Food in cinemas

How do you feel about people eating in cinemas?

Now I am a big popcorn lover and nearly always have popcorn whilst watching a movie and that doesn’t matter whether it is at home or the cinema whereas Ali prefers sweets, but is it acceptable to eat them when surrounded by other people in close proximity?

Plus I still remember as a child wearing a big coat and stuffing my pockets and hiding my sweets and drinks, hoping that no-one would frisk me!! lol

Why I ask is last night I finally got around to going to our local cinema and watching Little Women. The film was brilliant and my Mum and I really enjoyed it however I could have done with the rest of the cinema goers to naff off with all their various food stuffs.

It started with the lady behind me peeling an orange and spraying the juice on to my neck! Not the worst smell in the world but not nice. She then proceeded, throughout the film, to eat a packed lunch full of food with lids being opened, various smells and she finished with a tub of Pringles which she crunched her way through.

The lady next to her had a bag of sweets which obviously had wrappers on them; she seemed to eat the whole bag of them too, as she dived in every couple of minutes, but to top it off, someone then opened something which smelt of fish!!!!!

 

I mean, seriously?? Fish?? Yuck!!!

It was a 7.45pm start for the film so it wasn’t a tea time film either and the cinema stank by the end.

So are some foods acceptable and others not or should food and drink be banned altogether?

I would be interested to hear your thoughts……

#themummymonster #cinema #foodyayornay #smellyfood

The Train Of Lights 2019

The Train Of Lights 2019 Review

Ali and I were so excited when we were contacted earlier this year regarding working alongside the team at the Dartmouth Steam Railway for their annual Train Of Lights 2019. We knew the boys would count down the days until the trip if we told them so we decided to keep it a secret until we arrived.

With our Christmas jumpers on and Sam convinced we were off to see Frozen 2 we headed off to the station.

Paignton Station is well hidden behind the main line station and the boys got all excited when they saw a cross country train in. Sam asked if we were going on an adventure, to which I replied Yes as we headed away from the main track.

Then all of a sudden I heard a gasp and a "Yes! I knew it! We are going on the Train of Lights!" (Apparently Sam knew all along that's where we were going but didn't want to ruin it for Oliver!!)

https://youtu.be/f_tqgJUG_OM  

(Sorry I need to work on my filming skills!!)

After looking at the glowing Christmas tree, we headed inside, I could hear music but I couldn't figure out where it was coming from until Oliver pointed out the singing reindeer's. My boys loved them, I was trying to get them to eat some tea before we went on the train but they were too busy watching the reindeer!


 https://youtu.be/SBUBDjC_j6Q


This year one of the changes the Dartmouth Steam Railway have made is to allocate seats. Last year, everyone was pushed onto the platform trying to get the best seats but not this year. We took our time as did everyone else and found our carriage and numbered seats.

The carriages again this year had been decorated with baubles hanging from the luggage racks and in the middle of the ceilings. It was sensitively done and not too over the top. They also don't decorate the windows so you are able to have full view out of them as I promise you don't want to miss
any of it.












The boys were desperate to see which train was pulling us this time. I explained that we would be pulled to Kingswear by a diesel but we would come back under steam power.

The steam train looked amazing as they were filling up with water and coal and my train obsessed boys loved watching everything that was going on but it wasn't long before they were asked to get on board as the train was ready to leave. The lights dimmed and we were off!!

Don't panic, the lights come back on as soon as the train is away from the mainline.

Soon Devon favourite Judi Spiers, if you are from Devon and over forty I am sure you will remember her!, came over the speaker to tell you a story about things you will find along the tracks.

Having attended the train of lights last year I was a bit worried that it may be the same however I couldn't be more wrong, the team have worked their magic again along the track.

The magic started at Churston Station where it magically started to snow. The snow gently floated around the outside of the carriage like real snow would, Oliver was upset that it wasn't laying so no snowmen could be built.

The snow gave the journey a real Christmasy look and feel.

 

Judi went to talk about the gnomes who have been working on the track and to look out for them. Both the boys were then on high alert looking out the window desperately trying to be first to spot them. Thankfully there is lots of opportunities to do so. Sam's favourite bit of the journey was actually the Gnomes Christmas party.

 

 

The lights from the party are lovely and bright so you certainly wont miss them!!

