Parc du Castel des Deux Rois- Nice port side

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We were so grateful for this shady park with a cooling water spray feature and a cafe on Tuesday as the temperatures hit another high. Winds were minimal and the air stifling so strolling through the streets of Nice seemed more like a punishment than a pleasure. What our little family needed was an escape and that is exactly what we found. Parc Deux Rois is elevated to offer spectacular panoramic views with enough breeze to create a feeling of being far from the madding crowds- though watch out as its a very popular destination for school outings and holiday clubs so it’s not always the most tranquil of places depending on the day of the week or hour you visit. It’s not that accessible by foot if you don’t actually live in the port area and its up a hill (it is just off the road leading to the Moyenne corniche) but its a very short drive and there is ample shady parking very close to the cafe and toilets.

The cafe serves a great selection from toasted Bruschetta, burgers and frites to lighter options like salads (but ice cream, beers and coffee will always tempt you) the service is very friendly too considering how busy they were with at least two school parties present.

We chose a hamburger and fries and a ham and cheese baguette. Nothing too exciting but freshly made and it filled the gap. It was helped down with cold beer so we were not complaining (until a football arrived at full pelt and knocked a can over.. but these are the perils of Picnics one must agree)

Its easy enough to find a shady spot as there are lots of large trees in all varieties and it is a large park. there is a carousel as well as an area for ping-pong (though it appeared you needed to bring your own equipment as it WAS just a table but an excellent touch none the less. I believe there used to be animals too but there were none to see on our visit.

We wasted no time in fooling around in the water sprays but don’t run especially with babe in arms because the concrete has become really slippery. I watched a few kids tumble and it looked like it hurt!

Good Points:

  • Elevated View
  • Shady parking
  • Friendly cafe
  • Carousel
  • Water Sprays
  • Lots of trees and shade

Bad Points:

  • No baby changing (but it is a park so the soft grass will do)
  • Hard to walk to as up a steep hill
  • No Swings

 

By Catherine Ogilvie

TotsBots Reusable Happy Nappies- The 7 Day Trial

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When #Bubbatastic agreed to trial a quality award-winning brand of reusable nappies we really had no idea what a can of worms we were opening. And not that that’s a bad thing I hasten to add, I quite like worms. Worms are no bad thing at all. They are enviromentally friendly little fellows who happily take care of our earth so how very apt that I should mention them in this context because that is aexactly the point of these delighfully colourful nappies!

My friend Kisten Hogg- company owner of http://www.daisyanddragondesign.com needed a Guinea Pig as sha plans to sell them through her website and we happily agreed. Whats not to like about free nappies??

There is certainly a lot to learn in terms of how to assemble them; Then there is the jargon to learn i.e. Wicking, double mesh, wrap and Peenut to name but a few… The actual nappies themselves all have personalities and specific uses too. There are cosy Bamboozle stretch for littles and sleep time but only really effective if double lined or used in conjunction with a waterproof wrap like a Peenut. There are ones for ‘around the house’ use or ‘out and about’ called the Easyfit Star. Perplexed? Well, here is the good news- it’s all really quite simple once you have mastered assembly and jargon. You would have to be a bit dim if it takes you longer than 24 hours. I say this with earnest because I really am the dimmest when it comes to reading and following instructions. A thick brain fog rises and I am rendered quite impaired to follow even the simplest of instructions like ‘How to wash’

Moving on…

Day One: The Outing to a park wearing an Easyfit Star 

I chose the dark and funky nappy so that Charly wouldn’t even need trousers on the top, assuming that they would be too bulky to allow a normal pair of shorts over the top. But actually when i tried a pair on top just to see the effect, it looked just fine so we proceeded to the park.I also chose Easyfit because they are the style that claim to be the most straight forward – no assembly of extra parts or clipping or fitting to do just attach to baby and GO! All the nappies have adjustable poppers for little to large bubba. Charlie is in the latter category so there was literally nothing for me to do except add the disposable liner.

