Free Fun Friday-Arts&Crafts

Hey Mums,

Welcome to our 'Free Fun Friday'.

Hope you pick up some great free fun ideas for the family. Today's 'Free Fun Friday' idea is flower collages. Hope you enjoy!

With all the beautiful nature available to us in our gardens and in the wild at the moment I decided to give flower collages a go. It went down great with my girls holding their attention and they had lots of fun. We got our baskets out and went collecting flowers and leaves. We went around our own garden and then down the road to see what the hedges could offer us. There were giggles and running, grabbing and throwing but by the time we got home we had lots of colourful flowers and leaves to create a great collage.

The girls decided to make a card for Granny and a mask for Grandad. I find if they are making something for someone and I make a big deal of delivering it in an envelop after it keeps them really focused. They love getting attention for their hard work.

All we needed besides the flowers was glue, cardboard and I bought blank face masks at Mr Price. 

The girls loved creating their pieces for their grandparents and it was a lovely activity keeping them busy and entertained.  The odd bug came out of the flowers which were investigated too!

I usually put on background music while they are partaking in arts and crafts it creates a nice atmosphere; the album that was on was 'Now Disney Princess'. Great album for any princesses in your life! To be honest I love it too;-)

Give it a go, post some pics if you try it!  I would love to see them!

Last thing I just want to mention is this weekend's 'Crooms Party In The Park'

Weekend Family Fun in Croom, Co Limerick

'Croom Party in the Park' in Co Limerick is taking place this weekend. It is celebrating the official opening of the Croom Town Park.  The Croom Park and Playground is looking amazing. This is sure to be a great family day out. On Saturday from 1pm there are bouncy castles,face painting, food and craft village, animal road show, train rides, crazy golf, giant jenga and entertainment for all the family. 2e wristbands admits one child to all activities which are available to purchase on the day.

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Have a great weekend and thanks for reading!

Orla and Kerrixxx

Choosing Playschool over Montessori

So this a decision all us parents make and us mums decided to go against the status quo. 

When making this decision we came across some really interesting research and we were very surprised to find out that "Parents with higher levels of education are more likely to use Montessori and less likely to use a play-school settings for the Free Preschool Year. (Growing up in Ireland Study, Nov 2013)" Why is this? Is this due to un-researched decisions, public perception, personal choice, best-fit for child or is it just snobbery? 

Yes we both choose to send our little ones to a playschool, not a Montessori! 

We are not for one minute dissing the Montessori method, in fact as teachers we have both studied and since very much admire the ideas of Maria Montessori. We are just sharing our reasons to choose  a playschool with you. 

In Ireland we have what’s known as the 'Free Preschool Year' or the proper name is 'The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme'. When the Government were pressured to do something in relation to the importance of early education, instead of looking at alternatives, other countries etc., they did what they do best, a quick fix solution: Throw money at the problem! So the ECCE scheme started in 2010. All children aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months on 1st September are entitled to free preschool care for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, over 38 weeks. This is a free benefit available to all children. While I have reservations about this being the correct approach to engaging in early education, while it's still available I’m not complaining! 

Our little ones will meet the age requirements for his ECCE year this coming September, (although my little one will only do 2-3days this year: story for another day!!) you can calculate for your child here. We wanted to make sure we had them booked in, familiar with the idea etc. well before starting. For me, Kerri we are fortunate where we live to have an excellent Montessori school just up the road, a pre- school within walking distance, a Naíonra a short spin away, and two play schools near by. We are spoiled for choice. Which is why so much thought and research went into it! 

