#Win Mike The Knight Magical Mishaps On DVD

Who Love’s Mike The Knight? I know we do.

Harley is potty about Mike the Knight and was delighted to receive the brand new DVD title “Mike The Knight Magical Mishaps” to review. His now watched it so many times that I can hear the characters voices going around and around in my head.

The DVD features some great episodes such as…

The Polka-Dot Horse
Sir Super
The Many Knights
The Mission Mess
The Glendragon News
The Real Sword

Mike, the brave young hero and Evie, Mikes little sister and wizard in training who’s magic can be somewhat temperamental, embark on a host of fun adventures together in this 72 minute DVD. All 6 episodes are packed full of fun adventures and are sure to keep any little Mike the knight fan amused from start to finish.

Here’s Harley meeting the Knight himself..

picture taken at Butlins Bognor Regis

So, fancy winning a copy of this great DVD for your little Mike The Knight super fan?

Here’s how…

Compulsory: Comment telling me who you’re knight in shining armour is?

Extra entries can be gained by doing any of these…

Tweet: “I want to win Mike the Knight Magical Mishaps with @Clairelouise82” adding the URL to this tweet. Then comment with the link to your tweet.

Pin the competition on pinterest
Then comment with the URL to your pin.

Enter another of our competitions via competition tag in sidebar. Comment to tell me which one you’ve entered.

Competition will end at 11:59 pm on the 2nd May 2013.

The DVD is available to buy from all major retailers now.

Disclaimer winner has 72 hours to respond to winning notification or risks a redraw. Winner drawn at random from entries in the UK Only. No bulk or automated entries will be included.

ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions

#Win 1 of 3 Horrid Henry DVD ‘It’s All Your Fault’

With over an hours worth of fantastic adventures from CiTV’s most successful animated series.

‘Horrid Henry, It’s All Your Fault’ DVD brings you six super entertaining episodes from the most funny and mischievous boy in town.

Episodes …

Horrid Henry It’s All Your Fault
Horrid Henry’s convinced that it’s not his fault, even when it is!

Horrid Henry In Detention
Horrid Henry lands everyone in detention, but will he manage to get them all out again in time for that all important football match?

Horrid Henry Nothing But The Truth
Perfect Peter’s had enough and he’s ready to spill the beans, big time!

Horrid Henry Horrid Boy?
When Dad offers to do Horrid Henry’s homework for him, Horrid Henry knows there’s something going on, but he can’t quite work out what it is.

Horrid Henry Delivers The Milk
One horrid move too far and Horrid Henry finds he’s got a new job, which means getting up very early indeed!

Horrid Henry And The New Best Friend
Horrid Henry gets himself a new best friend, but it’s not long before Nice Nicola turns into Nasty Nicola, and things go from bad to worse.

All three of my children love the horrid Henry series and both of the older children, little man 12 and his sister Alice Sara 10, have enjoyed both the CiTV series along with the book collection. Now the toddler, Harley age 3, is fast becoming an avid fan of this Mischievous little character.

This particular DVD has been an instant hit with the kids and I’ve also found myself engaging in a little Horrid Henry when the toddler has demanded that I do so (wink, wink).

Anyone thinking of purchasing the DVD has my recommendation, after all, its not every day your children are quiet for an entire hour, managing to reframe from fighting with one another is it?

The lovely people at Abbey Media have given the readers of my blog the opportunity to win a copy. Yes, I have 3 copies of the DVD to giveaway.

So… If you want to win one, here’s how!

Compulsory action…

Subscribe via feedburner and then comment answering the question below….

We all know our little angels have the tendency to act a little horrid every now and then! Whats the most horrid thing your child has ever done? Subscribe to the blog via the feedburner (top of the sidebar) then comment below with your answer and email subscription address!

Now you can earn extra entries if you wish. Just do any of the following below. A comment for all actions must be left! Each must contain an email or twitter handle to make them valid.

Pin this competition on Pinterest then comment with link or pinterest handle.

