Hartley's Crocodile Park

Crocodiles of all shapes and sizes were lurking in the water between the reeds and hiding in shadows as we ate a delicious lunch of fresh seafood and 'dinosaur' burgers which in actual fact were crocodile burgers...

Where were we you ask? Hartley's Crocodile Adventures in Stunning Port Douglas in Top North Queensland. In the last few days of our most recent trip to Queensland we took Amelie to experience crocodiles, snakes and other less dangerous Australian wildlife. I must say she was fearless. Running to be the first of the line to pet the giant snakes and spending almost an hour with the baby crocodiles.

She referred to the kangaroos as her friends and insisted on returning to them. I feel so blessed that I was lucky enough to be taken there on an adventure with my parents. She was really able to get up close and personal with the animals. She could see what they felt like, how they reacted to her and how they live in their natural environments. It is so much more of a learning experience than going to the zoo. Getting to see the crocodiles leap out of the water, nestling her head in to the soft fur of a kangaroo, running her hands over the scaly slithery skin of a giant snake all the while listening to the calls of native Australian birds and breathing in the fresh smell of Eucalyptus from the Gum trees in the surrounding rainforest. What a way to stimulate the senses and get in touch with nature.

I honestly give this place a 10 out of 10. (This has never happend before on this blog!)

The food in Lillies restaurant on site was excellent. There were ample highchairs for the little ones. We were able to hire a good quality stroller for the day for only €5 which could be picked up and dropped of at the entrance and exit so was no hassle whatsoever.  The changing facilities were also immaculate. The staff really made the day.

We love the commitment Hartley's have to the environment, they are a conservation park who are committed to conserving crocodile populations in Australia, they re-vegetate and work in harmony with the World Heritage forest that borders the park. They provide a natural sanctuary for many of Australia's rarer flora and fauna species. Hartleys are accredited for providing Eco Tourism and we just love that!

From the second we arrived and purchased our tickets we felt so welcome. We were greeted by smiling staff and that is all we saw all day. The people that work here obviously love their jobs. In particular we loved Wade the park ranger who was working on our boat tour. He had kids himself and was really having the craic with the small children on our tour. This is really a great action packed day for the whole family but also set in such a relaxing and stunning part of Australia that it is easy to find time to relax in between all of the animal encounters.

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is located just off the Captain Cook Highway at Wangetti. You can enjoy a spectacular scenic drive between Cairns and Port Douglas, 40 minutes north of Cairns and 20 minutes south of Port Douglas. If you are visiting Top North Queensland this place is a must!

Love the Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting Babies

xxx

Halloween!

There are so many things to be excited about for Halloween this year. For the first time we decorated our house and Amelie was delighted informing our neighbour not to be scared and the giant spider on our door was 'only p'tend.'

She will have a fancy dress party in creche and we will also go trick or treating for the first time. In Australia Halloween is not a big holiday so this year I am looking forward to getting involved in the Irish hype of it all... Amelie has a big box of fancy dress clothes so it will be interesting to see what she actually dresses up as, so far she is insisting on being a bumble bee... cute!

On the 28th we will head out to Kilruddery House in Wicklow for a great day of pumpkin carving, scarecrow making and Halloween fun. Pop over to their web-site if you are interested.

On the 26th I will go with the girls from college to see 'Jason and the Argonauts' in the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire and again we will dress in fancy dress and really enjoy the Halloween spirit.

On the 31st pop on over to the Promenade Cafe between 6pm and 8pm for FREE Halloween Portrait Shoot & FREE High Resolution Image from BosPhotography.


Hoping this post give you some ideas of fun events to get along to this Halloween.

More posts to come soon.

