The Nut Job - Film Review

The Nut Job is a beautifully animated film featuring the voice talents of Will, Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Liam Neeson and Katherine Heigl.  The plot hinges around Surly the Squirrel who after a series of events is blamed for destroying the animals' winter nut stash and finds himself banished from his group.  In the city, he discovers a new supply and plans a nut heist that runs concurrently to a real life bank heist masterminded by some pretty mean bank robbers.  Surly comes up with a plan to get the nuts and gets a motley crew together to pull off the job.  As the heists progress and things get more complicated, it is up to the animals to unite in order to foil the robbers, get the nuts and save the day.  Prepare for an action packed, fun filled adventure with funny and furry woodland critters!

There are some cute critters, lots of visual humour, some nut puns and a few fart related gags, which get the kids giggling. There is a beautiful rodentesque bromance, lots of tested friendships and some moral growth to add some depth to the plot progression.  With a corrupt raccoon who needs to learn a big life lesson, some gassy groundhogs and a self-serving squirrel who needs to discover his inner good guy, there are some interesting characters in this charmingly good-natured film.  

The animation is really lovely, with a comforting retro feel that harks back to the cartoon classics. The attention to detail is really good and there is a lot to look it in every scene. The use of music is effective and the animals dancing to Gangnam Style was a real high point for Freddy who jumped up to join in.  The end credits also featured this catchy tune along with a little cartoon Psy!  You can't help but smile.

The kids, Kizzy 12 and Freddy 5, enjoyed their Saturday afternoon showing of The Nut Job. Thankfully,we are not offended by toilet humour, slapstick scenes, explosions and cheap gags which are the mainstay of the comedy, so we all happily laughed along with the characters' antics.  There is a mass of kid appeal and a lovely underlying moral message in this fun filled and action packed  movie. This film appeals to both children and to the young at heart.

Some of the film seemed a little familiar with plot similarities to Over the Hedge and characters that seem to be influenced by Ratatouille's Remy and Ice Age's Scrat. But I found enough original and comic content to make this an enjoyable and amusing watch, with plenty of laughs, lots of action and some touching scenes.

The Nut Job is released on December 8th from Warner Home Video.  It is 86 minutes long and has a U certificate. It is available on DVD and Blu-ray and also in stunning Blu-ray 3D.

It will be a perfect stocking filler and is a great film for a festive family movie night.

I was sent a copy of the film to review and Tweeted my thoughts using #TheNutJobMovie.

Finn - A doll that is challenging stereotypes #BeYou

Many boys' toys have historically been associated with violence.  From soldiers to secret agents to ninjas to action toys to weaponry, the emphasis of their play value is one of fighting and aggression. But this gender stereotypical notion that all little boys want to behave in that manner is very negative, exposing young boys to an adult agenda, when they should be embracing the innocence of childhood. Creativity, compassion, and goodwill should be encouraged, helping to nurture an emotional balance in young boys.

There is a new toy on the market, which promises to challenge these stereotypes and offer little boys a whole new way to play.  Finn is an 18cm boy doll, modeled on a realistic, healthy child's body.  He is an age appropriate playmate that embodies the spirit of childhood, offering boys a different way to play.  Finn loves the outdoors, playing sports and going on adventures. This is a far cry from the defeat and destroy nature of many other boys' toys and games. It's nice that boys can have a doll that they can really relate to.

Freddy, my 5 year old son, is in many ways typical of the male stereotype in that he will happily indulge in fighting games, rough and tumble and play fighting.  But that isn't the only aspect of his personality. He is also caring, loving, gentle and kind and I want him to embrace all of what he is and allow him to explore it through play.  He isn't afraid to play with his big sister's toys, so I was interested in what he would make of a doll designed with boys in mind.

He was sent a new Kite Flyer Finn toy to play with.  Straight away he played with him and remarked that he thought it was a really good toy.  He liked making him do back flips, climb on the furniture and fly around the room like a superhero!  He played with him doing the sort of imaginary games he'd play with a friend, chatting away and having fun. 

I really like the size of the Finn toy as its a good size for little hands to play with and carry around.  It makes a good travel companion when out and about. 

Finn comes with a long sleeved top, shorts, red trainers, body warmer and a kite. (Freddy was a bit miffed that he couldn't get the kite to actually fly!) He has realistic hair, is jointed at the hips and shoulders and his knees bend to pose him in different positions.  Freddy did find that Finn's legs popped off after over zealous manoeuvres, but they easily popped back into position.