Tweet: “I want to win the latest Horrid Henry DVD with @Clairelouise82 & @AbbeyKids http://bit.ly/116qUFP”

Comment with twitter handle or link

If we are currently running more comps on the blog then another competition and comment to tell me which one.

Follow @Clairelouise82 on twitter Comment with twitter handle

Follow @Abbykids on twitter
Comment with twitter handle

For 2 more additional entries Follow my sister blog “Mummy of Mamy Talents” comment telling me the email you subscribed with.

That’s it! The competition will close on the 20th April 2013 at 11:59pm

Horrid Henry ‘Its All your Fault’ is available to buy now.

Winners will be drawn at random from all valid entries submitted. Competition open to all those in the UK only. Winners must leave either an email address or twitter handle with their comments so that I can easily contact them in the event that they win. Winners have 72 hours to respond to the winning notification or another winner will be drawn in their place.

ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions

#Win 1 Of 4 Copies Of Alphablocks Phonics First Steps on DVD

Here on ‘A boy with Aspergers’ we are firm believers in education from an early age. That’s why we love the Alphablocks.

Gone are the days when children’s programmes lacked in educational value! Now children’s TV is full of exciting yet educational programmes allowing your pre-schoolers a good head start ahead of school.

One of those shows is that of Alphablocks, the successful show first brought to our screens by CBeebies.

But wait! As of the 25th February 2013 Volume 1 – Alphablocks Phonics First Steps will be available to purchase on DVD.

Has you’re little one(s) not yet had the opportunity to see the Alphablocks? Well, here’s a little more about them…

Alphablocks open the door to a magical world of reading. How? Well
These 26 living letters who fall out of the sky discover that if they hold hands together they can make a word, which then magically comes to life!

The Alphablocks are Based on best-practice phonics, your child will laugh and learn with the little letter people and their adventures, songs and all
kinds of fun and games.

Volume 1: Phonics First Steps, also comes with a FREE Alphablocks, Alphabet poster for your little one to enjoy. The DVD introduces the first letters and sounds that children are taught at school and starts them off making simple words. With repeat viewing, children can build key phonics skills and boost their reading confidence – while having lots and lots of fun.

Features 18 episodes, to find out more visit http://www.alphablocks.tv

I’ve kindly been offered 4 copies to give away to our lovely readers. So… Who wants to win one?

Compulsory Action
Simply tell me in a comment the fun ways in which you make reading fun!

You can also gain additional entries by doing any of the below. Enter as many as you like but do leave an additional comment for each action you take. Note you can only gain additional entries once you have completed the compulsory entry above.

Tweet: “I want to win the Alphablocks Phonics First Steps volume 1 DVD with @Clairelouise82 & @AbbeyKids”

Pin the competition on Pinterest (leave the link to the pin in your comment)

Follow @AbbeyKids on twitter (comment with your twitter handle)

Follow @Clairelouise82 on twitter (comment with your twitter handle)

Subscribe to the blog via feed burner (comment with the email you subscribe with)

Subscribe to the A boy with aspergers (ABWAblog) on youtube

Competition will close at 11:59 on the 10th March 2013.

Also keep an eye out for our review of the DVD coming after the release date of the 25th.

Winners will be drawn at random from all valid entries submitted. Competition open to all those in the UK only. Winners must leave either an email address or twitter handle with their comments so that I can easily contact them in the event that they win. Winners have 72 hours to respond to the winning notification or another winner will be drawn in their place.

ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions

Top New DVD Titles To Entertain The Kids This Half-Term

A Couple of DVDs to keep the kids entertain this October Half Term… Well, for an hour or so anyway!

Monsuno The Battle Begins

Monsuno, the international hit animated show which airs on CiTV and Nick Toons in the UK wasn’t a children’s production I was familiar with before we were sent a copy. This meant I had no expectations and not a clue to whether or not any of the three children would enjoy it!

