Crazy Legs Scooby - Review

Growing up I am sure we all caught Scooby Doo on the television, and all of these years later Leo is getting to enjoy the show for himself. We were very recently asked if we would like to put Crazy Legs Scooby through it's paces, and when I confirmed with the 4 year old, he was more than happy to put Scooby through his paces.

Crazy Legs Scooby is a fun addition to the toy box, aimed at children 3 years and over and comes equipped with 4  x AA batteries for the test features to be carried out in the 'Try Me' Option. To get Crazy Legs Scooby to go crazy, he requires 6 x AA batteries.

Leo has been getting Scooby out to play over the last few weeks now, and even now he enjoys watching him spin around the room. Standing at around 30cms he is a nice size and easy for little hands to enjoy, he is operated using his head, you simply need to push it down to make him go.

Once set in motion Scooby's paws start to spin and he starts to move forward, backwards and can even demonstrate a 360 degree spin! Alongside the movement features, Scooby of course talks which adds another aspect to keep little one's entertained.

Leo is 4 years old and he has enjoyed Crazy Scooby. It isn't a toy that he will spend hours playing with, but I find that he gets him out and sets him off on a regular basis. 

Crazy Legs Scooby is priced at £29.99 and is available from Amazon.

Disclaimer: We were sent a sample of Crazy Legs Scooby for the purpose of this review. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and those of Life Unexpected.

The one where Leo goes full time at school

Leo has always marched to the beat of his own drum, there's a steady rhythm and his song plays loud for all to hear. It's not the typical chart music that gets over played and annoying, it's cosmic, bouncy and peaceful all at the same time, just like him. 

I knew that starting school was going to shake everything up, I knew it was going to be tiring for him. I knew that it was going to be hard, and throughout it all he has been so big and so brave. First days are always daunting and whether we care to admit it or not, they don't ever get any easier as the years roll by. 

We are into our second week now and Leo's steady drum continues to beat, he gets up each morning and I help him get ready for the day ahead. We have breakfast and slowly but surely we are getting there, getting ready to drive the short drive to school. As the days have gone by, Leo seems to have gotten more worried about going into school, he wants more cuddles, more kisses and he doesn't want me to leave. 50 hugs and kisses later he finally goes into his class room, sometimes there's tears, sometimes he's absolutely fine. He proclaims he's tired to the teacher as soon as we see her, and I know that tactic. That tactic is so that he can try and wiggle his way out of doing things, he tried this at nursery and for a long time really pulled the wool over everybody's eyes. Everybody except me of course. I know that little man of mine, and I know that he went to bed before 7pm the night before and slept like a log. 

I know that as soon as he get's through the door of his classroom and I am out of sight that he will be absolutely fine. 

I have been getting to school earlier so I can watch him play from the roadside, I can't help but be curious to what he get's up to when he is at school. When he is outside playing, witnessing how he plays with the other children, how he smiles, how he laughs. For the first week and a bit each time I arrived he was stood among the children, he looked a little lost and was holding onto the rope of the play castle that stands in the reception play ground. I edged closer, and finally walked into the playground to let him know I was there and it was time to come home. That's when he turned on his heels and walked away, back towards the play castle to hide. It was as though he was angry at me for leaving him, and I just wanted to scoop  him up and give him a cuddle.

That's how the first week went really. Leo was absolutely fine within minutes of me collecting him, and I worried that this may progress into something more. I watched as the other children were exstactic to see their parents, running towards them and throwing their arms around them, and there was Leo walking away from me as fast as he possibly could. Thankfully this week has been a turning point, and on Tuesday when I rolled up at 1pm to collect him, he saw me. Beamed a beautiful smile and shouted 'Mummy!!' and ran towards me for a mammoth of a cuddle. The first thing he told me was that school had given him Broccoli for lunch that day, and it was disgusting! 

Yesterday's collection was just as happy, and I picked up my happy boy from school to bring him back home again.

Today has been Leo's very first FULL day at school. I expect to pick up one very tired little man with a mood to match, but I am sure that underneath the sleepy eyes and busy day, he will still be marching to the beat of his own drum.

Zombie Blast - Revew

If there is one thing I have realised about little boys since experiencing one of my own, it is their love for anything and everything that has the potential to be either a little bit gross or scary. So when we were recently asked to put the new Zombe Blast toy through it's paces I decided that we should give it a whirl.

