Prizes for Parents Competition Round Up 28.06.13

Originally started by the lovely Emma at Mellow Mummy, I'd like to bring to you Prizes for Parents.

This is a weekly roundup of some of the best competitions available on the web, I'll keep my eyes peeled for the best prizes or freebies on offer for UK families, mums, parents and health and beauty fans.

I'll post a selection here of the ones I spot or if you have a competition you'd like me to include, just tweet me the link @beachpebble, email me or leave a comment below with the details and closing date.

#prizesforparents
Prize must be open to UK winners.
Published every Friday.

• Win Belle and Boo Craft Book http://www.frecklesfamily.com/2013/06/belle-and-boo-craft-book-review-giveaway/
Entry by rafflecopter closes 01.07.13

• Win 1 of 2 leapfrog and trunki prize bundles
http://www.mellowmummy.co.uk/2013/06/win-trunki-and-leapfrog-prize-bundle.html
Entry by blog comment. Closes 15.07.13

• Win a Little Us Doll
http://prettily.net/2013/06/little-us-dolls-giveaway/
Entry by blog comment closes 11.07.13

• Win 1 of 2 leapfrog and trunki prize packs 

http://allbabyadvice-blog.com/index.php/2013/06/win-1-o-2-trunki-leapfrog-prize-packs-worth-153-each/
Entry by rafflecopter closes 19.07.13

• Win a signed copy of The Toucan Brothers.
http://www.playingbythebook.net/2013/06/28/win-a-signed-copy-of-the-toucan-brothers-by-tor-freeman/
Entry by blog comment closes 05.07.13

• Win 1 of 9 Lego Chima sets
http://m.parentdish.co.uk/2013/06/13/competition-win-lego-chima-toys/
Online entry form closes 19.07.13

• Win a leapfrog LeapPad Ultra
http://leapfrog.promo.eprize.com/sweepstakes/
Online entry form closes 16.07.13

• Win £40 giraffe restaurant vouchers
https://twitter.com/giraffetweet/status/350524157366255617
Twitter RT and Follow to enter

• Win 1 of 3 Cloudbabies: Wake Up Sun DVD'shttp://mamageek.co.uk/2013/06/10/giveaway-cloudbabies-wide-awake-sun-dvd/
Entry by rafflecopter closes 30.06.13

• Win a tank vest or a maternity tank vest
http://www.chelseamamma.co.uk/2013/06/win-award-winning-tencel-tank-vest-or.html
Entry by rafflecopter closes 30.06.13

• Win a pair of Nike 5.0 trainers
http://www.chelseamamma.co.uk/2013/06/win-pair-of-nike-free-50-running.html
Entry by rafflecopter closes 30.06.13

• Win a Caseapp mobile phone cover http://www.theminimesandme.com/2013/06/caseapp-review-and-giveaway.html
Entry by rafflecopter closes 05.07.13

• Win a Cot2tot Wrap Sling on their Facebook page 

https://t.co/Fx9Ia7GEDc 

Simply like and share closes at 1000 likes.

• Win Brabantia Pink Santini Ironing Table and Portable Laundry Bag
http://www.fabfood4all.co.uk/brabantia-laundry-giveaway/
Entry by rafflecopter closes 31.07.13

• Win 1 of 2 nursing pillows http://mamageek.co.uk/2013/06/24/giveawaytheraline-wynnie-nursing-pillow/
Entry by rafflecopter closes 08.07.13

• Win a breastvest nursing vest
http://mamageek.co.uk/2013/06/26/giveaway-breastvest/
Entry by rafflecopter closes 14.07.13

• Win 1 of 2 weekend box club kits
http://www.theminimesandme.com/2013/06/weekend-box-club-review-and-giveaway.html
Entry by rafflecopter closes 16.07.13

• Win a Little Tikes Secret Cottage
http://lovedbyparents.com/little-tikes-secret-garden-cottage/
Entry by emailing an answer to a question, closes 24.07.13

• Win 1 of 5 twin smart link smoke alarms sets
http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/giveaway-297-win-5-x-twin-smartlink.html
Entry by rafflecopter closes 11.07.13

• Win a traykit kids backpack play tray
http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.fr/2013/06/giveaway-295-win-traykit-kids.html
Entry by rafflecopter closes 09.07.13


Good Luck Everyone!

Emma in Bromley xx

(@beachpebble)

Go Organic Save The World - Organic Lawn Care

I'm a big advocate of Organic - I truly believe Organic Farming will lead to saving the planet and cutting rates of cancer and other evil illnesses. There's a lot of nasties in inorganic farming and it pains me that quick profit is put before the survival of the planet and human (and animal) well being.

