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Shopkins Happy Places App Review

One day, when Evie was about three and a half she came home from nursery telling me all about her best friend and how she had got some Shopkins for Christmas. From that moment Evie was absolutely obsessed with getting her own Shopkins. I had no idea what they were at the time but finally got her some for her Birthday. Since then they have become a really big hit and she has never stopped putting them on her Christmas lists. She is now the proud owner of around a thousand tiny Shopkins, a few Lil’ Shoppies, A Shoe Shop and a massive Shopkins Jumbo Jet. Some of the items are more furniture based and have more animal features which I have recently learned are called Petkins. Petkins and Lil’ Shoppies play a huge part in a new App we’ve been playing together.

Evie takes a real interest in games from playing her tablet and watching us play video, computer and App games so I felt she would really enjoy playing the Happy Places App. It is the official game for the Lil’ Shoppie and Petkins collectibles, by Moose Enterprises and Kuato Studios. It is currently only available on the App store and can be downloaded, for free, here. The App is designed for those aged between 5 and 8 so really has Evie’s age in mind. I downloaded it, for free, on my phone and then Evie and I started setting up our new Happy Places home together. When you start the app you are in a moving van coming into your own Happy Places home which is then yours to furnish and decorate as you see fit with the super cute Petkins.

Evie has found the game really easy to play. You can create your perfect little home, furnishing it with a whole collection of Petkins. You get a good few selection to start with and playing regularly gives you daily log in rewards. Every few moments the Lil’ Shoppie pops up with an icon in a thought bubble which tells you what she wants to do. This prompted Evie to select the right Petkins for the home. Getting it right gives you a ticket which are collected in the top right corner. When you reach 25 tickets delivery van brings a special treat right to your door. This allows you to continue collecting all the Petkins. A way to get a few extra tickets and to have a style throughout your Happy Places home is my completing House Goals. These are collecting a few Petkins and putting them in your home which makes your Lil’ Shoppie feel right at home. Some items can be stacked or opened by clicking on them and it’s very easy to drag and drop furnishings around the home. Longer playing allows you to access more characters, Petkins and more Happy Places.

Evie is really enjoying playing Happy Places and loves the creative aspect of it. It’s really nice to see her little places and rooms that she’s created especially with a franchise she really loves. The TalesMaker is a pretty cool part of the App as it creates images or stories Happy Places during her play. It helps to create a bit of a character story throughout the game. There are in App purchases but this requires you to type in the adults year of birth and then your usual password to purchase through the App store. Each mystery box contains 5 items and is priced at £1.99.

There is also a parents area where you can set a timer for how long your child can play the game which is great if you want to restrict screen time. I really like the fact that the App has these parental controls. Take a look at The Sizzle video below to see the App in action!

Disclaimer: This App is free however, in exchange for this review I received payment and some free In App purchases. All opinions remain my own.

March 14, 2018
I’m Excited To Share This…

Adam and I have been together for quite some time now. Five and a half years ago we met whilst I was living in a hostel with my then two year old daughter. A single mum, learning how to cope with depression and anxiety. Trying to deal with my new situation of shared residency, homelessness and being on benefits. Adam made that time so much easier and it really wasn’t long before we talked about living together. Since we moved in together Adam has been there for me, the extra help and reassurance, the love and compassion for not only me but for my daughter as well. We talked about extending our little family but it never really seemed the right time. More money, more space, better jobs…the list goes on. The truth is though, I don’t think you’re ever really quite ready for when kids come into your life. I don’t think I was at 21 when I had Evie, and had no idea of all the changes I would make to make sure this little person would have as good a life as possible…right from the moment I found out she was on her way.
Evie…1 Day Old

So today I am truly thrilled to finally be able to share with you all that Adam and I are expecting a baby. Evie is going to be a big sister (finally..she said when I told her) and Adam is going to make a wonderful dad. I already know because I’ve already seen how he is with Evie, how he too had to become an unexpected parent at 21 despite having no biological connection to her. This baby is making our family bigger and we are all so excited. I’ve just had my 12 week scan which was a little tricky due to my high BMI. I obviously haven’t been able to lose as much weight as I would have liked which has made this a bit risky and made the scan harder to see everything but the good news is that we saw our baby (just the one!) and that they are measuring as expected. Our due date is currently 20th September 2018 meaning Evie will turn 8 just before they’re born. I have to have another scan in a couple of weeks time to get a few more measurements which should be easier with a slightly bigger baby.

