Parenting and Lifestyle Blogger established in 2009, ex-online marketing and social media manager, pinterest addict who wears odd socks and resides in Bromley UK - Bromley blogger
At the weekend, I took Blake (boy age 7) and Maegan (girl age 5) to The Churchill theatre in Bromley to see "The Little White Bird" inspired by JM Barrie's The Little White Bird.
This is an excellent piece of children's theatre following the story of loving friendship between father figure Snowy Owl and childlike Little Mouse set in their home with an excellent musical score (you'll recognise some).
Set within the Studio room, you are greeted at the door by the actors and welcomed into the relaxed room with cushions on the floor for the children and ample seating for grown ups.
The audience is kept to an intimate level which helps the children to feel at ease and become totally engrossed in the show, every child in the room (ages 2 to 10) was completely captivated for the full length of the show.
The story includes many comedy moments for the children, from a chase scene to a windypop so expect a few giggles!
Part of the plot involves baking biscuits and as a really engaging and wonderful touch, a tray of gingerbread men is offered to all the children along with a small carton of apple juice.
I can honestly say that all of the children in the showing enjoyed The Little White Bird ... and so did all of the grown ups too!
This would make a wonderful festive treat for children aged 2-10 the show is running until the 22nd December and there is still availability on some showings via the Churchill Theatre website or in the theatre Lobby.
To celebrate Lou's amazing performance on Strictly last night, we’ve got 40%off 40 Wild About Beauty products this weekend (until 23:59 Tuesday 6th December) - check T and Cs.
It's the perfect time to pick up those Christmas stocking fillers, party makeup...or just treat yourself to something new!
Welcome to my Christmas Gift Guide 2016 - Part 1 - The Edit!
I know Christmas is fast approaching so I wanted to create a simple to read, click, shop guide to be a helping hand or a spot of inspiration - after all that is what we need isn't it?
BigJigs Winter Wonderland Christmas Train Set - Perfect as either a gift for a little one, or great as a decoration around the base of your Christmas tree or as a table centre for Christmas lunch. Great quality trusted brand and compatible with most leading wooden train sets.
Lottie Dolls - In my opinion, the best doll for girls age 3- 11 (and boys - there is also a Finn doll). Lottie comes in a diverse selection of skin, eye and hair tones, is modelled on a true 9 year old body shape and comes with age appropriate clothing and accessories. Pro-Girl, promotes positive body image and an introduction to STEAM, sport and equal rights. Has won many awards - rightly so.
I'm in love with this festive Christmas Sylvanian Families set - complete with santa outfit for chocolate bunny, a bunny snowman, a Christmas tree and lots of gifts and accessories - you can decorate the tree however you wish and chose any decoration for your snow bunny.
Toy Story Aquabeads - oh my! Aquabeads are amazing - these literally keep both of my children (girl age 5 and boy age 7) entertained and inspire them to be creative. Great gift for children age 5-10.
Messy Goes To Okido is a TV show for children age 3-8 offering a great introduction to science and art in a fun way. The Messy Monster toy is a talking plush suitable from birth. Messy goes to Okido magazine subscription would make a great gift whilst the colouring in book is a perfect stocking filler.
New DVD releases from Abbey home media include a festive edition of Masha and the Bear along with all time favourite Peter Rabbit - The tale of the great rabbit and squirrel adventure.
Kew - The Botanical Treasury - Beautifully illustrated collection of flowers, comes in a slip case and box containing all 40 of the art prints from the book ready to be framed.
Treasures of British History - exactly as it says - treasures - this book packed full of interesting knowledge contains envelops within the pages with additional elements such as map, speeches and copies of booklets.
Alice in Wonderland Puzzles and Games - a great selection of puzzles, conundrums, riddles, games and challenges broken down into difficulty level and all wonderfully illustrated... and of course there is a solutions booklet! Suitable for all ages above 8.
Great shadow box art work by Sam Flack at Another Mans Treasure - using vintage and reclaimed board games, Sam can create the perfect piece of art for your recipient, a perfectly tailored gift or browse from the ready created selection.
Yankee Candle have brought out a lovely festive selection of fragrances, here I've featured, Festive Cocktail, Star Anise and Orange, All is Bright and a larger Turquoise Sky candle for a moment of escape.
Anyone who has followed me for a while will know how much I love Schleich, Their horses and riders are a great gift for children interested in horses or farm life - the attention to detail is perfect and children love the size and feel of Schleich.
Project Mc Dolls - these dolls stem from a TV show and have a balance between the mainstream fashion doll body shapes with a nod to STEAM - this one comes with a kit to make your own bath bombs - great for ages 10 up.
Want to see more? I have youtube videos for items featured here:
Look out for part 2 - The Beauty Edit coming soon!
I loved science when I was at school, it was one of my favourite topics and I loved nothing more than carrying out experiments! one of the other things I was into as a kid were mysteries, I often had my nose firmly wedged in a Nancy Drew or Famous Five book. Both of my children share my love for science and have wild imaginations, we encourage all aspects of STEAM in our home.
I'm pleased to help promote #STEAMday by sharing with you this amazing Project Mc2 Ultimate Spy Bag - inspired by the hit Netflix show.
With everything you need to become a top Nov8 agent neatly contained in this pink box bag, which opens up to reveal cleverly camouflaged spy gear.
There's a complete finger print dusting kit with file cards to record your findings, shimmer dust to reveal the print (can also be worn as makeup) and an air blower disguised as a perfume atomiser.
Love the compact mirror which also contains a magnifying glass.
Not to mention the secret message launcher camouflaged as a lippy. This has an impressive reach and the note can be concealed in the rubber lipstick casing so can safely be launched!
My personal fave? oh it has to be the nail polish bottle with a touch hidden in the lid!
There are specimen bottles and test tubes to so you can carry out experiments on the go, the kit comes with a handy booklet with some experiment ideas to carry out to!
STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Maths.
The Project Mc² Ultimate Spy Bag is priced at £39.99 and is available to buy from Amazon, Argos, and all other good toy retailers.
Emma in Bromley xx
Disclaimer: I received the Project MC Ultimate Spy Kit for the sole purpose of this article, all thoughts and photos are my own.
I was so excited to spot the beautiful Darcey Bussell wearing Jamberry nail wraps on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, Darcey Bussell had gone for "Deco" - an eyecatching 20's print using black, white, gold and silver metallic finish.
Jamberry nail wraps are really easy to apply yourself at home using a hair dryer to heat bond the wrap.
Jamberry wraps have a no-nasties formula, non-toxic, gluten free and vegan, as well as being long lasting (up to 2 weeks on fingers and a month on toes)
There are over 300 designs to chose from - including some great Christmas designs - there's currently a buy 3 wraps, get a 4th free deal on.
Each sheet has enough to do 2 full manicures and 2 full pedicures with remaining wraps to use as accent nails or for mixed manicures.
Darcey Bussell's beautiful blue eyelids also deserve a mention, I love this strike of bright and bold. You can get this look with a eyeliner creating a double line, rather than with a full lid eyeshadow coverage. I've been experimenting with Glo and Ray's Balloon Pop eyeliner set which is just amazing, with 6 bright pops of colour to play with - including a skybreaker blue which I just love - the finishes on this eyeliner set are just wonderful, I'm a fan of the metallic shimmers and these are definitely long lasting! They make the most perfect gift for all ages from teen up!