I received an infographic about organic lawn care, at first I almost dismissed it as its American and for a US brand but actually, it's relevancy is global. Whatever poisonous chemicals one country pollute the earth with, will soon find their way to another country. 

"http://www.saferbrand.com/resource/lps/safer/Organiclawncarebenefits/benefits.gif"

Emma in Bromley xx

Go Organic, Save The World.

Fathers Day flourless gluten free double chocolate brownies

Dr Oetker have given me this wonderful recipe to share with you for flourless double chocolate Brownies - a perfect bake for Father's Day this Sunday!

Flourless Double Chocolate Brownies (Gluten Free)

9 Brownie Slices

175g (6oz) Dr. Oetker Fine Cooks’ Dark Chocolate 190g (6 ½ oz) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 150g (5oz) light brown sugar 3 medium eggs, beaten 15g (½ oz) + 2 tsp cocoa powder 1 sachet (1 tsp) Dr. Oetker Baking Powder (Gluten Free) 150g (5oz) ground almonds 7.5ml (1 ½ tsp) Dr. Oetker Natural Vanilla Extract 200g (7oz) Dr. Oetker Fine Cooks’ White Chocolate (cut into small chunks) Dr. Oetker Cake Release Spray

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan assisted oven, 325°F, gas mark 3). Spray a deep 20cm (8 inch) square cake tin with Cake Release Spray to grease. 2. Break the Fine Cooks’ Dark Chocolate into pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. Add the butter and stand the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water. Once melted, remove the bowl from the pan and stir in the sugar. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes. 3. Gradually whisk in the eggs to make a thick and glossy mixture. Sift 15g (1/2oz) of cocoa and the Baking Powder on top and add the ground almonds, Natural Vanilla Extract and 150g (5oz) of Fine Cooks’ White Chocolate, cut into chunks, and carefully mix together. 4. Transfer the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth over the top. Bake in the oven for about 40 minutes until risen and lightly crusty on top – the mixture should be slightly soft underneath. Leave to cool completely in the tin then remove and wrap. Store for 24 hours. 5. To serve, melt the remaining white chocolate over a pan of gently simmering water. Cut the brownies into 9 portions and drizzle each portion with the white chocolate. Leave to set for a few minutes before serving, dust the brownies with the remaining cocoa powder.

Prizes for Parents Competition Round Up 14.06.13

Originally started by the lovely Emma at Mellow Mummy, I'd like to bring to you Prizes for Parents.

This is a weekly roundup of some of the best competitions available on the web, I'll keep my eyes peeled for the best prizes or freebies on offer for UK families, mums, parents and health and beauty fans.

I'll post a selection here of the ones I spot or if you have a competition you'd like me to include, just tweet me the link @beachpebble, email me or leave a comment below with the details and closing date.

#prizesforparents
Prize must be open to UK winners.
Published every Friday.


• Win a set of 3 Department 19 Will Hill books
http://emmainbromley.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/will-hill-department-19-competition.html
Entry by blog comment. Closes 24.06.13

• Win 1 of 3 Cloudbabies: Wake Up Sun DVD's http://mamageek.co.uk/2013/06/10/giveaway-cloudbabies-wide-awake-sun-dvd/
Entry by rafflecopter closes 30.06.13

• Win a tank vest or a maternity tank vest
http://www.chelseamamma.co.uk/2013/06/win-award-winning-tencel-tank-vest-or.html
Entry by rafflecopter closes 30.06.13

• Win a Zolo Chance or a £20 Zulily Voucher
http://www.chelseamamma.co.uk/2013/05/win-zolo-chance-or-20-zulily-voucher.html
Entry by rafflecopter closes 16.06.13

• Win a pair of Nike 5.0 trainers
http://www.chelseamamma.co.uk/2013/06/win-pair-of-nike-free-50-running.html
Entry by rafflecopter closes 30.06.13

• Win a Cot2tot Wrap Sling on their Facebook page https://t.co/Fx9Ia7GEDc Simply like and share

• Win a Caseapp mobile phone cover http://www.theminimesandme.com/2013/06/caseapp-review-and-giveaway.html
Entry by rafflecopter closes 05.07.13

• Win tickets to see Dynamo http://watch.uktv.co.uk/dynamo-magician-impossible/competition/win-dynamo-and-friends-tickets/#competition-form-start
Entry via online form closes 24.06.13

• Win Brabantia Pink Santini Ironing Table and Portable Laundry Bag
http://www.fabfood4all.co.uk/brabantia-laundry-giveaway/
Entry by rafflecopter closes 31.07.13

• Win A gorgeous vanchi bag
http://lovedbyparents.com/vanchi/
Email the answer to a question. Closes 21.06.13

• Win Afternoon tea for two https://twitter.com/lavenderbromley/status/345301858115543040 follow and RT

 • Win a Prima Princessa Sleeping Beauty DVD http://www.theminimesandme.com/2013/05/prima-princessa-sleeping-beauty-dvd.html 

entry by rafflecopter closes 19.06.13

 • Win a lala loopsy doll and DVD set http://allbabyadvice-blog.com/index.php/2013/05/win-lala-oopsies-a-sew-magical-tale-the-movie-a-lalaloopsy-doll/ entry by rafflecopter closes on 16.06.13


Good Luck Everyone!


