Give your mum the treat she deserves, give Guylian this Mother’s Day

 

  

 

Ensure that your mum knows how much you love and appreciate her this Mother’s Day by treating her to a box of beautifully presented, mouth-watering chocolates from Guylian, the world’s favourite Belgian chocolatier. 

 

Guylian Praline Sea Shells 

Guylian’s signature Sea Shell chocolates are a real classic. Made using only the finest, hand selected Mediterranean hazelnuts, which are roasted and caramelised to perfection before being blended with premium Belgian chocolate; a box of these is certain to win you brownie points this Mother’s Day. Guylian Praline Sea Shells are available in a 250g box (RRP £3.99)

 

 

Guylian Belgian chocolate sea horses

 

A fresh take on our signature Sea Shells, these delectable praline filled Sea Horse shaped chocolates are available in indulgent 374g boxes (RRP: £9.99)  

 

These Guylian chocolates really are a perfect Mothers day gift not only do they taste so good they look the part too, they come in a beautifully presented box with a picture of a ribbon on one of the corner's and clearly written writing in gold. Each chocolate is beautifully sculpted and well presented you really do get what you pay for.

 

If your like me a love praline chocolates you will definitely love these not only do they look great they taste great too each box we tried had to different shades one dark and one white I couldn't really tell if there was any difference in the chocolates praline centre or if it was just the coating that was a little different on them the dark ones seemed to have a thicker coating to the lighter ones but they all still tasted delicious, I shared them with my children who also loved them.

 

We give Guylian Mothers day gift box chocolate 5/5

for excellent quality, beautifully sculptured and well presented and definitely a good value for your money.

 

 

 

 

 Guylian chocolates are available from all major supermarkets and selected independent stores nationwide and the Guylian web shop www.guylianshop.co.uk.

 

 

 

Wordsearch Junior #Competition

 

   A brilliant way for youngsters to build their language and recognition skills!

 

Now Wordsearch Junior (rrp £18.99, ages 4+, for 1-4 players) brings Drumond Park’s unique and much loved Wordsearch ‘race’ game format to a whole new generation - of youngsters.  They’ll have hours of fun playing this stimulating game - while getting to grips with language, recognition and pattern.  

 

We all know children love to compete with one another… and this fun packed game will get them excited about playing with words - reinforcing the positive aspects of learning and enriching their vocabulary.

 

With the emphasis placed firmly on fun, Wordsearch Junior also helps to develop young learners’ visual acuity.   The little ones can dive in straight away and search for images and patterns on the starter-level blue picture pattern cards. Here they will be developing those crucial early recognition and reasoning skills, such as sequencing and spatial awareness. 

 

The next – red - level takes players through the picture hint cards – finding words with picture hints to help them in their search.  This prepares them for the green word-only cards, where they’ll be learning to look for consonant clusters and vowel combinations - increasing their reading skills without even realising it!  The vowels in the word puzzles are helpfully printed in red so children can easily distinguish them from consonants.

 

Wordsearch Junior brings together the much-loved game play of wordsearch and a fun, competitive edge.  It motivates youngsters to build on their embryonic language, recognition, pattern and reasoning skills while enriching their vocabulary through exposure to letters and words.  The game is also proving to be immensely helpful to children who may be struggling with reading and language, providing a wonderful feeling of accomplishment when they succeed.  All in all, Wordsearch Junior is set to be an all round winner!

 

I have been given a chance to giveaway one of Drumond Parks Wordsearch Jouniors away to one of my lucky readers so if you would like to be in with a chance of winning one for your family please Enter through the rafflecopter below:

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mum's the word at ALDI

 

Aldi have lots of great gift for Mums this Mothers day that wont break the bank yet still great quality and value for your money.

 

 

 

Perhaps your mum is a fan of retail therapy – if so she will love shopping in style with this beautifully crafted Leather Purse (£4.99) or Patch Leather Handbag (£6.99). 