Here’s what it’s all about…

“Sixty five million years ago meteors fell to the planet containing life in the form of a powerful, genetic material – Monsuno. For centuries this essence lay dormant, until now… When Chase’s dad, scientist Jeredy Suno, discovers the source, he thinks it could be the solution to the world’s energy crisis, but what he actually uncovers are huge creatures with unbelievable powers. Working to control the monster’s powers for good, Suno is forced underground leaving Chase, Bren and Jinja to defeat the dark powers trying to harness the Monsuno for themselves, in what turns out to be a real battle of the beasts.”

The DVD features seven high-octane episodes.

Now Little man pulled some strange face when I suggested we watch it together. He then informed me he had no interest in it whatsoever. Once I’d asked him to give it a chance, after a bit of moaning he settled down next to the toddler to watch it.

Well… For something he had no interest in, it didn’t do to bad to hold his attention! He did find himself quite into it after all.

Admittedly he didn’t watch the DVD till the end as its quite a long one but he did return to watch it at a later time.

The toddler however wondered off within a minute or two of it coming on, but that didn’t matter as I had something for him to watch that was far more to his liking… Yes Mike the Knight!

Monsuno The Battle Begins was released by FremantleMedia Enterprises on Monday 15th October, RRP £9.99. So, its available to buy now!

Thirteen epic episodes of Monsuno are also available to download from iTunes at £0.99 each.

Admittedly I had forgotten that the guys at HIT Entertainment had sent us “Mike the Knight Galahad the Great” to review… How, I will never know as his always watching it.

Here’s a little about this DVD…

“Mike the Knight’s best friend and trusty steed Galahad comes to the fore in this latest set of adventures from the pre-school favourite. Mike is determined to be the best horse trainer in all of Glendragon and he wants Galahad to look perfect – really knightly! Mike gives Galahad sparkling bells on his hooves and a brand new saddle, but when things start to go wrong the knight-in-training soon realises that Galahad is perfect just the way he is. Determined to help others and aided by his rallying cry ‘Be a knight, do it right’, Mike soon learns the power of responsibility as he embarks on five fun-filled missions in this brand new DVD.”

As a missive fan of this cute little knight we knew Harley would love the DVD. He watches it almost as much as his favourite Thomas and that’s got to say something.

“Mike the Knight Galahad the Great” is available now from all good DVD stockist, RRP £12.99

A Fun Family Day With Thomas The Tank Engine

As a blogger I’m lucky to find some really exciting invitations in my inbox of a morning and recently I received one of these from HiT entertainment.

This was an invite for myself and the children to visit Drayton Manor Park home to Thomas Land. We would be reviewing the parks many attractions as well as watching a special screening of the brand new film Thomas and friends – Blue Mountain Mystery at the parks 4D cinema.

Alice-Sara was out for the day so myself and a friend took the 2 boys along. Little man had a big interest in Thomas the Tank engine from the time he could walk. His Thomas obsession was one of the many factors that helped CAMHS diagnosis him with Aspergers Syndrome, So, Yes, it was pretty intense. His now into transport as a whole but still won’t say no to a bit of Thomas if Tiny Tot is watching it! Little man collected everything Thomas the Tank Engine when he was younger. He has loads of the train sets (that are packed away and kept out of his siblings reach). It’s a shame as Little Harley who is 3 in December is now a huge Thomas fan and would love to sit playing with these!

Drayton Manor is a fair distance from where we live in South East London, in fact it took over three hours to reach the park by car. Nonetheless I felt that it was worth attending as the boys would absolutely love it! They were dead excited when we left bright and early on a Tuesday morning. Harley especially who was kitted out in his Thomas gear.

Two service stations, some sing songs and one minor meltdown later, we finally pulled into Drayton Manor Park some 3 and a half hours after first setting off.

The car park is massive and given this was the 4th of September, many children had just gone back to school resulting in us grabbing a great parking space quite close to the parks main entrance.

I decided not to take Harley’s buggy as I was guessing he’d be to excited to sit in it! I was right, Harley loved it at Drayton Manor and spent very little time sitting with the exception of the cinema and the rides.

As many know Little man 11 has Aspergers Syndrome and Special needs. He was entitled to a ride access band and this was collected from the guest services. I’ve written an additional review that looks at the parks facilities for those with a disability or special needs (particularly an autism spectrum condition) and this will feature on the blog following this one.

