Illuminated LED Star Light – An Interior Delight from Maplin

Posted on January 19, 2018 by Fiona Martin

A star is not just for Christmas, particularly in the case of the Illuminated LED Star Light from Maplin that has recently taken centre stage on my hallway shelf. I’m rather fond of stars, if you hadn’t already noticed and this freestanding piece of home decor is suitable for anytime of the year or if you prefer just keeping it for the festive season then that’s fine.

Being battery operated means it’s super easy to set up and place in any location of your choice. Requiring two AA batteries in a little box which I have hid behind another item on my shelf, the light is simply operated with an on/off switch on the battery box. At 28cm tall and 27cm wide the light is a good size and the LED’s emit a warm bright light that gives a great glow in the evenings in my hallway. We don’t need the main light on as the glow is enough when passing room to room.

I absolutely adore this light and admire it every day. It looks good when it’s off during the day and even better when it’s glowing in the evening. It adds to the decor, ambiance and mood lighting for my hallway – a perfect choice!

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If you like gadgets then this next one is for you, a USB Clock Fan, also from Maplin. Who’d have thought but it is actually incredibly impressive. First off the chrome style finish gives it an edge over any white or cheap looking model. This is stylish and something I want to show off around my laptop. Secondly it works by USB which is amazing, don’t you hate endless products requiring batteries? Thirdly this actually works well in all aspects. The cord is bendy but stays put wherever you angle it to, the fan when on is effective, great for use in the warmer Summer months, to the point I’ve had to keep it switched off for now as it’s too damn chilly!

And the final feature of this fan is the clock which lights up when the blades go round. How cool does this look? Even my children were super impressed but I’ll be keeping this one for my laptop.

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

How to Catch a Star – 10th Anniversary Edition – Review & Win

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Fiona Martin

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How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers is a classic children’s picture book that tells the story of a young boy eager to catch a star from the sky.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the book a special set has been put together which we were lucky to receive including a hardback copy of the book, some glow in the dark ceiling stars and a star shaped usb stick. There were also lots of activity sheets which my children have been having lots of fun with. The special edition of the How to Catch a Star book includes a letter from the author and previously unpublished drawings. Aimed at ages 2 to 7 years, this is perfect for both my children to enjoy being aged 3 and 6.

How to Catch a Star follows a young boy who loves stars and spends many hours gazing up at them. It then shows the journey of his efforts to catch his own star and after various attempts he finally finds one. The book is simply yet beautifully illustrated with full colour pages that keep little ones entertained whilst listening to the story.

This has made the perfect bedtime reading for 3yr old Mister B as it’s a relaxing easy read that doesn’t bring too much excitement yet has a storyline that little one’s love. Mister B loved it when the boy went up in his rocket to search for a star.

The activity sheets proved a big hit with both my children, Mister B loving the mazes which he could sit and do with his finger. He loves following the lines around hitting a “dead end” before having to turn back and find an alternative path.

Miss M who loves her cutting and sticking was immediately attracted to the mobile to make. She sat carefully cutting out each shape before glueing them together with a piece of cotton inside. I then helped her to stick them to a cross that we made out of sturdy cardboard strips. She was so proud of her effort and wanted it hung in her bedroom so she could look at it whilst in bed.

Why not print the activity sheets for you little ones to do?

How to Catch a Star Activity Sheets

Released on 27th March 2014, How to Catch a Star is available from Amazon for £12.99.

How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers is a great book with a storyline that little ones love and I’m pleased to say I have a copy of the book to give away to one of my readers. If you’d like to win, just fill in the rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com

Christmas Activites for Children from Vertbaudet

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Fiona Martin

Children love to make things at Christmas time and Vertbaudet have come up with a lovely selection of things to keep them occupied on the run up to the big day!

Here’s a list of things you can make and do:

An Advent calendar
Paper garland
Paper pompoms
Letter to Santa
Colouring pictures
Christmas gift tags
Woollen pompoms
Paper stars

Most things are easy to make and all have easy to follow instructions, you’ll have most things at home already so why don’t you give something a try.

My 3yr old Mister B wanted to try some colouring sheets so we printed some off for him, while Miss M was keen to try the paper star. We followed the instructions and with a bit of help from mummy the star came together – she was so pleased and I love it too – it looked really effective hanging up by the tree. We are going to make some more this week to decorate around the house.

Lots of lovely ideas to try – why don’t you try something this weekend to keep the children occupied and add to the festive decorations in your house.