• Click here for some free fabulousness

To get your share of the free serum being unleashed by Boots and Olay all you need to do is fill in the form and click on Get Your Free Sample. It’s that easy. The offer closes on the 31/12/2010 and is open to residents of the UK and Ireland only. You will have to wait up to 28 days for your order to arrive and it is only available while stocks last.

I am hoping that stocks don’t run out soon, I am assuming they had quite a few set aside thanks to the long deadline. I also hope that this sample is a bit bigger than those little flat efforts you get in magazines. You honestly can’t tell if a product is working when you get only one application.

If you nab the freebie please DO let me know so we can compare notes.

Mums Freebie: Free Sample Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Serum is a post from: PlayPennies UK

Every time I write about how to save money and cut costs I am amazed at how much information is out there, and how genius some people are. Today I have a wealth of fabulous tips for you that I’ve gleaned from professionals, other parents, websites and books. Hopefully some of these will resonate with you and your family, and help turn your budget around.

1. Don’t take it with you

Seriously, leave your money at home. If you’re going to the park or for a walk, or just to pick your tots up from nursery or school, just leave your handbag (bank card, wallet) at home. That way you can’t be tempted by yummy coffees, a pair of shoes and a tasty sale.

2. Turn stuff off

This one is especially true for the upcoming winter months when everything is dark all day. Instead of leaving the lights on in the kitchen or bathroom, turn them off as you go. Not only will you save on the electricity pennies, but you’ll save the planet at the same time.

3. Make things with rubbish

Oh yes, this is a favourite of mine. Don’t buy expensive toys and bits of tat. Just buy cheap paint and glue from places like Poundland, use old wrapping paper and yoghurt cups, and invent magical things with your kids. It’s a great way to recycle your rubbish AND get them to be imaginative and creative.

4. Knit with rubbish!

While we’re on the rubbish theme, have you considered using your old plastic packets as a type of yarn? Go here, read the instructions, and create awesome storage units and household items with old plastic bags. Learn to crochet or knit here.

5. Water it down

Ohhh, this is sneaky and, whenever I do it, I feel like one of those naughty restaurants. When you get juice for your kids, spread it further by mixing it half and half with water. They won’t notice and it will last far longer (and cause less damage to teeth!).

6. Cook your own

I know this is faintly depressing as there is nothing as yummy as a hot coffee and a muffin from Café Nero, but make your own pack lunches, cook everything at home, and take it with you. You will be astounded at how much you can save.

7. Learn for free

Let’s say you’re like me, a terrible cook, then the point above probably makes you glare at the screen. Well, how about learning how to cook using YouTube videos? There are loads of them. You can judge their efficiency by the comments posted on them. This is also a fabulous way to learn how to knit, do woodworking, build a bed and more.

8. Avoid the hype

Special baby towels, special baby this and special baby that. Most of it is a load of marketing hype designed to ease that money gently out of your wallet. Instead do some research on what is absolutely essential (ask your midwife!) and use your normal stuff for the rest. You really don’t need a special baby towel.

9. Coupons, vouchers and codes

Seriously, you should not be living without these anymore. Online, in magazines, here on PlayPennies, in Google – these are everywhere. Just before you buy something, check and see if there is a code or voucher that will save you money on delivery or the overall price.

10. Family albums

Photo prints are expensive but if you are clever you can get them done for free, or at substantial discounts. Virgin customers (see t’s & c’s, obviously) get a set number of free prints a month, Photobox offer free prints and more. Choose your favourites, get them done for free, save money.

11. Your brand awareness

If you have a particular brand that you’re partial to (for your wipes or nappies or formula, for example), then go to the manufacturer’s website and join their online mailing schemes/programmes/newsletters. They tend to send out discount vouchers and special offers on a random basis and this will help cut costs.

12. Become a sale hunter

It sounds sad but is actually quite addictive. Follow the sales around the stores and you may never buy anything full price again. It’s a good way to stock up on baby essentials without breaking the bank.

13. Look at the shelf below

The old supermarket trick of plonking a 3 for 2 on the expensive nappies may look cheap but, if you scan two shelves down, you’ll often find other brands that will cost a fraction of the price for the same amount.

14. Scour your bank statements

Sorry, there really is no way of getting round this. Read them, analyse them, add up those “little” costs and work out exactly what’s being spent on unnecessary items or extras. You’ll be amazed at how quickly that £5 here or that £7 there adds up in a week, and you’ll kick yourself because that money, after a few months, could have bought you a holiday!

15. High interest savings

Work out exactly what you’ve saved by following tips like these, take that money and put it into a high interest savings account. Also consider budgeting for a set amount to automatically debit into that account each month. This is your rainy day savings and one day you will be eternally grateful.

15 Cunning Parent Tricks To Save Money is a post from: PlayPennies UK

One day last year I walked into the most stunning kitchen, belonging to a friend of mine. In a Victorian house, the room had massively high ceilings, and a wall almost entirely of glass at one end. And at the other was a free standing kitchen from John Lewis.

