Alfie the Superhero with Ella's Kitchen!

What little boy wouldn't want the chance to be a superhero? When Ella's Kitchen contacted me to ask if Alfie would like the chance to sample some of the new range from the brand and to design a superhero cape I was obviously going to say yes. I knew Alfie would love to get stuck in with some crafty stuff and enjoy some snacks at the same time. I have always liked Ella's Kitchen range of items and knew they would be a hit in our house. 

We were sent a fabulous kit to design and make a superhero cape and determine a super power, we were also sent a selection of the new products to test out. The snacks were a range of pouches and fruity bars, all completely natural and just fruit and veg smooshed with no other added ingredients. 

One of the major things I love about Ella's Kitchen is what you see is what you get. I have to admit the flavour combinations of the pouches were a little unexpected........e.g apple and cucumber, orange and carrot, mango and pumpkin, and strawberry and beetroot. To combat this I tested them out first in front of Alfie, usually a petty good method to get him to try new things! We opted for the apple and cucumber pouch to begin with, it was really fresh and I really quite liked it, especially when we're put them in the fridge beforehand. Alfie tried it and it was a winner too......we have tried the others but this one still remains the favourite. The great thing about the new range as the packaging is fun and can be reused as either a superhero mask or collectible finger puppet, how cool!

Anway, on with the cape designing! I won't write too much as I took a ton of pictures. We had a great couple of hours while Elarna was napping to have some mummy and son time, get a little bit messy and have fun with glitter........ and create a bit mess! Apologies for the mess in the photos, we did this right in the middle of packing so there are boxes everywhere.

Alfie had chosen to be a monkey (staying true to life!) so we were sent monkey ears, as well as a whole kit to design his superhero cape to go with them. Alfie loved the ears but what he loved even more was Mummy wearing them and I couldn't take them off.......I had to keep them on........worst thing is I forgot I had them on and was still wearing them when my husband came home from work at 6, ha!!

With a little bit of instruction  demanding from Alfie I designed the prototype on paper first, I was told that it had to include stars, squares and circle's..... he was very specific.

After ALOT of cutting, glueing and painting a TON of glitter glue on the cape (and Mummy) we were finished and Alfie was really quite pleased with his efforts bless him! I have to admit, I'm not usually the arts and crafts Mum,  I want to be, I just don't deal well with a whole load of mess but we did both have fun and it was a nice afternoon spent. It has been quite hectic with the house move so it was nice to just chill and enjoy some time with him.

We were also asked what sort of super power that Alfie would have. I influenced him in no way whatsoever and when I asked him he told me that he wanted to be a spook! Hilarious, he couldn't justify it in anyway just that he wanted to be 'Alfie the Spook' so who was I to tell him different! Bless him.

When I realise that I'm still wearing the ears later in the day.......

So what do you think of Alfie's super power? What would yours be? Mine would probably be invisibility, I would love to sneak and snoop on some people!

* Please note we were kindly sent some samples free of charge and the superhero kit to create and craft a superhero, all thoughts and opinions are that of my own because if they weren't what would be the point!  

Are you Mum/Dad to a Weanager?

I'm sharing this post on behalf of Ella's Kitchen...........I loved reading it. Have you got a weanager? I'm not quite at that stage but I definitely don't think it's going to be long!

• Parenting expert reveals the 10 signs you have a ‘weanager’

• New docuseries ‘Britain’s Weanagers’ launches, following four little stars from Channel 4’s popular One Born Every Minute series as they start on their weanage journey

We’ve all heard about the terrible twos, not to mention the testing teenage years, but what about the weanage months? That’s right, weanagers. Kids’ food brand, Ella’s Kitchen® has pinpointed a significant period in a little one’s life, during weaning, when they are likely to display some distinctive ‘weanage’ characteristics.

