The Mini Mes' Favourite Christmas Gifts - Jamster

The generosity from friends and family is always quite overwhelming at Christmas and although each present is so gratefully received there are usually a few items in particular that the Mini Mes just can't put down!

Here are Jamster's top 5....

Samsung Galaxy Core Prime
Jamster had wanted a mobile phone for quite a while, and as a lot of his friends had recently received handsets I thought it was time to get him his own. I felt as though this make and model were ideal for his first and it was good value too at £89.95 sim free. I've set up a monthly contract so I don't need to worry about topping it up.

Spy Net Vibrasonic Walkie Talkies
These have been here, there and everywhere already! Jamster took them to my parent's on Boxing Day and to my sister's the day after to show everyone. He wears a set constantly and gives the other to whoever is willing to use it. Once switched on you don't need to press a button when you speak, like you would on standard walkie talkies, this is constant two way chat with a range of up to 30m so he was rather impressed, especially as he loves his action hero/secret agent movies.

Top 5 Family Destinations for the Summer Holidays 2015

Travelling abroad is one of life’s greatest experiences, but what’s even better is sharing it as a family. Holidaying together allows you to make life-long memories, see the world together, and create bonds that will last a lifetime. In order to ensure all of these things, you need to find a place that will be suited to everyone, from the babies to the grandparents. Due to this, a lot of people are now opting for boutique family holidays which guarantees an ideal adventure catering for all your needs and desires whilst abroad.

With summer is fast looming, you may not be sure where to go. Here is a quick guide to the top 5 summer holiday destinations 2015.

The Mini Mes in Kefalonia

Turkey

This is a European destination where families with children are very welcome with the locals being extremely friendly and helpful. Famous for its mud baths and delicious cuisine, Turkey also has a lot more to offer. If you are keen on history and architecture, the capital city Istanbul has an array of castles, palaces, and markets to visit, as well as trips on ferryboats to experience as a different mode of transport to the everyday walking and catching the bus. 

5 Amazing Educational Apps for Kids

As most parents know quite well, kids and mobile devices seem to go together as naturally as toast and marmalade. Even small toddlers can grasp the concept of using their mum’s smartphone to play games. While our kids certainly enjoy all sorts of activities on these devices, we mums and dads hope that our kids are using apps that will help them learn. Fortunately, there are a variety of fun and engaging apps that also are educational. For example, consider the following:

The Ultimate Guide To Trick-Or-Treat Etiquette

With everything from glow in the dark skeleton onesies to Frankenstein outfits available from companies like Morph costumes, it’s no wonder the streets are taken over by excited trick-or- treaters come Halloween. Wicked witches and cheeky little devils go from door to door looking for candy and while this is a well-known custom trick-or-treat etiquette is essential, so here are some essential rules. 

Summer Fashion For You And Your Mini Me: 5 Key Pieces For Both Of You

The years when your little ones are happy to wear whatever you pick out for them from the wardrobe that morning are all too quickly over. Soon, they’re as opinionated about their outfits as they are about what they will and won’t eat and which toys they’re happy to share with their brother or sister. But, there are some trends this summer which should keep both mum and even the most ardent little fashionista happy. Here are some of the best pieces this season:

The colourful loafer

Ballet pumps have been the flat of choice for seasons, but the tide seems to be turning in favour of the loafer. Once the preserve of the sloany set, the loafer has had something of a fashion make-over. It’s

Top 5 family discount vouchers for eating out

 Eating out can be an expensive experience, especially when you want the kids to come along too, but it's always nice to have a night away from the oven and the dishes!

 With Mother's Day fast approaching why not book a table, enjoy a delicious family meal out and save some money in the process with these great discount vouchers.

Buy one main and get another for £2.50 at ASK

At Ask you can buy 1 main meal and get another for just £2.50! They have a lovely children's menu which includes a starter, main, dessert and babyccino for just £5.95 and gluten free ingredients available upon request - superb.

25% off your food bill at Pizza Express

Pizza is a favourite for us and with 25% off the bill at Pizza Express you can enjoy authentic Italian food without worrying too much about the cost. The menu including dough balls, olives and of course freshly prepared pizza made from the finest ingredients!

£10 off when you buy two mains at Strada

Reduce the bill at Strada with a £10 off voucher when you buy 2 mains. With pasta, risotto and even seafood stew on the menu you will have a great evening enjoying flavour filled food at an affordable price.