The last twelve weeks have mostly been filled with anxiety, feeling sick, bloated and tired but I’m glad that’s fading a bit now. I am under consultant care due to my previous c-section and BMI but I won’t actually be meeting a consultant until June. We have a picture below which isn’t very clear at all – again, the fat – but the sonographer saw the baby move, heartbeat and was able to measure the baby at 12 weeks 5 days. The blurry picture below is from our very first scan (Adam has lovingly referred to his child as an alien – not as bad as me, I thought the head was where the bum is)

March 13, 2018
Betty Box for Girls – Review

I started my period when I was eleven but I’ve known girls to start much younger than I was. I’ve also known girls not to start until they’re a bit older but it’s something I feel like I really need to prepare myself for because it’s one of those things you simply don’t know when it will all begin. My daughter will be eight in September, which is quite a way off yet and I also hope that her first period is still years away. In the meantime though, I want to do all I can to normalise and prepare her for starting her period. At her age she hasn’t done any form of body or sex education but that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t know how her own body works. I also want her to have self respect and put taking care of herself as a priority.

I think this is why I think Betty Box are really great. A period subscription box that’s aimed at preteens to help them learn about their bodies, take care of themselves and the importance of feminine hygiene products. Evie hasn’t really seen a lot of pads and tampons around the home because when I was on the implant I didn’t have any periods. I didn’t even have a need for an emergency stash because for five years of Evie’s life I didn’t have them. This isn’t a problem as such but having the products in the home where they are easy to see and recognise hopefully teaches girls that it’s just a normal part of being a woman. It’s normal to have periods, it’s nothing to be ashamed off and there are ways to keep yourself clean, fresh and feeling a bit better about the whole thing. You can sign up to Betty Box here.

Let’s be honest, it doesn’t matter how much you normalise them or talk about them, periods really suck. They’re painful, uncomfortable, come with constant hormone changes, emotional changes…there’s nothing nice about them. No one likes them but we have to deal with them. Having a treat like Betty Box each month might just make things a little bit easier. I love that with Betty Box you have a right now supply in a colourful bag that you can pop into a backpack, handbag or school bag. You then have seperate night time and day time pads for the main part of your period. Again showing that pads come in all shapes and sizes because everyone’s periods are different. You can also have a mix of pads and tampons depending on your personal preference.

Then you get goodies. A little box of skincare, stationary and chocolate treats. This is absolutely something that would have made me feel better as a young girl every month. Betty Box is a great idea for young girls that will help them educate themselves, take care of themselves and show them that even though periods aren’t very nice, there are people out there that want to make them as comfortable as possible.

Disclaimer: I received a Betty Box in exchange for this feature. All opinions are my own.

March 12, 2018
Family Holidays to St Barts

St Barts is a gorgeous Island in the Caribbean which just seems like a completely different world to me. It’s a place I am so keen to visit and explore all the beautiful landscapes, wildlife, beaches and that sea with crystal clear waters I could spend hours in. As a family we always look for holiday destinations that give us a real chance to explore, experience some luxury and give us the opportunity to relax in the sun. Visiting St Barts in the winter months really appeals to me, especially around Christmas time although it is known that accommodation tends to get really expensive this time of year thanks to the consistent temperature.

