GoPro Hero 12: The Must-Have Addition to Family Adventures

** AD - Collaborative Post with Very**

We are a family of four that consists of me and my husband (both in our thirties) and our kids, James who is almost 15, and Evelyn who is 10. As the kids have gotten older and a little more independent one thing we all love to do together is go on family adventures and try new things! From zip lines and theme parks to last-minute getaways to a new UK destination, we love getting to make new memories together and of course I always have my trusty camera or phone to capture all the moments. 

When we were recently contacted asking if we would like to try out the new GoPro Hero 12, we jumped at the chance of being able to record all of our adventures a million times better. We opted to try out the GoPro Hero 12 and added the hand/wrist strap, waterproof casing, and the Max Grip + Tripod selfie stick. 

But before I tell you all about how we got on, here is a little about the GoPro Hero 12 camera itself. 

Koody App Review: A Comprehensive Financial Tool

**Collaborative Post**

In today's world, we are all looking at different ways we can look after our money and personal finances efficiently. But with so many options and differing opinions on what is right, this can be challenging and stressful to do. That is where the Koody app comes in, it is designed to help users make smart financial decisions and stands out in the crowded field of personal finance tools. It is designed to help users make informed financial decisions using its wide range of features including budgeting tools, saving trackers and investment guides. It even provides educational resources on things like investing and pensions for those wishing to know more.

This in-depth review explores Koody's features, usability, and overall value to provide a comprehensive understanding of its offerings and how the Koody app might be able to help you get your finances in order. 

Personalised Gift Ideas from MY-PICTURE.co.uk

 **Collaborative Feature**

With Christmas fast approaching I have already started thinking about my Christmas shopping, hoping if I start now I can spread the cost a little with many of us feeling the pinch this year. Christmas is most definitely my favourite time of the year and I love putting lots of thought into getting those I love something I know will make them smile (and that doesn't have to cost the earth either!) and one way I love doing that is buying them personalised gifts. I don't know about you but whenever I receive a gift that has been personalised just for me it feels extra special because I know the person has really thought of me when buying it. 

If you are like me and love giving (and receiving) personalised gifts you should definitely check out My Picture. They have a huge range of personalised gifts from pictures and prints to personalised blankets, and cushions, you can even create your own photobooks or calendars. The range is huge so to help you decide, here are some of our favourite personalised gift ideas from MyPicture.co.uk including two I have recently purchased myself! 

Personalised Blanket

With the colder weather already on its way, this gift is both thoughtful and practical as a gift. The blankets are available in 3 sizes 100cm X 70cm, 150cm X 100cm, or 200cm X 150cm. The blankets are made from polar fleece with an additional layer of super soft plush to make the blankets super soft and snuggly. They are made to strict eco-friendly standards and the colours on the printing are vibrant and bright. The edges of the blanket are finished off with a neat simple stitch which really finishes off the blanket nicely.

Creating the Perfect Space to Relax with Big Bertha

 **Collaborative Feature**

AD: There aren't many feelings better than that of coming home after a long day, kicking off your shoes, throwing on something comfy, and settling down somewhere cosy for the evening. Of course, cosy and relaxed means different things to different people, for some it might mean snuggling up in a quiet area with a book, for others it might mean a Netflix sofa marathon or for others, it can mean heading to bed for an early night. 

But whatever your idea of relaxing is, Big Bertha has a product for you that can help make your home feel more cosy and help you to feel relaxed after a long day, keep reading to find out more.

Mother's Day Gift Inspiration 2023

 **Collaborative Post**

AD: Mother's Day falls on Sunday 19th March this year and it is the perfect way to celebrate the women in our lives. But Mother's Day doesn't have to just be about celebrating your own mum in the traditional sense, it could be celebrating a friend who is a fantastic mum, it could be a relative that stepped up as a mum figure to you or anyone who has been a mother figure in your life, now is the time to celebrate them and let them know just how grateful for them you are. 

With that in mind, I have joined forces with Very to showcase some of their fantastic Mother's Day gift ideas for 2023, they have so many great gift ideas there really will be something for every style and budget, check out some of our favourites below. 