Love the Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting Babies

xxx

Welcome back Oliveto

Have you poked your head in the doors of The Kingston Hotel lately? What a surprise. Oliveto is back, they have been serving up exquisite authentic Italian cuisine since before Christmas. We can finally get the famous wood over pizzas again too. The Tagliarie Board is great for sharing and a good opportunity for the kids to try some different foods. I love the new Frito Misto and my personal favourites are the Risi e Bisi or the Ossobuco for mains. There are children's options on the menu too if they are not that adventurous. The most difficult thing is to decide what to have for dessert they are all stunning.



Oliveto is filled with families over the weekend days, they just can’t keep them out it is spacious and welcoming. Oliveto is not only 'family friendly' but it is 'parent friendly' too. If you fancy a little quiet time on the rare occasions you can leave your little ones, pop over to their Library Bar. This ‘adult space’ provides a quiet, fresh space with an open fire and again that breath taking view. The staff serve up lovely coffee or you could try one of the cocktails from their newly launched Martini’s list. Whatever you order it is the place to go in Dun Laoghaire to have a chat with the girls or read a book without being interrupted by your own (or anyone else’s screaming children) it really is pure genius.

What a location. It is the only place in Dun Laoghaire that you can sit, eat, drink and take in the breath-taking views that are Dublin Bay. The renovations continue however the restaurant is looking amazing and the food and ambiance will keep you coming back time and time again.

Hope to see you there,

Love the Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting Babies

Childrens Menu - Y
Baby Changing - Y
High Chairs - Y
Childrens Activities - Y (Colouring)

Family Friendly Travel Agent in Dublin

Ok so flights are booked and we are on our way to Australia! Ok well not straight away we are off in August for a month of family and friends and taking in the beautiful country that is Australia. We will work our way across the country starting in Adelaide my hometown and ending up in Cairns in top north Queensland for a bit of rest and relaxation, sunshine and adventures with my parents.

A big shout out and thank you to Monica in Abbey Travel on Abbey Street Dublin…  She took care of us the last time we flew to Australia and worked her magic again busting quotes I had received from other travel agents, booking the flights and putting a big smile on my face all within the space of half an hour.

If you are looking at booking any long haul flights pay these ladiesa visit. We highly recommend them as a Travel Agent that is family friendly, knows what is important when travelling with small children, like leaving around ‘bed time’ good stop over times, isle seats and  heaps more. They are experts on Australia, New Zealand, South America and Asia but also book great European deals including to Disney Land, Paris. Find them on Facebook.

I took Amelie with me today and she adored the little teddies and toys hanging around Monica’s desk and was taken by surprise when she wandered off only to find on her return a giant Teddy had taken her chair… so cute.

Loads more ‘Australia here we come’ blogs to follow,

Love and Smiles

Angi x

Slurp it... new review for the Giddy Goose

The Giddy Goose Cafe was the first review we ever posted back in January '11, having recently read the review I have realised as our blog is not the only thing to have grown. The Giddy Goose was relatively new itself back then and it really seems to have completely found its feet this last few months. So here is a new review, a little more up to date and fitting to the Giddy Goose today...

This week the Giddy Goose is participating in Soup for Life - National Soup Week.

Soup for Life is a fun and positive campaign which urges everyone to sip some soup!
For every bowl of soup sold in the Giddy Goose this week, a donation of €1 will be made to Gorta

Donations will help the poorest families in Uganda secure a better future. The money raised will provide seeds, tools, livestock and training on nutrition and food security.

Good on ya Giddy Goose and I urge everyone to get down and support this campaign. Now for our review...