Next stop was Thomas Land. Now we only had a quick peek as we needed to head on over to the cinema and as we had little man with us, as to avoid any anxiety we decided to go over a bit earlier than needed so to avoid any queues. Lucky the screening was closed to the public so it was ourselves and a small number of other families who had been invited to review the film. This was perfect as it meant little man remained rather calm avoiding any meltdowns.

We were given some popcorn and bottled water and headed inside. HiT had organised for a few of its fabulous PR team to demonstrate some of its newest toy releases in connection with the movie. My Harley’s eyes lit up like beaming flashlights as soon as he entered the room. There was some great games and play sets on show. Harley went right for the Mega Blocks – Blue Mountain Quarry (which I’m going to have to buy him for his birthday as he keeps request to play with it)!

Little man coped well with all the people and sat in the corner playing with his brother Harley with a great remote control Thomas.

The film was being shown in 4D and we were pretty excited (even me at 30 years old was itching to get in there)! We were called for the screening by no other than the ‘Fat controller’ himself and inside we were shown to our fantastic seats.

The film was brilliant, it ran for an hour which was long enough for a toddler. The storyline was good and easy to follow, even for the youngest of audiences.

In Thomas’ latest adventure, the Fat Controller sends Thomas to work at the blue mountain Quarry where Thomas spots an engine he’s never seen before trying to hide. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery Thomas tracks down befriends Luke who tells Thomas he’s hiding because he did something so bad he could be sent away from the island of Sodor forever! Thomas does not believe this and set off on a journey to discover the story of this poor runaway engine. On the way he learns of engines bought to sodor from faraway lands and an accident in Brendam Docks where and engine fell into the sea. But only when he’s learnt every piece of the story can Thomas convince his new friend that there’s no reason to hide.

The 4D effects were perfect for the smaller children. Every so often the chairs would move! There was also bubbles when the lights come on and fake snow that gathered on the stage as the lights went down.

After enjoying the movie we then went off to enjoy the rest of the parks many attractions, in particular Thomas land. This was the perfect place for a Thomas fan, it truly is one-of-a-kind, a real Thomas paradise!

Thomas Land boasts 12 wonderful themed rides, a spectacular indoor play area and a shop filled with fantastic Thomas & Friends merchandise.

We went on almost every ride at Thomas land, we even did the Troublesome Trucks Coaster – a 220 metre roller coaster that runs up and over Thomas Land… Ok it’s nothing major for me, I’ve been on some massive beasts but for the 2 year old… I was surprised. It does go really fast and has some pretty sharp turns! I really thought he wouldn’t meet the height restriction, but he did and given he was jumping up and down with excitement, we went for it and yes, he loved it!

Little man also had a fabulous time he really wanted to ride the Ben10 roller-coaster, only he got a little anxious and changed his mind. In order to cheer him up I got him a large hotdog and we chilled by the parks stunning lake and fed the ducks before finally checking out some of the shops such as the Thomas gift shop and the fabulous cartoon network store.

Not that we needed anything! HiT had provide both of the boys with a Thomas goody bag following the film and Oh my… what a lovely goody bag it was!

The kids had an awesome time at Drayton Manor Park – Thomas Land. They also enjoyed the 4D movie Thomas and Friends – Blue Mountain Mystery which is now out on DVD for all to enjoy.

During our long drive home, there was silence… Yep, within 10 minutes of getting in the car both boys were fast asleep.

Thanks HiT the boys had an amazing day at Drayton Manor Park.

Checkout our Video of the day.

Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs – Schools Out

We love a good pre-school production, it’s something for myself and the toddler to watch while cuddled up on the sofa drinking tea while the older children are at school. Maybe that’s why it’s been awhile since we reviewed a children’s DVD, you know, what with them currently being on school holiday! Life is always more hectic.

