JOLLY HOLIDAYS

Our jolly holiday to Majorca has been and gone but we had a lovely relaxing week despite the rubbish weather. On Sunday it rained non-stop but Mark who is an F1 enthusiast wasn't too bothered as he'd managed to find a seat by the All inclusive bar and watched the whole race!

The Aparthotel Ola Isobel, where we stayed for 7 nights, had very mixed reviews on the internet. But in my previous life as a Travel Agent (14 years experience) I read all the comments with an open mind. Cala Bona is a suitable resort for families, very quiet, it was a shingle beach but the children still managed to find sand beneath it. The harbour area had some lovely places to sit and take it all in. You could take a local bus journey or 40 minute walk to the busier resort of Cala Millor which had more shops and bars and a sandy beach. The Sangria and Paella were to die for and now within a few days of being back, its back to reality.

August is one busy month for Hullabaloo Kids, can't complain though, it will all be going towards the 2012 holiday fund!

R & R

After a busy weekend, today is my day of rest. Saturday was the annual Nantwich Fun Day, and the busiest I've experienced, I think I must have painted 90 faces! On Sunday I was booked to entertain at a Christening/1st Birthday and painted at least 20 faces as well as balloon modelling and party games.

Today, I will be mostly spending time with my mum, catching up, and we may venture into Nantwich for lunch and some Nibbly Fish treatment.

I always feel guilty when I spend time away from my boys but in less than 2 weeks we will be spending a whole week together on the beautiful Island of Majorca. I will be leaving my phone at home and nothing will tempt me to check Facebook, Twitter or emails for a whole week. Goodness knows how I will cope!

Just a teensy bit excited!

NANTWICH FAMILY FUN DAY

I've only been to this event once as a mummy, the other years I've either been dancing or as an exhibitor at the Nantwich Family Fun Day. This year will be my 3rd year facepainting. I'm always pleased to be a part of this local event as I get to meet many people and its a great way of spreading the word about 'Hullabaloo Kids'.

Its held at Barony Field in Nantwich on Saturday 9th July from 10am till 4pm. Its a free event and a real fun family day out. There is everything to entertain children from a funfair, dog displays, donkey rides, train rides, inflatables and lots lots more. Pop over and say hello!

For more details go to http://www.nantwichfunday.co.uk/index.html

THE GRUFFALO WAS A HIT

It was the Gruffalo Movie event on Saturday, another Free event fundraising for Charlie Mann's Meningitis Trust Fund and Lucy Coleman's Flowertot fund.
It was by far our biggest event, I was so overwhelmed by the response, especially as I only booked it with Mark Brisbourne, the Community Arts Manager at Malbank School around 3 weeks ago.

We made finger puppets, storytelling and the usual popcorn and refreshments were available for a short while, unfortunately we ran out as I wasn't expecting anywhere near the 49 families that attended. We raised £90 for the charities.

The next one is Saturday 16th July, Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs. The fun starts at 10.30am. Contact me to book your space by emailing sharon@hullabalookids.net or join the group on Facebook 'Hullabaloo Kids South Cheshire'

15 MINUTES OF FAME

Simon J. Newbury and myself joined forces back in January for an innovative package to offer Bump Art for pregnant mums. We called it 'Paint & Portrait' and have got quite a collection in our portfolio. I paint the bump and Simon photographs it.

With thanks to Toby Robinson, we have had 3 fabulous press releases in all the local papers, front page news on both the Guardian and Sentinel and a double page spread in the Chronicle. A researcher on Granada TV saw the Chronicle article and approached me with an interest in featuring us on Granada Reports. I couldn't believe it, and was so excited. I think I will keep the ansafone message forever!

After an energetic Tippy Toes Dance class in Sandbach, I headed over to Simon's Studio in Nantwich to meet Paul Crone, the lively presenter of Granada Reports and his cameraman Simon. Kayleigh Dixon was my willing model, I was expecting to have a shaky hand but it was surprisingly very steady.

Along with myself and Simon, Claire Pierce and Lauren Pakeman, who'd had their bumps painted and have since given birth, were also interviewed. There was lots of banter, lots of laughs and Paul made us all feel very relaxed.

The show went out at 6pm tonight, I was nervous, excited and anxious about the whole programme and almost set my house on fire waiting for it to come on. I'd left a pan on the stove and let it boil dry!!! Cripes!!

Mark made it home in time to sit and watch it with me, we both applauded when it finished, and I almost shed a tear.

The phone rang almost immediately with an enquiry and Facebook & Twitter went crazy! Its been a surreal and crazy day and although it wasn't anywhere near 15 minutes of fame I absolutely loved it!

OH I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE

Saturday was one of my rare days off and as the weather was so beautiful we decided to head off for a family day out to the beach. We loaded the car up and went over to Southport. It was Luke's first time there and he absolutely loved it, we built sandcastles, ate fish and chips and walked along the prom!
I was a bit disappointed he didn't want to ride a donkey though as I have a photo of my sister and I riding on donkeys on Southport beach when we were young!

What a fab family day!

FAMILY MOVIE EVENT - PETER PAN

On Saturday 28th May, we are doing another Family Movie Event at Malbank School, Disney's Peter Pan is our chosen movie. It all kicks off at 10.30am and finish at 12pm. Its a relaxed event with plenty of space for children to run around if they wish.

We're encouraging children to wear their fancy dress costumes, as princesses & pirates and we will be doing crafts and entertainment. Light refreshments will be available and a raffle for a crocodile cake, kindly donated by Emma Bratt. All monies go towards the Meningitis Trust in Charlie Mann's fund and Lucy Coleman's Flowertot Fund. It is a FREE event and we always have lots of hun.

If you would like to come along please get in touch for more details sharon@hullabalookids.net