So - been a while but we got back from Italy and as promised here are the reviews for a couple of new bits we intended to try out while holidaying with the twins this year.
Dock and Bay towels definitely were worth the investment. As I mentioned in the last post they weigh next to nothing and took up no space in our luggage but were indispensable! We purchased two X-large ones in the stripes and two plain Large ones.
I washed them as per the instructions - which is no fabric softener before leaving and packed them into their little bags. We were able to use them continuously for the two weeks that we were away and only required a quick sink 'refresh' wash every couple of days. Both on the beach and by the pool the all performed really well four our family. The x-large ones were larger than the sun loungers and covered them completely which also meant that they were a superb size to cover up an adult. The large ones for the kinds were perfect as well and have been made well so with plenty of growing room I am pretty sure they will serve us for years to come.
The washed and air dried in 30minutes on a hot afternoon and have not suffered from any fading as far as beach performance goes - a quick shake removed any sand and the way they almost instantly dried meant that even after multiple dips in the water you weren't at any point in the day left with a damp towel.
The only bit that takes a bit of getting used to is the technique of 'patting' instead of 'rubbing' dry......or alternatively just wrap yourself tight in one and find yourself dry on the unwrap. All in all - these are going to be a firm fixture for anymore holidays.
Collapsable bags. Out of the two new ones I purchased this year I have to say that I loved the Go Travel Foldaway Tote bag. It was really durable and looked great for both day and night use. There was ample space for all the usuals (wallet, camera, sunglasses, water bottles, husband's stuff) and a full nappy changing kit for twins and spare clothes! I was deep (13 litres) but not too wide so it didn't get bulky making it easy to carry on the shoulder. I could even fit supermarket shopping in it without a problem. Zip is good and sturdy and best of all it cost £4.99 with free delivery.
Cabin Max Metz bag, so this was primarily purchased for my husband to carry as hand luggage for the flight. He was packed up with nappies and games and snacks in addition to his tablet and wallet. Sat very well on his back and was easy to get on and off in a rush. The separate front pocket was useful to make things like snacks easily accessible. We found that is was perfect for the flight but on arriving at the location it isn't the sort of backpack that you would take out for a day trip - it was just too big so wouldn't be good if you were looking for something dual-purpose and considering that you pay a little extra for the 'cabin baggage' guarantee it may well be worth finding a standard rucksack.
I will also try and find some photos!
Next up for reviews: well the boys are two and a half and will no longer tolerate their Gro-bags when going to bed and having just removed the bars from their Bunk Cots to convert them to toddler beds I thought I would give the Gro Company Gro-to-bed Bedding which claims to be an "all–in–one duvet cover, bottom sheet and pillow case set has been cleverly designed with zips to keep the duvet in place and help to prevent little children from rolling out of bed." With a fairly high price point for someone that needs to invest in at least two but ideally four they better be good! I might also enlighten you to how we have found the Bunk Cots since they were also a gamble of an investment at the beginning but over two years down the road are really showing us that they were well worth the outlay!
I am also going to tell you about TomTato (AKA Ketchup and Chips plant) and 'Egg and Chips' plants I purchased in May when I was fairly unconvinced about the claims that they would deliver with relatively little effort Tomatoes and potatoes on one plant and aubergines and potatoes on the other ....relevant for all you Mums and Dads of multiples out there that used to grow your own but think that you no longer can........not to mention totally bonkers......what can this alien plant be - can't possibly be true - or can it?!!!
Dock and Bay towels definitely were worth the investment. As I mentioned in the last post they weigh next to nothing and took up no space in our luggage but were indispensable! We purchased two X-large ones in the stripes and two plain Large ones.
I washed them as per the instructions - which is no fabric softener before leaving and packed them into their little bags. We were able to use them continuously for the two weeks that we were away and only required a quick sink 'refresh' wash every couple of days. Both on the beach and by the pool the all performed really well four our family. The x-large ones were larger than the sun loungers and covered them completely which also meant that they were a superb size to cover up an adult. The large ones for the kinds were perfect as well and have been made well so with plenty of growing room I am pretty sure they will serve us for years to come.
The washed and air dried in 30minutes on a hot afternoon and have not suffered from any fading as far as beach performance goes - a quick shake removed any sand and the way they almost instantly dried meant that even after multiple dips in the water you weren't at any point in the day left with a damp towel.
The only bit that takes a bit of getting used to is the technique of 'patting' instead of 'rubbing' dry......or alternatively just wrap yourself tight in one and find yourself dry on the unwrap. All in all - these are going to be a firm fixture for anymore holidays.
Collapsable bags. Out of the two new ones I purchased this year I have to say that I loved the Go Travel Foldaway Tote bag. It was really durable and looked great for both day and night use. There was ample space for all the usuals (wallet, camera, sunglasses, water bottles, husband's stuff) and a full nappy changing kit for twins and spare clothes! I was deep (13 litres) but not too wide so it didn't get bulky making it easy to carry on the shoulder. I could even fit supermarket shopping in it without a problem. Zip is good and sturdy and best of all it cost £4.99 with free delivery.
Cabin Max Metz bag, so this was primarily purchased for my husband to carry as hand luggage for the flight. He was packed up with nappies and games and snacks in addition to his tablet and wallet. Sat very well on his back and was easy to get on and off in a rush. The separate front pocket was useful to make things like snacks easily accessible. We found that is was perfect for the flight but on arriving at the location it isn't the sort of backpack that you would take out for a day trip - it was just too big so wouldn't be good if you were looking for something dual-purpose and considering that you pay a little extra for the 'cabin baggage' guarantee it may well be worth finding a standard rucksack.
I will also try and find some photos!
Next up for reviews: well the boys are two and a half and will no longer tolerate their Gro-bags when going to bed and having just removed the bars from their Bunk Cots to convert them to toddler beds I thought I would give the Gro Company Gro-to-bed Bedding which claims to be an "all–in–one duvet cover, bottom sheet and pillow case set has been cleverly designed with zips to keep the duvet in place and help to prevent little children from rolling out of bed." With a fairly high price point for someone that needs to invest in at least two but ideally four they better be good! I might also enlighten you to how we have found the Bunk Cots since they were also a gamble of an investment at the beginning but over two years down the road are really showing us that they were well worth the outlay!
I am also going to tell you about TomTato (AKA Ketchup and Chips plant) and 'Egg and Chips' plants I purchased in May when I was fairly unconvinced about the claims that they would deliver with relatively little effort Tomatoes and potatoes on one plant and aubergines and potatoes on the other ....relevant for all you Mums and Dads of multiples out there that used to grow your own but think that you no longer can........not to mention totally bonkers......what can this alien plant be - can't possibly be true - or can it?!!!
