Tuesday 24 July 2012

Little Mermaids Game Review

Chimp N Zee Little Mermaids Game
We were sent a Chimp N Zee Little Mermaids game to review from Paul Lamond Games  - although this is clearly aimed at girls, my Little boy really enjoyed playing too and we love game time in our house!

Chimp N Zee Little Mermaids GameWe started playing this just before Blake's 3rd birthday and he soon understood the rules, although at first he thought it was a jigsaw puzzle as you collect pieces to transform the girl on your hand mirror to a mermaid and the first few times we played, he was side tracked by trying to make up a mermaid! He liked choosing different coloured parts - such as blue hair! There are enough pieces and mirrors for a maximum of 4 players, and in honour of traditional games, there is a losing witch too! (so glad it's not another every turn wins game!) 

We enjoyed playing, all the parts to the game are made from really good quality thick board and there's plenty of shimmer and detail. The girls/mermaids are cute with good detail and the pieces are large and easy for small people to place on the hand mirror.

Chimp N Zee Little Mermaids GameThe game packs away into a bookcase friendly box with a cute mermaid glitter tag on the handle - we have 3 Chimp N Zee games and they are all in the same size boxes which makes them easy to put away and each has its own tag on the handle which makes it easy for little people to select the game they want. 

I'm really impressed with the quality and the rules of the game.

Chimp N Zee Little Mermaids GameI love that the Chimp N Zee games are about £10 which makes them a handy and lovely gift for birthday parties. I found Little Mermaids currently on Amazon for only £8.03 including postage.

We like having time to play games and I love the educational aspect of Chimp N Zee games - a big thumbs up in our house!


Chimp N Zee Little Mermaids-Sparkle and shimmer your way to the mermaid party
  • This game is designed to make kids laugh and help them learn through play
  • Helps to teach about observation, comparison, collecting, co-ordination and playing with others
  • Easy to set up and you can start playing in just a few minutes
  • For 2 - 4 players
  • Suitable for ages 3 to 5
Emma in Bromley xx

Monday 23 July 2012

Bromley Town Centre Festival 29th july 2012



Bromley Town Centre Festival

Shoppers in Bromley High Street
29 July 2012
Celebrating arts, sports, leisure and heritage in Bromley town centre.
Location: Bromley town centre locations
Time: 11:00 - 17:00
Cost: Free
A once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy a fantastic array of international and local entertainment plus exhibitors from the cultural sector - all together on one day in Bromley town centre's shopping and recreational areas!
Enjoy high quality street entertainment and visit local arts, sports, leisure and heritage organisations from across the borough that will provide information on their activities, free have-a-go-sessions and demonstrations.
Event venues: - Market Square - High Street - Church House Gardens - Queen's Gardens



Never Never Land 

Church House Gardens and Churchill Piazza
Step through Wendy's window into J.M. Barrie's fantasy Neverland and take a journey into infinite childhood. Explore this magical world created by local artists, partake in craft workshops and watch performances by local musicians amidst pirates, lost boys and Indians. 
Immerse yourself in the story of Peter and his lost shadow by playing games around Neverland and win prizes for the best Peter Pan, Wendy or Captain Hook costume!  En route to Neverland there are a number of other attractions including:  
  • STOMP Workshops
Come and make wonderful rhythms with two representatives from the world famous STOMP.  No previous experience of either music or dance is necessary - just wear comfortable loose clothing and sturdy footwear (no flip flops or high heels).
45min workshops - 11 am, 11.45 am, 12.45 pm, 2 pm, 2.45 pm and 4 pm
  • Vegetable Nannies: The Allotment
Come and get kitted out with gloves and trowels before getting stuck into the domestic duties of feeding, bathing and perambulating for the baby Vegetables.
2 x 45 min shows
  • Circus Skills Workshops - Fantastiko Circus
Try your hand at a variety of circus skills such as balancing, juggling, unicycling, stilt walking, plate spinning and diablo.
All day
  • Animal Puppets - Just Puppets
Take the weight off your feet and let the children spend a creative hour making animal puppets to take away.
2 x 60 min workshops
  • The Spurting Man - Avanti Display
Each trick the "Spurting Man" performs culminates in a display of squirting water until, finally crowned and, on top of his pedestal, "The Spurting Man" cascades fountains of water from his body.
2 x 20 min shows

