Blogging Perks & Events: Thumbs Up from Little Miss

Jul 19, 2011 by cafebebemama

I’ve talked before about how blogging can be pretty great. I’ve been afforded so many opportunities through blogging that have benefited me and my family and for that I am eternally grateful. Ella has had the opportunity to travel to London more than most children (hell, even most adults) in the last 2 years which is brilliant. I think Ella is a better traveller and is more confident in public settings as a result. I’m still not ready to tackle London with Ella NOT in a pushchair but one day we’ll get there!

Ella has also been the recipient of quite a few toys and videos as of late thanks to her Mummy Blogger. I’ve been behind on my reviews and need to give credit where credit is due. These products and places would all be wonderful to add to your summer plans.

Products:

Poppy Cat: We had the pleasure of receiving a Poppy Cat package upon the release of their show of the same name on Nick Jr. There was a BEAUTIFUL pop-up book (see pic on right) which is very special indeed, a DVD of 2 Poppy Cat episodes and a few other lovely Poppy Cat accessories. Poppy Cat is an animated story of Poppy Cat and her friends. Voiced by Joanna Page (of Gavin & Stacey fame), the show is a delight with a very catchy theme tune. Ella loved the episodes but as it’s on Nick Jr (Sky) and we’re on the lowly BT Vision/Freeview system, we won’t be able to see it on a regular basis. The animation takes me back to more simple “cartoons” which is comforting. Ella definitely gives Poppy Cat a big THUMBS UP!

Little Charley Bear: Ella has been watching Little Charley Bear for some time now on her favourite channel, Cbeebies. I have to say, I’m totally hooked on Little Charley Bear as well and saw, immediately, how great the merchandise potential could be with this adorable series. I want a Little Charley Bear! We were given the opportunity to receive Little Charley Bear’s FIRST EVER DVD with 6 episodes plus bonus features. Unfortunately, Ella’s favourite episode, “Charley Snaps” where Frozo the Penguin keeps getting in Charley’s pictures, is not on the DVD. As a family, we ALL laughed out loud at that episode.

Voiced by James Corden (of Gavin & Stacey fame as well!), Little Charley Bear uses his imagination to take him and his friends on amazing adventures. I can see that Ella has already mastered her imagination like Charley! We adore Little Charley Bear in our house and have even permanently recorded it so we have a reserve. Now with the DVD we’ll always have an option on rainy days! My only complaint is that Little Charley Bear episodes are only about 8 minutes long…we need a Little Charley Bear EXTENDED feature!

Mini-Micro Scooter: We were sent a press release on the Mini-Micro Scooter and as Ella’s birthday was approaching and she had been BEGGING for a scooter for months, I replied to the PR to enquire about the possibility of testing and reviewing the Mini-Micro Scooter. We were fortunate to have been given that opportunity and I tell you, this is one of the best products that we’ve had for Ella. First of all, it looks GREAT! Funky colours, padded handles and two wheels in the front for added stability make the Mini-Micro Scooter VERY functional for now-3-year-old Ella. The minute she stepped on it she was scootering (is that a verb?) with ease.

We now use the Mini-Micro Scooter to come home from school and I have to walk pretty fast to catch up with Ella. We always INSIST upon her wearing her helmet when she scooters which puts Ella in the minority (why don’t parents insist on this?) but we know she’s safe and she accepts it as what we always do. I don’t think Ella would have been ready for the Mini-Micro Scooter when she turned 2 but 3 is the perfect age for it. I know we’ll get loads of use out of the Mini-Micro Scooter and I highly recommend them for your toddlers. A great product and Ella gives it HUGE THUMBS UP!

Events:

Lollibop Festival: We happen to be a Lollibop Family! We are proud to be included with about 10 other Blogger Families who are helping to promote the Lollibop Festival in Regent’s Park which will take place over the weekend of August 5-7. At the beginning of June we were treated to a “taster” Lollibop in Regent’s Park for all of the family and press to get a small taste of what would be in store later this summer. The kids were entertained (and Ella was slightly frightened) by a BIG bear, an appearance by Peppa Pig (no fear there thankfully), Bubble Blowing, Face Painting, Swing-Ball & Hula Hoops and other great features. I’m really looking forward to attending this year’s Lollibop Festival with Hubby and Ella and seeing the whole event on a larger scale.

There will be plenty of things for kids under 10 and there are event some adult oriented activities (like a bar!) to keep the whole family happy. Do check out the line-up on the Official Lollibop Site. There’s no way that you will leave the event disappointed; there’s something for EVERYONE! Now we just have to decide which day to attend! There are loads of brilliant bloggers who are running promotions for FREE FAMILY TICKETS as well so do check out the list of parent bloggers for more information. You might even see someone you know!

Boots Treat Street: We got a sneak peek at the new Boots Treat Street promotion which was held at The Savoy hotel earlier this month. We’ve always been strong supporters (and customers) of Boots so we were happy to see what’s in store at Boots (and extra happy to see the newly restored Savoy Hotel as well).

Boots Treat Street gives customers an opportunity to shop online at their favourite High Street stores and earn Boots Advantage Card points at the same time. What a bonus! There’s even a new promotion going on for the remainder of July: From Monday 18th – Sunday 31st July, you can get 2 Boots Advantage Card points (instead of the usual 1) for every £1 spent at the following online shops: FCUK, GAP, Banana Republic, Office, Coast, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge and Figleaves. The stores in BOLD are new partners at Boots Treat Street! Exciting stuff for online shoppers!

At the Boots Treat Street event at The Savoy, we were treated to some amazing snacks, lovely makeovers (I didn’t get one!) and a pretty stunning goody bag to take away. The children were attended to while the Mummies chattered away. I was really impressed with the venue and the people at Boots could not have been more friendly and welcoming. Have a look online at Boots Treat Street and treat yourself to some much needed pampering as soon as possible.

So that’s what we’ve been up to the last several months. I’ve given you some rainy day DVD suggestions, a brilliant scooter, a family festival and tips on the latest online treats for you at Boots! Aren’t I helpful??

Cafe Bebe and family are always happy to take part in the blogging perks and events BUT I have made a blogging decision. I’m going to be limiting the reviews that we undertake going forward. My blogging goals have changed and for me, it’s not so much about getting FREEBIES, as it is about writing and enjoying my family. The perks are brilliant but with those perks go responsibilities and constraints so we’re going to be a bit more selective in the future. Enjoy the summer holidays and let us know how you get on with some of our suggestions!