Netflix Presents The Christmas Chronicles

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…

I WOULDN’T say I’ve subscribed to the whole ‘new year, new me’ mentality, I’m just working on being even better than usual!

Jokes aside, I’ve been trying out the new Boots Good Gut range which put simply helps to create a ‘healthy gut environment’.

There’s something for everyone in the range – my nine-year-old daughter has happily been taking the Live Bacteria for Kids edition which comes in a chewable strawberry flavoured tablet. And with an added vitamin C boost it’s also good for the immune system (you know these kids pick up everything going at school).

Meanwhile I’m sold on the Live Friendly Bacteria with Skin & Hair Support which comes in a handy size tablet. I’m not great with taking tablets, but I found the size of this one reasonable and not unnecessarily huge like some supplements.

Another plus is that the range is vegan and does not have to be kept in the fridge. So basically, smiles all round #winning.

DID you know that more than half of parents would stop their child from playing with another child displaying an obvious skin condition because they fear it’s contagious?

Sounds shocking, but as parents we do our best to protect our children from harm, not always thinking things through before we act.

The research by Aveeno Baby came as the skincare brand launched their latest product, Dermexa Moisturing Wash.

A self-confessed fan of Aveeno Baby I was delighted to be invited to join celebrity mum Izzy Judd and dermatologist Dr Stefanie Williams to learn more over breakfast.

Not only was it a refreshing change from the school run, it was a chance to quiz the pair on how mums like me and my children could benefit from using the new product.

The launch coincided with National Eczema Week and Izzy – former member of Escala, married to McFly drummer Harry and mum to Kit and Lola – explained how her daughter Lola suffered an outbreak of eczema last year.

An Aveeno Baby ambassador she has now been using the products for three years – and hasn’t looked back.

She acknowledged the pressure felt by parents when it came to taking care of their kids’ skin – over a third surveyed admitted they would be embarrassed about their little one’s appearance during any flare up.

I’ve been using the new Moisturising Wash for a couple of weeks now and have no complaints.

Dr Stefanie also gave a few tips on the day which included applying moisturising cream to damp skin to help lock the moisture in.

Also a warning not to use skin-friendly products like Aveeno, only to go and give your child a bubble bath, which will undo all your hard work!

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