I was brought up and raised in the sunny town of Lymington. Many many years ago, on most sunny afternoons after school and some times during (no questions asked please) we used to jump on our bikes and head on down to Lymington Seawater Baths! It is still there today looking and sounding exactly the same!
Now that I have two small children, they are regularly taken there and can experience exactly what I did all those years before. If you're anywhere near the area pop in and see what they have to offer!
There's nothing nicer than the smell of italian food and drink. Well, if you're in the area of Hythe, near Southampton, you will be able to experience a slice of the Italian lifestyle! We have a fabulous Italian market coming to our village!
Such a lovely display of fine foods as well as a whole host of independent shops to browse around! Come and take a look lovely people, you could be pleasantly surprised!
Down here in sunny Hythe, Southampton, the sun is still most definitely shining! Over the weekend a great toy has been flying off the shelves! It's a Garden Sun Catcher, by Melissa & Doug, ideal for the arty crafty type! This one appeals to boys and girls as there is paint involved! Pop along and have a look!
It's not often I can say this, but I have just spent an amazing morning at a party run by the Sugar Plum Fairy! Oh yes indeed, the whole garden was transformed with all things fairy! Glitter, swathes of fabric and such lovely summery bunting! If you don't fancy making your own bunting try looking at the lovely work of myRetro Textiles!
For all things fairy, this Melissa & Doug fairy costume is beautiful and ideal for parties and dressing up days!
This characterful puppet by Melissa & Doug is on her way to a party today! Toys Ahoy wish her the best of luck in her new home and hopes she is played with and loved forever! What a great way to tell stories and create 'shows' for friends and family!
After browsing through my most favourite retro online shop, Yay Retro, I feel inspired to show you something full of retro fun here at Toys Ahoy! I remember as a child playing pin the tail on the donkey at most of my parties! The thought of sticking a pin into a donkey's bottom seemed somewhat hilarious at the time!
Try out this fab version of the old time classic! What about this? So cute! Check out Yay Retro, such lovely bits and bobs!
In our house, usually on a Saturday, we try and hold a 'Games Night'. This consists of different board games or any type of game set up in various rooms in the house. The children make tickets and posters to advertise and promote the event! Most of the time things go smoothly (ever tried playing games with children in a competitive way?)!
Two of the games which feature heavily on 'Games Night' are Suspend and Time Shock worth a try for serious game players!
After the smalls are tucked up in bed the event can sometimes continue accompanied by a glass of something nice! Usually I follow the recommendations of Helen McGinn (Knackered Mothers Wine Club)!
Well, what a lot of birthdays there are this month! How about something handmade and traditional and....made in this country?
This beautiful wooden, traditional roundabout would make the perfect gift for any child! My little boy Patrick has this one in his room, he loves to spin it as fast as he can and then count to see how long it lasts! Such Fun!
We are now approaching the end of the summer term. For some children moving to 'big school' will be a time of nervous excitement!
Whether it's starting school or just moving onwards and upwards, here at Toys Ahoy in Hythe we have lots of bits and bobs to help your child enjoy their school days or perhaps a simple reward for their fabulous school report!
Here at Toys Ahoy in Hythe, we are lovers of all things vintage and traditional. This lovely market will be adorning our high street on Monday 26th August and we can't wait to bring out our traditional toys!