Soft Play and Crazy Weather

This week hasn't really gone as planned.

I think Chloe is going through 18 month old sleep regression.  She previously slept for 2 to 3 hours in the afternoon.  However, all of a sudden she fights sleeping in the day.  She's still sleeping fine during the night.  This means that I struggle to find time to get any work done.  Those few hours were vital and now I find myself struggling to get work done in the evenings when my husband is home and I'm too tired.  Not productive at all.  Hey ho... that's mum life for you.

On Tuesday we went to a soft play centre called Berserk.  It was quite good.  I will probably do a more detailed review at another time because I think we will be going back.  In terms of travelling, it's not the easiest to get to but it's not the most difficult either.

All those toys and she finds the football

From Northampton Town Centre you can either catch a Stagecoach no. x10 and get off at Underbank Road, a no. 7 and get off at Talavera Way or, as we did, catch a No. 2 (also Stagecoach) and get off at Lumbertubs Pub and walk along Moulton Way.  I think between the two, the No. 2 is more direct but a bit of a longer walk.  In terms of travelling time however, there probably isn't much difference.  The walk from Lumbertubs Way is fairly straight forward and the paths are fine until you get into the carpark of Berzerk and meet all the potholes.

During term time it is £3.95 for 1-3 year olds and that is to play all day (which is a good job because Chloe was asleep when we got there - although that did mean I had time to get a cup of tea).  There's the usual large climbing frames and slides that you expect to find in a soft play centre.  There is also a dedicated area for under fives which has a lot of little tikes slides and blocks and then a bouncy castle, which Chloe didn't like.  For older children there is also an air bouncer and go karts.

Cosy

Sleeping on the bus as usual

During the week they also have classes such as rhyme time and dance which I think are included in the price.

We stayed for a good two and a half hours before leaving due to the crazy weather.

It was also the first time I got to try out the new buggy on the bus (check out my blog from last week to see my review). 

It's definitely lighter, so much so that you really have to push it to get it over the bumps next to the bus stop which isn't ideal.  Chloe seems comfortable in it.  She fell asleep on the bus as usual so it must be ok.  My only thing when travelling is you've definitely got to be more wary of it toppling because it's so much lighter than the old Sola2.  Also, I really could do with a cosy toes/footmuff for it so if anyone has any recommendations for one please let m know.

Other than our adventure on Tuesday we haven't been out much because of the crazy weather.  It's been icy (there was even a bus crash on the other side of the estate one day so it's made me a bit wary about going out).  I'm not sure how the Joie buggy will be in the icy weather so am tempted to keep the Sola2 for a little bit longer just because it's got a bit more grip on the wheels. 

Yesterday was crazy.  For those of you who are new (well that's most of you I guess) and probably don't know, I'm my mum's main carer. My mum has many medical conditions (we joke that she has her own filing cabinet in the hospital) but one of them is that she had to have corneal transplants in both eyes due to a disease called Fuch's Dystrophy.  On Friday she called me to say that the first eye she had done (the right one in which she had what is called a Dseak transplant - I can do a whole blog post on the operations if you really want to know) had popped and was all bloody (yuk).  As it was out of hours I told her that I'd take her to the eye casualty in the morning.  It turns out she's got something called a Sub-conjunctival Haematoma (basically a burst blood vessel).  They checked the pressures in her eye and her corneal graft and everything was fine so it's just a case of upping her steroid drops and waiting for it the clear.  It's always a worry though as there is no corneal specialist in Northampton so chances are if it does go wrong it'll be backwards and forwards to Leicester again.  Don't get me wrong, the team at Leicester Royal Infirmary are brilliant but that journey is a pain in the backside. 

Other than that it's just been a normal week.  Friday we went to Sing and Sign as usual.  We did colours this week and saw a rainbow on the way home which Chloe loved pointing out.  I love that she now points out little things while we're out and about.  Just hope that the weather starts getting a bit better so that we can go out more.

Oh we got a new car seat for Mark's car too.  If you'd like me to do a review let me know. 

