Christmas 2010 was our busiest ever and after all that madness I’m going back to the garden to do some grass-roots research! My New Years resolution is to finally grow something edible in my garden. As well as my small veg plot I am going to set up a poly-tunnel. My children have already bagged a bed each so they can grow their own produce - and I haven't even bought the poly-tunnel yet. I seem to start each year with great intentions, prepare the beds, plant some seeds - and then the weeds slowly take over. I am determined this year will be different so if any of you have some good tips for growing veg or setting up a poly-tunnel please share them with us on our Facebook page.

I was really proud that, despite the snow and other hurdles, we managed to get all of our Christmas orders out to all our lovely customers. In fact I commandeered my husband’s 4X4 (he was not a happy man) and picked up the team from their homes so that we could pack and post presents in time for the big day.

But now it’s time to think about the year ahead, and what better way to plan than to get out in the fresh air and dig. Emily, Oliver and Harry will be road-testing all our gardening and seed kits and as an incentive for all you green-fingered-types out there, we’re running a special offer on our Fun to Grow kids seeds packs. You can buy our Flower Bunch, Scrummy Healthy Veg and Happy Herbs seed packs together for 15% off - they were £9.89, now £8.40. Find the offer on our website here.

I predict a riot!

I went to Toy Fair at Olympia last week and oh my are we in for some fun with tractors this Summer. My big predictions for 2011 are the new Land Rovers in generous 1:16 scale from Britains and Bruder - dads will love these as much as the little ones. The Britains model even has light and sound, with trailer and cow too. There’s also a large remote control tractor from Claas that I reckon is a winner. There are lots more products coming out over the next few months. We already have a great new backpack from Tractor Ted at just £9.95, and Richard has some great new Britains tractors (the smaller 1:32 scale) sitting on his desk, which will be on the website any minute now! So watch this space for more predictions from the fairs in March.

Until then, have fun!

Julia x

Pink Tractors

We have been asked several times recently for pink tractors - and now we have some! These fabulous Pink Ride-on Pedal Tractor are ideal for all lady farmers. Stocks are limited though, so get in quick if you would like one.

This reminds me of the Tractor Girls - 10 girls, 10 tractors - and they drove them from John O'Groats to Lands End and then across Ireland all in the aid of charity. 100% of the proceeds go to 2 cancer and 2 motor neurone charities, so visit their website and donate for these very worthy causes. I got a lift in a tractor about 1 mile up the road yesterday - believe me 1000 miles in a tractor is an awfully long way! Visit their website at http://www.tg2010.co.uk/

Opening the gates this Sunday?

I really hope the weather holds for the weekend. Sunday in particular...

Care about your food? We certainly do! That’s the message from farmers across the UK who are preparing to open their barn doors/gates/pens on Open Farm Sunday THIS SUNDAY 13th June!

The event last year was a fantastic success. 140,000 visitors were welcomed on to 425 farms across the country. Visitors old and young alike got the chance to meet the farmers who grow their food and care for the countryside.

Open Farm Sunday is a day in the year when you get the chance to understand the true story and value behind our food, not forgetting the dedication and skill of farmers who produce it.
Every farm involved in Open Farm Sunday puts on a unique and individual event (mostly free too!). You get a real insight into how food is produced and the wildlife that thrives in hedgerows, trees and some even in dry stone walling.

You’ll find a whole host of activities, from tractor and trailer rides to pig-racing, a gentle(ish) farm walk followed by a sturdy cuppa through to a full-on vegetable olympics!

To find your local farms taking part visit the ‘Find a Farm’ section at the Farm Sunday website www.openfarmsunday.org.

Even if the weather isn’t looking too clever, still go along and support your local farm (wellies and waterproof coats are probably a good idea).

www.farmtoysonline.co.uk are passionate supporters of all things 'farmy' (naturally!) so we're are offering a fantastic prize to the best photo’s emailed to us of your visits to farms near you at sales@farmtoysonline.co.uk.

Snow, snow, everywhere.....

A Happy New Year to you all.



You may have noticed that I haven't written my blog for a wee while, in fact well before Christmas. We were so busy in the run up to the big day that we were all working ridiculous hours just to get all your presents to you in time. I was delighted if I managed to feed my children a decent meal each day, never mind twice a day! They got quite addicted to ready meals, which are normally a complete no-no in our house.



After a well earned rest, it was back to work and our January Sale. The children went back to school on Monday until Tuesday, then the snow arrived and they have been off ever since. Above is a view from our office, not such a bad place to work. The school have arranged online lessons, which the children think is great fun (long may it last!). I was hoping to catch up on the paperwork, which has been ignored for the last 6 weeks, but funnily enough I don't seem to have got very far.

You can grab yourself a bargain in our sale. We have at least 10% off most of our products, including Bruder, Britains and our Farm Buildings. Plus up to 50% off in our Warehouse Clearance. So why not get really organised and buy now for birthdays later in the year, fill the present cupboard for the parties your children will be invited to or, if you are really organised, buy for next Christmas!

Later this month we are off to buy lots more exciting new stock - this is the part of the year I love! -weather permitting of course.

Best wishes
Julia

It is digusting weather outside, so I am happy to be inside adding new products to the website, even if it is the weekend. At this time of year I seem to work every spare hour there is - thank goodness I have an understanding husband!

Harry (age 2) is watching a Tractor Ted DVD on another computer in the office. He has watched it so many times he is telling me what they are going to say next - and he is word perfect!

Oliver and his friend are playing with lego, between whizzing in and out on ride-on motorbike!

The children have been testing some new DVDs which are coming very soon - Emily (8) and Oliver (6) both love them - more to be revealed soon!

I am just adding a new Bruder horse shelter and fencing to the website. These have been promised since the summer, so we are delighted that they have finally turned up in time for Christmas. I think they will be an even bigger seller than the new Breyer Horse Cruiser, which is galloping out the door.

Right, back to work.....

Julia

I have just received a present from a grateful customer! A lovely lady needed some model dogs and ducks for a 50th birthday cake she was making at very short notice. We managed to dodge the postal strike and get them to her in the nick of time. She sent me a picture of the cake, which is fantastic - unfortunately it isn't clear enough to put on the web, or I would show you.

I do however, have an amazing picture of a cake that a customer decorated last year (see above), using a couple of our model horses. Doesn't it look amazing!

Taking of being creative, my middle child after 10 days of half-term decided, at bedtime the night before he was due back at school, to announce that he had to make a robot for the next morning. So at 7 o'clock last night we were cutting and sticking, to make a cardboard work of art.... so much for an early night before they go back to school.

Still, he is now back at school (phew!). I have a sick child at home and a toddler running around but it is still a lot quieter than it has been for the past 2 weeks.

Julia

We were runner up in the Somerset New Business of the Year award, 3rd place in fact! First place next year.....

Meanwhile, we are currently trying to win a Wildcard place in the final of The Pitch 2009. Earlier this year, we won a place in the regional final and had to pitch to a panel of judges, just like in Dragons Den. We were pipped to the post by a energy gum company, but still have a chance to get to the final with your vote! Go to www.thepitch2009/videos-2009.html, click on South West and select Farm Toys Online (second from bottom), then rate it 5 stars!! You get a free trial with LoveFilm and 2 cinema tickets for your efforts. Deadline is 5pm 2nd November.

Meanwhile we really are doing some work here. Have you seen our new look website? If not check it out at http://www.farmtoysonline.co.uk/.

There are still more products being put on the site too, such as these cute little money boxes, great stocking fillers.