Bloggers for #Shareniger

  

Would you want someone to help your child if they needed it? I dont need a lengthy blog post to tell you that £1.00 can simply help to change some childrens lives. £1 is less than the price of a glass of wine, than a bag of sweets and the same as a lottery ticket. Your chances of winning the lottery maybe millions to one but that £1 could give a chance to a young child with gratitude that is priceless.

How World Vision child sponsorship works...

World Vision believe the best way to change a child's life is to change the world in which they live. And the best way to change their world is to help their community to become self-sustaining. This is what World Vision Child Sponsorship does.

Other pages you might find useful.



http://www.shareniger.com/


http://www.worldvision.org.uk/child-sponsorship/


http://www.mummy-tips.com/2012/06/help-us-to-sponsor-child.html

Frankie and Bennys : Review of the new menu 2012

When we heard that Frankie and Bennys were launching new menu's, we were more than a little excited to be invited along to check them out. They launched their new menus at the end of March and in particular their dessert, lunch and specials menus were set for a change, so we were all set for a an eating challenge. (The challenge was set by my gorgeous other half who loves food *almost* as much as he loves us I think).

As we never like to do things by half, we went in force, so there were 10 of us to contend with and whilst our table wasnt quite ready when we arrived, this was somewhat compensated by the balloon decorations when we sat down (did i mention that it was the 7 year olds birthday?).

Frankie and Bennys has an old time diner feel and whilst its certainly not spacious, I think they are going for the more cozy, atmospheric feel to the restaurant. Our waitress for the evening was Jenny and she was friendly, helpful and genuinely lovely with the children. After some deliberation (and salivation) over the menu, we all decided and here is the round up of what we ate:

Cajun Chicken Burger - doubled up (of course)

OH says: Delightful 10/10

Steak & Fries with side salad

My Dad says: Not hot enough but tasty 9/10 (its worth pointing out that my dad puts EVERYTHING in the microwave before eating it so that it is scalding hot!!)

Salmon Fishcakes

My Mum says: Lovely 10/10

Spinach Ricotta

My Aunt says: Really nice 8/10

Full rack of BBQ Ribs

My Brother says: Excellent ribs - best tasted in a long while 10/10

Cajun Chicken Burger

My sister in law says: I have left nothing on the plate!!! 9/10

 

Chicken and Prawn Alfredo

I said: It was a little spicier than I anticipated but the prawns were delicious 9/10

Childs Chicken Pasta with cucumber and tomato 10/10

The birthday girl said: It was yummy

Now anyone who has been to Frankie and Benny's will know that if you have a birthday, the Frankie and Benny's staff will sing Happy Birthday to you. Now I have to be honest and say that this wouldnt be my choice of birthday celebration but for my daughter, she thinks its the best. so everytime the music started up, she would look around to see if it was for her! Needless to say, she was grinning from ear to ear when they did sing Happy Birthday to her.

So overall it was a big thumbs up from us all.

There was a little confusion when it came to pay as we were part paying with a voucher but Jenny, the helpful waitress, managed to sort it out with the Manager and we left happy, full and happy to recommend F&B's. There are always offers and updates on their website, so check it out before you go.

http://www.frankieandbennys.com/ 

Warwick Castle : The Review : No Damsels in Distress here!

Those that know me well enough, will know that I have a penchant for castles, so you can therefore imagine my delight to be invited to Warwick Castle for the day!

Warwick Castle is seeped in history, here is a little extract from their website:

"Attacked in 1264, besieged in 1642 and damage by fire in 1871, the Castle has nevertheless survived the ever-changing fortunes of history. Warwick Castle remained under the stewardship of the Earls of Warwick as a private home until 1978. After being handed over to the National Trust, the property was taken over by the Merlin Entertainments Group in 2007 and remains under their guardianship".

So off we traipsed, the 7 year old (who seems to share my love of castles) was excitedly talking about princesses and knights as we parked easily in the surrounding car park. Although I am not sure if she wanted to be the princess or the knight!

We had the pushchair with us and whilst most locations were fairly accessible, you couldnt take the pushchair into many of the rooms so I was glad that I had also brought the baby carrier with me to climb some of the staircases. We were fortunate that it was a nice day, so were able to park the pushchair up outside the rooms.