Zombie Blast allows you to take part in your very own Zombie apocalypse.I was a little bit weary of how Leo may react to it. I knew that the fact it was a target game would go down pretty well, as the aim of the game is to shoot the Zombie until it's limbs come off and ultimately to stop it walking towards you. 

In the Zombie Blast box you will find:

- 1 zombie

- 1 pistol 

- Instructions

 

You have to shoot the Zombie down before your the time wraps up in around 30 seconds. You do this with the pistol provided, and you can shoot the walking Zombie from up to 2.5m away. There are 3 stages that you need to progress through, and each one becomes more difficult. Shoot him 3 times and one arm will blast off, shoot another 3 times and his other arm will detach, shoot him a further 3 times and he will die and fall over. It's actually really funny to watch and not gruesome in any way.

The game is controlled by the pistol which has the 'on/off'' switch  and of course the'start' button that sets up the games, If you aren't a fan of games that include zombies or guns, then this won't be the toy for you. We thought we would give t a whirl and see how we got on, and I think it has to be noted that the adults seemed to really enjoy this toy! Especially the 'grown up boys' i.e Dad's!

Leo enjoyed the game but it has to be noted that he was a little bit scared of the zombie, even if he doesn't care to admit it. He was never the one to put the arms back on the zombie and tentatively waited for me to piece him back together again. That being said though, he was more than happy from a distance to use the pistol... Just as long as the zombie didn't get to close to comfort which is pretty understandable.

Zombie Blast retails at £24.99.

Disclaimer: We were provided with a sample of Zombie Blast for the purpose of this honest review. All thoughts and opinions are those of Life Unexpected.

Decorating your childhood room

When I moved back to the parental home last year, it meant coming back to my childhood bedroom. A room with Pink walls, and when I say Pink. I mean hot Pink walls. I went backwards and forwards trying to make a decision on whether I should re-decorate or not, at then 25 I should have a room a little more grown up right? In the end I couldn't justify the cost, as after all I was only going to be here for a couple of months. 15 months later I still haven't gotten around to moving out again, but life has been anything but simple over those last 15 months, it has involved redundancy, change, loss of a job, they have seen Leo starting school. It has just been a busy old year, and moving out hasn't really been an option again right now.

Of course as I am now still at home, the decision of not decorating before I moved all of my worldly belongings back in is grating me. I wish I had taken the opportunity to give the room a complete over haul. The shocking pink paint job occurred when I was a mere 18 years of age, and to say that it is a little bit of an eyesore is an understatement in it's self. 

Still we live and we learn right?

Over the last couple of weeks I have been seriously thinking about giving the room a complete make over. I have been sourcing ideas from Homify, but I think the most I will be able to really get away with is a lick of fresh (Anything but pink) paint. In my head I think keeping it simple is the way to go, I have a gorgeous king size bed which is the main feature of the room, boasting a black leather headboard. Maybe even a feature wall with some darker boutique style wall paper behind the bed would make the room that extra little bit cosy. I would then be half tempted to just pick a creamy colour to cover up the glow of the pink paint. I am sure it would help me in actually feeling my age a little bit more, because as if being at home again isn't crazy enough, I actually still...at times...feel 18.

Maybe in the next few weeks, now I am actually working form my desk out of my bedroom (high five anyone!?) I may actually put these dreams into action. It would definitely make it a nicer place to spend a substantial amount of my time... 

In fact I may just pop into the store after I collect little man from school. I am suddenly feeling inspired and should probably action it before I change my mind again.

How are your days shaping up?

New school, new dreams, new room

Letting go of our kid’s hands as they start a new school can be a tough moment as a parent. It’s a time you have to be cruel to be kind, before they get used to this new environment.

Change is hard for even the most experienced of us, so I can only imagine what’s going on in those tiny little heads across the country as they take their first steps into the world of education. It’s a scary thing, but maybe there are a few ways to make change more acceptable.

One way I’ve been thinking about making the idea of school and change more appealing is to do a spot of redecorating. Create a place from your child’s room that is exciting and filled with all the new dreams and ambitions that school can bring.

