Family Football Festival

We were recently invited by Netmums to go along to see Bristol City play at their home ground of Ashton Gate. This is part of the Family Football Festival taking place during the months of October, November and December.  Follow the link to their facebook page and go see what its all about.  It's a great initiative designed to combine the excitement of a football match with activities and events which would appeal to children and families.

This was the twins first ever football match and only my second !  Daddy is a seasoned Birmingham City supporter, but we won't hold that against him.  We set off early to make sure we arrived in Bristol in plenty of time and even managed to find a craft fair to have a mooch around beforehand along with some amazing wall art !

Painted on the side of the Tobacco factory Theatre, amazing and just a little bit freaky.

Arriving at the ground we were on the list for on site parking, feeling just like VIP's we drove into our allotted space.    As we were a little early we decided to have a hot dog and a walk around the ground.  Jarvis, who is fast becoming football obsessed found a souvenir in a bin !

Then onto the Festival part of the day.  Designed to encourage more families to attend matches, a large hanger was filled with local family friendly companies :including  Bristol Zoo, Noah's Ark Zoo farm, Heart Radio, Frankie & Bennies, Bristol Aquarium and more.   Each had informative stands with live animals or interactive activities for the children to get involved with and all offering discount vouchers to their attractions. 

There was also face painting, bouncy castle and beat the goalie.

The twins meeting a real live dragon ! 

The Boa didn't feel like they expected it to ! 

Lots of experiments for Milo the "Geek" boy "my favourite part of the day mummy"

FACE PAINTING From Heart Radio

Scrumpy the Bristol Mascot

Tickets !

Daddy said the BCFC Stood for Birmingham City Football Club, erm nooooo daddy don't say that too loudly whilst sat amongst all this red and white of the Bristol City supporters.

One for the girls *cough*  David James - goalkeeper !

and finally some football .......

We had a great day out at Bristol City, I must admit I wasn't too thrilled initially at the thought of going to watch a football match but I can honestly say with all the activities, the wonderful atmosphere in the stadium, all the half time entertainment from local schools, teams, dancers, competition winners etc it really did make for an enjoyable family day out.  We were seated in the family area which was really friendly, everybody had seats (and stayed in them for the most part, except of course when a goal was scored).  The twins loved it and it was lovely to go as a family and see so many people involved in sport.  We will certainly be taking the twins to see our local team play from now on.

Many thanks to Netmums & Bristol City for offering us this opportunity.

I was paid and  received family entry to the event.  All content, views expressed and photographs are my own.

Freaky or Fabulous ?

I took this photograph yesterday, it was painted on the side of the tabacco factory theatre in Bristol.   I am still not sure if I am freaked out by it or if I love it, just had to share.  What do you think ?

Halloween in style

Looking for something different for your little ones this Halloween, don't have the time to make an amazing outfit ?  Not inspired by the cheap mass produced items on offer by the supermarkets ?  Take a peak at these lovelies all available from independent retailers.

Fab baby/toddler girl Skull & crossbones appliqued onesie, red or black pettiskirt, stripy leggings all available from All About The Boys (no longer available in online store, leave comment for details)

Sooooo Cute !  baby bumble bee hat available from Saidonia  UK Seller on Etsy

What little boys doesn't want to be a dinosaur !  ROAR!  Available from MaukyJo

Stunning Moishe Monster costume from Where the Wild Things are !  Probably out of the price range for most of us, but a totally wonderful example of the work and creativity of Independent business owners.  Available from ElleIndustries

Where's Mummy ?

Where's Mummy ?  I want my breakfast !
Where's Mummy?  I need some socks!
Where's Mummy?  I want a drink!
Where's Mummy? I've no clean shirts!
Where's Mummy? There's no toilet paper!
Where's Mummy?  I've overslept!
Where's Mummy? The hot water's not working!
Where's Mummy? There's nothing to eat !
Where's Mummy ? I need a lift!
Where's Mummy ?  I can't find my teddy!
Where's Mummy ? What's for tea !
Where's Mummy ? my uniform's dirty !
Where's Mummy!!!!

She's sick in bed

and nobody noticed ............

Businesses with blogs

I started my blog initially to support my online business.   I do believe that it is essential  to embrace all aspects of social media to give your business the best possible chance to survive in these tough times and even more so if you are only an online business and don't also have a bricks and mortar shop.  All of the big brands now have facebook, twitter and often blog links on their sites.

After spending a great night with my fellow business finalists at the Mad Blog Awards on Friday night I thought it would a good idea if I actually looked at their blogs !  I have come across most of the finalists during my chat on twitter but amazingly hadn't found time to really take a look at their work.

The first business blog I looked at was the wonderful Lyndsey from The Queen of Easy Green take a moment to check out her About Me page !  I was blown away by her achievements !  Who knew !

 Next up the lovely, bubbly Becky from Baby Budgeting   we have met in the past and her tips on how to save money and  afford to stay at home when your children are young, are inspiring.  As a mum to three sons myself I know what a massive battle it is between returning to work and paying childcare or choosing to stay at home and cutting your income.

The winner of our category Friday night was another Lovely (honestly we had the nicest category of ladies ) Lisa From The Mummy Whisperer     I will admit to having never looked at Lisa's blog before but her concept of helping mums to be happy and content which has an obvious benefit to their family is a simple but inspiring idea !  She was a deserved winner and as for her GORGEOUS baby girl !  What a beauty, I am so regretting not getting a picture taken of her lovely sparkly shoes next to my sparkly shoes on the night !  Where was that Shoe blogger !

 One lady I do know (because I advertise on her blog)  is the fab Laura from Little Stuff  this was the first business blog I read after deciding to set my own blog up.  Its packed full of ideas, reviews, recommendations for shopping etc and is a must see for any parent.

After reading through these blogs I thought it actually might be a good idea to keep looking for more businesses who have blogs.  There are so many great small businesses battling away in these tough times.  I try to feature some on my Supporting Independent Businesses features but just don't have the time to find everybody.  If you are a small business and you also have a blog.  I would love you to link up your blog page below.   Maybe if we get enough interest we can make it a regular feature and if you are interested in being featured in a supporting Independent businesses post then please also leave a comment below.