20 November , 201626 March , 2021 - Sarah 7 Comments

Review: Peppa Pig wooden toys from Milly & Flynn

I have a confession to make – I have never seen an episode of Peppa Pig, and neither have my kids. Not in my presence anyway, but at about 20 months Toby did start calling all pigs Peppa so I’m guessing she might have made an appearance at nursery somewhere along the line. Anyway, when I was asked if we would like to review some Peppa Pig wooden toys from Milly & Flynn my initial reaction was to say no. But then I had a look at the range and realised they were just some really nice wooden toys that happened to have Peppa Pig on them and there was really no reason for the boys not to play with them.

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Milly & Flynn have a variety of different Peppa Pig toys; we were sent the Magnetic Play Set (RRP £12), the Peppa Pig Push-Along (RRP £15) and the Skittles Set (RRP £20). My theory was that Toby and Gabe would both be able to play with the skittles, the magnetic play set would be great for Toby and newly-walking Gabe would enjoy the push-along. Of course things don’t always work out the way you plan!

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We set up the skittles but I think Toby managed one shot before Gabe decided it was much more fun to knock them over himself.

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He then carried them off to the other side of the room and that was the end of that game! Gabe has had a lot of fun with the skittles though. He likes banging them together, or practising standing them up – which is trickier than it sounds when you’re only 15 months old.

gabe-really-loves-the-peppa-pig-skittles

The Magnetic Play Set is fab for Toby. He’s only just started to make up stories when he’s playing, and this double sided board with lots of pieces really helps him use his imagination. Here he was telling me a story about the purple dinosaur who was playing football in the park.

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There are plenty of magnetic pieces to put on the board – enough that Toby and Gabe even managed to play together for a little bit without arguing!

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The last item we were sent was the Peppa Pig Push-Along. Gabe has only just started walking, so walking and pushing is a skill he is still working on but he definitely enjoys it and the push-along is just the right size for him. gabe-figuring-out-the-peppa-pig-push-along

All the wooden toys that we have been trying out are lovely – they are really well made, and sturdy enough to cope with my not so gentle boys playing with them. There are more wooden toys available from Milly & Flynn – in the Peppa Pig range and they also have a Dear Zoo range.

I’m sure we’ll get plenty of use out of our new Peppa Pig toys for months, and even years to come. And you never know, one of these days Gabe might even let us have a proper game of skittles!!

**Disclosure: I was sent the featured products in return for this review. All opinions are my own.

2 November , 2016 - Sarah Leave a comment

Review: Messy goes to Okido // Talking Messy Monster

If you have ever met a three year old you will know they are full of questions. Toby’s thirst for knowledge is just non-stop – at the moment he’s a bit fixated on what things are made of (walls, feet, cereal…) and how things work. We try and answer as many questions as we can but sometimes it’s nice to have a helping hand and that’s where programmes like Messy goes to Okido can come in useful!

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Messy goes to Okido is a science show about Messy and his friends who find out something different about the world around us in every episode – it covers all sorts of things from electricity and magnets to thunderstorms and volcanoes. Toby loves watching Messy and has picked up all sorts from the programme.

The CBeebies TV show started life as Okido magazine; an arts and science magazine aimed at 3-8 year olds full of different activities, experiments and stories.

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Recently Toby was lucky enough to be sent a copy of the magazine and a Large Talking Messy Monster soft toy. The magazine is great and has a lot of really interesting activities but I think it will be another year or two before Toby can really appreciate it.

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He loves his talking Messy Monster though – especially because when he presses his tummy it comes out with all Messy’s catchphrases like ‘let’s skidoodle okidoodle’ or ‘balla balla boom boom’ (these will probably mean more to you if you’ve seen the programme). And even though Gabe doesn’t really know anything about the TV programme he loves listening to Messy talk too!

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The Large Talking Messy Monster has an RRP of £14.99 and is available from all the usual retailers.

**Disclosure: I was sent the featured product in return for this review. All opinions are my own.

**This post contains affiliate links

26 October , 201625 September , 2018 - Sarah 88 Comments

What Toby Wore // Rockin’ Baby

Back in April we were sent some lovely clothes for Toby and Gabe from the Rockin’ Baby Spring/ Summer collection so when they launched the Autumn/ Winter collection and asked if would like to feature something I jumped at the chance.

Toby is very happy with his new Rockin' Baby coat

This time Toby was sent this brilliant Bug Print rain mac. I love the colours of this coat – mustard is one of my absolute favourites at the moment. The bug print is fabulous – it met with Toby’s approval too which is more important now he’s three and has plenty of his own opinions about his clothes!

Rockin' Baby rain mac

Bug Print rain mac

We decided to head out into the garden for a photoshoot and to see if we could have our own mini-beast adventure.