THE GIDDY GOOSE CAFÉ

A :     138-139 Lower Georges Street
          Dun Laoghaire

T :    (01) 2148634

The Giddy Goose... we go back to again and again, baby friendly you ask? Well Yes! How friendly you ask, well honestly you can't get much better. The staff are brilliant and the service is really fresh and friendly, there is always a helping hand with your buggie or baby. The coffee is consistently good (it is what has always kept me returning to the GG.) There are a couple of high chairs for the littlest ones and for slightly older kids with better dexterity and larger appetites the Giddy Goose has all sorts of treats from colouring pencils and toys for entertainment to delicious kids options on the menu. They even sell babychinos to complete the cafe experience for the youngsters. Ame loves the ginger bread men, pretty much for the tiny chocolate buttons. Beware it can get super busy on the weekends so it makes a little squishy for too many buggies! I can't say much about the food as I always order the same thing, very tasty eggs Florentine with a side of sauteed mushrooms and a sausage to share with Ame. The pastries are fresh daily and there are always very tasty homemade cakes in the counter. Overall we go back again and again because it is a lovely little place with a lot of character and a nice buzz to it for Yummy Mummy and Jetsetting Baby alike.

High chairs Y – 2

Baby Changing Y

Children’s Menu Y

Children’s Activities Y

Colouring, Puzzles, Blocks

Love Angi x

Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival

Walking down to the People’s Park last weekend, I noticed a bit of construction and I was reminded that I need to do this blog. I was so upset to hear that the Christmas Markets in The Dublin Docklands was cancelled this year but that disappointment was quickly replaced when I realised that Dun Laoghaire was going to be transformed into a winter wonderland full of fun and excitement this Christmas.

Kicking off on the10th December Santa will arrive by Harley Davidson’s and the first ever Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival will begin with a fire works display. The construction I referred to is that of an Ice Rink, yes that is right our very own Ice Rink! There will be German styled Christmas markets, Children’s Entertainers, Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Train, and even a live nativity.

I am really excited that the Christmas fun is coming to me this year and I will not have to venture far from home to experience some Christmas magic. I have been thinking about how lucky I am to live in such a great little community and I am going to do my best to keep my Christmas shopping local and support local businesses, many of which have closed down or seem to be struggling. I really do love Dun Laoghaire and I am so impressed that the council are providing such a great event for us this festive season.

For more information pop over to http://www.dlrevents.ie/

I hope to see you there, gammy Christmas jumpers and all.

 

Happy Festive Season Everyone

xxx

P.S.  I recently did a 'Mama Loves' post on this years Christmas decorating... enjoy x

 

Get those bubbas and toddlers outdoors... Rainbusters are a must!

What gorgeous weather we have had this weekend. I am so pleased. It has just been lovely, cold but dry and sunny so we can’t ask for much better for this time of year. The recent rain and the thought of a dreary, rainy and long winter has brought me to this post.

I recently attended a Siolta Seminar on connecting young children to the outdoors, one of the biggest issues that arose at the seminar and one of the biggest issues I have noticed in the childcare industry is the fear parents have of exposing their children to the elements and the lack of suitable wet weather gear available at affordable prices. So to cut a long story short this post is a huge plug for Rain Busters…

I do not know how parents in Ireland survive without these for their children. Amelie wears hers most days and can go anywhere in any weather. She loves them and even putting them on she knows that she is in for an adventure. They came recommended by a friend of mine and since I got Ammies I have never looked back. I will be dressing her in rain busters for years to come; there is no question in my mind. 

Pop over to their lovely website and online shop at http://www.rainbusters.ie/

 Amelie and her mate Hugo at the beach in their rainbusters!

This is the set we have for Amelie: fleeced lined, cosy, keeps her dry and the pattern is just adorable little skulls with pink bows, I love it :)

Children have an internal and natural desire to explore the outdoors. It is so important that they are given the chance to get out in the air, the dirt, the sand, the grass, the forest, the beach, the hills, the ditches, the puddles and the mud to experience what the world has to offer. From the smallest children who are learning through their senses the outside world offers endless sensory experiences that don’t cost a thing, to older children who need space, and lots of it to be free to run, skip, jump, zigzag, climb, dig, crawl and roll the outdoors is so important.

