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This day I love.......

Last week was a very surreal week indeed.  During my daughters gymnastic lesson I received an email saying ITV would be at our house in 30 minutes.  The piece they were shooting for was to do with screen time in children, and in particular for internet safety day.  Both my 6 and 4 year old have a tablet, and my eldest has access to one of my old laptops, so we are more than qualified to talk about screen time in children.


We have many security features in place to try and limit the exposure or access the girls have.  The main screen on their tablets are kids only, they need a code to access the internet and we have safety features on the network too.  However there are times when one of them is unsupervised on the internet.  

The girls each have homework from school and often the best way for them to practise is to access on online resource.  I may therefore start one of them working on this online resource whilst working 1:1 with their sister on another task, before switching over.  Whilst neither of them, to my knowledge, has deviated from the task they have set, the potential to do so does exist.  This unsupervised access to the internet does have some structure but it still remains unsupervised.  There is however no other way to fit in the amount of homework each child has to complete, plus family time and our other activities.  

This week I have also dug out the tuff spot.  I felt it was time to introduce Little Man to messy play, and we started off with water.  He was unsure at first, I think more to do with why we were doing this but then he got stuck in.



It wasn't long before the floor was covered in water and he has the biggest smiles!  Safe to say we will be doing more messy play over the next few weeks.


Little Man seems to have a real love for water and given how much he enjoyed messy play last week I can certainly see it featuring a lot more and probably a lot more water based play!


This day I love the week with the news and the water
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On Thursday 24th November I received a rather exciting email, it simply asked if I was free Friday morning and would I be interested in talking about Black Friday.  To which I replied Yes to both of those questions.  The rest of my afternoon went in a whirlwind as cars, trains and hotels were organised for Little Man and I and we were whisked off to London.

A 5am start awaited us as the car was picking us up from our hotel at 5.40am.  Little Man was as good as gold, and one of my closest friends had come with me to help with him.  The car drove straight to ITV studios were we were rushed inside.  I was taken straight to hair and make up, and within 10 minutes was sat on TV on Good Morning Britain.  


My mind had not had time to comprehend where I was let alone my surroundings.  It was a whirlwind of excitement, direction and fun.  Little Man was rubbing shoulders with the stars and seemingly made friends with Judge Rinder.  I on the other hand got to meet the very famous Al from the Dad Network!


It was such a wonderful morning.  I returned home in time to do the school pick up and the girls asked why I could not hear them even though they were shouting very loud at the TV!  I enjoyed every second and would not hesitate to do it all again!

This day I love Famous for a day
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Last week I took the girls to a museum which one of the exhibitions showed how our homes had changed.  Starting in the early 1900's we followed a family every decade and watched how their home developed.  The family were always in the front room, and started with an old style fire.  The girls were fascinated as we talked about how they had no other hot water and it all came from that one central point.  No boiler and no other heat source.  Their minds began thinking and they began spotting differences.

As the rooms became closer to modern date, more modern and recognisable features began to appear.  A Wireless radio was replaced by a large black and white TV, that was then replaced by the latest Viera 4K TV.  The fire changed from the AGA, to the gas fire to a modern electric fire.  The wallpaper and décor changed and soon the girls recognised modern technology.  The girls began asking questions,  They wanted to know more about the TV I watched when I was little.

One of my favourite TV shows was Mr Benn.  Mr Benn lived an ordinary life as an office worked and lived on Festive road.  He would visit his local costume shop were he would try on a costume.  Upon leaving the dressing room he would then be taken on a magical adventure.  My favourite was when he dressed up as a cowboy, and had an adventure with the Indians.  To this day I still randomly use the phrase 'As if by magic, the shopkeeper appeared'.

I asked the girls what their favourite TV show was. That is when they are not watching children play with toys on YouTube.  My eldest could not decide as she likes a variety of different things, but my youngest without hesitation said Paw Patrol!  

the girls

TV in our house is still very much a treat and we tend to watch things together as a family.  I found it fascinating at the museum learning how times had changed and think the girls found it exciting too!

This is a collaborative post 
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I think the girls have had a tiring week, you can almost tell that half term is around the corner.  With no parties for either of them this weekend we decided to simply stay at home.  I think the girls just need a few days to unwind, relax and not have to go anywhere.  They did however want to play out in the garden and so we planned to stay outside all day.  The weather had other plans and after the hail refused to stop we were forced to come back inside.

