Tuesday 25 August 2015

Does money make you (people) happy?

Does money make you (people) happy?
The Perfect World Project
It's not that I think money itself make you happy, I just think money helps to attain the things to help make you feel happy - after all icecream doesn't grow on trees!

The Perfect World Project - A new TV series (casting now) is setting out to test the question and find the answer. The TV show will have 10 contestants tackling challenges with one person being given an opportunity to live a VIP lifestyle for 3 months with the help of a  6 figure sum VIP concierge Perfect World card.

I think, like with everything, the answer is all about balance really it's the people that we love that make us happy - for me it's all about my lovely hubby and wonderful children, but it would be great to live without the stress of money - to be able to go to the supermarket without worrying about the food budget, to say yes to a spontaneous day out at the zoo (I had to say no to a trip to London Zoo after I realised it was going to cost about £125 for the day) I'd love to extend our family home and really make it work for our family and I'm bitten with wanderlust - there is so much of the planet I'd love to see!

What about you? Does money make you happy? What would you do if you won the Perfect World VIP card?

Find out more:

The Perfect World Project.
Visit http://bit.ly/pwproject to apply.
You can also get the latest news and updates on the project by following the social media channels:
Twitter: @perfectworldtv
YouTube: The Perfect World Project


 Official Press Release:

New ‘beyond reality’ TV series will explore whether money can make people happy

Show will involve 10 contestants competing in a series of challenges

Finalist will get the chance to experience their ‘perfect world’ for three months

Casting is underway with filming to be announced soon

Casting has begun for a brand new reality TV series which will set out to answer the eternal question; does money make people happy?
In a unique social experiment, The Perfect World Project will see 10 contestants battle it out in a series of challenges, after which one person will be awarded with a VIP ConciergePerfect World card, loaded with a six-figure sum.
For three months he/she will have the chance to do as they wish, living a life as close to perfection as possible with VIP treatment at every turn.
Following the VIP experience, the winner will then act as ‘The Perfect World Ambassador’, sampling luxury goods and services for the following year as well as acting as spokesperson for the following seasons.
Russ Priestley, Lancashire-based entrepreneur and mastermind behind the ground-breaking project, says: “Does money make people happy? Everyone thinks they know the answer, but this is a chance to really put it to the test.
“I’m going to give someone everything they ever wanted, by giving them the opportunity to live a life without limits for three months. The real question is will living a life of luxury be a chore, or will they find true happiness?
“It’s a completely new concept for reality television which should yield some fascinating results.”
The application process is well underway with filming to be announced.
So if you have ever uttered the words, “If I won the lottery I’d…” then you might just be right for 

The Perfect World Project.
Visit http://bit.ly/pwproject to apply.
You can also get the latest news and updates on the project by following our social media channels:
Twitter: @perfectworldtv
YouTube: The Perfect World Project

Emma in Bromley
Xx

Parenting and Lifestyle Blogger






Disclaimer: I've been informed that I will be receiving a thank you gift for helping to spread the message of this exciting new show. 

Friday 21 August 2015

Nothing Beats a Brilliant August BBQ

How fast are the summer holidays going? I can't believe we have already reached August! 
We have yet to really touch the garden in our new house but I was keen to start off a BBQ here for the children to really get involved with - it's one of those things that has to be done in the holidays don't you think? 

August is the best time for a BBQ for us, it's when everyone seems to be returning from their holidays so nobody misses out, there's a bank holiday coming up and I'm desperately cramming as much into the remaining weeks of the summer holidays as I can! It's my birthday in September so I know that there will be plenty of BBQ days to come next month too - I remember birthday bbq's stretching back as far as the eighties! I've also spotted a few great bargains to be had too - My BBQ is currently on offer at £69.99 (originally £99.99) I went for the Banquet 22' Kettle Charcoal BBQ from Primrose

The delivery from Primrose was impressively fast - we had next day delivery. The BBQ arrived in bits, there was quite a lot of building to be done, the instructions could do with improvement, they weren't particularly clear and hubby had to apply a lot of force to get some parts to fit, such as this joining part in the photo below.

Banquet 22' Kettle Charcoal BBQ from Primrose
There were a few small bumps, dents and rusty bits which I'm not sure how I feel about!
Banquet 22' Kettle Charcoal BBQ from Primrose
One o the things that drew me to this particular BBQ is the Ash Collector, this is really handy, not only does it collect all the ash and run off from cooking making cleaning a lot easier, but it also has holes you can use to help control the heat of the BBQ.
Banquet 22' Kettle Charcoal BBQ from Primrose
The lower rack is perfect for storing things and the wheels make it easy to move the BBQ around. 
The lid also has a vent to help control the internal temperature. 

