Sunday 29 September 2013

The end of the road for the VW Camper Van

Ireceived this email today and I had to share it because I love VW campervans and I think this is sad news :(

I spent an entire summer touring Europe in a VW camper when I was 11 and that camper made such an impact on my childhood and my siblings that now all 3 of us love them and my sister Kellie is lucky enough to own one (named valerieee) I was hoping that one day I could pass my driving test and let my kids have adventures in one too!


VW Camper Van Nears End Of The Road

The company is to cease production in Brazil - the last place in the world still producing the iconic "bus" as it is known - at the end of the year. 
VW said it had decided it could not change production to meet new laws being imposed in the South American country which meant all new vehicles must have air bags and anti-lock braking systems from 2014.
While output will halt in Brazil, over 10 million Volkswagen Transporter vans were made globally over the past 63 years and they remain popular because of their retro look and the "back-to-basics" driving experience they offer compared with modern vans.
Damon Ristau, director of the documentary The Bus, which follows VW fanatics and their affections for the machine, said: "The van represents freedom.
"It has a magic and charm lacking in other vehicles. It's about the open road, about bringing smiles to people's faces when they see an old VW van rolling along."
Perhaps nothing with a motor has driven itself deeper into American and European pop culture than the VW, known for its durability - but also its tendency to break down.
Van lovers say its failures only reinforce its charm. Because its engine is so simple, it's easy to fix, imparting a deeper sense of ownership.
The van made an appearance on Bob Dylan and Beach Boys record album covers, among many, though in music circles it's most closely linked to the Grateful Dead and the legion of touring fans that followed the rock group across the US, the machines serving as rolling homes.
Steve Jobs is said to have sold his van in the 1970s to buy a circuit board as he built a computer that helped launch Apple.
The vehicle is also linked to the California surf scene, its cavernous interior perfect for hauling boards.
But in poorer regions like Latin American and Africa, the vehicle doesn't carry the same romantic appeal.
It is used in Brazil by the postal service to haul mail, by the army to transport soldiers and by funeral directors to carry bodies.
It serves as a school bus for children, operates as a group taxi and delivers construction materials to building sites.
Brazilians convert their vans into rolling food carts, setting up on street corners for working-class lunchtime crowds.
In Brazil it is known as the "Kombi," an abbreviation for the German "Kombinationsfahrzeug" that loosely translates as "cargo-passenger van."
Production in Germany was halted in 1979 because the van no longer met European safety requirements, meaning its future was dependent on operations in South America.


Emma in Bromley xx

Organic September Organic Cotton

It's Organic September! 
I'd like to share with you, this info graphic from the Soil Association and Cottoned On all about the benefits of choosing Organic Cotton

Look out for facts such as 


  • Up to 77 million cotton workers suffer poisoning from pesticides each year: hazardous synthetic pesticides are banned in organic cotton production making it safer for growers
  • GM company Monsanto now controls a staggering 95% of the cotton seed market in India: organic cotton production never uses GM seed.

    There's also a competition to support the Info Graphic:

    How many fewer greenhouse gas emissions does growing organic cotton produce (compared to non-organic cotton)?

    Think you can find the answer in our cotton infographic? Then enter our competition and you could win an organic outfit courtesy of Monkee Genes and People Tree. We have a men's outfit and a ladies outfit up for grabs and the winners can take their pick from the range of jeans and trousers from Monkee Genes and tops from People Tree.


    Emma in Bromley xx

  • Friday 27 September 2013

    Prizes for Parents Competition Round up 27.09.13

    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 Tesco loves baby bundle
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 31.10.13

    • Win Abney and Teal faraway island DVD 
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 01.11.13

    • Win an Owl and the Pussycat Parcel
    Entry by online form, closes 11.10.13

    • Win a trunki, £100 zulily voucher and a Juicy couture wallet
    Entry by Instagram, closes 30.09.13

    • Win 10 x anti colic bottles and a soother from MAM
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 01.11.13 

    • Win a set of Poppy Sparkles friendship bracelets
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 31.10.13

    • Win a case of pearl cakes muffins
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 26.10.13

    • Win 1 of 2 copies of the Bookman's tale
    Entry by blog comment, closes 02.10.13