Or so I thought. I knew the units fairly well as I’d been drooling over them online myself since our kitchen desperately needed re-doing. But I was wrong. The units were newly fitted but from Ikea not John Lewis. The transformation had come from re-painting the doors. It looked utterly amazing and I was very impressed. A John Lewis kitchen for the price of an Ikea one? Brilliant.

Then there are people who are just simply amazing at decorating their own homes in the sort of style you normally only see in Interiors magazine. And every piece you admire has its orgins being found on the side of the footpath or in a junk shop.

So this is it. I’ve been inspired in no small part by Tamsin in her feature last week – Transform Your Home On A Budget.She has pretty much covered it on finding cheap as chips accessories, materials, and decorating.

I am now on a mission to spend absolutely nothing at all on MDF and melamine furniture, and a pittance on stuff that’s made of proper, solid wood.

Shabby Chic

If you love this style, and distressed furniture, then don’t fork out cash on ready made stuff. Give it a go yourself. OK you’re probably like me and don’t have the foggiest idea where to start. So I turned to PlayPennies mum of one Donatella for help. The interior design of her end of terrace two bedroom cottage is simply breathtaking,  and with added layers of lego and models, a truely comfortable family home.

Donatella explains that “I’ve bought loads at charity shops and boot sales. All wood and old. I hoover it, wipe it down, sand a bit and add loose, long stokes of lo-gloss or matt paint – uneven is preferable. I apply it as if it were a wash, and I’ve even used normal wall paint. The metal trunk under my TV table is the last thing I painted. I picked it up in a skip. I always change the knobs, too. “

The metal trunk is the picture above (right-hand side), in situ with the TV table. How did she paint it  and did she use ordinary paint or metal paint? “I found the small metal trunk in a skip. It was quite rusty, painted black. I covered it with magnolia lo-gloss for doors. I used it like a wash and only gave it one coat. You can see brush strokes and edges!“

Her dressing table is particularly striking (pictured above). “I bought it in a charity shop. Apparently it’s from the 1920s. Bought Victorian handles on eBay – that’s why they’re all different. Chest was £35. Knobs were £8 in total.” Including the paint then, that’s a piece of beautifully designed furniture in solid (very solid!) wood for less than £50. I don’t think you could get something that feels as well built as this dresser for that price in a shop selling flat packed self assembly furniture.

Some pre-loved furniture has been a bit more ‘loved’ than others. And that can require a little more elbow grease to change. The sideboard pictured right was a little bit more of a challenge for Donatella. “I bought this from a charity shop for £20. The top had lining paper glued on to it. Scraped it off, sanded, washed, painted and bought glass knobs. The lining paper in the drawers was much easier to remove. It just peeled right off.“

Melamine Gold Mine

Next, repainting melamine. For my ‘guinea pig’, to practice my renovating skills, I got an old set of drawers for free from Freecycle. I can’t over stress what a state they were in. Think really really bad student bedsit circa 1990. It took me two afternoons to get it done. And no it isn’t, unfortunately, the drawers pictured below!

Step one is to clean the surfaces you’re going to paint, thoroughly. I washed it down, then went over it all with turpentine. You can also use sugar soap. Then sandpaper. Here I wasn’t too sure what to do, so looked online for advice and followed the information given on DIY Doctor. Namely to simply sand until the gloss is gone. Not any further as you may remove the plastic surface entirely.

After that I painted it with a coat of primer, and when that was dry I painted it with eggshell matt white paint. For the painting I used a roller, and a small brush for finishing the edges. I found I really had to watch out for dripping. It was too easy to put on too much paint without intending to.

I painted it earlier this year as a half term project with my son. We had a blast! I can’t say it wasn’t messy, because it was. I made sure I put down lots of newspaper, and explained what he needed to do. Overall he did really well and was very responsible with the paint. However, I forgot about the cleaning up afterwards part. He very helpfully rinsed his brush under the tap in the kitchen then shook it dry. Sending watery paint splatters everywhere. It looked CSI had conducted a blood splatter simulation with white paint.

And Finally

I couldn’t really find much in the way of websites that will help you with finding and renovating on the cheap. This book, Flea Market Style, certainly looks helpful though!

Would love to hear about all your experiences. Especially any links you might have to photos. Have you upcycled some furniture? And if you did, how did it go?

Shabby Chic And Tarted Up Melamine is a post from: PlayPennies UK

I recently bought a house. It’s our very first time as home owners and it’s been a pretty interesting (and rocky) ride. I have to admit that one of the biggest problems has been decorating the house on a very limited budget. There’s always something that needs fixing or replacing that’s far more important than making a room look pretty. I don’t know about you, but it has driven me slightly mad.

This weekend was the breaking point for me; I decided to stop rocking back and forth in a corner, crying over how boring my lounge looked, and to find a way of turning my house into a home on little to no budget.

