Quinny Yezz raincover

Quinny Yezz raincover RRP: £25

Our time as a Quinnycaster has now came to an end

Well our time of being a Quinnycaster has now came to an end. We have had a brilliant experience working alongside Quinny in testing the brand new Yezz stroller.

Although at the beginning things didn't go so smoothly when we found out we wouldn't be testing the lovely Quinny Senzz after much waiting... and after a long wait we were finally told that 10 of us would be testing the new Quinny Yezz and the other 10 would be testing the new Quinny Moodd.



The time has passed so quick since our little pink Yezz was delivered just in time for Christmas, we took part in Quinny missions, creating videos, blogging and generally having fun along with it.
So we would like to say a huge thank you to the Quinny team, for choosing us from so many to join them in their quest, we have had a wonderful time and are very grateful for this great opportunity.

My Buggy Buddy weights review

We were very kindly sent some Buggy Buddy weights for us to test and review, and what a good way to test these on our new Quinny Yezz, the Yezz is a very light weight stroller that can easily tip if any extra weight is added to the handle bars, so by adding the buggy buddy weights to the front of the pushchair this will balance out any shopping or bags added to the handles and avoid tipping especially when your child is taken out of the pushchair. I would advice that you do not over load with extra weight as this could put extreme pressure on your pushchair chassis, always follow manufacturers instructions.

The Buggy Buddy weights come in a pack of two, the weights have a cover with a side zip so that the cover can be removed and hand washed. Each weight has two velcro straps that easily wrap around the front part of your pushchair, just thread through the metal loop and pull back through onto the velcro. The velcro straps are quite lengthy so would fit the slimmest to the thickest of frames.
We tested the weights out on the Yezz, applying them to the bottom front bars, and attached three bags using a buggy buddy clip. Now we had just came back from my mums who had kindly given us an electric food steamer and a few other food dishes and containers which were all in a large bag, so just to show you how strong the weights are and that the stroller didn't tip, we took a photo without Freya in.

Although we don't normally carry food steamers on a daily basis we do have to do the school run each morning so with packed lunch boxes, reading folders and gym bags in tow, the Buggy Buddy weights are a great idea, and the stroller folds down and locks together without them getting in the way.

I thought because of the design of my pushchair and how thin the bars were that it would be awkward fitting the Buggy Buddy weights onto it but it was so simple and straight forward, it gives you confidence that your stroller isn't going to tip back over. They are ideal for really light weight pushchairs it gives you that extra reassurance.

These Buggy Buddy weights can be purchased directly from http://www.buggybuddy.co.uk/ for £12.99.

Spring walk with the Yezz to feed the swans

We say 'Yezz' to a trip out on the bus to see the laser lights

We all know that the brand new Quinny Yezz was designed for the city life, small and light weight, ideal for taking on public transport and fitting into luggage compartments, or to carry on your back for those mad dashes. Find out how Freya and myself got on in a trip out on the bus...

We had been hearing from friends all about the beautiful rainbow laser lights that were lightening up the sky across the coast so we decided that for one night only my girls, Leah and Freya could stay up a little bit later than usual and we would take a trip out at night to see the laser lights event. Now normally we would all get in the car and take the easy way there, but i knew it would probably be quite busy and parking is quite restricted so what a good way to test out our new Quinny Yezz by travelling on public transport.. the good old bus. (well actually they are pretty new). After all this is what it's designed for right!

Wrapped up well, warm coats, hats and all, and making sure this time i had a well packed changing bag, certainly don't want to be forgetting nappies and wipes now. All ready to go, Freya comfy in her Yezz we headed up to the bus terminus, I just hope i had got the right time!


Sitting beside the Yezz before the bus moved

 Now if Freya was a bit older I would have had the pushchair folded up ready, but she would be off like a shot so she's staying put until the bus actually pulls up. Luckily we left when we did as the bus arrived within about 5mins of getting there.
 The bus drivers nearly always lower the ramp to allow you to push the pushchair straight on but knowing that at the next stop the bus will fill up fast, I folded the Yezz down before getting on. With the changing bag over my shoulder, Freya in my arms amazingly the Yezz was a doddle to fold with one hand and quick too.

