Rosie Corriette

Notes from a retired blogger

Tag: family

  • I Am Not A Polar Bear: The Ultimate Mum Squad

    I Am Not A Polar Bear: The Ultimate Mum Squad

    Single-Motherhood-Mum-Squad

    I remember watching the Attenborough wildlife programmes when I was a child and always feeling so sorry for the polar bear mothers: what a lonely existence, out in the frozen wilderness with only their cubs, a relentless task that focused only on survival, with little joy.

    Fast-forward to single motherhood and it’s not hard to see the metaphorical similarities, or so I thought. This week I’ve been ill – ill enough to not be lurking on social media but not so ill so as to seek refuge at the local A&E. Let’s not beat around the bush: being ill when you’ve got children sucks. Add being the only adult in the house and it sucks even more; believe it or not the school run cannot be postponed neither can meals, laundry or pretty much anything related to the business of mothering.

    Sometimes it’s ok to admit that you just can’t do everything – and this was one of those weeks. But the difference is that it still all got done and that’s thanks to my amazingly brilliant Mum Squad. Yes I can hear the collective eye rolling as you all sigh and say isn’t she too old for a squad? Next thing I’ll be dropping Bae into conversation (I can categorically assure you that the word Bae will never enter my vocabulary and if it does you have my permission to shoot me!). However I’m pretty sure that the likes of Swift, Jenner and Delavigne are not the first with their squads and have probably drawn inspiration from their mothers.

    From the school run being taken care of, to deliveries of chicken soup, a good old fashioned hug which should never be underestimated for it’s power, being ordered to consume a variety of citrus fruits, Whatsapp love in abundance and a sleepover for Boo at Grandmas’. From the school gang (how have we only been friends for a year?!), to close friends and of course my own dear Mama; this is my Mum Squad and I’m proud to say they made this week possible. Thank you.

    I’m fortunate. I’m blessed. I’m a mother who’s surrounded by other mothers who raise me, encourage me and support me and I them. Mothers helping mothers is as old as time yet in our crowded, demanding lives I am filled with love to say that I am not a polar bear. I am not alone.

  • Acting Your Shoe Size with Royal Caribbean

    Acting Your Shoe Size with Royal Caribbean

    Anyone who knows me knows that I laugh. A lot. Apart from when I’m crying about the cold – which reminds me it’s time to book our next adventure! But according to research carried out by Royal Caribbean it would appear that I’m in the minority as one in five adults laugh twice a day or less.

    I’ve been lucky enough to spend time aboard both the Oasis of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas and I’m pretty convinced that there’s no better place for adults to act their shoes size than on board one of Royal Caribbean’s amazing ships. From the minute you step onboard it’s as if all your adult worries simply disappear; from the most genuinely helpful crew members to THE comfiest bed you’ll ever sleep in, everything is about giving you the tools to have the best. holiday and make the most wonderful memories with your family – which after all is what holidays for me are all about. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet with Stuart Levin the Managing Director, UK and Ireland, Royal Caribbean and can vouch for him living his aim of ‘blowing the doors off sensible’ I defy anyone to step onboard one of their ships and not have a wow moment.

    Royal-Caribbean-Act-your-Shoe-Size
    Just a few playful moments from when we sailed with Royal Caribbean on Anthem of the Seas!

    As much as I’d like to spend all my time on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the reality is that midweek ‘eurgh’ can easily set in as a parent, and it’s easy to forget just how important play is and even more so when we take time out of day, get down to their level play with our children.

    I love how Royal Caribbean along with Playful Being have come up with a bunch of tips including putting your shoe size hat on: and saying a simple yes, rather than the ‘yes, but’ we are all too familiar with.

    Royal-Carribbean-Act-Your-Shoe-Size

    Life as adults can be a pretty serious affair but for me, one of the greatest joys of having Boo is the playfulness and being present in the moment; from blowing raspberries on her tummy to running round the house with colanders on our heads, every memory is a gift.

  • The Gruffalo Live

    The Gruffalo Live

    “A mouse took a stroll in a deep dark wood, a fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good…” I only need to say these words and Boo will scamper and fetch her beloved and somewhat tattered copy of The Gruffalo. Since it’s publication in 1999, The Gruffalo has become part of modern day childhood so what better treat to kick off the Christmas holidays than a trip to Vaudeville Theatre in London to watch The Gruffalo Live.

    Boo-at-The-Gruffalo-Live

    Boo didn’t need any persuading as we headed up on the train, she loves the Gruffalo and sat patiently waiting for the show to start as we chatted about her favourite part (apparently that’s not fair, and she loves it all!) The show was brilliant, with a great cast who managed to fit in a few jokes for the parents… All I say is Whack’im is the funniest snake you’ll ever meet.

