The Hexbug: Nano V2 Gravity Loop Set Review

Up until recently Hexbug's were one of those toy phases that I had merely heard about in passing conversation. It was only at the Christmas in July event that I actually discovered the wondrous ways of what fun they can actually be, and just how clever these little robotic toys actually are.

We had a sample in our goodie bag from the Christmas event so that we could have a sneak peak into what these little bugs are all about, and I have to say that they went down a storm with both the toddler and the cat! Unfortunately this Hexbug went missing on that very same night after the cat carried him off somewhere for him to never be seen again... I have a sneaky suspicion that he is somewhere in the kitchen, but where is beyond me.

While at Christmas in July I was given a preview into the new V2 Hexbug's, these bug's are a step up from the originals as they can now climb! Yes, the robot bugs can now actually climb up tubes, upside down and back out of the tube again.

With Christmas coming up I am sure these new V2 bugs are going to be cropping up on many boy's and girl's bulging Christmas letters to Santa Clause, so I am going to share my personal experience with the new Hexbug: Nano V2 Gravity Loop Set so that you can find out all there is to know about these robotic creatures.

You can purchase additional Hexbug's to go alongside the sets, and we were lucky enough to be sent another Christmas Hexbug identical to the one that got carried away by the cat. We have been a bit more precious about playing with the Hexbug's this time around, now we now that the cat is also a big fan.

I have to start with saying that Hexbug are for children aged 3 and up, so although Leo adores these bugs, and is more than happy to just watch them run around, up and over... I haven't reviewed them with him. I have actually tried them out with his 4 year old cousin so that I can give you a first hand account from the targeted age range.

What is included with the Nano V2 Gravity Loop Set?

- 1 Nano V2 Bug

- 1 Straight Tube

- 4 Curved Tubes

- 1 Hex Cell Base (removable walls and gates)

- 2 Curved Tracks

Leo's cousin who will be given the nickname of Bam for the purpose of this review was very pleased to be my tester for this product, he has never played with a Hexbug before so this was a real experience for him. Bam was sat right next to me during the set up process that takes no more than five minutes and before long he had switched the Hex Bug on and set it down in his habitat for him to explore. What I thought was really great in the initial set up was that the battery was included in the initial price and was already in the bug so that Bam could play straight away. All to often these days batteries are not included in the pack, and if you don't realise this before you get the toy home, you can be left with one very disappointed child. For me the included battery was a really nice touch, and I know that Bam was very grateful to be able to get playing straight away.

Bam has been telling me just how much fun the set is and every time we see him he has been telling me all about what his bug has been getting up to. Bam loves it when the Hexbug disappears up the tube and comes out of the other side. I have to say that this is my favourite bit to this toy, I think it is rather amazing that this robot bug can actually climb up, turn upside down and make his way back down to continue scarpering around the habitat.

The V2 Bug has the ability to climb because of a very simple addition, would you believe that by adding in 'feelers' similar to the legs, on the back of the bug it can now vibrate up the tube while the back 'feelers' bounce off the walls allowing them to climb. I find it all incredibly clever, and cannot believe just how much technology is crammed into one Hexbug. 

Hexbug have provided a really detailed 'How It works' section, and here is a little snippet to explain how the bug gets around.

'How it works. The motor inside the Nano rotates a counterweight that causes forces up and down. The down force causes the legs to bend and the Nano moves forward. The up force causes the creature to hop lifting the front legs off the ground and allowing the legs to unbend. This up and down movement repeats several hundred times per second causing the Nano to move forward. The Nano creature's ability to flip over by itself is due to the rotating forces caused by the motor and the unique internal and external chassis design (and a little magic).' 

The Nano V2 Gravity Loop Set

The Nano V2 Gravity Loops Set is a really good starter set for a child who has never had a Hexbug before. It comes with everything you need to give the Hexbug space to dart around and show off it's true capabilities. I think it is a great size (and Bam has agreed with me on this). The Hex Cell gives provides a flat confined space where the Hexbug is free to run around and change direction. This is assisted by the cell dividers that you can move around to persuade the Hexbug where you want him to go. There is an additional piece of circular track that let's the Hexbug go out of the initial Hex Cell and loop back in again, and then when he is ready to really show off he will disappear up and over the tube.

The sides of the Hex Cell have white plastic doors that you can open and close to either keep the Hexbug confined to the Cell, or to let him escape into the great unknown. Of course this gives you the opportunity to add to the set as you collect more bugs and track.