I really don't want to give all the surprises away but I will say if you child likes unicorns, owls or other magical snowy creatures then they wont be disappointed!!

Soon we arrived into Kingswear Station with amazing views across the river to Dartmouth. At Dartmouth the train stops at the station. It allows time for passengers  to get off the train and see it in its full glory.

Soon it is time to head back to Paignton and get to experience it all again. My tip would be to get friendly with the people sitting opposite you and ask if you can swap to see the other side on the way back so you get the full experience.

On the way back we got to experience again the tunnels where you can see the train of lights come into its own. The children can see the colours that are on their carriage zoom by them and if you are a photographer they make for some great shots! Unfortunately I am not a photographer but I will try and show you some of mine and Ali's efforts!!

 

 The other photograpers dream is the actual train itself. It looks amazing. I love the power that a steam engine commands, but when it is dressed in lights it seems to dominate even more.

 

                

So my overall opinion: We as a family, absolutely loved it again this year, but it was funny that we all loved different bits. Would we return next year? Absoutely!!!!

**In return for this review we were gifted a family ticket to ride on Train Of Lights 2019, however all the thoughts, words and photos are mine and Ali Nash's.**

If you would like to book you will need to hurry as seventeen of the trains have already sold out. More information and to book click here: https://www.dsrrbchristmas.co.uk/train-of-lights

Dates & Times:
29th & 30th November
1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, 10th, 14th, 15th, 18th-23rd and 27th-30th December
Trains depart at  16:45, 18:45 and 20:45 on each of the above dates.
Note: ​Subject to demand, more dates/times may be added. Please check back regularly.

​Prices:

Adult (aged 16+) £19.25                Child (aged 3-15) £12.00

Concession (aged 65+) £18.75    Family (2A, 2-3Ch) £54.00

Gengigel Mouth Wash Review

 Gengigel Mouth Wash

Before I started my medication one of the side effects I had read about was bleeding gums and mouth ulcers and I have to say I wasn’t too worried as the one that was bothering me was the thought of losing my hair. Well thankfully the hair stayed but the bleeding gums and ulcers hit with a vengeance! 

It hurt to eat and drink and at one point I had eight ulcers, which hurts and depresses you all in one go!

So when I saw Gengigel were after someone to review their mouth wash and ulcer treatment, I applied straight away and thankfully was accepted. 

Now I am always honest in my reviews and if I don’t like something I will tell you but I have to say I have been really impressed with Gengigel’s mouth wash, it really did clear my bleeding gums. 

I have regular dentist check ups so I knew it was nothing more than my medication when my gums started to bleed. It was horrid to spit blood every time I brushed my teeth, however I was ready to take action with my new Gengigel mouth wash. 

Now the taste to the mouth wash to me wasn’t that great. It tasted like medication, not minty fresh mouth wash but then it had a job to do, not just to freshen your breath like other products. 

I poured the small amount into the cup supplied and swished it around my mouth for as long as I could possibly hold it. I have to say I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to mouth wash but I did ok. As I spat out out, out came the blood too :( 

I used the mouth wash every evening and within three days the blood had stopped completely. I kept using it for five days and then stopped. 

The blood did return about a week later so I started the process again and stopped again after seven days and now nearly three weeks on the blood still hasn’t returned! 

I’m so impressed with the Gengigel mouth wash, yes it is more expensive then your general mouth fresh mouth wash but actually I would pay for this product just to protect my gums. 

I am still waiting to use my ulcer treatment as ulcers have thankfully decided to leave me alone for a bit but I’m hoping it works as well as the mouth wash. 

** In return for this review I was gifted a Gengigel mouth wash and Gengigel ulcer treatment but all the thoughts and opinions are all my own.**

Below is the information from Gengigel:

GENGIGEL - is a unique, patented range of clinically proven oral care products that utilise the natural healing properties of hyaluronic acid to treat a range of oral conditions associated with soreness and inflammation. Recommended and used by dental professionals, GENGIGEL stops any minor bleeding, soothes soreness and alleviates pain as well as promoting rapid healing.

Gengigel Mouth Rinse - £9.35, available at Boots, Superdrug and Lloyds Pharmacy

• After brushing rinse for 1-2 minutes, 3-4 times daily
• For inflamed and receding gums or any discomfort of the mouth or gum tissue. Gengigel restores and maintains healthy gums and soothes inflamed and         

damaged oral tissue

• Analgesic properties effectively relieving oral pain

Contains : Hyaluronan 0.2% which helps facilitate the natural tissue healing and recovery process.