It was by this point mid afternoon and the girls asked to watch a film.  Not something they normally request, I gathered it was because they were tired, and agreed.

girls watching a film

Having recently watched 101 dalmatians we decided to watch 102 dalmatians.  Both girls sat and watched intently with my youngest asking lots of questions as she always does.  They both seemed to really get involved with the film and there were a few nail biting moments.

nail biting moments

It was not just the girls who seemed to be engrossed with the film, spotty dog also seemed to really enjoy it!

spotty dog

This day I love a change of plans
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I hate having to resort to the electronic babysitter, and would prefer instead for us to be playing outside.  Unfortunately sometimes I have no other choice.  As a family we do not watch that much television and try as much as possible to limit the amount we do watch.  

The trouble is, it often ends with the kids not wanting to do anything else and that’s the part that I struggle with. According to research, any more than one or two hours a day of television can cause problems with their development.  It is therefore vital that I have some control over their viewing activities. 

Only watch as a family

We tend to watch films together as a family, rather than programs which means we can limit the amount of TV time.  As a general rule we do not allow the TV to be on after dinner, and the girls can only watch TV in a morning once they are dressed.  By stating that they can only watch TV once they have finished a task the girls tend to be much more co operative and see TV as a treat. 

the girls watching tv

Make your TV less of a feature

We have tried to make our TV less of a feature in our main living areas.  Instead focusing on other aspects of the room.  There are other ways you can make the TV less of a feature, perhaps by using TV wall mounting, or hiding it behind a close able cabinet. Maybe even think about getting rid of it completely and getting a projector instead. We try to get the girls to see watching the TV as a treat rather than a need to do every day. 

Just use on demand

Finally, there are plenty of on demand options out there, such as Netflix. So, perhaps think about cutting the cord to terrestrial TV. That way, you are in complete control of their viewing habits. We tend to watch Netflix and other demand options rather than terrestrial TV, as it means we can determine how long the girls are watching TV for.



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You may remember a few weeks ago a very special delivery arrived and we were under strict instructions not to open the box.  The suspense has been great in this house as we have all wanted to open it up and take a peak inside.


The girls are huge teletubbies fans, especially after meeting them at the launch of the TV show.  Today is the day we get to open the box!


Inside the box we have a selection of presents in teletubbies inspired colours, we are excited to unwrap them and find out the contents.




Inside the parcels are a selection of teletubbies toys from the NEW teletubbies collection


Teletubbies Phone £9.99 

The tubby phone has large buttons which when pressed will call the teletubbies.  You can hear the teletubbies singing and talking and the button lights up as to which teletubby you have rung.  The tubby phone also plays the theme song.  My youngest daughter has took more of a liking to this than my eldest has, as she seems to be less interested by it.

Collection 1 figures £3.99 each 

These mini figures can be combined to recreate some of the scenes from the TV show.  We received two, a Po and a Noo Noo.  They are small mini plastic figures that are great for inspiring the imagination.  I can see our collection growing as the girls request more figures from the collection for presents.  They would make perfect stocking filler type gifts, or reward gifts for the girls upon completing their reward charts. 

Talking Laa-Laa £9.99

Talking Laa-Laa has to be the girls favourite from the box.  She has become my daughters comfort toy of choice, only she cannot go in bed as she does talk when her tummy is pressed.  She says a selection of teletubbies phrases and is incredibly soft to the touch.   Her face is hard but has a soft velvet feel to it.

Supersoft Dipsy and Tinky Winky - £6.99 each 

Each teletubby is available as a 6-inch supersoft collectible.  We received Dipsy and Tinky Winky.  They are incredibly soft and cuddly, even their faces are soft.  The bottoms feel as if they have beans in and the rest of the body is soft.  They are suitable as a first toy and I am sure the girls are going to love introducing Thing 3 to the teletubbies!


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There seems to be a new trend at the moment, one which is doing the rounds online but yet has many different meanings - Netflix and Chill. For those of you who would like to know more and don't have any ideas what this is, this guide will explain all about it. There are actually three different interpretations of this increasingly popular pastime.

Explanation #1

An opportunity to binge watch a whole series of a favourite TV show with your long term boyfriend or girlfriend.

Explanation #2

A sedate kind of party where you invite your friends and watch a movie together with some nibbles and drinks.  A perfect way to get to know friends, especially if  you  have just moved into student housing in Manchester 

Explanation #3

A chance to ask the person you've been admiring from afar to spend some time together and get to 
know them better, in other words - a cheap first date.

