First time camping since I was 16...

Over the last few months I've been thinking of going camping with TJ and I finally bit the bullet. 

I looked at a few different campsites but ended up choosing one that wasn't to far from home in case our first camping trip went wrong.

I booked via the official camping and caravaning site which was easier then I thought.

http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/wiltshire/salisbury/salisbury?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=Salisbury&utm_campaign=google_places

When I packed the car I just put in the basics of everything in the car.

• Blow up mattress
• Blanket
• 2 x sleeping bags 
• Small gas bottles 
• Cooker
• Small amount of food
• Electric cool box ( plugs in to car lighter)
• Spare change of clothes 
• Torches 
• Deck of cards 
• Tent 

The tent erected.

Once we arrived at the campsite the tent was erected in our pitch which was a lot bigger then I thought it would be. 

With the car parked next to the tent, we went for a walk down a path that took us to Salisbury town. The path ran past a housing estate and near a field where there's a river running around the edges and a play area in which the smaller kids were playing in. 

The walk took a total of 25 minutes and was along flat terrain and paths so it made quite a nice little stroll.

The shops near the play area were Morrisons, sports direct, Smyths toy store and a few other shops. After buying some bread rolls we headed back to the river where children were swimming and playing, so I let TJ paddle in the river to cool down for a few minutes before scooting his way back up to the campsite.

When we arrived back at the campsite there was 3 x color coordinated VW campers. 

Seeing the different tents and camper vans was amazing. and the mini community that is built once you pitch your tent.

There was two different bathroom blocks with one having washing facilities. These blocks were immaculate and with an entry code which was easy to remember to be used after 5pm it helped keep the campers happy. 

There was 4 shower cubicles, 6 toilet cubicles. and 6 sinks in one shower block. 

When we started cooking on the BBQ we were asked to use a few bricks underneath to stop the grass from being burnt which I could understand why as the grass was kept very nice.

The only downside about this campsite was the noise after the sun went down although the other neighbors didn't seem to mind to much. 

When the sun came up we were up and ready packing the tent and heading out before 8am. 

Captain Pug the cutest story I've read.

My little light reading has turned into me being obsessed with the book that I've finally managed to start reading.
From the second I started reading the bright orange, blue and white pictures drew me into the story. All the colors throughout the book are these 3 bright colors and fantastically drawn.
The main character is a Pug named Pug which is Haystacks favourite breed. With the googly eyes that seem to watch your every movement right down to the curly tail he just loves them.
The book follows the life of a rich Pug who has his own wardrobe. (I'm in awe as I wish I could put hats and ties on my Lab, yes I realise that it's a book but a lady can dream).
In the first book he visits a boat donning his very cute sailors outfit and sure enough mayhem is soon behind him. From t

he boating lake to ending up in a much bigger pond the story is full of giggles especially as Pug is afraid of water.
Pugs owner Lady Miranda is a young lady who knows what she wants and when she wants it. When I was younger I wished I'd have servants but alas I only had an older brother. (It's all good I have nephews now ).
TJ and I have both enjoyed reading this book and haven't wanted to put it down.
In fact I didn't even when TJ fell asleep!
Bad mommy, but I was enjoying it too much.

I don't want to give away to much of this fantastic little book but you can find out how much fun it is yourself by heading to

http://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/captain-pug-9781408866375/

The suttle hints of getting old , well actually no its not

Did you know that 1 in 3 women suffer with sensitive bladder related problems at sometime throughout their life?

I recently attended a press release that was hosted by Always Discreet in support of Dr Sarah Jarvis.

Around 45% of women sufferers (13% of men) do not discuss stories with anyone else, not even relatives or close friends and a staggering 42% felt it made them less attractive one thing needs to be said, 

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

After watching a documentary that was directed by Flora Berkeley. In the film which lasted 7 minutes and starred 5 lovely regular women it dawned on me that I actually know women with sensitive bladder and have since talked to a few of my friends about the issue.