Gengigel Mouth Gel - £7.95, available at Boots, Superdrug and Lloyds Pharmacy

• Massage gently into affected area 3-4 times daily
• Clinically proven to relieve pain, heal & repair: mouth ulcers, inflamed & bleeding gums, gum recession,    

denture/brace abrasion

Contains : Hyaluronan 0.2% which helps facilitate the natural tissue healing and recovery process.

www.gengigel.co.uk

Beyond Escapes Review

Beyond Escapes Spa Devon Review

I saw a deal (on Groupon) at Christmas time for the new Beyond Escapes Spa in Devon and decided to treat my Mum to some relaxation time after everything she does for me and in turn my mum purchased the deal for me too!! Result!!

The deal was use of the facilities, one treatment and a glass of Prosecco each for £75. You can just go to use the facilities as a day visitor too for £30.

We arrived and were greeted at reception by a lady who showed us what was on offer. We were informed the steam room was out of order but everything else was available.

We filled in the necessary paperwork and choose our treatments. I chose a pedicure and my Mum went for the back, neck and shoulder massage.

The receptionist issued us with our beyond escapes robes, towels and flip flops. My mum was issued large flip flops and it was hilarious watching her trying to walk in them 😂😂 the lady did try and find smaller ones but none were available.

We headed into the first room and lay down on the heated beds. We thought we would spend a few minutes on these beds but actually by the time we started chatting, we ended up spending nearly an hour on them.  We only realised the time had passed as one of the therapists appeared to invite us to come to our treatment rooms.

We headed up in the lift and split into the two therapy rooms. I was invited to sit on the heated bed, which was lush,  my muscles almost sighed with relief. The therapist talked to me, to find out what I could do with my feet, she asked questions and actually listened to my answers.

I have had previous pedicures where they ask you questions but don’t actually bother listening and end up hurting me. This therapist was fab, I didn’t get her name but she has amazing tattoos on her.

It was a real treat to be given the nail varnish at the end of the treatment too, especially as it was a pearl varnish and know how much these can cost!!

Mum came out from her massage and said the same, that her therapist had asked how she likes her massage and did as she asked. She found a hot spot on mum and asked permission to work on that hotspot.

Following our treatments, we headed to the restaurant where we were met by a waiter, I think his name was Steve but he was definitely Irish. It was great to have a waiter with real character. He was friendly and chatty but not over the top. Another real credit to the Spa, even if he didn’t trust me because I don’t drink tea or coffee.

Brunch was lovely, mum had the roast beef baguette and I had the prawn baguette. It was yummy and so was the Prosecco that washed it down. I’m not a big alcohol drinker but it was delicious. Once finished our baguettes, the waiter suggested a coffee cake and chocolate brownie to follow. He was right, they were scrummy.

With full bellies, mum and I headed back downstairs to the spa. I almost went flying down the stairs in my massive flip flops but it was worth it.

We headed into the hot-tub. Again mum had a hilarious moment when I turned the bubbles on and she floated off the shelf!! Thankfully no one was around to see but I had to mention it because I had to hold my belly due to laughing so much. Mum decided that she needed to be tied down to stop her floating away!! 😂😂

 

Again, we spent a long time in the hot tub which was heated to 37oC. We only got out when I started to go wrinkly.

Due to time, we didn’t head into the sauna or the foot spa but next time I would definitely head in there.

The changing rooms and showers were the only little let down for the spa. Everyone decided to head there at the same time and so we had to wait and queue for a shower.

The showers themselves were lush. They had massive heads on them and provided the power required for a shower.   The changing rooms were unisex and so we got changed in the shower rooms which made the wait a little longer.

The changing rooms provided lockers which were lovely and big and fairly powerful hair dryers with large mirrors so everything can be seen.

In reflection on our day at the spa, it was a really chilled out and relaxed day. The staff were a real credit to the spa, they really topped off a lovely day. Would I return? Absolutely and I will certainly be telling others about it too.

This is not an ad. The thoughts are all my own and I have not received any payment for this review.

Mrs Mactivity Activity Sheets

Review of Mrs Mactivity Activity Sheets.