For Bam this set has been perfect as it has given him a lot more than a starter set would, and it has provided a perfect confined space for him to let the Hexbug run free. On the odd occasions the Hexbug has escaped we have seen just how quick these bugs can move and quickly swiped him back up.

What do we think?

From a child's perspective, or from Bam's in this case I really cannot see what is not to love about a Hexbug? I know I as a child (or even now come to think of it) would have absolutely adored something like this. I can definitely see the new Hexbug V2 Sets being a very big hit this Christmas, and with a variety of different set's available there really is something for every budget. Whether you are looking for a stocking filler or main Christmas gift there really is something for every Hexbug lover, old and new.

In terms of the age range of 3+ for Hexbug's I would say this is a great guideline to go by when purchasing for little one's due to the small parts. Leo of course has had a play with these bugs while playing with his Cousin Bam, but he has always been supervised at all times to ensure that he doesn't have a silly moment with any of the equipment. Leo has always been very good at not putting things in his mouth, and absolutely loves it when Bam lets him help out.

From a parents perspective I think Hexbug's are fascinating to watch, they have a proper little scuttle that makes them comparable to Cockroaches. In fact Granny thinks they look so much like Cockroaches that she is a little un-nerved by them! I have seen just how much entertainment value Hexbug's bring to the table and the V2 Gravity Loops Set has definitely kept Bam out of his Mother's hair while he has been busy separating the original Hexbug from the V2 Hexbug. They do seem to get in each others way occasionally, especially as the original Hexbug doesn't have the capability to climb, so he is restricted to scarpering around the Hex Cell as the V2 shows off going upside down. 

What really stands out to me with these set's is that you can keep building them up. I have noticed with the V2 Gravity Loop Set that there is the opportunity to add in extra track and join up different sets to make one big one. This is good to know as we can now get Bam additional Hexbug set's for Birthday's and Christmas, as it is a toy that he will get so much play value out of... and let's face it he is going to want more Hexbug's sooner or later to add to all of the fun and games.

For me personally I would certainly recommend looking into a set such as this one because there is not much in the price difference and you are definitely getting that little bit more for your money. The Hexbug V2 Gravity Loop Set retails at £17.78 on Amazon with FREE UK delivery, and I have to say that this is a great price for what is included in this set and definitely provides value for money.

GIVEAWAY TIME

Following on from my Hex Bug review I am very excited to announce that I have a Nano V2 Orbit Set to giveaway to one lucky reader! All you have to do in order to be in with a chance of winning this set (just in time for Christmas I hasten to add!) is fill in the Rafflecopter form below.

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Terms and Conditions

Please only enter this giveaway if you live within the United Kingdom. A winner willl be chosen at random on the condition they have completed the entry form honestly.Once a winner had been chosen you will be contacted via email, if you do not respond within 48 hours another winner will be picked at random and the original winner's notification will not be valid.

Disclaimer: I was sent the Hexbug Nano: V2 Gravity Loop for the purpose of this review. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.

The P&G Everyday Effect

A year ago in July I found myself back in the world of work after taking 13 months off for maternity leave. I have spoken on many occasions about how I felt about returning to work, scared, anxious, excited, nervous, worried and guilty just to name a few of those feelings that were rushing through my body like a tsunami.

I know I cannot be the only parent in the world who has felt a mass array of different emotions about the return to work. For me it felt like it was the end of an era, that special year where I had only my beautiful boy to spend my days with. Everything else was just a million miles away, but it is surprising how quickly the time can fly when you are neck deep in nappies and the real world is anticipating your return.

Going back to work presents you with a whole new set of things to feel guilty about, the milestones you may miss. The smiles and laughs that are poised for someone else, the general day to day life that you have built together is turned up side down and given a vigorous shake.

 Were you worried about going back to work after having children? Around 85% of mums have come forward to feeling like this, they felt nervous about their return to work. But a few simple acts can make all the difference to that first day back in the office…

Almost a third of mums said that a new hairstyle gave them more confidence when returning to work, whilst another 30% thought the same about new clothes. Even something as small as having an early night made a quarter of the mums we spoke to feel better about the day ahead.

P&G think that by doing ordinary things, we can make a difference to our own and the lives of those around us. P&G calls the impact of these seemingly ordinary moments the “Everyday Effect”.

