Nexus 5 Two Column
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Now that summer is finally here and the long school holidays are approaching, you may well be looking out for some entertaining activities or information about family holidays.

Over at Have A Lovely Time, you can read reports of events, days out and holiday destinations which are written by parents, for parents!

This blog will report on places we have been and things we have seenwhile out and about with our children, in the hope of helping youdecide where would be a lovely place to go.

As parents, we love to read about the real experiences of families with children. Brochures, newspaper reports and the like tend to sell us the information we'd like to hear, not the truth about what it's like to visit a theme park, holiday location or event with children in tow.

The journalists of Have a Lovely Time are real parents who offer the truth and their own recommendations. You can also find entertainment reviews and fun activities for your family to enjoy at home. As the title suggests, this site is all about having a lovely time, no matter where our families may be.

This month, I have contributed a monthly round-up of news and events of interest to parents which Linda has kindly published on site. Find out about the Tales of the Road campaign, which helps children learn about road safety; discover some great events happening around the UK this June (including a festival of extreme arts and celebrations of Henry VIII's ascension to the throne), and even learn about special offers and discounts to help your family save money while having a great time.

Be sure to visit Have a Lovely Time soon to read about loads of great days out, news and opinions, and holiday experiences which are written with family in mind.

Image credit: peasap

Over the weekend I took my children to see Coraline (in 3d) at our local cinema. Now as anyone who's read Glamumous for some time would understand, I don't usually review films on this blog (books yes, but never movies). However, we were all so blown away by Coraline that I simply had to write about this here for any other mums who've been hesitant about seeing this amazing film which I believe is truly best experienced in 3d.

Based on the novel by the British author, Neil Gaiman, Coraline is the story of a young girl who stumbles upon a magical, parallel and seemingly perfect world where everything she wishes from life becomes a reality. Whereas her real parents barely have time to talk (let alone play) as she explores her new home in the Pink Palace, in the other world, her "other mother" spends time baking cookies and delicious meals to entice her, while her "other father" lets the piano play him (no kidding) and takes rides on a magical mantis in their living breathing garden.

However, all is not as it seems. When her other mother wants to keep Coraline in the other world, Coraline is set to battle with all her wits (and the aid of a wise talking cat) to save her soul and free the ghosts of children trapped in this realm.

I don't want to give the story away since this is a film you really must make the time to see, or rent on DVD as soon as it's released!

Despite being marketed as a kids movie, Coraline is rather sinister and I doubt it's suitable for young or sensitive children as some scenes offer the potential for nightmare material in little minds. Having said that, my four year old daughter positively adores this film. I was a little apprehensive (having seen some of the trailers for Coraline) and at times she was a little edgy, but the sheer magic of this wonderful film won her over.

To summarize, Coraline is "handmade" - the attention to detail is exquisite, and once you realize that the sweaters and those mittens from the clothes shop are actually knitted in miniature by a real person, you'll understand even more what makes this film so special.

I'd certainly recommend this, and believe this is definitely the best family film of the year (if not the past five years). If you loved The Nightmare Before Christmas or James and the Giant Peach, this will truly be a film you and your family will love. Just be sure not to take very young children, and if in doubt, visit the official website to get a glimpse of what Coraline has to offer.

For those who do stay to the end of the film (as I always do!), you may well wonder what "Jerk Wad" means to "those in the know"... I sincerely doubt Henry Selik intended the meaning offered by The Urban Dictionary for this phrase! Instead, this was a password which could be used in Coraline's room on the official website to enter a competition for a pair of Nike trainers. Sadly the competition is now closed, and as far as I can tell there is nowhere else on the site to enter this curious phrase, but if you were burning with curiosity at least you now know what it means.

Here's one of the best trailers I've found for Coraline, in fact, the one which made me book tickets so we could see this film the very same night. Enjoy, and if you do watch in cinema 3d, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think too.

Since hubby-dearest is away at the moment (long story), I've been trying to organize some fun yet frugal activities for the kids and I this Bank Holiday weekend. Money is a little tighter than usual (being the week when most of our household bills get paid) so I've been brainstorming some free and very cheap days out which we can all enjoy together.

So far, we've decided to:

Go to the cinema for £1

Each Saturday at 10am, Cineworld presents "Movies for Juniors" - a selection of fairly recent films for the kids with tickets at just £1 each, even for any adults who attent.

This weekend, the films on offer are Madagascar 2, Escape to Moonacre and Beverly Hills Chihuahua (I'm hoping we can settle on Escape to Moonacre, but we'll see what the kids vote for).

Visitors should also be able to buy a kids snack box for around £3.10 which includes popcorn, sweets and a drink. Be sure to ask for this as it's not usually on the price boards, and the cheapest alternative popcorn starts from around £3.95!

You can book online/by telephone but there is a charge of 60p each ticket. If you can, it's better to visit the cinema in advance and buy tickets as on the day the queues are huge and unless you're early you can't always guarantee a seat.