We chose to send our little darlings to a play-school and here’s why:

(1) All preschool services are regulated the same under the preschool regulations regarding HSE inspections, room size, staff , child ratios etc. They must also follow a documented curriculum to be in the ECCE scheme. This set our mind at rest that a play-school might not be 'up to scratch' regulation wise, as people would lead you to believe.  (2) Seán is an only child, and Farrah is the eldest child.  Social interaction, learning to share, taking turns, making friends and having fun, was our main objectivities for him. We are less concerned about pre reading, phonics, writing etc, this will be done at home but not overloaded, this is the junior infants curriculum. There is so much time to learn this in school.  (3) The importance of play.  This really is the MAIN reason.  (excuse me here, I do go on a bit of a rant, but I’m just so passionate about it's importance!!)  Play is considered so important to a child’s development that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) has established it as every child’s right.  Play is a child’s way of making sense of the world – a learning tool that engages, motivates, challenges and pleases. Play gives them an opportunity to demonstrate all that they have observed and learned about the real world and at the same time the opportunity to experiment with how they can make that learning useful in their own world. Children are born with an innate drive to learn – they want to be seen as smart, intelligent and capable people who can do things, who know things and who are well connected with family and friends. Play is not about completing one task at a time but about dealing with multiple tasks such as relationships, activities, problem solving, other peoples’ ideas and creating companionship and enjoyment, all at the same time. We chose a play-school because play is what happens from the minute the children walk in the door. It is not all free play, but play is key. There is not just a 'play space' but the whole environment, both inside and out are created for play. Toys of all shapes, sizes and all the 'gender specific' toys are free for all to use. There is a shop area, a kitchen area, a garage, a hairdressers and so much more, there are boxes of jigsaws, blocks, bead threading, dolls, buggies, trucks, tractors, and that’s just what Seán could recall to help me write this! Play is the emphasis in every corner of the room.  (4) The ethos, the athmosphere, the staff, and the facilities are warm, welcoming and inviting for children and parents. While this can be true for any type of pre school choice, the particular play-school we chose is a home away from home. All the children run in the door and have smiles on their faces when being collected. This is important to us.  (5) Outdoor play area. I don't mean a herb garden or poly tunnel, I mean tyre swings, slides with a muddy puddle at the end (peppa would love it), sand pits with diggers, play houses for tea parties/shops etc.  The outdoors is one of the best learning environments for young children, providing an opportunity to explore, experience and make meaning of the natural world. Children learn through play, movement, communication, and sensory experience which the outdoors provides for on a much greater scale than indoors. Play-schools let children make a cabby under the bushes and use the slide as a rocket ship, yes the children are told the names of these bushes, but it is when they encounter them, not sitting inside looking at a picture of a bush.  (6) The particular playschool we chose is near the primary school we hope our son will go too, so hopefully he will make friends that will be in his class right through primary school.  This post is not intended as a comparison. We just wanted to share our passion for the importance of play, and hence our decision to choose a play-school. Each child is unique and individual, a play-school is what we think will suit ours, whenever another  should come along we will choose a pre-school setting that best suits their needs. The Free year could be gone by then so cost could be playing a massive factor! So while it's lasting Id advise every parent to grab it with open arms. You have the luxury of choosing to send your son or daughter to whichever pre school setting you choose, so do your research, make an informed choice, choose a pre-school setting that best suits the need of your son or daughter. God knows the next child might have to learn their ABC's from this child should the government remove the scheme!  We'd love to hear your thoughts and comments on this topic.  Now we're off to play! Untill Next time, Kerri and Orla

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References: Growing up in Ireland Study, Infant Cohort, Nov 2013, 

                   Cork County Childcare, 

                   Early Childhood Ireland.

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Mums Sshhhh;Save money on infant medicines?

Hey Mums,

So we all want to save money where we can yes?

 We came across this great online pharmacy that sells generic medicine. A generic medicine is identical or bioequivalent to a brand name drug in dosage form,safety,strength,route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. Here are the products I recently bought online at a fraction of the price I would pay for the leading brands in my local pharmacy.

Junior Parapaed Sugar Free (paracetamol) is the generic form of Calpol. For 200mls it was £1.65

Fenpaed Sugar Free (ibuprofen) is the generic form of Nurofen infant. For 100mls it was £1.05

Dentinox is a great teething gel (I can stand by this with my 17mt old teething baby). For a triple pack it was £5.49

I also bought adult Ibuprofen for headache,period pain etc. Due to it being 400mg per tablet you only take one tablet per dosage. This packet of 48 tablets was £1.59

I advise you ship to Parcel Motel which costs £3.49

I'm sold on this!