That's Entertainment

Bromley North Village, Market Square, High Street (north) and (south)  
  • Bromley as You've Never Seen It Before
Guided heritage trail around the town putting the rich diversity of its history in the frame - literally!  Tours last approximately 1 hour.  Meet outside The Partridge pub.
11.30 am and 2 pm
  • Mountain Gorillas
A family of four realistic and humorous Mountain Gorillas accompanied by their explorer friend.  Interact with them and learn about the issues they face in the wild.
3 x 30 min shows
  • The Jive Aces - Market Square stage
The Jive Aces are the UK 's top Jive & Swing band
11.30 am
  • The Coneheads/The Housewives/The Bowling Club/Pink Suitcases
Keep your eyes peeled for exciting characters and don't forget to look behind you!
4 x 30 min shows
  • Vegetable Nannies
Wheeling an ancient Victorian Pram laden with a prized collection of vegetables, the Nannies are out for the
day, showing off their allotment cherubs
1 x 45 min walkabout
  • Hodman Dodmanott and Sally Forth
Witty, adorable and spellbinding Hodman Dodmanott and Sally Forth are a pair of wonderful wanderers from
the proud country of Oblivia.
3 x 30 min walkabouts

Sizzling Sports Zone

Queen's Gardens and the Pavilion Piazza
  •   Snowboard Simulator
Ride the computerised board as if you are flying down a famous mountain
  • Batak Pro
A fantastic game that tests reaction speeds
  • Charlton Athletic Goal Shoot
Take aim in the inflatable target practice tunnel
  • Tennis
  • Rugby
  • 10 pin bowling
  • Human Bowling Alley
  • Cheerleading
  • Bouncy Castle
  • Ultimate Frisbee

Wheely Cool Zone

Queen's Mead Recreation Ground, Glassmill Lane
Due to adverse weather conditions, activities at Queen's Mead Recreation Ground have been relocated throughout the town centre. See above for details.  
Emma in Bromley xx

Lollibop competition, win a family pass

Win a family pass to Lollibop 2012


ZINGZILLAS AND DICK AND DOM TO ROCK REGENT’S PARK
LolliBop is returning to Regent's Park this summer, with a line up designed to delight mini festival goers. Billed as The Big Bash for Little People, the event takes place between August 17 and 19 and is aimed at children up to the age of 10.


I've got a family pass to give away (4 tickets).


Festival highlights, include The ‘LolliBop Live’ stage which plays host to some of the hottest names in kids entertainment with performances from the likes of the ZingZilla's, Jassa Aluwahlia (Art Attack) and The Mr Men & Little Miss Party Roadshow. TV favourites Dick and Dom will also take to the stage to entertain crowds with their unique blend of music and games.


Celebrating its first year in the West End, Shrek the Musical will also make a special appearance with a performance from the award-winning show (Sunday 19 only).


Global phenomenon Moshi Monsters will also be on site, bringing the UK’s first Moshi Monsters Mash Up Tournament to Lollibop. Taking place each day, children are challenged to put their Mash Up skills to the test. All players will also receive a free pack of Mash Up cards, so everyone can join in. Fans are encouraged to bring their own collections with them, as there has never been a better chance to trade with other Moshi Card collectors. Head over to the Moshi tent for lots of other fun and games including character appearances, monster quizzes and more!


Halfords are creating a bespoke Bike City, which will include a Wacky Races obstacle course for under 5’s, where children can be the first to try out a brand new range of Balance and Apollo kids bikes. For older kids, highlights include a BMX stunt display and demo area.


In the Lollipaladium, see the story of The Gruffalo brought to life on the stage with plenty of audience interaction and CBeebies favourite, Mister Maker will be on hand to demonstrate his unique arts and crafts skills.


The brand new life-size Transformers Optimus Prime Truck will also be at the three day event, giving fans the chance to get up and personal with this movie legend.
Other headline attractions include yoga sessions with Waybuloo, workshops by Horrible Histories, Roald Dahl Museum and Storytelling Centre, performances by 8ft Titan the Robot, an Alice In Wonderland tea party and a chance to meet ‘Tiny’, a 125 million years young dinosaur.


All of the activities, stages and events are included in the entry ticket price, which start at £22 per person. For more information, including a full programme of events, visit www.lollibopfestival.com


To enter, please share with me in the comments section, Who you would most like to see at Lollibop.


Please also remember to include a way to contact you if you win (twitter id or email address etc)
That's all, but if you want to increase your chances...