Visit a Car Boot Sale

We regularly visit the Old Coates car boot sale, which is about 30 minutes drive from where we live (and is among the largest in the region). I love visiting these sales as we always seem to find something great for the house. I wrote about this some time ago if you're interested to look. or you could visit Car Boot Junction to find a sale close to where you live.



This week, we're hoping to buy some established plants for our developing garden, particularly any vegetables that we haven't already grown from seed, and perhaps a small bench for the kids (provided we have room in the car to hold it!). I know the kids will not come home empty handed - they always find something of interest, which is why a pocketful of loose change comes in handy. And when haggling over 10p, it's hardly fair to hand over a ten pound note!

Have a picnic in the park

On Monday (good weather permitting) we're going to have a picnic in the park. We've not yet chosen which particular park to visit, but chances are we'll visit the large "country park" on the outskirts of town, which offers a beautiful walk around a man-made lake.



For added enjoyment, the kids will help me make a batch of muffins to take with us the evening before. It's always a messy experience, but I love to watch their faces as the soggy dough transforms into delicious risen dessert.

Which frugal activities do you enjoy with your family?

We're all experiencing the effects fo the credit crunch this year, so with little (or no) money to spend, what activities will you enjoy with your children this spring? A little closer to the main summer holidays, I'm hoping to write a feature-length article of fantastic low-cost activities for the kids, so please feel free to offer your ideas and I'll be sure to credit you if I use your idea for my article.

Image credits: Boy playing on balls by Pink Sherbert Photography; Car Boot Sale by Dominic's Pics; Picnic by Stewart. All via Flickr Creative Commons.

When I told my husband that I wanted a Nintendo DS for Christmas, his face was a picture of utter disbelief. "Why on earth do you want one of those?" he asked. "Video games are for kids!"

Thankfully I was armed with a list of "grown-up" games I was just dying to play, not to mention the plethora of recent television adverts featuring Patrick Stewart, Fern Britton and many others besides whose fame and persuasiveness have helped a nation of adults understand that Nintendo produce enjoyable games for adults too.

So here is my list of "grown-up" games for the Nintendo DS: educational, insightful and wholly enjoyable (without a red capped Italian nor a fuzzy yellow hamster in sight).

Brain Training

I have no doubt that this must be the most popular Nintendo DS game ever to hit the shelves. Every DS-toting mommy I know has a copy of this, and with good reason too!

Dr. Kawashima promises to help develop your brain through short stimulating exercises performed daily (or when you have a few moments to spare). From reading aloud to solving quick mathematic equations, sudolu challenges and much more. Brain training is a game you can play in your coffee break and even in the few minutes waiting in the car park for your children to come out of school feeling smug in the knowledge that your memory and knowledge is improving every day.

Learn more about Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training | Buy from Amazon

Cooking Guide: Can't decide what to eat?

This was the first title I bought when I acquired my own DS and is known as "Personal Trainer Cooking" in the US. Far better (and easier) than using a recipe book, cooking guide takes you through each step of creating delicious recipes from around the world using visual and voice activated prompts. No more messy pages!

You can choose the recipe you want by browsing by region, ingredient and even the time taken to prepare/cook your meal. Starters, side-dishes, main meals and desserts are all included. I was impressed to find even Tunisian cous-cous as one of the recipes available which I finally learned how to cook without creating a huge sludgy mess (Hubby dearest was impressed!).

Learn more about Cooking Guide | Buy from Amazon

101 Classic Book Collection

With this title you can turn your Nintendo DS into a pocket sized library for all your favorite literary classics. Featuring the works of Shakespeare, Jane Austen and even Jules Verne you can hold your DS as you would a book; change the font sizes and even add bookmarks so you don't lose the place where you were reading.


Classis Book Collection offers recommended reading based on the titles you enjoyed the most, and extra content which can be downloaded by wi-fi connection. There has never been a better excuse to indulge in a little Pride and Prejudice...

Learn more about 100 Classic Book Collection | 100 Classic Book Collection (Nintendo DS)

Personal Yoga Training

After the success of Wii-Fit, we are starting to see physical training games appear on the Nintendo DS. Personal Yoga Training promises to help teach you the basics of yoga in just 15 minutes a day to help you relax, develop a better posture and maintain calm in your hectic life.

Personal Yoga Training (Nintendo DS)

Walk With Me

This game has not yet been released in the UK but it is certainly a title I am looking forward to. Walk With Me will come complete with two Activity Pedometers to help track how much walking you have done each day.



Using amusing activities such as the "walk through space" and images of the world which can be uncovered when you have walked sufficient distances, this game will encourage you to take up one of the healthiest and cheapest fitness activities.

Learn more about Walk WIth Me | Buy from Amazon

The Times Crossword Challenge

Do you love crosswords? Spare the bulky newspapers and treat yourself to the Times Crossword Challenge instead.  You can set the difficulty level to the standard most suitable for you and use either the stylus or buttons to complete your crossword challenges.