Also available is a change of clothing for Finn, a Gone Fishing outfit.  It consists of a shark print top, shorts and brown shoes as well as a fishing rod. The fishing rod is more functional than the kite, and Freddy enjoyed pretending to fish with Finn. (I wasn't sure about the dangling dead fish on the end of the line...not really in keeping with the compassionate image. But then I am a vegetarian. I'll just have to believe Finn threw the fish back after catching it!)

It really is refreshing to find a boy doll on the market. The scope for future outfits such as footballing Finn, explorer Finn or horse riding Finn is great.  He is a character that young boys can relate to, which is championing a wholesome, happy childhood.  Finn definitely challenges stereotypes by providing an alternative to toys that promote violence, which boys will enjoy playing with.  Too often boys are discouraged from playing with toys that are seen as being girlie, which can mean that some sensitive boys are denied appropriate playthings. Toys like Finn can remedy this.  Finn will also appeal to girls and can be a friend to Lottie, the female pro-girl doll from Arklu.  Playing does not have to be gender specific!  To me it is all about balance and Finn definitely fills a gap in the market.

Freddy may still battle with his turtles or play wars with his soldiers, but that is balanced out by him cuddling his teddies and having adventures with Finn.  I love watching my son at play and see him exploring every aspect of his personality.

Find out more at www.lottie.com/collections/all-products/Finn or on the Lottie Facebook page  and on Twitter @Lottie_dolls.

SAVE 20% across the entire Lottie range at Amazon using the offer code LOTTIE10 at the AMAZON checkout on spends over £20.  Offer ends Midnight on Sunday, 14 December 2014.

Have Yourself a Thrifty Little Christmas with Poundland

Yet again, I have shopped for a festive haul of Poundland goodies to supplement the kids' stockings, add to the decorations and provide some Christmassy flair to our tableware.  With everything at just £1 each it is easy to stay within budget and know exactly what you are spending.

With bargains to be had in confectionery, beauty products, kitchenware, partyware, decorations and novelty gifts, there is so much to choose from in store.  Christmas need not cost a fortune!

The items that I bought are:

So...? Eau de Toilette 

pack of 20 festive paper plates

20 festive cellophane bags with ties

6 individual festive cupcake boxes

advent Christmas countdown chalkboard 

3 tartan tree decorations

3 pack foil platters

tinsel wreath

Pin the Nose on Rudolph game

reindeer antler headband

novelty Santa glass with spiral straw

box of Nerds

box of Reeses Pieces

McVities Gingerbread Men

Fruit Factory Fruit Strings

gift bow and ribbon set

present sack

It is definitely worth taking a look in your local Poundland, there are always some genuine bargains to be found especially in cleaning products, groceries and toiletries.  The seasonal products are always a lot of fun with novelty gifts that are great for Secret Santa gifts or for the kids to give to their school friends.

See the full range, including the new Frozen merchandise at www.poundland.co.uk.

Have a Crafty Christmas with #NickJrCraftmas

Christmas is the perfect time to get crafty with the kids to create lots of wonderful handmade decorations and presents.  Children really enjoy getting out the glue and the glitter to make things to hang from the tree, to add sparkle to the house or to make little gifts to make loved ones smile. There are so many crafting activity sets available on the market, but arts and crafts needn't be expensive. There are loads of things that you can do using household bits and bobs, which costs next to nothing.

I have been doing loads of lovely craft activities with Freddy and Kezia, which has been so much fun. We have also taken part in the #NickJrCraftmas Twitter party with UKMums.TV and Nick Jr, where we tried out lots of child friendly craft activities and chatted all about Christmas crafts and festive food.  We invited a few of Freddy's friends to join in the fun and after the crafts and games enjoyed a yummy pizza tea.  Everyone went home with a fabulous goodie bag too!

Here are details of some of the craft activities and games we have enjoyed.


Decorated Chocolate Bars

One of the crafts we have tried out is to make some edible Christmas gifts that look fantastic, but are super easy to make.  Using paper, felt, ribbon, cotton wool and other bits and bobs, the children wrapped and decorated bars of chocolate, transforming them into reindeer, Santa and snowmen. They make great party presents for children or lovely stocking fillers.