However, when the Little man and Alice-Sara went out for the day with their father a few days back, myself and toddler took advantage of the free time and sat down to watch the brand new DVD… ‘Harry And His Bucket Full Of Dinosaurs – School’s Out


“When
 Harry
 comes 
home
 with
 exciting
tales 
from
 his
 day
 at
 school, 
the
 Dinos
wish 
that
 they
 could 
go
 to
 school
 too.
Harry 
thinks
 that
 Dino
 World
 may
be
 the
place 
to 
look 
for
 a 
Dino
 school
 and 
lo
and
 behold,
 when 
they
 arrive 
they 
find
 a
school 
ready‐ and‐waiting 
for 
them.

 With 
Harry
 as 
their 
teacher, 
the 
Dinos
have 
a
 great
 time 
learning 
how
 to 
be
at
school:
 Trike
is
 appointed 
board
 monitor;
 Patsy 
demonstrates
 playing 
the 
ukulele 
for
 Show
 and 
Tell’
and 
they 
all
 discover
 that 
recess 
is 
the
 best 
part
of 
the
 day!

 For 
their
 last 
lesson,
 Harry
decides
 to
 teach
 the 
Dinos 
how
volcanoes 
work, 
but
 he 
gets 
a
 little
over‐generous
 with 
the 
baking 
soda
 as
 part
of
 his
 demonstration
 ensuring
 that
 Dino
School
 ends
 with 
a
 bang!
”


Harley loved this DVD especially given his got a number of books in this title. Each episode of the DVD was easily able to hold his attention and his now watched the DVD for a second time.

There are a total of 
6
 super
 episodes


On this DVD. These are, Schools
 Out,
 Hurray 
for
 Pizza
, Super heroes
 Don’t
 Dance
, Is 
that
 Really
 a 
Lamp?
, I
 Want 
to 
Help
 and finally… Somebody’s 
Moving




’Harry And His Bucket Full Of Dinosaurs – School’s Out’ is available from all good DVD Stockists from The 6th August 2012

Thomas and Friends – Rescue on the Rails

Thomas the tank engine is a firm favourite in our house. Actually its been so for as long as I can remember, what with the little man loving Thomas all through his toddlerhood and beyond, and now his little brother Harley loves it just as much!

We agreed to do a review of the latest Thomas DVD release and share our opinion with all you Thomas the tank engine fans.

The newest release “Thomas and Friends – Rescue on the rails” hits the shelves of all good retailers today (Monday 21st May 2012)

It makes great viewing for any Thomas the Tank Engine fan, with four new episodes and lots of heroic adventures and edge of your seat entertainment.

The DVD sees the Sodor search and rescue team on one of its biggest missions as they race to help Bertie who’s stuck on Shake Bridge. Gordon one of Harley’s favourite engines needs help as his derailed and poor old Thomas’ firebox catches on fire.

All the engines brave the rails to save their friends in this heroic new DVD that does well to teach children teamwork.

As expected, Harley loved it and spent lots of time dashing in and out of the kitchen excitedly, shouting “look mummy look” Yes, I didn’t get much washing up done at all and decided it would be easier to give in a watch it with the little guy.

Here he is working the Thomas trend

Yes, the Thomas hat is now far to small, will he give it up? hell no!

Thomas and Friends – Rescue on the Rails has a RRP of £12.99
Check it out on Amazon who currently have it for an awesome price.

This is a review post, opinions are my own. We was not paid to write this review but did receive a sample pre-release copy in-order to share our thoughts and write this review.

A Picnic on the Moon

My 2-year old may be going through them “terrible twos” where’s his ability to throw a tantrum at the drop of a hat for no apparent reason occurs all to frequently, but his still at that really cute stage too!

This maybe hard to picture when your toddler is fast becoming a real little handful but it’s very much the case.

I love watching my 2 year old sons interest evolve, that almighty smile that breaks out across his cute little face when his excited about something or another!

At the present moment, besides his beloved ‘Bob the Builder’ and that magical engine ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’… His now totally nuts on Peppa pig and Ben and Holly’s Little kingdom. So when asked to review the newest DVD release of ‘Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom – The Elf Games” how could I refuse?