If you want to brighten up your walls, why not make some wall hangings of your own. You can do this without spending a fortune on fabrics or materials, and there are plenty of free ideas available on the net.

To start with, try knitting a wall hanging. Sound strange to you? Well, it’s no different than ye olde tapestries that hung in castles back in the day but this time you can create something that’s entirely your own. Whether you’re an avid knitter or have never picked up sticks before, there are patterns that you can use. And many of these are for free.

Start out by visiting sites like Ravelry, and searching for wall hangings. You’ll be amazed at what you can find. Patterns range from completely free, to an online purchase of only £2, to an entire book that will cost you £10 but has so many ideas that it will change your home. I am particularly impressed with the knitted wall hanging from Patons, this can be made by a beginner knitter with ease, and can be customised to suit your home perfectly.

Some knitted wall decorations consist of mini items of clothes or kitchenware that you then peg onto a line and string along the wall. This can transform a nursery into something really special, or give a beautiful country feel to your kitchen.

And they won’t take you very long to make. Other ideas include Advent calendars (tis almost The Season), anigurami ornaments, plain cable-knit fabric stretched across a frame and mounted on the wall, and knitted bunting flags. My personal favourite are these knitted ceramic pots.

As you can see, there is a lot to choose from.

Some yarns cost quite a lot of money but you can get some of these for free or at massively reduced prices. Hunt around for yarn sales, especially now that the end of season stocks are going out, and visit knitting forums. I’ve landed several bags of gorgeous wool just because I happened to pop in on the yarn swap pages from time to time. You can either swap yarn you don’t want, sell yarn, buy yarn at greatly reduced prices, or perhaps land some for free!

Another great place to nab discount yarn is at charity shops. It’s well worth trawling your area for these and you’ll likely get your knitting or crochet needles very cheaply from these shops too.

If knitting isn’t your thing and you want a new colour scheme, then get some paint for free. Difficult? Well, a little. Call around to all your friends and family and ask them to haul old tins of paint out for you. Once you’ve weeded out the dead from the useful, you can blend them, or just use one or two of them, to add spice to your house. You don’t need to paint all your walls either, one vivid and exciting colour on one wall is definitely de rigour at the moment.

While this idea is quite brilliant in theory, you may not find enough paint to make a difference so your next step could be to consider making your own fabric wall art. Get discounted fabric by searching online, visiting sites like Gumtree, or hounding your local charity shops (there’s no rule that says you can’t shred a dress or a coat to get the fabric you want!).

It’s a good idea to aim for a fabric with a large scale pattern. Geometric shapes, plain colours with a splash of design, interesting (but not too busy) patterns and cute designs are ideal for these. Then pop into your nearest B&Q or art store (or even just visit the tip) to get yourself four lengths of wood. You’ll need to whip out your inner handyman when it comes to attaching the corners and the fabric but it isn’t a steep learning curve.

Iron your fabric before you attach it to your frame, and cut more than you need so you have plenty to wrap around the back and sides. Then staple (or hammer) the fabric into the frame and, voila! Now you have a gorgeous fabric painting that’s utterly unique.

These are just a few simple ideas on how you can change a room, a wall, or even a mood in your home without getting an angry call from your bank manager. Since I started my mission, I’ve knitted some cushion covers to replace our old tatty ones, and a Patons wall hanging organiser that stores our house keys, spare change and important bills.

Happy home renovating! And please do share any of your own inventions, I’d love to see them.

Transform Your Home On A Budget is a post from: PlayPennies UK

I’d picked up the idea that going without nappies from (almost) birth was an example of extreme parenting. You know, all those child-centric ideas that are impossible to even think about achieving for most of us. Because we have to do things like earn a living as well as be a parent, and fit in time for the rest of the family.

So as always when confronted with a conundrum, I turned to the experts and to the experiences of other parents to find out more. I expected to find this just to be a US phenomenon, but that wasn’t the case at all. Two of the best sites that I found were from the UK and Australia.

Convince me!

Going nappy free is an intriguing idea. Especially the thought of not having to spend a fortune each week on nappies for three years of your life (or more depending on the number of children you have). I first thought that maybe this might not be such a far-fetched idea when a friend moved to Hong Kong. The staff at the nursery were rather surprised to find her 18 month old still in nappies. ‘Don’t worry‘, they said, ‘we’ll handle it‘. And they did. The nappies went, messes were cleaned up, and he was held over the toilet (or other receptacles to hand) whenever needed and at key points in the day. Staff would make a ‘pishing’ noise whenever he urinated, and this would be used to provide a cue for him to pee.

And it worked. When I told this to a mutual friend, she was astounded. As was I. We both mentioned it to our mums. Who weren’t at all surprised. Seems that back in the late sixties, that’s pretty much what most mums did, or at least they both had.