After a 3 hour play, snack and visit to Papa, we got home to find a very wet nappy but zero leakage and no red bottom nor excessive wetness. Hooray!

It was later that night that I discovered we had the odds stacked against us a tad as the instructions said in bold letters ‘Wash several times without softener before use to maximize their absorbance’

(What did I tell you?!)

 

 

Day 2/3/4: The Nap Test and the Poo Test wearing Bamboozle Stretch 

As our confidence grew so did the nappy ‘activity’ Its strange but I felt like Charly was subconsciously holding back for the first day. It was as if he knew he wasn’t wearing his usual kit and being almost coy about his pluming and sewage works.. but by the third day he did his usual parcel after breakfast and well, it wasn’t fun.. and it didn’t leak as such but it took some time peeling out the disposable liner then rinsing poo from the sides of the nappy before chucking it straight into the machine as I hadn’t organized the suggested mesh lined bucket with lid. (Until I know whether we will continue with reusables, I am reluctant to buy all the accessories you understand )

The Nap Test was also a lesson learned as a failed to follow instructions to add the Peenut Wrap to ensure the nappy was waterproof and sure enough Charly was wet through to his bodysuit. Not so much the bed or sheets were affected but enough for a necessary change of garments. his nap was a 2 hour long one too so I was already growing nervous about their ability to withstand a full night…

Day 5/6/7 The All Nighter wearing a Peenut Wrap with the extra Nappy liners (sold separately but worth having)

I delayed the all nighter until we weren’t going out and leaving babysitters in charge or having our other son staying over because I  was convinced there would be leakage and chaos would ensue.. but as he doesn’t poo at night and doesn’t take a bottle after 7pm until the morning I also thought ‘Well, how bad could to actually be?’

In fact not only not bad but darned impressive!

His bottom was not at all sore, the soft padding and extra absorbent nappy liners took care of that, and his nappy was heavy but it had coped. There was the teensiest bit of wet in the creases of the elasticated leg area but the bed and sheets were dry.

 

Good Points:

  • The stylish look and there are LOTs of patterns to choose from
  • The snug fit with adjustable poppers for length and side velcro straps for width
  • They are a LOT more cost-effective than disposable (saving on average £750 per baby)
  • Environmentally sound (40% better) and made from natural bamboo

Bad Points: 

  • They will leak if left on too long as they are not magical synthetic that can expand beyond belief
  • They are certainly harder work because you have to wash them in a special way and dry them for a LONG time
  • The disposable liner WILL slip unless you use glue but that’s not a very sound idea! therefore poo disposal can be a bit of a job and you wouldn’t want to be in your favorite restaurant..

FINAL VERDICT…

YES We recommend TotsBots Reusable Nappies! (though we also will keep using the synthetic disposable for outings to restaurants and long days out as it’s no fun changing a pooey one in public then keeping it with you all day- no matter HOW pretty the little TotsBots sack is đŸ˜‰

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BREAD- Blvd Gambetta, Nice

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Today I shall cut to the chase and simply say- ‘Tis one of our all time favorite places.

There is no available Highchair and there are no baby changing facilities but I will go out an a limb here and still highly recommend this beautifully calm, yet retro Boulangerie because it has SOUL.

The staff are always, without exception, like meeting an old friend. They smile warmly and ask how you are as if they genuinely care. The cakes and breads are all made in-house and are exceptional and quite unique plus they change the homemade cakes and wraps so it is never like GroundHog Day.

We took our own attachable highchair which has its perks but does not work on ALL  tables. Don’t ever try attaching one to a small square table with a singular leg. I shall say no more on the matter for fear of appalling you!

Luckily I have super quick Nanny reflexes.

I ate a homemade gluten-free carrot and walnut cake and requested a real cup because I am basically a snob and don’t do paper cups unless it is a festival or I am running for a train.

Not today but usually, there is a Matcha Green tea brioche that almost rendered me speechless with its deliciousness (I said ‘almost’)

And today, but not usually, Charly attempted to feed his own cake-hole hence the standard cute baby ‘food face’ photo I took the liberty of sharing …

just because I can.