 No need to try and wheel it on I just picked it up using the large elasticated carry strap and popped it on my shoulder. Now you would think this would be pretty uncomfy and awkward wouldn't you and after all I'm carrying a toddler, change bag and a stroller but it really wasn't and it might sound quite weird but the Yezz actually sat comfortable over my shoulder on my back, I almost forgot it was there.


The Yezz in the small luggage compartment.

 As the bus was quite empty to start with I kept the yezz folded up beside us (we had front seats) it's quite compact so takes up no space at all. Freya kept pointing at it the whole time I think she was making sure everyone knew exactly who it belonged too hehe! As we approached the next stop  the queue appeared quite long, so now was the time to see if the Quinny Yezz could fit into the very small luggage compartment if you could even call it that. It certainly did!
As people boarded the bus I heard an elderly lady say to her friend "Is that a trolley in there?" I thought maybes it was in the way and she wanted to use the space, so I explained it was our pushchair and would she like me to move it. To which her reply was "Oh no pet, did you say it's a pushchair? my goodness haven't they came on over the years, it's very very small i can't believe it." Everyones heads turning towards the Yezz as they walked past and found a seat. I almost felt like i was on stage!
As our stop approached, i picked the Yezz up and popped it on my back again, it's great as it gives me a free hand to hold onto the bus handle and as Freya decided she wanted to walk that's where the Yezz remained until we met the crowds... it was rather busy so we strapped Freya back in. Leah could see the lasers ahead so it's handy  that the Yezz is small and easy to manoeuvre, we could nip in and out of the groups of people to get a good spot.



Laser rainbow lights

 The lasers were so bright and lit up the whole of the night sky, all beautiful rainbow colours, we picked up some candy floss and won a teddy too, who found a cosy little home for him  in the back pocket of the Yezz.After a couple of hours we caught the bus home and as you can imagine the bus was really full, no room to pop the Yezz in the little storage compartment on the bus or stand by my side, so on my back it went, Freya on my opposite hip, my other hand on the railing bar holding tight. Now i remember a few years ago when Leah was a toddler and I had a normal umbrella light weight kind of stroller, theres no way I could have carried that on my back even though it did come with some sort of carry strap, although it was quite light it was pretty long though.                                                                         
 So I was thankful for times like this that i have such a compact light weight stroller that doesn't stress me out. Once off the bus Freya was quite sleepy, so with a push of a button and a push with my foot the Yezz is up in no time and its home we go after a lovely evening out.

Amber Teething Necklace Review

After weeks and weeks of Freya suffering with her teeth, extremely bad nappy rash, sore gums, rosey red cheeks, i turned to the internet in search of a cure and found that many people seemed to recommend the amber teething necklaces/bracelets. I spoke to a friend who also has a little girl the same age as Freya and she also had an amber necklace for her daughter she had it from her being about 6 weeks old and she swore by them. I have to admit i was very sceptical as i just couldn't imagine amber beads doing any good, surely its just because it looks pretty! So i took the plunge and ordered the lovely cognac colour one from Amber pumpkin and was so surprised that it arrived within a couple of days. The amber beads are 100% Baltic amber and the beads are made from naturally round shaped pieces. The beads are all double knotted to ensure the necklace is strong and safe. The amber/plastic clasp has also been designed to release if excess force is applied.

Children/babies DO NOT chew on the amber, it is basically the warmth from the skin that releases the small amounts of soothing oil from the beads, as amber is a natural analgesic.

The necklaces are very lightweight so comfy for your little one to wear. They are also come in a range of colours/shades and at an affordable price too. Freya wasn't fazed by the necklace so i was pleased as i thought she might sit and pull at it, and although you are advised to remove the necklace at sleep times, i know some people wrap it around twice and pop it on babies ankle underneath their babygrow for safety but i have just left Freya's on her all the time, although i do remove it when we go swimming purely just because of the chlorine. She has worn the necklace for quite a few months now and within the first week or so of her wearing it i could see a difference, she stopped waking during the night and her nappy rash that was extremely bad settled down a lot.

