Friday 11 November 2016

Christmas toys that have caught my eye.....

Hello,

I know it is still only November but I have seen a few children's toys which I really like, so here is my first blog on my Christmas Toy Picks....  I love Christmas and the whole Santa experience.  When you have small kids it is just Magic!

First up is the Osmo Starter Kit. 


It is a gaming system for the iPad. It encourages creative thinking and social interaction. Games can be played together by the whole family.

 I think this would be suited for age 6+, great for travelling with kids.
Check it out here for sale on Amazon;
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Osmo-Starter-Gaming-System-iPad/dp/B00NNZ7NA4



I love the idea of Kinetic Sand. It is mess free.



A handy toy to pull out inside when it is too rainy to play in the sandbox outside.

Available at Smyths Toys;
http://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/toys/creativity-music-partyware/c-926/kinetic-sand/p-14460/cra-z-sand-ultimate-deluxe-set/






Finally I love the idea of the Code A Pillar. Suited for 3+
The Think and Learn Code-a-pillar learning toy encourages children to experiment as they play. It can help them to develop skills like critical thinking, reasoning, discovery, memory, problem solving and experimentation.




It encourages them to arrange and rearrange the easy-to-connect segments in multiple combinations, making Code-a-pillar go forward, left, right or wherever they choose.


Check it out here;
http://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/toys/pre-school-electronic-learning/c-447/fisher-price/p-19827/fisher-price-code-a-pillar/



Don't forget you can keep up to date with Countryside Mumsie on our social media accounts facebook and instagram.

Thanks for reading,      



Orla Xx

Friday 4 November 2016

Light is time thinking about itself.....

Hello,

Happy Friday!  So delighted it is the weekend but sad it is coming to the end of Mid Term break. We will be on the Christmas countdown before we know it.  I hope the girls and I are off to a healthier month, October had us with a lot of doctor visits.  The joys of the return to school.  I am seriously lacking in sleep at the moment! The clocks changing last weekend did not go down too well with my two year old! On a positive note, last weekend was my brothers wedding, we were so thrilled and excited for them both. My girls did us proud walking up the aisle with the wedding party as flower girls on the day.  As part of my outfit I wore my gold bracelet Sundial Watch.




  Sundial watches are a state of the art timepiece that incorporates modern watchmaking technology and the simple purity of art. Sundial is a collection of light powered watches with contemporary styling and a high level of fit and finish. For me what is so special about these watches is that they do not have batteries, you simply leave them in a well lit location and they charge themselves.  With the extensive use of glass in my house it is so easy to incorporate this type of watch into my life.




I recently teamed up with some local Limerick fashion professionals to create an Autumnal/Winter photoshoot. The shoot features my favourite Sundial watches from their collection and how I wear them with my own wardrobe at this time of the year.


Make up by Shauna created a very natural Autumn make up look.  



Being a red head a lot of make up doesn't suit me or show how I naturally look.  Shauna is fantastic at creating a make up look that suits you, she's great at listening to the client. Shauna is based in Limerick. To contact Shauna for bookings : 0879727581. Check out her Facebook page 'Make Up By Shauna'.



Hair was done so quickly and professionally by Kate Enright at Purple Rain Hair Salon.  

Purple Rain is located in Croom Co Limerick.  It is a favourite of mine. Purple Rain can be contacted on 061 600785.



Photography was created by photographer PJ Corbett. His photography studio is located in Adare.  
I first came across PJ through his newborn photo shoots.  I have his work of both my girls displayed in my house, they are like pieces of art.  PJ covers weddings, family portraits, fashion, newborn photography to name but a few.  If you have little ladies watch his Facebook page for upcoming Fairy photoshoot days, he creates magically pieces. PJ can be contacted at 0879208229

I styled the photoshoot myself, using my own wardrobe.  My focus was on the Sundial watches of course.

