• playing - Playmobil Playologist - toy review

    Playmobil Super 4 Take Along Black Baron’s Castle

    Have you noticed how the weather has changed overnight and we’re now in Autumn? We’re adjusting to dark mornings and treading on a carpet of fallen leaves whenever we leave the house. There is plenty to keep us busy though thanks to Super 4 which is a fab new animated CITV series, inspired by PLAYMOBIL! Have you seen it yet? Shaped around popular Playmobil worlds such as Pirates, Fairies, Knights and Top Agents, the series follows the adventures of four new heroes Alex, Gene, Ruby and Twinkle. The brand new toys from the series have just launched and we were…

  • days out - eating out - Local Review - London

    Strada Riverside at More London

    I mentioned we were invited to dine out at Strada Riverside at More London over the weekend. We all love spending a day in London so hopped on the tube, emerging into misty London at London Bridge station. We headed to the Thames and walked along the Thames path until we got to More London, this is a modern development around City Hall which encompasses office buildings, restaurants and public spaces. Strada Riverside at More London As we were a little early we made use of the open space, admiring the amazing panoramic view, whilst the children played in the…

  • book review - competition - mindfulness

    Win 1 of 3 new Colour Me Mindful adult colouring books

    Earlier this year I reviewed three colouring books for adults from Anastasia Catris. The books were so popular I’m delighted to announce the publication of three more titles in the Colour Me Mindful series: ENCHANTED CREATURES, SEASONS and BUTTERFLIES. Adult colouring books have burst to the top of the best selling lists and it’s easy to see why as they are an effective stress reducing aid for adults. They help you focus your mind, provide a creative outlet as well as a soothing mindful experience from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. These three books depict a breath-taking…

  • days out - handmade - kawaii - Lego

    Monday happy things

    What a busy week and weekend! It’s lovely to sit down and take 5 minutes to remember the things which made me smile last week. We enjoyed an amazing meal at Strada at Riverside (More London) on Saturday. We had the best table in the house and were able to enjoy a delicious lunch with a view encompassing HMS Belfast to the Tower of London and London Bridge. I will be writing a full post about our experience this week but let me leave you with this image of our Burrata & prosciutto starter until then. We spent yesterday spotting…

  • baking - Crafts for adults - gingerbread

    Chocolate gingerbread recipe

    I’m always on the look out for gingerbread recipes and a friend recently introduced me to an amazing Nigella Lawson recipe for Chocolate Gingerbread. Once I’d made it I couldn’t believe I hadn’t discovered it before, the combination of gingerbread and chocolate makes an amazingly rich cake, and a ginger glaze really sets it off. Chocolate Gingerbread cake ingredients: 175g unsalted butter 125g muscovado sugar 2tblsp caster sugar 200g golden syrup 200g black treacle 1/4tsp ground cloves 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp ground ginger 1 1/4tsp Bicarbonate of Soda 2 eggs 250ml milk 275g plain flour 40g cocoa 175g…

  • book review - What I'm reading

    What I’m reading: The Brontë Plot by Katherine Reay

    I recently read a brilliant book that I wanted to tell you about. I have to admit that I was drawn to the cover of this book by the title as I love the novels by Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte. The title and cover image really appealed to me and luckily the contents did too! My latest good read was The Brontë Plot by Katherine Reay, published by Thomas Nelson on November 3rd 2015. When Lucy’s secret is unearthed, her world begins to crumble. But it may be the best thing that has ever happened to her. Lucy Alling…

  • crafts - handmade - Mollie Makes crafts

    Jenny Makes Mollie Makes wall hanging loom kit

    Every month I challenge myself to make the Mollie Makes magazine cover gift. I’ve subscribed since it first came out and have a drawer full of unopened kit. But no more! I’ve been trying out the kits, learning new skills or using them to create something new – and having fun in the process! Jenny Makes Mollie Makes wall hanging loom kit Mollie Makes issue 58 included a Mollie Makes wall hanging loom kit. The kit included a laser cut loom and shuttle, three colours of yarn, a plastic needle and cotton. I tied the cotton around the teeth of…

  • Bento - Friends of Sylvanian Families

    Sylvanian Families bento lunch

    I have one very tired 3 year old at the moment. This is her second week of pre-school and as much as she loves going, she is also tired and grumpy after each session. To cheer her up at the end of the week I thought I would make her a bento lunch inspired by her favourite Sylvanian friends. She has to have an early lunch for her afternoon sessions so bento is perfect for filling her up and making lunch time fun.  Sylvanian Families bento lunch My daughter’s favourite Sylvanian, Freya Chocolate Bunny, helped me decide what to include.…

  • playing - toy review

    Teksta Robotics Scorpion from Character

    With a 5 year old interested in computers, gadgets and radio controlled cars I was interested in the Teksta Robotics Scorpion from Character. This is aimed at children aged 5+ and we were sent one to review. Teksta Robotics have produced a wireless motion control interactive toy in the shape of a scorpion. It uses intuitive motion control technology via a module you wear or hold to control the scorpion. His powerful jaws capture the power core. Teksta Robotics Scorpion: the light up eye shows you he’s ready to be under your control the scorpion moves in all directions stop…