Terra Kids Range from Haba

Whatever you get up to these summer holidays I doubt it could possibly be as exciting as any of the adventures of George, Julian, Dick, Ann and, of course, Timmy the dog. Not a school holiday ever passed in which the Famous Five didn’t have a life risking, crime busting and incredibly dangerous escapade of some sort or another.

You might have thought their parents would have cottoned on to the propensity of their children for trouble and kept a closer eye on them but apparently not. Although treasure islands and mystery moors are definitely not places I’d recommend a group of children pop off to for a few days, there is something very appealing about the excitement of the Famous Fives adventures. The rural settings and beaches are great places for (more moderate) summer time adventures and of course some scrumptious picnics (with lashings of ginger beer). However, as any of the five would tell you , even the most intrepid young adventurer is nothing without their kit.

Our Terra Kids range has everything that could possibly be needed for a summer adventure: a wrist compass, flask, snap on case and a telescope. The most of impressive piece of kit though is the Camping Light. In the design of an old fashioned lamp, this light doesn’t require batteries or electricity as it is powered by a crank. Although the picture on the front shows two boys in some sort of rocky hollow in broad daylight, I think this light would be great for the night time during camping trips or even just as a night light in a bedroom. Not many night lights have an in built compass and alarm whistle!

For older children who want to create that authentic camp -the Haba bandit camp fire is a perfect solution. They can grill sausages or toast marshmallows and feel every bit one of the famous five!

My Little Sister's Top 5 Ptolemy Toys - Guest Blog

1: It’s not really a toy, but the Djeco pink parasol. Actually, it’s officially an umbrella but it’s so pretty and intricately made that it seems more fitting to call it a parasol. It reminds me of the little girl from The Sound of Music (Liesel? Greta?) who wanted a pink parasol for her seventh birthday. Watching it when I was about seven, I instantly wanted a pink parasol for MY birthday too. Pretty sure I didn’t know what a parasol was, I think the fact that it was pink was probably enough to draw me in. If your children aren’t as prissy and girly as I was, no worries, as these umbrellas also come in green!

2. Beechwood Hall. Otherwise known as the crème de la crème of accommodation available in Sylvania. I was so desperate for this when I was younger that I feel a bit weak with excitement. This one even has two working lights! That is amazing. I used to/still do love love love Sylvanian families. I think it’s great how they all look exactly the same as they did fifteen years ago. The koala family look very familiar; I think I ended up with two of them so I formulated some very modern family arrangement all eight of them living together in the cardboard box that I had to use in lieu of Beechwood Hall. I gave them all very specific personalities as well,. For no apparent reason the koala father definitely had the personality of Harold from Neighbours and the Otter family were the social rejects of the village. There are some new developments though, I’m pretty sure that the Meerkats weren’t around in the 90s…

3. Silke dolls. I think these are so lovely. They’re weirdly really life like. I think it’s because of their hair which is so soft and realistic, far nicer than anyone’s hair in real life actually.
I had to package one up earlier and felt like a murderer shutting the poor doll in a box. Hopefully she’ll arrive at her destination soon.

4. The Wingreen bunting. This isn’t just something I’m coveting, I actually have it! I asked for it for Christmas and it now decorates the walls of my bedroom at University. Bunting is definitely in at the moment, I’ve seen it used as decorations at loads of 21^st birthday parties.
This Wingreen kind is really sturdy…hopefully I’ll be able to use it for decoration at my 50^th

birthday! This isn’t the only thing in the shop that can be given as presents to older children and adults. I’ve definitely got my eye on the Darling Dynasty Travel Beauty Kit (hint hint)

5. Kathe Kruse cuddly toys. I love all of these, they’re all really soft and comforting. I think winner of the most soft has to go to the Night-time bunny though. He’s so sweet and cute and soft. Definite contender to become a baby’s comfort toy.

The Haba BBQ range

Hot days, warm evenings = Barbecue weather!!


We have to tell you all about the wonderful BBQ range from Haba - its good looking, easy to clean, brilliantly designed and offers so much more than just grilling!

We have been enjoying local organic BBQ's from Rachel's Farm Shop in Brackley for the last few days. Sausages, kebabs, steaks and on Sunday a roast chicken - cooked to perfection!

One of our favourite evenings was a delicious paella cooked in the pan/lid - ours was almost as delicious as the one in this picture!

We love the simplicity and beauty of the Haba Barbecue, the outer ring never gets hot - one of the design features to make it as family friendly as possible, so you can pick it up and move it if you need to.

In the evening when the temperature is falling we often add a few logs and move the BBQ to the middle of our group to act as a little extra warmth!

For the more adventurous cooks there is a fantastic range of accessories to add to the basic start up set. One we love is the Barbecue Wok (next on our wish list) - just imagine all those lovely Wagamama style recipes we will be able to sizzle up! The range also includes a smoker - so if you live by the sea and have a plentiful supply of delicious fresh fish then this will add a new dimension to your menus!

And this BBQ is also fun to use in the winter - cook a delicious

soup or stew in the pot or perhaps some mulled wine???

Almost makes you wish for winter!!