I think for our family a villa in St Barts would be ideal as it would give us lots of space and the freedom to get out and about whenever we wanted to. I do prefer it when we are free to make our own plans and timetable which is hard to do when in a resort. St Barts is a volcanic island with lots of beautiful reefs and a terrific landscape to match giving families lots of things to see and explore. It is one of the smaller islands in the West Indes and has French roots in it’s language, cuisine and culture. Getting to St Barts would require a little planning as flying direct is not possible. Instead, flights can be arranged to the neighbouring St Martens and then alternative transport such as chartered speedboat or ferry are available to connect. I imagine the travel with children might be a little offputting but seeing more of the beautiful Caribbean is very appealing and it’s a great chance to visit more than one island.

I can imagine a typical day for us as a family would start bright and early with a big breakfast around the table in our villa followed by a stroll to the nearby shops, perhaps in search of a local market to try some local cuisine. Lunch would be small and simple, before heading back to the villa to escape the sun before heading out to the beach to play and join in on some of the fun things that St Barts has to offer. You can read more about family villa holidays with My Gorgeous Boys.

Things to do in St Barts

There are plenty of beautiful, golden sandy beaches to visit giving you the chance to build sandcastles galore, relax and sunbathe. Perfect after all that travelling and I don’t think any family could visit the island without having a few days at the beach. A big blanket, beach snacks, sun cream and a bucket and spade will see you through. The beaches just look so beautiful and tranquil. What’s more, there are 14 beaches across St Barts to choose from so you’ve got plenty of opportunities to find your absolute favourite. Lorient Beach is a favourite with local families and a place to surf too, catering to all ages. Petit Cul de Sac is another lovely choice with relatively calm turquoise waters.

For those that want to see a little more underwater action then there are plenty of bays and reefs to snorkel in. It’s something I would absolutely love to do with my family in St Barts. Scuba Diving is also widely offered with plenty of diving schools throughout the island. I can just imagine capturing all those beautiful fish swimming around the waters and getting to see just a bit more. It’s a dream of mine to Scuba Dive in the Caribbean. Leading on from diving there are a few submarine trips available which would be a truly incredible experience and something I think many members of the family could enjoy without getting wet. St Barts is also a popular location for sailing and watersports such as Jet Skies.

St Barts is a quiet island and the nightlife is small which resonates with me so much more as a mother. I’m a fan of decent food and an early night now I’ve got children and I’m not really getting younger. A big nightlife scene is something I want to avoid and whilst St Barts does have some bars available, it isn’t known for its wild parties.

Food and Drink in St Barts

Food can absolutely make or break a holiday for us and knowing that St Barts is full of delicious options and variety is really appealing to us as a family. The island is incredible for those that are a fan of amazing restaurants and with plenty to choose from it’s doubtful, you would be disappointed. There are plenty of places to eat and drink along the seafront reminding you of the beautiful scenery and would make for some truly spectacular family photos. Restaurants will have plenty of wines and champagnes for you to try which will compliment your meal perfectly. French wine is my absolute favourite and it’s great to know that you can enjoy a delicious drink whilst sampling the food.

Much of the cuisine is traditional French with tender cuts of beef imported to the hotels and restaurants around the island. Ideal for families that are budgeting their spend when eating out, plenty of places offer a fixed price menu giving you a chance to sample a fair few dishes without a super steep price. Alongside this are plenty of fresh fish dishes and so much is served with freshly baked bread too. I know that rum is a popular drink across the Caribbean and it’s my favourite choice of spirit so trying a few of the local drinks.

St Barts really does look and seem like the ideal place for a relaxing, food filled family holiday and it’s a place I’m convinced I need to add to my bucket list.

Packing for a Family Holiday to St Barts

The best time to visit St Barts is between December and April. This avoids the tropical storm and hurricane season between August and October. The sea is warm all year around meaning there is always time to swim. I can’t help thinking that St Barts would be a lovely place to go to spend February half term or the Easter holidays. The temperature is warm with an average low of 23 degrees and an average high of 29 degrees Celsius. This seems like the ideal climate for a family holiday and with an average of eight to nine hours of sunshine there would be plenty of opportunity to do all the things St Barts has to offer.

