Jooki® smart player with ToyTouch™ technology review

#GIFTED

The boys love music. Taking after both me and their dad, they’ve both got quite an eclectic taste in music and enjoy a variety of music genres.  They love music so much that quite often I find them having their own little discos with music filling the air and their disco ball lights sparkling across the room.

As both of the boys love music the house is often filled with music being streamed from their tablets. Whilst they are allowed to use their tablets to listen to music and audio books the downside is that they get sucked into watching music on youtube which not only distracts them from enjoying and dancing to music or listening to the story, but it also risks them stumbling across content that is not suitable for their age. 

The temptation of being immersed in the world of youtube and apps on the tablets can be difficult to manage. As parents we try to find that perfect balance of monitoring screen time with the positive benefits of technology. As we live in such a tech focused world where their generation are growing up with devices from a young age and are surprisingly clever with technology, it is always good to find new devices that incorporate technology without use of screens. 

If you’re looking for a unique, child-friendly device that uses innovative technology to entertain the kids without needing screen time then look no further than Jooki®.

Jooki

Jooki® is a portable, smart music and story speaker designed for a screen-free childhood.

Sudio Regent II white headphones review

#AD #GIFTED 

I love music. I enjoy listening to music everyday whether it is blasting out of speakers or getting lost in my own world filled with music as I listen to music with earphones. When listening to music on my own I usually use earphones, in fact it has been years since I have used classic on ear headphones. As I love the look of headphones when I got the chance to review a pair of Sudio earphones or headphones I selected the Regent II headphones. 

Sudio

Renowned for designing sound Sudio make premium earphones and headphones. Rooted in iconic Swedish music, the name Sudio was created as it seamlessly combines ‘Swedish’ and ‘Audio’ to reflect their design vision and aim to offer exceptional sound quality to music enthusiasts from all walks of life. They are passionate about clean, elegant Swedish design and providing products to spark the moment where music lovers can get lost in the music. 

Walkers search for the Spice Girls' #BestEverFan

AD

90s girl power is back with a zig-a-zig ah!

The Spice Girls are spicing up our lives once more on their reunion tour. As Geri, Emma, Mel C and Mel B, AKA Ginger Spice, Baby Spice, Sporty Spice and Scary Spice dazzle on stage during their Spice World 2019 UK and Ireland tour singing sing their hit songs, 90s nostalgia and girl power has filled the nation.

BBC Music The Biggest Weekend

Being a proud welsh woman I love to support and champion all that Wales has to offer. Majestic natural wonders and beautiful sights are abundant throughout our country. Amazing attractions offer fun, adventures and fantastic days out. Historic monuments adorn our scenery. Incredible events hosted in Wales wonder and delight.

I love that more and more events are being hosted in Wales with a few of our recent favourites being the magical Disney On Ice show and the breathtaking Monster Jam show. One big event coming up in South West Wales that I think is also awesome is BBC Music’s Biggest Weekend!

Booking a band on a budget - wedding dreams

Music & money matters when planning a wedding

When planning a wedding there are a lot of elements that need to be carefully considered - the dress, the venue, the food and the entertainment for example. For most people all the elements that come together to make the perfect day come with a budget. Regardless of whether you have a low, tight budget or a lavish budget when booking and buying all things wedding related the money matters.

As we are a couple with a tight wedding budget for our much longed for wedding we are always looking at ways to make our budget work for us and ways to cut costs but still create the wedding of our dreams.

Making music in the woods

We love spending time in the great outdoors. Coming a close second best to the beach as a prime location for adventures in the great outdoors are woods.

One of our favourite woodlands that is a mere 5 minute drive from home for us is Scolton Manor.

Kazoops! album - Just Imagine vol.1

During the summer a brand new CBeebies show was launched - Kazoops!.

