How Theo Paphitis led me to Skribbies

Last week I attended the Small Business Sunday (#sbs) meet up in Birmingham. This is an annual event held by Theo Paphitis for all his supported businesses of which Coombe Mill is one. During the networking session I came across Jennifer Duthie.  I was so taken with her fun idea for kids trainers I just had to test the concept out with the triplets back home.

What Are Skribbies?

Essentially Skribbies are trainers you can write on. Not only can you write on them but you can then rub off your mistakes or redesign them altogether for a different occasion. Think of white boards and imagine these as flexible trainers and you have Skribbies. The Trainers themselves are trendy Hi Top Sneakers with trim in a choice of three vibrant colours that any kid would love without adding anything to them. They have a self adhesive Velcro fastening which is always a bonus. My triplets are nine and can tie laces but would still rather the speed of Velcro any day. The sizes range from a Children's UK size ten to an adult size three, ideal for all creative kids who want to show their self expression in a unique and enviable way with their friends. When you order a pair through the Skribbies Website they come in a fun looking box with the colouring pens, stickers and a wristband which doubles up as a wipe clean cloth; good value at £35 for decent trainers. 

The Triplets Verdict

Arriving through the post today was one box of blue Skribbies. I opted for blue as Clio is going through a pink boycott at the moment and I thought the boys might like this one too. What I hadn't expected was the huge level of enthusiasm from all three when they came home from school and spotted the box open in the kitchen. There were squeals of "Awesome" "Mum can I have them" and "Can we do it now?" I had a problem, who was going to be allowed the shoes? My kids are so adorable at the moment and agreed to share them since they could each change the design when they needed them; I was mightily impressed with this level of teamwork! Guy had the first turn deciding on a football design for his football party that evening and Clio stayed to help him.

They took it in turns to build their design with great concentration adding stars and a cute dog from the sticker collection too; even these are reusable and just sick on and off as you wish. I think their first go was pretty impressive and Guy left very happy for his party.

No sooner was Guy home than Clio declared tomorrow was her turn and began designing her Christmas theme. 

My only warning is they are so easy to wipe clean that if you have children who are inclined to rub or scuff their shoes in use then their masterpiece may smudge. But overall a great product that is a huge hit in our house. I may need two more pairs for Christmas! 

Win your pair of Scribbies Hi Top Sneakers with Coombe Mill

If you fancy a pair of these amazing trainers as a perfect Christmas gift for any child just follow the instructions below. Good luck to all taking part.

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Disclaimer: I was sent my pair of Scribbies for the children to test. All views and opinions expressed are mine and those of my children.

The Secret Beach

Years ago we named our closest beach the Secret Beach. It is actually called Tregardock and a little gem just 15 minutes from Coombe Mill yet we rarely go as there is a half a mile walk from where you park the car at the end of a no through lane and the kids are usually weighed down with surf boards. It is tidal so checking the tide first is essential or you may find there is no beach when you arrive. There are also steep steps cut into the rock to descend to the beach and it is not one I recommend to our guests with young children; having said that now that my own are growing up this beach really is coming into its own for us.

The Public footpath from the narrow lane where you park takes you out into a large field. Armed with a football and a spade the kids spend the first 15 minutes on an impromptu inter family game. The view is breathtaking and I was happy to watch them enjoy the freedom and space. Guy had even brought his fold up seat which soon became the injury bench, regularly frequented by Clio!

Back on track I was so excited to have remembered the DSLR camera and arrived on a glorious afternoon at low tide. No sooner had I congratulated myself on my wise choice for the afternoon than my camera shut down on low battery. "Oh good" piped up Guy "Now you can forget the photos and play with us" Point taken, I returned the camera to my rucksack and with just my i-pod for photos did just as Guy suggested. The camera quality shows but it was such a perfect afternoon I'm sharing the photos anyway vowing to return again.

Down on the beach we headed straight into the caves. The rock colours, plunge pools formed by the retreating tide and natural waterfalls from the cliffs make for the best and most natural playground. I followed the children from cave to cave marvelling at their excitement.