Ok so now you know what Netflix and Chill means, this article will help you figure out the details and give you a step by step guide to prepare for the night ahead. 

Step #1 - invite your guests

Deciding who to invite will pretty much determine the rest of the night. A Netflix and Chill night is a great way to get to know new friends and find out what you have in common. Make sure they know your address, how to get there and get them to bring their PJs if they intend to stay over, have bus and train timetables available if they need to travel or organise alternative transport home for them. 

If you're wanting to spend time with a new love interest, then be specific about what's going to happen. Do you actually want to spend time with them or are you expecting a little more? The phrase "Netflix and Chill" has become code for something more intimate in some parts of the world, so be upfront if all you actually want to do is watch a movie and talk.

Step #2 - organise refreshments

This may depend on how long you intend the night to last. As a bare minimum you should get some typical movie treats like popcorn and beer, nachos with dip or whatever your friends would prefer. If it's 

something a little more intimate or extravagant, then arrange for pizza to be delivered and have a bottle of wine chilling in the fridge. You don't want to be spending half the time making something in the kitchen, when you were hoping to spend time with whoever you have invited, so keep it simple.

Step #3 - set the scene

If you've made some new friends since coming to University and it's the first time they are coming over, then it's important that you relax and be yourself but also make a good impression. Clean your room, put away your laundry, make sure your bed is made and ensure there's somewhere for them to sit with some snuggle blankets and throw cushions for extra comfort. Prepare the viewing area, do the usual checks like making sure the TV is plugged in, your Netflix account is working and you've got somewhere to put your snacks. Close the curtains, turn on your side lamps and light a scented candle. You're looking to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, regardless of who's coming over.

Step #4 - choose something to watch

There's nothing more annoying than nobody knowing what they want to watch and spending at least an hour debating and deciding. There are a few things you can do to help this process. If you're having friends over then give them a choice of three movies to get the evening started, or give everyone a piece of paper and a pencil and ask them to write down something they want to watch, then put all the suggestions in a box and draw one out. 

If you’re spending time with someone on a one on one basis, have a few suggestions up your sleeve or pick a genre you're both into like comedy or drama and choose one together. This gives you something to talk about and is a great opportunity to find out what kind of movies you both like and whether you have compatible tastes.

Step #5 - the end of the evening

If you're having a pyjama party, it's pretty much assumed that your friends will be staying over and will probably fall asleep with Netflix still playing in the background. If this is not the case and you followed Step #1 and arranged transport for your friends, make sure they are ready to leave in good time to catch their bus or train or are ready to leave when their taxi arrives. Making sure your friends get home safely is not only very considerate and thoughtful, it also brings the evening to a natural close which may be a good thing with friends you've just met.

If you're with a date, what happens at the end of the night between two consenting adults is up to the both of you, but never feel pressured into doing anything you don't want to do. Just because "Netflix and Chill" has taken on a more intimate meaning does not mean that this should be an expectation. Make your excuses and let your date know it's time to go if you don't want the evening to progress further.

Well, there you have it. Your guide to a Netflix and Chill evening! No matter what happens, have a great time and don't forget to blow out that candle and clear away any half full glasses before heading to bed. It's always wise to be careful, safe and responsible.

This is a featured post.
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This Easter we were all very poorly. The girls and I had very little energy and on most days did not fancy doing much. We had some days were we could just about manage going outside but by early afternoon we would all be really tired.

On days like these and with the tired afternoon, the only thing we would feel like doing was having a cuddle on the sofa. We had topped up our TalkTalk bundle to include the half price kids boost which meant we had 16 extra channels to watch, including Disney, Nick Jr., and Cartoon Network. The girls would cuddle up with me on an afternoon and watch some of their favourite shows, giving their bodies chance to rest and recuperate.

Poorly youngest

As the boost was half price we also treated ourselves to a Sky movies boost. There was over 1,000 movies on demand including a frozen sing a long which got played rather a lot. Boost are flexible meaning we can add and take them off as needed. I am so thankful we have TalkTalk as they really did help us all to rest and recover from this nasty virus.

This post is part of the TalkTalk family blogger program. 
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Two years ago I completed my first Project 365 and last year I took all the pictures but didn't manage to blog it.  I loved looking through the photos in the 365 I completed and really want to document it again this year.  