These are my recommendations:

Do it together

When so much of our lives and our kid’s lives will now be spent at work or at school, it’s more important than ever to do activities together. Plus this is a perfect opportunity to help your child understand that change can be good and new experiences can be wonderful. Make it a fun and exciting activity for everyone.

Go beyond the limits

Involve your child as much as you can in the decorating process, from the choosing, the preparing and the actual decorating. This may seem daunting, but this is a test for you to. You need to start letting your child express themselves, push the limits and be independent. This is a terrifying thing for most mums, I know. When time goes so quickly you just want to bundle them up and keep them your baby forever. But let them be creative and independent, at least just in their own room. This means even letting them choose those clashing colours and patterns if they like.

Reflect their dreams

Education is a time when you start developing your hopes, dreams and ambitions. Yes they might change from year to year, but it’s so important to support these dreams each time. Your kid’s room is the perfect place to support these. I’m thinking wallpaper could be the best way to get across this is a fun way. Just looking through some of the designs in Dulux Decorator Centre’s children’s range, you could express anything from travel, engineering and science.

Rest and relax

The school day is so tiring for little ones, there’s no denying that. So, not only must their room be a fun place to be, it must also be a place to rest and recharge in comfort. Let it inspire a blissful sleep and happy dreams, ready to wake up refreshed and raring to go in the morning.

Make it last

Lastly, with all this fun and fantastical decoration, don’t forget to make the room practical. I wouldn’t want to go through all this work, only for the paint to flake off or dirty marks to spoil the look. Looking through some of my options for painting, there are certain paints that are designed to be hard wearing and durable such as Dulux Trade Diamond Matt, no matter how many little sticky fingers it ensures.

Now go out and create an amazing place with your child. Doing something fun like this will hopefully make going to school and leaving their mummy or daddy behind a little less frightening for your little one.

So good luck and keep your head up as you send your boys and girls of to the big wide world of education.

The first week of school

A week ago today I dropped you off for your very first day of school. I held your hand as we walked into your class room, and as the other parent's started to leave, you tentatively began to release your grip. You pulled me in for a hug, and then another, and then another after that. Your nerves showing through, your uncertainty for what was coming ahead in that very first day.

You were absolutely fine just like I knew you would be. When I came to pick you up you saw me and shot me a look, a look as if to say 'how dare you leave me here'. You were playing in the little wooden castle in the reception play ground. You hid behind a wall until I came to find you, while all of the other children threw their arms around their parents, you seemed angry at me, I had come to pick you up just as I had promised, I swept you off to McDonald's for a first day treat just as I had promised..But the story has been the same each day since then. You see me and march off with thunder in your eyes, as soon as I get you back to the class room to collect your things you are absolutely fine again, but that initial meeting after I arrive isn't quite where it should be yet.

School has completely tired you out and for the first week and a half you are only part time, I don't quite know how you are going to take to full time school hours just yet, but your teacher has been very supportive of this. She has told me that I can come in and get you if you get that little bit to sleepy, you have only just turned four in the last 12 weeks, so in comparison to some seasoned 4 year old's there is quite an age gap. 

I have been really lucky in the respect that for the first time ever, I am the one who is taking you to and from school. I am a school run Mum! I am really enjoying this as it's something that I never thought that I would get the opportunity to do for you, not consistently day in and out anyway. I am mingling with other Mum's, making friends and have a fighting chance of getting to know exactly who you are talking about, and it's a super feeling. 

When the bell rings you launch yourself at me, you give me a big hug and a kiss. I hold you tight and tell you to have a super day. You take your book bag and your water bottle and direct yourself towards your teacher. As you make your way into the courtyard by the classroom your lip starts to quiver. You stand still, you want another kiss, and another cuddle. I pop in and give you the reassurance that you need. There was one day last week where you went straight in and didn't back track for the additional love, but each other day it has been something that has eased you in.  

The afternoon's after school are what I am struggling with, it's been difficult because you are so tired. Really I know that you could do with a sleep and some quiet time, but I am in two mind's about giving you the luxury of an afternoon sleep simply because come Thursday you will be in school until 3pm, and it seems cruel to let you nap (even if you really don't want too) only for the end of the week to rock around and that option no longer be there..