Banquet 22' Kettle Charcoal BBQ from Primrose
I absolutely love the two side shelves with this BBQ, they were another feature that helped me decide on this particular BBQ, they are easy to wipe clean plastic and have hooks built in too!
Banquet 22' Kettle Charcoal BBQ from Primrose
Primrose also sent me a BBQ cover which has a drawstring so I can pull it in to protect the BBQ when not in use - handy for us as there isn't anywhere sheltered to store our BBQ (at the moment!)
Banquet 22' Kettle Charcoal BBQ from Primrose
The food was absolutely delicious and a big hit with everyone - I personally prefer charcoal fuelled BBQ food - there's also lots of flavoured wood chips out there you can buy to further enhance the flavour too!
Banquet 22' Kettle Charcoal BBQ from Primrose
I had bought the fast start charcoal bags where you just light the whole paper bag without needing separate lighters. Its very fast and effective, but I did find that the charcoal grate holes are a little large and a lot of coals fell straight through so next time I'm going to cross a spare grate across. 

Banquet 22' Kettle Charcoal BBQ from Primrose

As well as the usually Corn on the Cobs, Veggie Sausages, Normal Sausages and Burgers, we also oven cooked the bbq finished off this lovely Beer Can Half Chicken from Marks and Spencer which is always a hit in our house!
Beer Can Half Chicken from Marks and Spencer

Overall, I'm impressed with the range, offers and speedy service from the lovely people at Primrose.
I love the ash collector and the handy shelves.
The warming grill shelf is a great plus point.
The food cooked evenly and was tasty.
I'd have liked the instructions to have been clearer and the parts to have been easier to fit.
I was surprised by the dents in something brand new and the charcoal grate could have been better designed.

Also by Primrose, is this brilliant social media platform dedicated to gardening, its a community site and described as a photo blog for your garden - think instagram meets pinterest meets Facebook, but for gardeners! I'm a complete novice gardener - I literally have no idea what I'm doing but I'm keen to lear, I want to create a great garden space that is safe for our young children to enjoy as well as being a space to entertain friends in!

Emma in Bromley xx

Bromley Blogger 







Disclaimer:
Primrose sent me the featured BBQ for the purpose of this article, all thoughts and photos are my own.
BBQ tips - Emma in Bromley

Back to School Round Up - Packed Lunch Special

There's just a matter of weeks left before school starts - Blake is about to start year 2 whilst Meg is going to start reception! 

In this post I wanted to bring the focus round to those extra bits and pieces, especially when it comes to packed lunches.

One of the things all children love to do is show their peers all the new things they have at the start of term, there's always a bit of competition to show something different and unusual.

I love that the children are encouraged to bring in their own water bottle to school and are free to drink water whenever they need to. I think it's great to have a bottle that is easy for your child to identify, a spout that can be covered and easy to clean.

We are super impressed with Camelbak Eddy spill proof kids water bottle, literally the best water bottle we've used both my children love it! Easy to use one handed, spill proof, BPA free, the soft spout flips closed and uses a unique bite and sip straw - I wondered at first if it would be difficult to master but both my children had the hang of it in seconds! This water bottle is really easy to take apart and clean and it feels durable too - you can also buy replacement spouts which is a plus for me! We love the fun designs too!
Camelbak Eddy spill proof kids water bottle
Camelbak Eddy spill proof kids water bottle
Camelbak Eddy spill proof kids water bottle Maegan Darcie Clement
Camelbak Eddy Kids, also available from John Lewis 

I'm always looking for interesting ways to serve up a packed lunch and I'm always keen on finding ways to keep food cool and fresh, as with many schools, packed lunches just sit on a shelf all morning!

Taking a cool lunch bag to a whole other level is this Freezable Snack Bag from Packit - mini lunch bag - entire bag freezes - chills like a fridge! The whole bag is lined with a patented freezable gel so that once the bag is frozen, it's walls generate waves of cold air that chill from all sides. The bag folds up for convenient storage in the freezer! The lunch bag zips closed with a flap lid with Velcro close - this flap lid is material so you can iron on a name tag or add one to the pull tag. Easy to wipe clean, carry handle and plenty of space for lunch and a drink.
Freezable Snack Bag from Packit
Freezable Snack Bag from Packit
Freezable Snack Bag from Packit
Freezable Snack Bag from Packit available from John Lewis and Dunelm.

We've also been using the Aladdin insulated lunch kit and insulated snack kit. 
Both are simple to open, leak proof, insulated, dishwasher and microwave safe (without the ice pod) and BPA free.
The lunch kit has one large tray inside, underneath the tray is where the ice pod sits. Whilst the snack kit has a divide tray with 4 compartments - my daughter loves this for fruit, carrot sticks and cheese cubes!
Aladdin insulated lunch kit and insulated snack kit
Aladdin insulated lunch kit and insulated snack kit
Aladdin insulated lunch kit and insulated snack kit
Aladdin insulated lunch kit and insulated snack kit

Also by Aladdin are these fantastic bento boxes - how impressive do these look!? 
There's something about bento that is simply lovely and perfect for children because of the interest you can add - You can really get carried away in the world of bento can't you! These clever insulated kids bento boxes can keep food hot or cold for 4 plus hours, they're also microwaveable, leak proof and BPA free The lid simply unscrews and inside you have a removable divider and the outside has fun graphics - my son loves the little space invader type character on the blue one.
aladdin kids bento boxes
aladdin kids bento boxes
aladdin kids bento boxes
Aladdin Kids Bento Lunch Box available in Selfridges 

What do you think of this pencil case? - Pencil case by Fikay
Pencil case by Fikay
Pencil case by Fikay
Pencil case by Fikay
Pencil case by Fikay - ethical fashion brand, handmade out of recycled cement bags by their team in Cambodia so each one is slightly different - Fikay company's philosophy is that parents should earn and children should learn. Therefore, Fikay empowers parents in third world countries by providing them with the fashion manufacturing technology to support their families and donate part of every sale to the charity Fikay Foundation which promotes education and schools abroad. Selected Pencil cases are currently on offer at £3.99 



Emma in Bromley xx

Lifestyle blogger





Disclaimer:
I received items featured for the sole purpose of reviewing them.