Before long I had lost the older ones rock climbing to the right of the beach, I think they were a little jealous of all the surfers and rather wishing they had bought their boards with them. The younger ones on the other hand were not at all worried by the lack of beach gear. They had brought swim trunks and a towel which I never imagined they would use, but as usual they proved me wrong and delighted in splashing into the waves. I'm afraid my pledge to play withdrew to videoing them at this point.

Coming out shivering they spotted an abandoned beach fire. The family who had been making it had left and the children delighted in huddling round the embers before changing and enjoying the hot chocolate I had brought along.

The Tide was beginning to come in and I was relieved to see the 3 explorers returning from the rocks, I had visions of them being stranded and cut off by the tide. It's a mother's prerogative to worry and always fear the worst! 

The older ones were soon demonstrating their scouting skills ensconced in the task of hunting for driftwood to build the fire higher. I watched them work on their task altogether prodding and poking with sticks as children do while all the time checking the tide to ensure we could make it safely back to the rock steps.

By the time we headed back the sun had set and the beach was deserted. I just have to return to capture that sun set on my DSLR, but for today I was happy to snap with the i-pod and enjoy the time with the children.

Joining in with Country Kids

Country Kids is all about leaving the comfort of indoors and embarking on some outdoor fun. It can be as simple and therapeutic as a play in the park or a walk to the shops or as adventurous as you and the children make it. What matters is to enjoy some time together and breath in the cold fresh air, yes it's chilly in winter but the hot chocolate when you return indoors tastes so much better following some outdoor fun! Take the camera with you and come back and share your tales. Don't forget to grab the badge, link up here and check out what others have been up to. Every week I am inspired by the lovely posts, please keep them coming.

A few of my favourites last week: 

No Time for Ironing makes a birthday party in the woods look like child's play and fun for all

Mummy Musings and Mayhem makes me long for summer days looking at these outdoor play areas 

Daisy Broomfield reminds us that a torch at night can make the early darkness fun to explore

Sit Still Monkeys enjoy a Santa train ride. I hope I can make our Coombe Mill Train this much fun for Christmas. 

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Toys in our properties at Coombe Mill

At Coombe Mill all our cottages and scandinavian lodges have a toy box, a play den or a full size play room. These have proved so popular we have now pledged to build play rooms into all our new builds. It is only the little budget riverside lodges which are just too small, but even if you are staying here there are large toy and dressing up boxes in reception for all our guests to borrow from. 

When Pink lining approached me with their lovely range of bags for Mums with babies and toddlers, bags for kids and some lovely accessories too I was delighted to review a product. With all my own children now growing up the toy bag was the perfect choice to replace the box in Two Chimneys Cottage which had certainly seen better days.

Out with the old

In with the new

I never thought I would get excited about a toy bag but trust me these are worth investing in. They have a choice of three delightful designs of which I chose the "while the world slept" woodland theme which felt most appropriate in our wooded valley.  The material is a wipe clean mat exterior and a soft almost padded inner lining which is as the name suggests pink. Don't worry if you have a boy and pink sounds too girly. There is a dinosaur option with blue lining. I would say these bags are aimed at young children but it is not something they will grow out of in a rush. My nine year old was all for taking it for her bedroom for her teddy collection and even fancied it as a shopping bag for a little trip to Primark!

The toy bag feels substantial and well sewn and perfect to take the harsh life it will receive week after week in our cottage. It is a good size at 40 cm high and 40 cm long and stores a decent number of small to medium sized toys. The website really doesn't do the products justice and it wasn't until it actually arrived all beautifully wrapped and I felt the bag myself that I understood why it retails for £25. On the basis of this bag I would seriously recommend looking at the wider Pink Lining range if you have a tiny one and like to be out and about. The changing bags have a compartment specially designed for everything you could need and are available in a range of different designs including a handy backpack to keep you hands free.  The fun accessories follow the pattern themes for a fully coordinated look.