The online company was Chemist Direct.  

http://www.chemistdirect.co.uk



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Let us know if you order and what you think?

Orla & Kerri Xx

Style Saturday: Dublin Horse Show

The Style, The Hat's and The Gúna's

As we are currently in the middle of Dublin House Show, we thought it would be appropriate to do a post on the style, the hats and the gúna's (dresses in Irish). It has been a couple of years since I went myself, unfortunately its not the chosen place for a play date :( , but I still watch it on TV each year and love to keep on eye on the style. So without further ado, these are my top picks of this year's ladies day.



So the winners.....

Out of these four ladies, my favourite is Sarah Cass (3rd from left). Sarah won the Longines Elegance  is an attitude award. I love the pastel colours of this Ted Baker coat in Distinguishing Rose Print. It was part of the Sping '15 collection as was the matching dress worn underneath. This rose print was also available in various other items, including a scarf and gorgeous A line skirt. Her hat was a creation by the fabulous Jennifer Wyrnn; you just can't beat Irish creations. Browse her website now

My second favourite was first on left, Linda Malone. Wearing a stunning red kevan jon dress from one of my favourite shops, Vanilla in Fermoy, Co.Cork. This is the same shop where Alex Butler (Galway Races Ladies Day Winner) purchased her dress. You can cheek out their facebook page here. Her hat was from an LA milliner Miss G designs. 

Others that caught my eye...

 Judge on the day, Pippa O'Connor went for an elegant and simply look. Wearing a Kearn Millen dress she added colour with accessories and another fabulous Jennifer Wrynn head piece. 

These ladies reminded me of a Carrie Bradshaw inspired outfit so I instantly loved them! Don't you agree?









While there was plenty more style on show in the RDS, these were my top picks of Ladies Day 2015. Hope you enjoyed them.

And before we go, A huge Congratulations must be said to the Irish Team who yesterday, Friday, won the Aga Khan Trophy. Terrific news, well done to everyone involved. The Dublin Horse Show is always a great event and when the trophy goes to Ireland it makes it all the better. 

Thanks for reading. We would love to hear your thoughts and comments on our blog. 

Keep in touch through our social media accounts facebook and instagram.

Have a great Saturday 

Kerri and Orla xx

Yummy Carrot and Ginger Soup

Morning,


This morning I am sharing my love for making soups and a great little recipe. 

I am always trying new recipes for the girls and I. My girls will drink a bowl of soup through a wide straw and I just adore the idea of them getting a meal packed full of goodness. I am in my cooking mood today and plan to batch cook for my ladies to get myself organised as returning to work is on the horizon.

I have made this particular soup a few times and its a big hit each time.

Carrot and Ginger Soup

1 medium Onion 

8 medium Carrots chopped

Teaspoon of ginger 

500mls of Stock

Peel and chop the onion. Splash of olive oil in a pot,cook onions for 5minutes until soft but not browned. Carrots and ginger are peeled and chopped.

Add the carrots,ginger and stock and bring to the boil. Then simmer for 20minutes.

Blend to smooth soup consistency.

Yummy! Enjoy!


PS. These are the stock cubes I use, available in Boots.

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Orla & Kerri Xx

The importance of Baby/Toddler Groups

I must be honest, I didn't have the courage to go to my local parent and toddler group while on Mat leave. Im not a very shy or reserved person, so why was it so hard to step inside the door? Looking back I think I was terrified I would be judged on my parenting skills, my learning through doing, my "non text book approach" oh and a thousand other things when through my head: what i was wearing, how I looked, the buggy I had, the contents of the changing bag the list is endless. 

So to my complete disadvantage I missed out on an amazing resource on my door step. It wasn't until my son was 2 that I asked our temporary child-minder (our child-minder was on mat leave) to bring our son down the road to the local parent and toddler group.