So, to try and make a little difference in your day, P&G would like to treat one lucky reader a selection of P&G goodies so that you can enjoy a bit of the Everyday Effect too!

Here is what you will find in your P&G goodie selection.

To be in with a chance of winning this P&G Goodie selection all you need to do is follow the Rafflecopter form below.
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Good luck, and if you are returning to work soon. Enjoy!

Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com

Our application to become Center Parcs Family Bloggers for 2014

I have never had the pleasure of visiting Center Parcs but I would love for this to change in 2014. I have always heard such fabulous feedback from friends and family who have visited. They have told me about all of the exciting activities there are to do, and I can just in-vision myself relaxing on my very first spa day... A girl can dream right? A spa day is one of those things right up there with winning the lottery!

Leo is at an age now where he is taking in everything that we do together, he loves holidays and heading off on new adventures...Especially if there is a trip to the waterfront on the cards.

A trip to Center Parcs for us would be nothing short of an adventure. Leo's wide eyes and curiosity make daily occurrences magical. Swimming for Leo is the kind of things dreams are made of, add in a few slides and you have a dream come true for a 2 year old. 

Since this blog was conceived back in 2011 I have shared Leo's entire life with you. From that very first giggle to his very first steps, he has grown up on social media and I have loved sharing our daily lives with anyone and everyone who reads. If we are chosen to be family bloggers for Center Parcs it will come as no surprise to any of you to know that we will be tweeting/instagramming/YouTubing and Facebooking are way through our adventures in the great outdoors. 

I have been having a sneak peak at the Center Parcs website, and Woburn Forest in particular. There is so much for a under 3 year old to take part in. What really stood out for me was the Teddy Bear's Picnic and the messy play. If you have seen the mud pies that Leo and I cooked up together you will see that he will be right at home in that session. 

Why do I want to become a 2014 Family Blogger for Center Parcs?

I would love nothing more than to take my little monster on the adventure holiday of his dreams, watch him beam as he splashes about in the pool, and runs around in all of the wide open space. It would be lovely to get away as a family for a few days and just enjoy one another's company before retreating back to reality....

Here is our video entry to becoming 2014 Family Bloggers. A video that shows just how far Leo has come, how much mischief he creates on a daily basis and why we would love to go and create new memories, new adventures at Center Parcs.

Room to Breathe

It really does only seem 5 minutes since I had an avid crawler on my hands, I can remember thinking how I could just not let him out of my sight for a single second. Leo would just be into absolutely everything if I didn't keep him in my direct gaze. I did wonder when the time would come that I didn't need to be with him 100% of the time, when he would be able to play with his toys without needing me in his direct proximity. 

There were times that he did manage to sneak away, and on one occasion I found him taking a bath in the dog's bowl at Nanny's house... Or when he

Back then I couldn't foresee a time that this would be the case, but without really consciously knowing it... Over time it has just happened. I don't remember a certain day dawning that I decided to reward Leo with more space in between us... It just happened. 

27 Months Old

Another month has come and gone, adding precious moments and memories to your 27 months with us. 

It seems that you just come into your own that little bit more with each fleeting month, a new piece of the jigsaw comes together and slots into place. 

Even over the last couple of weeks I can see changes in you that were not there before. Simple things like you suddenly saying 'Yes' instead of 'Yeah'. That has only happened over the last couple of days, and although I do not know what has prompted the sudden change around, the pronunciation of the word 'Yes' just sounds perfect. The 's' on the end is perfectly formed and is elongated by you hissing like a snake. 

You are still so stuck in your 'Mummy's Boy Phase' and all you really want is a cuddle from me. I love that you have this special bond with me. You provide kisses on demand almost any time I cheekily ask, and you have even spontaneously planted them, right out of the blue. I know because my bottom lip is still recovering from the impact. 

But it was a very lovely thought.

You were poorly the other day little man, right in the middle of London. After only arriving an hour prior. All you really wanted at that moment in time was for me to pick you up, stick you into your car seat and drive you back home again. All you kept on saying to me was 'Mumma Car!' but unfortunately we had to hop in a taxi and head back to Paddington Train Station... Where we had to wait a little while for the next train home. Boy was I worried that you may throw up on some poor unsuspecting stranger. Luckily... Even though you were a little bit poorly on the train, for the most part you slept all cuddled up on my chest. 

By that evening you were sporting that famous smile of yours once again.