Harley was a very lucky boy as we got sent the pre-release copy of ‘The Elf Games’ which was officially released on DVD for the worlds Ben and Holly fans to enjoy on the 14th May 2012.

Episodes include…
Elf Games
Cows
The Toy Robot
Dinner Party
Big Bad Barry
King Thistle’s Birthday
The Wand Factory
Daisy and Poppy’s Pet
The Elf Rocket
Picnic on the Moon

As a grown woman it’s a little disturbing that I’m about to admit the fact that I found myself almost sucked into the world of Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom during more than one of the listed episodes above! Now, some may argue that I just don’t get out much, to some degree I’d defiantly agree, nonetheless, hand in the air, I admit… I quite enjoyed it! 🙂

Yes, it was a tad hard not to, especially the last two episodes that caused Harley to chant “Again… Again” every time they came to an end!

The last two episodes are in fact one, this is because “The Picnic on the Moon” is a follow on from the “Elf Rocket”
Both are really sweet and surprisingly funny especially when nanny plum gets sucked out the rocket looking for a toilet, then bops about in the atmosphere in-till she’s rescued! Part two carries on the humour when nanny plum causes one of her famous jelly floods on the moon. This turns it red, well, in-till the aliens happily eat it all up returning the moon to its natural state. But by far the best bit was just how they got back to earth… I won’t spoil it but it had myself and the toddler giggling.

‘Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom – The Elf Games’ gets a big thumbs up from the toddler who is actually practising magic every time his cross with someone “I do magic on you….” is his new favourite turn of phrase.

Above he sits cuddling his beloved Ben Elf, Princess Holly and Gaston the lady bird… Thank goodness for eBay.

The DVD is available over on Amazon for just £7.99

Disclaimer: This is a review post but all opinions are that of my own. We were not paid to write this review but did receive a pre-release sample of the DVD in-order to write the review.

Tara’s Music Magic – Snuggles in Scotland

Tara’s Music magic, is a children’s production consisting of both DVD’s and CD’s specially developed for little ones 5 and under. I thought it would be a nice DVD for Harley to review, something for him to watch while his siblings were at school.

 We received the DVD the week that south London got covered in a layer of snow, so there were fewer trips out about and more snuggling by the fire indoors. It was on one of these cosy afternoons that we settled down to watch Harley’s new DVD, here’s what we thought!

Tara’s Music Magic, Snuggles in Scotland is made up of 20 songs, including classics like ‘Row, row, row your boat’, (one of Harley’s favourites) ‘Old MacDonald had a farm’ and ‘Snow Angels’. With each song Tara (presenter and singer) a group of children & snuggles (the panda) dance, play around or  have fun acting out the words to each song.

This is not an animated protection and reminded me of how children’s productions were when I was small. This was great though, as the DVD had a feel of simplicity about it, making it pleasurable viewing. It was easy for Harley to remain engaged as the DVD runs for just 30 minutes. Harley is also a huge fan of Snuggles as his already crazy about Pandas! This came about as a result of  last years summer festival to celebrate the release of the New Kung Fo panda 2.

When a song came on that Harley recognised, he would start clapping, jumping up & joining in! Its great that the DVD gives you the option to select which songs you want to play, as well as the option to play all. Harley did a fine job of recreating the Teletubbies as he shouted, “Again, again” after a number of songs, especially the ‘Old king Duke of York’ and ‘Row, row, row your boat’ so, being able to select each song from the menu saved me having to constantly rewind it.

The clip for ‘Old MacDonald had a farm’ was particularly well-played out, as it showed clips of all the different animals, allowing Harley, age 2 years, to easily relate each animal to the sound that it made within the song. I find that the singing was of a really good quality and despite the number of times we have watched the DVD, the songs are yet to take over my brain and send me potty!

