Review: Techniquest, Cardiff

It's back to school for my oldest son tomorrow and you know that feeling of satisfaction you get when you have provided your children with an action packed fun school holiday? I have that feeling! A huge factor contributing to the success of the holidays was Techniquest, as it went down an absolute treat with my boys. It is unbelievably difficult to find places to go in the holidays with children age 2 and 8 as their interests differ so much; especially when it is a rainy holiday. But take them to Techniquest and I can guarantee you will have smiles all round. With the added bonus of it being educational as well as fun!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words so have a glimpse in to the magical world of Techniquest.....




Working out the jigsaw puzzles.

Playing the drums.
Playing the giant piano.
In fits of laughter through playing the giant piano.

"The ball that is supposed to float through the rush of air floated away, but hey look at my hair."
Funny mirrors.

For the youngest son he just had fun playing with everything, but my oldest son seemed to enjoy participating in the exhibits and reading the accompanying information to understand the scientific processes which were occurring. This was great for us parents as we had the feel-good factor of knowing we were able to contribute something worthwhile to not only his understanding of scientific processes but also provide lots of lovely childhood memories. It's the kind of place you will look back on and say "remember that time we went to Techniquest and used the shadow room." I know this is correct as I have often talked to my children about when I went to Techniquest as a child.

The areas are split into areas such as water, light and music and so this makes it particularly useful if your child is studying a certain area in school. With a planetarium and science theatre there is something for everyone.

Master Craftiness says: It was exciting because the exhibits were so much fun and the science facts made it really interesting!

There's some great events on and upcoming at Techniquest:

Night and Day Why does it get dark at night? Where does the sun go in the evening and why does it return in the morning? Meet lots of interesting night-time animals in this show for our younger visitors. Suitable for under 7s Night and Day runs from 29 January until 6 March 2011 at weekends and through the half term holiday. City Stargazing With many of us living under light-polluted skies, what are we likely to see? There are fewer stars visible so some beginners find it easier to spot their favourite constellations, but there is also a dark side! Why do we want to keep our skies light free? City Stargazing runs from 29 january until 6 March 2011 at weekends and through local school holidays.

• Next Event
• Future Events

Wallace and Gromit Invention Sessions If you enjoyed Wallace and Gromit’s World of Invention on BBC One before Christmas, why not come to Techniquest’s special invention sessions where Invention Kits, specially designed by the BBC and Aardman Animations Ltd will be available for you to construct. These cracking motorised kits have been developed to inspire you with creativity and the science of invention. Places are limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis. Due to small parts, the invention workshops are not suitable for children under the age of 7. These special sessions will be held on March 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 26 and 27

For more information on this fantastic place please visit www.techniquest.org

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there..

Hanging Christmas stockings over the fireplace has been a holiday tradition for hundreds of years. My Christmas as a child, included hanging stockings on the mantel, but not the kind of Christmas stockings my grandchildren have today)))

We didn't have ready made or even hand made Christmas stockings, I can't recall any of our friends having them either. We literally hung the biggest, longest socks we could find. Knee socks worked, but the best choices were to dig around in daddy's sock drawer for a long wool sock that he wore with his work boots. Whatever sock you chose, you would pull and stretch to make it as large as you could so it would hold more goodies. It was typically hung off a nail driven into the mantel.

Today's stockings have come a long way. They can be beautifully elegant, simple red felt with white plush fur or whimsical curly toes with all the bells and whistles. Name embroidered on the cuffs so there is no mistaking who the stocking belongs too. Stockings may match the decorating theme of the tree.

So much for hammering a nail into the mantel and hanging a sock on it......try putting a nail in your mantel today.....no, I don't think so either. I do have some small screws in mine that are strategically placed to hold garland and corner drops, but stockings are usually hung from a stocking holder. So now the stocking holder itself has become a real part of the Christmas decorations.

Stocking holders come in all sorts, shapes and sizes. We have several available from the different RAZ themes this year.