The short documentary followed Sandra Small, Alyth Yelland, Jane Duckworth, Corali Sacerdote and Claudia McDonald. Each women spoke of the empowerment that they have felt now that they've started talking about sensative bladders. 

The Sensitive bladder pads absorbs liquid quickly. After 10 years the product was finally on testing stages and has recently been released to the open market throughout the UK, Germany and the US.

There are different types of  sensitive bladder types.

Stress  - When you leak after when you've sneezed, laughed, coughed, exercised or perhaps lifted something. This happens because the muscles become loose. 

Urge -When you have the sudden need to use the bathroom and you cannot hold it. This happens when the bladder isn't full. 

Overactive - Can be caused by diabetes, an infection, spinal injury, bladder stones or neurological condition.

Here are a few ideas that have been suggested that will help by the professionals teams and Asha Patel of the ' Wellbeing of women charity'.

• Cut the caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks. These drinks can irritate the bladder so its suggested to limit to a minimum for a week or two to see if it helps.

• Train your bladder. Try talking to your doctor for ideas on to help train your bladder hold its capacity.  Always remember to empty your bladder completely when using the bathroom.

• Practice pelvic floor exercises as these have been proven to help.

• Practice regular relaxation techniques. Sensitive bladder can sometimes be affected more by anxiety and worrying. Practicing mental relaxation methods can help greatly. 

When One wall finally starts to look right

I've been decorating my room for about a year now. 

I painted the walls replaced the carpet had it laid then had to move my furniture around numerous times well I can officially say at long last all the walls are painted and my poster is finally hung. 

I'm looking forward to taking my trip now to purchase a few more route 66 items to finish decorating the frame.

Wall number one is now completed.

Acropats bath times made fun again..

I recently received these foams shapes and set to having a bath shortly after opening my parcel.

The set comes with 16 acropats in 4 different colors red, green, blue and yellow. 

Each acropat can be linked together to make different shapes.

 The little men can be built on land or water building blocks, cars and even a space ship. Let your imagination run wild when you build with them.

These special little foam figures float on the water and measure 70mm x 14mm x 84mm each.

We've built walls that float, aiming towers in the water and taken a small ball to aim in the middle (a point a goal 2 if it goes straight in).

These versatile little figures have been out in the garden, in the paddling pool, the bath and dry land.

Easy to clean and quick drying.

 A must have to entertain children and adults alike the imagination building bricks for land and water.

Acropats bath times made fun again..

I recently received these foams shapes and set to having a bath shortly after opening my parcel.

The set comes with 16 acropats in 4 different colors red, green, blue and yellow. 

Each acropat can be linked together to make different shapes.

 The little men can be built on land or water building blocks, cars and even a space ship. Let your imagination run wild when you build with them.

These special little foam figures float on the water and measure 70mm x 14mm x 84mm each.

We've built walls that float, aiming towers in the water and taken a small ball to aim in the middle (a point a goal 2 if it goes straight in).

These versatile little figures have been out in the garden, in the paddling pool, the bath and dry land.

Easy to clean and quick drying.

 A must have to entertain children and adults alike the imagination building bricks for land and water.

The never endless task of choosing party bag fillers made easy!

If going by what past birthday parties has been like this year I'm being prepared for filling the bags and being very careful not to over spend. Last year I think I spent over £50 for party bags and fillers for 32 children.

I started researching companies a few  weeks ago and found one that was very good priced and they send it all to you in the post carefully bundled to help them not have them go al over the place and get broken in the box.

The different prices for the party bags vary between cheapest being 70p each and the most expensive is £1.80 each.

Smiley bag

I had one of each of the bags delivered so I could see the contents and make up my own mind on which I preferred. Taking into consideration for each bag in a normal child's party a slice of cake would be added to the bag also.

Option one

 The first bag and the cheapest of all is the smiley bag.