There is alarming evidence out there that shows that children of today are being raised indoors and not getting enough outdoor time. I have read articles that say infants and toddlers should spend a minimum of 90 minutes outside a day to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders. Studies also show that a connection to the outdoor world can increase healing times of sick children and reduce the symptoms of attention deficit disorder in children under five years old. Children who spend more time outside also have higher vitamin D levels which is important for healthy bone development. I do not know who this makes you all feel but for me personally as someone who was raised in the back garden, ours or Grandma’s or at the beach most days I get restless with Amelie inside too long. Rainbusters have been a life saver for me and I have so much fun putting on the willies/gum boots, stomping in puddles and running through mud with my daughter. It makes me feel so young and free and Amelie is such a little adventurer, she loves the wet and mud and isn’t afraid of the world. This makes me a very happy Mumma.

Have a great week, I hope you get loads of time to be outdoors :)

Angi x

Win VIP tickets to the Dublin Bay Taste and Music Festival.

Win VIP tickets to the Dublin Bay Taste and Music Festival.

Simply follow our blog or 'like' our  face book page and leave us a comment with your favourite food, too easy!

My favourite food is my Uncle Dale’s Blueberry Muffins; he even gave me his secret recipe so I can make them here in Ireland too. Yum!

We have 12 passes and 6 lucky winners will win 2 tickets each!

The Dublin Bay Taste and Music Festival will be held in the People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire from the 25^th to the 28^th August from 12noon to 10pm daily, with food, music , fashion and family fun.

The line-up of Chefs is nothing short of dazzling and has my taste buds dancing already! Amongst the list are chefs from Dalkey’s Guinea Pig restaurant and Dun Laoghaire’s Alexis restaurant both of which are personal favourites. Celebrity Chef's will be giving demonstrations and holding workshops throughout the weekend.

Saturday the 27^th of August is when you want to look your best as there will be Taste Fest undercover judges searching for the best dressed. Hmm what to wear?

Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th of August from 12noon to 4pm will be family fun days at the festival. There will be tasty menu items prepared just for them, face painting, bubble blowing and Coca-Cola sports stacking performances.  The first 50 children through the gates will receive a special festival goodie bag.

All weekend there will be some brilliant musical performances so be sure to check out the schedule for the line up so you don’t miss a thing. I am most looking forward to the blues rock and soul of Grainne Duffy which promises ‘to leave festival goers begging for more.’

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.tasteandmusic.com

Don't forget to enter our competition We have 12 passes and 6 lucky winners will win 2 tickets each!

Simply follow our blog or 'like' our  face book page and leave us a comment with your favourite food, too easy!

The VIP winners will be picked on Wednesday 23nd August, plenty of time to plan your festival outfit.

Love the Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting Babies

xxx

Airfield Farm Dundrum, Take 2

Amelie and her little mate Hugo and the Mummies had a fabulous day out at Airfield Farm in Dundrum. I have blogged about the farm before but thought I would do another in case anyone missed it. Airfield Farm is an amazing day out for children of all ages. The spring and summer is the best time to go as the baby animals are being born. We saw new born piglets and calves yesterday.  In my opinion it is the best value for money activity to do with your babies and children in Dublin, Adults are €6, children €3 and babies are free.  Hugo pointing at the cows and saying bot-bot was just brilliant it is so important that these little guys understand that chickens lay the eggs and that milk comes from cows and goats. 

We packed a picnic and spread out a rug in the magical gardens under the shade of some very hugs and old trees. You really forget that you are two minutes from Dundrum shopping Centre and a half hour from home; it is so relaxing and earthy that you never want to leave!

The trees themselves provided about an hour’s entertainment for the kids, climbing, sliding and hiding abound the huge roots that protrude from the ground. We spent a good bit of time searching for Koalas in the giant Eucalypt trees that made me super home sick and smelt beautiful. We collected a huge pile of leaves from the old gum tree and Amelie has had some fun creating masterpieces with nature and re-used materials. 