 

 

No handbag is complete without space to store some lippy so why not pop one of these 3 Piece Cosmetic Bags (£4.99) inside too?  

 

 

If Mum is more of a ‘snuggle-on-the-sofa’ type then these pretty Cotton Pyjamas (£7.99) and comfy Ballerina Slippers (£2.99) are ideal for keeping her warm and cosy.  

 

 

At such great prices, there really is something for every mum, but hurry as once they’re gone, they’re gone!

 

I was sent a few of Aldi's Mothers day products to try as shown in the pictures above, my favourite was the pretty cotton pyjamas even though I received a size too big I really didn't mind at all as they are so comfy I just love wearing them, they wash great too I ve wash them a few times now and they haven't misshaped or lost colour. I Also love my new leather purse its excellent quality and has plenty of space for all my cards and money you can also add a photo inside, I have one of my three children inside mine.

 

I give Aldi's special buy Mothers day gifts 5/5 for excellent quality and a great value for money

 

 

 

Mothers day with Hallmark

Provide a Special Mum-ent for Mother’s Day

 

 

Celebrate the unique bond between mother and child this Mother’s Day with Hallmark

Your mum has provided all sorts of support over the years, whether it’s simple shopping advice or being an emotional rock when you need it most. In fact, she often knows you better than you know yourself. So, when it comes to showing your appreciation on Mother’s Day, why not return the favour and opt for a gift or card that shows you know her just as well.

Having studied families across the UK, card and gift specialist Hallmark recognises the many different roles of a mother and, most importantly, that every relationship between a mother and child is unique. So, with this in mind, the company has extended its range of Mother’s Day products even further this year with a gorgeous selection of carefully-crafted treats.

From pretty patterned plaques and cards with verses she’ll cherish to ma-marvelous personalised mugs you can enjoy together over a cuppa, Hallmark is proud to present a selection of cards and gifts that are certain to put a smile on any mum’s face. Available from Hallmark stores or online at http://www.hallmark.co.uk, these creative keepsakes are sure to show just how much you care… 

 

 

There’s nothing better than a natter with your mum, so why not come prepared for the occasion and give her a mug that can be used for these encounters over and over again. Whether you’d prefer a stylish and sophisticated mug from Hallmark’s Bellissima range, or a mug you can personalise to make your own, Hallmark’s mugs will only make these meet-ups more special.

The Bellissima mug will be available for £6.00 from 10/03/2014 in Hallmark stores. Personalised mugs are available for £9.99 now from http://www.hallmark.co.uk

 

 

This lovely heart-shaped keepsake reminds you of all the reasons you love your mum and helps all your special memories stand the test of time. Featuring calming tones of blue and pink with gorgeous stripes and polka dots, this gift is perfect for mothers who like to decorate their homes with love.

This keepsake will be available for £4.00 from 10/03/2014 in Hallmark stores.

 

They also have some lovely gift bags and cards

 

 

No gift would be complete without a lovely gift bag to match, so open your eyes and feast upon these beautiful designs from Hallmark’s Bellissima range that will help make your gift stand out that little bit more.

These gorgeous gift bags will be available in Hallmark stores from 10/03/2014 for only £2.99.

 

 

Mothers mean so much to us so, understandably, sometimes it can be difficult to put your feelings into words. Fear not though, as this lovely card comes with a heartfelt message that demonstrates your love and respect for you perfectly, accompanied by the things that many mums love – flowers, pink and her handbag!

This card is available from 17/02/2014 for only £3.69 in Hallmark stores.

 

 

Make healthier, Tastier Choices this New Year with Baxters

Are you looking for a Healthy but satisfying soup well  Baxters Stay Full and Healthy range is just the one for you. Baxters has a great portfolio of healthy and nutritious soups to satisfy your appetite and make healthy eating easier. What’s more, they provide at least two of your five a day and they taste delicious!