With weather like this I think layers would be the best option. Light, comfortable clothing, plenty of swimwear and something a little warmer for the evening like a light jacket. For young children a mix of light clothing that they can too dress in layers.

Other essentials would of course include suncream, medications, snorkel equipment, comfortable walking shoes and hats. I would also pack a few items of entertainment for children such as a magazine, colouring, crayons and a tablet and charger.

This is a collaborative post.

March 2, 2018
Ear Piercing: Is There A Right Age?

On Friday I took my seven-year-old daughter to get her ears pierced. I honestly never thought she would have them done because she has shown absolutely no interest in having piercings before even though I have had many in my face in the past. For Christmas this year my mum bought me three sets of silver earrings in a beautiful little box. Whilst I’ve worn earrings in the past I can never really afford the good quality ones and have always opted for sterling silver or plated versions. I’m not allergic but these do get a bit uncomfortable from time to time so I don’t wear them. The new proper silver ones which are really beautiful have been in my ears now since Christmas and haven’t given me any discomfort at all. I hardly even feel them or remember they are there.

I think this and the fact that some of Evie’s friends in her class have earrings in has helped her to decide that she wants them herself. I was going to wait until the summer holidays to get them done so they had plenty of time to heal without the worry of school but we just thought why wait? I took Evie into Claires Accessories and spoke to the very nice lady there who gave me all the information and let Evie take a look at her choices for her first pair of earrings. She happily chose 9ct gold earrings which were going to set me back £54 with the three week hypoallergenic, paediatrician approved cleaning solution. We talked about what it would feel like and how it would be done and it didn’t deter her decision in the slightest. They should be fine to change within six weeks of having them pierced and then she needs to keep something in her ears for the next six months to prevent them closing up. Hopefully, she will keep them in, will look after them properly and will be relatively pain and infection free. We’ve talked about the importance of keeping hands clean before touching them too.

I think this is why I’m glad I waited until this age because she understands much more than she would have done if she had been younger. I was eight when I had my own ears pierced and I’ve never really had a problem. I was also old enough to understand how to clean them and change them properly when I needed to. I don’t remember getting any infections with them either. It makes me think about if there’s a right age to get children’s ears pierced and I think we are absolutely at the right age.

I think one of the main reasons I never took her to get them done before is because she had never given her consen

t. I really oppose the decision to pierce a babies ears and it’s never something I would ever do. I don’t believe in any form of body modification on a minor unless there is a serious medical reason or they are old enough to give their consent. Whilst it’s not something I would ever call someone out on, piercings are never a choice I would ever make on my child’s behalf. I really don’t think it matters if the baby doesn’t look like a girl or that the parents think pierced baby ears look nice. You are still changing a part of their bodies without them asking for it. I think giving consent is really important because children should be aware of bodily consent. How can you teach that when you’ve already crossed the line and pierced their ears? I know it isn’t exactly a serious issue compared to some which require consent but you’re still deciding something should happen to someone else’s body without them asking or even wanting it. I take Evie’s consent seriously enough that I always ask her for permission before I share photos of her on my blog and on social media. Most of the time she is really happy to share her photo but sometimes she says no and I respect that.

I think it’s important to note here too that I wanted my nose and lip pierced before I was sixteen and my mum always said no. Partly because she doesn’t like piercings but also partly because I think she wanted me to wait until I was out of school and it was completely my choice. My parents also waited until I was old enough to ask for my own ears to be pierced and I’m glad I’ve also given my daughter that choice. Since then I’ve had a lot of body piercings, most of which have been over the age of eighteen. Some I have had repierced and still have today, some have been removed but all of them were completely my decision.

So yes, I do think there is a right age for a child to have their ears pierced and that age is the age they ask for it to be done. The age where they are giving consent to have a piercing and that they understand what it will mean. I’m really glad I waited until Evie actively showed an interest in having her ears pierced and then ones she has chosen are very pretty. However, if she decides later on that actually, she doesn’t want her ears pierced, at least it was her choice in the first place.

February 25, 2018