I know it's a learning curve for both of us, I have always said that. I know it's an even bigger learning curve for you and I have to be patient, and I know at times I struggle with the patience side. I don't mean to get frustrated, but sometimes your bad mood get's under my skin and I just don't know what to do with you. It doesn't mean I love you any less. it just means that I am only human, and we could both benefit from some quiet time snuggled up with a movie and some popcorn. 

As a treat in the next few weeks to celebrate your new school, I am going to whisk you away to the beach. Now the weather is getting cooler I cannot think of anything better than putting on our coats, and our wellies and taking a trip to the seaside just the two of us. It's something that I have never had the courage to do with you before because I am such a scaredy cat when it comes to the motorway, but suddenly it doesn't seem quite so scary any more. It was only the other week that you became my very first solo motorway passenger as we whisked ourselves off to Drayton Manor for a few hours of fun.

School may seem big and scary at times, but you are navigating it in your own way and in your own time. You have an amazing support network and they have told me that your absolutely fine when I am not there, so I can only hope that soon when I come to collect you, you will be happy to see me.

But this is just the very first week, and you are settling in so well.

Well done beautiful boy x

Brantano have put together a series of fun infographics in honour of the children starting school this month. They have hit little man's school uniform on the head, and it is suffice to say that he is looking incredibly smart.

The Bikini Body Guide

'How do I get a bikini body?'
Take a bikini, put it on and VIOLA. 

I am a firm believer in being happy in the skin you are in. If you feel comfortable and happy in whatever you are wearing. Wear it, feel confident and shine.

You may sit there and say, but you didn't. That is true, I didn't feel comfortable, I didn't feel happy and I definitely didn't shine when I thought about donning a bikini. The thought of having to wear one aided my decision to avoid swimming, and any social situation that meant I may have to show more of myself than I was comfortable.

For me I did have to do a little bit more than just slip on a bikini to achieve my own personal bikini body mission, but I am certainly not saying that it isn't just as simple as that, because for the majority of people it should be that simple, and it is that simple.

I had to build myself back up, I had to remember that I was a person to and that I deserved to feel healthy and happy. It took me treating myself kindly to find my bikini body, because really all a bikini body is a testament to how you feel inside. If you feel good, you look good.

The Freya Venice Beach Bikini Set . Top £36.00, Bottoms £20.00

Finding a bikini is all about dressing for your shape, if you have larger boobs this will most definitely reflect in the bikini top that you choose. For me personally it doesn't matter, I have never been large on top, and my fitness mission saw to the rest of that. So this means that I can get away with little to no support (and do you know what? I am actually quite grateful for this!). Years ago bikini shopping was a long drawn out process for me, simply because I was on the hunt for this magical creation that would abolish fat, gift me with bigger assets (who cares if it's deceptive!) and make me look like a super model. 

Today I am a much more realistic about the powers possessed by the conventional bikini, and I appreciate them that little bit more. The shopping process is that much easier these days since I am no longer expecting a miracle. I can pick what I want and know that it will fit, and my body will quite simply look how it is supposed to look. it won't make my stomach any flatter, it will simply be what it is.

The Triangl Poppy Pink Soda Neoprene Bikini

Life Unexpected's Top Tips for choosing a bikini

1. Determine your body shape! 

2. Choose a top - The cut, color and fabric of your bikini top can all make a big difference in how it looks on you.

3. Choose a bottom - The bottom's that you select will determine how your bum looks! They also possess the power of emphasizing your legs or direct the attention away from them

4. Be confident and happy in your choice - wear your bikini with a smile. 

The Helly Hansen W Ignite Bikini Set  W Ignite Bikini Set: Top £25.00. Bottoms: £25.00

I believe that all women should have the right to feel confident and beautiful in their swimwear. Whatever shape or size, we all have that right to shine. If the process is as simple as taking the bikini out of the draw and putting it straight on that is absolutely amazing and completely inspiring in it's self. If like me you have had to dig a little deeper to find that sparkle, then that's fantastic too. and if you have been spurred into your very own fitness journey, you know exactly how exhilarating it feels.

We all have our own strengths and insecurities but we all have the opportunity to feel amazing in our swim wear.

'How do I get a bikini body?'
Take a bikini, put it on and VIOLA. 

Disclaimer: I was sent the Freya Venice Beach Bikini Set and the Helly Hansen W Ignite Bikini Set in exchange for this feature. All views are completely honest and my own.