Posts Tagged "Cbeebies"

Blogging Perks & Events: Thumbs Up from Little Miss

Posted by cafebebemama on Jul 19, 2011 in Blogging, Little Miss Adventures, Motherhood, Product Reviews | 0 comments

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!

Cbeebies Song Time Album

Posted by cafebebemama on Nov 29, 2010 in Little Miss Adventures, Product Reviews | 1 comment

In the Cafe Bebe household we are firm believers in most things Cbeebies related. Little Miss is a big fan of “Show Me Show Me.” When their newest series premiered this Autumn there was a new character on the show called “Uki”. Uki’s segment is about 2-3 minutes max. Little Miss was immediately drawn to Uki but when the end of his segment came, much too soon, she sobbed. Actually sobbed and ran from the room! All future episodes produced the same effect. Hysterical tears. I was slightly cursing “Show Me Show Me” and wondering how I could manage to turn 2 minutes of Uki into 20. Eventually we got there and she no longer sobs when Uki is done; instead we say “Night Night” to Uki as he crawls back into his sunflower to go to sleep. Kids. I tell ya!

Beloved Uki

We were given an opportunity to review the newest music collection from Cbeebies, Song Time. It’s a double-CD offering of 50 tunes from beloved Cbeebies shows. It has just about every theme song there is and even has a few extended tracks. On the first listening, Little Miss stood in front of the stereo and hopped about with one of her animals in hand and called out the names to the show theme songs. She got her groove on!

I was slightly disappointed with the length of the theme songs however. They were the same length as on the shows on Cbeebies and I would have appreciated an “extended mix” of some of them. Surely these songs are longer?? Maybe not. It’s more of a “jingle” than a theme song. But it’s still great music which every toddler will instantly recognise. If I had a modern vehicle, it would surely take pride of place in the CD rotation or mp3 playlist but as I still only have a CASSETTE player (do they even make cassettes any more?), we have to listen to this lovely CD in the house. It would certainly make journeys in the car more interesting!

My blogging/mummy mate, Sabina and I were discussing this album (as you do) and we both agreed that they missed off some great musical opportunities with the Season’s Songs and the Happy Birthday tune. There’s also a “Weekend Theme Tune” as well which would be great to hear as those songs are almost bigger hits with Little Miss than the theme songs. Oh, well…there’s another album for Cbeebies to work on!

The Cbeebies Song Time album would be a great stocking stuffer pressie for your favourite toddler this Christmas season. Little Miss quite enjoys. She gives it two dummies up! You can purchase the Cbeebies Song Time album online at Play. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to try to get the 64 Zoo Lane Theme song out of my head…

In Praise of Children’s Television

Posted by cafebebemama on Jun 1, 2010 in Little Miss Adventures | 7 comments

Little Miss dancing with Makka Pakka, Summer 2009

Last year, in the late Spring, we dipped our feet into the waters of Cbeebies.  Little Miss was fascinated by “In the Night Garden” initially.  Thank goodness, we’ve moved on from ITNG (as it’s known in parent circles) but I would like to take up residence on my Parenting Plinth.  My platform:  In Praise of Children’s Television!

For those of you who don’t know (or don’t live in the UK) the BBC has a Children’s Channel devoted entirely to “toddler appropriate” children’s programming.  Cbeebies is on from 6am to 7pm and has nothing but educational, entertaining programmes (and to many parents, somewhat irritating).  In addition to the variety of programmes which last anywhere from 10-30 minutes, there are lovely presenters who introduce the next programme and play some little games and generally goof around for a few minutes before the next show.  There are also musical “videos” for each of the four seasons.  Summer is our favourite…it’s back now!  Have a look…I dare you to not jump up & do the dance.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI-kRu6KSDE[/youtube]

Little Miss will be 2 years old on Thursday.  I would like to thank Cbeebies for giving Little Miss a great education so far.  We have Cbeebies on at intervals throughout the day and it’s made a great difference in Little Miss’ vocabulary and general comprehension.  She can count to 10 (sometimes misses a number or two, mind), she knows her colours and says phrases and words like:

• “Whatever shall we do?”
• “That’s a great idea!”
• “See you again soon, I’m sure.”
• “Show me your groovy moves!”
• “That’s amazing!”
• “Delicious” “Gorgeous”
• “You’re bananas” (courtesy of Milkshake’s “Igam Ogam”)

Of course, not all of these are directly attributed to Cbeebies or other children’s shows and we don’t have Cbeebies on ALL DAY but I really believe that Little Miss’ vocabulary and understanding has been dramatically improved thanks to some of these children’s programmes.  She’s learned some Makaton sign language thanks to “Something’s Special” Justin, she’s learned a few craft ideas from “Mister Maker”, she’s learned how to break an egg & mix it up thanks to “I Can Cook” Katy, and she’s learned a TON of things from “Show Me Show Me” Chris and Pui.

Little Miss and I spend the entire day together.  I’ve always been very verbal with her from the day she was born and have encouraged her to speak and repeat words that I say.  I taught her a mixture of signs to aid her communication (she still uses the sign for please when she says it) and have always insisted on manners (please, thank you, pardon) when speaking.  We’re now working on Right and Left with body parts…a tricky one that!

I’m so pleased that Little Miss has picked up so many useful and educational things from Cbeebies and would like to categorically state that CHILDREN’S TELEVISION IS NOT THE DEVIL!!!  Of course, everyone has their opinion and many parents choose to limit and/or prohibit their child from watching television.  I certainly respect other’s rights to NOT watch telly but in our family we are very appreciative of the learning that Children’s Television has brought to our Little Miss.  I remember watching “Sesame Street” growing up.  It helped me to learn numbers and letters and how to count in Spanish and even sign some words and phrases in American Sign Language (I still remember “WET PAINT”).