What had changed? In the examples we’d come across, then, there were two things in common. Warm or hot climates, and extended families as the norm. It is probably, we reasoned, something that’s possible to do when childcare is shared with the family and not outsourced to babysitters, childminders and nurseries.

Recently though, I’ve got more involved in environmental issues and started exploring alternative parenting options. Happily these are often also cheaper and money saving options too. And going nappy free is one of them.

Show me!

First off, this is not toilet training. You’re learning when the child is going to go, and helping them learn a few cues too to go when they don’t necessarily need to. But they’re not going to have control over their toilet functions. That’s not something they’ll develop until much later.

Dr Graham Clayden of Kings’ College London and consultant paediatrician at Evelina Children’s Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas’, explained in Green Parenting magazine that “When the stomach fills there is a gastro-colic reflex,which causes the lower bowel to fill and defecation is then precipitated. Lots of babies defecate within 20 minutes of filling their stomachs. If that becomes totally predictable, yes, why not catch it – save a nappy, save the planet.”

The jargon then for this parenting practice is Elimination Communication, or EC for short. Plus you don’t actually do without nappies entirely. The Australian website Tribal Baby, which contains a lot of excellent tips and advice for parents wanting to give this a go, puts it this way “It is about  using nappies as a tool rather than a necessity.“

Help Me!

Naturally, you don’t need to join a group to learn about EC, but it always helps to have support and advice. In the UK, Nappy Free Baby provides information, resources, discussion forums and links to groups around the country.

The main ‘bible’ on this subject appears to be an American one (don’t they all!). The terms elimination communication, as well as ‘natural infant hygiene’ were coined by parenting author Ingrid Baur. Both appear in her book ‘Diaper Free! The Gentle Wisdom of Natural Infant Hygiene‘ published in 2001.

EcoBaby.co.uk summarises the main principles involved into four main components. Timing (newborns need to urinate every 10 to 20 minutes – personally that sounds like a lot of running to the potty to me!), signals (what faces, noises, body language babies use to signal that they are about to go), cueing (how we can tell the baby when it is an appropriate place to eliminate), and intuition (where you just ‘know’ baby needs to wee/poo).

And Finally

Are you sold on the idea? I’m not entirely but I do wish I’d had the chance to have a go. At five years old (and no chance of more) I think it is probably just a tad too late for me! What I really liked about all the advice I read on the internet is that it isn’t pressurised, one-size-fits all, do it my way or the highway kind of stuff. No-one goes without nappies entirely. Everyone uses nappies as well. Sometimes just when they go out, but also at home when they’re just too busy/ill/need a rest. It seems like a really good mix.

Neither does it seem to be a sure fire way to toilet train. Although from what I’ve read little ones have, with EC, become more toilet confident. It doesn’t actually result in them learning to use the toilet independently any earlier than the development of their own bowel controls will allow them.

Post a comment – what do you think?

Save on nappies – don’t use them? is a post from: PlayPennies UK

This month we’ve really been working hard to hunt down awesome back to school deals and goodies, and the efficient Lynley has been turning up some brilliant voucher codes that knock much needed pounds off your shopping. This feature is one big voucher fiesta with some reminders of great codes we’ve already found, and some new ones for you to enjoy. Read on, shop, and laugh in the face of the recession.

Lloyds Pharmacy are offering a 20% discount on all back to school essentials that expires on 30^th September. Using the code BTS10 you can sort out your medical supplies in time for the winter bug routine (yes, I can also see them germs dancing with wicked glee) and lice infestations.

KTWO Stationary have given PlayPennies readers an exclusive 20% discount on their school supplies and planners with the code PP20. We reviewed some of their products yesterday so go and take a look at their Back to School calendar and organiser in our Reviews section. This is definitely a great online store to shop for things to help you get organised over the school term.

Marks & Sparks are offering free delivery on all schoolwear with the code SCHOOL10. This expires on the 14^th of September so hurry up and get shopping if you need to get some essentials. This has no minimum spend and you can also take advantage of their great schoolwear discounts at the same time.

Barratts, the lovely shoe people, are offering 10% off their back to school shoes with the code SCHOOL and shoes start from around the £16 mark. Although I was amused by the fact that their school shoes link includes high-heel and ladies court shoes. Erm. Can older kids wear those to school?

For the parents who plan to cycle to school/work/around, the Halfords sale for the bank holiday weekend will make you dance with joy. They are offering 50% off Reebok kids and adult bikes with some products marked down even more.

Expiring on 05 September is a nice ASDA code that gets you free delivery on schoolwear orders over £5. Use the code school2 to get your free delivery sorted out and enjoy their almost silly low prices on school clothes.

Abe Books, one of the biggest and most popular online bookstores, is offering some big savings on school books and textbooks. Some prices are down by almost 90% and you can choose between new or second-hand, and some booksellers offer free standard postage in the UK too.