A Delicious Lunch at Royal George - Thornbury

 **Collaborative Post**

AD: One thing I promised myself I would do more this year is to make time for me, to make time to spend with friends. We can all probably admit to being guilty of overworking ourselves and forgetting that we need time for ourselves too, right? So what better way to enjoy so quality time with friends than over a delicious lunch? We found just that at a beautiful pub/restaurant in Thornbury recently at Royal George, keeping reading below to see our full review of our meal! 

Royal George is based in Thornbury, Bristol, and serves a range of British comfort/pub-style food such as burgers, pizza, and of course fish and chips! They also have a range of desserts and drinks available too. They accept walk-ins but we opted to book our table via Open Table with a simple search for restaurants in Bristol, to ensure we had a seat reserved for us upon arrival. 

The Growth Mindset Workbook from Daddilife Books **REVIEW**

 **Collaborative Post**

AD: As parents, we all want the best for our children in life right? But the reality is that starts at home and with the way we instill things into our children as they grow up such as values, confidence, and their mindset about themselves and life in general. Just like many other aspects of parenting, getting this right can feel like a bit of a minefield, but unlike other aspects of parenting where there is "no manual" thanks to Daddilife Books when it comes to instilling a good growth mindset, we have the next best thing... a workbook! 

The workbook titled "The Growth Mindset Workbook" is a must-have for both parents and children and is packed full of helpful advice, information, and, of course as the name suggests, worksheets and tasks for you and your child to work through.  

Autumn Winter Fashion Staples from Yours Clothing

 **Collaborative Post - PR samples received**

There is no denying that the cold weather is here and here to stay now and with the countdown to Christmas officially on, last month I had to finally give in and pack away the last of our summer clothes and pull out the autumn/winter wear. Now I have to admit, Autumn/Winter is my favourite time, I love the big baggy comfortable fits, the chunky knit jumpers and scarves and all the layers. So, when I realised, we would all need a bit of a wardrobe refresh for the season, I was thrilled to team up with Yours Clothing to show off a few of my favourite pieces from their autumn/winter ranges that should be staples in everybody's wardrobe.

Keep reading below to find my favourite staple pieces from Yours Clothing below and don't forget to let me know in the comments below what your favourite autumn/winter fashion staples are! 

Celebrating the Little Joys this Christmas with Boots

**Advertisement Feature in collaboration with Boots**

Christmas is absolutely my favourite time of year! There is just something about the festive season that seems to feel different from the others. Maybe it's because we start preparing for Christmas in November with Christmas markets and Christmas music always within hearing distance wherever you go? Whatever it is about Christmas that seems to bring people together, that sees people being kinder, happier, and more willing to help others, that's what I love about the season. And what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to talk about Christmas gifts! 

This year I have teamed up with Boots to showcase their amazing range of Christmas gifts for the whole family. From babies to grandparents and everyone in between, Boots is more than just a chemist or a make-up counter, it's a one-stop shop for all your Christmas gifting needs, including a range of advent calendars to let the countdown begin. Plus let's not forget, they have some cracking offers to save you money too such as their 3-for-2 offer on hundreds of gifts every year where the cheapest item is free. 

I know times have been (and still are) tough for us all this year and that may impact our gifting abilities, but for me personally, I love giving gifts to our loved ones and friends and seeing their smiles when receiving them. Which is why I love Boots so much because their gifting range is so reasonably priced and let's face it, it's not about how much you spend, it's about the thought that goes into choosing it. Which is why I wanted to show you just how far your money can really spread when Christmas shopping with Boots. 

Below I am sharing a range of gift suggestions from mum, dad, friends and even the kids and EVERYTHING you see in the photo above costs less than £75 in total! 

Photowall Canvas Prints **REVIEW**

 **Advertisement Feature**

There are lots of ways you can add colour and personality to any room in your home but one of my favourite ways is probably through the use of wall art such as canvases and framed pictures. I love how quickly and easily they can be applied with no major work needed (unlike redecorating etc) and at a fraction of the cost of redecorating too. Not only that but using canvas art and pictures to add colour and personality to your home means that you can easily change and swap the artwork as and when you please, perfect for those who get bored easily or like to change things up now and then. 