The brown strapped watch is 175e http://sundial.watch/product/a38lyw/







The gold watch is 225e http://sundial.watch/product/a38brw/



Sundial brand is owned by Calcul, a watch company based in Shannon, Co Clare.  Check out their exquisite watches.  Perfect for a special Christmas gift. To view all their collection click on www.sundial.watch



Don't forget you can keep up to date with Countryside Mumsie on our social media accounts facebook and instagram.



This post is in collaboration with Sundial Watches but all views and opinions are 100% my own.














Thanks for reading,      



Orla Xx


Sunday 23 October 2016

Visit To Pumpkin Patch

Hello, 

Today we got to visit Halloween Pumpkin Patch at The Curraghchase Garden Centre, Co Limerick.  I have never been to a Halloween event like this before so I didn't really know what to expect.  It was great to see the garden centre had gone to huge efforts.  An area of the garden centre was dedicated to the Halloween event. It had a shop selling teas, coffees, candy floss etc, there was a pumpkin carving area with all the utensils provided.  There were bubbles, face painting and numerous Halloween photo opportunities set up. The main event was the huge selection of pumpkins available.  




It was lovely to roam around the hay field and pick the pumpkin.  You could pay for the pumpkin and bring it home or for an extra 3e you could carve it at the Halloween event. The prices were reasonable. Obviously it is more expensive than buying a pumpkin in the supermarket but it is all about the experience and how the kids enjoy it. There was no charge into the event. I booked a few weeks in advance and some time slots were already booked out.  We got a 10am slot, early on a Sunday morning but the weather was lovely and sunny which made the whole experience memorable.  It was a beautiful Autumn morning. 



The grounds were brilliantly decorated which added to the magic of it.  The kids were so inquisitive of the various scary set ups. 



We came across the unusual white pumpkins there, the girls wanted to carve one.  It ended up with a Hello Kitty being carved into it.  Dad got caught for this particular arts and crafts session!



Hello Kitty Pumpkin! :-)



I would highly recommend a day out at Curraghchase Garden Centre for Pumpkin Patch. Leave the buggies at home, too hard to push them through the hay.  Bring the baby carriers.  Bring wet gear.  Although the sun was out, the field, pumpkins and hay were wet. Also bring the wellies.  
If you go let me know how you got on...

Don't forget you can keep up to date with Countryside Mumsie on our social media accounts facebook and instagram.


Thanks for reading,      



Orla Xx

Sunday 4 September 2016

Flapjack Idea for the Little Lunchbox

Hello, 

I am always on the look out for lunchbox ideas for my girls attending playschool, I am sure other parents are too.  Everyone loves something nice after their lunch and as parents we are encouraged to only give healthy lunches. I have been experimenting with flapjacks.  I recently made these and they were a hit.  These are very simple to make and contain protein and fibre.  I store them in an airtight container. 






Ingredients

360g Oats
2 Bananas
6 tbsp Honey
6 tbsp smooth peanut butter
4 tbsp coconut oil plus extra for greasing

Method

Preheat the oven to 180 fan.
Place the oats in a mixing bowl.
Mash the bananas with a fork and add them to a saucepan with the honey, nut butter and coconut oil.  Allow to simmer until a smooth paste forms.
Pour the liquid over the oats and stir well so that they are fully covered.
Grease a baking tray with some coconut oil.
Transfer the flapjack mix into the baking tray, press it down firmly with a spatula so it is compact.
Bake for 15-20 mins until the top starts to brown.
Once it is cooked remove from tray, leave it fully cool before slicing into flapjacks.

Enjoy!!

Don't forget you can keep up to date with Countryside Mumsie on our social media accounts facebook and instagram.


Thanks for reading,      



Orla Xx


Monday 25 July 2016

Sunrise Childrens Festival @ St Bridget's Garden




We recently set off to experience the Sunrise Children's Festival at St Bridget's Garden in Co Galway.  It was the first of this festival and it did not disappoint.  It was a weekend event.  Full days of children's activities on Saturday and Sunday. To attend the festival it was 140e this included free camping on the Saturday night.  We arrived at St Bridget's Garden at about 1pm on the Saturday.  