Kazoops! follows the adventures of a 6 year old boy called Monty who with the help of his best friend Jimmy Jones (the family pet pig) challenges life’s questions. In each episode the best friends go on epic imaginary adventures together where they question things such as ‘is it possible to feel both happy and sad at the same time?’ and ‘whether everyone in a  family should be alike?’

One of the things children love most about the show is the music.

Children’s TV producer, Cheeky Little Media who produce Kazoops!, proudly released a brand new album filled with Kazoops! music on Friday 28th October.

My Songs for children on Spotify.

USM Junior launches first UK based music discovery app ‘My Songs’ for children on Spotify.

We are a family of music lovers, with both Lee and I appreciating and enjoying a vast range of music genres and a mix of artists. As we both love music we always planned on introducing Bug to music from an early age, introducing him to a range of music genres over the years so that he experiences an eclectic mix of artists and music.

Having listened to a wide range of music from an early age Bug loves a variety of music. He loves dancing along to music; strutting his stuff like a little superstar.

As Bug loves music he loves a new free app on Spotify called ‘My Songs’. The safe and kid friendly app helps children discover the very best music online, introducing children to a variety of music genres.

MTVUK Relentless Ultra presents Soundchain.

MTVUK is launching a new music series that explores the musical inspirations of some of today’s most influential artists. Not only with Soundchain delve into what music icons inspired the incredible artists but it will also feature live and intimate performances from the music acts.

Soundchain is presented by TV presenter and renowned worldwide DJ Zane Lowe who will chats with today’s most important music acts about their passions, musical inspirations and commitment to success. 

The Soundchain line-up for this series features Kasabian, Ed Sheeran, Chase & Status, NAS, Biffy Clyro, Jake Bugg and Queens of The Stone Age.  With an array of seven incredible artists featuring on the show, Soundchain is an unmissable series for fans of music from every genre.

First up to chat with Zane Lowe on Soundchain is the immeasurably talented singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. As well as chatting about his musical roots in an exclusive interview, Ed Sheeran also showcases live performances from his new album ‘x’ (pronounced ‘multiply’).

Woolly and Tig Songs for Wobbly Moments CD review.

Golden Bear recently sent Bug some Woolly and Tig goodies.  He got a new CD for the hit CBeebies show Woolly and Tig along with a big, fluffy Woolly soft toy to enjoy.

Being no stranger to the TV series Woolly and Tig, where little viewers get to see the adventures of Tig along with her toy spider Woolly who helps Tig explore the feelings she has when faced with new experiences, Bug was delighted to get a CD filled with fun songs from the TV show. 

Win a pair of Classic BassBuds Headphones.....plus a chance to win a pair of limited edition 24 Carat Gold Plated BassBuds Headphones.

I’ve raved about BassBuds a few times before on here after falling in love with their fabulous in-ear headphones when we reviewed a pair of White BassBuds headphones.  Our love of BassBuds and their products was set in stone when we reviewed a BassBuds BassBoomz speaker which blew us away with its impressive technology and high quality sound. 

Both the BassBuds headphones and the BassBoomz speaker is used on a daily basis in our home and Lee is often voicing his desire to buy another speaker to be able to experience the BassBoomz dual connectivity.  I am tempted to get him another speaker when we have some spare money and get it personalised with an engraving which is a feature BassBuds offer customers when buying BassBuds headphones and BassBoomz speakers.

As I love BassBuds I am delighted to be able to offer my readers the chance to win a lovely pair of BassBuds headphones.

The BassBuds in-ear headphones with anti-tangle cable come with a choice of ear buds so that a comfortable fit can be found for all.  The headphones are available in a wide range of vibrant colours in the Classic Collection and an amazing array of colour combinations in the Fashion Collection.  All of the BassBuds headphones come with Swarovski crystals embedded in them, which sparkle beautifully and make a stunning visual statement.  

Megson "When I Was A Lad..." album review.