Woolworths are currently in the midst of their summer sale with electricals, bedding, and furniture marked down by up to 50%. If your tots are heading off to school for the first time and you’re planning a revamp of their bedroom then this is a good place to start.

There are a few Tesco codes that will do nicely for the back to school indaba. The first is a free delivery voucher on all orders over £50 at Tesco Clothing and the second is 1/3 off all back to school clothes. That’s some nice savings right there!

WH Smith have sorted a 75% back to school sale that made me laugh because they included some truly odd things in it. I mean, who still uses VHS? Really? Anyway, this should sort out any desperate stationary needs you might have.

I also found a deal at Sweetfeet for 40% off all shoes so you can nab yourself a divine pair (that will have mums at the gate gasping at your style and brilliance), while also sorting out some toasty boots and wellies for your kids.

Waterstones are offering some gorgeous books at 40% off in their back to school bonanza and they’ve broken them down into age-specific categories too. In my feature about preparing for school our experts actually recommended two of the books included in this sale.

Direct Schoolwear have a nice offer happening at the moment where you get 10% off all lines with the code MSDSW. It expires on the 10^th of September and you get free delivery on all orders over £30 if you live in England, Wales and Scotland.

The deals are not stopping! Quiz have 10% off all back to school products with the code MVCBTS that will cut some prices down neatly. Although they are a little pricey to begin with so I’m not too sure if this is as good a saving as some of the others. This expires on 12 September.

And finally there’s a three for two offer on at M&Co on selected back to school items and they stock quite a nice range of stuff for you to choose from. You don’t need a code for this one, just amble on over to the site and see what’s included.

Well, there you go. Those are some of the best voucher deals on back to school items this month and I hope they help you cut those costs in half. Happy shopping!

The Back To School Voucher Fiesta is a post from: PlayPennies UK

The Trunki kids luggage range has been quite a phenomenon. A huge phenomenon. One so big in fact I can’t think of a single parenting product that’s been released in the last decade that’s made quite as big an impact. Even celebrities are using them. Rod Stewart is pictured here (below right) carrying the Trunki Gruffalo (my personal favourite, and covered previously on PlayPennies here), which his four year old son was later seen scooting around on. Because of all this, the Trunki kids luggage range gets its own blog post here on PlayPennies.

The big question is really, are Trunkis a real wonder that you’ll definitely get more than your money’s worth from? Or are they yet another example of the incredible way that parents these days seem waste their money? There’s only one way to tell really and that’s to ask the PlayPennies parents that are using them and find out what exactly life is like when you’ve got a Trunki.

What’s A Trunki?

It is possible you aren’t aware of what a Trunki is – not everyone watches Dragon’s Den, has a child under the age of six, or has been in a British airport in the last three or four years. This is a suitcase designed by the very inventive Rob Law. The original Trunki is a suitcase for children that’s small enough to be taken on board an airplane as hand luggage. It has wheels, a strap that can be used to pull the suitcase along, and handles for carrying it when you can’t pull.

But the crucial, unique selling point, is that the child can sit on the suitcase. They can either ride on it as the parent pulls them along, or they can scoot along on their own.

Rob Law rather famously touted it on the BBC show Dragon’s Den, where he was told that it was a waste of money and that there was no market for the Trunki. It’s now sold in over 40 countries. Guess who’s having the last laugh?

The suitcases also look fab, and the designs appeal as much to the adults as they do to the children. Or maybe that’s just me!

Do They Work?

Well, the short answer is yes. I have asked around, and looked on the internet. It seems to be the consensus that yes, children do sit on it comfortably, and yes, they can ride on it. Some airlines have reduced the size they’ll allow for carry on luggage, so the Trunki has to be checked in. We’ve heard of this with Thomas Cook chartered flights, but it might be applicable to others. It is always best to check in advance.

PlayPennies mum Buky found on a six hour flight to visit family with her four year old daughter that there’s another drawback to using the Trunki as your child’s carryon. “I do love the Trunki. The only problem is on the plane itself. It was too big to go under the seat in front so I had to put it in the overhead locker. And that’s a problem if you want to get things out, and put them back. Which happens a lot with children – you won’t get all the toys out at once for example.“

Out in the airport itself though is where the Trunki’s unique qualities are meant to be put to use. Mum of three, Nicki, has this advice for first time users. “Yep I have one! I love it, best to keep it hidden until travel time so that it’s a new experience at the airport. Helps kill the time while you wait and handy when you have to hand in the stroller.” Nicki has travelled with all three kids, the two and four year olds riding the suitcase while baby was in his carrier. “It is fairly easy to pull along actually. It’s pretty sturdy and had no trouble with the weight of two children.“

The Riding Experience

I asked parents, and looked on the internet, and it seems that there’s no problem with pulling the Trunki along with or without a child. The strap and case seem to live up to the hype of being sturdy and well constructed.

