to hang around.
I truly appreciate each and every one of you.
Wishing you all a fabulous 2012 x

I leave you with our year in photographs. Always so so many photographs!

Think she's had too much sugar this Christmas . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0000

That's what it looks like when I saw this photo, but she's actually doing an impression of Elvis.
The mind truly boggles.

Mia lost one of her front teeth this week (nothing to do with the sugar, I hope) and her terrible mother managed to lose it down the plug hole while checking it to see how clean it was (the Tooth Fairy only leaves £1 for clean teeth dontchaknow).

She's forgiven me though. Since it's SO COOL to have one front tooth missing apparently.

The day Santa saved Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:30:00 +0000

After my last post I felt utterly overwhelmed with the amount of understanding and warmth and advice being afforded to me via comments, email, direct messages and text.
Totally and utterly overwhelmed.
Friends, readers, strangers even, reaching out and offering their love.
I read every single comment made - the good and the bad. For yes there were bad. "That child needs love not discipline" or "if a 6 year old is THAT naughty then the parents need to be punished".
She is not naughty, she is wilful. Single minded. Bloody minded. Infuriating!
And yes she's 'only' 6 but like no other 6 year old I've met.
Yes, it's easy to cast throw-away comments like that when you're outside looking in.
Also it's easy to cast comments like that when you haven't actually read the post properly.

But, I can hand on my heart say I bend over backwards to be the best parent I can possibly be for both of my children.
And I am prepared to do difficult things if it's in their best interest. I get that not everyone agrees with that, but, well tough.
I don't believe in short term gain. I'm in this for the long haul, and I want both of them to grow up to be considerate, well rounded young adults who know how to interact in the often difficult world around them.

So, back to my dilemma.
As suggested by many people, both Dan and Mia had a video message from Santa.
Mia sat there in darkness, bathed in the flickering light of the computer screen, and watched rapt as Santa revealed how proud he was of her achievements this year and how he will be making his way to our part of the world, despite the bad weather in the North Pole.
He told her how he'd like her to try very hard to be nice to people and her friends and that he knew exactly what she wanted to be waiting under the tree on Christmas morning for her.
And then he said it was time to ask the elves to reveal whether Mia was on the Nice list or not.
Dear internet, that little six year old sat there in total silence with her fingers crossed.
And as the lights flashed and party poppers banged on the screen in celebration that she was indeed on the Nice list, she reached out and held my hand and smiled.
And something unsaid passed between us.

I truly believe we have turned a corner.
Every now and again she holds my hand and squeezes. Like no words are necessary.
We've sat and written our letters to Santa to leave out with his mince pie and the reindeer's carrot and there is a warm glow in our house that I really thought would elude us this year.
And I have all of you to thank for that.
For your suggestions, your support and your warmth.
For that I thank you all and wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.
x
.

Why Santa won't be visiting my 6 year old this year

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Look at that sweet face.
Today I sat in a corner and cried over this face. Cried.
Because I know deep down that we cannot let Santa visit her on Sunday.
Her behaviour has just been so bad.
Today just reached a peak and so I sat and wept. Because I just don't know what to do.
All the gifts I've lovingly picked out for her, poured over, got excited about giving her, she won't be getting.

Harsh? I don't know.
Hubby and I have talked about it, AGONISED over it.
But we just cannot let her behaviour go rewarded.
I've reasoned with her, told her she will regret her decisions to do the things she has been doing come Christmas morning. But she's not the slightest bit bothered. "Well, I'll get the ones under the tree now," she reasons.
I know that it's Christmas and she's excited and we need to cut her some slack I really do, but we cannot let her go on like this because, well, she'll grow up to be an unpleasant young lady. And giving her presents just feels totally wrong.
I also know that, despite her bravado and 'I don't cares' she will be utterly crushed to discover Santa hasn't left her anything.

Quite frankly I find her unpleasant at the moment.
My own beautiful little girl.
There you go, that's me off crying again.
I feel like she's started down a path and doesn't know how to pull herself back. When I talk to her she rolls her eyes or fiddles with her top or does something ANYTHING to show me she's not taking in anything I'm saying.
I give her every opportunity to rescue the situation. We know telling her off just doesn't work; has the opposite effect even.
But honestly? I don't think we would be the parents we want to be if we let her wake up to a room full of presents in front of the fire on Christmas Day.
And that makes me desperately sad. Especially given that her 9-year-old brother has been golden.
We are hoping and PRAYING that she can pull something out of the bag in the next three days.