That's all for  now

Have a good week

Kat & Chloe xx

Another Quiet Week - Buggy/Stroller Review

N.B.  This week's blog contains a few affiliated links.  None of these are ads or sponsored.  They are just items I have bought since having Chloe.  They will be identified with an asterisk( *)

It's been another quiet week here this week.

We went to my Mum's on Monday.  It's the first time I've been across town since the bus services have changed.  Basically, up until a few weeks ago Stagecoach Midlands used to run a bus service that ran from my area of Northampton right through to the other side of town to where my Mum lived.  To be honest, I rarely caught it all the way through because either I needed to get something for Mum in town on the way or the bus from the other company at my end came first and that's a bit quicker.

Anyway it was fairly uneventful but it did make me realise that sometimes (like on Monday) when I travel across town I use three different bus companies there and back.  I do have an attitude that unless I need to get somewhere specific I just catch the first bus that turns up (or more often in my case if the first bus that turns up doesn't have any other buggies on I will get on it).

Anyway the only other time I've been out on a bus this week was on Tuesday when we went to meet Mark from work.  Mark had the old buggy in the car so I put Chloe in the carrier.  It's been a while since she's been in it and she wasn't too impressed at first, although that was probably more to do with the fact that she had just woken up.   For those of you interested I have the Ergobaby Original *carrier.  Originally we had a cheapy one when Chloe was a baby but both me and Mark complained that it had no support, so we bought this one and love it.  It's so comfy to wear and even though Chloe is now older it still fits comfortably.  I definitely recommend shopping around though.  I wasn't really into the baby wearing/sling using when I had Chloe but we have found having a carrier useful for when you're going around certain places (We used it at Battersea Zoo so that Chloe could see the animals better).

Stroller Review - Joie Brisk Stroller Cherry*

In other news, we bought a new stroller.  We've been using the Mamas and Papas Sola2 since Chloe was born and I love it (and am still reluctant to depart with it) but it was getting a bit heavy. Also with the buses seemingly busier I decided it would be easier to get an umbrella fold stroller in case I have to put it down when I'm on my own.

We decided on the Joie Brisk Stroller.  It was a toss up between this and the nitro but the Brisk seemed a bit sturdier than the Nitro.

release clip to close 

Things I Love About It

It's so easy to put up and down.  To put it up you literally unclip the clip on the side and push the bar down at the back.  To put it down it has a one hand one fold mechanism.  (Basically you push a button on the grey clip on the handle, pull the grey clip up and it folds down.  This works really well.  I have small hands so sometimes these mechanisms I still have to use two hands but this one I can do really easily, even with a wriggly toddler in my other arms.


It's lightweight: After using the Sola2 for the past 18 months this seemed like it was going to slip away from me. It's so light.  It's definitely going to be easier to get on and off public transport.  However, because it's lighter I did find when walking to Sing and Sign the other day that it doesn't like potholes (and we have a lot). 

large basket

large basket with large changing bag in 

It has a big basket and things don't fall out of it: No don't get me wrong, the basket on the Sola2 is quite big but because it's not particularly high sided  things easily fall out of it.  However, this one is quite deep and goes right under the seat (though don't tell my mum this because she'll just think she can put more shopping in it).  I have a fairly large changing bag and it fits lovely in the bottom and still has plenty of room in the basket.

Extended hood

Big Hood: I love the extended hood.  It's completely covers the seat.  Not sure how waterproof it is but the buggy comes with a rain cover so that shouldn't be too much of an issue.  It has a zip for the final bit so it makes it better for storage.  Obviously because it's umbrella fold the hood is not as study as the Sola2 but it should still brave the elements hopefully. 

Things I didn't love 

The Brake.  I'm still to test it on public transport but it doesn't feel that secure.  It could just be because it's lighter so I don't feel as confident with it but the jury is still out on that one.

The Wheels: This might just be because it's new and the first time I used it outside it was frosty, but the wheels seem a bit too smooth.  Plus the front wheels can't be locked in position so the feel like they're going to spin.  This is the other reason why I'm a bit wary about the brake too. 

Umbrella fold: This is going to seem a bit daft because I wanted an umbrella fold buggy in case I have to put it down on bus, however, it makes me feel like I'm going to break it if I'm too rough with it.  I'm sure they're tested rigorously but compared to what I've been used to it seems a bit delicate.