A trio of whimsical stacked packages from the Gumdrops and Jellybeans Collection.

Tall metal Christmas packages with open tops and peppermint candies spilling out. These stocking holders are also from the Gumdrops and Jellybeans collection. They blend well with items from the No Peeking collection also.

These stately gold nutcrackers are from the Winter Palace collection and will stand guard over your stocking treasures.

Generally, I would have described these stocking holders as whimsical from the "Santa Approved" Collection. But after seeing some of the new styles for this year, I have to say these are a more classic style. Lime green and red with gold. The curly glittered metal bows on top add extra height to the stocking holders. They also come in a taller size, but the chunky box style has been the most popular so it was restocked for this year.

The chunky box style of holders from the "No Peeking" collection have a bit of a paisley look with their swirls, circles and flower design. Lime green, red, pink and white have been the predominant colors in the "No Peeking" collection.

The taller present version - also very whimsical and cheery. Any of these Christmas stocking holders would look great on your mantle. Don't have a fireplace, no worry. Stocking holders can be placed on the edge of a table, bookcase, bar, window sills. Just look around and use your imagination.

Last year we added a few Christmas stocking from Burton and Burton and they really sold well. This year we'll be adding more from them a little later on, but we're very happy to have some from RAZ for this year. They're not posted on the website yet, I'm still working on it.

Seeing these beautiful Christmas stocking holders.....doesn't make me pine for the old days and a nail in the mantel!

RAZ "No Peeking" Collection New for 2011

Just started listing the new whimsical decorations from the RAZ “No Peeking” Collection! This collection is chocked full of whimsical, swirly, curly decorations. There is use of pink, lime green, green, red and white. Lots of glittered, flocked ornaments and decorations along with trendy shaped items. Curly bows and curly toes!

More on the way! Visit the “No Peeking” Collection to see more as I get them posted.

RAZ Candy Striped Wire Edge Ribbon

This cheery pink and green wire edge ribbon from RAZ is from the new "Gumdrops and Jellybeans" collection for 2011.

It's 4" in width and 10 yds in length and has a wire edge making bow-making or swirling around your Christmas tree easy. Also would make a great all year decorating ribbon - perfect for birthdays and parties of any sort.

This Candy Stripe ribbon will be arriving to Trendy Tree this summer. Browse the RAZ Gumdrops and Jellybeans collection or more great decorations!

Gumdrops and Jellybeans 2011 Collection from RAZ

Brief slideshow of the items we have listed so far from the Gumdrops and Jellybeans collection of RAZ. New for 2011. Chocked full of sweet treats sure to delight all ages!

Bargain Alert: Vertbaudet

Hi to all my followers! I have been a bit slack of late keeping up my blog posts as I have been suffering with recurrent migraines. If any of my followers suffer with migraines you will know the pain that I am talking about. It means I am literally confined to my bed and have no relief from the pain whatsoever.

Anyway, I'm hoping I have at least a few days reprieve until I get the next one and wanted to talk about some gorgeous items I have spotted in the Vertbaudet sale. I did actually have the coat before Christmas but that means I have had plenty of time to give you my verdict on it and it's absolutely perfect for the chilly weather we are currently enduring. Even better is the fact that it's now on sale, so take a look:Wool Cloth Jacket.
Zip fastening under a button placket. Sleeve with badge. Button tab at shoulders and cuffs. Machine washable. Padding and lining 100% polyester. Outer 70% wool, 20% polyester, 10% viscose.

This is the sweetest coat ever. My son has had numerous compliments whilst wearing this. It's looks really smart and adds a touch of formality to him, being only two years old this is incredibly endearing! You can almost imagine him picking up his briefcase to go to the office.

This coat is now down from the original £39.00 to an amazing £15.60!

