Beach Craft: How To Make A Shell Shaker

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We spend a lot of time on the beach at all times of the year, but especially during the warmer months of the year. And just like all children, The Boy likes to collect shells.

Lots of shells.

And it comes to a point when we have to start finding things to do with them.

So this weekend, we collected up shells with holes in them and we made a musical instrument with them!

How To Make A Shell Shaker

You'll need:

  • a 'Y' shaped stick
  • a variety of shells with holes in them (do try and collect different types so that you can discuss the names of them)
  • string
  • something to cut with
  1. Tie one end of the string to one of the 'Y' twigs. Wrap it around several times to make it stronger and also to hide the end of the string. Make a simple knot to fix it into place.
  2. Thread the shells onto the string, alternating the different types and the way that they are facing.
  3. Pull the string taut and wrap it around the other end of the 'Y', making a small knot to hold it in place. Wrap it around several times, tying it off tightly.
  4. Shake, shake, shake!

How To Make A Beach Shell Shaker

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Country Kids

Tuesday Tots


The Ultimate Summer Driving Playlist (Meme)

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As we drove along the M4 last Sunday, heading towards Westonbirt Arboretum for some tree-climbing and forest craft, the sun beat down from a clear, azure sky and there was a very strong desire to sing some 'old school' classics at the top of my voice.

And when I say 'old school', I am talking about cheese from the 1990s.

I fished out the Summer CD from the side pocket, the one I bought from Marks & Spencer when I worked there aged 19. It was the CD that was blasted forth from the swimwear section, and I may have done some sneaky skipping of tracks to avoid the Dire Straits numbers, but by and large it was a great compilation; full of sunshine, mellow base tracks, and laughter.

It reminds me of a Summer filled with balmy evenings spent with my mates in pub beer gardens, of long walks with my best friend to the nature reserve to sunbathe, of pizza in the park for my 19th birthday, of the carefree ways that young adults have when the world is their oyster and full of promise.

And so I have a selection of songs that for are my feel-good driving songs, and because it's Summer and everyone feels the same way, please excuse the naffness of these tracks!



And so it happened that on our return journey last Sunday, The Boy happened to ask for the 'only' song to be put on again. Exchanging a surprised, yet pleased look with my husband in the rear-view mirror, track 19 was played for him. Again and again. And once more for luck.

You can see the video of him singing it here.

For everyone else, this is it. Cheesey Chesney at his best (although I hadn't realised quite how cheesey the video was until now).

This post is one that I was going to write anyway because I do like a bit of 1990s' naffness, however I then discovered a competition from MoneySupermarket which asks bloggers to share their Ultimate Summer Driving Playlist. It's a fun idea with a serious message behind it, "THINK! research suggests that almost 20% of accidents on major roads are sleep or tiredness related. Long journeys on motorways can lead to a lack of concentration and, as well as other preventative measures, listening to songs you love can be a great way to stay alert and focused on the road."

Plus it's good fun!

And that's why I'd like you to share your songs with me. I've not taken part in a good old meme in ages, so I'm tagging the following to share their Summer songs with me:

Please don't wait to be tagged though, I'd love it if you'd join in and share your songs with me. And if you are quick and follow the link to the MoneySuperMarket competition, you could be in with a chance of receiving £20.



'Justin Fletcher: The Best Of Friends' CD (Review & Giveaway)

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Imagine the combination:

'Reach for the Stars' + 'Justin Fletcher' = ?

To me that equals one of the best things I've heard in an awfully long time!

There is something so intrinsically right about Justin Fletcher and the way he makes children and adults smile, that listening to his CDs has the same effect. And while the songs are certainly not the latest Goyte chart-topper, they do introduce children to a diverse range of different musical genres and classic songs in a non-patronising manner.