Toby looking for mini beasts in his Rockin' Baby bug print rain mac

The Rockin' Baby bug print rain mac is great for exploring

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Toby is wearing age 4-5 and I would say it’s pretty true to size – it fits him well and he is a big three year old. The rain mac is really well made – it’s fully fleece lined, even the sleeves, which I really like.

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The seams are all bound to make them really comfy, and the hood is a sensible size and stays up easily. I can’t comment on the waterproof-ness of the rain mac as we haven’t had any rain since we got it but it certainly kept Toby toasty out in the garden. We haven’t used our garden much since we moved but Toby really enjoyed exploring – even if we didn’t actually find any mini-beasts! He did have a go at practising his ‘feelers out, what’s about?’ pose from the CBeebies Mini-Beast Adventure programme.

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The really great thing about all Rockin’ Baby clothing is that for every item that is bought another is given to a child in China or West Africa.

Toby loves his new bug print rain mac and so do I – I’m actually very tempted to get him the matching wellies too!

toby-keeping-warm-in-the-last-of-the-sunlight-in-his-new-bug-print-coat

We also have one Rockin’ Baby Blue Stripe rain mac in age 3-4 to give away.

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To enter just complete the Rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Disclosure: We were sent the featured clothing for the purposes of this post but all opinions are my own.

Linking up with Hannah for Funky Kid Friday

14 October , 20166 August , 2017 - Sarah 2 Comments

Review: Milly & Flynn books

Toby loves books and we have loads but there are always room for some more on our shelves so we were very happy to receive some new ones from new pre-school retailer Milly & Flynn.

milly & flynn books

We were sent four books from their range; Bigger and Bigger Wheels; My Astronaut Adventure; Little Sliders Shapes and Flippety Flaps In the Garden.

I loved how all the books have something a bit different about them. Toby loved peeking through the holes in My Astronaut Adventure and sliding the tabs in the Shapes book.

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The Flippety Flaps book is a perfect size for Gabe’s little hands and is robust enough to withstand his sometimes less than gentle play!

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Both boys love the Bigger and Bigger Wheels book – Toby really enjoyed the story and looking at all the pictures. I think Gabe mostly just enjoyed the different sized pages but at that age anything that is easy for them to handle and turn the pages is great.

bigger-bigger-bigger-wheels

There are lots of different titles available from the same ranges as the ones we received, as well as lots of others. Milly & Flynn also sell a range of toys and games – I’ve got my eye on some of the jigsaws for Toby for Christmas!

**Disclosure: I was sent the featured products in return for this review. All opinions are my own.

28 September , 20166 August , 2017 - Sarah Leave a comment

Review: Piccolo baby food pouches

Gabe’s weaning journey so far has been quite up and down. Anytime he’s ill or teething he seems to go off his food but I can usually tempt him with a puree pouch when he doesn’t want anything else. So when the lovely people at Piccolo got in touch to ask if we wanted to try some of their new baby food pouches we were happy to give them a try.

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Piccolo products are produced with the idea of Mediterranean Goodness at heart. The flavours of the pouches reflect that too, for example; apple and apricot with a pinch of cinnamon, peach and apple with a hint of basil, spring greens with a hint of mint or squash, red pepper and chickpea with a hint of rosemary to name a few.

Gabe was certainly keen to get his hands on the pouches when they first arrived!

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Gabe is at an age now where he can suck straight from the pouch which is really handy, especially when we’re out and about. It’s hard to tell really but he does seem to like most of the Piccolo pouches. The only thing I will say is that these pouches are quite runny compared to some of the other brands we use. I think this took Gabe by surprise a bit when he first tried them because he managed to squeeze it all over himself!

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To be honest Gabe is a little bit past the puree stage but these Piccolo pouches have been great for adding to Weetabix and porridge and we found a great use for them with Toby.

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One pouch is the perfect amount to fill our ice lolly mould. Toby loves them and thinks he’s getting a big treat and I’m happy knowing everything he’s eating is good for him!

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At the moment Piccolo only produce Stage 1 baby food pouches but they are always developing new products. They are releasing some new flavours soon too which we were also sent to try; mango, pear & kale with a dash of yogurt; banana, strawberry & peach with a hint of mint; sweet potato, beetroot, apple & pear and raspberry & apple with soaked oats. Some of the flavours may seem a bit out there to us as adults but Gabe seems to like them!

Piccolo pouches are currently available from Amazon, Ocado, Booths, Waitrose and a few other retailers. You can find out where to buy them near you on the Piccolo website here.