I

I love this top and I had to show you an image of the back as it is just so cute! The material is really stretchy and so although it is a polo-neck it seemed very comfortable when my little boy was wearing it and unlike some tops we had no problems slipping it over his head. It looks great with jeans. Better still is the fact that this top is now down to a miraculous £3.50 - half price! If you look on the Vertbaudet website there are some other great designs for this top too.
These pyjamas are in perfect spring colours and they are perfect for a comfortable nights sleep as they let the skin breathe with the cotton jersey fabric! Another bonus to these pyjamas is that you can mix and match them as they look good either way. £18.00 for the two is very reasonable for two pairs of pyjamas.
This Sportswear Outfit is lovely and snugly for cold days with its warm and cosy fleece lining. There is also a kangaroo pocket in the front to keep hands nice and warm. Perfect to wear to a visit to the park! Available now at £11.50, reduced from £23.

Cable-knit Jumper

BROWN LIGHT SOLID Ref.: 815.3451 Now £15 from £25!

This jumper is so lovely and warm. Great for wearing over a t-shirt if you want to layer up for the unpredictable weather we get. It looks very traditional and is a jumper better than Nanna could knit.

So grab some bargains and head over to www.vertbaudet.co.uk

Elf Hat and Boots are Back!

Great news from RAZ! The very popular striped velvet Elf Hat and Boots are back again this year! In the new 2011 "Santa Approved" category, you'll find the Elf Hat, Boots, lots of classic red and green items along with sparkling multicolored ornaments and decorations.

Shop early for your RAZ items! Our sales really start picking up in July and August just as quick as the RAZ items start arriving. Visit us at Trendy Tree to see all our new items from RAZ this year!

2011 Santa Approved from RAZ

The new 2011 "Santa Approved" category from RAZ includes hundreds of whimsical, cheery elves and Santas. Colors are bright red and green and multicolor. Several new styles include metal trains and more tabletop trees and decorations. Take a look at a few we've selected so far.

Competition: Tatty Teddy Chocolates

Looking for a special gift for a sweet-toothed loved one for Valentines or for mum on Mothers Day? Then look no further - Me to You has brought out an exclusive selection of luxury chocolates featuring the adorable bear, Tatty Teddy.

Tatty Teddy’s irresistible new box design features the cute grey bear with his signature blue nose peeking through a bouquet of pretty pink roses.

The selection includes milk, dark and white luxury chocolates with a choice of luscious fillings including golden caramel, almond and marzipan and strawberry parfait.

Available from early January at just £4.99 from selected Tesco stores, Me to You lovers, whether sweetheart or mum, will take it straight to their hearts!

The original Tatty Teddy luxury collection is available at the same price from Sainsbury’s and Morrisons and quality independent shops.

I have 4 boxes of chocolate to GIVE AWAY- that's one for four lucky winners. To be in with a chance of winning one all you have to do is:

Follow my blog and then leave a comment below saying that you have done this. If you are already a follower then please leave your follower name.

PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR TWITTER NAME or email address SO THAT WE CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN!

Good luck!

Competition closes on the 1st March 2011.

COMPETITION: Nip + Fab Tummy Fix

It's February and I have another great giveaway for you. I want you to find out for yourselves how 'fab' Nip + Fab Tummy Fix really is so if you haven't already read how great I think it is then read my review here.

Anyway I have 5 bottles of Nip + Fab Tummy Fix to GIVE AWAY- that's one for five lucky winners. To be in with a chance of winning one all you have to do is:

(a) Follow my blog and then leave a comment below saying that you have done this. If you are already a follower then please leave your follower name.

(b) Like the Nip + Fab Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/NipandFab/146381435374791

PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR FACEBOOK NAME or email address SO THAT WE CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN!

Good luck! Hope you like the products as much as I do!

Competition closes on the 1st March 2011.

RAZ 2011 Collections

Can't wait for the new collections from RAZ. Here's a tiny peek of treasures to come!

 

RAZ Black and Bling

 

RAZ Gumdrops and Jellybeans

 

RAZ No Peeking!

RAZ My True Love

RAZ Gnome Holiday

I'll post more later just as soon as I get more info on the 2011 collections!