Recently I saw a request for a blogger to undertake a review of the Mrs Mactivity Early Years tuff spot tray "provocations" taken from the Mrs Mactivity website: https://www.mrsmactivity.co.uk/ in return for a membership to the website.

The Mrs Mactivity website is the home of exciting, affordable, hands on, activity based printable learning resources that kids and teachers love! So, I jumped at the chance to use my knowledge as an Early Years Adviser and as a Mum!

I took ages to decide which provaction plan to try with Bob, but I know he has been badgering me for some playdough recently so we decided to give that one ago. I printed off the plan and read the set up instructions. Now I have been working in Early Years for many years but I always find it useful to see or read other peoples ideas as you can always learn something new.

In the set up instructions it reminds you that that how you set up an activity is important as it is an invitation to come and play, it also states that "children should lead the learning, with the adults there to support and scaffold play and development opportunities"

This is something I really had to remember as I am always keen to jump in and lead the play rather than allow Bob to explore and make it his own.

 

In the supplies list of the plan it gave me some ideas of things to put in the bowls for Bob to choose from. Now this can take some planning, but why not extend the activity and go for a woodland walk or a ramble along the beach to look at different things to use.

Bob was really involved in collecting the items and he helped me make the playdough* see the recipe I use at the bottom of the post.

The main item on the list was the builder tray, now I already own one of these and I have to say they are fab. The Daddy Monster thought I was nuts when I first ordered it but we have now used it so much that he completely understands the benefits of it now. Phew! If you don't have one, don't panic, a clean table top is just as good.

Bob and I decided to use lots of natural materials as well as some marbles, that he had found and had been desperate to use.

I wasn't sure how long this was going to hold Bobs attention as it can be quite tricky to concentrate when you are three years old but we were set up and ready to go. Luckily the weather was beautiful so we were running the activity outside.

We started by just playing with playdough, we had a ball each and I used some of the words that were suggested on the plan such as "pinch, squeeze, push, pull, squash, twist, flatten and stretch". Bob was keen to copy some of actions and even added some of his own for me to copy such as "poke"

 



 Bob then naturally moved onto adding some of the marbles, the pine cone and some daisies to the mix and made me a birthday cake, which he sang "Happy Birthday" as he proudly gave it to me.

I started to roll out my dough ball using the palm of my hand, I then rolled a pine cone across the dough. We talked about the pattern it made and we decided it looked like a hedgehog. Bob was keen to have ago too and took my resources and had a go himself.

We talked about what other animals we could make, his results are below:

Look at his face, he was chuffed as punch that he had made a butterfly on his own :) He was able to show me the head, the body and the wings.

He also made a fab snail but unfortunately I had videoed it and the video now wont load :(

To make the snail it involved me showing Bob how to roll the playdough into a long line and making it look like a sausage according to Bob.

His play developed during the session and he ended up making lots of different things.

https://youtu.be/qEiQrk_y5QA 

 

Check out Bob's speech in the video link above during the session, I had shown him how to cut the playdough with a shell and he was repeating the words and the actions together.

 

The play naturally came to an end but I left it out in case Bob came back to it later, however the session had lasted nearly 1.5 hours!! We did stop for a snack and drink half way through but he wanted to return to it afterwards.  

 

However, what really surprised me, was when Sam came home and Bob started to show him all the things we had been doing. I watched as Bob showed him some  of the techniques and he even used some the words he had learnt. Proud Mummy moment :)

 

 

 

 

 

Overall, my boys loved this activity and it reminded me that actually it can be the simplest activities that they love the best.

 

Over the Summer, I plan on using the Mrs Mactivity website to help with the Summer Learning loss which Sam can experience if we don't do something educationally based during the long holiday. However, would he know that this session had an educational background?  absolutely not, which is why it is so perfect :)

 

For any early years settings thinking of using the website, all the activities are already linked to the Early Learning Goals and Early Years Outcomes for you, taking all the hard work out of the planning  - perfect!!

 

The website can be accessed at https://www.mrsmactivity.co.uk and is currently only £9.97 for the year!!!!

 

I believe this is a real must for all Parents and Early Years Educators.

 

**In return for this honest review I was gifted a year's membership to the Mrs Mactivity website. All the thoughts and opinions are completely my own.**

 *Playdough Recipe