There does seem to be a bit of a handling issue on corners though. And the child does need to work a bit to stay on the suitcase. As PlayPennies mum Heidi told us “It’s relatively easy to pull if they concentrate and co-operate but my two boys have fallen off more than once!” And this from Nicki “Only difficult part is turning around corners – it takes a bit of practice not to tip the child over.”

The other aspect of the suitcase is that the Trunki can be ridden by the child on their own, using their feet to scoot along. This keeps them entertained, and helps to burn off excess energy too. But there are other issues that parents, like myself, who haven’t bought one might not think about. Like the competitive nature of children!

“My kids adore theirs and they’re definitely useful. They ADORE packing them by themselves and using them is preferable to those kids’ pull-along cases, which they get tired of pulling by themselves, but more than once I’ve confiscated them in crowded airports and end up carrying them, because they act like lunatics on them after a while. Maybe it’s just boys but they start trying to race or crash into each other and frankly it’s way more hassle than it’s worth.” says Heidi.

And Finally

The range is expanding all the time. The latest Trunki gadget is a backpack that is made of a firm material and will turn into a booster seat for groups 2 and 3 (that’s ages 4 to 12). This definitely intrigues me as I’ve been caught out on more than one occasion while overseas. There are times when you just need to take a taxi, and I’ve yet to be able to find one on a rank that’s got a car seat to hand!

Keep an eye out in September too as we’ll be reviewing their new, limited edition range!

Please share here. Trunki, do you love ‘em or loathe ‘em?

Trunki Kids Luggage: Wonder Or Waste? is a post from: PlayPennies UK

No, I’m not having you on. The Big Smoke actually has quite a few places to go and things to do with children that are utterly and completely free. Some are awesome, some are touristy, some are plain old fashioned fun, and others will surprise you.

To start with, unless you live in London, you’re going to have to pay for your transportation. Depending on where you live, you can often get discounted rail tickets for adults by booking in advance. Southern Rail offer advance tickets for as little as £3.75 and children cost only £1 each way.

I’m not particularly impressed that the railways charge children but at least it’s not exorbitant. Also, when you book your tickets online, don’t book the children’s tickets. They come up as at least £3 each way so it is far better for you to get those from the ticket office on the day.

Once you’ve arrived in London you’ll hear the magic words, “children travel for free”, when you get your Tube tickets. Regular customers will have Oyster cards but if you’re just there for the day then go for a full day pass so you have access across the board. You can also use your day pass to nab a “free” bus tour on the number 11 bus from Fulham to Liverpool street. Don’t pay for the tour bus, do your own!

To start with head on over to the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens. It’s situated next to Kensington Palace and is brilliant for kids up to the age of 12. You’ll find loads of great rides there, including an awesome wooden pirate ship and tepees!

While you’re in Kensington, little fans of Peter Pan will enjoy visiting his statue in Kensington Gardens, the very park that inspired the author to write the story in the first place. Take the children to see Peter blowing his pipes and then enjoy a picnic in the sumptuous gardens.

Another place to visit that I happen to think is pure genius, is 23-24 Leinster Gardens. These beautiful houses are not what they seem. Oh no, these are actually complete and utter fakes that hide a railway line! Watch your children’s (and your) mouths fall open when you show them that these are not real houses. The originals were torn down to make way for the steam train vents.

Next up is Kids Zone at the National Army Museum. If you’re travelling with a partner who’s into such history, they can wander off and soak up some fascinating facts while you enjoy the free entertainment with the kids. You may have to queue up a bit before you can go in but the forest army camp, castle fortress and activity centre more than make up for it.

Then head on over to the Museum of London Docklands via the DLR and try to get a seat in the front of the train. These trains don’t need any drivers so you and your tots can pretend to be train drivers! Then, when you get to the museum, head on over to the Mudlarks play area that’s been created to provide fun and education in one brilliant spot.

Depending on the age of your kids you can also get into most of the museums and art galleries for free. Some of the museums do charge entry but happen to have free days or free periods that you can take advantage of with a little forward planning. Check out their websites for more information.

While the Tower of London does cost you moolla, the Ceremony of the Keys does not. Oh yes. You can apply for tickets to this ceremony that takes place every night at 21.53 and allow your kids a late night they will always remember. The tickets are absolutely free but you will have to apply at least two months in advance.

If pomp and ceremony are what you want for free then take your kids to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. This is not just for tourists, it’s actually loads of fun and kids simply love being close to the palace. You can even take a picnic for some yummy snacks while you wait and watch. Then, when you’re done with watching the guards, take your tots to the Guards Museum where they can see all sorts of weapons, uniforms and paintings, and they can even dress up as a guard.

This is only touching the sides of the fabulous things you can do for free in London, there are loads of other places to go that won’t cost you a cent and will guarantee you a magical day. If you pack your own snacks and lunch then you’re looking at the cost of your travel only. So happy exploring!