Read more about The Times Crossword Challenge

Professor Layton and the Curious Village

This list would not be complete without my all-time favorite game!

Professor Layton is a Sherlock Holmes inspired detective called to the village of St. Mystere to solve the puzzle of the Golden Apple. To progress through the game, you must solve a mind-boggling series of logical and lateral puzzles which increase in difficulty as you get closer to solving the riddle of the village.

Honestly, this game still astounds me! Between puzzles you can view beautifully animated cut-scenes, and once you've discovered the solution to the mystery you can continue play by downloading extra content via your Wi-Fi connection.

Learn more about Professor Layton and the Curious Village | Buy from Amazon

What are your favorite Nintendo titles?

Are you already a Nintendo DS convert? What are your favorite "grown up" games for the handheld DS? Please feel free to add your comments and recommendations below.

Image credit: Pink DS by Shrk via Flickr Creative Commons

I came across this fabulous meme over at Ingenious Rose's blog and just had to nab one for myself! You can generate one for yourself over at Masquerade Mask Arts.

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
Honourable Lady Amanda the Convincing of Mellow under Trollness
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

So what's your peculiar aristocratic title?

When I saw an advertisement for the Irobot Roomba in a magazine, I admit I thought it was a joke. A robotic vacuum cleaner that cleans your floors while you are away from home? The stuff of dreams (or perhaps for those with millions to spend on a whim). So I was surprised when I checked this out and discovered that Irobot have sold over 1.5 million of these worldwide.

Even more shocking was the price tag: currently around £195 in the UK (and far cheaper than this in the United States).

Not that I'll be trusting the cleaning of my own house to a robot though! My kids make far too much mess for such a small device to effectively clean this house!

I bet the contestants had so much fun in this race, which was held in St Petersburg! The winner was awarded $3000 dollars worth of shopping vouchers. I so wish there was such a competition near me, I'd be one of the first to sign up!

Despite today being so gloomy and overcast, I took the kids to Stannington Carnival for a much deserved day out. Here's some of the pictures I took with my cameraphone (apologies for the poor quality!):

Hubby Dearest booked our summer holiday today: we're spending a week in a luxury caravan on the Lincolnshire coast, close to the beach. It may not seem like the ideal holiday solution, but believe me this will be a welcome break for us all.

My stepchildren will be coming too, which is great as we'll not be worried about them being bored! I only hope that the weather improves for our holiday at least: it seems to have rained non-stop for the past eight weeks. Some even say that it's rained ever since Rhianna's Umbrella has been number one in the British pop charts...

But being British, we are optimistic, and always have a back-up plan for days when the weather is too bad to play out. In this case, Gameboys, paper and pens should do the trick. Oh yes, and wellingtons too...

We set off a week on Saturday, so from then I'll be posting via mobile phone to keep you up to date on what we're getting up to. While I am slightly disappointed that we can't get to Tunisia this summer, I'm still looking forward to spending some quality time with Hubby and the kids. I'm sure we'll have a great time, whatever the weather.

Post cards by email coming soon!

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• Wear old shoes and trousers: car boot sales can be very muddy!
  
• Have lots of loose change. When things cost 10p, you don't want to ask for change from a £20 note! Also, it's easier to barter when you have the right money!
  
• Barter for everything! There are no fixed prices at car boot sales, and sellers almost always tell you a price higher than they will accept (even if it is already cheap!)
  
• Take carrier bags, as sellers often run out!
  
• Go very early if you want to find the best sales. Later in the day, such treasures will have already been snapped up!
  
• Go quite late if you are looking for cheap bargains: as sellers are packing up, they are much more likely to sell you that beautiful green glass vase for 20p when their earlier asking price was £2!
• Similarly, going on a day when the weather's bad will help you bag the bargains, as sellers just want to get rid of their stuff and go home!
  

Car boot sales are great for buying kids toys too. Last year, money was a bit short so we went to the sales just before the kids birthdays and found loads of great stuff they wanted which we otherwise couldn't afford. Clothes in every shape, size and design are found in plenty, so if you don't mind laundering second-hand clothes, there are designer bargains galore.

If you want to find listings of car boot sales in your ares, try CarBootCalendar.com which features all major UK car boot sales, flea markets and antiques fairs. Friday Ads also have regular listings of such sales and you can narrow your search by postcode.

An alternative, If you prefer to keep your boots clean, is to visit visit ibootsale from the comfort of your own home! You can even list items for free if there are things lying about at home that you want to get rid of.

Do let me know if you're a lover of car boot sales too by leaving your comments below. And if you're a CBS virgin, why not go out and visit one with the kids? It's a very cheap day out!

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Have you ever wondered which of the Wisteria Lane ladies you are like the most? Here's a fun quiz to find out:

Which Desperate Housewife are you?

Apparently I'm most like Bree...

Which housewife are you?

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