But how do you identify a weanager? To help mums and dads recognise this all important stage in their little one’s development, Ella’s Kitchen has partnered with parenting expert, Sarah Ockwell-Smith, to identify ten sure-fire signs your child is a fully-fledged weanager:

1. Your baby won’t let you leave them, ever

2. Your baby ends up wearing more food than they eat

3. Your baby loves to empty stuff

4. Your baby puts EVERYTHING in their mouth

5. Your baby does a great impression of you

6. Your baby becomes a big fan of dropping things

7. Your baby will have a favourite food one week, then go off it the next

8. Your baby enjoys testing out their new pincer grip, even on you

9. Your baby starts spontaneously waving hello or goodbye

10. Your baby makes their mark on the house

Sarah Ockwell-Smith, parenting expert, comments: “The weanage months, from six to twelve months, are a constant series of firsts, exploration and wonder for both the baby and parent - from first foods and first teeth, to first steps and first words. Commonly glossed over in favour of the cute new-born phase and the challenges of 'the terrible twos', it's time this period of development got the recognition it rightly deserves”.

Celebrating weanagers all over the country, Ella’s Kitchen is launching a NEW fly on the wall documentary series, ‘Britain’s Weanagers’. Exploring the exciting and, at times, hilarious weaning journeys of babies, the series stars four families who have all featured in the popular Channel 4 TV programme, One Born Every Minute.

Mark Cuddigan, Head of Ella’s Kitchen, adds: “At Ella’s we are passionate about helping little ones develop healthy relationships with food and that really starts with the very first tastes. Weaning is a really exciting milestone for little ones and their parents. We created the ‘Britain’s Weanagers’ series to give mums + dads who are about to start weaning a fun insight into what to expect. It really brings to life our view at Ella’s Kitchen that every baby is different and that there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to weaning. We think the series perfectly captures the reality of weaning in a very charming, yet honest way and hope that we’re able to bring a smile to parents watching it.”

   

10 SIGNS YOU HAVE A ‘WEANAGER’

1. Your baby won’t let you leave, ever

Separation anxiety is possibly the hardest developmental phase for a weanager, but it is a sign of great parenting and a good indicator that your baby will grow to be happy, confident and independent

2. Your baby ends up wearing more food than they eat

Research shows it's super important to let your baby play with their food, babies who do so may be less fussy eaters as they grow. Eating isn't just about the food that goes into the baby's mouth though, it's about the touch and smell too.

3. Your baby loves to empty stuff

Weanagers spend a lot of time working on their 'filling and emptying' skills, whether it’s the laundry basket, toy box or the kitchen cupboard. This habit of theirs actually helps your little one learn about the world, through repeated actions and experiences.

4. Your baby puts EVERYTHING in their mouth

This is a sign that they are developing their hand/eye coordination, practicing their pincer grip and investigating objects via the most sensory part of their body – their mouth!

5. Your baby does a great impression of you

You are your baby's best teacher and babies learn best by imitation. Every minute of the day, they are looking to you to see how to behave…so be sure to set a good example!

6. Your baby becomes a big fan of dropping things

The desire to drop and throw everything is a common stage in the weanage years. Don’t worry though, your weanager isn't being naughty; far from it, they’re actually being incredibly clever experimenting with gravity.

7. Your baby will have a favourite food one week, then go off it the next

We’re all entitled to change our minds, right? Especially if you’re a weanager. During this time, your baby has increasing ways to communicate their preferences, and you’ll soon become familiar with what these are.

8. Your baby enjoys testing out their new pincer grip, even on you

Towards the end of the weanage months, your weanager will really start working on that pincer grip of theirs. All of the practice picking up raisins will now come to fruition – just keep an eye on your keys and phone!

9. Your baby starts spontaneously waving hello or goodbye

Weanagers are social little beings and their communication skills increase by the day – prepare for lots of waving ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’.

10. Your baby makes their mark on the house

Your baby is becoming increasingly mobile and learns a lot about the world by touching everything. This exploration phase is likely to be marked by tiny sticky handprints collecting over your house, on everything from your TV screen to your light coloured linen.

*This is NOT a sponsored post, I received no payment to share this post!

Ella's Kitchen a Right Royal Celebration!

In commemoration of both my little Princess being born and the actual Princess entering the world. The lovely folk at Ella's Kitchen sent Alfie the most wonderful 'big brother' kit to help him get excited about becoming a new big bro.

