Superb SuperSea Summer Camp
Posted on | July 31, 2010 | No Comments
Oscar has just completed this summer camp and is raving about how good it was and how much he enjoyed it. It took place on Garrettstown beach. We were fortunate that the weather was relatively good this week and there were some waves. All equipment was supplied by the surf school. The children were kitted out with wetsuits, booties, boards etc.
So from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday himself and 15 other kids aged 8 to 12 years old had a blast on the beach. They had great fun learning to surf, kayaking, coasteering and cliff jumping. The instructors were excellent, I had no worries regarding Oscar’s safety. He was taught safety procedure, what to do if in trouble and good surfing rules and etiquette. After this camp he is now at the stage of being able to judge the waves and get up to standing on the surfboard.
It was an action packed week, he was exhausted most evenings. He made some good friends and most importantly had a really fun time. There was a good mix of boys and girls participating in the camp. Would thoroughly recommend it. The SuperSea camp cost €150 which initially did seem expensive. But after seeing what he got out of the week, I reckon it was good value for money.
He is now talking about saving to buy his own wetsuit and surfboard as he intends to continue surfing.
Tags: beach > children > coasteering > fun > kayaking > summer camp > surfing
Decisions, decisions.
Posted on | July 28, 2010 | No Comments
An email from Dermot Nolan MW the other day prompted me to have another look at the WSET Diploma course to see whether or not I wanted to apply to do it. I really enjoyed completing the WSET advanced course and my wine knowledge increased immensely. But the diploma course is a massive jump in both money and time commitment.
Putting both those concerns to one side, I had a perusal through the course schedule to see what areas would be covered, what the coursework and exams entail.
Some of the sections really appeal to me. I would love to learn more about wine production, the light wines of the world, sparkling and fortified wines. But, if I’m to be honest, I have little interest in the whole sections on spirits or on the global business of alcoholic beverages. The coursework titles of “The “premiumisation” of white spirits ” and “Agents, importers and distributors” don’t fill me with enthusiasm, alas.
I realise that WSET courses are tailored to those in the wine trade and therefore these sections and coursework assignments are relevant. I could ofcourse research, buy the books and do whichever sections/regions I pleased on my own. But I must admit, I really like the camraderie, the social and “having dedicated time to learn” aspects of a taught course.
I guess what I’m looking for is an alternative course. Is there such a thing in Ireland? Or should I just bite the bullet and consider the WSET diploma even though its not perfect for me?
Tags: diploma course > learning > Wine > wine education > WSET > WSET diploma
But how can they teach me to run faster? *
Posted on | July 27, 2010 | No Comments
The beginning of the school summer holidays saw my middle three children eager to do something energetic. Some of their pals were doing the Bandon Athletic Club Summer Camp so that’s the activity they selected.
It was held in the Bandon Grammar school grounds which was great as in addition to outdoor running track and facilities, there was access to indoor halls should the weather turn inclement.
The three aged 5, 6 and 8 years old had a brilliant week. They really enjoyed the range of activities which included:
- sprints
- long jump
- high jump
- relays
- javelin
- hammer throw
- discus
- shot putt
The camp cost €65 for the first child and €50 for each subsequent sibling which I rate as good value for money. It ran from 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday. I found it really well run. There was plenty of supervision and coaching. Each child recieved a certificate of attendance and a medal on the last day. They were chuffed.
Would definitely recommend.
