Barbie is more than just a doll, she is a cultural icon - as demonstrated by the recent success of Margot Robbie's Barbie movie. She is 65 years old (but permanently 19, according to Mattel) - and has been heralded as a symbol of fashion, beauty, female empowerment, but also unrealistic body image. Whatever you... Continue Reading →
Days out with kids: the Costa del Croydon
The ‘Costa del Croydon’ may sound like a joke but it’s actually a brilliant idea to bring the beach to people who may not otherwise be able to go to one. Croydon in South London is about one and a half hours from the nearest beach (many of which are shingle rather than sand). But... Continue Reading →
Blenheim Palace Icons of British Fashion review
Imagine the most beautiful ballgowns, cutting-edge couture and quirky handbags hanging from trees, all against a backdrop of lavish ballrooms, banqueting tables and historic paintings that are hundreds of years old and you would still be amazed at the Icons of British Fashion exhibition at Blenheim Palace. It is nothing short of stunning, and well... Continue Reading →
‘Cute’ at Somerset House – Exhibition Review
Sweet and saccharine, or subversive with a dark undercurrent? The Cute exhibition at Somerset House shows that even what appears at first glance to be a cute cat photo can be more than meets the eye. But with a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty, including a themed cafe and Hello Kitty disco... Continue Reading →
Little Street Children’s Role Play Wallington – Review
A fire fighter, a pizza chef, a beauty therapist, a supermarket cashier, a vet - what does your child want to be today? At Little Street they can be any of these and more - with zones and props to fuel imaginations, spark role play and facilitate understanding of the world around them. A new... Continue Reading →
Crockford Bridge Farm Pumpkin Festival – Review
Pumpkin picking has become a popular day out for many families, but the sceptics point out that it would be easier and cheaper to pick one up from the supermarket, and that it's more about the pictures for social media than anything else. We have enjoyed the two occasions we have been pumpkin picking, at... Continue Reading →
Halloween Party Food Ideas for Kids
If you are having a Halloween party or just want a few special treats that you can easily make at home, here's a quick round-up of some ideas. For a whole range of Halloween party food ideas plus party games and crafts, read my post on Halloween party food from two years ago. Some additional... Continue Reading →
Chessington World of Adventures at Halloween: Review
Chessington World of Adventures goes all out for Halloween – if you’ve already been to the park this year you will find plenty of new things to do as we found when we visited last week. In this review of the 2023 ‘Howl’oween’ event I’ll answer the following questions: What shows does Chessington have at... Continue Reading →
Honeywood Museum Carshalton – Halloween Crafts
Honeywood Museum is a Grade II listed building next to Carshalton ponds in the heart of Carshalton village, in the London borough of Sutton. The museum exhibits cover the history of the local area, and it’s the sort of place I can imagine children visiting on school trips. I’d been once before with my parents... Continue Reading →
Why Should You Go To Baby Groups?
When you have a baby you are introduced to a whole new world of baby groups. They are sometimes a far cry from the image you might have of sitting on the floor in a church hall for an hour jingling bells and waving scarfs in front of your newborn who might giggle or cry... Continue Reading →