Both Lee and I adore music and enjoy a wide range of different genres, as such we hope to pass on our passion for music to Bug.  We think it is important to expose Bug to different experiences and in relation to music we think it is important that he is introduced to a wide variety of music; as such we listen to an array of different music with Bug, spanning a wide range of genres. 

Even though I think it is important that Bug listens to nursery rhymes and songs and songs for children and have embraced children’s tunes, children’s television themes and classic children songs for his sake and enjoyment I do find the cheery, bubbly songs annoy me and for the sake of my own sanity I often revert to my own music. 

Wanting Bug to listen to children’s songs as I do think they are beneficial to him I am always on the hunt to find music for children that he will enjoy that will also not drive me crazy.  When I was recently offered the chance to review an album of children’s songs I was keen to give it a listen to see if it would be the answer to my quest for children’s songs that are enjoyable for Bug and importantly different to the standard chirpy children’s songs that annoy me.

Arriving in a shiny silver parcel I was excited about listening to the CD were sent, Megson “When I Was A Lad...”.  Megson are husband and wife duo Stu and Debbie Hanna who after forming 8 years ago took a break in 2011 to welcome their little baby girl Lola Wren into the world.  Drawing heavily on their Teesside heritage Megson create a unique brand of folk music that has seen them nominated 3 times in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and being double winners of the 2011 Spiral Earth Awards. 

Playing animal xylophone tunes (Project 365 - 80/365).

BassBuds BassBoomz speaker review.

When we previously reviewed a pair of BassBuds headphones both Lee and I loved them (we still do); we both love the gorgeous silky white colour of the headphones, the sparkly Swarovski crystals that glisten on the outside of the each ear-bud, the quality of the headphones and the impressive crystal clear sound that the headphones deliver.  As we both love the headphones and have to fight over who gets to use them we were both excited when we were given the opportunity to review another product from BassBuds, a BassBoomz speaker.

According to BassBuds the BassBoomz is a high performance portable Bluetooth speaker that is described as being “portable, powerful and practical” boasting that it is “small in size, big on sound”.

BassBuds BassBoomz discount code.

Afterreviewing a pair of BassBuds headphones and being very impressed the quality of the styling and technology of the headphones I was over the moon when I was given the chance to review another BassBuds product, a BassBoomz speaker.

According to BassBuds the BassBoomz is a high performance portable Bluetooth speaker that is described as being “portable, powerful and practical” boasting that it is “small in size, big on sound”.

BassBuds state the BassBoomz’s highlights are –

*  Explosive sound quality – twist and release the Bass Expansion System

*  Ideal for your smartphone, MP3 players, tablets and laptops

*  Compatible with all wireless devices with a Bluetooth connection

*  Compatible with any audio device that has a 3.5mm audio jack output

*  Dual Connectivity available – connect 2 BassBoomz together for double the sound

*  Portable and pocket-sized for your music on-the-go.

 Information from the BassBoomz page on the BassBuds website.

BassBuds headphones review.

When I was offered the opportunity to review a pair of BassBuds headphones I wanted to learn more about them, after browsing their website I was very impressed with the amazing features BassBuds boast about their headphones. As I loved the sound of the headphones and could not resist the hint of sparkle on the ear buds I was keen to see if they lived up to the features boasted on the BassBuds website and if they would sparkle in person.

The BassBuds arrived in an attractive, smart white box with a flip lid. Included in the box was – 

*A pair of BassBuds headphones

*9 sets of ear buds

*Cloth travel bag

*User guide

*Certificate of authenticity

Buy BassBuds headphones at a bargain price.

Christmas can be an expensive time of year; I try to save money on gifts by buying from the cheapest retailer and making good use of discount and promo codes. I think it is great when you can save a few pounds on a product you would have bought even without the discount, those few pounds and pennies all add up which means you save a little and that saved money can be used towards other gifts and Christmas products, put into saving or even used to treat yourself with. 