(I've just realised whilst writing this review that I haven't taken a photo of Chloe in the buggy).

Overall, it is a nice little buggy and for the price range it is quite a good buy.  We do seem to be becoming Joie advocates (our high chair is also Joie and we have bought a Joie car seat this weekend).

Hope you've enjoyed my review.  If you would like me to review the Sola2 let me know. 

Product Specifications

Weight: 8.5 kg

Height: 103cm

Width: 50cm 

So that's me done for this week.  Not sure where we will be going in the next week but I will make sure you know.

Remember to follow us on Instagram at @girlslikebusestoo


See you soon


Kat & Chloe x

Planning Our Journeys

Hi All

Chloe knows to put her hand out to stop the bus

This week has been pretty quiet.  We've actually only been out twice and only once on a  bus.  This was to Northampton town centre to get some birthday cards and post my dissertation (eek).  Interestingly enough, Monday was the first day of the new bus timetables.  We're quite lucky where I live that ours haven't changed really.  We still have a bus into town every 15 minutes, the only thing that has changed is they now all have the same number because they no longer go across town.  In fact, only a few buses now go across town which means that for the purposes of this blog there may be a lot of me complaining about the bus station waiting for other buses.

The second trip was Friday for a short trip to the park in Dallington (which is the village next to our estate).  It was a bit muddy and wet and Chloe didn't want to go on the swings so we didn't stay for long.  Then had extra disappointment to find out that our favourite little cafe has closed down. No bacon sandwiches for Mummy and no cake for Chloe.

Can I climb this Mummy?

So what have I planned so far?

I've looked at places that we visit regularly, places I think might readers might be interesting in seeing and places I would like to visit.  If anyone has got any suggestions please let me know.  I'm happy to consider most places.  After all the whole idea of this blog is to show whether somewhere is accessible on public transport.

The types of places we're looking to visit so far are:-

• Country Parks/Parks 
• Museums 
• Soft Play Centres
• Stately Homes 
• Amusements/Theme Parks/Attractions
• Shopping Centres/Areas
• General Sightseeing/Tourist Spots

We will be discussing:

• How accessible they are by public transport both locally and nationally 
• How child/toddler friendly they are 
• Value for money, both in terms of how much it has cost to travel there and also any entry fees etc. 

Obviously, most costs and accessibility will be based on travelling from Northampton.  However, I will do my best to focus on local transport for those who may be living in the area or travelling to the area. 

Again, if there's anything else you would like me to focus on, please let me know. 

Girls Like Buses Too - What’s in a name

In my insomnia riddled mind, I’ve been laying here for the past hour wondering if anybody wanted an explanation in the new name for this blog?

Buses have always featured in my life.  My Dad was a bus driver and then a travel clerk for the local bus company until the day he died (literally - I always used to find that phrase weird but Dad passed away before he retired so in his case it was true). My uncle was also a bus driver. My mum didn’t drive so we went everywhere on buses. If dad was on a route near us, he would tell us to be at the bus stop when we were kids and we’d go for a ride with him. When I got older, I would often sit in the phone room or the travel shop while he worked. It wasn’t a job that I wanted to do but I was fascinated by bus timetables and that my dad had this fountain of knowledge or where there went (it’s a skill that I have picked up). 

Snuggles on the bus

I don’t drive either so if Mark is at work I go everywhere on a bus. People often ask me why I don’t just learn to drive. I can get everywhere I need to get to for £4.50 a day. If I need to go further afield, I can do that. Public transport doesn’t scare me. It’s there for a reason. Yes, it’s not always the most convenient but it serves a purpose. My only frustration now is it not always easy with a child in a buggy. Anyone who follows me on Facebook has probably seen my rants recently about the bus driver who wouldn’t let me on the bus because there was not enough room (there was) or the bus company who have a bus that is not fit for purpose because you can’t get to the wheelchair area. However, these minor setbacks would not make me start driving and in a year or so’s time they probably won’t be an issue because I’m very much in the mindset that once Chloe is a bit more confident in her walking (she’s been walking since 10 months but she still has a bit of the baby wobbles) we probably won’t use the buggy as much. A few times recently we have been out with her in the carrier instead and she loves it because she gets to nose out of the window and watch the world go by. 