Amelie and Hugo found some little mud puddles, and we though, what’s the harm? Well it seems the harm is that some of these mud puddles were shin deep and both babies ended up covered in mud from head to toe, but their giggles and smiles were worth it. As I always say a messy baby is a baby who has had a lot of fun!

At the farm in the old farm house/mansion there is a lovely café, called Overends. We posted a review on Overends a while back so pop over and have a read. As we took a picnic this time we didn’t eat here but a take away latte really hit the spot. 

On the last Saturday of every month the Vintage and Craft markets is held at Airfield. Admission to the market is free but we suggest you do what we did yesterday… completely tire the babies out so they have a nap in the buggies then you are free to have a browse of the markets. There are some lovely stalls at the market. My favourites; Jewellery by Emma she does some stunning sliver work with that hammered effect, it’s my favourite (Dal if you are reading hint hint) and Our Little BowTique, they have some of the most unique and oh so pretty baby bows and boutique clothing.

 The Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting Babies

xxx

Review # 18 The Leopardstown Inn

A: The Leopardstown Inn , Brewery Road, Stillorgan Co Dublin

T: 01 288 9189

E: info@leopardstowninn.ie

W: www.leopardstowninn.ie

The Leopardstown Inn is located on Brewery Road, Stillorgan and is a vibrant fun venue which incorporates a lounge bar where you can order from the great bar menu or tuck in to the delicious carvery and Greens Restaurant on the second floor serving a full al a carte menu, if you happen to leave the kids at home the revolving cocktail bar is definitely a must.

The carvery is great and it is impossible to leave hungry, I asked for a small serve and my plate was overflowing, I had Lasagna and He had the Roast Beef we both had a little of all the vegetables on offer and were very satisfied. Amelie wasn't with us on this occasion but we will be returning with her she would have loved sharing our carvery.

What really caught my eye was the children's menu, Sausages, Chicken, or Burgers 'n' Chips... served get this inside a toy car.. yes that is right an 'Auto Classic Cruiser'. I thought that it was a fun and unique way to serve up a children's meal and keep them interested while you are out and about for lunch or dinner. The decor is very kitsch, vibrant and fun I just know Amelie would have been wide eyed and highly impressed.

 There are clean and adequate changing rooms, plenty of room to park your buggies and very friendly and outgoing staff. This is a great place for a family lunch or dinner and would be ideal for large family functions and special occasions.

High chairs - Y

Baby Changing - Y

Children’s Menu - Y

Kids Activities - Y

Read other reviews by the Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting babies by visiting our Review Page, or if you wish to contribute a review visit our Contribution Page for more information.

Have a lovely weekend

Love the Yummy Mummies and The Jetsetting Babies

xxx

Review #14 - Suzy Wongs House of Yum, Nashville Tennessee

Well we are very excited to share with you this weeks review. The first one to be contributed to the Jetsetting Babies blog from one of our followers. We would like to say how we excited we are to bring you a review from Nashville Tennessee and remind all our readers if you would like to share one of your favourite places with us here at Jetsetting Babies we would love to hear from you, just pop on over to our Contribute Page and get all the information that you need. 

Suzy Wong's House of Yum

A: 1517A Church Street, Nashville, Tennessee, USA 37203

P: (615) 329-2913

W: http://www.suzywongsnashville.com/

E: info@suzywongsnashville.com

Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs 5pm - 11pm | Fri-Sat 5pm - 4am

Thankyou to our Yummy Mummy Liz and her Jetsetting Babies Emma and Lilly. Liz contributed the information for this weeks review all the way from Nashville Tennessee. Welcome to the Jetsetting Babies and we hope to hear more reviews from you.

Liz also has a blog why not pop over and check it out she has so many great recipes I can't wait to try some...

http://myfamilykitchen.wordpress.com/

Suzy Wongs House of Yum is located in the heart of the trendy alternative nightclub scene in Nashville Tennessee and is one of many chic and fashionable restaurants created and owned by chef and restaurateur Arnold Myint. The menu looks delish with a good variety of Suhsi, vegetarian and meat dishes some quite authentic others a little more western infused.