I would definitely recommend the amber necklaces, and the few times Ive tried to take it off Freya she has wanted it straight back on again, and my oldest daughter who is 6yrs has asked if she could have one too, and as she suffers with earache quite often, we have now ordered a 'childs health amber necklace' for her which should be arriving within the next day or so. Oh and we decided we would get great-grandma an 'adult amber health bracelet' last Christmas to help ease her ailments.
Well worth trying them.
 For more information visit http://www.amberpumpkin.com/

Please watch our Quinny Yezz video so we can be in with a chance to win

Quinny are currently running a fantastic 'QUINNY WALK YOUR WAY' competition, for a chance to win some great prizes, such as in ipad2, quinny yezz and a quinny bag.

We need as many views as possible to be in with a chance of winning so if you would like to help us please please view our Yezz video, just click on this link- http://www.quinnywalkyourway.com/GB/view.aspx?sid=6227912  that's all you have to do. It's free, no viruses or bugs don't worry, it's all legit with Quinny UK. Thankyou all :0)

thanks with love from Freya x

Quinnycaster secret mission number 2 ~ Moodd walk your way video

The time has now come to share our Quinnycaster secret mission number two with you all, up to now we have had to keep it all a secret, but back in December just before Christmas we all received an email from Quinny HQ announcing our secret mission.

This is what the email read-

QUINNYCASTERS SECRET MISSION : QUINNY MOODD WALK YOUR WAY

It’s strictly dancing!

Quinny loves to dance and is a fan of the biggest celebrity dancing competition on the TV and can’t believe it all ends this weekend.

Never fear because Quinny has the answer to all your dancing dreams….

Be the star of your own show and whip-up a cerographical storm. Quinny brings to you the ‘Moodd Walk’ dance to celebrate the launch of it’s all singing all dancing new Quinny Moodd pushchair.

The ‘Moodd Walk’ is just that – a dance for whatever your mood may be.

As one of our beloved QuinnyCasters we require you for a secret mission. For this mission you will need some hips, an imagination, a video recorder and no shame!

To help you with this mission is a dance school from London. They put together a dance and some tutorial videos so you can learn the ‘Moodd Walk’ dance routine.

BUT QuinnyCaster we don’t want you to simply learn this dance and film yourself doing it…..no, no, no… Quinny wants to see some original moves and some smooth groves set to Quinny’s music*.

Use props, use children, use crazy make-up or get the neighbours round for a mash-up. Quinny is looking for something fun, exciting and original and Quinny knows the QuinnyCasters have got what it takes.

We were given a couple of weeks to complete this secret mission,  but seeing that it was over Christmas and New year Quinny were very kind and extended the deadline until just after the New year. We had to get our thinking caps on for this one and it wasn't easy either.

I managed to rope in my mum and my brothers girlfriend Bekah in helping me out, as well as Leah my daughter who is 6yrs. Leah had already decided that she was going to be the Quinny Queen and was going to be the star of the show she stated! Well we spent a few nights practising the 'Moodd walk your way' tutorial video, and i have to say it wasn't easy as i have a memory like a sieve so kept forgetting the moves.

We decided that Bekah and myself would do the dance routine, my mum couldn't for the life of her remember the whole dance routine so she decided she would record it all instead, and of course we had Leah as our star the Quinny Queen. Leah was adamant she wanted to wear her princess dress and we came up with the idea of using face paints to create the Quinny logo onto Leah's cheek and applied a few extra touches to create that princess look.

 So after a few attempts at recording and quite a few 'Cuts' later, we finally recorded our very own Quinny 'Moodd walk your way' video.

We hope you enjoy it, and for some reason as you will see the video has been cropped to half the size when i uploaded it, so I'm sorry we look a bit squashed in size.

Youtube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ6tUiPoQsw&feature=g-upl&context=G25c4903AUAAAAAAAAAA

The Quinny Yezz fits perfectly into my Ford Fiesta boot

For those of you that have use of a vehicle and would like to know roughly how much space the brand new Quinny Yezz would take up, well here is a quick picture to show you how much space it takes up in our small Ford Fiesta (07) boot. (please excuse the state of my boot we had just come back from a trip to the country park on a muddy day)

The Yezz is very compact and i now have room for extra shopping, unfortunately the yezz does not fit length ways it will only go in width ways as shown in the photo. But still it fits that's the main thing will plenty of room around it.

I have also included some close up pics to show the Yezz from various angles whilst folded and standing on it's own.

