Christmas is nearly upon us. Children are writing letters to
Santa, festive adverts are everywhere and you are still wondering about what
toys to buy.
30 Nov 2017
29 Nov 2017
Elf - The Musical at The Lowry is a Festive Delight!
by
Vai Chin
You know when you go to watch a show not knowing what to
expect and end up being pleasantly surprised? That was me watching Elf – The
Musical at The Lowry.
I have never gotten round to watching Elf – The Movie
starring Will Ferrell, so had no idea how the musical would unfold. All I knew
after reading the synopsis was that Elf was the story of a child called Buddy
who ends up crawling into Santa’s toy sack. He is raised as an Elf at the North
Pole before eventually figuring out that he is human. He then goes to New York to look for
his father.
My six year old son and I took our seats armed with only this
information. Boy, were we in for a treat! We were hooked from the word go and I
had a smile plastered across my face for the next 3 hours.
27 Nov 2017
Twelve Days of Christmas at Tatton Park
by
Vai Chin
We love visiting Tatton Park in all seasons. Whether we are
celebrating Roald Dahl’s birth centenary or practising for a big cycle ride,
Tatton Park is our go-to place. Its beautiful landscaped gardens, imposing
mansion, thriving farm and deer park are a great place to recharge your
batteries. This beautiful National Trust property in Cheshire is only a short drive from Manchester and makes for the perfect family day out.
Christmas is always a magical time of year at Tatton Park.
We visited this weekend, and despite the not-so-great weather, my son and I had
a lovely time together.
23 Nov 2017
Planning a Festive Getaway in Newcastle Gateshead
by
Vai Chin
The twin cities of Newcastle and Gateshead, separated by the
river Tyne, are where I spent a large part of my adult life. I don’t visit
Newcastle and Gateshead as often as I would like since moving to the North West.
Perhaps reminiscing about Christmas past spent in this happy corner of the
North East will inspire me to plan a visit this festive season.
Newcastle and Gateshead have always had a lot to offer over
the Christmas period - for shoppers, for families and for those looking to have
a good time. Here are highlights of what to expect when visiting Newcastle Gateshead over Christmas and New Year.
20 Nov 2017
Digital Kids Show, Manchester
by
Vai Chin
It was our first time at the Digital Kids Show, and I was
not sure what to expect. Was J too young to attend? Will there be enough to
keep his attention through the day? What will we parents do while the child is
having fun?
The Hallé in Concert at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
by
Vai Chin
We may not have had formal training, but music has always
been a big part of our lives. M and I are fond of classical music and there was
a time before parenthood when we routinely attended live concerts at the Royal
Albert Hall and the Sage.
15 Nov 2017
How to Design a Brand Logo with Logojoy
by
Vai Chin
I have recently been giving the blog an overhaul. I have
updated the header and social media buttons. I have changed the layout and
colour scheme. Next on the list was a brand new blog logo. Logojoy, a blog
designing website, invited me to try out and review their software.
Logojoy uses artificial intelligence to generate beautiful,
unique logo ideas to suit your business. You can design a logo for free and
keep refining it till you are completely happy with the result. You only make a
payment once you are satisfied with your logo.
13 Nov 2017
Meccano M.A.X - the Interactive Toy Robot, Review
by
Vai Chin
I grew up in the 1980s watching The Terminator movies and
reading Isaac Asimov’s principles of robotics. It was a time when artificial
Intelligence (AI) was the stuff of sci-fi fantasies. I never thought that one
day I would own an intelligent, learning robot that can tell a joke!
Meccano M.A.X. (Meccano Advanced XFactor) by Spinmaster
12 Nov 2017
170 mile Cycle Ride - Training and Weight Loss (Week 6 Update)
by
Vai Chin
I am at the end of week 6 of training for The Way Of The
Roses and after missing all of week 5 to a nasty cold bug, I am glad to say
this week has been a lot better. I managed an average speed of 21mph on a
stationary bike at a level 9 tension. This session may have lasted only 25
minutes, but it is the fastest I have ever ridden on any kind of bicycle.
10 Nov 2017
The Great British Sewing Bee Sewing Studio Review
by
Vai Chin
I don’t do sewing machines. I can crochet beautiful patterns and I can sew with a needle and thread, but I don’t use sewing machines. The last time I
used one was a couple of years ago when, under the watchful eyes of professionals, I managed to sew a Christmas gift bag.
What is life without a challenge, eh? So I accepted the task
of using and reviewing the The Great British Sewing Bee Sewing Studio.
6 Nov 2017
Mi-Mic Karaoke Microphone Speaker - Review
by
Vai Chin
I love to sing and so does my six year old son. I have never
had any formal training and J is only just beginning his, but we have always
bonded over music. We love to listen and sing along to our favourite tracks at
home as well as in the car. So when the opportunity arose to review a karaoke
microphone, I knew it was something we would both enjoy.
2 Nov 2017
LinkIt Card Game - Review & Giveaway
by
Vai Chin
PikyKwiky is a UK
based start-up company that has launched a family card game called ‘LinkIt’. This
unique picture card game has been designed to help children sharpen visual perception and
language skills in a fun and competitive atmosphere.
In LinkIt, players
compete to find the link between the cards in front of them. The aim is to spot
the link as quickly as possible before
the other players spot it. No prior knowledge or game strategy is required, which
means adults have no advantage over children when it comes to winning at
LinkIt.
Your Winter Maintenance Guide for Outdoor Furniture
by
Vai Chin
Relaxing in your garden may be
wonderful during the summer months. As winter comes around, the harsh weather
can be hard on outdoor furniture. With
the right care and maintenance, you can make sure your furniture survives the
cold season and is ready to enjoy come summer. Whether your furniture is metal,
wood, plastic or rattan, this maintenance guide
will help you look after your outdoor furniture.
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