IMG_20181102_095434_671

When I heard about this film I thought it would be the perfect film to review for my blog – with an all-star cast including Jennifer Lopez, Matthew Morrison, Cameron Diaz, Chris Rock, Chace Crawford, Elizabeth Banks (the list goes on) – it covers everything from conception to childbirth, in all its glory!

I really enjoyed the film, directed by Kirk Jones, the ensemble cast and different strands to the storyline gives it a kind of New Year’s Eve/Valentine’s Day feel to it.  A comedy with some laugh out loud moments, the not so happy aspects of pregnancy are also covered, so be warned that it’s not all smiles and without giving anything away, there may be some tears…

But the thing people seem to want to know about is Cheryl Cole’s cameo in the film. But to be honest it’s a moment I’ve tried to block from memory, as I always have an irrational desire to scream or lash out whenever I see her or hear her voice. But for those of you interested, she said about two lines, appeared as herself – so no real acting involved – and was on the acreen for less than five minutes.

Also, the film is definitely not just a chick flick, the cinema had its fair share of guys in the audience when I saw it, who were laughing and cringing in equal measure. As Vic, Chris Rock leads the pack of fathers making regular trips to the park with their broods, providing several of the laughs as they try to convince Alex (Rodrigo Santoro) to join their world of parenthood.

I’m not gonna lie, this isn’t the movie to see if you like hardcore action movies, but for a couple of laughs and several soppy moments, it’s definitely worth a try.

 

Media Mummy rating? 3.5 stars out of 5

As you too can now look like a princess despite the bump – thanks to one of Kate’s fave designers creating a look-a-like of  ‘that’ engagement dress for expectant mothers.

The nation’s heart melted when the future Duchess of Cambridge stepped out in the blue Issa gown to announce her engagement to Prince William. And now this gorgeous full length maternity version is available  – perfect for a special occasion, it drapes in all the right places, shows off a tidy bump and off course a pregnant woman’s ever blossoming bosom!

Available at Blossom Mother and Child, the blue version retails at £715 (definitely a credit card/’I deserve a treat’ purchase!) or the short-sleeved red maxi dress at a slightly cheaper price of £619.

The original dress worn by Kate sold out within days of her engagement appearance and I’m pretty sure these won’t stick around for long either…
www.blossommotherandchild.com

Is social media good for the soul? I recently posted these musings on Instagram to mark World Mental Health Day and thought I’d also share here.

I definitely go through phases when I struggle to scroll through squares of smiling faces on Instagram, visions of trim bodies and people who – it appears – totally have their s**t together.

Sometimes I don’t want to post because I don’t want to be judged on the image I’ve chosen.

As I get older I am more and more comfortable in my own skin but there’s always something that can make me stumble and my confidence falters. Is my business doing well enough? Am I doing enough for my kids? Am I where I want to be in my career?

Talking about it helps. Family, friends, playgroup mamas, school run parents, church family…😊 So here’s a throwback picture of me on the beach this summer, no make up, and natural hair, that I never posted at the time because I didn’t think the angle was quite right 🙈

So here’s to talking, sharing and being yourself.

It sounds like every parent’s nightmare but to mark the launch of the Cartoonito Club, children were given the chance to – yes, you heard right – draw on the walls and furniture!

And it was in fact a dream come true for the children attending as they showed off their artistic skills colouring in characters from the channel such as Masha and the Bear, Daisy and Ollie, and Fireman Sam. I’m also proud to admit that I also got in on the action!

My daughter couldn’t get enough of it, while my newly-turned one-year-old boy put pen to paper (or wall) for the first time! I will of course have to explain this is not an activity to be repeated at home…

Famous faces and their offspring were also lining up to get involved and we spotted the likes of Billie Faiers, Tamara Ecclestone, Russell Kane, Vanessa Feltz and Shappi Khorsandi showing off their skills with their little ones.

 

Dubbed the world’s first living colouring book, the event in London’s Soho marked the launch of the TV channel’s online creativity hub, where fans of the above mentioned shows (as well as many, many more including classics such as Thomas and Friends, and Bob the Builder!) can download colouring in sheets and activities to keep them occupied.

And to be honest, with the long school summer holiday fast approaching this has got to be a gift from heaven, right?

Check out the video below about the day (and look out for my cameo!).

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiFB7RPPVJc?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

https://www.cartoonito.co.uk/cartoonito-club

https://www.facebook.com/CartoonitoParentsUK/