Side view

        

Front view

Rear view

My Buggy Buddy Clip Review



Black

 The 'My buggy buddy' pushchair clip was sent to us from Mummy News on behalf of Kiddymania (free of charge). This black metal clip is designed to attach to the handle bar of your pushchair (for those pushchairs that don't have individual handles) The clip is made from metal with a foam covering to protect your handle bars from damage and to also allow the clip to grip.

The shape of the clip is designed so that it is smaller at the top part allowing the clip to be a firmer fit onto the bar and becoming wider towards the bottom to allow the clip to open and close easily, making room for all your bags. It has also been independently tested to give you that extra reassurance. I put the Buggy Buddy clip to the test on a few different pushchairs including a Quinny Buzz, Yezz and a Graco Symbio and it was a good fit on all.

Buggy Buddy do warn you not to overload your buggy as it may tip backwards. The amount of bags you attach will depend on the weight of the pushchair your planning to use. I have used plastic pram clips previously and even with quite a light bag i have found the clips to easily bend and fall off and it always ends up with me removing them as they just haven't worked for me. So i was eager to give the Buggy Buddy a good testing to see if it would meet my expectations, and bearing in mind my previous failed ones, my expectations were quite high!

To open the Buggy Buddy simply push the lever inwards and clip it onto your pushchair. To close just let go of the lever and it will spring back into place. It really is that easy to use.

Always make sure you remove your bags before you remove your child from the pushchair!
I haven't wanted to overload any of my pushchairs in case they do tip, but i have managed to fit comfortably three bags of shopping in carrier bags on the one buggy buddy clip. The clip could potentially hold more but you must be aware not to overload as tempting as this may be.
The clips are so strong and so easy and quick to use. I find it especially handy in the mornings for the school run to carry the likes of  my daughters reading folder, packed lunch, gym bag etc. Definitely the best buggy clip i have used and i would recommend them to others who may be looking for something similar to this.



Pink



Buggy Buddy are donating money to 'Breast Cancer' charities and 'Help for heroes' for every pink and blue clips they sell. Available in Blue, Pink and Black and at a retail price of £5.99. These can be purchased online at-

http://www.kiddymania.co.uk/

http://www.buggybuddy.co.uk/

BuggyTug Review

We were kindly sent (free of charge) a BuggyTug from the lovely Di Mayze over on the BuggyTug facebook page to test and give an honest review on it. It arrived really swiftly via royal mail. I was quite eager to get it out of the pakaging and give it ago on our new light weight stroller that we are also testing & reviewing. As the pushchair is very light weight, 5kg to be exact.    
I thought the BuggyTug would be ideal to use on the new stroller as it wheels away if you let go of it even for a second or two, it gives you peace of mind that in the event of anything happening when unexpected you have that reassurance that your pushchair won't leave your side.
The BuggyTug is very easy to use, you attach one end to your wrist and the other to your pushchair for that added safety.  It is suitable for all single handle or bar pushchairs.

I expected it to be made from a more firmer material a bit like most walking reins you find in the shops, but i was suprised its actually soft and made of neoprene so just like the stretchy wetsuits you see divers in! The hand loop is comfortable to wear, i even kept forgetting that i had it on and it isn't too big that the loop could easily slip back over my hand and it wasn't to tight that it strangled my wrist, it sat just nicely and because of the stretchy fabric it was very easy to take back off again.You can see by the stitching thats its been very much well secured together, again nice reassurance that its not going to break free easily, it looks and feels nice and strong.
Should the strap ever become dirty or sticky or just needs a good clean it can be handwashed.

The rrp price for one of these BuggyTug's is £3.99 and can be purchased direct at http://www.buggytug.com/
or they an be purchased online at any of the following-

• www.amazon.co.uk
• www.babylovesshopping.co.uk
• www.babytoms.co.uk
• www.babe-equip.co.uk
• www.boots.com
• www.cleanseatukbaby.com
• www.kiddicare.com
• www.kids-away.com
• www.nct.com
• www.practicalpushchairs.co.uk
• www.rosebudbaby.co.uk
• www.safetots.co.uk
• www.simplesafetysolutions.com
• www.thebabycatalogue.co.uk
• www.tagadas.com
• www.toddleoff.co.uk
• www.totscorner.co.uk
• www.twins-store.co.uk
• www.upthewoodenhills.co.uk

or at these stores

Nationwide

• Jo Jo Maman Bebe           
• Asda                                  
• John Lewis                                         

