Get Frozen in the warm!

Today me, theJess and the girls ventured to the Grove Theater to treat ourselves (Kids with tummy bugs suck - yay they've gone!) to see Disney's Frozen, A tale based upon the Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale The Snow Queen. For those who want to know the basics without major spoilers I'll try my best!

The film features a royal family, with the typical (Why is this) Disney tragedy of death in the family, leaving the two princesses, one with an amazing power and a more tomboy princess willing to risk it all to save her sister and kingdom while others are trying to harm it. Throw in a talking snowman an Ice monster, throw in a pinch of betrayal and a splash of love and you've got the film in one!

The film to me was fantastic, I could see why it's taken so long to get from planning to production, while it's no doubt different to The Snow Queen written back in the day it's similar to the Child ballads written in the past, becoming modern while not losing all it's heritage! Y'never know, it could encourage kids to read the original!

Image Credit - TresSugar - link contains spoilers/Gifs!

What made the film for me was how the soundtrack worked with everything so well, particularly on the more jar dropping moments be it good or bad they were orchestrated really well and the singing voices were particularly strong without being overpowering, I can't explain it but it worked well as a whole.

We laughed, we chortled, Vee clutched me on the snow monster and a sad bit but I think the film was a roaring success. I'd say go and watch it as soon as you get the chance with your kids or alone. No matter as it's a great film.

For family friendly I would recommend visiting a local independent cinema operated in local theatres like the Grove does, Many are run by your local councils and offer large savings and discounts compared to the major cinema chains, for instance our tickets were £20 this included a discount for a disabled person(partner) whereas similar tickets at the chain cinema in Luton would cost £33, (there are family tickets available for a 10% discount but meh) Factor in drinks (Grove £4.40 for two large drinks Luton - £6 odd) and no adverts it's a serious no brainier
Also the staff at the Grove theatre are very friendly, the staff seem to be very proud of the environment they work in, I can see why as it's a very nice layout.Although not the Queensway Hall it's still an amazing place to see films and other events. We will be back soon! 

Do you use local cinemas? If so do you rate them over the chains? Paul.

One tip though, Central Beds Council, DITCH THE SHARED SPACE - My children do not need to hear a motorist calling a pedestrian being called a c*nt for crossing the road on a hazardous (motorists don't have to comply as it's not a specified crossing, that said who slants a crossing on a straight road!!!) poorly designed sets of pedestrian crossings! They've also removed railings by the original crossing and kerbs by a bloody children's park - I could go on but will leave it for a ranty friday!

Holiday madness.

Hi all.

It's been a strange week. I received a phone call from the in laws to say they want to borrow the smalls over the school holidays and take them away. Woohoo! Then they dropped the ball. "Our internet is down, could you look on the net for some good deals?" Of course I can… Well if I knew what I was looking for that it! So my challenge for the day was set!

I Panicked going straight went online clueless. Thankfully I searched for holiday comparison sites and found my way to Icelolly.com, a holiday comparison site with many choices and options including Disney holidays, Ski Breaks, Hen and stag weekenders, cruises and much more too. Everyone could find a holiday easily here. While browsing the site you are presented with a simple interface with many options which were complimented by country and region, dates and flexibility, the duration of the holiday even down to the most convenient or local airport available is listed.

Depending on your choice you will find multiple deals available for you and your holiday needs, suitable for families on a budget, party goers looking for the latest rave up to couples wanting to spend a quiet weekend away from the kids. All options, including Disney can be covered in a no nonsense layout with clear information you receive on you've searched.

How does it work?
I knew you were going to ask this. IceLolly scours the web hunting out a good deal for you and your requirements finding licensed and approved travel agents so you can work out what is the best choice for your needs. In some cases you may receive multiple results for the same resort but from different providers. This could bring more substantial savings to you.

Once you find the holiday package you are happy with, call the agents on a dedicated phone number to discuss the package with them, quoting the reference provided with the package.

I don’t have internet on a computer. Can I use my phone to look?
Yes indeed. On testing with an ipad, android phone and basic nokia it opened up a perfectly scaled mobile page. It’s safe to say if you only have a mobile you’re very well covered.  

I need a car. Can they help me?
That’s already covered. Just click the link at the top of each Ice Lolly page for quotes on car hire around the many resorts available.

How do I tell what the resort will look like?
Each resort has a ‘Hotel information’ link has specific information services and facilities available on each resort. Including: the star rating, food provided facilities within the hotels, Pools information and entertainment for families.

I'm happy to say the site is easy to use with all information presented in a clear and concise manner to help you choose the perfect holiday for you, no matter the location. Tell me what you think of Icelolly. 

Paul 

Disclosure This post is brought to you in association with Icelolly.com 

Cybermummy Was Awesome

What a weekend it's been.

From tube closures, footlong Subway, getting lost and meeting people who I consider to be amazing friends. This was my Cybermummy11 experience. And I loved it!

I will admit. It was overwhelming at times, especially being one of a few dads at the events, but once the initial dust of being in the middle of a mostly female world settled down I began to enjoy myself.

To be one of a handful of men around 400 women to some could be seen as a perverts paradise, but. It made the event an immensely good one. Being recognised by people was an amazing feeling, especially when your feeling under dressed in a room full of glamorous ladies. Quickly proven wrong when presenting the world with my fathers day present "DAD'LL FIX IT" top.

In many of the keynotes I learnt things, especially the keeping it legal discussion, providing information which could keep me out of problems when things could turn ugly.

The whole day was perfect. Absolutely loved it. And to Mummiafelice from White Lilly Blog, It was an honor to finally meet you, my dear friend. 

Meeting all the PR's bought a refreshing experience to me, where many didn't expect to see daddy bloggers there where surprised. A few have asked to work with me in the future. That in itself is awesome. As was a journalist speaking to me. Sweet :)

highlights of the day included Every single person there, from the meet and greet people to my fellow bloggers. Meeting Onlydads was an awesome experience to meet him, In my eyes he is a pure gent who works tirelessly for an amazing cause. Also Dadzclub was another one i was eager to meet, as my post on miscarriage will be hosted by them. :) Oh and keep an eye out for the Cybermummy Calendar. Me, OnlyDads and Dadzclub are in the calendar i hope

There was such a warm friendly at the venue from everyone I met and everyone made you feel welcome. including the PR teams and The Brewery's staff. Each and every person involved including those behind the scenes are all amazing and helped made the event amazing,

Unexpected surprise of the evening was Winning an Ipad from the lovely team at Glam Media, (I nearly fainted apparently, it's still a blur). Resolving issues with three was a plus too. (Remember my rant? Consider it sorted) All the goodies I bought home, many are going to friends who could use them better than me.

Next year. I will be back, Even if I have to wear a skirt to get sponsorship! (said as a joke, but I will do so If asked)

Thank you for a great day Sian, I owe you so much. You rock! .

My final word on the event in this post - We are all unique in our own special way. That makes every one of us in the blogosphere awesome!

Paul (see what  i wore --> http://instagr.am/p/GYM9e/)