Bonus entries:
Tweet a link to the comp including @beachpebble
Like "Emma in Bromley"  Facebook page
Pin the comp on pinterest
Google + this post
Follow on GFC
Please leave a separate comment below for your bonus entries (max 1 for each method)



T&Cs

  • A family pass is 4 tickets to the event and can be used on either Friday 17 August or Sunday 19 August.
  • The prize is non refundable and non exchangeable
  • No cash alternative will be offered
  • Travel is not included
  • Closing date 12 noon on 31st July 2012
  • Prize sent directly from the PR agent
  • Winner selected using random.org, please reply with details within 7 days or another winner will be selected.






Samsung amazing memory cards review

I was sent a memory card to review, it's a Samsung premium plus 8GB - had I been buying this, I'd have bought a higher capacity as, for me, I easily fill 8GB's. I buy and use lots of memory cards as once they are full, I like to keep them - I know it's silly but it's one of the ways I like to keep a "back up" if you will, of photos and videos, particularly of my lovely children.

I have - and I don't mean to boast, I'm just a bit geeky and gadget greedy! - 3 digital cameras (including a Nikon SLR) a hd flip video camera, a digital photo frame and an ereader book which all need memory cards! - see why I need lots of them now hey!

I'm impressed with the speed of the Samsung plus memory card - I could notice this in my digital SLR and its most definitely child proof! I tested mine with help from 3 year old Blake and it stood up to its durability boasts!

If you are looking for the ideal pocket companion on your holiday this year and don’t want your memories to fade then look no further than a Samsung memory card for your camera phone, camera or camcorder.

Samsung memory cards are designed to make sure your photos and video survive to tell the test of time and can handle accidents like being dropped in sand, sea and your coffee – no problem. You just need to make sure your card is dry or sand blown away to keep your picture taking device in good working order.

Extremely durable and reliable, Samsung’s memory cards are ‘3 Proof’: Shockproof, waterproof and magnet proof - ensuring that valuable data won’t be lost, and have been designed to handle your every day needs and give you peace of mind from life’s unexpected accidents. The Shock-proof technology protects the data from forceful impact and high pressure, including being driven over by a 1.6 ton vehicle, while an innovative covering provides a shield against such items as dust, water, sand and means the memory cards can withstand over 24 hours in sea water. The cards are also able to resist x-ray scanners and any type of widespread magnetic exposure.

The world’s most trusted and leading technology has made Samsung the No1 name in memory since 1992* and Samsung’s latest range is available to the consumer in two categories: ‘Essential’ and ‘Plus’, providing a choice of card to suit every application.

The freedom to store and play

The premium ‘Plus’ range of SDHC/SD and micro SDHC/SD memory cards have the highest available class 10 speed rating - for advanced data transfer speed and flawless transmission of full HD video – and also boast a class-leading write speed of up to 21MB/s. With a data storage capacity of 8GB or 16GB, the cards are perfect for today’s memory-devouring devices and come with a 10 year limited warranty.
Samsung’s ‘Essential’ category of SDHC/SD and micro SDHC/SD memory cards have either a Class 4, Class 6 or Class 10 performance rating and offer a write speed of up to 13MB/s. Available in capacities from 2GB to 32GB, the ‘Essential’ memory cards come with a 5 year limited warranty.

*In the Memory semiconductor market since 1992. Source: ISupply(Q2’11)


http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/memory-cards-hdd-odd/memory-cards-accessories

Emma in Bromley x

Saturday 21 July 2012

Olympic torch relay time schedule for Bromley

I'm aiming to take Blake and Maegan to see the Olympic torch as it passes through Bromley on Monday 23rd July - although we will probably fail our mission as its an early start to be up, dressed and ready to go before hubby gets ready for work!


Here is the planned schedule - hope you get to see it too!


Full details of the route are available on the official Bromley website www.bromley.gov.uk/olympics


9.04am – Bromley London Road junction with Tweedie Road


9.10am – Bromley market square /pedestrian high street


9.16am – Bromley South station


9.17am – Westmoreland Road


9.30am – junction Westmoreland Road and Hayes Lane Beckenham


9.44am – Chinese Round-about Beckenham


9.46am – Wickham Road Beckenham


9.54am – Manor Road Beckenham


9.58am – high street Beckenham


10.04am Rectory Road (cinema round-about) Beckenham


10.10am – Clock House station


10.15am – Kent House Road junction with Beckenham Road


10.16am – Green Lane / Croydon Road junctions Penge


10.20am – Mapl Road Penge


10.24am – Oakfield Road junction with high street Penge


10.33am – Crystal Palace Road entrance to Crystal Palace park


11.24am – leaves CPP via Anerley Hill


11.27am – Church Road junction with Crystal Palace Parade


Torch then continues to Croydon.