So, there you have it, the story behind the name.  

I hope that this blog will be informative for not only those who don't drive but also those who want to leave the car behind.  

See you soon 

Kat & Chloe xx 

Goodbye 2018 - Here's to new adventures in the 2019

So as we have welcomed in 2019, I thought this would be a good time to reflect on the year gone by.

As you have probably noticed, I started this blog with the intention of blogging about any journeys that Chloe and myself go on.  We got to Easter and I was doing so well.  However, I didn't factor in returning to my studies for my MA and that has since taken over my life.  Don't panic though, I haven't forgotten about the buses.  In fact, my dissertation is about buses in Northamptonshire between 1920 to 1950 (don't worry, I won't bore you with the details).

Anyway, we have been on a few journeys since the spring so I will recap on those for you.

Watching the animals at the Zoo

In May whilst in London for a family party, we went to Battersea Children's Zoo in Battersea Park.  It was a lovely little zoo with quite a few animals considering it's only small.  My only complaint with it is, considering most of the visitors are people with buggies and pushchairs, the paths are not very steady.  This didn't stop Chloe enjoying watching the animals.  We also use the carrier a lot when we're in London.  It's just often easier for Chloe who still doesn't really like forward facing in the buggy considering she's a nosey little so and so. 

Pick Your Own 

June was obviously strawberry picking time so Mark took the children to Harpole.  They both enjoyed it and obviously tried to eat them on the way round. 

Chloe at the Eden Project play area

In July we went to Cornwall and visited a few places that were very baby/toddler friendly.  The Eden Project is great for buggies and has little play areas around.  Also if you go when it's extremely hot like we did make sure you find the cool room in the the biodome.  That was worth the entrance fee itself.

Enjoying her Smart trike

We also visited the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth which again was great for little ones.  Because of how the main tank is situated in the venue there are plenty of opportunities for children to see the fishes all the way around. 

We also visited the beach a few times and in typical fashion we managed to visit on the only day when it rained after that hot summer we had.

 We also took along a new mode of transport for Chloe.  We bought this Smart Trike* for her first birthday and she loves it.  The one we bought folds down so that it's easy to transport about and fits in the car along with the buggy.  It can also has pedals that can be taken off until she's old enough to use it as a tricycle.

Chloe on her Christening Day

Birthday trip to the farm

As I've mentioned, before we went on holiday, Chloe turned one.  We didn't have a big birthday party for her because she was Christened the week before her birthday.  For her birthday we decided to take her to the farm (mainly because Mark wanted to get home for the football - It was the day of the Sweden v England World Cup game).  We went to Mini Meadows farm which is near Welford.  It's a lovely little farm with lots of opportunities for the children to feed the animals. 

Chloe in her birthday bus dress

August saw Chloe's first trip to A&E.  Obviously not a fun trip by all means.  As many mothers will know, once they get going, children are fast.  She was sitting on the sofa and managed to slip off and caught her head on the side of the radiator.  Mum guilt is definitely the worse feeling in the world.  She was fine after being glued back together and still has no fear of climbing on everything.


August also saw Mark take the children to London Zoo while I went to the National Archives.  She seems to like watching the animals and does know the names of lots of them (duck being her favourite!!)

 The rest of the year was quite quiet in terms of trips out (obviously lots of trips on the bus - I don't drive so unless I've turned into a hermit..... actually I pretty much have).  However, we did see a few Christmas displays at Centre MK, Weston Favell Shopping Centre and Bosworths Garden Centre. 

Over the next few weeks, I will blogging about our plans for the new year (once I've finished my dissertation - only a week to go!!!).  We're planning lots of trips and will be bring you guys with us to enjoy the fun. 

But for now

Happy New Year 

Keep smiling 

Kat & Chloe x 

N.B. Links with asterisks (*) are affiliated links.  Any other links are not.  Unless stated I have not be paid for any other links.