Baby Sing Christmas CD Review.

As many of you will already know from reading earlier posts, our family LOVES music, and practically from birth Tyrus has had his own collection of CDs ranging from Take That to Oasis, all in baby friendly form, so you can imagine my delight when I was given the opportunity to review a Christmas CD, especially for little ones...

Baby Sing Christmas is a fantastic new Christmas Album, by Music for Baby, perfect to create a special atmosphere for baby's first christmas.

Music For Baby is a small independent record label, run by a hsuband and wife team, which specialise in music designed to support development from pre-natal through to toddler and beyond.

Music For Baby believe that the influence music has on our lives begins when you are in the womb, and that it spans across every aspect of life, having a positive impact on concentration, sleep, movement, memory, learning and emotional development, as well as a whole lot of fun!

I definitely agree with their belief, music plays a huge part in the Morrison household, from Pop Music, through to Opera, we adore music.
You will always find at least one of our children listening to music, whether they be doing their homework, lying in bed or just having a quiet moment.

The CD has a fantastic mixture of songs to listen to, from the very traditional to the slightly more modern.
We always have a problem in our house trying to decide which Christmas CDs to listen to, although we love the traditional Carols, many of the CDs are very antiquated and the younger ones lose interest, and the older children enjoy listening to the Modern Day Christmas songs, but the younger ones get frustrated becuase they do not know the words, and they are not the songs they have been learning at school!

I put this CD on especially for Tyrus, however I found that all of the children had come into the lounge and were happily singing along to the words, this CD  has a lovely guitar arrangement and the voice is very soothing. It has 13 tracks, with an additional five bonus tracks that have been remixed and have additional vocals.

If you are looking for a nice, soothing CD that will keep little ones happy and entertained, then I would definitely recommend this CD. It has certainly put The Morrison Household in good Christmas Spirit, singing along to `Away In A Manger' and then `All I Want For Christmas Is You'...


It is available to buy from www.musicforbaby.co.uk

Bras 4 Mums Winner

The winner of the Bras 4 Mums voucher is

chloewitters

Please send your details to mandijmorrison@aol.com

Good Luck Charlie The Road Trip Movie (aka It’s Christmas)

As you will already know if you have read any of my blog posts, our family has a slight obsession with anything Disney!
One of the programmes that all three girls enjow atching, although I sometimes see the boys showing an interest too is Good Luck Charlie, I think the older children can relate to PJ and Teddy having younger siblings, and Eowyn always says in her most grown up voice "Charlie is SO cute"...

So it has been a huge talking point with the children when they saw advertised a film of Good Luck Charlie.
It premieres on Friday, 16^th November at 6pm called Good Luck Charlie The Road Trip Movie (aka It's Christmas)

And here is a little sneak preview...

In this brand new movie, the much-loved Duncan family go on holiday to Palm Springs which inevitably takes a turn for the worst as Teddy and Amy get separated from the family at the airport – only three days before Christmas! With the odds against them as the clock counts down to Christmas day, Teddy sets out to reunite the family using all available forms of transportation (bus, car, hitch-hiking, and even a tandem bike) making way for this year’s rather unconventional, Christmas celebration.

Alongside muti-talented Bridgit Mendler, Leigh-Allyn Baker (Will & Grace) stars as Amy Duncan; Bradley Steven Perry (Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure) as Gabe Duncan; Mia Talerico as Charlie Duncan; with Eric Allan Kramer (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, My Name Is Earl) as Bob Duncan; and Jason Dolley (Hatching Pete, Cory in the House) as PJ Duncan, with guest appearances from Debra Monk (Damages, Grey's Anatomy) and Michael Kagan (Desperate Housewives).

I could think of nothing worse than being separated from some of the children, especially so close to Christmas, and the thought of leaving Asa with the younger children and my parents, alone makes me shudder to think about it!!

So the Sky+ box will be set, as I have learnt that my children never just watch a Disney film once, they need to view it at least three times, and with nine days to fill once they break up for Christmas, means they can all get festive watching it, and not get too excited I HOPE!!

Preschool Visit for Eowyn aged three !

Eowyn celebrated her third birthday last Monday, so we have reached that time in her life when she is going to start preschool. Today was her first visit......

All of my children have attended the same preschool, and it did seem strange entering the building for my fifth child to start, although I have to say, not a lot has changed over the years.

We got off to a good start, whilst we were waiting to go in, Eowyn suddenly had THAT look and said "Mummy I need a wee" luckily we were able to sneak in and use the toilet, otherwise that could have been disasterous!

We were allowed in at 9.15am and the first thing that Eowyn headed for was the Painting Table !

Which made me smile, as I have fond memories of Neva ( now aged eight) doing exactly this each morning that I used to drop her off for Preschool.