 

Baxters Stay Full 

The mouth-wateringly tempting Tomato, Chorizo & Mixed Bean soup is just one of five satisfying soups in the Stay Full range, which includes: Beetroot, Tomato & Buckwheat; Broccoli, Salmon & Watercress; Minestrone with Basil & Parmesan, and Spiced Butternut Squash & Edamame Bean. 

Tomato, chorizo and Mixed bean soup  

 

 

The Stay Full range has been crafted with Baxters culinary expertise and passion for great tasting soups. Packed full of high protein vegetables, pulses and balanced carbohydrates, each recipe delivers a minimum of two of your five a day, is low in fat and has less than 300 calories. 

 

Baxters Healthy 

Giving health-conscious foodies more reasons to be cheerful are the seven soups in the nutritionally balanced Baxters Healthy range, which includes Minestrone with Wholemeal Pasta, and Lentil & Vegetable.

Healthy Minestrone

 

 

The seven nutritionally balanced recipes have been lovingly crafted to make healthy eating easier, without compromising on taste. Each soup provides fibre, protein, carbohydrates and at least two of your five-a-day. Other great options in the range include: Chicken & Vegetable, Spicy Tomato & Rice with Sweetcorn, Autumn Vegetable, Italian Bean & Pasta, and Puy Lentil & Tomato.

 

Here at Mums diary we were sent some of Baxters Stay full and Stay Healthy range to try. We were sent Healthy lentils and vegetable, Minestrone with wholemeal and from their Stay full range we were sent spiced butternut squash & edamame bean soup and tomato, chorizo & mixed bean soup. My favourite was the Healthy minestrone with wholemeal which I enjoyed with a crusty cob. I like the fact it has whole pieces of vegetables and pasta in it as it not only tastes great it had a texture to it rather than just slurping it of my spoon. One thing I don't like about some soups that have no bit in they never seem to fill me up. I also enjoyed the Baxters stay full tomato, chorizo & mixed bean soup it had so much flavour to it almost like pepperoni I can honestly say I probably would never have brought this one as its not something I would go for and normally stick to something I already like but now I have Im glad I did as its always nice to try something new instead of sticking to the same old flavours.

 

We give Baxters Healthy and Stay full soups 4/5

 

 

 

 

Make Mums day with Thorntons

 

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show your mum that you’re thinking of her and what better way to show your appreciation for all the things she does than with a chocolate treat from her favourite chocolate maker, Thorntons.

 

 

 

Thorntons has a fantastic range of delicious gifts to spoil your Mum with on Sunday 30th March. 

 

With Mothers day  just over a week away Thorntons sent us two of their delicious Mothers day gifts to try, one of which was their NEW Just for You Chocolate Box priced at £3.49. This lovely Heart Chocolate Box is filled with delicious caramel and chocolate hearts and is gorgeously presented in a purple box, so it's a treat that looks (and is!) good enough to eat.

 

Im a big caramel lover so this box was just perfect for me. There were 3 delicious milk chocolate hearts that have a deliciously gooey caramel centre, there were also 3 which had a chocolate truffle. Oooohh so irresistible!

 

Secondly we tried Throntons I love Mum chocolate truffles priced at £5.99 each carefully iced milk chocolate casings, brimming with creamy truffle each spelling out the word I LOVE MUM with an added scrumptuously sweet pink chocolate heart for her to savour. What better way to say you love your Mum than with Thorntons chocolate treats to suit everyone's taste buds..

Why not check out the Thorntons website at www.thorntons.co.uk or in store to see if you can find a delicious treat for your Mum this Mothers Day.

 

 

 

 

hobby craft #review

 

Here at mums diary we love arts and crafts, we love getting messy so when we were asked by the lovely people at Hobby crafts if we would like to review a few of their crafts sets we just had to say yes.