    The-Gruffalo-Live-London

    The Gruffalo Live is like the book, it has something for everyone: from a 4 year old who knows it word for word and you can see the magic glisten in her eyes to parents who take pleasure in making such fun memories, thanks Gruffalo for a splendid end to what has been a fantastic 2015! Boo couldn’t agree more and what better way to celebrate than with a Shirley Temple at Byron after the show!

    Boo-at-Byron-Burger-And-Cocktail

    Disclosure: We received complementary tickets for the performance. All opinions are 100% honest.

  • The Toy Store UK: Redefining the Magic of Toys

    The Toy Store UK: Redefining the Magic of Toys

    A few weeks back before the Christmas rush began me and Boo were invited to a VIP tour of The Toy Store, London’s newest premier toy shop and a brand promising to change the way we buy toys.

    The Toy Store has long been a destination in Dubai and the middle east but their newly opened Oxford Street location is their first European store. Me and Boo headed to The Toy Store on a busy Saturday afternoon and were greeted by Paul, the General Manager who straight away kicked off our tour in the impressively pink Barbie section; Boo was mesmerized from the word go and it didn’t take me long to realise that The Toy Store’s ethos of it being a place to inspire play and fun really is reflected in everything and everyone you come across during your visit.

    The-Toy-Store-UK-Mummy-and-Boo

    As our tour continued Boo got the opportunity to play with a whole range of different toys from Bonnie and Pearl dolls to being the star racer and not forgetting meeting Mr Fun – who’s exclusive to The Toy Store and is real hit with the children, even if he does have trouble fitting on the escalator!

    Boo-loving-the-Bonnie-and-Pearl-Dolls

    Boo-owning-the-new-Anki-race-set-at-The-Toy-Store-UK

    Boo-and-general-manager-Paul-from-The-Toy-Store-UK-meeting-Mr-Fun

    Boo was very lucky and was allowed to pick some Lego out as a gift from The Toy Store, the beginning of a life long love affair with everyone’s favorite toy.

    Boo-loaded-up-with-Lego-at-The-Toy-Store-UK

    Shopping trips aren’t often that memorable for children and for a good reason (we place emphasis instead on experiences with family and friends rather than material things), but our visit to The Toy Store was so much more than ‘just shopping’’ Boo still chatters away about how much fun we had together that Saturday afternoon and she’s right – it’s a destination of fun not only for children but for the adults who are lucky enough to share the experience with them.

    Mummy-and-Boo-selfie-at-The-Toy-Store-UK

    Boo's-amazing-day-at-The-Toy-Store-UK

    Disclosure: We were gifted the toys during our shopping trip at The Toy Store. All opinions are 100% honest.

  • In The Night Garden Live 2015: O2 Review

    In The Night Garden Live 2015: O2 Review

    Two years ago today I took Boo to see in In The Night Garden Live for the first time as a ‘starting nursery’ treat; fast forward two years and we were invited back a few weeks ago for the opening day at London’s O2. Now I know at nearly four, Boo is towards the upper age of their target audience but I’m sure most of you will agree that In The Night Garden has become such an institution for many children that it still holds much magic for little ones, I know Boo was just as excited this time around.

    In The Night Garden Live takes place inside it’s own self contained showdome, so regardless of which venue you choose the experience will be the same – complete with baby changing facilities, buggy park and a friendly team on hand the showdome is truly family-friendly and the perfect introduction to live productions for little ones.

    There are two shows to choose from, with both lasting just under an hour, it’s perfectly set up for the under 5s. We watched the Pinky Ponk show which has Makka Pakka washing everyone’s faces, until his sponge gets stuck in Upsy Daisy’s megaphone – serious stuff if you’re three years old and a die hard fan!

    In The Night Garden Live discount code

    A real strong point for me is that you are welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks, as nobody can anticipate the NEED for black olives half-way through Makka Pakka washing Iggle Piggle’s face! Boo had a blast and even though we saw exactly the same performance two years ago, it’s as if it reached her on a whole new level – yet one thing did remain exactly the same… her nudging me with her hand as we heard the oh so familiar “The night is black and the stars are bright, and the sea is dark and deep…” it would seem that that Boo still believes the magic of In The Night Garden, long may it continue.

    You can find all the information you need on venues and dates for In The Night Garden Live 2015 at NightGardenLive.com.

    Disclosure: We received complimentary tickets for review. No payment was received and all opinions are 100% honest.