Two courses at Bella Italia for £9.95

You can enjoy 2 courses for less than £10 at Bella Italia this March and being able to book a table online it makes dining out even more convenient. The kids menu features chicken breasts, cod goujons and lasagne and with a great variety of meals for the grown ups too there is something to give everyone an appetite.

25% off when you spend £25 at Domino’s

If you don't fancy a night out and an evening at home with a movie and wine is more to your taste you can always order dinner to your door. Save 25% off Domino's pizza and you can treat yourself to some cookies, pancakes or ice cream for dessert too!


Where will you be eating out next?

Festive Tunes

Nothing burns off all those mince pies and helps you find your Christmas spirit like a dance to some festive tunes. Also, if you are the designated driver over the festive period some good music in the car can make the driving seem less of a chore!

These are my top 5....

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

I would love to wake up Christmas morning with a good few inches of snow on the ground. There is something about it that is so beautiful and magical. I'd really like to open the presents then dash outside with the Mini Mes and Me to play before a huge roast dinner with the rest of the family, even if I am like Bambi on ice!

All I Want For Christmas is You

This song reminds me that despite all the presents, food and drink it's family and friends that are important this time of year. Christmas is the ideal time to show your loved ones what they mean to you.

Winter Wonderland

That lovely moment when you have kicked off your wellies, pulled off your hat and popped the kettle on after building snowmen; that is what this song reminds me of. Warm fires, hot chocolate and watching the snow fall outside while your snug indoors watching people being hit my snowballs out the window!

... Plus Michael Buble is slightly drool inducing which is a bonus.

Jingle Bell Rock 

This song reminds me of all the fun over Christmas. Nights out, good food and parties. 

Just basically enjoying yourself and having a good time.

 

Santa Claus is coming to town

My favourite Christmas song! It is just so upbeat and it always makes me want to bop away and sing along.

The Mini Mes get so excited about the arrival of Santa and this song makes me think about Christmas Eve, putting out the cookies and milk and a carrot for the reindeer.

Coca-Cola has a special Designated Driver programme which promotes the positive role that soft drinks have as an alternative to alcohol. 

Be safe on the roads this Christmas and do not drink alcohol and drive!

You can use their interactive Pub Finder to locate places where designated drivers can enjoy Coke and Diet Coke 2-for-1 when out with friends.

http://www.coca-cola.co.uk/designated-driver/

This is my entry into the Festive Song Linky sponsored by Coca-Cola

Listography - Top 5 wishes for my child

This weeks Listography Challenge provided by Kate Takes 5 is to select my top 5 wishes for my child. Similar to Sleeping Beauty who had 3 Fairy Godmothers, we are to imagine our little ones have 5 instead, each offering a wish - how awesome would that actually be!

Health and Happiness
This one goes without saying really. When their little eyes light up and a big smile appears across their face it's so lovely to see and it makes me happy knowing that they are. I wish they live happily regardless of what they choose to do and where they go as they grow. Being healthy fits in there too. The odd cough or cold can be dealt with but I wish they don't suffer with anything severe that causes them long term pain or suffering.

Success
What area they achieve their success in is up to them but I wish that whatever goals they set they reach and any targets they make they meet. I want them to know I am proud of them always and if wealth comes with their success that's just a bonus!

Self-respect
I wish that they are able to say no to others if they don't agree, I don't want them to be little sheep and follow the crowd. I want them to look after themselves and their bodies, eating well and exercising too and I don't want them to take any rubbish, from anyone. I wish they are strong individuals both in mind and body.

Finding the perfect partner
To be loved by someone and to feel love for someone else is incredible. The butterflies you get, that warm feeling in your tummy when you meet 'the one' is so magical and I hope my Mini Mes meet someone that they adore and would do anything for.... Preferably someone that accepts them for who they are, is funny, can cook, clean and do DIY. I don't ask for too much, honest!

They get to travel
I want them to explore, see the world and have a fabulous time doing so. Maybe learning new languages on the way while seeing amazing sites and trying new food and new experiences. Holidays are some of the best times and I have wonderful memories from trips I have been on. I want them to make lovely memories too.

If you could bestow 5 wishes on your child what would they be? I would love to hear your thoughts.

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