The food was rated at 7 out of 10 and Liz says "the food was above average... Lilly thoroughly enjoyed my tempura fried mushrooms and house salad." Service was rated a 6 out of 10 and it seems that while this is a fabulous restaurant with great food and is certainly a fashionable hang out spot it doesn't really cater for Mummies and their babies, here is was Liz had to say...

I managed to find the last parking space directly behind the building which is seated in a fairly industrial area of Nashville. Much to my chagrin, the back door was locked. So I trudged around the entire block to get the front of the building toting my one year old, 25lb child in my left arm, diaper bag, purse and two and a half year old’s hand in my right.  I managed to make it to the door without dropping anything, or anyone, and saw Jaime through the window. My first indication that this establishment was not particularly child friendly was when I noticed it was situated between two nightclubs. I was then told they did not have any kid’s cups or a kid’s menu and Emma was brought a sprite in a 7 inch tall glass with a straw.  I was a smart mom and brought along things for Emma to eat just in case. Lily, on the other hand, thoroughly enjoyed my tempera fried mushrooms and house salad. Not only were the bathroom facilities not kid or baby friendly, they were just plain guest unfriendly. One toilet for a place that is open until 4:00am? I don’t get it. The food was above average, the decor exuberant, the bar was enticing and I’m sure the patio was lovely. Unbelievably, there were a great deal of young parents with small children at the early hour. If Suzy Wong’s made an effort, it could capture a market to which they seem to peer down their 20-something year old noses.

Baby Changing - N

Highchairs - Y

Kids Menu - N

Children's Activities - N

(But Liz claims "a jar of apple sauce and four pairs of chopsticks cut in half can be wildly entertaining to a two year old.") Love it!!!

Love the Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting Babies

xxx

Imaginosity Children's Museum

Hi Everyone,

Firstly we would like to extend our thanks to all the mothers out there that recommended we visit Imaginosity Children's Museum with our families. We had some very fun days out there and now we want to pass it on to mothers everywhere! While the weather has been lovely lately and we have been spending most of our time out doors, this is Dublin and we all know we need something up our sleeve for those rainy days. I know where I will be the next time it clouds over and Amelie is dying to get out of the house. I really find Amelie is so much happier and most importantly sleeps so much better if she has been out and about running around and getting exhausted. Imaginosty is ideal for this full of activities and fun for children of all ages.

Imaginosity is a wonderful, non-for-profit children's 'creative space.' The museum, or more appropriately called Imaginosity is set over three floors and incorporates so many different aspects of life in to one big play area for children to get creative, use their imaginations and learn. There are so many different real life sets, complete with dress ups and props that it has almost to be seen to be believed. A supermarket, diner, building site, movie set, dolls house city and even a doctors surgery are amongst the different areas for the children to explore.

The cafe/restaurant attached is a great escape for parents to grab a quick coffee or snack while the children play. If you can eat before you go as the food was the only let down of the day. While the portions were large the food did not seem as fresh as it could be and I found my roast vegetable pannini very oily. While the portions were huge we were not overly impressed. The cakes and buns looked great though and there coffee was grand.




Imaginosity can suit babies, toddlers and children of all ages. I think my husband and I were having just as much fun as Amelie. I have been told that it can get very busy. We went mid week and while there were 80 school children booked in and tearing around while we were there the place is plenty big enough to cope with such large numbers. Tara visited with Andrew and Dylan on a Sunday afternoon and found it a really quiet time to pop in. On each floor there is a designated baby and toddler area for small children under the ages of two which the older children are not allowed to go. Amelie marvelled at the live fish swimming before her eyes, enjoyed planting vegetables in the garden and picking apples from the fruit tree. She also loved cooking up a storm in the kitchen area of one of baby and toddler areas. Tara said Dylan's favourite was the building site and he just loved playing with the bricks.