* This was Fionn’s query when his older brother suggested he attend the summer camp for running training 
Super Sugru Scissors Repair
Posted on | July 8, 2010 | 8 Comments
This is a guest post from Oscar, our 11 year old son. He eagerly awaited the arrival of Sugru in our house as he had seen the demos on its website. He repaired a broken scissors handle with the wonder material. Now nothing is safe
Take it away Osc:
Today I did an experiment with a product called Sugru. Sugru is colourful silicone rubber used for fixing items. I tried to fix a pair of broken scissors. What was wrong with them was one of the handles snapped. So I got a small packet of Sugru to fix it. I first opened the packet and felt the play-doh like substance. It was surprisingly very soft. I then applied it to the broken part of the scissors. I spread the Sugru so one could get their fingers in the handle. Then after 24 hours I checked the scissors and the Sugru on the scissors. The Sugru had turned hard in the 24 hours that it was setting but it was still feel the rubberiness in it. So in other words it was a complete success. I am giving Sugru a rating of 5 stars. Excellent. I would recommend it to anyone.
Quality not quantity
Posted on | July 6, 2010 | No Comments
A couple or so weeks ago, I was delighted to be invited by Kate in Fleishman-Hillard to visit the Pampers Innovation Centre in Schwalbach, Germany.
The visit piqued the interest of both the mammy and engineer in me. I love seeing innovation and how things are made. As a mammy to 5 darlings I’ve definitely seen my fair share of nappies.
An early start in Dublin saw myself, Kate and the lovely Sian from mummymaps winging our way to Germany where we met with Sue from the Royal College of Midwives and Hayley from singlemummy.net. A brief hair raising taxi journey and we arrived at the Pampers Research Centre.
What followed was a very interesting day. It is a place that on first entry looks more like a creche or playcentre. Every week 1200 mothers collect test nappies for at-home tests and are invited at intervals for interviews about the nappies. Babies are observed in playground lab to observe fit and leakage of new nappies. Dr Ralf was kind enough to demonstrate the recording of amount of moisture on a baby’s skin. Measurements essential to improve the nappy’s ability to draw wetness away from baby’s bum.
The main reason we were there was so that we could see the new Dry Max nappies and find out more about their development, evolution, production and the technology behind them. I have to say I was impressed with the new nappies. 20% less bulk as the traditionally used airfelt or “paper pulp” has been replaced with Absorbent Gelling Material (AGM). The photo below shows the amount per nappy of AGM on the left compared to the airfelt it replaces on the right.
Less bulk and removal of moisture away from skin can only mean more comfort for baby and toddler and less likelihood of nappy rash. We’ve all noted the occasional, rather full, morning nappy where toddler strides around like John Wayne. As the AGM can be applied to stay in a specific areas of the nappy, this can hopefully be avoided in future. There was an obvious improvement in performance when the old version of the nappy was compared with the new Dry Max version.
Other new information that I learned that day:
- Size 4 versus 4+ and Size 5 versus 5+: The “+ ” indicates better/more absorbtion. The circumference, that is, tummy measurement of both sizes of nappies, is the same.
- Procter & Gamble is always interested in feedback on their products. Ring freephone number or email to address shown below on website.
I had a very enjoyable, interesting and informative day. It was great to meet so many people who were passionate and commited to what they do. Excellent as always to meet and catch up with other parents and bloggers. Thanks again to Kate and Rachel from Fleishman-Hillard and to Aimee and Gillian from Procter and Gamble as well as Dr Frank Wiesemann, Peter Dziezok and Ralf Adams who took the time and had the patience to show us around and answer all of our questions.
Annnd if you still want to see a vid of the new nappy after all that chat, here you go:
One of my highlights was seeing the prototype production line. Can’t get away from those mechanical engineering roots
Tags: baby > dry max > dry max nappy > innovation > nappy > pampers > procter & gamble
Drowning doesn’t look like drowning
Posted on | July 4, 2010 | 2 Comments
Via Magicmum.
photo credit: Tomorrow Never Knows
I came across this blogpost. A must read for all parents and anyone who loves the beach, lake or pool.
A few points that really struck home with me:
Except in rare circumstances, drowning people are physiologically unable to call out for help.
Drowning people cannot wave for help.
Children playing in the water make noise. When they get quiet, you get to them and find out why.
Whilst we are all looking forward to a wonderful summer on the beach and in the water, it is no harm to keep the following in mind.