• Modelling clay in a small pack
• Balloon 
• A little stunt plane ( instructions also included to build) 
• Spinning top smiley face (which matches the theme)
• A blow noise maker 

Smiley Contents

For 70p I thought this was a nice little price as modelling clay can be quite expensive. 

The stunt plane is very cute despite being smaller then the ones I used to buy from the shop for 50p each and this one flies a lot better, well loop the loops ( queue the standing on the chair or couch to have a contest on who can throw the farthest).

The added bonus was it was already made up so all I would need is cake to put inside the bag and thats that bag ready to be handed out.

 Option two 

The super hero bag, I'm such a big kid so this is my favorite choice. I'm so in love with anything super hero at the moment and honestly TJ just looks at me like MOM what are you doing?? So embarrassing.

The Super hero party bag is packed with as the name suggests super hero items.

Super hero bags

• Mask 
• Stickers 
• Notebook 
• Temporary tattoo's ( a must for any child's party, right?)
• Spider-man Candy sticks ( white sweets in long rolls).

For starters in this pack the candy sticks are a good size packet and a few entertaining themed party bag. 

Just call me 'messy hair!'

Isn't super heroes all the rage at the moment with all boys? So this one would be perfect for any age.

These bags are priced at 90p each.

Hidden in the Spider-man candy sticks is another smaller tattoo which was a nice little surprise for when we ate them.

Option three and four 

The next two options are both priced at 95p each but both are very different with the contents. 

Party sweet bag contains

• Double dip sherbet
• Candy whistle 
• Small haribo packet
• Sherbet tub 
• Fruity pop 
• Refresher chew 
• 2 x rainbow straws 
• 4x chocolate football

I know from experience when buying sweets separately it costs a small fortune so for all these to already be made up into a bag suits me. (lets face it kids mainly like sweets in a party bag). 

My favorite sweet in this pack is the double dip sherbet and the refresher bar which takes me back to my childhood. 

Option five 

Out of all of the bags this one is the most entertaining for me. I'm such a big kid when it comes to bubbles, so when I read that this party bag had catch-able bubbles it was a definite must have. Inside this Junior bag is 

• Mini tambourine 
• Mini windmill 
• Catch-able bubbles 
• Jungle animal stickers
• Jet ball (bouncy ball) 

Is it so bad when ive just spent the last hour throwing the little rubber ball between my legs, over my shoulder against the wall, door or any other surface to dry and get it to land in a small pot? I didn't think so either and the best part i had fun doing it with TJ.

The bubbles are amazing although we have yet to blow one bigger then 2 cm. I currently have one sat on my knuckle waiting for it to pop..... just like that. 

The mini windmill is no bigger then my hand but i like that as it will fit in the little garden tub outside my bedroom window. 

This bag is priced at 95p each and given the amount of fun we've had this afternoon its worth every penny.

Option six 

The magic party bag contains 

• Magic set 
• Finger flyer rocket 
• Hairy Harry 
• Jazzy blow-out 

Personally I think this is one for the ages of 5-6 years old as it needs a bit of reading to be able to do the magic trick and concentration also as there are a few fiddly bits.

Now were talking the finger rocket is amazing! This another favorite of mine as I am completely rubbish at flinging an elastic band off my finger. The rocket on the other hand has just made my day.

Hairy Harry is fascinating to do and with the fact that it can draw hair on the face in the picture its a new found must have for every party bag this year.

The price of this bag is £1.35. 

Among the bags I also received some prizes these were pick up sticks, a tin pencil case, a toy similar to meccano (which has now gone missing) I think someone didn't want to share that one.

There's so many things to choose from on the website and if you don't like what's in the bags them you can make up your own. 

I can't wait to start planning and send out the invites this year for TJ's 9th it's going to be a breeze with help www.littlepartyparcels.co.uk

Jennifer was lovely and for every question I had there was an answer within 30 minutes. 

If needs be contact jennifer@littlepartyparcels.co.uk

For asking her anything she's such a lovely person and ever so helpful.