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What better way to spend time with your kids than getting down to some club classics at a bar in east London?

No, I’m completely serious here! To celebrate the relaunch of Random House children’s book brand Ladybird, they’ve teamed up with family party animals Raver Tots to present Ladybird Live: Rhyme and Rave.

I’m getting excited just writing about this and can’t wait to take my kids to the event at Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen on Sunday May 19 from 2-4pm.

The afternoon will consist of theatrical storytelling from Ladybird’s brand new range, combined with a rave room hosted by club classics masters, Wideboys as the headline DJ act.  Not to mention glow sticks, Ladybird themed face painting, CONFETTI CANNONS(!), giant parachutes, colouring and mini play areas, all in a family friendly venue.

How can you not want to go to this!!! Tickets are only £3 for adults and children are free, available for purchase from skiddle.com/e/13504079.

Keep an eye out for my review!

https://www.ravertots.co.uk/event/ladybird-live-rhyme-and-rave-london

With the start of the summer holidays, I don’t envy the working mum who has to somehow juggle full-time work with young children looking to be kept animated for seven days each week – luckily, with my little one still at the age of three I can find some comfort in the regular opening hours of the nursery!

And so, the launch of Tickety Toc’s very first toy range could not have come at a better time – and to top it off, taking place in the toy heaven that is Hamleys on Regent Street.

Tommy and Tallulah, stars of the show which screens on both Nick Jr and Channel 5’s Milkshake, were there in all their (bigger than) life-sized glory to greet the VIP testers, who included Denise Van Outen joined by husband Lee Mead and their daughter Betsy.

Other VIPs enjoying a day out with the family included Tamzin Outhwaite, John Sergeant, Laila Rouass, Lauren Crace, Charlie Condou, Shaun Dooley and Luisa Zissman.

The children were all smiles as they joined in with the activities and dancing led by Channel 5’s Milkshake! presenters Kemi and Olivia.

While the obvious point of conversation was the fact that Van Outen and Mead were pictured out together for the first time in months, helping to put to bed rumours of marriage problems – I took the opportunity to chat to TV presenter Kate Garraway and see if she had any tips about the joys of juggling.

Mum to Darcey, seven, and William, three, 45 year old Garraway gave a wry smile when I asked for her words of wisdom.

‘Like alot of parents out there these days I do rely on my own parents – their grandparents – who help to look after the children when I’m working, but when it comes to summer, everyone, even my parents want to take their holidays, so I’d definitely advise people to plan, so no-one gets left in the lurch’.

The Tickety Toc toy range is available from a range of retailers including Argos, Smyths and Amazon and include talking Tommy and Tallulahs, a Clockhouse playset, and a musical Pufferty train, with prices ranging from £6.99 to £30.

2020 is definitely the year which made us realise how important it is to think of others and those less well off.

While many of us now have the choice to spend Christmas with our loved ones, feasting on turkey and opening multiple gifts around the tree – many people will not have that option.

And so it was great to hear that leading gift retailer Thumbs Up has partnered with Great Ormond Street Hospital and The Salvation Army to create the 2020 Charity Gifting Appeal and donate a massive 2,000 presents to those who might not otherwise receive anything for Christmas.

To help them carry out their target Thumbs Up are asking people to contribute just £5 for postage and packaging.

The donation will see each individual receive a package full of presents worth £30.

You read that right people! All they’re asking is for £5 towards postage and packaging!

Times are hard, but if you feel you can help please visit thumbsup.com to choose from four different packs (Teen Girls 12-17, Teen Boys 12-17, Male or Female 18+).

Spread the love this Christmas (not Covid!).

CHRISTMAS is coming! And Netflix have the perfect offering for the festive season in the shape of Kurt Russell!

Well, not exactly Kurt Russell himself, but the actor playing Santa Claus in their film The Christmas Chronicles.

And so the chance to watch a special screening of the film saw my daughter and I up early to head into the West End to watch it in the cosy surroundings of the Ham Yard Hotel.

Bonus points already for giving the girl and I a chance for some mummy and daughter time, leaving baby brother at home with dad as the film is recommended for eight and above.

Alongside Russell, there’s Darby Camp and Judah Lewis as warring siblings, who’ve recently lost their father, but agree a truce for one night to attempt to catch Father Christmas in action on Christmas Eve.

The resulting chaos will have you hooked as the kids hitch a ride on Santa’s sleigh and ultimately join forces to ‘save Christmas’.

There were lots of laughs from the audience throughout – from both adults and kids, especially at the current day references (‘fake news’, Uber, elves doing the floss) littered throughout.

I can’t say too much without giving away the film’s many surprises, but I’d recommend it as one for all the family with Russell as the main attraction.

It’s out on Netflix on November 22nd, so don’t forget to add it to your viewing list!

You can watch the trailer HERE, and for more information on the film visit:

netflix.com/ChristmasChronicles