Look for these other signs of drowning when persons are n the water:
- Head low in the water, mouth at water level
- Head tilted back with mouth open
- Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus
- Eyes closed
- Hair over forehead or eyes
- Not using legs – Vertical
- Hyperventilating or gasping
- Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway
- Trying to roll over on the back
- Ladder climb, rarely out of the water.
I, for one, shall be revisiting Mario’s blog when he uploads a short video along with a pool safety checklist next week.
Tags: beach > children > drowning > first aid > kids > swimming > water safety
He’s leaving on a jet plane
Posted on | June 21, 2010 | No Comments
This Saturday my eldest son, aged 11, is heading for a week’s vacation on his ownio. Well ok, not totally alone. He’s holidaying with his auntie, cousins and grandparents, without me, his dad or siblings.
Its the longest stretch that we’ve ever been apart. I know he’s going to have a wonderful holiday, be totally well looked after and thoroughly enjoy himself. He’s very excited and can’t wait to go. But I must admit, I’m dreading it. I’ll miss him terribly. I’m very proud of him, he’s a terrific lad. Ok, I may be ever so slightly biased.
My baby is growing up and getting more and more independent and self sufficient. Time is racing by. Guess I’d better get used to it. Now to pack his bag and make sure he has everything. Busy, busy.
Time for Twebt the Fifth
Posted on | June 17, 2010 | No Comments
It’s that time again. The next wine blind tasting via Twitter is scheduled to take place on Sunday the 27th of June at 9pm.
Hosted by Kevin and Brian, wine supplied by Red Nose Wine, details can be found here. So if you fancy a spot of wine observing, sniffing, tasting and some banter on twitter, order your mystery bottle and tune in on twitter.
Looking forward to it. If previous Twebts are anything to go by, it should be good fun. Sláinte.
Fun in the sun in Cork
Posted on | June 12, 2010 | No Comments
We had good fun at the Street Performance World Championship last year and are hoping to head into Cork en famille to enjoy it again this year.
Breakdancers, clowns, jugglers, comedians, dancers, magicans, contortionists, games, face painting. a playground and much much more. There is also an extensive range and variety of food stalls so you won’t go hungry. Our older kids were particularly enthralled by one of the magicans last year, a captivating and entertaining show.
Looks like the weather’s going to be sunny, so really looking forward to this family fun day out tomorrow. If you’re not near Cork, you can also catch it in Dublin’s Merrion Square next week. Well worth a visit, would recommend.
Tags: activity > cork > entertainment > fun > kids > play > street performance world championship
Mini marathon update
Posted on | June 11, 2010 | No Comments
Well, tis all done and dusted now. Last Monday myself and my sister Claire, ably supported by the brothers Phili and Brían, headed into the Harcourt hotel. There we met up with a gang of our cousins as part of the 1 in 1000 Flora Women’s Mini Marathon team.
The aim was to raise money to complete a new four bed Cystic Fibrosis isolation unit in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin. Cystic Fibrosis is Ireland’s most common life-threatening inherited disease. Its a cause which is very close to our hearts, especially with my cousin Ruairí’s passing, aged 28, last December from Cystic Fibrosis whilst waiting on the lung transplant list.
It was a great day, despite the rain and the crowds. You wouldn’t want to be claustrophobic whilst taking part in this event The banter was gas and spirits were high. I thoroughly enjoyed jogging along with my sister and cousins. Good fun. I was delighted to complete the route as its my first race since 2004. Thankfully, this time, I didn’t discover I was pregnant the day after the event so hopefully I will keep the running and fitness up.
If you’ve a spare cupla euro, my sponsorship page is here. Huge thanks to those who have already supported me, its very much appreciated. If you haven’t already got yourself a organ donor card, please think about applying for one here.
Cheers.
Tags: charity > cystic fibrosis > dublin > flora > mini marathon > running
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