As long as it doesn’t become the only form of interaction your child has, I see no problem with watching something like Cbeebies to expand your child’s horizons.  We are most definitely in praise of children’s television.  So, thank you, Cbeebies, for opening a few doors in our daughter’s mind and allowing in some brilliant education.  And if you can possibly fast track some toy merchandise for “Everything’s Rosie” we would REALLY appreciate it!

Cbeebies "Everything's Rosie"

Monday Music Memories

Posted by cafebebemama on Jan 18, 2010 in Blogger Love, Little Miss Adventures, Motherhood | 2 comments

Little Miss LOVES Cbeebies

I’m starting off the week with a challenge to my blogging followers.  For this MONDAY, share a MUSIC MEMORY!  Music is a powerful thing.  It can take you back to a time of happiness, joy, love, sadness.  It can represent a time in your life and even remind you of a smell or a touch or the sight of something in particular.  I have so many memories that are triggered by music but a lot of them are now centered around Cbeebies and Little Miss.  Mothers in the UK will understand this.

We are big fans of Cbeebies and really got hooked this past summer thanks to the “Summer Sun” song.  Cbeebies (the children’s channel of the BBC) has a song for each season.  Don’t get me started on the rubbish that is the Winter Song but Summer, now that was a song!  Every time it would come on, Little Miss would shout, “Mummy!” and would run to stand up and dance along.  She and I would do the dance moves and sing along and have a right old giggle.  I wish I would have had my Flip recorder then but failing that, we’ll rely on the actual “Summer Sun” song courtesy of Cbeebies and You Tube.  Enjoy, watch repeatedly and see if you can do the moves as well.  It’s quite fun…and oh, how we miss Summer!

Now, here is your challenge!  Share with everyone one of your favourite Music Memories.  If you can find a video for it, brilliant.  If you can find an audio recording of it, fantastic.  If you just want to share the memory…even better.  I’m adding MckLinky to allow you to do a post on your own blog and link it up here.  I hope there will be a few of you who would like to take up my challenge…Music is a powerful thing.  Share your memories with me…I can’t wait to hear them.

Mummy in Need

Posted by cafebebemama on Nov 24, 2009 in Motherhood | 30 comments

Little Miss trying to find something to do!

I am a Mummy in Need of inspiration for things to do with my gorgeous Little Miss!  I’ve hit a rut in the last few months and it makes me a bit sad.  You see, last year, around September time, Little Miss was just a wee 3 months old.  She was starting to sit up on her own and was very alert and active and I wanted to be a good Mummy.  I found out about our local Sure Start Children’s Centre in Market Deeping from the Health Visitor.  I picked up a brochure and found an exciting list of classes and programmes and opportunities to crawl out of the hole we were living in.  I enrolled in a Baby Massage Class and a music class called JellyBeans.  I went to our first class, JellyBeans, with a bit of nervousness but found it to be the best thing we had done up to that point.  I met some amazing (and some scary) Mums and got out of the house on a regular basis.

We became regulars at the Children’s Centre.  Attending classes, events, walking groups…Little Miss and I were there for them all!  We found 5 or 6 other Mummies who had all had Baby Girls within 2 weeks of Little Miss’ birthday.  We became a lovely group- having coffee mornings, play dates, walking outings, evenings “off”…the lot.  And then summer came.  Our girls had their birthdays and became Toddlers!  Two of the mummies returned to work and for the most part, we’ve drifted apart.  Our lives have gone in slightly different directions mainly because none of us are attending programmes at the Children’s Centre any longer.  And that’s part of what makes me sad.  Our local Sure Start Children’s Centre doesn’t have any programmes for “our age” girls any more.  They have infant and baby/mummy programmes and things for nursery age and school age children but there’s a gap in the programming for 1-3 year olds.  Right smack dab where we are!  I’m also sad because our Mummy group has drifted apart as well.  It’s bound to happen as your children get older but it still makes me a bit wistful for the days gone by!

We still have our best mates to pal about with and I’m ever so grateful for them but I’m getting stuck in a rut!  We stay indoors a lot of the time because the weather has been rubbish lately and I’m a bit of a fair-weather person.  I don’t mind a bit of drizzle as Little Miss is always snug as a bug in a rug but when it comes to the driving rain and gale force winds of late, inside is where I want to be.  There doesn’t seem to be a plethora of child friendly places to take your child when the weather is British and I fear that I have become a bit too comfortable staying in the house.  Little Miss has her toys and Cbeebies while Mummy has the computer and the kitchen.  I don’t know what to do in my area (Cambridgeshire/Lincolnshire borders- Peterborough is the nearest “big” city) and I am out of ideas for what to do with Little Miss when we’re at home.

So, what I’m asking for is ideas…suggestions…kicks in the butt…projects…all geared around a nearly 18month old Little Miss and a stuck-in-a-rut-needing-a-kick-in-the-butt Mummy.  How do you fill the hours of your day?  When you stay at home, how do you do “it all”?  Housework, entertaining Little Miss/Mister, remembering who you are?  I’m open for suggestion people…within reason mind you.  So here are some things to bear in mind:

• 18 month old Little Miss, rather precocious, loves animals, dancing and talking
• Late 30-something Mummy, rather out of ideas, loves music & blogging & Little Miss (and hubby too!)
• Living in Cambridgeshire/Lincolnshire- near P’boro
• Can drive but moderately terrified of tackling London or other major cities by automobile
• Money IS an object…classes that cost money are probably not a possibililty but fares or fees to do one-off adventures would be ok on a once-a-week basis

I am ready for your ideas and will publish them in a follow up post and let you know how we get on!  Put on your thinking caps…Cafe Bebe is open for business.  Ready…steady…go…  (Thank you!)