This box of fabulous bits contained plenty of things to keep him entertained while Elarna has been settling in. We have a brilliant colouring book and stackable crayons (which I have also had a great time testing out!), a super duper brother certificate, a big bro t-shirt and lots of Ellas' Kitchen goodies for him to munch on. The fruit smoothies went down an absolute storm, they were by far his favourite snack. I need to find where they sell these locally so I can stock up as they're a really handy thing to pop in the changing bag if we're out and about.

Already being big Ella's Kitchen fans we were all really chuffed to be sent such a lovely box of treats. As mentioned in previous posts one of the worries about a new baby is just how it affects the other sibling. To involve and ensure that the eldest child still feels loved and secure is a must when transitioning them into this change. I'm not necessarily saying that you have to spoil them to do this but giving them some extra attention does make a difference in my opinion. He really did love checking out all the items in the box.

The stackable crayons are actually awesome, they look so cool and the extendable colouring book is brilliant! We've both had loads of fun colouring in together, so much so that my Mum actually treated me to an 'adult' colouring book for my holidays....and by adult I don't mean rudey I just mean it has lots of intricate pictures to colour in, brilliant! It's been really nice to sit and spend some time with Alfie just colouring in.

As if the Ella's Kitchen brand isn't cute enough already, in steps the royal reporter who kept us all up to date with the royal baby news and on the birth of Princess Charlotte, too adorable. How sweet is that!

So thankyou very much to the kind people at Ella's Kitchen for spoiling Alfie and helping him adjust to being a super duper big brother it was much appreciated!

* Please note we were ever so kindly sent the box of goodies for Alfie free of charge in return for a post, thoughts and opinions are that of my own.

Ella's Kitchen First Ever Mini Queen's Speech

Over at Ella's Kitchen they have been busy over the festive season creating the first ever mini Queen's speech (honestly it's adorable!). Designed specifically for little ones to enjoy, it sums up the years events from the mouths of babes. 

You can view the video by clicking on the link to You Tube, it's well worth a watch with you little ones to see what they think!

When Alfie is talking properly I can't wait to see what he will come out with in his own little way.

Below are a couple of images from the video itself, so adorable!

Baby thrill-o-meter!

This is so cool! 

The world’s first ‘baby thrill-o-meter’ has been unveiled which captures and measures the thrill experienced by little ones when they try new food with usual flavours.

Created by the guys at Ella’s Kitchen, the study provides an insight into babies’ physiological reactions when they try a variety of fruit, vegetables and spices. 

The bespoke thrill-o-meter measures babies’ Galvanic Skin Responses to different foods and it was revealed that mango and cinnamon are the most exciting ingredients for little ones, closely followed by lemon and coconut. I have to admit Alfie hasn't tried anything quite  like coconut yet but he loves pineapple and mango and his face is a picture when he eats sharp flavoured and zingy food!

Watch the below videos for some brilliant reactions!

Here is the full press release to read for more information. 

FIRST BABY ‘THRILL-O-METER’ CAPTURES THE EXCITEMENT OF DIFFERENT TASTES FOR LITTLE ONES’

- Mango and Cinnamon revealed as the most thrilling tastes for babies in new project masterminded by Ella’s Kitchen -

Ever wondered how exciting the taste of cinnamon, coconut or papaya is for a baby? The world’s first ‘baby thrill-o-meter’ was unveiled today to capture and measure the thrill experienced by little ones when they try new and different foods.  Created by baby and toddler food experts Ella’s Kitchen, in partnership with Thrill Laboratory, the study provides a unique insight into babies’ physiological reactions when they try a variety of different fruits, vegetables and spices. 

The bespoke thrill-o-meter measures babies’ Galvanic Skin Responses to different foods and revealed mango and cinnamon as the ingredients that caused the most excitement amongst little ones, closely followed by lemon and coconut.

The results from the thrill-o-meter also revealed a list of the top 10 most exciting tastes for babies, including red pepper and papaya.