And to think that this was the day that you very ALMOST met a real life Spice Girl. Baby Spice or Emma Bunton to be precise. 

This month your Uncle Matty has flown off on a really big adventure. He has moved himself off to Australia for 2 years, maybe more. He is currently touring Thailand and no doubt causing mischief and mayhem where ever he goes. You said your goodbye's to him on Sunday but only really understand that he is going on a airplane just like you did. And you are also very aware that he is going to the beach... This definetly turned your face sour as you are longing to go back and play in the surf again.

To fill up the rainy Autumn days that have suddenly been bestowed upon us we have taken to doing some fun projects in doors. Just this week we cooked up a storm in the kitchen together... You helped me bake some Mickey Mouse Cookies. You were such a good little helper with your wooden spoon, but completely refused to get your hands dirty when it came to kneading the cookie dough together.

 So little man, here you are at 27 months. You are becoming such a big boy these days, and you know this already because I am constantly telling you. You nod in agreement and say 'Yes' because you really are growing up.

Drayton Manor with a 2 Year Old

A year ago on September 19th I took Leo along to Drayton Manor for his very first theme park experience. Leo was just shy of 15 months old when we first went along and he still had a really fantastic day, and there were rides that he could go on even then.

We were invited back to the Drayton Manor Park last month, a year and a day since our first visit. I was so excited to see what Leo would make of Thomas Land this time around, as he recently he has discovered Thomas the Tank Engine, so he would be transported into a very magical world full of his imagination. As Leo was two on this visit or 26 months, the whole experience was a lifetime away to that very first visit. 

It would seem my little man is not quite so little anymore...

With Leo taking me by the hand he marched me into Thomas Land, we were warmly greeted by the Fat Controller on the entrance gate but Leo wasn't phased by him at all. Leo had seen that there were rides to be ridden, so he couldn't possibly waste any time talking to people. With Leo almost now pulling me as fast as my feet would carry me, we came across Crazy Bertie Bus. Leo had seen Bertie in the distance as we were walking in, and I knew this was going to be our first point of call. 

With chants 'Mumma, Bus' from my feisty thrill seeker, I knew that now was the time we would have to ride Bertie. There was no fear in Leo's eyes just pure excitement as he led me up onto the bus, the bar came down and up we went. All I could do was look at Leo's face as my tummy did little flips as we went up...and down. Leo's face was a picture, he was just full of smiles and there was pure magic glistening in his eyes.

Of course when the ride came to a stand still...Leo was adamant that he wanted 'more'. I told Leo that there were so many rides for him to have a go on while we were here, and that we could always come back to Bertie a little later.

In a year Leo had gone from being able to go on some rides...To being able to go on pretty much everything. The only ride I came across that Leo couldn't go on in Thomas Land was Cranky the Crane Drop Tower, and although this was a ride that Leo was desperate to go on he was easily distracted by many of the other rides.

What I did find strange was that Leo was too small for the Drop Tower but he was perfect height to hop on the Troublesome Trucks Coaster. There was only 0.5cm in the height difference between the two, but I would have thought it may be the other way round? I was very excited when I realised that Leo was going to be able to have a go on his very first roller coaster if he decided he wanted too. We stood there and watched everyone going around on the coaster for a little while before I asked him for a definitive answer as to whether he would like to go on. Leo didn't need asking twice, he was soon pulling me along once again as we went to hop on the rollercoaster.

We sat in our seats and as the bar came down to keep us securely in our seats, I knew there was no turning back and I really hoped that Leo was going to enjoy this experience. I needn't have worried, Leo absolutely loved the speed, and even shrieked along with everybody else as he lapped up each and every moment. The coaster does two laps of the track before stopping, so luckily after the first lap Leo was screaming 'more' and was more than happy to go for a second spin.

We even came back to the rollercoaster a little later and hopped on the very front seats! Leo just kept on telling me all about how 'fast' it was. Even now if I mention the rollercoaster to Leo, he pulls his face because he would really like to go back again.

This was my favourite ride in Thomas Land, and I felt so incredibly proud to be riding with Leo right by my side. It really hit home for me just how big and grown up my little guy was getting. It won't be long before he can hit up some of the bigger rides over the next few years.