We had to head straight to the camping site to set up our tent for the night.  The camp site was already really full and we had to keep our spot firmly before another family claimed it.  If there was one piece of advise for the organiser's I would give, it would be to let people head to the venue the night before on the Friday evening to set up.  Setting up camp on the Saturday takes time with smallies, hence time out of enjoying the activities on the day with the children.  







When our tent was ready, beds blown up and all unpacked we made the short walk to the festival.  The festival was fabulous for children.  There was an itinerary given to each family on arrival and you could visit each area to experience what you wanted with the family.  The earthy arts and crafts really inspired my girls.  








The craft leaders were very patient and helped each child no matter what age  to produce a lovely piece.  Crafts the girls made included stick instruments, twig disco sticks and wood fairies.  We watched bands, puppet shows, magicians, held bearded dragons and met The BFG to name but a few. We finished up on Sunday evening at the kiddies disco which had an enthusiastic girl showing all the children dance moves.  Just what they needed to keep up the atmosphere.





A highlight for us was the parade on the Saturday evening which led to the bonfire and fire dancers.  It was dress up as 'Superheroes and Goddesses'.  The girls loved this.  It was very well run and enjoyed by all.  

Points to think of - Please open the camping site on the Friday evening.  It would make the whole experience a lot more relaxed if we could set up on the Friday evening and enjoy a full weekend of camping. 

 
                     



  -A bit yuck but necessary sorry....Bring a camping travel toilet with you.  The power was down a few times over the weekend and the main loos were closed.  I brought a camping toilet because I am in the throws of toilet training with my youngest so it is just easier to have it close by.  You will understand if you have toilet trained a 2 and 5 month child before!! After experiencing a camping children's festival I will never go to a festival again without it!!

                             -The cafe could open earlier on Sunday morning for breakfast.  There was a huge queue waiting at 9am in the rain to get in.  We all know young children wake early, and in a tent they wake even earlier and want to be fed.  



All in all a great weekend away that was all about the children experiencing art and culture.  Well done St Bridget's Garden.  My girls loved it.  We really enjoyed it too.  I hope it becomes an annual children's festival.  It was a sold out festival on both days which goes to show that parents in Ireland want family entertainment and festivals.    





Thanks for reading. If you were there let me know what you enjoyed about the event.


Don't forget you can keep up to date with Countryside Mumsie on our social media accounts facebook and instagram.


Thanks for reading,



Orla Xx



Sunday 3 July 2016

My New Gym Tote


                                                                                          

 Hey Guys, 

Over the last few months I have been trying out the Gym Tote whilst attending the gym and checking out how it serves as a changing bag.

The Gym Tote as a gym bag is an amazingly functional and stylish bag.  I seriously could have used a bag like this studying to be a PE teacher 10 years ago!  The Gym Tote looks stylish enough to wear and complete your work outfit or make you look sleek attending the gym.  There are many hidden, spacious pockets in the Gym Tote.  Lots of space for runners, toiletries , towels, change of clothes and all your other gym essentials like water, mobile and keys.




I have used this gym bag as a weekend bag and it served me great.  The space this bag provides you, really needs to be seen to be believed.  I found this bag to be a very cleverly manufactured product. They knew what women want and they created it. I have not seen many Gym Totes in Ireland yet but it is certainly a bag that I see hotel gyms stocking and members/tourists snapping up.  Girls, these bags just make sense.




As a mother I decided to test it as a stylish changing bag.  I am out and about with the kids more than in the gym so it was a no brainer. I know there are so many changing bags on the market but the Gym Tote matches my style so I enjoyed having it on my arm whilst out and about with the girls.  I took the bag with me on various outings to see if it was a functional mummy bag.  I found there was space for nappies, wipes, spare clothes, snacks and water bottles as well as my own mummy essentials. I especially liked it on swimming trips with my ladies.  With 3 girls swimming we have so much stuff, towels, clothes etc.  It all fitted in and looked a lot better than my old Nike gym bag!!