Top 10 most exciting tastes for babies:

1.       Mango

2.       Cinnamon

3.       Lemon

4.       Coconut

5.       Banana

6.       Papaya

7.       Red pepper

8.       Apricot

9.       Sweet potato

10.     Carrot

The results were calculated by analysing increased Galvanic Skin Response from certain foods, combined with facial expression and body language analysis from parents to determine how positive the response was.

When babies become excited in response to a food, or the anticipation of a food, their bodies and minds get ready for action.  Their hearts beat faster, their eyes open wide, and their breathing quickens.  One physiological effect of excitement and sensorial engagement that can’t be seen by parents is the micro-fluctuations in sweat levels, which the thrill-o-meter closely monitored through Galvanic Skin Response.  A rise in Galvanic Skin Response, together with positive facial analysis from parents, expressed just how excited the baby was when tasting the food.

Brendan Walker, Thrill Laboratory comments: “Food can be really exciting for babies – whether it’s a first taste of cinnamon, juicy mango or exotic coconut.  Different foods can stimulate different physiological responses and this innovative study is designed to reveal just how thrilling different foods are for babies and to help Ella’s Kitchen continue to explore and understand babies’ taste buds, both scientifically and creatively.”

Paul Lindley, Ella’s Kitchen founder and Ella’s Dad comments: “To see little ones’ faces light up when they try a food that really excites them is fantastic and we create all of our foods with babies’ taste buds in mind.

From the pinch of spicy cinnamon in seriously comforting Cottage Pie, to Zingy Lamb Cous Cous bursting with exotic mangoes, at Ella’s Kitchen we understand just how important it is to thrill babies with exciting tastes at each and every meal, to ensure they develop healthy eating habits that last a lifetime and grow up to be good little eaters”

I think this is a great study, I love the expressions on the babies faces, especially when trying the lemon! I think it quite clearly demonstrates just how receptive babies and children are to different flavours, especially ones that are exotic or strong, why should baby food be bland!

Ella's Kitchen My Little BIG Meals - Review

Alfie is a bit of a piggy. He eats so much and generally seems to like anything we give him. The last thing I wanted was a fussy child so when we weaned him we were very keen to make sure we gave him lots of variety and not very often would we give pre-prepared food, obviously if we were out and about pre-prepared food is fantastic and so handy but at home the emphasis was on him getting used to trying all sorts of flavours and textures with plenty of home cooked food. 

When I did buy pre-packaged food it was really important that all the ingredients were natural, not processed and full of goodness. When I was asked if Alfie would like to try the new range of Ella's Kitchen, 'My little BIG meals' I jumped at the chance. We have previously used Ella's Kitchen and what I love is that what you see in the ingredients list is all you are getting. There is no added salt or sugar, no additives, nothing artificial and no concentrates or similar. as it states on the Ella's packaging they are 'good in every sense'. 

The 'my little BIG meals' is a new range from Ella's Kitchen which is specifically designed for little ones 12 months onwards and is packed full of chunky veggies and comes in 7 different yummy varieties. I've always liked the playful, childlike design that Ella's Kitchen have, they always catch my eye and these pots are just as nice, even down to the cellophane covering the top!

Alfie was sent two varieties, bolognese bake and full of beans pork stew. He absolutely loved them both, even I was hungry at the smell of them and I admit I did have a little taste and they were in fact very nice! They really did go down a storm! See the pictures below :-) 

Nom nom!

So looking at everything and taking everything into account do Ella's Kitchen little BIG meals have the 'X Factor'???? Yes they do, I love the ethos behind the brand, the ingredients, the packaging and the sizing of the portions. My one and only issue (if I had to pick something) is I think the RRP is maybe slightly high at £2.19, however they are a premium brand and if they were on offer I wouldn't hesitate to buy them. I'd be quite keen for Alfie to try out the others flavours for sure!

Recently launched the Little BIG Meals will be available in major retailers very soon.

Will you be giving these Ella's Kitchen meals a try?

* Please note I was kindly sent the meals as a PR sample for review purposes but the views and writing are my own.