Mia I love you very dearly and know you will be OK. I really do.
But right now? Right now I feel like a failure as a parent and that makes me cry.
.

The Photo Gallery: Christmas of Yesteryear

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

The year is 1983.
I am deliriously happy because my mum and dad, grandma and granddad have all clubbed together to buy me a ZX Specrum and I believe it to be a thing of beauty.
And I also had this album: Duran Duran's Seven and the Ragged Tiger which I listened to over and over and over and over. Hence the enforced headphones.

I look at this photo and remember the simple Christmases we had - a few well chosen gifts which we utterly adored. There were no stockings brimming with 'stuff' and mountains of carefully-wrapped gifts. Just a modest pile of goodies.
But I remember each and every one with fond memories and warmth in my heart.
And I wonder, have we lost some of that?

This post for for week 83 of The Gallery: Christmas of Yesteryear.
If you're new and want to know what The Gallery is, go and read here , and then come right back and join in!
You can also pick up The Gallery code if you want too.

This is the last Gallery for 2011 so go forth and show some big blog love.
This virtual gallery of photographs is about enjoying each other's work, so go make someone's day.
And I'll see you again next year - on January 6th.

x

What to buy a 6 year old girl for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0000

So yesterday I was your own personal toy consultant and revealed what you should (and shouldn't) be buying your 9 year old boy for Christmas.
Today it's the girls' turn.

We've tested/pulled apart/jumped on loads and loads of toys as part of the Toys R Us Toyologist programme and also just through items sent to this blog.
And now I'm going to share with you the best - and the worst - to make that Christmas shop a liiiitle easier.
So, in no particular order:

Barbie Fashionista, £19.99 each
★★★★★
Oh god. She sheds glitter and has the most annoying, repetitive song ever.
Barbie is now, it seems, a fashionista. A fashion, fashion, fashionista.
And when you press a star on her tummy, she sings this song. Over and over and over and over.
Plus did I mention that she's wearing glittery clothes . . . yes, I'm really enjoying that scattered everywhere around the house! Mia loves her though. We've come to blows over this toy.

Hello Kitty Vanity Case, £19.99
★★★★★
An impressive looking case with a light up vanity mirror when you open it up.
There's lots of things for you to worry about ending up all over your bedding inside: lipgloss, eyeshadow, blusher, brushes, nail varnish, hair bobbles, hair clips, a comb.
BUT the plastic moulding which holds the items in place is nigh on impossible for a child to get the stuff out on their own. I had to employ the use of a knife to prise the body glitter tubes out.
Rather on the expensive side I thought, but then I guess you're paying for the brand.

Gasdon Ironing Board/Dyson Ball Vacuum, £19.99 each
★★★★★
How do I say this without sounding too harsh? Utter rubbish.
Honestly, if I'd paid that much money for either of these toys I would have been marching right back to that shop with an angry face on.
The ironing board couldn't be built because one of the parts was too darn fiddly to attach, and even when we improvised it was really poorly built and felt cheap.
The vacuum was OK, but not £20 worth. Especially as the darn thing never stands up.
Not at all impressed. Even if Mia vacuumed the whole house enthusiastically.

California Dream House, £99.99

★★★★★
Awfully expensive for a heap of plastic. Maybe I'm being a bit unfair, as it is a nice pad for Barbie and her crew with it's 7 rooms and 'star gazer balcony'.
But like I said, £100 . . .

Teacup Piggies, £14.99
★★★★★
I mean come on, what will they think of next?
This is a talking pig in a teacup. But my 6 year old thinks it's marvellous!
Not so sure about the phrases: "Hi, my name is Copper and I love the beach"and "I want to go for a ride in my limo" but it is actually rather cute.
The teacup was abandoned after just one day and at nearly £15 I think it's quite expensive. Also be warned, there are clothes and a limo (?!) to buy in this range, so the threat of pester power is great!

Moon Sand Candy Factory, £14.99
★★★★★
SCREAM
I am a bad mother for I cannot abide this stuff.
So we gave it to the school to test out for us and the kids all loved it.
Moon Sand is strange stuff. It looks like sand and has the texture of soft brown sugar I guess but moulds really easily and doesn't leave a gross smell on your fingers like say PlayDoh. Plus you can use it over and over again as it doesn't dry out
It's easy enough to clear up I guess. But urgh.
Squidgy moudable fun.
Disappointing that there are only two colours of sand (on the box front it shows three) though.
Great way to get creative - just make sure you prepare for a mess!