Here is our first week

New Year Day

watching Mary poppins for the first time

We took the Christmas decorations down today and generally had a chilled out day.  One of my eldest favourite songs [other than the entire Frozen soundtrack] is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and she often bursts into song.  She has never seen the film.  We found it was playing on New Years Day and so they watched it for the first time.  The really enjoyed it.

January 2nd 

eldest riding her bike

With the snow and ice finally cleared we spent the day riding bikes outside and playing board games inside.  It was lovely listening to the girls laugh on their bikes.

January 3rd

youngest reading

I think because my eldest is now learning to read and we sit and do her words on an evening my youngest is wanting to join in.  I caught her sat on the chair with a book singing jolly phonics songs.

What have you been up to?

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Finding time to read with two kids to look after as well as working can be tricky, when I do find time it is my favourite way to unwind. I really love reading.

One of my favourite books that I have read this year is Ready player one by Ernest Cline. I enjoy reading a mixture of book genre, but really like either crime or science fiction. I can be a little picky with both and the book has to grab me without being too over the top. Ready player one took me in.

The thing that got me with this book is that it really could happen. The book isn't far fetched and as things progress in the world it seems to become more a reality. Ready player one also took me back to some of my childhood, referencing items I could relate to.

Ready player one is also one of those books that you are really routing for the little guy to win, against all odds. With clever plot twists, and playing on your emotions it really is a great read. It has become one of those books we now also have on audio book and we always listen to it in the car on long journeys. Wil Wheaton does a great job with the narration, really bringing the characters and story to life.  Now when I read the book I hear his voice in my head as I read.


Working from home I often put on the TV just for a bit of noise, I don't really like the silence. This has lead to me discovering two TV shows which I am now addicted to. Both were not released in 2014 but both are very new to me and discovered in 2014.

The first is Castle. I had watched the first few seasons some time ago but re discovered the series recently and have been hooked every since. I love the characters and the plot twists. I really love watching crime drama and I love trying to work out what happened with the characters. If you love crime dramas you really need to give this a watch, there is a lot of humour and one of my favourite episodes is where they go back to the 70s. If you need a giggle you have to watch this episode!



The second I had heard about for ages but only discovered in the past few weeks. The reason is is because its on after Castle on a weekday so it would just come on the TV.  Then I started getting more and more into it. Rizzoli and Isles is again a crime drama, but following two very distinct female with differing personalities. Both characters are played fantastically and I love watching their friendship as well as the unfolding drama.

I would love to know what film, TV or book you have discovered in 2014 and can you recommend any good books or TV shows for me to try?

This is my entry to the #Currysfiresidefiction Amazon package competition
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Ben and Holly are celebrating the launch of their DVD 'Ben and Holly's little kingdom : planet bong in style' with a wide range of activities this autumn. As half term fast approaches Ben and Holly little kingdom DVD is a great way to keep little ones entertained, should the miserable weather not improve. Ben and Holly will also be taking over Channel 5s milkshake! Throughout October half term. Ben and Holly will be in the milkshake! Studio celebrating five whole days of magical adventures.

Between 27th October and 2nd November between 12pm-4pm Ben and Holly will be on Nickelodeon's Nick Jr carrying out stunts and you can also watch a variety of episodes. The girls have been sat watching their Ben and Holly DVD whilst the windy weather prevents them from playing outside.


Whilst we love watching the DVD I am hoping the weather calms down soon so we can go and make the most of one of the great Ben and Holly activities.  Ben and Holly will be going on a magical tour treasure hunts, meet and greets, story telling, and adventures in INTU shopping centres nationwide.  They also have a fantastic interactive activity program in Leaps and Bounds centres.  

Once all the excitement has finished, there can only be one last thing to do and that is a story before bed.  It has to be a Ben and Holly story of course


The new Ben and Holly book is a beautiful hard back picture book, that is just the perfect size for my 2 year old to hold.  The colours are in keeping with the TV show and the book features all familiar characters.  The story follows the delivery of presents for Christmas, and there may even be a surprise from Santa.  A beautiful Christmas book and perfect for any Ben and Holly fans.