Five very soggy paintings later and she moved onto the Christmas Craft table, which consisted of lots of Stickers, Glue and Glitter.....

I am obviously THE worst mother in the world, because the look of glee on my daughters face, when she discovered the Glitter, made me realise that I obviously have never got the Glitter Box out at home....

Eowyn decorated a lovely Christmas Tree Card and made a stocking, FULL of glitter, in fact Tyrus is still sparkling three hours later, it really does get EVERYWHERE.

Next it was time to decorate the Real Christmas Tree, which was the funniest thing to watch, nine children aged 3 and 4 completely covering the first foot of the Christmas Tree with baubles, tinsel and beads, with the rest of the tree completely empty! The adults discretely moved some of the sparkle higher up the tree, and it looked wonderful.

It was then time for snack, we had chosen the right day to visit as it was a little boy's birthday, which meant we had cake!!

Eowyn then decided to play dress up, she looked very cute in a Pink Princess Dress and continued to wear this until the end of the session.

We did some puzzles, read a couple of books and surprisingly, helped to tidy up, which was amazing as she never seems to have that ability at home, I hope she brings that one home with her!

Finally, we took part in their rehearsal for the Christmas Concert, singing such wonderful songs as When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney and Jingle Bells.

All of my children have reacted very differently to attending Preschool, some were keen, others, not so, but I have a feeling Eowyn is going to be the easiest to adjust, but I guess we will just have to wait and see when she officially starts two mornings per week in January!

Accessories Direct - The Place to Wrap Up Christmas.

With not very long until Christmas, I was delighted to be given the opportunity to review an item from the fabulous Accessories Direct Xene and Neva both have numerous items of jewellery, hats, scarves and bags on their Christmas Lists.

Accessories Direct offers a beautiful selection of jewellery, handbags, belts, hats, scarves, gloves and gift ideas. They know that the right accessory can complete any outfit and with their easy to use website there’s no need to stress about finding that perfect party piece, unique Christmas gift or statement item for your special occasion or event!

Now, I must admit I have never really been a bag or accessories type of woman, not that I don't enjoy wearing them, its just that I have had a baby or toddler to look after for the past 14 years, therefore anything that is able to be pulled, or broken, or that may strangle me, is a no-no.

So when I was given the choice of some beautiful necklaces or a bag to review, I opted for a bag.

The website has so many bags to choose from and in many different shapes, styles and sizes.
No matter how hard I try, the sensible mum trait is always there, so I decided to look for a bag that was big enough to hold the essential items - nappy, wipes, baby toy! but at the same time looked stylish and fashionable.

After much deliberation I decided to go for a black Duffle Bag by Kate Benjamin.

 The Parcel arrived and I was very glad that I had chosen a big enough bag to keep everything in. Although I must admit, when I was sent through the link to information on the bag and the price (£175), I was very nervous about receiving it, I have never had such a luxurious bag and I was hoping it would live up to its price tag, but I had no worries on that aspect, it arrived in its own bag!

I can honestly say I have NEVER had a bag with its own bag.

The first thing that hit me when I opened the drawstring bag was the wonderful smell of leather, as I took the bag out I was delighted with the entire package.

It had end pockets with poppers, and drawstrings, a gorgeous leather and suede front pocket with clasp and stud effect,a gorgeous pink lining, a detachable shoulder strap and a mobile phone pocket. It felt so luxurious, I had to admit that my feelings towards luxury handbags has changed entirely!

I have already been asked by Xene, my mum and sister if I will be keeping the bag for myself, or if I would like to wrap it up and give it to them for a Christmas Present, but for once I am definitely keeping something for me!!

Although I shall definitely be taking a little look on the site for their Christmas Presents, they also have fantastic gifts for children including this Panda Hat, how cute is that!

The very kind people at Accessories Direct have offered my blog readers a huge 20% off non-sale items from the website using this exclusive code – “FESTIVE”. The discount code is valid until 9^th December 2011.

So, if you are stuck on what to get someone special, take a look, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Minnie's Bow-Toons Competition

 

In celebration of Minnie Mouse getting her very own show, Hex Mum has teamed up with Disney to offer one lucky winner a bundle of goodies.

Enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning a great prize including a medium sized Minnie Mouse plush teddy, a small Minnie Mouse plush teddy and a Mickey Mouse Blast Off Rocket.

Minnie’s Bow-Toons is on Disney Junior from 5^th – 16^th December at 7:25am and 5:25pm, following this it’s on from the 19^th – 31^st December at 7:55am and 5:25pm.

Head over to Minnies Paint My Bow Game a lovely game for any Minnie Mouse Fan.

To be in with a chance of winning these lovely prizes, just answer this simple question.