My other half has always considered he was born in the wrong century and is convinced he was destined to be a knight, so it was really interesting to be able to look into his family's coat of arms and see that the name dates back as far as the Doomsday book! Who knew!

There was always something going on from rat catching (much fun ensued here), to jousting on the lawn. I suspect that had it been raining, we would possibly not have enjoyed so many of the outside activities but despite the lack of sunshine, it was great to enjoy the fresh air and entertainment outside as well as inside.

We were advised that if our little princess wanted to get into the princess tower, we had better get a ticket in advance so we made sure that we did this on our arrival. The princess tower has alot of steep steps (I am quite convinced people had smaller feet in ye olde times), but when you reach the top, your little princess (or prince) can write a wish in the wish book. Unfortunately the "want to be" knight in our party also wrote in the wish book, saying, "I wish for chicken fajitas tonight" ..... I suspect that this is not what the wish book is for, as it sat amongst wishes for ponies and crowns!

Once she had finished being a princess, she then decided she wanted to be a knight (I hope we dont go through this many career choices as she gets older), so we purchased her a sword ..... our ribs and knuckles havent been the same since!

The whole day was simply great fun and hugely interesting too. Its a fantastic day out for children over half term or even on a weekend. I would suggest getting there early so you get chance to get round to see everything. Unfortunately as our children were under 10, we didnt get to see the Dungeons (although I suspect that the 7 year old was worried that we would leave her there if she wasnt good) so if you want a day out packed with history, fun and entertainment, Warwick Castle really does have it all.

It hasnt helped my penchant for a historical building and much to the chagrin of my gorgeous man, I would quite like to live in one ..... one day maybe!

http://www.warwick-castle.com/

Tip: If you buy tickets online and in advance, you can save up to 40% on the ticket price.

Information correct at time of release. 12/06/2012

Photos taken by me and should not be copied without permission,

Maternity Pillow Reviews : Let the pillow fight commence

I was very lucky to be offered a variety of maternity pillows whilst I was pregnant, some recommending benefits for the dreaded SPD, others talking about ease of breastfeeding, so we (and I mean the whole family) have put them to the test. So let the pillow fight commence ...

Theraline Maternity Pillow

 

The key points noted from Theraline is that this maternity and nursing pillow gives you stable support during your pregnancy, relief for legs, belly and a stressed back, easy to change sleeping positions, safely molds to baby’s body and it gives you amazing back support. I was genuinely surprised at how big this pillow is, it is definately the "daddy" of the nursing pillows and I really wanted to use it in bed at night whilst I was pregnant but dissapointingly my SPD meant that I couldnt get comfortable with anything, including this pillow, it was simply too big. This is not to say that the pillow hasnt been used, my eldest daughter has adopted it in her bedroom and it is great to sit her baby sister in, when we are all reading in the bedroom. It wraps around her easily, leaving her safe and comfortable. Verdict: Big Sisters favourite!

For more details go to http://www.theraline.co.uk/  

 

Floppeze Support Pillow

The Floppeze is a uniquely designed pillow that has multiple uses throughout the developing years from pregnancy support, feeding, sitting, travel and more. I was extremely excited that the Floppeze claims to be an especially good support for women who suffer with SPD, so I was ready and raring to try this out! My pelvis however had other ideas and decided that it was going to be a complete pain (!!) and not be eased by anything. I have concluded that this is more a reflection on my body rather than the design or abilities of any of the pillows tested. We all absolutely LOVE the design of this pillow, it appeals to children (young and old) with its "cow" design and has been a godsend as the little one has got bigger as it has been used to support her development through tummy time and learning to sit unaided. I think out of all of the pillows, this is the one that will last after the baby stage, it will be a neck support on long journeys and with its cheeky face, its like having a new pet! Verdict : Daddy's favourite.

For more details go to http://www.bibsandstuff.co.uk/

 

Boppy Pillow

The press release tells us that the award-winning Boppy feeding pillow creates an ergonomic ‘nest’ shape, which embraces and cuddles baby making them feel safe and protected and helps to aid the feeding process. A “Miracle Middle” which adapts to the shape of each and every mum guarantees a snug and secure fit and the exclusive fibre padding used in each pillow means it keeps its shape and is incredibly supportive and comfortable. This was the pillow that I used in the early days of breastfeeding, it wrapped round me snugly and supported my baby girl well. It was fantastic for my eldest daughter to, as she could sit with her little sister comfortably, without worrying about her sliding out of her arms. This is definately the "toughest" of the nursing pillows, so maybe this is actually the "mummy" of this group. Verdict : Mummy's Favourite!