Stand out features - The colour  

What I Love - The gold chunky zips

Whats stylish - The Logo, not one you forget.






Gone are the days of the massive gym bag, Gym bag envy is here, thanks Gym Tote.





Check out all the Gym Tote styles available @
http://www.gymtote.co.uk/


Gym Tote is one to follow on all social media channels #GYMBAGENVY

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/gymtote/?hl=en

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/GymTote?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/gymtote/


Don't forget you can keep up to date with Countryside Mumsie on our social media accounts facebook and instagram.


Thanks for reading,



Orla & Kerri X















Thursday 19 May 2016

Make a Disney Princess Castle - Arts & Crafts

Hello,

So with all this talk of recent heat waves and only non stop rain the girls and I got stuck into some Paper Mache Arts & Crafts.  We decided on a Disney Princess Castle. You could just paint it grey to make it more boyish or pick colours to create a neutral Fantasy Castle.  In my house as usual, we went for an explosion of pink!! 

                                             
                                         










So I started with getting the base ready. I collected a series of cardboard tubes and taped them together.  I then taped this to a cardboard piece. See below;



To make the towers you roll up a piece of paper in one corner.  As you roll, turn the paper to the right to form a cone.  Tape along the edge of the paper to hold the cone in place.  You will need to make a number of cones for each tower top. Tape cones onto the cardboard towers. These will be the turret roofs. Don't worry about the tape looking untidy as all this will be covered in Paper Mache later.
See below;

?M

To make the Paper Mache glue I just mix flour and water. So simple!! Tear strips of old newspapers, the kids will love doing this.  I get the girls to use big paintbrushes when applying the Paper Mache glue then place a strip of newspaper then recover it with the glue mixture again.  Cover the whole thing with layers of this Paper Mache glue and newspaper.  It will look like this;


Leave this to dry overnight. Then the painting fun begins!  So we went for all over pink for the base colour.  Get the Aprons on, these are from Ikea. I find them great.



So after the painting was finished we had a very pink Disney Princess Castle.


That was left overnight to dry also and then we just added some details.  Farrah informed me Disney castles have blue tower tops. We just added some windows and doors.



Here is the finished result;


 We are getting some fun out of it with the Disney Princess characters :-)

Have you ever tried Paper Mache with the kids? Give it a go, Great for the rainy days! 

Don't forget you can keep up to date with Countryside Mumsie on our social media accounts facebook and instagram.


Thanks for reading,



Orla & Kerri X










Thursday 12 May 2016

Countryside Mumsie Planting Series - Growing Courgettes

Hey Guys,





Here is the second blog in our Planting Series.  It is all about growing courgettes. Courgettes are really easy to grow.. two courgette plants will produce ample courgettes for most families.  Courgettes are not frost hardy so they need to be planted out in June when the risk of frost has passed. I prefer to sow my Courgettes inside, I think it is safer.Sow seeds in small pots or seed trays using fine compost.   Place each seed about1/2 inch deep in each pot.  Gently water and leave indoors by a south facing windowsill.  Keep the compost moist but dont over water while the seed is germinating.

Here is my first courgette plant raising its head!  The excitment out of the girls was something else!


Potting On
After about 3 weeks the courgette plant will have used up all the compost nutrients. Repot it into a larger pot with fresh compost, this will give it more room to grow its roots.

Hardening Off
Plants that have been raised indoors will need to get used to outdoor tempetures before they can be planted outside in the raisaed bed.  This can take about 10 days.  When you know the frost has passed move the plants out for longer periods each day.

Planting out Courgette Seedlings
Courgette plants are not hardy.  So pick a sheltered sunny spot which is protected from strong winds.  Courgette plants take up huge amount of space.  The leaves are huge and will shade out anything else growing nearby, take this into account when planting them into your raised bed. Planting distance between palnts is 1 metre apart.  It looks like a huge gap, but they will soon fill the gap! Courgette plants need rich soil, I add horse manure each year to my rasied beds. Water around the plants heavily not on them.Watch out for slugs.