Christmas Tree Cards

This design is really simple but effective.  Simply colour in three lolly sticks and stick them into a triangle shape. Draw on a trunk and decorate with pompoms, sequins and stickers.  grandparents love receiving handmade cards from the grandkids!

Paper Chains

These are so easy to make and look so pretty hang up in the house.  Take a strip of paper and stick the ends together to make a loop. Thread the next strip through and stick the ends together.  Repeat!

Paper Lanterns

Take an A4 sheet of paper and fold in half horizontally. Cut fold the folded edge towards the open edge leaving a 1cm margin.  Unfold the sheet. Put glue around edges and stick on a sheet of red tissue paper. Join the two short ends of the paper to make a tube. Attach a strip of card to make a candle.  Decorate with glitter and stickers.

Baubles

You can pick up empty plastic baubles from many craft retailers and children can personalise them to make their own special tree decorations.  Freddy coloured in and cut out his favourite Nick Jr character Wallykazam, but you could fill them with tinsel, sequins or beads, with sweets or even a small gift.

Pin the Nose on Rudolph

This is a fun festive game that you can make for the kids to play over Christmas.  using paper, cut out a reindeer head and stick on eyes and antlers.  Roll up red tissue paper into balls to make noses. Blindfold the kids and challenge them to stick Rudolph's nose on. Use a sticky tape loop on the back to make them stick.

Ben Elf's Hat

Cut out a semi-circle of card and roll it into a cone.  Decorate with a felt holly leaf and a red pompom.  Attach a length of elastic to secure the hat.

Homemade Crackers

There are many DIY cracker sets available on the market.  You simply asssemble the cracker adding a snap, hat, gift and joke.  You can then decorate with stickers or pictures.  Alternatively you can use toliet roll tubes and wrapping paper, tied at either end with a ribbon to make very cheap, snap-free crackers that the kids will love.

Easy Christmas Cakes

Making cakes for a Christmas party tea is a really fun activity for kids.  They needn't be difficult either!  Make chocolate, cornflake cakes and top with white chocolate to make mini Christmas Pudding cakes.  Decorate shop bought or home baked cupcakes with white buttercream and top with a marshmallow,  Use an icing pen to draw on a face.

Toilet Paper Snowmen

Not exactly a craft idea, but a great game for little ones to play.  One child volunteers to be the snowman and the rest dress him up!  Using a cheap roll of loo roll, wrap your snowman up from head to toe, then use scarves and hats to complete the look.  The paper and loo roll tube can be used for other art projects so nothing is wasted!

For more great craft ideas and printable festive fun pop along to the Nick Jr Christmas craft resource at nickjr.co.uk/christmas 

Eisberg Alcohol Free Wine - for designated drivers and non-drinkers

This Christmas, whether you are the designated driver, if you are pregnant or maybe tee-total by choice or for medical reasons, there is no reason why you can't still enjoy a festive tipple.  Eisberg Alcohol Free Cabernet Sauvignon is a lovely red wine that you can drink when alcohol is off the menu.  At just 26 calories per serving, it is also a good option for the calorie conscious.

It is great to serve with a meal or at a cheese and wine party.  It's a good ingredient to add to stews or bolognese and tastes great as a guilt-free evening drink.  The wine is made in the exact same way as any other wine, but the alcohol is removed, leaving the original character of the wine intact.

You can use Eisberg wines in cocktails and at Christmas you can use it as a base for mulled wine.

Here is a lovely recipe for an alcohol free Mulled Wine that is perfect at this time of year!

Alcohol Free Mulled Wine Recipe

75cl Eisberg Cabernet Sauvignon

2 cinnamon sticks

1 dessertspn whole cloves

1 dessertspn allspice

1 large piece orange rind

1 large piece lemon rind

4 tablespoons sugar to taste

In a heavy saucepan, gently heat all ingredients except 2 tablespoons sugar.  Once dissolved taste and add rest of sugar if necessary.

Keep on a low heat for for flavours to infuse.

You can buy Eisberg wines from Morrison's, Waitrose, Asda, Ocado, Nisa, Budgens, Spar, Londis and Bargain Booze at around the £3 mark.

Find out more at www.eisberg.co.uk.

I received one bottle to try and I will be buying some more for the drivers to enjoy so they stay safe this Christmas!