Paper Jamz Pro Mic, £29.99
★★★★★
If you can bear the noise and the terrible showmanship, this is a great gift.

It's essentially a karaoke machine. No no, wait don't run for the hills!
It is in fact made of plastic, not paper, and comes with a small amp with touch sensitive buttons.
And it has lots of built-in features to make you sound 'like a star'. Mia wanted to sound like Abba.
The sound quality is surprisingly good for such a small thing and can be carried around on your person for maximum in-house flexibility!
You can also connect to the computer and download more tunes (as the ones it comes with I'd never actually heard of).

Nail Art Activity Pack, £5.99
★★★★★
For £6 you get nail varnishes, a nail file, temporary tattoos and a whole bunch of gems and holographic strips to adorn your nails with - manna from heaven for a little girl!
Mia and a friend whipped the lot out and spent an hour adorning their fingers and toes with the stuff - and there wasn't even that much mess. SCORE.
There are no instructions on how to apply the tattoos/holographic strips but it's easy enough to make up as you go along

A cracking present idea.

Singamajigs, £9.99 each
★★★★★
Pointless, annoying and slightly creepy. But strangely addictive.

Playmobil, £various
We've built and played with many sets. Here is our guide to which ones to opt for.

You can see many more reviews from myself and other parents on the Toys R Us Toybox - a one-stop shop for loads and loads of honest toy reviews.

Happy shopping!

.

What to buy an 9 year old boy for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

So you stand in Toys R Us and are faced with wall upon wall of stuff, tear your hair out, spend an hour walking around like a zombie, swear to never step foot in the shop again, spend an hour looking at one game . . .
Or is that just me?

Anyway, these things are always infinitely easier if you have some idea of what you're looking for in the first place.
You want your mate down the road to say 'I've bought this and it's brilliant'. Or 'I've bought this and it sucks/wasn't worth the money/broke the minute it came out of the wrapping'.
So today, I'm being your mate.

This year we have been part of the Toys R Us Toyologist programme. Which basically means my kids had the amazing opportunity to test toys. Lots and lots of toys.
We gave some away, donated to the school, roped friends in, but essentially I have a lot of info on what you should - and shouldn't - be buying this year.

So, in no particular order here is what boys will want/be disappointed in this year.

Star Wars Ultimate FX Lightsaber, £39.99
Trust me, we are BIG Star Wars fans in this house. So when this arrived we jumped around a little bit. Yes, yes OK, I did too.
But we found it a bit of a let down. I mean it didn't lop anyone's limb off. And we tried and tried.
Great sound effects and brilliant in the dark, but for the price, well, I didn't want my boy to put it in his wardrobe and leave it there after half an hour of play.
★★★★★

Nerf Vortex Vigilon Blaster, £14.99
Ah Nerf, how you are very much loved in this house!
Only this one is different. This one doesn't have the 'bullets' (ie long, thin orange missiles) we're used to. This one has flat, green discs which, oh my goodness, you can fire even further!
BUT it only holds 5 discs. In fact the blaster only comes with 5 discs included in the box which is woefully inadequate, meaning you end up having to buy additional 'bullets'.
Plus you can pretty much guarantee that those first 5 discs get lost within 15 minutes of playing.
And when you're playing Nerf wars, this is BAD.
A minor disappointment it seems as all his friends are asking for one this Christmas!
★★★★★

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks, £29.99 (starter pack)
Just genius. Now you can put your Hot Wheels tracks ON THE WALL.
Don't go into a tizzy just yet mums and dads, it comes with snazzy strips designed to go on your wall without damaging your paint job.
These are fab fun. It is worth pointing out that you really should read the instructions first however, and not put them on a wall that's too small and have to start again . . . *ahem*.
Great fun, and not a bank breaker at £30 for the starter set.
★★★★★

Smelli Gelli, £4.99
Hell if you're a parent, heaven if you're a kid.
It's basically a packet of foul-smelling crystals that you add to their bath to make the water turn to jelly.
I wanted to hate it but my kids think it's the most wonderful invention in the whole wide world.
Be careful how much water you put in the bath or your goo will be too runny. And fear ye not, you get another packet to 'disolve' the goo once you're finished.
Also, they'll need to get out the bath and have a shower to get the goo off!
But this is a great little present and a perfect stocking filler.
★★★★★