 Kent

• The Baby Lady                                  
• The Hastings Baby Shop                               

 Herts & Essex

• That Cute Age                                  
• Mon Enfant                                       

 Windsor, Chiswick & Ealing

• Daniel Stores                                    

 Surrey

• Baby Boulevard                                                               

Devon

• Glow Maternity & Baby                                

Wales

• Beehive Babyland                                           

Lancashire

• Winstanleys Pram World                             

Northumberland

• Little Dodo             

Maxi-Cosi's January blues buster give-away, don't miss out!

Maxi-Cosi are hosting a January blues buster give-away on their facebook page as a thank you for getting to 4,000 likes and they have some amazing prizes to be won.

Head over to their facebook page and become a fan today, don't miss out!
http://www.facebook.com/maxicosi.uk?sk=app_190322544333196
http://www.facebook.com/maxicosi.uk?sk=wall

A day out at the beach....Yezz please.

What a cold day it's been too, but at the same time the sun was glorious in Alnmouth today. We came up to visit family and decided we would test the Yezz out on the beach. Obviously because the Yezz wheels are small and are not pneumatic you'll understand it won't push well on damp sand but we gave it a go but the Yezz was being stubborn and would'nt budge so i decided to drag it backwards and it worked.

Even though the sand was quite damp it didn't however clog up the wheels, as with some pushchairs i have had in the past the wheels grind and become hard to turn but the fab skater wheels were great, no squeeking, grinding or sticking.
The storage pocket on the back has been great for keeping the raincover in incase we get caught short and we even managed to store quite a few shells in there along the way and i couldn't resist drawing the Quinny logo into the sand proudly shown off along side Freya in her Yezz.

How are we finding the Quinny Yezz so far...

Well so far i have mixed feelings about the Yezz since we have been using it. Firstly now that we have attached the Quinny footmuff into the stroller i have had to extend the straps to nearly almost its fullest, just for it to be able to fit through the strap holes on the footmuff and to fit over Freya's winter coat, shes only 19 months old so I'm thinking within the next year or so its going to be pretty hard to strap her in. The crotch i find is also quite short so im often battling with in now the footmuff is in to try and pull it up enough to clip the straps in.

 Secondly because the footmuff is added bulk to the Yezz, once the pushchair is folded it automatically locks shut but a few times even after being pushed right down to make sure its locked shut, once lifted into the boot it has opened itself back up.
I have found in the shops its great for turning and manoeuvring about quickly, i used to have the Quinny Zapp and i remember that being the same, great on manoeuvrability! really easy to turn even with one hand. But outside on the pavements any slight dips the wheels get stuck. It happened the other morning on the school run, the pavement was slightly uneven so created a slight dip, I was pushing the stroller as normal until the wheel became stuck, the stroller lifted up and i had to really stop myself from going over the top, and again this once happened to me when i had the Zapp. Maybes its the single wheels at the very front although my Quinny Buzz is brilliant and that also has the single wheels at the front but the Buzz overall is a larger heavier pushchair. So that may be due to how light weight the Yezz and Zapps are.
I like the hood on the Yezz as it stays up, even on a windy day it doesn't blow down, and the fabric is easily wipeable as we've had a few dirty marks on it already but they have all easily rubbed off with a baby wipe.
I find the poles at the sides of the seat fabric so handy to loop the harness straps over, to keep it open ready for popping Freya in especially when shes in her wriggly mood, it allows me to strap her in pretty quick. Always a bonus!
Well this is our journey so far, we still have many more challenges to take part in with this nippy little stroller so keep an eye out for more updates soon.

For info on the Yezz visit- http://www.quinny.co.uk/ or become a fan of Quinny UK on facebook.

Just a few extra pics of the brand new Quinny Yezz

This is my 6yr old daughter Leah, don't worry she won't be testing the Yezz. But she was excited to have a seat and smile for a quick photo.

Just to show the Quinny Yezz with the Quinny footmuff fitted in, i know the red doesn't quite go but just so you get an idea.