Clothes Built For Play

We are heading off to the Scottish Baby and Toddler Show this weekend. If you live in Scotland and you and have a baby or toddler, I would highly recommend that you go along this weekend (Thursday - Sunday at the SECC). I go every year as I like to see the latest gadgets and quirky baby products. I have picked up quite a few bargains and also few life saving products like JC's Taggie Comforter.

I was invited along to a Blogger's Breakfast with some other Glasgow based mummy bloggers to get a first look at some of the exciting products featuring at the show this year. The product that JC and I were given to review was a lovely fleece jacket by Polarn O. Pyret.

To be honest I hadn't heard of this company but when I went to browse their website I did recognise their signature stripy look of their classic outfits. The ethos of the company is to design and manufacture clothing that children can play in, that is comfortable and that lasts. Here is a slideshow of JC wearing his jacket

I was given the fleece jacket to review but this is not a sponsored post and all opinions are my own.

Polarn O. Pyret is a Swedish company with an environmental conscience. They have an impressive range of clothing made from organic materials.

So what did I make of the jacket?

It's doesn't actually matter what I think. JC loved it. He wouldn't take it off. He is an adventurous boy who loves the outdoors so this type of clothing suits him perfectly. He is always running around at 100 mph and needs a jacket that isn't going to restrict his movement or make him overheat. Equally though, he needs a layer of protection from the wind and rain which, in Scotland, is inevitable.

The Plus Points 

• windproof and water resistant
• breathable but warm
• lint free - washes beautifully and apparently it won't 'bobble' so it can be reworn or passed on and still looks great!
• Reflective Strips on the front and back - useful in winter when it is quite often dark during the day
• Chin protector - it can be zipped right up without causing irritation
• Thumb holes on the cuffs - these are great for holding the arms in place if slipping a coat on over the top or to keep little hands warm on a breezy day. They can also be rolled back easily if you find they are too long. 
• Poppers - there are little poppers inside the zip lining which allows the fleece to be attached to one of the Polarn O. Pyret waterproof jackets. I think this is a great idea as you don't then need to try and squeeze a jacket over a thick jumper on a really cold day. 
• Ease of movement - I liked that JC seemed really comfortable in it and he could still run around and climb over things wearing it. 
• Easy to wash - It washes on a 40c wash and can be tumble dried. 

The Downside

• The Price - it retails at £39 which I think is a little pricey for most people. 

Overall I loved this jacket, JC loved this jacket and a few random people asked me where I bought it when he was wearing it out and about. I love the brand and what it stands for and I will definitely buy from them in the future. I think that £39 is a little expensive for a fleece jacket but I think the quality of the product speaks for itself. It would be worth spending a little more (especially when they are older and don't fly through the sizes quite so quickly) for something that is better quality and can be passed on to other siblings. 

The Great Outdoors - 115/366

Cluny Clays Adventure Playground - Family Fun!

We went to the summer opening event of their adventure playground at Cluny Clays Activity and Conference Centre.   (This isn't a sponsored post by the way, just sharing the love).  It was a lovely sunny day (even though it was forecast for snow). We had the most fantastic time and we were pleasantly surprised by the range of activities available. What was even more impressive was the price - it was free for the adults to get in and JC was also free as he is under 2 (these may have been promotional prices though so best to check their website before you go for the most up to date information on pricing).

Cluny Clays has lots to offer from a 9 hole golf course and putting green to clay pigeon shooting but we were really going for the new adventure playground. JC loves running around outside so we thought that this would be the perfect place to let him burn up some energy.

There was lots of natural climbing opportunities like fallen trees and hay stacks. They had built a really nice climbing area for children that are older than JC.






JC loved the bouncing pillow.












He was like a little Tigger bouncing around on the trampoline.












There was a track and trikes which JC was a little too small for but he managed fine with a push from his Dad.










There is a den area hidden in the trees which I particularly liked, it was like a secret garden!

JC really enjoyed running around in the large open space, kicking the balls that were lying around this area.










I'm not quite sure who had more fun on the zip slide - father or son?

We had to rush away for lunch but they have a lovely cafe which looked like a great place to relax. Overall it was a great day out and I can't wait to go back! 

I had to add this video of JC dancing in the middle of the park to the music they were playing. He's such a little mover!

I've linked this post up to Country Kids from Coombe Mill's link up. Go and check out the other outdoor activities that families have been up to.


  

On Yer Bike - 63/366

This face says it all. Get lost Mummy, I'm not coming in, I'm having too much fun on my bike. Some days it's like I'm raising a teenager not an 18 month old!

Deere John - 41/366

We went to the Almond Valley Heritage Centre today for our Friday Funday. It's a working farm with plenty of animal encounters, various soft play areas, lots of outdoor things like trampolines, bouncy castle, swings and a cafe. John Connor loved playing on the ride on tractors (mini John Deere model). It wasn't the warmest of days but it was reasonably dry and with plenty of indoor activities, the weather didn't matter.

JC and Me

Give me a push!

I've also linked this post up to Coombe Mill Country Kids linky

 

A Productive Week - R2BC

It's that time of the week when I tell you what I'm doing cartwheels about or what I am mildly amused by. So what am I cheerful about this week?

1 - It's been a productive week. I've managed to get all my school work done for next week before actually leaving work on Wednesday (which must be a first!) I also managed to get my housework done today so that I can enjoy my weekend without the pressure of chores! So I am really pleased that my time management plan is paying off. 

2 - I went to a new soft play centre today with my Friend and her son (who is a similar age to JC). We all had great fun and it was lovely to watch JC charging around the soft play. He is such an active boy and he loves climbing so it really was a perfect place for him. We also spent a good deal of time outside in the garden today (the first time he has been in the new garden) and it was refreshing to get outside for change. 

3 - Today is the first day, since the Christmas period began, that I have not eaten any junk. I am feeling the withdrawal effects already but I am very proud of my willpower. I know that a few days 'detox' will make me feel 10x better. Once the taste of chocolate leaves my memory it won't have the same hold over me!

Hope you have all had a good week. I would like to welcome all the new readers who have been popping by over the past few weeks. It's been lovely reading all your comments and getting to know so new fabulous bloggers. 

Love Your Hands

Money is tight and lots of families are spending more time at home this year rediscovering the great outdoors. Some of the best holidays I had as a child were spent in caravans and I remember the long summer holidays when the weather was gorgeous, we would go out to parks and take a picnic. These kind of day trips are often the ones that mean the most to you and you create memories that you treasure forever.

Cuticura is a brand that manufactures the UK's no1 hand sanitiser and they are embracing this love of the outdoors by offering to give away a £100 outdoors voucher every day in May. Click HERE if you want to enter.

I often use hand sanitising gels but I have yet to find one that doesn't dry out my hands and make them sore. Cuticura will be sending me out some samples to try so I will be reviewing them to let you know what I think so watch this space.