Live The London High Life For Free is a post from: PlayPennies UK

The simple answer to question of how you can prolong the life of a school uniform might be to not let your child wear it! But that’s hardly practical. There are some easy ways to make sure that it lasts as long as possible. And school uniforms are hardly cheap. My son starts Year 1 at a state school in September, and has to wear a blazer, jersey with logo, tie etc. Just the basics, and this only includes one blazer, came to nearly £80. We’ve still to buy the shoes.

A friend of mine whose son is starting at a comprehensive in September ended up having to fork out over £250 for uniform and school equipment. And that isn’t even everything!

So, everything you can do to make items last that little bit longer has to be a GOOD THING surely?

Sew What?

Learn to sew. Or grab a granny to do it for you (which is what I have to do but I am learning!). I can do the basics. Like this one. Mum of two Madeliene says that “although it sounds like a total faff, do go through all their shirts when you buy them and re-sew on the buttons. It really does save you so much grief later in the year when there’s so little time to sort these things out. The machines that make these shirts never sew the buttons on properly, and they take a lot of abuse.”

With my step-son, my mother-in-law helped out by sewing on patches inside the knee as soon as we got a new pair of trousers. I don’t know what he did all day but if we didn’t do that he’d wear out a knee within a month.

I talked about patching and mending earlier in the summer – Patch and Mend: Sewing and Darning.

Naming

At the beginning and end of each school year, there seems to be a rash of thefts from school cloakrooms. I know of parents who’ve been affected by this across a broad spectrum from private prep schools to inner city secondaries. Winter coats are also very prone to going missing.

It isn’t all theiving fingers of course. Our kids, especially when they’ve more important things on their mind like the custard and cake in the canteen, tend to forget about things like where they put their jumper or left their blazer. In those instances, a well named item will quickly find its way back to you.

For this purpose I always sew in labels into the important stuff. This includes his coat, blazer, and jersey. Yes, it is a pain, and I hate it with a passion. I loathe sewing! But the iron-on labels just don’t last as long, and fabric pens wash out over time. It also provides him with a little loop on his jersey so he can hang it securely on the peg during the warm weather, so it is less likely to fall on the floor and get kicked around! For other items like shirts (£3.50 for three at Sainsburys) I just use an iron-on label.

For that extra bit of protection against thieves, I take a fabric pen and write his name in huge letters on the inside. One one of his jackets, it is right across the bottom of the back part.

PlayPennies mum Sho has this tip “I always also named the girl’s jackets, cardigans, and coats somewhere ’secret’ that couldn’t be readily seen. Because we live in a small village with just one shop many of them end up with the same items. This way if a girl accidently picks up your daughter’s cardi, you can discretely point out to the mum that it is in fact yours.”

It’ll all come out in the wash

Take care with the washing of clothes, and they’ll last that little bit longer for you. For this reason, always use a cool wash. Thirty degrees is friendlier for clothes (and the environment!).

Always wash items like jerseys, jumpers, trousers, skirts and dresses inside out. It’ll protect the material from damage and the colour from fading. I also hang them out this way when the weather lets me do so outside, as it keeps sunlight from fading the colour too.

Do the opposite with your whites. Here’s what my mum used to do – she would soak our white school shirts in water with lemon juice. Then hang them out in the sun to dry. I always liked the smell of this but have only just worked out why she did that after googling it for this article. Lemon juice and sunlight work as a natural bleach. Who knew?

Finally Footwear

At the moment my son is growing out of his shoes faster than he is wearing them out so I hadn’t really worried about ways to make the shoes last longer. One tip I found online was to use dubbin – a tin will set you back about £2. Well I don’t know if this is better to use on shoes than Scotchguard, but according to Wikipedia it is made of natural wax, oil and tallow, and will soften, condition and water proof leather.

I loved using this stuff on my hiking boots when I was a teenager. And it really did keep my feet nice and dry!

I’m sure that other mums have way more practical tips than I’ve given here. What other things do you think I can do/shouldn’t do to make a school uniform last longer?

Get More Wear Out Of A School Uniform is a post from: PlayPennies UK

I’m terrified.

I have absolutely no idea how I’m going to handle the day my child goes to school for the first time ever. And that day isn’t far off either. Try less than four weeks away…

It feels like just yesterday that she was a teeny little baby all snuggled up in my arms, and now she’s this amazing mini-person who’s going off to school. To her big adventures. And growing up way, way too fast.

I’m not the only mum whose heart fills up with hope, worry, excitement and sadness at the thought of their child going to school. I think it must be one of the most bittersweet experiences on earth. Amusingly, though, it’s the dads who seem to be quite chilled about it all.

So far, on a poll of about ten dads that I’ve chatted to about this over the past few months, the dads are more of the, “Off ya go! Thaaat’s it!” mindset.

Seeing as I was starting to get more than a little bit jumpy about the whole thing I spoke to Jill Knowles and Sue Twort, Professional Child Counsellors at Childlight. They both specialise in holistic child therapy and offer counselling for children, training for school staff and offer guidance to both parents and teachers. Who better to help us worried parents prepare for, and handle, this situation in such a way that it becomes a wonderful adventure.