 We took a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine himself along the track all of the way over to Tidmouth Hault, where you can get off and visit the zoo or have a look around the miniature train track. Leo and his little friend absolutely loved being on the train and going on their travels, so much so that they didn't want to get off at the other side! When we did venture off Thomas though, Leo ran. He ran straight into Thomas and tried to drive him. I managed to retrieve him as quickly as he had first run away...  But on the way back after another stealth move on Leo's behalf, he was actually allowed to have a little look around in Thomas, and even sit in the drivers seat. It was so great of the driver to let him have a sneak peak into the controls, and it definitely added to the magic of the entire day.

\We spent the entire day in Thomas Land and never ran out of things to do, I could have stayed so much longer and still continued to have a great time. Although Leo did spy the Maelstrom and was hoping for a ride, Leo doesn't really understand that he was far to little to have a go on there anytime soon.. But still there is plenty of time for all of that.

 I would visit again tomorrow in a heart beat there is still so much that we didn't have time to do, like the zoo and some of the other rides for the kid's outside Thomas Land. I am hoping to go along for the Christmas event, I think that this year Leo is the absolute perfect age for it, and I know he would love to go back again after such a super day.

There is so much to see and do in Thomas Land, from the 15 rides available to the singing and dancing put on by the Fat Controller and his crew! One of the greatest things about visiting Drayton Manor in September is that it is so incredibly quiet, and if you check the weather forcast for the week ahead you can even grab some sunny weather if your luck. We went on a Friday so all of the kid's were back at school and there was no waiting in lines at all. I am very careful to pick quiet times as Leo has absolutely no patience, and I am sure if you have a toddler to keep entertained, and who wants to do what they want to do at that exact moment in time... Then you know exactly what I am talking about.

If you are thinking of visiting Drayton Manor with your 2 year old and they enjoy going on rides, I say do it! Leo had the most amazing time, and it really highlighted to me just how fearless he is, and how he really is my little best friend these days. We will definitely be back again, and I am sure that Leo will just continue to amaze me as he continues to grow and enjoy the magic that comes with a day out at Drayton Manor.

The Shivering Shaun The Sheep Review

For the longest time now Leo has been head over the heels for one particular sheep who has his very own television show. I know not many sheep can be a television star, but Timmy in his own right…Is. It may come as a shock to you to discover that Timmy is not the only famous sheep in his family…

Timmy has a cousin called Shaun, and Shaun also has his very own television show. Shaun the Sheep. I have tried to show my Timmy mad two year old Shaun but he always loves Timmy that little bit more. But now Leo is getting older he is broadening his horizons in what he does like to watch.

Leo has been sent a very special toy to review, a Plush Shivering Shaun the Sheep. I knew as soon as the little guy arrived that Leo was going to be very excited to see him. I called Leo through for the grand opening, his little face was going to be a picture when he saw Shaun the Sheep sitting in the box. To Leo all sheep are called ‘Baa’ so I was preparing myself for a lot of ‘baaing’ once he saw what the contents of the box was.

Leo helped me open the box, and inside the box was Shaun the Sheep, Leo reached in and picked him up a big smile covering the entirety of his face. While Leo was rejoicing in the moment of his new friend arriving, I gave Shaun’s tail a little pull. Pulling Shaun’s tail made him quiver from head to foot, and this made Leo giggle… a lot!

Once Shaun had stopped dancing around, Leo demanded that I again make him do it by saying ‘more’ rather repetitively. It didn't take Leo long at all to figure out how he could make Shaun move for himself, and now Leo just pulls Shaun's tail whenever he wants Shaun to jiggle around.

 Shaun has been such a big hit that Leo has even been taking him to bed and snuggling up against his extremely soft plush coat.

I think the Shivering Shaun the Sheep is a really sweet toy, and definitely one that will be loved by Leo for a long time to come. I only have one negative point to add to this review, and that is a quibble on the actual price. I know that there will always be a mark up on licensed products such as Shaun the Sheep, so you do expect it to be a little more than your average plush toy. Shaun actually retails from around £12.99 to the dizzy heights of £19.90 depending upon where you purchase him. 

Aardstore.com sell the Shivering Shaun the Sheep for £14.99.

The cheapest I came across him was at Argos for £12.99 at the point of writing this review, this is actually a more realistic price in my opinion, but it was on offer from £15.99.

This toy would make a lovely stocking filler for any Shaun the Sheep fan this Christmas.

Disclaimer: I was sent the Shivering Shaun the Sheep for the purpose of this review. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.