As I love a good discount code I was pleased when I was given a discount code to share with my lovely readers. BassBuds who make high performance in ear headphones are giving my readers a brilliant £5.00 discount off of their range of headphones available on the BassBuds website.

To get £5.00 off BassBuds headphones simply use discount code BB53862. 

A little about BassBuds.

BassBuds are high performance in ear headphones with added techno benefits such as hands free microphone and mp3 controller. These headphones boast impressive features – 

* Integrated microphone with call/mp3 controller

* Answer/end call control

* Play/Pause your mp3 player

* Skip forwards and backwards through your music

* Activate voice control commands

* Compatible with all SmartPhones

* Crystal-clear HD audio via the Advanced Crystaltronics Sound Technology

* Made with Swarovski® Elements

* Precision-cut, high quality, light-weight and balanced aluminium housing

* Anti-tangle, durable, double-wrapped cable

* Free stylish and protective storage bag

* Free black, white and memory foam earbuds in 3 sizes

* Gold-plated 3.5mm audio jack for optimum connectivity

* One of the largest earphone colour ranges in the World!

* Classics collection and 2012 fashion collection

Features taken from the BassBuds website.

As stated in the features list, there is 2 collections available with 20 stunning colour options available across the 2 exciting collections providing plenty of choice and allowing people to pick the colour and style to suit them (you could even get a couple of BassBuds headphones so that you have different colours available to suit different moods and outfits……..or perhaps that is just me and my wishful thinking that I could have a few of these funky headphones as there are so many designs that I looooovee). I absolutely love that there is Swarovski® crystals embedded in the design…..this little feature makes me want a few of these headphones even more! I never knew headphones could look so attractive and that I would desire after a pair so much….sigh.

Classic collection.

* Green

* Black

* Dark Blue

* Gold

* Limited Edition – White

* Pink

* Platinum

* Purple

* Red

* Yellow

Fashion collection.

*Candy

*Rhythm

*Dynamic

*Obsession

*Envy

*Harmony

*Smooth

*Midnight

*Nu Skool

*Eclectic

Thankfully my desire for a pair has been quenched; keep an eye out for the review and see what I thought about getting up close and personal to see the beautiful design and to see if they live up to their impressive features. The only problem I can foresee at the moment is that Lee and I will both want them!

Even though I am still giving the headphones a thorough testing, I think they look brilliant and I am sure they would make a fantastic gift. In the technological era we live in where the majority of people have a smartphone these headphones would be a brilliant gift for anyone who has a smartphone and loves to listen to music and make/take calls on the go. BassBuds headphones would make a perfect gift this Christmas for music lovers.

BassBuds headphones have an RRP of £49.95 but are currently available on the BassBuds website shop for £34.95 and with the £5.00 discount code you are saving even more! 

To get a pair (or two or more!) pop onto the BassBuds website and use discount code BB53862 to get £5 off your BassBuds purchases. 

More information about BassBuds.

Remember use discount code BB53862 to get a £5.00 discount on BassBuds headphones!!

CBeebies The Album Prize Draw

Following our review of CBeebies The Album I have 1 copy of this album to giveaway.

Perfect for entertaining little ones this album is great for any CBeebies fans as it is packed full of theme tunes, songs and presenter songs from the popular CBeebies TV channel. With a whopping 50 songs this 2 disc compilation is brimming with songs that little ones will know and love.

The prize.
1 x CBeebies The Album (2 disc collection album)

To enter this prize draw for the chance to win a copy of CBeebies The Album please use the Rafflecopter below –

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Important bits

* I will email the lucky winner to request their name and address to pass onto the PR company who will arrange delivery of the prize

* All entries that do not complete the requirements stated in the entry will be disqualified and removed from the prize draw before the winner is drawn 

* The prize draw is only open to residents of the UK 

* Only one entry per household

* This prize draw ends on the 24/11/12 at 12.01am EST (about 5am GMT) 