Did I honestly think the mums had a 'burn book' that I would feature in?

As I was working at the time I had an excuse not to go, yet Seán was getting all the benefits and thus my guilt lessoned! So week on week I listened to our son tell stories about his great morning and all his friends. It wasn't until the following September that while on a year out of work I struck courage to go myself. Yes my legs were like jelly going on the door and my heat was racing , but Seán ran to the door, full of enthusiasm to show mommy what happens at toddler group. With no time to pause, no time to fix my hair, in we burst. I was met with smiling (some tired) faces, but all smiling, friendly and very welcoming. Yes I had to do alot of the talking to begin with but I made the effort to talk to as many as possible, I played with Seán for small periods: he was very happy to play with his friends and instructed me to drink my coffee and talk to the moms! From that very first morning when at the end of the 2hrs I was asked to help load up all the toys and put them under the stage (of the school hall) I knew this group was all hands on deck, everyone rowing in to help out. Help each other: not judge or criticise but help, support, encourage and befriend. I quickly began to realise that this toddler group was going to be as advantageous (if even more) to me and Seán.

and we'll be here to help! : Toddler group moto! 

I found/still find it BRILLIANT! Recently, while reading an article by Jennifer Riddall on her.ie was when I felt compelled to write to this post. My experience has been so positive.  I've gotten to know so many people from the area, my son has made his first real friends, it's a place to have a good moan and not be met with "you should do this, you should do that" but rather a reassuring ear that all will be fine. Most of all its a great place to have a laugh: mostly at ourselves over the things we complained about last week. I regret so much not having the courage to go while on mat leave and would urge all mums to yes put yourself out there, hid behind your baby at first and feel uncomfortable and awkward in the beginning, because honestly it's this group of ladies that will get you through the tantrums, the traumas, the fussy eating and potty training days and you can look back and say thank God for toddler group: as I do each week!

Looking for a parent baby/toddler group in your area? Ive found a great country wide listing on rollercoster.ie, or simply follow this link here to begin your sear
ch today. You wont regret it!

We hope your experience of a parent and baby/toddler group was also a positive one. We would to hear your views. 

K & O xxx

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Hey Everyone,

For a family day out recently we went to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. My girls are big into princesses at the moment, from dressing up to role plays so you can imagine their excitement when we told them we were going to a princess castle!?! Now we didn't actually see a princess but we did get to walk around the castle, see her bedroom, her banquet hall, her tower and even her dungeon! After the castle tour we walked around the folk park.

 We enjoyed looking at a reconstructed village of Irish life over a century ago. There are many fun attractions to go see including an old school house, doctors surgery, post office and Irish cottages. What added to the enjoyment was the costumed characters that bring the village to life such as the constable. There are animals for the children to enjoy including two Irish Wolfhounds which love being rubbed and having their photos taken. There is also a great playground with swings, climbing frames in the shape of castles and boats, zip line and sand, every child's dream!

 I used my Toddler Tula to carry my youngest (17 months) as the winding staircases would have been too hard to keep her safe on if she walked herself. My 3 year old enjoyed walking herself and was safe doing so with her dad minding her. I would recommend leaving the buggy behind and bringing a baby carrier so momma and baby can thoroughly enjoy the experience.

There are other family days out that are under the Shannon Heritage umbrella which I really want to try visit with my family. You can purchase a one year membership ticket to all the Shannon Heritage attractions. You can use them as much as you want for the year. I think this is fantastic. The attractions you can visit on this membership include Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, King John Castle, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle and Gardens, Dunguire Castle, Brian Boru Heritage Centre.

To purchase this membership click on http://www.shannonheritage.com/Membership/PublicMembership/

Click on this link for Bunratty Castles latest news and updates 
https://m.facebook.com/bunrattycastlefolkpark

My next Shannon Heritage day out will be Craggaunowen, we are looking forward to it already!

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Enjoy your weekend!

Orla & Kerri xx