One of many courgette and carrot harvest we had last summer;



Harvesting
Pick the courgettes as soon as they get to the aquired size.  The courgettes get very big very quickly. Better to harvest when small, they will taste better.  It also encoursages more fruit to grow if picked smaller. To harvest cut the fruit at the base with a sharp knife taking care not to damage the plant.  Continue to pick fruit to encourage the plant to produce.  The courgette flowers can also be eaten and are a lovely garnish for salads.

Here is one of my courgette plants from last year;



I hope our planting series is inspiring you in some way to take to the garden! ;-)




 
Don't forget you can keep up to date with Countryside Mumsie on our social media accounts facebook and instagram.


 
Thanks for reading,

Orla & Kerri X



Thursday 5 May 2016

My Planting Series - Butternut Squash

Hello,

Today I am sharing with you my first blog in 'My Planting Series'. I have decided to start with Butternut Squash.  I love buying Butternut Squash in the supermarket and making risotto, soup and pasta sauce out of this vegetable.  Butternut Squash is rich in Vitamin A. It is a creamy vegatable that little ones love to eat.  This vegetable is an interesting and tasty addition to the standard vegetables and it offers many uses in cookery.  Butternut Squash is easy to grow, needs no great expertise for success.





See below the full health benifits of the Butternut Squash;

One cup of Butternut squash, cooked, baked, drained with no added salt has 1.84 grams protein and 82 calories.

Minerals:

Potassium - 582 mg Phosphorus - 55 mg Magnesium - 59 mg Calcium - 84 mg Iron - 1.23 mg Zinc - 0.27 mg Copper - 0.133 mg Manganese - 0.353 mg Selenium - 1 mcg Sodium - 8 mg
Also contains small amounts of other minerals.


Vitamins:

Vitamin C - 31 mg Niacin - 1.986 mg Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - 0.148 mg Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - 0.035 mg Pantothenic Acid - 0.736 mg Vitamin B6 - 0.254 mg Folate - 39 mcg Vitamin A - 22868 IU Vitamin K - 2 mcg Vitamin E - 2.64 mg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.



Butternut Squash are heavy feeding plants.  they grow quickly and use large amounts of nutrients from the soil and alot of water. The ideal place to plant your Squash is an area fully open to sunshine with good shelter.  The soil should be rich.  Every year we get a truck load of horse manure from our neighbouring horse Stud Farm.  This really enriches our raised beds, it is great for ensuring good home grown veggies!

You should sow your your Butternut Squash seeds in late April or early May. I had mine inside by a large window that gets alot of sun.  If you have a greenhouse even better.  These plants cannot tolerate frost.  Sow each seed, on its edge, in a good sized pot to avoid potting on.  Be careful not to over water, as this can cause the seed to rot.  Allow the compost to dry abit before watering, but do not delay watering at the same time.


Planting out your Butternut Squash
Harden off the seedlings towards the end of May or early June and plant outside after a few warm days.  The planting site should be well prepared with compost and manure.  Set the plant on a slight mound, about 25 centimetres from the plant to allow the watering layer.  If the plant is a bit floppy, a light cane can be used to secure it against wind damage.

Aftercare
Allow the plant to settle and do not water until it has hardened and settled fully.  Watch out for slug and snails! When the plant begins to grow, it will grow very fast.  The Butternut Sqash plant takes up alot of space. Butternut Squash seeds can send out vines up to 15 feet long!! If cultivated and maintained properly each seed could potentially yield 10-20 squashes.  Allow the squashes to continue to ripen into October, then they will begin to colour and our ready to be picked.

Enjoy planting amd growing.  I love this time of the year, getting all the seeds growing and the great hope for lots of home grown vegetables at the other side.  My children love to help maintain the plants by watering everyday.  They love nothing more than the excitment of spotting the vegetables arriving!



Don't forget you can keep up to date with Countryside Mumsie on our social media accounts facebook and instagram.


Thanks for reading,



Orla & Kerri X