Emma in Bromley xx

(@beachpebble)

We Love our Swing Set

I have an exciting review to share - a swing set from Argos by Chad Valley toys and games 

It's obviously a flat pack and I built this, well actually I assisted while my lovely Father in Law built it! I'd say his flat pack build level is expert while mine is very much beginner ... epic failure!

The first thing tht surprised me was how quickly it arrived and how small the box was! I'd have thought a swing set would have been in a big tall long heavy box but this easily fits into a car so you could collect this from a store if you wanted! The one we reviewed is currently on offer for a great affordable price of £49.99  and Argos do an extensive and great range of double and single swing sets at reasonable prices.

This is where I'd have ripped everything open and got stuck in if it wasn't for my Father in Law!

Firstly, when it comes to something like this - check you have all the parts and put them in order before you do anything else - all the swing bits were in handy individual numbered bags so do not just open them all (like I started to do!) 

The instructions had a build time of 30 mins for two people - it took two of us (with a bit of help from a third adult and a child helper) 2hours and 5mins from start to scratch - with my Father in Law being a bit of a flat pack expert, I'd say the instruction build time could do with a spot of revision.

It was all fairly simple and straight forward to put together, as far as build went the only quibbles we had besides the build time expectation were: 

• the closed spanner tool would have been more useful if it was open as it doesn't allow for adjustments once the swing hooks are in place.

• the seesaw footrest spring washer is very tight to fit.

• the base legs of the swing are open and hollow tubes which you need to cement into place - as they are open ended if you don't cement it - it will just gradually dig a hole in your ground - would have preferred to be able to move the swing about especially when we move house and to avoid a worn patch in the lawn!

The swing set has adjustable ropes for the length of the swings  which is great as you can adjust it to suit your children and the fun glider is great! 

Both my children absolutely love this swing set - it's great value for money!

It adds a touch of nostalgia for both me and my husband because as kids we both had a similar swing set to this! 

I like to encourage outdoor play and imagination as much as I can and this is ideal - so far my four year old has used the swing to fly like a superhero and the glider makes a great rocket ship! My two year old (this swing set is recommended for 3 plus) needs a bit of help and support as expected to use the set and is loving having a swing in the garden! She wants to go on it all the time :)

Would I recommend this to a friend? Absolutely! 

Emma in Bromley xx

* I have not received any payment for my review, all thoughts and opinions are my own, Swing Set provided for the sole purpose of being able to review it.

Will Hill Department 19 Competition

It's a little bit scary and very exciting - perfect for teenage boys, Department 19 is the series of books that's getting teenage boys back into reading.

Will Hill’s Department 19 series tells the story of 16 year old Jamie Carpenter, whose mother is kidnapped by strange creatures, and finds himself dragged into Department 19, the government's most secret agency. Fortunately for Jamie, Department 19 can provide the tools he needs to find his mother, and to kill the vampires who want him dead. But unfortunately for everyone, something much older is stirring, something even Department 19 can't stand up against…

To celebrate the release of the third in the series, Department 19 - Battle Lines I have copies of all books in the series so far available to win.

• Department 19

• The Rising

• Battle Lines

Kindle books are available too D19 Files

To enter the competition, please leave a comment below naming one of Will Hill's books don't forget to include a way for me to contact you if you are the winner, such as twitter id or email please.

The prize will be sent directly to the winner from the company supplying the prize.

Open to the UK only please.

Competition will close on Monday 24th June 2013 at 12noon.

One winner will be selected using random.org, please reply with your details with 7days of winning or another winner will be selected.

Optional Bonus entries:
• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet a link to the comp including @beachpebble
• Like "Emma in Bromley" Facebook page
• Follow me on Pinterest (beachpebble) and Pin this comp on Pinterest
• Add me to your Google + and G+ this post
• Follow my blog on Bloglovin

• Follow me on Instagram and like my Department 19 picture

• Leave a comment on another of my blog posts (not other comps)

Please leave a separate comment below for each of your bonus entries so I can count them (max 1 for each method).

Emma in Bromley xx

• Update - Thank you to Everyone who entered.

Congratulations to the Winner 

Michelle Ashmore @shell1207

Boden Autumn Winter 2013

I took the kids with me to the Boden A/W press day recently! 