Win your Pink Lining Toy bag with Coombe Mill

If you would like to win one of these delightful toy bags to keep your child's room, playroom or living room tidy just follow the instructions below.  They would make an original Christmas gift for someone who has recently had a baby too.

Good luck to everyone taking part.

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What is #SBS?

 Back in 2011 I was one of the lucky six chosen by Theo Paphitis as his favoured small business of the week. This placed me in the Small Business Sunday club which Theo heads and is designed to give friendly boost from a man respected in the business world. There is a web site for members packed with helpful advice and information and a family of members who are a great support.

Photo from 2012 Conference 

Annual Conference for #SBS

Last week I made the journey from Cornwall to the ICC in Birmingham for the 2nd ever #sbs conference. I knew it was one I had to attend after I came home from the first eighteen months ago full of ideas and enthusiasm for Coombe Mill. This time was bigger and better, not only were there more people who have joined the #sbs family, but the planning and delivery of the day had stepped up a gear too. Theo Paphitis is the most inspirational speaker who can inspire with a message straight from the heart and talk with authority from first hand experience. There were opportunities oozing for all us small business owners within the scheme, a huge question and answer session and a raft of new #sbs sponsors to make the whole day possible. I managed to wave my arm high enough and ask a question to see what we could expect from Theo on TV now that he is no longer part of Dragons Den. It sounds like watch this space as he could be popping up shortly though he wasn't giving away when or where!

To anyone with a fledgling business, a small family business or a business who just feels they need a little spark and helping hand to lift them a peg or two, then I can't recommend enough trying to enter for #sbs accreditation. It costs nothing to enter and there is everything to gain. Details are all here on the sbs website. The moment when my tweet came back is one I will never forget.

Networking: Friends old and new 

Small businesses covering services and products were represented by the hundreds present on the day. The networking sessions were a great chance to find out more about other people's businesses, challenges, struggles and successes and learn from one another.

Catching up with friends I met last time like Sarah from Silver Birch Crafts, John from The Bedsite.ie, Kim from Welsh Royal Crystal, Katie from Little Big Sports and Red Herring Games was wonderful; a chance to exchange news and business updates. 

Meeting people who I have been tweeting with for ages is always a delight, especially Aycin from B Organic Skin, Joanne from Charlie Moos, Mon and Maria from Sincerity Gifts and Mystic Moon.

For me it was a real bonus to discover people with businesses alighted to my blog who I hope to work with in the future like Aly from The Rainy Day Box Company and Jennifer from Skribbies, both of whom have great products for children.

I discovered a whole crowd from Cornwall: Karen from Just Bunting and Helen from Fenteroon cottages my travelling companions, Cassie from Cake Top Characters, Sian from The One Stop Bug Shop and Joy from A P Bassett Solicitors. Great to spend time with them all and a follow up Coombe Mill cake and coffee business meeting is in the pipeline.

Others Who I met included Katherine from My wonderful Little Designs, Liz from Allergy Aware Kitchen but there are always so many with these events who you really want to find but somehow miss on the day. Georgina from Gem Writing, Allison from Allison Franks d/m I was so sorry to miss you and so many others I am now tweeting with.

Just for fun

Travelling to Birmingham and back in a day is just too much from Cornwall so I travelled with Karen from Just Bunting and Helen from Fenteroon Cottages the day before. Meeting up with Aycin from B-organic Skin we took advantage of a little shopping in Birmingham and a night out on the town. It really is a beautiful City and thank you ladies for some excellent company, next year I will have you ice skating not just watching and admiring!

The whole trip was quite exhausting but thoroughly enjoyable and I hope to be able to do it all again next year. A huge thanks Theo, his team and the sponsor companies for setting up the day, providing a lovely buffet and all without charging anyone to attend. This level of generosity is really special and so appreciated. My Final thanks goes to Boden Clothing who sponsored my lovely dress for the day, beats my farm gear any day!

I have set this post up as a blog hop in case anyone one else has a post from the day. Just add your post and grab the code this way we can all read each others take on the day and I can see just how many lovely people I managed to miss!