(Photo Credit - Viccy H) 

So, when I was recently contacted by the team over at Photowall asking if I would like to sample some of their pieces the timing couldn't have been better as we had just started thinking about a big bedroom redesign for both the kids now that they are both a little older. 

Gamma: The Ultimate All-Season Heated Jacket!

 **Advertisement Feature**

I love getting outside with the kids whether it be a stroll along the beach, a walk through the woods or just  family walk to the park to blow away the cobwebs. However I hate being cold, once I am cold I never seem to be able to warm up again and it means I can't fully enjoy our trips or being outdoors. However the GAMMA ultimate all-climate jacket is set to change all that, so if you are like me and can relate to the above keep reading as this may be for you too! 

The Gamma jacket is a durable, lightweight, insulated jacket that doesn’t compromise on function or fashion. It really is the ultimate heated jacket: Graphene-infused, lightweight, waterproof and it even comes with 10 smart pockets making it practical as well! 

Lite Brite from Basic Fun **REVIEW**

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There is something so nostalgic about seeing toys that remind you of toys from your childhood and then getting to share them with your own children isn't there? Last week I introduced Evelyn to Care Bears which were a definite blast from the past and this week I got to show her the awesome Lite Brite! 

Some of you will remember the classic peg art activity where you could great a picture using coloured pegs on a black board. Well Basic Fun have brought back this classic and I love that they have kept it as classic as possible, it is definitely taking me back to my childhood! 

Apparently the Lite Bright was first created in the 1960's, however I am a 90's child and vividly remember playing with one of these at my nans at the time which just goes to prove how popular this toy really is. Its a classic activity that never really ages or gets old and that is why I was so excited to share it with my own kids. 

Care Bear Plush Toys from Basic Fun **REVIEW**

 **AD - Review**

Who remembers Care Bears from their childhood? The lovable Care Bears which were first made in the 80's were one of my favourite teddies as a child growing up in the 90's and so I was so excited to see that Basic Fun have released a new range of plush Care Bears to go alongside the tv series over on Tiny Pop, so now my own kids can now enjoy Care Bears as much as I did! 

The Care Bears are very similar to the original bears and the new range features a 14" and 9" range of Care Bear characters as well as a 16" Bedtime Care Bear. I love that the range has stayed close to the originals with a nice nod to nostalgia but with a modern twist, most notably being that their faces are a little different in design. But each bear still comes in a bright colours and and fun belly motif. 

NEW Smashers Dino Ice Age Range from ZURU!

 **AD - Review**

You may have spotted on one of my previous posts (the Rainbocorns series 3 review) that we recently became part of the ZURU Instagram League which we are super excited about. It means we get to bring you guys lots of exciting reviews of new toys as well as plenty of chances for you guys to win some of those toys too! Our review today is of the new Smashers Dino Ice Age Range from ZURU, a surprise egg with a roarsome twist! 

 ZURU’s Smashers have landed in the Ice Age! In this new series smash and discover a whole range of new prehistoric surprises through the icy and slimy depths! You will need to dig through a range of slimes and smash through eggs to find lots of prehistoric surprises, but who will you find? 

Here are some of the products in the new range - 

Series 3 Rainbocorns from ZURU! **REVIEW**

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We all love receiving happy mail, but when you are six and a gigantic (and I mean ginormous) pink surprise egg lands on your doorstep, the excitement is next level! So can you imagine just how excited Evelyn was when this giant pink egg arrived for her to open? It is full to the brim with new and exciting toys from the new Rainbocorns range for her to open and we can't wait to share them all with you. 

It's actually part of a very exciting new project with ZURU that we were over the moon to be selected for. We are part of the ZURU Instagram Elite League, meaning we get to share lots of amazing toys from ZURU with you, share our thoughts and even give you guys the chance to win some amazing prizes too (check out my Instagram for more information about this). 

