So That Was March 2014

March 2014 saw my focussed return to blogging.  I read all your blogs and I felt I needed to get back to it.  I've found this time I've more structure, probably because my head is more organised.

So what did I share with you over the last month?

The most read post was my review of Talk First Baby Signing Classes.  No wonder Joyce is a regular sponsor!

Talk First - Baby and Pre-School Classes

I started my series of 10 Minute Organising Tasks.  This month saw me Detrashing the Car and Speed Cleaning the Bathroom

I've contributed to Meal Planning Monday on at Home With Mrs M - Thank you to all you lovely foodies that have commented, particularly those advising a vinyl sheet.  I've put my meal plans on my Pinterest Board  and there's some great pictures of meal planning boards.  I think I'll make one in April actually.  I've posted a couple of recipes, Hot Dog Pasta and Home Made Potato Cakes on my other Home Organisation Blog

I've ranted on a Friday, particularly about the NHS, Child Eating Disorders and School interfering with food matters.

And I've offered my wisdom about Children's eyesight and opened up about my addiction!  There was also a free downloads of a scavenger hunt to keep the kids on track.

Oh and I posted an actual picture of me rather than my fave avatar.

It's been a good month I think!

Hope you come back for April.  I'll be doing a money project with the kids over the Easter Hols to see just how much the do understand the concept of Money (that starts on Thursday the 3rd) subscribe so you don't miss that, it'll be a good one or follow me on Bloglovin'

Thanks for Reading

C x 

Review: Talk First Baby Sign Classes

As regular readers know, I love Talk First Baby Sign and the Blackpool and Fylde Branch, run by Joyce Jones, have been lovely enough to sponsor My Cava Lifestyle again this month.

Joyce Jones and Signing Dexter

For those that haven't come across Talk First, it is the best class I have been to for babies.  Most classes are open to babies once they have turned six months, but Talk First is open as soon as you are ready!  My youngest has attended from being 3 months old and absolutely adores Dexter.  We have the CD on before and on the way to class and he's clapping and signing away!

Each week has a theme and we learn 8 signs associated to the topic.  At the start of the class we do the welcome song along with the signs followed by a recap of last weeks signs.

Last week's signs were on the theme of Getting Ready

We go round the room practicing our signs to the tune of Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush and the babies and toddlers get ready for the music fun to follow whilst learning signs off all the mums - and of course Dexter!

Joyce has loads of activities to keep the attention of the children, as I must admit, my child is probably the worst for looking round the room and being distracted by a toy (the class we go to is at Lytham Children's Centre so loads of fun in that room!) but Joyce always brings him back with a musical instrument, puppet or game.

The class lasts 40 minutes and usually contains at least 2 musical instruments, an activity and loads of songs.  The words are on the board and the babies really love the ones where you dance and throw them around.  Some classes can be quite a work out particularly when Wham and S Club 7 are on the agenda!

My youngest is really coming on with his signing now, he's reluctant in class but does the signs when we play the CD.  It has been a real help in him communicating what he wants or needs as I feel much more attuned to what he is indicating than I did with my other two boys.

There are classes all over the country the website is http://www.talkfirst.net/

Joyce's classes are in the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre area and her schedule for the next term is:

Monday:  Lytham Childrens Centre 10am and 11.15am

Thursday: Thornton YMCA 11am

Joyce also does one to one sessions and children's parties.  Here's her Facebook Page for Talk First

I'm sure we'll be going to Talk First for as long as we can as it is the most chilled out baby class I've found! (and my six year old is in raptures when he has an inset day and can come along too!)

Try it out, I look forward to seeing any of you locals there!!

Review by: Claire Sheehan
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Although Joyce is our Top Advertiser this month, this has not influenced my review.