They very kindly prepared a list of five top coping tips for parents whose children are starting school for the first time.

1.    ESTABLISH A ROUTINE  

Many problems occur because of stress due to such horrors as running late, not being able to find socks, and a child not knowing what to expect.  Preparing a routine that you know works in advance will make life so much easier for you both.  At least a week before the first school day, get up each day and wake your child at the time you will need to be getting up for school.

Washing, dressing and eating breakfast all take time and it will make things run smoothly if you know you will have enough time for all of these.  Practise your route to school so that you know how long it takes – traffic is invariably busier on a school day and during bad weather. This may seem like a bit of a chore but time invested now will pay dividends later. 

2.    PREPARE FOR SCHOOL TOGETHER

Young children like to know ‘what’s happening?’ and ‘where am I going?’ so in the few days before Day One, walk by the school and look at the building, the gates, the playground and talk about how it might be when s/he is going there every day. 

Point out items of interest such as a play house that s/he might look forward to exploring. This familiarisation will enable to you to give reassurance if there are any tears on the first day ‘Remember, we talked about the fun you would have when ….’

If sitting still and listening is not something your child is familiar with, then it will really help if you introduce them to this on a daily basis.  Allow them to choose a mat or stool at home to sit on and read them a short piece from a story, encouraging them to listen rather than to interrupt or ask questions until invited to. Start with ten minutes and build up to half an hour.

3.    PLAN FOR FEELINGS

Parents’ reaction is a key factor in how well the settling in process goes. You may be more worried if it is the first child in the family to go to school and sadder if it is the youngest (i.e. the last) to go. Children are very receptive to these feelings and it can start them off feeling anxious and stressed rather than excited and optimistic.

Your child will take their cue from you and so if you seem relaxed and happy, they will too.  If you feel anxious or tearful, try to put your own feelings on hold for an hour or two and be positive and upbeat.  If you know another parent with a child also starting school, travelling together to give the children a friend to go in with will help them to break the ice.

If they are worried about starting school, spend some time sitting quietly together talking about it or looking at a book about Starting School (see their recommendations below). Allow your child to say if they are worried or scared about school.  Avoid saying ‘Don’t be silly’ or ‘you’re a big boy/girl, you’re not scared’.  Instead, acknowledge their feelings by saying ‘OK, I understand that you are scared….…’

Reassure your child that school is a good place and there will be lots of fun and new friends to meet.  Above all, they will be safe and you will be there at the end of every day to sort out any problems or worries. 

If your child is tearful and clingy when you go to leave them at school, stay calm and determined and do not show that you are upset, even if you feel like howling too! Invariably they will stop crying within seconds of you departing, so leave without looking back. 

If it persists after more than a week, work out a strategy with their teacher, this will not be an uncommon problem for them.

4.    MINIMISE DISRUPTIONS AT HOME

Children often worry about what is going on at home when they are not there, especially if Mum will be alone (and might be missing THEM) or if there is a change in routine, such as Mum starting work for the first time.  Try to keep things at home the same for when the child returns after school and put the emphasis on everything being ‘back to normal’ at the end of the day.

If you have younger children, try to arrange things so you give the child returning from school some special time when they come home. 

If your child is worried about missing you, reassure them that you love them all the time.  Plant a kiss on a piece of paper and mark the spot with a big X to be carried in your child’s pocket and taken out whenever they feel upset. If your child thinks you are missing them because you are on your own at home, they are likely to worry about you whilst they are at school.

Be upbeat about your day without them – without being overly ecstatic – whilst showing how glad you are to have them home again. 

5.    GIVE THEM SPACE

Children expend a terrific amount of energy when they start school so may be very tired when they come home.  It’s a good idea not to bombard them with questions, but just let it come out naturally. They may not have the vocabulary or communication skills to give you a blow-by-blow account of everything that happened from the moment they arrived until they came running out of the school gates, so be open to accepting that they will tell you what they want when they want.

If a snippet comes out when you are in the middle of cooking supper, be ready to show interest then and there or you might let it slip away. Keep an eye and an ear open for any problems which they may mention so you can nip them in the bud.

Building a good relationship with the teacher/classroom assistant will show your child that you like and trust them, which will be very reassuring.   If you get on well with them it will be easier to raise any concerns you might have in the future, as well as getting valuable feedback about what happens when you’re not there.

Jill and Sue also recommend books like Charlie & Lola I Am Too Absolutely Small For School by Lauren Child, and Starting School by Janet & Allan Ahlberg.

I hope that this has helped many of you worried parents out there. I know that some of these really did make me stop, think and breathe a little easier. And, if it is any help at all, I’m right here to offer hugs, tea and sympathy on the big day this September…

Bracing Yourself For the School Gates is a post from: PlayPennies UK