Mess Free Fun with Little Brian Paint Sticks

**AD - Review**

If there was one thing both the kids agreed on doing over the whole lockdown without arguing it was crafting and drawing. It's one of those activities that can be enjoyed by pretty much anyone regardless of age or interests. It brings out our very best imaginative idea's but it also often brings with it lots of mess too!

However there may just be a solution to that... Little Brian Paint Sticks! They offer the same fun and enjoyment kids get from painting but with hardly any mess at all. Plus there is no waste or water needed.

Little Brian Paint Sticks aim to provide a fun, clean and convenient way of  painting without all the mess and spills that so often come with it, especially when it comes to toddlers or younger children. The paint sticks are water soluble, offering a child friendly solid paint that simply twists up and down to be used, similar to how a glue stick works. The great thing about Little Brian Paint Sticks is that they are super versatile too, they can be used on paper, card, canvas, wood and even glass. There is no need for brushes or water and the paint itself dries in around 60 seconds.

Shimmer N Shine InstaGlam Dolls **REVIEW**

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Evelyn probably isn't what you would describe as the classic "girly girl" she is a kid who loves to get stuck in, get muddy and kick a ball round with her big brother. However when it comes to make up or dressing up she absolutely loves it, in fact I often find her rummaging around in my make up draw to create a new look or opting for a dress up ball gown for the school run! So when I heard about the new InstaGlam dolls that are fun dolls with a hidden make up secret I knew Evelyn would love them.

Shimmer N Shine InstaGlam dolls are stylish, fashionable dolls each with a hidden make up set surprise. There are four InstaGlam dolls to collect in total (Nina, Luna, Hayley and Evie) and each doll comes with a removeable sponge and brush applicator which are disguised as hair clips on each doll. They also contain hidden make up compartment which contains a makeup palette featuring two eye shadows and two lip glosses as well as a mini lipstick too and a mirror to help you complete your look.

Na! Na! Na! Surprise - Series 2 **REVIEW**

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Surprise toys have become increasingly popular over the last few years and there are now a huge range of different surprise toys and suprise elements built into toys. However when Evelyn was recently kindly sent a series 2 Na! Na! Na! Surprise to try out we were both excited to discover a totally unqiue way of unboxing this super cool surprise toy! 

If you haven't heard of them before Na! Na! Na! Surprise dolls are a collection of soft, yet articulated fashion dolls with 6 to collect in each series. They are made by MGA Entertainment (the same people behind the much loved L.O.L Surprise dolls) and Evelyn was so excited about revealing her very first Na! Na! Na! Surprise doll doll and seeing who she would find during the fun unboxing process. 

Bakedin Baking Club Subscription Box - Soft Baked Pretzels

**AD - Review**

I have been reviewing the Bakedin baking club subscription boxes for several months now and I have to say we have been really enjoying receiving these boxes and trying out lots of new recipes! If you haven't heard of Bakedin or their fantastic baking club before, its a monthly subscription box where each month you will receive a different baking box through the door. The box included a monthly recipe along with all of the dry ingredients you will need to complete the bake and all for under £10 a month too!

What I really love about the box is that it gives you the chance to try out new, exciting and totally different recipes that you may not have even thought of trying before. We have so far had a go at a chocolate drip cake, banana caramel muffins and now pretzels! This month was no exception and we were all excited to discover that the recipe for June was Soft Baked Pretzels! Something I had never tried before but was excited to try. 

BakedIn Baking Club Subscription Box -Chocolate Drip Cake

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I love to bake! Baking with my nan are some of my fondest memories with her, she taught me how to bake and how to be creative with her signature being the classic butterfly cakes. I remember being around 7 or 8, kneeling on a stool in my nans kitchen as she taught me how to whip up cake mixture to get the most air into and always letting me lick the bowl afterwards. 

With all those fond memories you would think we bake lots in our home now right? But unfortunately not. The kids love baking too but whenever they suggest it we always seem to be missing a vital ingredients or don't have quite enough of something (and winging it never seems to work, believe me we have tried!). 

So when the lovely team over at Bakedin offered us the chance to try out some of their monthly Bakedin Baking Club boxes we couldn't wait for it to land on our doorstep.