Archive for January, 2010

Life in the Arctic

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Finally the children are back to school, we are back to work and the world seems almost to be back to normal, but what an interesting few weeks! I don’t know what impact the arctic weather had on your family but it brought us a mixed bag of revelations and inconvenience.

Firstly, it’s hard not to have fun when the world outside is white and no one has to go to work or school. The timing of the big freeze couldn’t have been better and we had fabulous fun perfecting our snowmen and practising our snowball aim. It is so relaxing not being able to go anywhere or do anything constructive outdoors. Once the urge to spring clean the house had passed (it lasted a nanosecond), we all relaxed into relative peace, playing games, reading or watching dvds. It was bliss!

Then came the night of the big, big freeze when our water (like so many other people’s) just didn’t arrive at the taps. The first day was fine, even a novelty, but by day 2 we were all a little peeved at having to use unfrozen rain water from the butts to fill the cistern. By day 3 we were frankly starting to smell a bit so we all trekked to a friend’s house for showers. Day 4 and washing clothes had become an issue, dishes were piling up and we were all fantasising about moving to a warmer country where we would live a less Dickensian existence.

As I write, we have finally thawed enough to have water dribbling from the kitchen tap so civilised living may soon return. If, however, you meet us on the street in the next couple of days, I would advise crossing the road. I promise I won’t be offended.  www.mimitoys.ie

A New Year -2010

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

Well, it’s almost the end of the school holidays and we have had a great break at home with the kids- helped by this amazing snowy weather.  I have really enjoyed the time off but am looking forward to a new year of planning where to take my business next.  January is always an exciting time for us when we actually have time to lift our heads and look around us!

We had a very busy run up to Christmas which of course is great news for us, but also demonstrated how people react in times of recession. We certainly saw no drop in demand for our more expensive toys like the fabulous PinToy dolls houses and Radio Flyer wagons, which only goes to prove that people appreciate that it is better to buy one good quality toy than two cheap items.

It seemed to me that parents were also cutting back on the “stocking fillers” rather than the main present. I think this is a great idea as  children quickly get overwhelmed by the huge amount of little presents Santa sometimes delivers. Not to mention the pesky bits of plastic strewn over the house for the next month!

It’s an well worn saying that you get what you pay for, but a true one that is more relevant today than it has been in recent years.  I don’t think we can afford to buy cheap goods from an economic, ecological or ethical viewpoint.

I would like to wish you a very happy, healthy and bright 2010 and thank you all very much for your custom and interest.  www.mimitoys.ie