Interview With A Three Year Old

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The lovely Emma from A Matter Of Choice, came up with a fantastic idea recently to ask her newly three year old son a selection of questions, and then to ask him the same questions each year on his birthday. Emma tagged a couple of us to take part as we all have boys who turn three within a month or so of each other, and the questions we ask really show off the boys personalities at this stage. Lauren from The Real Housewife decided to video her little boy answering the questions and I loved that idea as it shows the speech development as well as their personalities.

And so here's The Boy in his Interview With A Three Year Old and I must apologise for the length, but he decided to be a banana and I went a little hysterical.

Thomas & Friends: Rescue On The Rails DVD (Review)

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We like Peppa Pig in this house; all of us are quite fond of the humour involved in it, the subtle jokes for parents that go over the children's head. But there's only so many times you can watch the same DVD, especially on a long car journey. And if I have to listen to the 'Peace and Harmony' song from 'International Day' one more time, I might scream. Loudly.

Help came in the form of the 'Rescue On The Rails' DVD. Ok, I needed rescue on the road, but I'd have taken anything that Thomas had to offer. And he had a lot to offer!

This new DVD (Thomas & Friends: Rescue On The Rails) came out a few weeks ago and we were sent one for review. It introduces fire engine Flynn to his locomotive friends as they go full steam ahead around the Island of Sodor. It's full of fizzling fireboxes and heroic adventures as the Sodor Search and Rescue Team races to the rescue when Bertie gets stuck on Shake Shake Bridge, Gordon is derailed, and Thomas’ firebox is on fire!

Thomas The Tank Engine

These modern day episodes use CGI animation which make them bright, cheerful and attractive to watch. The Boy sat captivated for the entire 54 minutes the DVD was on, and insisted that we all sing the theme tune every time it came on. If we made a mistake (which I frequently did, because I kept saying 'different jobs to play' not 'roles') then we had to start again until we got it right. The subtle messages of helping friends, using teamwork and having a big heart are very reassuring for me as a parent.

'Thomas & Friends: Rescue On The Rails' is available to buy on DVD for £12.99

I was sent this DVD for the purpose of this review. My opinion is honest and unbiased.

Meal Planning Monday #13

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It's been a few weeks since I've taken part in this linky (because of The Boy's birthday and our holiday the week before) and for the few weeks before that I'd been lacking enthusiasm. That ended up costing us money and wasting food. Not good, not acceptable and a complete lack of effort on my part. This month is completely manic financially: our holiday, The Boy's birthday and Britmums. I need to utilise the food in the cupboards and freezer, not buy any more!

  • Sunday: red onion & cheese plait, buttered carrots & roast Charlotte potatoes (with skins). The two dads (mine and The Boy's) will be having slow-cooked brisket in beer, mango chutney and mustard.
  • Monday: slow-cooked 'pulled' vegetables in wraps, ranch salad and onion rings.
  • Tuesday: Mediterranean vegetables with rice and grilled halloumi.
  • Wednesday: (work day) Primaverdi pasta. (Mr. TBaM is reading this wondering what it is: slice courgettes and half a leek, and lightly stirfry. Add half a tub of Elmlea and a handful of parmesan, along with a grind of black pepper. Cook the pasta in hot water for three minutes, strain and transfer to pan. Mix and serve with a sprinkle of parmesan. Ta!)
  • Thursday: Quattro formaggi pizza and wedges.
  • Friday: Britmums Live.
  • Saturday: Britmums Live.

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I'm linking this up to Mrs. M's Meal Planning Monday

Tilda Kids (Review)

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TheBoy was recently sent the new Tilda Kids rice range to try. This new range contains four, delicious, different flavours: Cheese & Tomato, Sunshine Vegetable, Sweet Vegetable & Wholegrain, and Mild & Sweet Curry Rice.

children's rice

They all sound very exotic and exciting for the average child's taste buds, but are all suitably mild in flavour so as not to cause an explosion on the tongue! Suitable for 3 years+, the range contains no nasties with natural ingredients used throughout. The back of the pack also suggests what they can be used to go with, for example the Cheese & Tomato rice will go nicely with meatballs. And because they provide 1 of your little one's 5 a day, they are a perfect accompaniment.

Available in 125g pouches most supermarkets, they cost £1.15. As The Boy is only just three he has a half portion at a time, and for busy work days it is a perfect solution to dinner times. Even Nana approves, and you know you're onto a winner when that happens!

We were sent these products for the purpose of this review. Our opinions are honest and unbiased.

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Update 19/06/12

Several people asked me why it was only suitable for 3yrs+ and so I asked the PR company. They said this:

The Tilda Kids range of products are specifically aimed at 3-9 year old children as this is where our research was focused. Therefore, this age groups taste, texture, ingredient etc preferences are at the core of the range.

However, the products are suitable for children older than 9 and younger than 3 years old provided they are fully weaned and happily able to eat solids.

Hope that helps?