    • Win 1 of 3 copies of Gordon Ramsay "ultimate home cooking"
    Entry by blog comment, closes 25.10.13

    • Win a copy of the Higgidy Cookbook
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 08.10.13

    • Win toys from the Toadstool
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 30.10.13

    •Win 1 of 3 Woolly and Tig DVDs 
    Entry by blog comment, closes 10.10.13

    • Win Fisher Price Cheerin Minnie Mouse 
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 27.10.13

    • Win a Stellar Glass Kettle
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 27.11.13

    • Win a taster jewellery course for two
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 18.10.13

    • Win a huge prize bundle
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 10.10.13

    • Win a tree tots customisable children's chair.
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 06.10.13

    • Win a rocket muffin dress
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 25.10.13

    • Win 15 Roald Dahl Books and a Tidy books forget me not
    Entry by finding a hidden image, closes 29.10.13

    • Win a pinkabella book bundle
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 22.10.13

    • Win a signed copy of Jo Pratt's Cookbook
    Entry by blog comment, closes 30.09.13

    • Win a Tommee Tippee bundle
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 22.10.13

    • Win £100 voucher for designer pens
    Entry on the blog, closes 03.10.13

    • Win a 6 month supply of Heinz Soup
    Entry by online form, closes 14.10.13

    • Win Sally Morgan DVDs and signed book!
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 30.09.13

    • Win 1 of 2 Rayman the legend games
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 04.10.13

    • Win a pair of sheepskin slippers
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 30.09.13

    • Win 1 of 3 Deep Heat Muscle Rescue Spa set 
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 12.10.13

    • Win 1 of 4 copies of Woolly and Tig DVD
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 28.09.13

    • Win a Moshi Monsters 3DS game
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 29.09.13

    • Win 3 month supply of Special K porridge
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 02.10.13

    • Win a Pair of Running Shoes
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 30.09.13

    • Win a kenwood kmix food processor
    Online entry form, closes 14.10.13

    • Win £200 of Pyrex
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 20.11.13

    • Win a patchwork blanket
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 30.09.13

    • Win alphablocks volume 3 letter teams DVD
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 08.10.13

    • Lansinoh breastfeeding bundle 
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 15.10.13

    • Win a $50 amazon gift card
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 09.10.13

    • Win a good hemp hamper
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 01.10.13

    • Win britains farm toys and a family ticket to green meadow farm 
    Entry by blog comment, closes 18.10.13

    • Win a copy of Mummy Fever Mission Accomplished book
    Entry by Online form closes 27.10.13

    • Win a Nip and Fab bundle
    Entry by online form, closes 01.10.13

    • Win a choice of Wow toys
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 17.10.13

    • Win an iPhone olloclip 
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 06.10.13

    • Win an ilumi food hamper
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 06.10.13

    • Win a Tilda Rice kids bundle
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 17.10.13

    • Win 1 of 3 Skylanders amazing prize bundles
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 30.09.13

    Emma in Bromley xx
    (@beachpebble)

    Tuesday 24 September 2013

    Step by Step with Dora Parenting Tips and Childrens activities

    Share Your Advice with the Step-by-Step Tip Swap with Dora the Explorer


    Tackling each new step in a child’s development can be an overwhelming task for any parent. But to give a helping hand, Nick Jr. has created a new initiative called Step-by-Step which aims to assist parents explain key developmental milestones and reward children when they achieve them, with a range of Dora the Explorer tools.
    From learning to brush their teeth, to riding a bike for the first time, to even attending their first birthday party, Nick Jr. and Dora are on hand to help children and their parents on their way. However as no child is the same, Nick Jr. are asking parents to share their own top tips with the Dora Step-by-Step Top Tip Swap.
    Every month a new topic will be addressed online with handy information, videos and downloadable tools with child development expert Jacqueline Harding offering practical tips and advice. Then, on Facebook, parents will be able to swap their own tips for the chance to win a Dora Step-by-Step pack consisting of a Dora-the-Explorer My Talking Backpack and a School Day Dora doll.
    Last month's theme was ‘Summer’ and here are some of Jacqueline’s top tips and advice for getting little ones to grips with key skills:
    •   If you have access to outdoor space, why not choose a small spot for your little one to have their own garden? It’s best to choose quick growing plants such as cress and then you can even use what you have grown to make sandwiches together for your next picnic.
    •   Going down to the seaside? Then, it’s time to get stuck into sand castle building. Children never seem to be bored as long as there is sand around, but take a camera and use those pictures to make a scrap-book to keep the excitement going when you’re back home.
    •   If you’re off on holiday with your child, leave a few bits of packing at the end for your child to help you pack. Not only will this help them to get excited, it is also a great opportunity to explain all of the stages of the holiday so they know what to expect.

