20210217_105205

IF like me you have a daughter in primary school, then you’re no stranger to various unboxing toys such as LOL Dolls, Num Noms, Shopkins… (the list goes on).

But with the majority of these clearly aimed at girls, it was refreshing to be invited to an event where boys were being included in this growing trend of pocket money toys.

The launch of Teamsterz Micro Motorz took place at Westfield Stratford and was hosted by super car customiser Yianni Charalambous.

Both my son and my daughter tagged along as we joined Yianni for breakfast at Giraffe and at the same time introduced to the miniature unboxing toys.

The two of them – my daughter and my toddler son – were already fascinated by the car collectables in the short time we were there.

The Micro Motorz come with six surprises, including tuning accessories, stickers, a display capsule and there are 20 to collect, including the coveted rare styles.

The display capsule also acts as a launcher for the cars to race – it’s admittedly a bit fiddly to operate and my daughter had to ask me for help and watch the how to guide on YouTube.

It has to be noted that the toy is aimed at 3+, so while my 22 month old showed an interest in the cars, I had to make sure none of the smaller pieces were within his reach.

Our day ended with the chance to gawp at Yianni’s one of a kind £300k chrome wrapped Lamborghini Aventador!

Micro Motorz retail at £4.99.

WHO doesn’t remember playing with LEGO DUPLO as a child?

Well this year the brand is celebrating half a century after being invented to help creative toddlers play safely.

As mum to a toddler I’m constantly shouting phrases like ‘Take that out of your mouth!’, ‘What’s that in your mouth?’, or ‘Why is that in your mouth?’

So it’s no surprise I’m a fan of the chunky bricks which my little boy can play safely with. Because let’s face it, no matter how much we shout, for some reason plastic bricks must be chewed and dribbled on!

They’re twice the size of usual LEGO pieces but they can still be used together, which is useful as kids get older.

I love watching little ones playing with LEGO DUPLO – you can almost see their brains ticking as they attempt to build their little – or big – creations.

It’s useful to know that LEGO DUPLO products are actually designed with this in mind – to inspire and encourage playful learning.

FUN FACT ALERT! DUPLO comes from the Latin word ‘duplex’ meaning double. (You’re welcome.)

Share your pictures on social media celebrating 50 years with the hashtag #LEGODUPLO50th

Note: My boy is playing with the LEGO DUPLO Police Bike set #gifted

IT may seem that normal life has been put on hold at the moment.

But when you’re a mum, you still have kids who want to go out to experience new things and explore.

After six months behind closed doors, options may seem limited, but it’s always good to have a look at things which take you outdoors while allowing you and the little ones to stay safe.

We recently enjoyed a trip to Vauxhall City Farm and I was impressed by the measures being taken to ensure social distancing and general post lockdown safety.

The space is small but perfectly formed and the kids absolutely loved the chance to feed the animals. I thought we would be in and out in ten minutes, but I simply could not drag both my three and ten-year-old away.

Entry to the site is free with a voluntary donation and food for the animals is just £1 a bag.

The kids also loved the chance to walk around the farm’s community garden following our own recent endeavours into growing fruit and veg at home.

Staff are constantly communicating to ensure there are only a certain number of visitors inside the farm at any one time, which means that entry numbers are limited and queues can form when busy.

There are also lots of handwashing stations and a one-way system in place to help with social distancing.

www.vauxhallcityfarm.org

With a voice cast boasting the likes of Rob Schneider, Heather Graham, James Corden, Bill Nighy and Colm Meaney, it’s no surprise a crowd of VIPs and their children braved the cold to enjoy a Sunday morning screening of latest Lionsgate offering Norm of the North.

Singer Una Foden stepped out with her three year old mini me, daughter Aoife Belle – the pair clad in matching denim ensembles.

Other celebrities taking part in the ‘fun in the foyer’ activities included Cherry Healey, Justin Lee Collins and former X Factor contestants The Brooks, before TV presenter Kate Garraway introduced the film to a packed screening room at London’s Empire Leicester Square cinema.

In the film Schneider voices a dancing polar bear who can speak to humans, tasked with saving his Arctic home from property developers.

My six year old enjoyed the film but a big part of that was probably due to the soundtrack – which included Walk to the Moon’s catchy Shut Up and Dance – rather than any riveting storyline.

While the animated offering is not on a par with Disney’s Frozen which is of course loved by children and adults alike(!), I did find myself sniggering at some of the jokes. And judging from the reaction of children at the screening, they also seemed to find the film amusing.

Norm of the North hits UK cinemas on March 18.

www.normofthenorth.co.uk