Emma in Bromley x

Friday 20 July 2012

Lollibop festival 2012



ZINGZILLAS AND DICK AND DOM TO ROCK REGENT’S PARK


I'm planning on taking my little ones, aged 1 and 3 to Lollibop so watch this space for a follow up!


How awesome does this sound and in easy travelling distance of Bromley too, secretly hoping for Dick and Dom to shout Booooooueooo...gies! I know Blake will really enjoy Mister Maker, Optimus Prime and the Waybuloo and I'll be looking forward to seeing Nick's My Daddy Cooks demonstrations - his book is awesome by the way!


LolliBop, in partnership with John Lewis, is returning to Regent's Park this summer, with a line up designed to delight mini festival goers. Billed as The Big Bash for Little People, the event takes place between August 17 and 19 and is aimed at children up to the age of 10.


The ‘LolliBop Live’ stage will play host to some of the hottest names in kids entertainment with musical performances from the likes of the ZingZilla's, JassaAluwahlia (Art Attack) and The Mr Men & Little Miss Party Roadshow. TV favouritesDick and Dom will also take to the stage to entertain crowds with their unique blend of music and games.


Celebrating its first year in the West End, Shrek the Musical will also make a special appearance with a performance from the award-winning show (Sunday 19 only).


Global phenomenon Moshi Monsters will also be on site, bringing the UK’s first Moshi Monsters Mash Up Tournament to Lollibop. Taking place each day, children are challenged to put their Mash Up skills to the test. All players will also receive a free pack of Mash Up cards, so everyone can join in. Fans are encouraged to bring their own collections with them, as there has never been a better chance to trade with other Moshi Card collectors. Head over to the Moshi tent for lots of other fun and games including character appearances, monster quizzes and more!


In the Lollipaladium, see the story of The Gruffalo brought to life on the stage with plenty of audience interaction. CBeebiesfavourite, Mister Maker will be on hand to demonstrate his unique arts and crafts skills. Mister Maker is a real life character who gets inspiration to make art from everything around him. Packed full of stimulating ideas, set in his own fantasy art world, prepare to expect the unexpected!


The brand new life-size Transformers Optimus Prime Truck will also be at the three day event, giving fans the chance to get up and personal with this movie legend.


Other headline attractions include yoga sessions with Waybuloo, workshops by Horrible Histories, Roald Dahl Museum and Storytelling Centre, performances by 8ft Titan the Robot, an Alice In Wonderland tea party and a chance to meet ‘Tiny’, a 125 million years young dinosaur.


Pint sized guests (and grown ups) will notice a few more additions to the 2012 event.


The ‘LolliBop Kitchen‘ is an exciting new area, where LolliBoppers will have the chance to learn new skills from live demonstrations and interactive workshops, featuring popular blogger My Daddy Cooks.


A new ’Tween Town‘ area will feature a number of activities for older kids including street dance, hula-hooping, magic and beat-boxing workshops, plus an older arts and crafts tent and a brand new laser room!


Halfords will create a bespoke Bike City at LolliBop, which will include a Wacky Races obstacle course for under 5’s, where children can be the first to try out a brand new range of Balance and Apollo kids bikes. For older kids, highlights include a BMX stunt display and demo area.




Other new areas include: ‘LolliBop Animal Curiosities’, which features animals including a polar bear, a dinosaur and gorillas! ‘The Disco Shed‘ which will have mini boppers (and parents!) dancing the day away and ‘The Village Green‘ - the perfect spot to chill out and enjoy some street theatre.


Back by popular demand, the Science Museum are preparing for a triumphant return to Regent’s Park with an expanded area and dedicated Science Zone.


For pre-schoolers, the ‘3ft &Under’ area is also back. Confirmed activities include a mini disco, tiny play, little arts, baby ballet, yoga, teddy bears picnic and sing and sign. There will be two boob and botty boudoirs this year, and covered buggy parks and lollishade areas are also being created.


Old favourites, including ‘LolliSports‘, ‘Imagination Stations‘, ‘Itsy Bitsy Strictly‘ and ‘The Enchanted Forest‘ will all also return for 2012.


And if that wasn’t enough, there are plenty of arts and craft activities, face painting and workshops, including circus skills.


A wide selection of food and drink stalls are on offer to provide a welcome rest.


All of the activities, stages and events are included in the entry ticket price, which starts at £22 per person. For more information, including a full programme of events, visit www.lollibopfestival.com