I have to admit that I do buy the kids a lot from Boden, it is one of my favourites for children's clothing. The designs are always lovely and the quality is great!

I do a lot of online shopping, even more so now I'm a mum so Boden is on my computer a lot!

I do also love Boden for myself but if I'm honest, I don't often buy for myself anymore! Although I'm sure that will change in the autumn - not just because of this super preview but because that's when I'm replenishing my wardrobe! (Hubby, I hope your credit card is paying attention!)

The press event was held at the beautiful Somerset House in London - my children loved the water fountains in the courtyard! If I'm honest, I wasn't sure how widely received my little cherubs would be! We've been to press events before but normally specifically for children - this one was womenswear and menswear too and for some serious fashion press, not just humble mummy bloggers! The name above mine in the register was someone from the Wall Street Journal! I used to work in the fashion industry and felt a bit odd being at an event like this in my colourful dress and flat cowboy boots, slightly chubby with a shiny forehead and two little people, one on each arm (the old me would have been in all black, skinny, high heels, make up to hide the shine and networking with those who I'd like to work with) 

My kids were made very welcome and mine was certainly not the only bugaboo blocking up the hallway! I was given a lovely cup of tea from a man who made a lot of effort with my children. I felt free to browse the collection which was great - my children loved it too! The room set up to showcase Mini Boden was a-ma-zing! Lots of attention to detail, we loved the props, the vintage school desks, the ball of toys, the sock monkeys and animal heads knitted by Sincerely Louise http://sincerelylouise.blogspot.co.uk/- the photo where my kids look a bit sulky was taken when I'd said no to pulling the sock monkeys off the wall (again)! 

Mini Boden itself had lots of lovely bright colours for autumn, with animal prints for girls and star prints for boys. 

Maegan is lucky to fall into both Baby Boden and Mini Boden as she is just coming up for two and there's a slight overlap. She picked out this amazing bright yellow skirt with bird appliqué along the hemline - it was her favourite piece and she was a bit haughty with me when she realised I wasn't going to buy it there and then! I absolutely loved the pyjama collections, Boden pj's are fantastic for children soo soft and playful designs, some come in twin packs making them great value.

In the baby collection, the bodysuits came in lovely designs and I took a shine to one of the baby dresses - that one I'll be buying! It details a blue background with a playful farmyard print. There's a Christmas dress to keep an eye out for too - navy spotty with a robin appliqué!

In the mini Boden boys collection there's some amazing big star prints which Blake really loved - I liked the attention to detail on the boys shirts too and there was a fab little navy jacket I think would suit Blake (he's nearly 4 and developing his own tastes).

When I wondered through to browse the ladies collection, I found that Meg also got excited by the shiny shoes! (They match my forehead) I loved them and want some for Christmas Day! I really like the Boden women's collection, lots of super soft knitwear and bold colourful prints (which I wear a lot of)

There were amazing accessories and colourful bags - also on my shopping list!

The menswear I felt, if I'm honest, could have been showcased a little better as it was only a small selection in the media room, I totally missed it and had to pop back for a look because when I was in the media room I was busy having my photo snapped and circulated on twitter and secretly wishing I still worked in online marketing (not that I'd swap the kids for my career back)!!!

The Johnnie B teen collection was pretty awesome and if I was still skinny, I'd probably try to squeeze into the age 16 size as I loved some of the dresses and the faux fur coat was really soft !!! This room oozed cool - there were cassette mixed tapes stuck to the wall! 

Overall, I think the Boden collections were amazing, not disappointed with any of it and cannot wait for my birthday in September as I think most of my hints will be for Boden! As usual, the kids will get plenty of Boden!

We had a lovely day out and I'm not afraid to take the kids again! They loved it and got a lot of attention from the wonderful Boden staff! 

http://www.boden.co.uk/

Thank you for inviting us!

Emma In Bromley xx

(@beachpebble)

Playmobil Playologists 2013

Yesterday Playmobil UK announced on twitter their 20 new Playologists ... I waited with fingers and toes crossed because I'd applied too!

... Sadly, Playmobil didn't choose me :(

Congratulations to the winners! I follow most of you! 

@ImaginationTree @mummyadventure @Mummy_Loves @LauraCYMFT @OneDad3Girls @suburban1mummy @RedTedArt @wendymcd83 @liveotherwise 
@fayerios 
@missingsleep @charliefunhouse @emvanstone @AttachmentMumma @DanielleGParker @Edspire @Ghostwritermumm @1978rebecca @snafflesmummy @Gingerbread_mum

We're going back to playing with my hubby's vintage Playmobil! Most of it is stamped as 1974! I especially like playing with the ones with facial hair and the one I'd assumed was a disco dancer but turned out to be a deep sea diver!

Emma in Bromley x

(@beachpebble)