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Review: Barbie Spy Squad
Barbie is well known for having a catalogue of careers, and this time around the blonde one hits cinema screens as the star of her very own movie, in the guise of a super spy.
The action begins when Barbie and her gymnast pals are recruited for their skills to apprehend a jewel thief, learning along the way the values of teamwork, friendship and that believing in yourself always brings you closer to success.
Attending a preview screening with an overexcited five year old – and life-long Barbie fan – I have to say my daughter’s attention was held from start to finish. And while I may have had to contend with the little one jumping across the sofa and rolling around the living room floor, I also caught her taking a deep breath and closing her eyes when she was having trouble with a task at home – just like Barbie does in the film to visualise herself completing a complicated jump.. These kids pick up so much more than we think!
And of course, as expected, there’s a range of undercover agent toys from Mattel to go with the film. One guess what she’ll be waiting for her birthday present this year…
Drowning in toys? The BHF Easter Toy Amnesty has arrived!
NO matter how hard I try, with two kids my flat is ALWAYS overflowing with toys! So, if like me you’ve had enough, why not give the British Heart Foundation a call?
The charity which funds vital heart research, has put together a dedicated team to come to your door to collect up all those unwanted pre-loved toys.
From Monday April 8 to Friday April 12, a fleet of van drivers will be on hand to pick up toys – both big and small – simply give them a call to book.
To add a personal touch, they’re encouraging you to label up the item and write a little about the toy, so its new owner can find out where it came from – a fun activity to get the children involved in!
There’s also the chance to get active on social media with the hashtag #MyToyStory to talk about the toy you’re donating.
Last year, the event raised a massive £3m!
To book a free toy collection, call 0808 250 0220
Baking Made Easy with Carr’s Flour for Kids Mixes
CAN I claim to be a seasoned baker now?
Because thanks to Carr’s Flour and their new kids range, I am feeling like a pro in the kitchen!
With the kids getting stuck in we made some delicious rolls with their Really Easy Bread Mix – and it was exactly that.
We literally just added water and some butter – although my boy did do a runner as soon as his hands got a little sticky, before my tweenager also disappeared when it came to using some muscle to knead the dough…
They did return however to split the mixture into smaller balls and demolished them once they came out of the oven – they were perfect for afternoon bacon butties.
And it was the same when it came to the Really Easy Biscuit Mix – everything is ready to pour into a bowl and then you add water and butter – job done.
We opted for some chocolate chips as a little extra and you could even get your little ones to decorate with icing – whatever takes your fancy.
Boring parent bonus points for the flour in both the bread and biscuits being a mix of white and wholemeal flour.
We were also gifted the handy baking set which is the perfect size for mini bakers and we used the heat-shaped cookie cutters for the biscuits.
I would definitely recommend the mixes if you’re like me and not that keen on baking (lockdown made me do it!)
It was a lifesaver having these to make during the half term and as lockdown life is set to continue for a while yet, they’re a great addition to the list of indoor activities to help keep both adults and children sane.
Spanx – a woman’s best friend?
Celebrities have long been singing the praises of Spanx, not just for the way it sucks in our lumps and bumps in all the right places, but because the right pair can also give you the perfect hour-glass figure which is becoming increasingly popular amongst both stylists and fashionistas.
Just in from the Spanx press day, which I decided to go to at the last minute to see what was on offer, as I was having what could only be described as a ‘fat day, week, month…’ (you get the picture!), I was impressed by the extent of the range available. Admittedly I never had any interest in owning a pair of Spanx before having my daughter, but now I can definitely see the benefits!
From the hardcore bodyshapers to the Haute Contour range featuring delicate lacy bodysuits offering lighter support and retailing at around £200, to the Active wear for the gym (yep, ladies, you can even exercise safe in the knowledge that no-one is judging your pot belly) and the Mama Spanx range for pregnant women looking for extra support for their bumps (apparently the singer Adele is currently using them during her pregnancy).
Spanx have definitely researched their market and seem to offer something for everyone – even the boys are not left out, with t-shirts and boxer shorts which come complete with a ‘3D pouch’…
www.spanx.co.uk