**Disclosure: I was sent the featured products in return for this review. All opinions are my own.

28 August , 2016 - Sarah 1 Comment

A morning with Dyson and Currys PC World

Last weekend Toby and I were lucky enough to be invited by Dyson and Currys PC World to spend a few hours at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester learning all about some of the products in the Dyson range and taking part in the #DysonChallenge.

Toby was hugely excited because it was his first time on a train. To add to the excitement we even got to see a steam train waiting at Preston station! I’ll admit I was slightly worried about taking Toby to Manchester on my own but he was really well behaved all day and even managed most of the walk from the station and back with only a little bit of ‘carry me’!

When we arrived at MOSI we received a warm welcome and saw some of the other kids were already getting into a bit of vacuuming. There were two Dyson engineers there to tell us all about some of the unique features of their products that Dyson is renowned for.

First up was the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Cylinder Bagless Vacuum Cleaner – the Cinetic Big Ball cleaner uses cyclone technology to pick up even the tiniest of particles, and because there are no filters there is no loss of suction and no messy cleaning. After feedback from their customers Dyson have also improved the way in which the cylinder is emptied – at the press of a single button the cylinder opens and also a silicone ring is pushed down over the central mesh filter to remove any stuck on fluff or hair. This, along with the lack of filters to clean, really sold me on the Big Ball Animal cleaner. We currently have a bagless vacuum from another manufacturer which has a HEPA filter and I bought it because I have all sorts of allergies and it is supposed to suck them all up. It actually works really well but when I empty it and have to clean the filter I always get covered in a cloud of all the stuff it has vacuumed up and end up sneezing for hours after, which kind of defeats the object of having the fancy filter in the first place!

The other unique feature of the Dyson Big Ball Cinetic Cylinder cleaner is its self-righting technology. No matter what you do to push the ball over (and plenty of the kids tried) it always tips back to be the right way up. Our first #DysonChallenge was to make an egg that demonstrated this self righting technology. Toby had great fun decorating his egg (with a little help from me) and then sticking blu- tac and ball bearings in the bottom to make his own little weeble.

The other product that the engineers talked to us about was the Dyson Pure Cool Link Tower Air Purifier. This air purifier can remove 99.5% of allergens and pollutants from the air. It uses Dyson’s bladeless technology and has 10 different settings, including a night mode. The Pure Cool Link Tower Air Purifier has a remote control also has its own app which allows you to monitor the air in your home. You can even check the air quality while you’re out and turn the purifier on before you get home!

Our second #DysonChallenge was to make a pinwheel so we could see just how well the fan works. Toby enjoyed decorating his pinwheel and then holding it up to the fan and watching it spin. It looked like all the kids (and adults) really enjoyed the challenges and it was great to see them engaging with the science behind the Dyson products.

Everyone definitely had a lot of fun making flour, coffee and glitter stencils and then vacuuming them up too. There were some of Dyson’s handheld cordless cleaners there for them to try too and it was amazing to see how easy they were to use for even the littlest kids – even Toby had a go!

We had a great time with Dyson and Currys PC World, and after a tasty lunch we even got a chance to have a look round some of the museum before it was time for another train ride home.

If I’m honest I was never really sure whether Dyson products were worth the money but having seen them in action I have definitely been converted! Toby had a fantastic time too and couldn’t wait to show his egg to his daddy when he got home.

**Disclosure: We were invited to attend this event by Dyson and Currys PC World and received a goody bag and gift for our time. As always, all opinions are my own.

14 August , 20166 August , 2017 - Sarah 2 Comments

Review: Babymoov Light Wood High Chair

When we started looking for a high chair for Toby when he was weaning we got lots of recommendations for a very cheap one from a well known Swedish furniture store. It served Toby well until he moved into a booster seat at the table when he was nearly two. We used the same high chair with Gabe for the first month or so of weaning until, as part of our role as Babymoov ambassadors, we were sent the Babymoov Light Wood High Chair and matching Comfort Cushion to try out.

I’ll be honest here – coming in at ten times the cost of our old high chair I did wonder if the Babymoov high chair would be worth the extra money. But I have to say it does have loads of great features that really do make it stand out from other high chairs on the market.

As the name would suggest the Babymoov high chair is made from wood and it is really solidly built. It is very sturdy and I’ve never felt worried that Gabe could tip it, whether he’s sat in it or using it to pull himself onto his feet! The slight downside to this is that at 6.5 kg the chair is quite heavy – I wouldn’t want to have to move it around a lot.

What makes the Babymoov Light Wood High Chair different to a lot of other high chairs on the market, and one reason I think the £140 price tag is justified, is that with a movable seat and foot rest, and a removable tray this chair can adapt to be used from around 6 months right up until your child is big enough to use a standard chair, and beyond.