 

Hobby crafts founded in 1995,  are the largest arts and crafts retailer in the UK with 78 stores nationwide and more planned for 2014. With over 30,000 products for 250 inspirational activities and hundreds of exciting ideas, you'll discover everything you need to get crafty. Including...

• Value essentials
• Art materials
• Craft kits and components
• Cookware and baking supplies
• Paper craft
• Knit, stitch and haberdashery
• Ready-to-make jewellery

... And so much more!

Plus, when it comes to organising a party and adding a personal touch your wedding, you'll find all of your favourite brands and everything you need.

Michaela chose Hobby crafts Mystyle Neon bead jewellery kit where you can make your very own cool neon jewellery. You can make a variety of exciting accessories using bright neon polymer clay which is then baked in the oven to set. There are eight fabulous pieces of jewellery  to make they include necklaces, bracelets and earrings, and the clay can be rolled and twisted to create spirals, spots and marble swirls.

 

 

 

Each kit contains:

Pack contains: 35gms of Polymer Clay x 6 Colours, 100 Seed beads x 4 Colours, 2m of Plastic Coated Jewellery Wire, 3m of Black Cord, 2m of Stretch Cord, 30 Jump Rings, 4 Parrot Clasps, 8 Leather Ends, 6 Ear Hooks, Plastic Component Box, Instruction Booklet

 

This kits its recommend for 8+ so I sat down with my daughter Michaela to give her a helping hand if need as she is only 7 but her age didn't affect her as she still found it really easy and enjoyable to make.

First of all we read the instructions which where really useful and easy to follow.

 

Michaela then decided she would like to make a set of pink swirly earrings, she then started to warm the clay up by massaging it between her fingers as it was a little tough at first baring in mind the instructions do stat that is how it was meant to be.

Once soft Michaela had to roll 2 balls an push a cocktail stick threw them to make a hole for the jewellery wire. Michaela then had to make two 15cm long snacks and start wrapping each snake round the ball with added the swirly pattern shown in the picture above.

They were then baked in the oven, once cooled Michaela then added the jewellery wire and ear hooks. Once finished she ended up with a lovely set of earrings she was very pleased with.

Michaela had so much fun creating her own jewellery and was really pleased with both her finished pieces. Great value for money and did exactly as stated. 

 

Priced at £13.00

 

Michaela also made a bracelet all by her self a few days later

 

 

 

 

 

 

Davina aged 3 loves sticking so she chose Hobby crafts Mr maker craft chest which contains loads of fun craft materials. (shown below)

 

 

Davina enjoyed hours of fun making mummy lots of beautiful pictures with eyes, foam hearts, sequins, glitter and much more.

 

This Mr Maker set is a great value for its money and Davina has loved every minute of it, she loves carrying it around with her where ever she goes.

£14.00

 

 

 

Callum aged 10 chose John adams trash pack science where you can create gross experiments with your favourite Trashies.  You can astound and disgust your friends and family as you perform 10 horrid, yucky activities that really are Gross!

 

Trash pack includes sewer sludge powder, spew crystals, fart and gum powder, snail slime, reaction powder and much more.

Suitable for ages 7+

 

Callum looked through the instruction booklet to see which yuky experiment he would like to try first. There are a few experiments we havent tried yet as there are one or two things you need to buy your self like fizzy cola. 

Callum decided to make a fart goo in a can which was really easy to make an took just over 5mins. Firstly he added fart powder to water an stirred til it became a thick gooey texture, then left it for 5mins until had a rubbery texture he then placed the goo over the hole of the trash can and pushed his finger into the goo which then made the fart noise, this had everyone giggling.

Callum then made rat sewer sludge which was made using a special liquid and powder which left the powder really hard but once placed in your hand and squeezed turned in to runny like goo it really was weird but all so amazing. Callum loved both these experiments and enjoyed making them, showing his sisters what he had created.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Show your Pancake some love this Shrove Tuesday with Lyles golden syrup pancake bottle

 

With Pancake Day just around the corner on Tuesday March 4th, get your hands on a Lyle’s Golden Syrup^® limited edition squeezy pancake bottle – the ideal topping for the perfect pancake.