For more details visit http://www.boppyworld.co.uk/

The use of a maternity or nursing pillow isnt all about asthetics and whether it looks nice in your lounge or your nursery, there is medial research that we have been supplied, courtesy of Boppy Pillow, which explains how the pillow helps with correct positioning for feeding.

Professor Guido Moro, Director at the Neonatology Operating unit and Neonatal Intensive Care unit at the Macedonio Melloni Hospital in Milan, explains: “At the beginning, it’s normal for the strong sucking of the baby to elongate the nipple and the areola tissues, which causes a certain amount of discomfort. When the baby is not positioned correctly, this will cause harsh tugging at the nipples which can lead to severe discomfort and pain to both the nipples and the breasts; over time this can even cause painful cracks and chaps,which take time to heal.”

The use of a feeding pillow makes it much easier to find a variety of comfortable feeding positions, whatever the circumstance or environment. Prof. Guido Moro says: “A feeding pillow can be a great help for mother and baby during nursing. Without a pillow, the mother’s arm muscles tire more easily and the baby can slowly slide downwards, which changes the way he suckles on the breast, something that can be rather painful for the nipples.”

So in the end, I think it comes down to personal choice. I have been lucky enough to try 3 different pillows and each have their own merits - it really depends on what you need from your nursing pillow as to which one suits your needs best!

When you think of Florida ......

What images does Florida conjure up for you? Is it Mickey Mouse at Walt Disney World or the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast? So whether it is a theme park filled adventure or a relaxing beach holiday, Florida really does seem to have it all.

Leaving aside the popular music artist "Flo-rida" who is nothing at all to do with this article, apart from the fact he originates from there and may provide an upbeat backing track, what can Florida offer you?

As a sun worshipper, there is an abundance of sunshine to catch (whilst wearing sunscreen of course) as you go down the Gold Coast, offering you delights from Miami, West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

But if you are a thrill seeker, you have a collection of theme parks to choose from, with those to make you screeeeaaaaaam, to the glamorous Hollywood studios and innovative Epcot Centre.

Lets be honest, if you are reading this blog, you already know you want to go there .... so what are you waiting for??

http://www.ocean-florida.co.uk/ 

Do you know a young driver without car insurance?

We are pleased to have this guest blog from Sainsburys Money Matters, it certainly makes for interesting reading .....

It's estimated that there are over one million uninsured cars on UK roads. With young drivers facing some of the highest premium prices, many succumb to the temptation of driving uninsured.

Young male drivers are statistically the worst affected by rising insurance prices, with cover often costing well over £1000 per annum for those under the age of 21. However, the expense of these policies should never be taken as an excuse to drive without insurance. It's a criminal offence that has severe consequences for both the uninsured driver and other road users.

How young, uninsured drivers could affect you:

It is estimated that as many as one in 10 motorists have been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, and this will add £30 to the average premium paid by conscientious motorists. Younger, less experienced drivers are statistically more likely to have an accident in the first place, posing a greater risk.

If you're hit by an uninsured driver and it's not your fault, you could still end up claiming on your own insurance for the damages to your car - provided, of course, that you have fully comprehensive insurance to cover it.

You may also have to pay the excess on your http://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/insuring/car-insurance.shtml  and you could lose your no claim discount.

What you can do to protect yourself and your family from uninsured drivers?

Check who you and your children are riding with. If your kids are at an age when they and their friends are passing their driving tests, double check that their friends are fully insured. Otherwise, as a passenger they may not be entitled to compensation in the event of an accident.

Check your insurance policy. Some policies will allow you to keep your no claim discount if you're hit by an uninsured driver, but not all. If you're worried about being hit by an uninsured driver, talk to your insurance company about what options might be available.

If you're hit by an uninsured driver, make sure you get as much evidence regarding the accident as possible.

Often people won't admit to having no insurance, so if you have an accident, do the following:

1. Take their full name, address and telephone number - try to check these against another document, such as a driving licence, if possible.

2. Accurately record their registration number, car make and model and the colour of the car. Also record any other significant features.

3. Take photos of the accident, before the cars are moved. This is obviously made easier these days due to cameras on mobile phones, but if your phone doesn't have a camera then keep a disposable in the glove box.