Thursday 6 August 2015

Schleich Farm Life Horses Collection

We love Schleich figures in our house, we have quite a collection because the smaller size ones cost the same as a children's magazine and usually my children choose a Schleich figure instead - the Penguins are my little boy's favourite while my daughter has a few glittery Pegasus ponies!

When I was invited to review the latest Horses range as part of the Schleich Farm Life collection, I had to say yes - Maegan loves horses very much so I knew they'd be a hit.

Schleich Farm Life Horses Collection
Maegan (age 4) has a sweet little dolls house bed which she uses as a stable for some of her horse collection!

Schleich Farm Life Horses Collection
We usually pop into one of the Bromley toy shops to choose a Schleich figure, I'd never noticed the accessory packs before so I was impressed with the range available, and surprised at the great attention to detail on the small accessories you could get, right down to treats for the pony and grooming kits!
Schleich Farm Life Horses Collection
We received 3 horses from the new collection, aren't they just beautiful. 

Schleich Farm Life Horses Collection
I love how they are all in individual natural poses - perfect for growing imaginations! Meet Mocha, Beautiful and Dottie - Maegan has named them herself.


Schleich Farm Life Horses Collection
Maegan absolutely enjoyed adding the saddle and rider (Meg decided to call the rider Meg too) 


Schleich Farm Life Horses Collection
Maegan's rider has blonde hair - just like Meg.


Schleich Farm Life Horses Collection
Look at the great detail on the Horse Treats accessories.


Schleich Farm Life Horses Collection
Snuggle up with a pony blanket, Maegan can easily use these accessories herself, the blanket has a simple velcro fastening so it's easy to use and also versatile enough to fit all 3 horses. 

Schleich Farm Life Horses Collection
Lets get ready for grooming, the brushes even have handles!
Schleich Farm Life Horses Collection
Maegan loved that this horse has shiny silver horseshoes.


Schleich Farm Life Horses Collection
Such amazing details, just look at the beautiful eyes Dottie has. 

Schleich Farm Life Horses Collection
Such accurate details and a wonderful flowing mane on Beautiful.


Schleich Farm Life Horses Collection
The attention to fine details is simply amazing and realistic, this is Mocha. 


Schleich Farm Life Horses Collection
These ponies are enjoying their new stables.


Overall thoughts? 
Love this collection, stunning details and brilliant quality, my children love Schleich animals and figures, and while I've focused this on Maegan (She loves horses and giraffes) my little boy (Blake age 6) has also enjoyed playing with these horses too (He's usually all about superheroes, penguins and sloths! ... or creepycrawlies!)







disclaimer:
I received 3 horses, a rider and accessories for the sole purpose of reviewing this collection. All thoughts, link choices and photos are my own and I'd recommend Schleich to everyone all day and every day.

Saturday 1 August 2015

Ben and Holly Elf Tree Playset Review

At 4 and 6, Ben and Holly is one of those programs and toys that my children can enjoy together, so when I was offered the chance to review the Character Options Ben and Holly Elf Tree Playset - I knew my two children would be delighted to help!
Ben and Holly Elf Tree Playset Review


The Elf Tree Playset is large enough for two to play with at the same time.
Ben and Holly Elf Tree Playset Review Blake and Maegan Clement
The set comes with removable furniture, such as the bed, bookcase and work bench.
Ben and Holly Elf Tree Playset Review Blake and Maegan Clement

Ben and Holly Elf Tree Playset Review Blake and Maegan Clement
The woodpecker rocks back and forth.
Ben and Holly Elf Tree Playset Review Blake and Maegan Clement

Ben and Holly Elf Tree Playset Review Blake and Maegan Clement
Ben and Holly Elf Tree Playset Review Blake and Maegan Clement

The playset comes with Barnaby elf who can fall through the trap door straight into the elf factory.

Ben and Holly Elf Tree Playset Review Blake and Maegan Clement

In the Elf factory - Barnaby can make rubber duckies on the working conveyor belt.
Ben and Holly Elf Tree Playset Review Blake and Maegan Clement
The front door really works too and we love the sweet details such as the toadstool and daisies.
Ben and Holly Elf Tree Playset Review Blake and Maegan Clement

Emma in Bromley xx





Disclaimer: I received the Ben and Holly Elf Tree Playset for the purpose of this review, all thoughts and photos are my own.