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Trying to remain just as cool, calm and collected as the man himself, I recently had a one to one with Hollywood superstar Samuel L Jackson (silent scream).

Fresh from celebrating Django Unchained’s win at the BAFTAs, presenting an award on the night and hosting another charity event two days before that – phew! – this was a man on total form, friendly and animatedly talking about his latest fundraiser.

Launching the Affinity Real Estate Shooting Stars Benefit 2013 at the Moet and Chandon offices in London, over a glass of bubbly (what else?), Jackson spoke enthusiastically about the golfing event in June where those prepared to part with a certain amount of cash can putt holes alongside celebrity players.

Pushing Jackson to say which A-list players he’d like to get on board – Luke Wilson and Alice Cooper have taken part in the past – he replied: “People like golf and people tend to open their pockets to play with, I guess, famous people… and they have a good time and it’s a great way to engage with people in the community and to help raise awareness among certain charities.

“We’re talking to a lot of people – so we’ll see what happens. We don’t really bring people onboard because they’re good golfers, we bring them because they’re good people. You have to be social, people come to have a laugh, make friends and take photographs, so we try to chose people who are personable and wanna come and have a good time.”

Jackson’s mother passed away last year after battling with Alzheimer’s, so funds raised from this year’s event will go towards the Samuel L Jackson Foundation and fund research into Dementia and Alzheimer’s, as Jackson added ‘that could be me one day’.

The Affinity Real Estate Shooting Stars Benefit takes place June 14-15. www.shootingstarsbenefit.com

No parent with a child under five can say they know nothing of the magic that is In the Night Garden. When I first encountered the programme I can honestly say it freaked the hell out of me, especially the hypnotic effect it seemed to have on any child plonked in front if it. But as my sweet baby turned into a very ‘vocal’ toddler, I’m sure I’m not the first parent to take advantage of its calming effect!

So with the news that a stage version of the BBC programme was coming to The O2, I jumped at the chance to gain some brownie points with my little one – and between the two of us, I’m not sure who was more excited at the thought of seeing the show! Although I wasn’t quite sure how she (or I!) was going to react to seeing larger than life-sized versions of her television favourites….

Performed in The O2’s Live Quarter, the excitement starts as you approach to see huge inflatable Haahoos outside the entrance. My two year old fluctuated between silent awe and astonishment, to being one of the most vocal in joining in with the songs and pointing out the characters on stage – loud enough for those in the very back rows to hear. A mixture of puppetry and costumed characters, I can’t say there was a particular moment when she became bored or tired of the action on stage. Of course, it’s not perfect viewing for adults, but seeing the pleasure experienced by younger members of the audience definitely makes it worthwhile.

The day was topped off with a meet and greet with Igglepiggle (you can also chose to meet Upsy Daisy), and despite her initial reservations about the lifesize blue character, my daughter ended up giving him a hug and smiling for a family snap. Although my own reservations weren’t helped by having Igglepiggle rest his arm on my shoulder, while he gave me a glass-eyed stare…!

It’s not a cheap day out, but if your child is a fan it’s a treat they”ll definitely appreciate.

Media Mummy rating? 4 out of 5 stars.

In the Night Garden Live is at The O2 until June 9 before continuing on its UK tour.

www.nightgardenlive.com

I’m still recovering from celebrating my boy’s 2nd birthday over the weekend, but so glad we were able to treat him to a gala screening of the new Paw Patrol film, Mighty Pups on Sunday.

Like many other two year olds, he’s a huge fan and thoroughly enjoyed it – to be fair, even my nine year old admitted to enjoying it!

The screening in Leicester Square was full of excited children, as well as a few celebrities with their little Paw Patrol fans – most of whom couldn’t wait to pose with the life-sized pups!

 

Unfortunately, I have no pictures of my boy with any of the characters from the film, as he refused to let me put him down when we arrived – isn’t it weird how kids get freaked out when they see cartoon characters in real life?

The film follows the usual format of the regular episodes, ie, ending with the pups saving the day, but facing bigger and more problems when some certain residents of Adventure Bay end up with super powers. And at just under an hour in length, it’s not too long for our fidgety kids.

Paw Patrol, Mighty Pups is out today (May 17), for all you dedicated parents!

It’s the little things that make a difference, isn’t it?

And so the whole family have been road-testing some fabulous socks from the aptly named Sock Shop for the last few weeks.

We’ve all been impressed by how super soft their Bamboo fabric collection is. Not only that, the skin-friendly material contains natural antibacterial properties to prevent smelly feet – and let’s be honest, that’s a massive plus whatever age you are!

I love seeing a bit of colour on my kids so it’s great that the collection is available in a range of gorgeous shades for both children and adults, as well as school uniform white.

The website also caters to those of you looking for some quirky novelty socks – I fell in love with some great pineapple socks which have been helping me project some tropical vibes whilst it pours with rain outside! I couldn’t resist them…despite having a slight allergy to the fruit! #lifeisunfair

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