For more ideas and a listing of up and coming events for familes visit our Events Page

Visit the webiste for bookings and more information www.imaginosity.ie

Here are some phot's of us and the babies having a great  time on our visitis to imaginosity...

Mad Hatter's Tea Party and a fun filled Easter weekend!

Hello Everyone,

The weekend is here and what stunning weather we have had, here's to hoping it last the Easter weekend and we can all soak up a little but of sunshine before it is over. Tara was just texting me asking me for ideas on what to do over the weekend. We have planned on getting the families together for a picnic and Easter egg hunt on Saturday I am really excited about that it is rare enough we can get the husbands and babies and ourselves all in the same place. I had a peak at our events page and was reminded that this Sunday is the Mad Hatters Tea Party in Mount Merrion.

This will be my first Mad Hatter's Tea Party. I have not been to one before but have always had a blast at event put on by the Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council. Amongst others I have attended the Teddy Bears Picnic and Kick Start are stand out fav's!

It seems that in Deer Park on Easter Sunday there will be a rabbit, not the Easter bunny but in fact the white rabbit that showed Alice the way to wonderland. The park will come alive with characters from the magical story we all know so well. There will be make and do activities for the little ones, a 'Hat Walk' and storytelling too. If the weather holds out you know where Amelie and I will be this Sunday.

So dig out your craziest, zaniest, silliest hats and those Alice in Wonderland costumes and make your way to Deer Park the Easter Sunday. The Mad Hatter Tea Party is a free event running from 1pm to 5pm at Deer Park, Mount Merrion. The website promises a load of fun so pop over if you would like more information www.dlrevents.ie Oh and please don't forget the sun cream for you and your babies.

Love the Yummy Mummies and The Jetsetting Babies

xxx

A fabulous weekend at Peas and Pods

Last week I posted about Peas and Pods Market in the Dublin Food Co-op. It was my first time going to the market but I can say that I will be back the next time, no questions asked.

What a totally brilliant day, I do not even know where to being maybe by recounting the chilled and relaxed atmosphere that oozed from the markets the moment we walked in. I went in with a friend and her son and we really had no idea what to expect.  The market is located in the Dublin Food Co-op which in itself was a wonderful experience, Katie and I picked up some tasty organic food for ourselves and the babies and we were both really impressed at how reasonable the prices were, they beat Tesco any day!

I was blown away by the market stalls belonging to different mothers with different ideas from eco-friendly baby products and birthday decorations to hand made booties, shoes and clothing. It was quite inspiring to see so many mothers with their own businesses managing to be successful and do such a wonderful job at parenting.

There were so many activities for toddlers and children. Amelie and her friend Hugo began with a sing-a-long lead by the gospel choir all of the favourites, twinkle twinkle, row row row your boat and some new ones too, the choir were singing in aid of Bernardos and it was great to see the little ones having such a great time and supporting a well-deserved charity at the same time.

After a lunch break and some delicious pizza’s Amelie had a try at getting her face painted, after just a minute she was squirming away so I gave up and took her to an activity she would enjoy a little more. A baby dance and music class where she got to have another dance and make a lot of noise with different instruments.  

Baby Wearing Ireland were in attendance with a wide selection of slings to try or buy, I did spend a lot of time at their stall but it is a great reason to go to the next Peas and Pods Market. The next Peas and Pods Market will be held in the Dublin Food Co-op on the 3^rd of April. If you are looking for a really great day out, a chance to meet  some new people, eat some good food and have fun with your babies and toddlers!

Amelies face was painted by Elder Trindade, he was wonderful with the children on various ages and the face painting was brilliant, I got chatting to him and guess what he is on blogspot too so if you are looking for something different for your next party check him out!

www.eldertrindade arts.blogspot.com

 

Crafted Creatures Family Weekends

Spring is here and summer is on it’s way! There are so many events on that are family friendly we don’t want to miss a thing. We have put together an events listing for the coming months and as each event approaches you will be kept up to date of the details. We are going to  make the most of this year with our little ones, share special moments with them and enjoy every moment of being a mother and a family, we really are so lucky!