Everybody Learns - Lexia Reading and Writing Workbooks

Lexia Reading and Writing workbooks are a part of a programme designed by primary and special needs teachers.  They make a progressive scheme of work based on the acquisition of phonic knowledge and are structured to provide repetition and revision of exercises to aid a child's learning. They include black and white line drawings that younger children can enjoy colouring in and the engaging tone of the books encourages children to learn.

I was sent a set of Lexia Reading and Writing Books for Young Children Levels 1-4.  Freddy is in Year One and remains a bit of a reluctant learner.  He has been hindered by his eye problems, and has been playing catch up since September but is at last making some progress.  So this set of workbooks is a perfect resource to use at home in order to help his progression.

The eight workbooks include pages dedicated to the learning of phonics, vocabulary and reading. Dotted letters allow little hands to trace letters using the correct formation before they go on to write lower and upper case letters independently.  Beginning with writing initial letters of CVC words, children build up to writing full words and then sentences. Children get to say, see and write the words and sentences, consolidating their knowledge and leading them towards being independent and confident readers and writers.

Freddy, although still not enthusiastic about learning to read and write, is enjoying having a chance to work through this comprehensive program that compliments what he learns at school.  It is reassuring for me as a parent to know I can help him at this important time, when he is struggling with the basics.

Freddy is bright and articulate but the penny is quite late in dropping when it comes to literacy! Knowing that he will be tested in year one, and that this result may affect how he is regarded academically in the future, makes me question the whole education system in how it fails to treat each child as an individual. I'm grateful that his school and his class teacher do what they can to give each child a more holistic education, but with policy being what it is, I feel that I have a responsibility to help my son do the best he can.  It's good to know that there are such comprehensive programmes on the market.

The eight pack of workbooks of 45-49 pages includes two books for each level, progressing to being able to write and spell two syllable words and read multi-page stories and do comprehension questions.

The books go alongside the Lexia Home Reading Course which is a subscription based reading program  for children.

The books are £24.99 for the set of eight books.  Find out more at  everybodylearns.co.uk.

Ebody - Clean and Exfoliate the Natural Way

I am a big fan of the e-cloth brand, which uses the latest fibre technology to offer a great alternative to conventional, chemical based cleaning.  We already use e-cloth to deliver chemical free cleaning in our home: polishing windows, cleaning our TV, wiping down surfaces and mopping our floor.  We even use the e-cloth oven cleaning cloth to help keep our oven clean.

Now, we can also deep cleanse and exfoliate ourselves without the need for harsh chemical scrubs using the brand's ebody Spa Collection. This is great news for people with sensitive skin, allergies or for those of us trying to minimise the use of harsh chemical products in the home. Using micro-fibre technology, the cleansing fibres work with just a little face wash and water to create a rich lather, while cleansing pores and exfoliating the skin.  ebody also utilises micro-dry technology on a range of towels, which absorb four times the moisture of cotton at twice the speed. The ebody towel range is a perfect time saving addition to a beauty regime and ideal for sports use or travel.

I was sent a Face Cleansing Mitt and a Hair Turban to try out.

The ebody Face Cleansing Mitt has fine weave fibres that gently but effectively clean your face.  It can remove make-up, even mascara, without the need for harsh creams or lotions. Just add a little lather from a mild cleanser to create lots of fine bubbles that lift dirt and grime from the skin leaving it smooth and feeling clean without the need for specialist wipes, lotions or exfoliators.

The mitts cost £6.99 and are guaranteed for 300 washes meaning they will last for ages. They make your cleanser last for ages too, generating lots of lather from a small amount, making them cost effective in the long run.  

The hair turban is a must have product as far as I'm concerned.  I swear by them as I have long, unruly hair that needs to be restrained after a shower!  The ebody Hair Turban is a really good size and is made from soft waffle-like material.  It fits securely on the head with a button up fastening.  It really does work fast, absorbing the dampness from the hair.  

It costs £12.99 but with the 300 wash guarantee it will last for years.  I think it is a great product that is comfy and secure to wear, and which dries the hair fast.

All e-cloth products including the ebody range can be bought directly through the e-cloth website where delivery is free on orders over £10.

I think the ebody range would make brilliant stocking fillers for older kids and teens or could be used in a pamper hamper for a loved one.