Good Points: 

  • The unique array of breads and cakes not to mention organic drinks
  • The Retro super chilled cafe decor.
  • The very tolerant staff who simply laughed when Charly found his way behind the counter to chase a bread roll.

Bad Points:

  • No baby facilities whatsoever (but massive armchairs so IF you must but pretend you are not..)
  • The mosquitoes seem to like the temperature here. come armed with a Citronella bracelet.

 

 

By Catherine Ogilvie

Delibo les Bains- Villefranche Plage

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Thank you, THANK YOU Delibo for setting up camp on the finest of beaches near Nice- Villefranche.  I have been wondering for a while now why these private beach restaurants are literally back to back on all the other coastal towns yet completely absent in Villefranche. One might argue (and I once agreed) that it was the only beach UNspoilt… However, when we visited this morning to say a final Goodbye to a dear friend and accompany her for scrambled eggs, I watched on as my 1 year old completely involved himself playing happily under the shade of the superbly large pristine white parasols, paddling in Villefranche’s little waves and eating scrambled egg from the luxurious new highchairs – I allowed my attitude to be completely flipped upside-down and now think it is the best thing that has happened since the Nespresso Machine.

Charly literally had tiny sandy pebbles wedged between his bottom cheeks after his sand play and paddle despite wearing a nappy – but he seemed quite unperturbed as I hosed him down in the divinely large toilets. ( sorry no change table but ample space and clean enough to eat your truffle eggs off ) We took a table set back from the wooden terrace edge to avoid losing him and his giant football over the edge, of course he still managed to put up a good chase but once captured he sat quite contentedly at our table with unarguably the better view and helped us with our eggs as well as devouring his own ‘brought from home’ stuff.

All in all a great big thumbs up and a very happy Mummy !

Good Points: 

  • The outstanding view and location ( parking easy as pie)
  • The service- all new and proud of it.
  • The food
  • The Highchairs.. naturally

Bad Points: 

  • No changing table
  • …. nope that’s me. Over and Out

 

 

By Catherine Ogilvie

Maman Les P’tits Bateaux- Rue Dellile, Nice

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What is NOT to like in this fantastic ‘Where have you been all Charly’s life’ Cafe?!

Nice, take a bow. At last we can welcome you into the 21st Century and out of the Child-unfriendly darkness. Ok so credit is really due to the two bright and forward-thinking Mamans who set about creating this kiddie paradise. The floor space is clean and fresh and bright. The toy selection is a perfect balance of fun,  good quality and nurturing. The cakes (homemade) and coffee left me feeling very satisfied indeed and so much so, that I was rendered unable to change or add or complain about anything (and those who know me will concur that I can be cringingly fussy )

There is a secondary room too. It appeared to be a craft and creative room containing posts and trays of beads and wire and scissors but what i really liked about this space is that they had not crammed it to bursting point but also allowed a wall space where buggies and strollers can be parked. I can only speak for MY little rugrat but if he sees a wheel, he becomes quite potty with excitement, makes a dash for the vehicle and tried to lick it. Not the most hygienic pastime when its a wheel of a buggy in Dog Poo City Nice.

The toilets were a very happy discovery. New, spacious, calm and with a neat little changing Station set up in the corner with everything from wipes to tissue to spare nappies and the opposite side to the toilet. A canny move. I also noted a stool for climbing up to wash tiny hands. what a simple but lovely extra.

I did not pay as much attention to the menu as I had intended to because, amusingly, Charly had found a pink pen with no lid on to secretly lick under the beautiful wooden communal table- but I did observe that some customers were eating Croque Monsieur and others drinking proper teas chosen from a pretty display behind the serving area.

I can’t NOT mention too that one of my favorite things of discovery were the home-made dipping biscuits on string! 3 per portion served in a little paper cupcake cup. Too cute for words quite frankly.

So Cheers! Maman Les P’tits Bateaux and Bottoms Up! as the English would say.. and quite appropriate too as there were at least 4 little bottoms up in that Cafe today.