      To see more tips from Jacqueline Harding or download your own Step-by-Step, Explore with Dora tools visit nickjr.co.uk/stepbystep. If you’d like to share your own tips and advice visit Facebook.com/NickJrUK

      Emma in Bromley xx

    Spaghetti with the Yeti Adam and Charlotte Guillian and Lee Wildish

    Oh I do love a new book for the kids and Spaghetti with the Yeti was a hit!

    It's packed with fantastic monster illustrations and a rhyming story - there are the "scary" monster bits which my little boy loves, such as crunchy bones, horrible howls and angriest growls! Both Blake (age 4) and Maegan (age 2) were rolling around on the floor laughing their little heads off as one of the monsters was called Betty! - they have a Nanna Betty (my Nanna, actually!)

    We loved meeting all the other monsters on the adventure to discover the yeti and every time we read it, someone spots something new hidden in the wonderful illustrations "look Mummy, can you see that little bird/spider/crab?" 
    The way this story rhymes and flows means you can really get into story telling with crazy monster voices and excitement building! 

    It's a lovely big picture book and already a hit in our house!

    We really like the main character, a little boy named George and can't wait for the next book in the series, Marshmallows for Martians! 

    Spaghetti with the Yeti by Adam and Charlotte Guillian and Lee Wildish is available now at £6.99 (pb)
    Isbn 978 1 4052 6351 1
    Published by Egmont 

    also available at Book Depository 



    "A fast-paced, rhyming romp of a story about yetis, monsters and George – an intrepid kid determined to prove the yeti’s existence

    “Very commercial…kids will love it”
    The Bookseller

    Hurrah!” shouted George, “At last it is you. I’ve been looking so hard for the Yeti.”
    The monster looked down with a horrible howl . . .
    “Are you bonkers? My name is Netty!”
    Join George, a young and courageous explorer, determined to track down the elusive Yeti against all the odds.

    With only a map, a woolly hat and a tin of spaghetti in his rucksack, George sets off on his quest up the steep mountain path . . . and spots the Yeti immediately!
    But wait . . . just look at that lipstick! Can it really be the Yeti?

    With clever rhyme and great read-aloud potential,Spaghetti with the Yeti is a quirky and hugelycommercial book with international appeal.  LeeWildish’s vibrant and exuberant illustrations bring the story to life creating the beginning of a brilliant series. "

    Emma in Bromley x

    * I received a copy of this book for the sole purpose of reviewing it.

    Sunday 22 September 2013

    Bickley and Widmore Social Club Tee Charity Event


    28 September 2013
    Charity event
    Location: Bickley and Widmore Social Club, Tylney Road, Bromley BR1 2SH
    Time: 11:30 - 16:00
    Cost: £0.50
    Local businesses holding stalls catering for all. Raising money and much needed awareness for Womens Aid, supporting both women and children in unsafe environments.
    Pop up shops include:
    Mrs Canes Candy Cart lollipops and lipsticks, pampering home made hampers, J'Dore ladieswear and accessories, Shakazzle customised glassware, Bejewelled by Betsy, Mediumship with Sarah, Naked Niceties handmade toiletries, Magpie Sparkles, Oh Sew Baby Boutique, Cake Girls biscuit/cake decorating, Ella Bella kiddies wear accessories and lots more.
    Event organiser: Tee Charity Events
    Telephone: 
    07535676433
    Emma in Bromley xx