4. Take witness statement, and record their name and address to pass on to your insurance company. The more witnesses the better.

UK Half Term Holiday Destinations - Guest post

New Guest Post from our friends at Money Supermarket

UK Half Term Holiday Destinations

Half term is fast approaching and the worry of what to do to occupy the kids for a full week is filling many parents with dread. The desire to provide them with a fun filled educational week off is conflicting with the necessity of not breaking the bank. There are many great things you can do at home to have a great half term break and not spend a lot but sometimes getting away even for a couple of days can make the break seem like a real holiday.

Here are a few of the great UK destinations suitable for short breaks and ways you can enjoy them without spending a fortune.

Chester

Often overlooked for its neighbouring cities of Manchester and Liverpool, Chester is a fantastic place to get away with the children. Home to Chester Zoo, the whole family can enjoy a day out here, granted this can be a bit on the expensive side when there is a few of you but there are ways of reducing the cost. Chester Zoo often offers discount vouchers, particularly during the school holidays, always look out for these before you go. Avoid the restaurants and cafes when you are in there as they can be expensive, instead take a picnic, there are plenty of picnics spots available (indoor and outdoor) and that way you can control the amount you are spending on food and drinks.

To save even more money when visiting Chester, head to the lesser known attractions such as the Ice Cream Farm and the Candle Factory, close by you can even visit both in one day.

For a completely free activity if your children enjoy history, get them to pretend they are a Roman soldier for a day and walk the city walls and visit the ruins of the amphitheatre. A visit to the museum, which is also free, can provide you with all the knowledge to provide them with a fun and educational day out.

York

York, like Chester is a city steeped in history so is great for families with children who enjoy learning about soldiers, leaders and the key figures of times gone by. As well as its role in Roman history, York is also the birthplace of Guy Fawkes and visitors can take part in the Guy Fawkes walking tour at only £4 for adults and £2 for children.

For a fun filled day out head to the York Dungeons, here families can enjoy an interactive experience of all of York’s horrible history including rides and actors to make it all the more realistic. Money can be saved on tickets to the dungeon by planning ahead and booking online, particularly when booking a family ticket of 2 adults and 2 children (the price reduces from £49 to £29.40)

Blackpool

Blackpool has long been associated with British family breaks, although more recently has been given a bad reputation, largely due to hen and stag parties flocking to the area. While it is true that there are a fair few revellers around in the evening this doesn’t stop the area being a great traditional destination for families during the day.

Of course the best free attraction Blackpool has to offer is its beach, although not many of us will want to be sat on a beach in the freezing temperatures of February! Instead staying indoors is much more preferable, Blackpool has many attractions that are great for kids, the Sea Life Centre, Pirate Adventure Mini Golf (again indoors!) Louis Tussards waxwork museum, Blackpool Tower and countless arcades. Granted these all cost money although many offer vouchers and discounts so it’s a good idea to check before you go as you could end up saving a lot of money. Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Nickelodeon Land are fantastic for the kids and both will be open this February, the Pleasure Beach only opens at the weekends but Nickelodeon Land is open every day.

Conwy

If Blackpool is a little bit to lively then heading to the North Wales coast for a beach break might be more your thing. Conwy is a beautiful town that is a great destination for a family break, as well as having a stunning coastline which is great for walks (ideal if you have a dog and like to take them on holiday with you) a castle and even the smallest house in Britain!

You can see Conwy Castle as soon as you arrive in the town, wonderfully preserved, once you enter its grounds you can imagine how it would have been when it was first constructed during the 1200’s. Admission is just £13.90 for a family ticket. Once you have visited the castle, head just down the road to the smallest house in Britain! This tiny house is just 10 feet by 6 feet in size and was built in the 16th century with people living there right up until the 1900’s. On visiting the house you can learn all about its past owners, the last being fisherman Robert Jones who himself who 6ft 3in. Visitors can enter the house and see for themselves how it must have been to live in Britain’s smallest house! Throw in a bag of fish and chips and this day out can be a great day for families with children of all ages.

This is a guest article from Charlotte at http://travelsupermarket.com/ , whether you choose to enjoy a short break in the UK or a last minute holiday overseas, TravelSupermarket can help you to find a great deal for you and your family that’ll leave you with plenty of spending money to enjoy your time away.