So hurry along and save space for tea and possibly  (from a string!) some homemade biscuits.

http://www.cafe-pousette-nice.jimdo.com

Good Points:

  • All of it

Bad Points:

  • None of it

 

By catherine Ogilvie

Le Frog- Vieux Nice

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I can’t believe I had clean forgotten about this Smashing restaurant. The first time i discovered it was because i was trying to take a quiet short cut to the sea on a hot Summer’s day. Charlie was not more than a teeny thing still traveling horizontally in a carry pod and being spontaneous as i am, we popped in for lunch and Charly slept on, snuggly slotted in beside me still in his carry pod. The restaurant is down the side of the Opera House and there is, wisely, a sandwich board pointing it out. it looked so.. well, FRENCH that I couldnt resist it.

The second time I met Charly’s Godmummy here and he was bigger and sitting up so we asked if they had a highchair. They did! so we all dined happily here around a table inside.  We then retained a third time.  This time with Grandma on a Sunday for lunch and we dined Al Fresco. How i had forgotten this place is beyond me. The toilets are really big too so even though there isn’t a changing mat or table (big shame as they really  have the room) you can easily kneel down and go about your business without actually laying your child down in a piss puddle.

I feel so fond of this place and comfortable with the friendly staff that I am that  close to just asking them outright to buy a mat or table and offering them a 5 thumbs up review.

You never know, It could just work.

Good Points:

  • Beautiful food. We have never been disapointed.
  • A nice highchair with table
  • Large bathroom space
  • lovely decor

Bad Points:

  • No changing table or mat despite the room

 

 

By Catherine Ogilvie

Via Latina Épicerie- Nice

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For those of you who have been following the activities on my Blog through Facebook you will have seen this one coming. How could I possibly resist the invite to review a friend’s restaurant that actually reacted to my Blogs by purchasing a baby changing mat and not just one but two highchairs?! My friend Aldona, working mother of twins no less recently left such a heart-felt response to one of my blogs, sharing her own more daunting experiences of early motherhood. Aldona explains with touching honestly how a simple pit stop in a cafe with two small babies just became joyless as the stress levels of expecting one or indeed both to wake mid coffee break meant she had pre paid for her coffee and was half way out of the door before the coffee arrived. If you read the blog you will get her full account of how life can be with twins under 2 years so I won’t recount her entire response but just say this; WELL DONE and THANKYOU for proving that, even with your busy little boys wrapped around each leg, you could still find time to research and buy suitable and inexpensive baby equipment for your superb Trattoria. I salute you and your very dedicated husband for making this improvement to what is already a cut above your average Italian Deli.

After a fun and happy playdate with our three little ones at the CoulĂ©e Verte park (see previous Blog) we needed only to cross the road and we were at this wonderfully authentic and vibrant establishment. The aromas of incredible cheeses and cured meats danced around my nostrils as we ‘walked the line’ down past a very well stocked Deli counter into the back room. The dining area with its long custom-made high dining table and chairs creates a perfect communal Italian family dining experience. The 3 babes happily fitted in around the table with the twins proudly modeling the Highchairs and Charly in his ready to dine anywhere portable chair. we 3 adults contentedly enjoyed a fine locally brewed white beer, served ice-cold and we enjoyed this cheeky Friday afternoon tipple straight from the bottle. I purchased some delicious homemade epinard ravioli and cooked it just as suggested; in butter not oil and with fresh sage. I nearly dissolved like the very butter it was cooked in at the first bite. They weren’t making it up. Heaven on a plate.

Thank you for the invite and the complimentary beer.. and for keeping a straight face when I had to return for the Ravioli I had paid for and abandoned on the counter due to the slightly tipsy head đŸ˜‰

Good Points:

  • Well all of the above. might be easier to ask you to re-read the Blog!

Bad Points:

  • The risk that you may also forget all your shopping if you enjoy too much of a good time there …

 

 

By Catherine Ogilvie