Now I know there are a few other wooden high chairs on the market that are adaptable to be used by both babies, toddlers and children but the thing that makes this Babymoov high chair unique is that it also be folded so it is almost flat. For me this is a massive plus point over our previous high chair, and other chairs of this type. It’s really easy to collapse as well; just release the crotch bar, press two buttons on either side to lower the tray then squeeze the clip on the back of the seat to fold it. Opening it back up is even easier and can be pretty much done one-handed.

The high chair is very easy to wipe clean and I do like that the lip on the edge of the tray doesn’t go right round to the back which makes it even easier to wipe crumbs and other bits off into your hand. The only thing to watch out for when cleaning is that crumbs (and Cheerios in our case) can collect just at the base of the crotch bar and they’re easy to miss when cleaning, especially when you’ve got the cushion over the top.

Looks wise the Babymoov Light Wood high chair is definitely more stylish than our old high chair. I like the dark and light grey of the chair – it’s going to fit in really well when we get our new kitchen soon.

If you are looking for a wooden high chair that will adapt with your child and last them right from weaning through to childhood then this Babymoov high chair is definitely one to consider.

**Disclosure: I was sent the featured product as part of my role as a Babymoov ambassador. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

26 July , 201625 May , 2019 - Sarah 3 Comments

Weaning with Bibetta and Messy Me // #messisbest

I have a confession to make – I love the idea of babyled weaning but I just can’t stand the mess! I will never be one of those mums who posts a picture on Instagram of their baby covered head to toe in spaghetti bolognese or yoghurt. However, I know that getting messy and exploring food is important for Gabe’s development so I do try and rein in my need to clean up every spill and drip whenever I can. Read more

14 July , 20166 August , 2017 - Sarah 1 Comment

Review: Tots Bots Joules EasyFit Star

When Tots Bots launched their redesigned all in one nappy back in March we were lucky enough to try out the new EasyFit Star. We loved the nappy then and it is still working brilliantly for us – especially on Toby. It still copes admirably with his massive toddler wees and we haven’t had any leaks, even after four or five hours of wear.

When the EasyFit Star was launched it was available in block colours and three prints (Twinkle, Tweet and Treasure). Shortly after the new Rhyme Time prints were added to the range.

And this week Tots Bots are bringing you a fantastic new collaboration with top British brand Joules! There are two new prints available and we were sent the ‘Farmer Joules‘ to try. I’m really looking forward to seeing the other print ‘Annabella Floral‘ too – I reckon my boys could rock a bit of flower print too!

The new Joules prints don’t change the amazing performance of the EasyFit Star – seriously I cannot tell you how much I rate this nappy (and I promise I’m not being paid to say that!) – but they do add to the cuteness factor.

The Farmer Joules print features tractors, hay trailers, cows, ducks, sheep and chickens – Toby loved pointing out all the things you would see on the farm. The velcro, poppers and stitching are red and really complement the design.

Toby and Gabe both seemed very comfortable in their EasyFit Stars – I think they look super cute with their matching bums!

**Disclosure: I was sent the featured products in return for this review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

6 July , 20166 August , 2017 - Sarah Leave a comment

Review: Babymoov Lovely Bear Lunch Set

As part of our role as #stresslessweaning ambassadors for Babymoov we were sent this Lovely Bear Lunch Set. There’s a divided plate, bowl, cup and a sweet little fork and spoon. Everything in the is melamine so very hard wearing (but remember melamine can’t go in the microwave) and features a cute bear character.

As you can see, Gabe isn’t quite ready for using plates, bowls and cups yet.

At the moment we either spoon feed him, or he eats straight from his highchair tray. If I give him a bowl or plate he just tips everything out and it gives him something else to bang on the table!

He does like having something to hold while he’s being fed though and the spoon from the lunch set is the perfect size for his little hands.

Although Gabe isn’t quite ready to use the Babymoov Lunch Set just yet I’m sure he’ll like it when he’s a bit older. I think it would make a great first birthday present – the set comes in four different designs and in a lovely presentation box too. I know Toby got far more toys than he could ever play with for his first birthday so something like this lunch set would make a fab alternative.

The Babymoov Lovely Bear Lunch Set has an RRP of £29.99

**Disclosure: I was sent the featured products in return for this review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Toby Goes Bananas

A family lifestyle blog

Reviews

Review: Peppa Pig wooden toys from Milly & Flynn

Review: Messy goes to Okido // Talking Messy Monster

What Toby Wore // Rockin’ Baby

Review: Milly & Flynn books

Review: Piccolo baby food pouches

A morning with Dyson and Currys PC World

Review: Babymoov Light Wood High Chair

Weaning with Bibetta and Messy Me // #messisbest

Review: Tots Bots Joules EasyFit Star

Review: Babymoov Lovely Bear Lunch Set