Yummy Mummy Goals: Alesha Dixon – Winning

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!).

I’m a huge fan of Alesha Dixon – she’s definitely on my list of favourite celebs to chat to – so I was pleased to hear she’s been announced as judge for the Explore Learning Writers’ Awards 2019.

This is a chance for budding young authors across the UK to have their work recognised.

Open to children aged from four to 14, youngsters are encouraged to write a 500 word story with the winner bagging a trip to Disneyland Paris for their family and £500 worth of books for their school library.

To top it off, Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha will surprise them at their school with the news.

Mum Alesha is herself a published author and will this year release the third instalment in her children’s book series, Lightning Girl.

The comp opens March 11 when this year’s theme will also be announced.

Explore Learning will be running a number of free creative writing workshops with schools and libraries across the UK to inspire kids to take part.

The closing date for entries is Sunday May 5.

For more info visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters

Have I ever told you how much I love karaoke?

Well, those who know me well enough have long been in on this not-so-secret secret. So, when I got an invitation to the relaunch party for the Smithfield branch of Karaoke Box it was one I couldn’t accept quick enough. Come on cocktails, food AND karaoke – heaven!

Having roped in some colleagues and friends we headed to the venue near Smithfield meat market and took our pick of one of the 16 private karaoke rooms, which range from catering for groups of up to four and 30 people.

The rooms circle a spacious cocktail bar, but if you get too carried away with picking the next Nicki Minaj track you’re going to rap along to, then waitress service is available at the touch of a button.

Trust me, it is so easy to get carried away, with over 9000 tracks to choose from and being among your friends, there’s no big show or fear of making a fool of yourself in front of strangers.

One of my friends who came along is already planning our next visit back, as the great thing about the private rooms is that even people who don’t fancy taking the mike can still join in with the giggles!

 

12 Smithfield Street  City of London, EC1A 9LA

020 7329 9991

www.karaokebox.co.uk

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

Head to the website and use TheMediaMummy for 10% off.