* Winner is chosen at random using Rafflecopter from all valid entrants and will be announced after the prize draw has closed 

* This prize draw is hosted on behalf of the PR company representing CBeebies who are responsible for sending out the prize to the lucky winner 

* First timers of Rafflecopter - Please watch this how rafflecopter works video if you need to know how to use rafflecopter

* Sign in to use the Rafflecopter using your Facebook account or using your name and email address

* If no form is showing hit refresh (f5) and it should appear

* If you have any difficulties entering please do not hesitate to contact me on bumps2babies@btinternet.com

CBeebies The Album Review

Every time little man hears music being played he looks like he is auditioning for Strictly Come Dancing, as he gets all excited and starts strutting his stuff as he dances to the music. As little man loves music I was pleased when we were given the chance to review a brand new album filled with songs from the popular TV channel CBeebies.

Even though little man does not watch a huge amount of TV he has a few favourite shows that he loves to watch and he always has a little dance to the theme tunes and songs within the shows. As he already enjoys dancing and singing along to songs on CBeebies I was looking forward to getting the new CBeebies album to see if he would enjoy listening to an album filled with songs from the popular children’s TV channel.

Released on the 5th of November 2012, CBeebies The Album is a brand new 2 CD collection with a whopping 50 tracks that includes popular CBeebies theme tunes, songs from hit CBeebies shows and songs from the CBeebies presenters.

Below is the album’s very substantial 50 song track-list:

CD1

1. Justin’s House – Theme Tune

2. Baby Jake – The Yacki Song

3. Iconicles – Theme Tune

4. Rastamouse – Give It Up For Da Easy Crew

5. Abadas – My Name Is…

6. Mike The Knight – Theme Tune

7. Mr Bloom’s Nursery – Meet The Veggies

8. Gigglebiz – Theme Tune

9. In the Night Garden – Theme Tune

10. Big And Small – Theme Tune

11. Timmy Time – Theme Tune

12. Everything’s Rosie – Theme Tune

13. Woolly & Tig – Theme Tune (I Love Woolly)

14. Andy’s Wild Adventures – Theme Tune

15. Grandpa In My Pocket – Boom A Boom Whoop Zing Zoo

16. Tweenies – Theme Tune (Hey Hey Are You Ready To Play?)

17. Alphablocks – Theme Tune

18. Cloud Babies – Theme Tune

19. Tree Fu Tom – Theme Tune

20. Something Special – Theme Tune (Hello Song)

21. CBeebies Presenters – Summer Song

22. CBeebies Presenters – Goodbye Sun, Hello Moon

23. CBeebies Presenters – Winter Song

24. CBeebies Presenters – The Big Fun Time Song

25. CBeebies Presenters – Christmas Song

CD2

1. Rastamouse – Hot Hot Hot

2. Abadas – Medley (Abadas Song/Let’s Play/I Found The World/Goodbye Song)

3. The Lingo Show – Theme Tune

4. Show Me Show Me – Momo’s Song

5. Mike The Knight – Huzzah For Glendragon

6. Raa Raa The Noisy Lion – Theme Tune

7. 64 Zoo Lane – Theme Tune

8. Charlie & Lola – Bestest In The Barn

9. Postman Pat – Special Delivery Service Theme

10. Num Tums – Theme Tune

11. Zingzillas – Do You Didgeridoo

12. Guess with Jess – Theme Tune

13. Tinga Tinga Tales – Theme Tune

14. Balamory – Theme Tune

15. Mr Bloom’s Nursery – The Finale Song

16. Big Barn Farm – Theme Tune

17. Mister Maker – I’m A Shape

18. Waybuloo – Time For Yogo

19. 3rd And Bird – Theme Tune

20. Nina and the Neurons – Go Engineering Song

21. CBeebies Presenters – It’s The Weekend

22. CBeebies Presenters – The Discovery Song

23. CBeebies Presenters – Lunchtime Song

24. CBeebies Presenters – The Birthday Song

25. CBeebies Presenters – The Time Has Come to Say Goodnight (2012 Version)

I am impressed with the huge number of songs included on this album and I like the fact that because there is an impressive 50 songs there is plenty of variety of songs, themes and musical styles. I think it is great that the album is a complication of CBeebies TV show theme tunes, songs from shows as well as CBeebies presenter songs. I like that it features big names, popular shows and commonly heard songs from CBeebies which means CBeebies fans will recognise many of the shows and songs featured on the album. I also like that the album is a blend of old, familiar shows and new hit shows; with older favourites such as Postman Pat, Tweenies and Balamory featuring on the album alongside songs and theme tunes from newer shows such as Baby Jake and Rastamouse.

When I first put this album on little man did not take much notice of the first song from the first CD but when the second song started he instantaneously got very excited when he recognised The Yacki Song from Baby Jake. Even though he started dancing around the room to the song he did seem a tad confused why he could not see Baby Jake on the TV when the sound of The Yacki Song from the show was filling the room. He soon overcame his confusion why the shows were not on the TV and happily pranced and danced around the room the songs on the album.

Little man instantly recognised familiar songs from his favourite shows such as Baby Jake, Mr Bloom’s Nursery, In the Night Garden, Raa Raa the Noisy Lion and Waybuloo. Seeing little man’s reaction of delight and glee to hearing songs from his favourite shows brings a huge smile to my face and the fact that his excitement is infectious and the songs are catchy means I have not been able to resist having a little boogie myself, having had lots of fun joining little man for a mad dance to this album.

There are a few songs that little man does not dance to but these are the songs which he does not recognise as they are from shows that he has not watched. I think in time as little man enjoys this album more and more the will enjoy listening, singing and dancing to most of the songs even ones that he is not currently familiar with. Also as he discovers and enjoys new shows on CBeebies he will be familiar with more and more songs from this album.

This CD has been played numerous times since we got it and as soon as little man hears the music fill the room his body moves to the rhythm and the beat of the music. Little man loves strutting his stuff and showing off his dance moves to the songs. As little man has so much fun dancing to the songs I think that the album is fantastic. There are a couple of songs that I find annoying but I think that as long as little man loves it and is having fun I can live with an annoying song or two and seeing the joy on his face as he enjoys the album means that I am more than happy to put up with a couple of annoying songs getting trapped in my mind, playing on a loop.

It is lovely to see him have so much fun dancing and I think it is great that because it is an album I do not have to have the TV on for little man to dance to songs from his favourite shows and it is great that his favourite songs can be played again and again.

Not only is the album great for little man to sing and dance to at home and burn off some excess energy but it is also great for using in the car especially for long journeys. We have listened to in the car a few times now and because it is music that little man is familiar with it has been a great distraction and kept him entertained as he sings, jigs, bops, claps his hands and swings his arms to the songs from the comfort of his car seat in the back.

As well as being great for little man to dance to I think the fact that the album is a compilation of different styles of music it introduces him to different music. I have noticed that he seems to be aware of the different styles of music as he dances differently to the songs and he repeats the same style of dancing for particular songs; for example for The Yacki Song he dances like Baby Jake does on the show whilst when listening to songs from Rastamouse he always bops along to the music and does a laid back dance rather than a mad, wild dance.

Another benefit from the album in my opinion is the fact that as the songs can be repeated and listened to again and again he will hear the lyrics often which will help him learn to sing along to the songs which in turn is beneficial to his speech development and learning of new words.

This album is a treat for any CBeebies fans and I think it would make a brilliant gift to pop in a Christmas stocking for your little ones this Christmas. The album is great for little ones to enjoy and filled with so many songs that little ones will know and love. CBeebies The Album is available nationwide from a variety of stockists in-store and online. 

* We were provided with a copy of CBeebies The Album to review for free, despite this I have written an honest review with my own words and opinions *