    Friday 20 September 2013

    Open House Tours of Wartime Biggin Hill Airfield


    Open House Tours of Wartime Biggin Hill Airfield

    Photo of a WW2 Spitfire at Biggin Hill (Doc)
    22 September 2013
    Guided tours of historic dispersal hut; blast pens; pillbox; and sleeping shelters.
    Location: Biggin Hill Airport, TN16 3BH
    Time: 10:30 - 16:00
    Cost: Free (donations gratefully received)
    Guided tours of historic dispersal hut; blast pens; pillbox; and sleeping shelters with Living history group ‘RAF at War’. Tours at 10.30; 11.30; 1.00; 2.00; 3.00; and 4.00pm.
    Enter the airport via the roundabout not the Executive Terminal and follow signs to the Scout Aviation Centre.
    Chapel of Remembrance also open Saturday 21 Sept 10am-3.30pm, and Sun 22 Sept 11am-4pm
    Event organiser: Scout Aviation Centre
    Email: Ian Piper at ianp@pbmail.co.uk
    Emma in Bromley xx

    Prizes for Parents Competition Round Up 20.09.13

    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 tree tots customisable children's chair.
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 06.10.13

    • Win a Stellar Glass Kettle
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 27.11.13

    • Win a taster jewellery course for two
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 18.10.13

    • Win a rocket muffin dress
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 25.10.13

    • Win a pinkabella book bundle
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 22.10.13

    • Win a signed copy of Jo Pratt's Cookbook
    Entry by blog comment, closes 30.09.13

    • Win a Tommee Tippee bundle
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 22.10.13

    • Win £100 voucher for designer pens
    Entry on the blog, closes 03.10.13

    • Win a 6 month supply of Heinz Soup
    Entry by online form, closes 14.10.13

    • Win Sally Morgan DVDs and signed book!
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 30.09.13

    • Win 1 of 2 Rayman the legend games
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 04.10.13

    • Win a 3 month Imaginabox subscription
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 29.09.13

    • Win a pair of sheepskin slippers
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 30.09.13

    • Win 1 of 3 Deep Heat Muscle Rescue Spa set 
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 12.10.13

    • Win 1 of 4 copies of Woolly and Tig DVD
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 28.09.13

    • Win a Moshi Monsters 3DS game
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 29.09.13

    • Win 3 month supply of Special K porridge
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 02.10.13

    • Win a Pair of Running Shoes
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 30.09.13

    • Win £500 to spend at People Tree
    Entry by online form, closes 22.09.13

    • Win a kenwood kmix food processor
    Online entry form, closes 14.10.13

    • Win Jessica  Flinn jewellery cuff
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 21.09.13

    • Win £200 of Pyrex
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 20.11.13

    • Win a patchwork blanket
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 30.09.13

    • Win alphablocks volume 3 letter teams DVD
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 08.10.13

    • Lansinoh breastfeeding bundle 
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 15.10.13

    • Win a Lego marina set
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 24.09.13

    • Win a fitbug device and a year subscription.
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 23.09.13

    • Win a beauty bundle
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 27.09.13

    • Win a $50 amazon gift card
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 09.10.13

    • Win a good hemp hamper
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 01.10.13

    • Win britains farm toys and a family ticket to green meadow farm 
    Entry by blog comment, closes 18.10.13

    • Win a copy of Mummy Fever Mission Accomplished book
    Entry by Online form closes 27.10.13

    • Win a Nip and Fab bundle
    Entry by online form, closes 01.10.13

    • Win a choice of Wow toys
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 17.10.13

    • Win 1 of 4 Abney and Teal DVD's
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 29.09.13

    • Win a Wordsearch junior game.
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 28.09.13

    • Win an iPhone olloclip 
    Entry by rafflecopter closes 06.10.13

    • Win an ilumi food hamper
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 06.10.13

    • Win a Beauty Spot Manuka face mask 
    Entry by blog comment, closes 26.09.13

    • Win a Tilda Rice kids bundle
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 17.10.13

    • Win spaghetti with the yeti book
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 25.09.13

    • Win 1 of 3 Woolly and Tig DVDs 
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 24.09.13

    • Win 1 of 5 Thomas and Friends king of the railway bundles
    Entry by online form, closes 27.09.13

    • Win 1 of 3 Skylanders amazing prize bundles
    Entry by rafflecopter, closes 30.09.13

    Good luck everyone!

    I'm on a budget this year so I'm hoping to win things for my Christmas presents ha ha!!!

    Emma in Bromley x
    (@beachpebble)