For even more Ben and Holly ideas visit http://www.littlekingdom.co.uk








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The popular Nick Jr show Tickety Toc, shows its Christmas special tomorrow Saturday 30th November at 12.30pm. The CGI animated pre school show features all the much loved characters from Tickey Toc, in an all adventure Christmas special 'Christmas Present time'
tickety toc

Christmas present time sees Tickety Town getting ready for Christmas Eve, when Santa crash lands. Tommy and Tallulah and their remarkable friends come up with a plan to save Christmas and set about their festive adventure. The 30 minute show is packed full of fun, which both my girls thoroughly enjoyed. Will the friends plan work to save Christmas? Tune in to Nick Jr to find out.

snow angels

If you enjoy the show don't forget to join in an After-Show Christmas party on the @ticketytocuk Twitter page 1pm-2pm on Saturday, where there are chances to win Tickety Toc toys, and other festive fun! Hope to see you there!









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My eldest daughter is now 3.  I can't believe it.  3.  Time really has flown by, I look at her and she is so grown up.  3.  We started our celebrations bright and early this morning, she awoke at 5.30am.  She opened her present and that was it I could not get her away from it

eldest on her keyboard

Whilst I was making breakfast I could hear her singing.  She sang, incy wincy, did her abc and even sang happy birthday to herself.  I loved listening to her sing and play.  

We had to do some shopping in preparation for her party, but shopping is one of my daughters favourite things to do.  After shopping she had her hair done and it looks ever so nice.  

My eldest is a huge Monsters Inc and Toy story fan.  I thought for her birthday I would take her to see Monsters Uni and it would also be the first time she had gone to the cinema.  She was excited all day at the thought of seeing monsters.  

first time at cinema

She was really good inside the cinema, especially as she has never been before.  She understood the film and asked a few questions, which you would expect.  I think I am going to have to take her to another film now!  We both loved the new Monsters film, it is very funny.  She asked in the car if she could come to the big TV again.  I am going to take that as she enjoyed it.  

We stopped in at the toy shop before heading to dinner.  We have a few birthdays coming up so I thought we would quickly pick up some presents.  The girls had their own ideas and soon started taking toys from the shelves that they liked.

youngest likes toyyoungest picking toys


the girls want this toythe girls find something

I am thinking I might have found what the girls want for Christmas.

The girls, my Mum and I then headed for a birthday meal.  My youngest became fascinated with the ice in my drink and kept taking it out to play and have a look.  

youngest plays with ice

My eldest got to choose one of her favourite meals, Pizza.  We opened her cards and some of her presents whilst we waited.

eldest eats dinnereldest opens cards


The waitress noticed her opening presents and asked me if it was her birthday.  My daughter asked for some ice cream for desert.  The waitress then brought out her ice cream with a candle in and we all sang happy birthday.  She could not stop smiling and my youngest started to clap.

happy birthdayeldest birthday ice cream

I had a lovely day with my girls and I hope my eldest loved her third birthday.

Happy Birthday sweetheart

This day I love turning 3.
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Q Pootle 5 is a brand new series coming to Cbeebies.  The first episode is set to air on Monday 29th July at 8.15am and daily from then on.   Q Pootle 5 is a friendly alien who lives on the planet OkiDoki.  He first appeared in the best selling books by the popular children's author and illustrator Nick Butterworth.

qpootle5


The series follows the adventures of Q Pootle 5 and his friends Oopsy, Eddi, Stella, Ray, Groobie, Bud-D and Planet Dave.  The shows look at everyday problems and follows the friends adventures, with Friendship the underlying key theme and aims to spark children's imaginations.

The cast of the show are:

Q Pootle 5 features the voices of Ed Gaughan (Bunnytown, Black Mirror); Joanna Page, (Gavin & Stacey, Poppy Cat); Steven Kynman (Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam); Richard Ridings (Peppa Pig); and Ella Kenion (Cuckoo, The Hive, Swashbuckle).

To watch a clip of the show click here 

I love how the characters all seem bright and fun it reminds me very much of the TV shows I watched when growing up.  My girls love the introduction clip so I cannot wait to see how they find the show on Monday.

I have a copy of the Q Pootle 5 book by Nick Butterworth, which the show is based upon to giveaway.  Prize winner will be drawn at random from the Rafflecopter entries, Good luck.  Closing date of giveaway is Sunday 11th August at midnight.

Q pootle 5 book

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com
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About me

About Me

Welcome to This Day I love.

My name is Leyla, also known as Mum to my 3 humans and dog Mum to J. I have a passion for the outdoors and love to run. I can often be found off road exploring the trails and fells and covering distances all the way up to 50 miles. As a family we love travelling and discovering new adventures, as I try and run around the world!

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