Ravensburger 3D Puzzle

We love jigsaws at our house.

I was delighted to be sent one of Ravensburger's new 3D puzzles, featuring iconic landmarks, to see if it presented a new dimension of challenge.

The following video follows the progress from box opening to completion (edited of course!) of our Big Ben 3D puzzle.

The puzzle was certainly well made. The pieces slotted together securely to create a sturdy construction so there was never any danger of collapse and the inevitable frustration that would have caused. The numbered pieces did make the puzzle a lot easier than you might expect from a first glance.

The finished tower now stands on our sideboard.  In my opinion, it isn't quite attractive or substantial enough to display there long term but because of how well it all slotted together, deconstruction would be much more of a mission than with a traditional jigsaw.

We have had one idea about fashioning a Slytheen space craft and crashing into it Dr Who style.

Most likely scenario is that I'll get fed up of knocking it over when I dust and put it back in the box myself to enjoy building again another day!

Boomerein

Now that the weather is improving, I have visions of going on lots of walks with my little ones. Dylan loves to get out of the pushchair and onto his own two feet but it can be a bit of nightmare trying to keep him under my control, especially with 4 year old Addy to contend with at the same time. I was intrigued by the hands-free toddler harness from KoolKangaroos.com -  the Boomerein - and thought it could be the perfect solution to keeping my toddler safe.

This hard hitting video brought to you by Kool Kangaroos Boomerein highlights the risk to toddlers and the importance of toddler safety.

I was sent a Boomerein to try out with my boy Dylan.

I was impressed with the quality of the product and the elastic straps that made for a comfortable fit when correctly adjusted. The following video shows how we got on with the hands-free system when we took Dylan for a short walk to our local cardboard recycling bank.

The system was very easy to use and very effective. Dylan loved the freedom to run along under his own steam and I was confident that he was completely safe at all times.

As we were making the video, we attracted the attention of passers-by who expressed their approval of the Boomerein.

My only criticism would be that the stripy design of the straps was a bit reminiscent of old man's pyjamas! I would love to see the Boomerein available in a range of funky designs to suit all tastes.

The 'old man's pyjamas' look will NOT stop me from using this excellent product.

(A percentage from sales of the Boomerein will be donated to the following charities: Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Cancer Research and Help for Heroes.)

A Lovely Surprise

I had a lovely surprise today.

I was quickly checking my twitter account after a day spent away from the computer, knitting with my mum, when I saw the following messages:

Congratulations to @PaulaHaylock who has won our best video review of the year! http://ow.ly/80b9E (1st post by Chris Boxall) Charming!


Well done @PaulaHaylock you've won £50 worth of Orchard Toys products for your What a Performance! video review!

@PaulaHaylock Please contact me on PR/Marketing email you can find here ow.ly/80bmA Congratulations on your charming review!

I was delighted for two reasons:

1. £50 worth of lovely products from Orchard Toys is going to make a very nice extra pile of presents under the Christmas tree, and

2. It is a good feeling to know that the effort I put into my video reviews is appreciated.

I love finding excuses to make videos and enjoy the whole process from coming up with ideas to filming and editing. Best of all is having the finished product that I can revisit often and marvel at how much my little ones have grown and changed.

I find it astonishing that my video channel has received nearly 86,000 views (at time of writing) in the year it has been in existence, with one particular video clocking up nearly 26,000 on its own! I realise that in viral video terms this is nothing but for me, to think that my little boy beating a cuddly dog repeatedly over the head with a rubber bone has been watched 26,000 times, is quite something!

I am looking forward to receiving (and reviewing) my prize from Orchard Toys and of course, having the excuse for making more videos.