Amelie enjoying the first flowers beginning to appear this Spring

Yesterday I mentioned the Peas and Pods market that is happening this Sunday in the Dublin Food Co-op. If you are looking for something to do with your children over the next few weekends get inspired by 2011 being the Year of Craft and check out the '
Crafted Creatures Family Weekends' running until the 27th March 2011. The exhibition runs on weekends from 12-5pm. I think Amelie will be a little small for this one but I can not wait till she is old enough, we might go anyway to get some inspiration for craft projects, yay!. Check out the website for more information and let us know what you think.

‘Children and families can explore a captivating world of crafted soft toys, pets, insects, underwater creatures and mythical beasts, while activity sheets help reveal the secrets used to bring materials like clay, wool and willow to life as wonderful pieces of art. The Crafted Creatures exhibition is curated by Brian Kennedy and features work by 28 contemporary craftspeople.’ – www.ark.ie

The Ark Cultural Center

11a Eustace St., Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
Tel: +353 (0)1 6707788

Travel Tip #3

Today we have our third travel tip that might help you if you are travelling solo with a small baby. So far we have talked about having a great sling or baby carrier, how convenient a portable fabric high chair can be and today we will cover a great (big) baby bag. The bag that I chose to take with me to Australia worked out very well. The only downfall I found was that it was too large to really use again on a daily basis, though it has proved very handy for overnight or weekend trips as I can fit all of Amelie's stuff in it. Essentially a long haul flight to Australia and 30hrs in transit is just like a night away, if you look at it like that it is easy to stay calm and relaxed and even enjoy the journey. There are a lot of different baby bags on the market and different bags that might suit you. Make sure you are totally happy with the bag you chose to take away, if you have any doubts it probably isn't right for you.

Baby Moov Changing Bag

What is it:
The Baby Moov changing bag is a large Nappy Bag with buckles designed to be used with only one had. It has so many features, two different transparent bags, a removable changing mat, a cooler bag, a dummy cover, document holder and a fleece blanket.

 Why you need it:

The Baby Moov had everything I needed to go to Australia and was the perfect size small enough for carry on luggage but large enough to fit everything that I needed. The document holder was perfect for passports, visa's and health records. The two transparent bags were ideal, I used one to take some of Amelie's snacks in, the other I used for the liquids I needed for myself, a small moisteriser, sanitiser, and a little makeup. The cooler bag was perfect for bottles (though I was still breastfeeding) and the frozen baby food I took to last the trip.

The removable changing bag was perfect, I was able to reach up into the overhead locker, unclasp the changing mat that holds all you need for a short outing with your baby (nappies, wipes, Vaseline and a clean vest and baby grow) with one hand and pop down to the bathrooms to change Amelie. I also was able to take this with me on day trips in my hand bag during my holiday.

To be honest I did not take the blanket with me I didn't find it very soft or cozy for Amelie and opted to take the blankets out of her cot. Overall though I found this bag to be perfect for my holiday. I have loaned it to a friend of a friend now to take on another long haul flight so I look forward to hearing her feedback, which of course I will share with you.

Oh and lastly there is this great zip that runs around the base of the bag revelling a pocket that is just perfect for filling with enough nappies tp last any length trip no matter the delays that might crop up along the way.

Where you can get it:

I purchased my baby moov changing bag from Euro Baby on the second floor of Euro Cycles in Dublin, you can find them at the address below. They also stock quite a good selection of buggies, toys, childrens bikes and trikes and other baby accessories.

Eurocycles
57 South William Street,
Dublin 2, Co. Dublin

 or pick it up online at
http://www.babymoov.eu