However, their was one thing that slightly worried me and this was the recreation of the well known rhyme “Ten Green Bottles” We instead got “Ten Little Panda’s” which was fine, though the fact that Snuggles can be clearly seen to be pushing each cuddly panda of the wall, as the words ‘Accidentally fall’ were sang out, was definitely a little bit confessing for my Little one who with each push, put his hand over his mouth and with a look of horror, stated “Oooo… bad Panda”  Harley also watched the DVD  with his big brother a few days later and of course my eldest spotted this and was therefore the first to state, that it wasn’t actually an accident at all! Nonetheless, I do understand that the production is aimed at children under five, it’s just that many parents may be in the process of teaching their child what the word accident or accidentally actually means, or like Harley, some may end up accusing Snuggles of being a naughty panda!

 Regardless of the above, we did enjoyed the DVD and Harley has requested we stick it in the player on a number of occasion’s. With each one he remains entertained, showing no signs of boredom whatsoever! A great feature is that, Tara and Snuggles (the life size Panda) are joined by a group of children who sing and dance throughout, its this I feel gave it that special touch as children do well at relating to other children out and about, having fun!

 This is a production that both encourages and motivates little one’s to get up and dance and move about, while teaching them the words to both new songs and classic nursery rhymes that are loved by all.

‘Tara’s Music Magic Snuggles in Scotland’ can be brought from Amazon for £8.00 click HERE to check this out or have a look at any of the other productions titles, such as ‘Tara’s Music Magic Winter Fun’ You can also follow Tara’s music magic on twitter or check out their Facebook page for all the latest need to know news.

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Update – Davina for Next

Last week was a busy one, so I apologise for my late update! On the plus side, I’ve likely done more exercise than I actually think I did, what with all the rushing around! So, I’ve continued with the Davina ultimate workout and fell both on and off the diet wagon more times than I care to mention. I’m yet to take up any form of running but continue to engage in some power walking (unless with the toddler, this is like walking at a snail’s pace)! I’ve walked around our local woods so many times in the past 4 weeks, I could tell you where the squirrel’s hide their nuts!

Sadly, I didn’t do much dancing last week, unless you include my antics at the Lollibop mini disco at the ‘Ministry of Sound’ London, or that of me shaking my butt to a bit of Kiss 100 every morning as I go about doing the horrible task of get the kids out of bed and ready for school (it all counts doesn’t it)!

Most importantly, I’m feeling somewhat better within myself. I’m eating at reasonable hours, despite the odd slip, as well as making simple lifestyle changes that are now fitting into with my daily routine without much difficulty, I mean, it’s not so much of a struggle, I’m naturally making healthier choices without feeling like its a chore! I’ve also found that I am actually much more motivated now then I was a week ago, maybe it just took a while to kick in.
Last week I faced the fear of having to brave my swimsuit in order to take the toddler swimming. I continued to declare I just didn’t have time, but if the truth be told, deep down, It’s the fact that I’m still not comfortable in the way my body looks since baby number 3. Swimming is something that will help me get back in my size 8’s, so to avoid it seems a little crazy (plus Harley is two now and has never been, I can’t be holding him back due to my own body hang ups)!

Now as we start a new week, I’ll also be preparing to write my last update, Yep, it’s all going to be finished, leaving myself and my fellow 9 ‘Davina for Next’ virtual workout buddies, to our own devices. Last week I was a bit worried that I’ll just let it slip when it’s over, one week will turn into two weeks and before you know it I’m back to my old ways! I thought that without the need to send a weekly report I may just sit eating lashings of dessert as I watch Eastenders, going back for seconds and maybe thirds! I actually think I was just having a low week and wasn’t thinking about it properly. You see, I will continue on my journey to get back in my size 8’s and make lifestyle changes that will stick with me, because I want it so much, I want to do this for myself! I really won’t need to share and I’m sure as hell, you’ll all have had enough of my battle to combat the flab anyway! 🙂

So with only one more post to write, I thought that this would be a great time to share some of the lessons I’ve learnt from having started this journey to get fit with Davina and Next!

◆ We, all fall of the diet wagon from time to time, beating ourselves up in the process only makes us depressive, looking for comfort in something sweet. So, instead of embarking on a chocolate eating frenzy, I tell myself off and jump back on the diet wagon.