Fyrflyz, £7.99
SUCH a simple toy, but my boy just loves it.
Two different coloured LED lights on either end of a small paddle of plastic which is in turn attached to two lengths of string and you spin them around to make a light show.
Dan loves it so much he's insisting we buy his best friend one for Christmas.
It's such a simple idea (two lights on a plastic paddle which you spin around to make a fabulous light show.
If you can get passed the fact that they spell the name WRONG, it's a great stocking filler.
★★★★★

Children’s World Map puzzleball, £19.99
Educational, a bit of a challenge and it builds in to a great globe to keep on your bedside table.
It's a 3D jigsaw with numbers on the reverse of each of the hard plastic pieces.
Excellent product - but definitely one for ages 8 and over if they want to complete on their own.
★★★★★

Light Strike, £Various
Being big fans of Nerf guns in this house, we were a bit 'what? A pretender to the Nerf crown? Really?
These guns are basically laser quest at home. So no bullets. No someone firing a missile at your head. Or your bum as you bend over to empty the dishwasher.
These guns use light. And so it's brilliant fun if you turn the lights off and play in the dark.
Trouble is they work out very expensive. Our basic gun was around £40 but then there a whole heap of accessories you can add on (Scope, Rapid Fire System etc at £9.99 each) all of which bump the price right up.
Also, the included targets are a bit rubbish so you end up wanting to buy the target vest too, but that right there is yet another expense.
A great toy, but can be costly.
★★★★★

Lego, £various
★★★★★
Any of it, frankly. Every boy should have a stash of Lego under their bed.

Skylanders, £49.99
★★★★★
This game for the Wii, Xbox or Playstation3 is apparently a 'must have' toy for many youngsters this Christmas - and judging by the number of Dan's friends who have it on their list, I'm guessing those in the know have got it right.
The Skylanders are basically plastic characters that come to life. Or at least, you pop them on the Portal of Power and they 'leap' into the computer game.
Unfortunately there are 30 characters to collect . . .
Dan has had his for about 3 months now and his love of it shows no signs of diminishing. In fact he has some character called Voodood on his Christmas list . . . ,
The mind boggles.

You can see many more reviews from myself and other parents on the Toys R Us Toybox - a one-stop shop for loads and loads of honest toy reviews.

Happy shopping!

TOMORROW: What to buy a 6 year old girl. In which I slate lots of stuff!
.
.

Nerd alert

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Dan says this is his 'nerd' look.
I just think he looks ruddy gorgeous.

Glasses: Courtesy of our local 3D cinema (with the lenses popped out).
Flat cap: Courtesy of the school's VE day celebrations (I know, I know, in December, right?)
Cheeky smile: Courtesy of his mum.
.

How to test a new washing machine

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0000

1. Look the part
Obviously the first thing you need to do is look like you're going to be professional about this.
To Dan this meant popping the plastic lenses out of a pair of 3D glasses we snaffled from the cinema, slicking his hair down and looking like a modern day Joe 90.
Dan: "Who's that then?"
I start to explain who Joe 90 is, but it sounds beyond daft so I give up and say 'he's a cool kid that's really brainy.
That seems to satisfy him.

2. Get something really dirty
Like a rugby kit?
From the day dad and Dan came home from a game and I SCREECHED at them at the front door to get their stuff off before they came any further in and left a trail of destruction across the kitchen floor.
What, did you bathe in mud? Look at the state of you both, I say in a high-pitched, slightly hysterical voice.
I have turned into my mother.

3. Review the results
The machine is soooo quiet, it doesn't take as long as my old machine AND it has settings for Outdoor gear (rugby/footy/running kit), Daily Wash (everyday items), Denim (higher water level, extra rinse), a 15 minute wash (FIFTEEN MINUTES) and - oh my fav - a setting to clean your drum.
I am so middle aged.
It also claims to be uber energy efficient by throwing loads of bubbles into your wash which does some jiggery pokery and means it cuts your wash time right down as well as the amount of water used. AND you don't even really have to read the manual to get it going.
I am a middle aged MAN.

We were given a new Samsung Eco Bubble to review which has to be the most bizarre thing I've been offered through this to date, but given the fact that my current machine was limping through each load I was shoving into it's mouth, I snapped their hand right off!

We've been using it for a week now and I still look forward to loading her up.
But still, HOW do we generate so much bloody washing? HOW?
Answers on a postcard please.

Sucking up information

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Six is a magical age for children.

They're sucking up all kinds of new information, but now they can actually understand it. They can make decisions based on it, store it away, use it, manipulate it.

I love to watch my kids learn. Dan is studying World War II at school and loving every minute of it.