 

Lyle’s Golden Syrup^® has been a store cupboard essential for over 130 years. More than just an ingredient for baking, you can enjoy the unique taste of Lyle’s Golden Syrup^® as a topping too!

 

So when you are flipping your pancakes this Shrove Tuesday, why not get creative in the kitchen with the help of a scrummy Lyle’s Golden Syrup^® limited edition squeezy pancake bottle.

 

Available in original and maple flavour golden syrup, whatever recipe you are rustling up, Lyle’s Golden Syrup® is the perfect partner for your pancake.

 

Whether you enjoy pancakes for breakfast or tea, Lyle’s® has also created some yummy recipes. Guaranteed to get your taste buds tingling, the recipes include scrumptious American style pancakes with crispy bacon and a tasty pear and chocolate dish.

 

The limited edition Lyle’s Golden Syrup^® Pancake bottles will be available from February in all national retailers with a RRP £1.00 (325g).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrate your shrove Tuesday with Wilkos #Review

 

 

Wilko 

 

 

This shrove Tuesday we will be trying out some of Wilko's great pancake day products. 

We was sent:

 

A Wilko black whisk- £2.00

Wilko black turner- £2.00

Wilko Citrus Squeezer- £1.00

Wilko Red aluminium fry pan-Non sticky for easy release- £8.00

 

 

 

 

 

Today has been a busy day so for tea we decided to try out our new Wilko products and have some pancakes, I know its a day before but I wanted to let all my readers know how great Wilkos products were. The last few pancake days have been dreadful I've never managed to make one decent pancake which hasn't stuck to my frying pan, which isn't great when you have three children who look forward to pancakes just as much as id. I was going to go for the easy option and buy some ready made but where's the fun in that. Having looked at Wilkos frying pan they sent me I could tell this year my pancakes were going to be perfect and they were Wilkos non stick frying pan did exactly what it was supposed to, our pancakes didn't stick once and tasted so yummy.

I can honestly say I really did enjoy making pancakes today thanks to my new Wilko frying pan it really has saved my day and is worth every penny the quality is a great value for money and does exactly what its supposed to, I cant wait to make more pancakes tomorrow.

 

I also used Wilkos citrus squeezer which the children were amazed by as they have never used one before and loved the taste of fresh lemon juice on the pancakes with sugar.

 

All of Wilkos products were very handy and I cant say I have used any better than them and will continue to enjoy my cooking more with them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poppy seed pancakes

Serves: 6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

 

You will need:

·         110g plain flour

·         1 egg, plus egg yolk

·         300ml semi-skimmed milk

·         40g Flora Buttery

·         Small handful of poppy seeds

  100g Taste the Difference Peruvian Fairtrade dark chocolate, broken into small pieces

·         50g Elmlea double

·         Carte D’Or vanilla ice cream, to serve

·         Icing sugar, for during

 

Cooking instructions

1.       Sieve the flour into a bowl. In a jug, whisk together the egg, egg yolk, milk and 1 tbsp of the Flora Buttery. Make a well in the flour and whisk in the egg mixture to form a smooth batter. Stir in the poppy seeds.

 

2.       Heat a frying pan over a medium heat and brush with some of the remaining Flora Buttery. Pour in about 2 tbsp of the batter and swirl the pan around until the base is evenly covered. Cook for about 1–2 mins, until the underside is golden. Flip the pancake and cook the other side. Slide the pancake onto a warm plate and repeat until you have 6.

 

3.       Meanwhile, place the chocolate in a saucepan and stir over a gentle heat until melted. Stir in the Elmlea double.

 

4.       Serve with a scoop of Carte D’Or ice cream, a drizzle of the chocolate sauce and a dusting of icing sugar.