Who is Minnie Mouse Married to ?

a) Donald Duck

b) Mickey Mouse

c) Goofy

Please email your answer and Full name to MinniesBowToons@hotcherry.co.uk

Closing Date: 1st January 2012

Minnie’s Bow-Toon Competition

We are offering one (1) winner the opportunity to win a Minnie’s Bow-Toon prize

How to enter:	To enter, answer the multiple choice question set in the promotional material.  Submit your answer with your full name to the following email address MinniesBowToons@hotcherry.co.uk.
Start Date:	01 December 2011
Closing Date:	Midnight, 01 January 2012
Winner will be notify:	Within one (1) week of the Closing Date via email
Entry Age:	Eighteen (18) years and older
Judging Criteria:	The winner will be the first entry randomly selected by the Hexmum from all valid and correct entries received by the closing date.
Prize Details:	There is one (1) prize consisting of:  one (1) Mickey Mouse Blast Off Rocket, one (1) Minnie Mouse Plush and one (1) ‘cutie’ Minnie Mouse Plush.  Prize Restrictions/ Notices: Prize is not suitable for anyone under two (2) years of age.

General Terms & Conditions

The Promoter is The Walt Disney Company Limited, Building 12, 566 Chiswick High Road, London W4 5AN (“Disney”).  If you have any questions please contact Customer Services at help@disney.co.uk (feedback@disneychannel.co.uk), or write to Minnie’s Bow-Toon Competition/Hexmum, Disney Channel UK, Building 12, 566 Chiswick High Road, London W4 5AN.  By participating you (the “you”, “Entrants (s)”) agree to the requirements set out in all promotional materials and the following General Terms and Conditions.

1.         Eligibility.  Please always get the bill payer's permission before going online or calling to enter.  Not open to employees (or their immediate families) of Disney, its agencies or anyone else professionally associated with this competition.  Maximum one entry per person unless otherwise stated. Entries via agents or third parties or use of multiple identities and email addresses are not permitted. Use of automated entries or programs is prohibited and all such entries will be disqualified.  You must be a resident of the UK.  Online entries must be completed by the Closing Date.

2.         Personal Information.  Your personal information may be passed to our agents to administer the competition, send out prizes and to enable Disney to promote the competition and its products and services (including the products and services of any partner sponsoring the competition) in any media including without limitation TV, online and publishing channels and social media platforms. Promoter will not contact you other than in connection with this competition.

3.         Disney’s Liability.  For online entries: Disney cannot guarantee continuous, uninterrupted or secure access to the website and is not responsible for any disruption to the competition or the website due to technical problems or otherwise due to events outside of its reasonable control.  Disney has arranged this competition in good faith but, to the fullest extent allowed by law, accepts no responsibility for loss or damages as a result of anyone participating in the competition or any aspect of any prize awarded. Your legal rights as a consumer are not affected.

4.         Prize Confirmation & Acceptance.  If winner declines to accept the prize, Hexmum/promoter reserves the right to withdraw prize entitlement and award the prize to a substitute winner chosen at the same time as the first name(s) are selected or judged to be a winner. Any prize which is returned or cannot be delivered will be used for another competition or given to charity. Disney has no responsibility to anyone who has not responded.

5.         Prize Fulfilment. No cash or other alternative prizes are available, except that in the event of circumstances outside of its control Disney (and/or any sponsor partner providing any prize) reserves the right to substitute a similar prize of equal or greater value. Prizes cannot be transferred or sold by winners unless a parent/guardian or grandparent is entering the competition on behalf of a child or family member. Unless otherwise stated in the prize description, winners are solely responsible for all additional costs and expenses associated with claiming the prize.  Disney reserves the right to request proof of identity or to verify eligibility conditions and to award any prize to the winner in person.  Prize will be distributed within five (5) weeks from prize acceptance.

6.         Cancellation or Disqualification.

a.     Disney reserves the right to disqualify late, misdirected, incomplete, corrupted, lost, illegible or invalid entries. 

b.     Disney reserves the right to modify, suspend, cancel or terminate the competition or extend or resume the entry period or disqualify any participant at any time without giving advance notice and will do so if it cannot be guaranteed that the competition can be carried out fairly or correctly for technical, legal or other reasons or if Disney suspects that any person has been manipulating entries or the results, or has provided false information or has acted unethically in any other way.

7.         Publicity. You agree that Disney may publish first name, surname initial, age, town/city and/or likeness without payment.

8.         Winners' details. For information regarding the names of the winners (and, if applicable, their winning entries) or send a stamped and addressed envelope to the Customer Services address on the competition entry page quoting “Winners List” and the name of the competition.

9.         No purchase necessary.  Disney's decision to select any winner is final and we reserve the right not to correspond on any matter.

10.      The laws of England and Wales apply and any disputes will be dealt with in the English courts only.

© Disney