The Boy has passed the stage of listening to nursery rhymes and wants to listen to music, but finding suitable music is hard as so much of what is in the charts has unsuitable lyrics or themes for children. Justin Fletcher has taken a great selection of older and well-known songs and covered them in a child-friendly manner to suit the 21st century. The 'Best Of Friends' CD includes:

  • Rockin’ Robin
  • This Old Man (Nick Nack Paddywack)
  • Reach
  • We’re Off To See The Wizard
  • Zip A Dee Doo Dah (The Boy's favourite on the album, I keep hearing him singing it as he's playing)
  • Let’s Go Fly A Kite
  • If I Only Had A Brain

along with the title track ('Best of Friends') and many others.

Justin will ber performing the title track on his new Justin's House tour this Easter, and I'm very excited as we're going to be seeing this in Cardiff (thanks to securing tickets months ago!). I just know that The Boy is going to love it.

The 'Justin Fletcher: The Best Of Friends' CD is available to buy from Amazon, iTunes and all good retailers. For more information on the CD, please visit Justin's Facebook page.

However, I'm lucky enough to be able to offer a copy of this CD to one lucky reader. Please fill in the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was sent a copy of this CD for the purpose of this review. My opinions are honest and unbiased.

CBeebies CD (Review & Giveaway)

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During half-term I dropped The Boy off for his normal nursery session and drove away singing to the CD. It was half a mile before I realised I'd been singing the theme tune to Rastamouse. Hastily I turned on the radio trying to regain my credibility.

Earlier today I could hear The Boy singing in the living room, I listened carefully and could hear him beautifully singing the tune to Woolly and Tig, getting every word correct.

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'Hands Up' If You Love Justin!

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There is one man who is the king of children's television: Justin Fletcher is a genius.

I truly believe that every new parent should be given a voucher for an hour's entertainment, courtesy of Mr. Fletcher, upon the birth of each child. Just one hour to be used at a time that could be absolutely vital for the wellbeing of everyone in the house. Every television programme he creates is magical, and now he's turned his voice to a music CD, he's onto another winner!

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The Ultimate Christmas Song (Playlist)

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I haven't taken part in the Listography for far too long and I feel ashamed of abandoning one of my favourite linkies. A few weeks ago, Kate provided us with the theme of 'Top Five Christmas Songs', which I really wanted to do. And then life and other post commitments cropped up and yet again, I missed the flipping linky! At around the same time, @HimUpNorth tagged me in a meme called the 'Ultimate Christmas Song' Meme.

So I've decided to join the two together and give you my top Christmas songs and split them into categories: Carols, Classics, Children's Songs, Modern Classics and Personal Favourite. Bear with me, it's worth it!

Favourite Carol

When I was a young teenager, mum and I would go and see my (elder) sister perform in the schools' concert in St. David's Hall, Cardiff. If I remember correctly, it was a collection of brass bands, wind bands, youth orchestras, choirs, jazz ensembles, etc. and it was one of the things the signalled Christmas to me. My sister played the clarinet and so was in the windband. I always used to feel an enormous sense of pride and love watching her playing on the stage, when she left the group (with age), mum and I continued to go for a few years until I moved away. This was one of the carols that would be sung by the choir but that the audience were asked to join in with, and mum and I used to love belting this one out. One year my best mate sang in our school choir and was one of the lead vocalists for the twiddly bits (technical term? harmony?) that they sing in the final verse. It sounded magnificent! Every time I think of this song, I'm transported instantly back there.

Christmas Classic

It's got to be this one hasn't it? Everyone knows the words and no-one sings it better than Bing.

Children's Christmas Song

This one gets me every Christmas in school! I love listening to the younger children singing it so earnestly, their little voices straining to reach the high notes, and every time I get a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. I can't wait to hear The Boy sing this in his own nativity in the future. (No idea which school this video is of, only one I could find!)

Modern Classics

It's not Christmas without hearing Mariah belting this out at least eleventy billion times in the shops, pubs, restaurants, car stereos and music channels. And, depending upon where I am, I either join in in my head or out loud. It also reminds me of 'Love, Actually' which is my favourite Christmas film. However, I have banned Mr. TheBoyandMe from singing it, it's a girls' song!

Personal Favourite


'nuff said.

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And now I need to pass the baton on of naming your Ultimate Christmas Song (just the one, unlike you're like me and can't settle on just one) and I tag:

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