Image via Wikipedia

◆ We often become more motivated when we have failed at something! If I notice I’m actually gaining a few pounds as opposed to shifting them, I’m disappointed, though it makes me all the more determined to kick my own arse the following week!
◆ Stop being so restrictive! Yes, this one makes me feel like a hypocrite as its one I know to be true, though I do struggle with. You see, I know by putting yourself on a really tight diet you will drop it quicker, but like they say… It’s just as easy and speedy to stick it back on! Not only this, I find myself, moody, irritable, and not all that nice to be around. I’m therefore trying to be less extreme and more realistic yet happy.

◆ If like me, you have a serious disliking to the weighing scales then just don’t go near them. I really dislike weighing myself, it can determine my whole mood for the day and I don’t want to be worrying myself stupid every time I gain a pound or two! I instead go by my dress size and the way my clothes fit. You know when you’re losing weight or toning up in many ways, scales only make you obsessive, I know as it ruined a good few years of my life.

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◆ An important one, that I myself discovered last week, (the hard way) is don’t push yourself to far when your body is telling you you’re getting sick! I think a certain amount of light exercise when uncomfortable (example the time of the month) is a great way to feeling more you again plus it also helps create natural pain relief, however, when you feel like you’re coming down with a horrible flu then rest! I didn’t, I ignored it, and ended up in bed recovering from a horrid flu that then converted itself into the worse ever stomach flu. I know, that for the 3 days I battled on ignoring the messages given off  by my body and that’s why it caught up with me and likely put me out of action longer than It probably would have done if I sweated it out in bed from the start.image from google docs

◆ Eating little and often makes calories easier to burn off, while only eating till your full will likely be the real key to success. My mother always told me as a whining child claiming I was starving not long after lunch, to drink some water! It’s so true, we often mistake thirst for hunger!
◆ When that dreaded time of the month hits and you feel yourself reaching for that family bar of Cadbury dairy milk, grab a handful of Cherry plum tomatoes that have been stored in the fridge, instead. Ok, I’m not going to lie… of course this isn’t the same (give me the family bar over a tom any day of the week) however, they are nice and actually really juicy and sweet! For me it helps put the sweet craving at bay which is just brilliant as monthly’s are usually the time when my willpower runs of without me.

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◆ You really can exercise while sitting on your back-side! Once you have it nailed, you find your engaging in such a task without realising it. When sitting watching my favourite programme… let’s say… “BBC3 Being human, which was on last night & I love it, I’ll do some pelvic floor exercises (so, important and  just doesn’t apply to those new mothers) then I’ll do some leg lifts or when actually really in the mood and trying, I’ll sit on the exercise bike for half an hour or so. I’ve discovered that it’s these little extra things that end up amounting to big differences and once done once or twice they come naturally without becoming a dreaded chore! If I forget one night, it doesn’t matter, I’ll still gain from them,  tomorrow!
◆ Walk as opposed to driving or using any other forms of transportation (buses, taxis etc…) OK, if we are talking long haul distances then go on… I’m with you if you wanna start the car up, but those journeys within walking distance will leave you feeling better (probably not at the time) and will also help you reach any goals quicker. This is especially the case if you are shopping. I’f my bags are heavy but I can mange regardless of a little struggle, I then refuse to call a taxi. Instead I focus on landmarks to help me get back without putting the bags to the ground and wiping the sweat from my forehead just 2 minutes up the hill (yes, I
have to walk the shopping up the hill)! Once I’ve reached the landmark, example traffic lights, I may be half way there, so I then focus on something else, It really seems to work well and is not only a great way to shift calories and tone the tops of your arms, but a good way to penny pinch too!

I was  going to share some pictures of myself in my Davina for next clothing and give an update on whether my chosen pieces have withstood the test of time, especially that of the washing machine. However, given that this is now my final week and in a few short days I’ll give you my final update, I’ve decided to save them till then, when I’ll also share some recipes, ideas, my highs and lows, progress and final thoughts! After all… I want to finish on a bang!

So to discover my final last words and see some photos I was thinking about burning… then get yourselves over here on Wednesday the 15th February

To checkout the ‘Davina for Next’ fitness range of clothing and innovative footwear click Here

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