And I love that he's taking a keen interest in our history and asking questions and being amazed by what has helped shape our world.

I don't normally mention advertisers on this site, but Mia has been trying out the Reading Eggs over there on the right and she's totally and utterly hooked.
(Plus you can sign up for a free trial).

This is the sight I see most nights after school.
It never ceases to amaze me how much kids can tap into modern technology to learn and flex their little grey cells.
And after this, she goes and sits up in her bed, books scattered all around her, and I can hear her trying to read them. Sounding out the letters, jigsawing the sounds together and slowly but surely becoming a bookworm. Just like her mum.

The Photo Gallery: Week 85

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to week 85 of The Gallery. The final one of the year.
2011 is nearly over. How the HECK did that happen?

So, in keeping with the time of year and all that, this week's theme is: Christmas of Yesteryear.

This is a chance for you to dig into your dusty old albums and air those embarrassing old photos!
It can be last Christmas, one from your childhood, one before children, one from your mum's childhood even.

I love love love all the traditions different families have at Christmas and nothing reveals them like an old photograph!
So dig them out and let's have a festive fest of photos.

And, as always, absolutely ANYONE can join in.

Come back on Wednesday to add your link when The Gallery post goes up on this blog.
Then visit as many of the other entries as you can to see what they've come up with.

Say hi, discover new people, welcome them in when they discover you.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, you will get out of The Gallery what you put into it, so go have some fun.

Appreciate the wonderful words and photos that are opening themselves up to you.

Go on, clicky click away, you know you want to ...

Oh and don't forget. If you want a copy of the Blogger Calendar for FREE you need to get your act together. Get those entries in and get your hands on a piece of blogging history.
And you don't have to have appeared in the calendar to get a copy - it's up for grabs from anyone.

How to be a good wife

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

There is no right or wrong answer to this surely?!
So before I reveal the answers given to me by a group of UK male bloggers and the wisdom of Twitter when I asked, I give you what a 9 year old boy believes makes a good wife:

"Girls? Urgh. I don't need to even think about that cause I've got you mum."
Head. Swell. I'm recording this and playing it back every time he brings a girl home as a teenager.

So here is a video of what some men think the answer is . . .

And then I asked Twitter . . .

The fact I have no idea of an answer to this should really be telling me something shouldn't it?
@Cheshire_Claire

My wife is a good wife. Infact the best :) We are a team. That makes a good wife. Helps to be good with food also ;)
@Zaaden

Compromise, respect and fairness. And a lot of gin!
@moetandmuffins

Someone who isn't afraid to be herself even though it is easy to get swallowed up in the relationship and knows how to do "stuff"
@th_purpl_lady

Someone loving and supportive, non critical and accepting of the other person. Same both ways to be honest!
@MotherScuffer

Hubs says ~ patience and understanding, and knowing you can't change him.
@MuddynoSugar

I guess a good wife would have the patience of a saint, a damn good sense of humour and a big heart :)
And my OH just piped up "she has to have a nice bum".....if that counts....lol
@Muddleduck

My mum gets up with my dad to see him off to work with a cup if tea and breakfast even if it's at 4am. #whatmakesagoodwife
@1978rebecca

A woman who knows her own mind and her husband's, well enough for the two of them! Kitchen and bedroom skills a bonus!
@InsomniacMummy

Hubby says: 'Pleasing to look at from the front, always got your back and gives good head:)' Then he spilt glass of pepsi over 2 MacBooks!
@geekisnewchic

Feisty make good wives, just need strong husbands else they become doormats (or not husbands....!!)
@BumpWearClaire

So you tell me, what makes a good wife?
.

She's got this Christmas thing all sewn up

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0000

My 6 year old is being particularly challenging at the moment.
NO.
Poo head.
Blah blah BLAH.
NOT listening. NOT listening. La la la.

These are quotes from her not me.

I tell her, tell her, tell her, tell her. I don't think a word of it goes in and instead all she hears is 'go on Mia, do what you like, say what you like. Drive mummy mad. Go on Mia. Go on girl'.

So I say to her: "Mia, I'm going to have to have a serious word with Santa about your behaviour. He really won't be happy to hear you've been so naughty will he?"
And I swear to you dear internet, she gives me the sort of withering 'I'm only tolerating you' look you expect from a mother in law, complete with hands on her little hips and an eye roll and says: "Mum. Christmas isn't just about presents and stuff. It's about family and being together. Surely you should know that?"

And she stalks off leaving me in her wake. Mouth agape.
.