The What's So Special About...? series of books were published this week by Dragonfly Group. They are really interesting and different factual dinosaur books featuring individual dinosaurs. The books have been written by dinosaur expert Nicky Dee and verified by multiple award-winning palaeontologist Dean R. Lomax.

It's been a long time since we visited a Brewers Fayre, but I was aware they have good food at sensible prices, and I had heard they have brought in Dennis The menace and Gnasher to help entertain the children while you are there. We were invited to try the recently relaunched play area at Brewers Fayre, Stable Gate, Denton to take a look and sample the food.


There's a nice big car park, and the fresh buildings of the Premier Inn next door give a really clean and modern outlook. Inside we received a really warm welcome from the very friendly staff, and went off to test out the new play area.

The play area has been allocated a large section to one end of the Brewers Fayre, and this space has been used very well to give an area for younger children, the huge climbing frame and plenty of seating. Even with quite a few children running around it felt very large and clean and wasn't intimidating. The tables have Dennis The Menace colouring and activity sheets for when children want something a bit calmer.

Until 2 weeks ago we had a tired 10 year old vacuum cleaner and a hairy carpet. I felt it could be better, but had no idea just how much better until we got a chance to try out the Gtech AirRam K9. This is a 4 x 4 compact cordless stick vacuum cleaner which is especially designed for homes with pets.


I can't actually applaud the AirRam K9 enough. It is handy, light, quick, easy to empty, the charge lasts ages and it actually does the job it promises it will. Our Dwarf Lop Rabbits shed more hair than you would ever think possible, I should take up knitting. Two rabbits plus Gary the surprise cat means that our before/after photos are pretty striking.

This Easter there are absolutely tons of Easter activities and events for families in the NorthWest UK, here are a few of our favourites mainly from the Manchester area...these are still the most inexpensive I can find, and all require you to get out and about. If you prefer something closer to home (or inside your house!) please see my 10 Alternatives To Eating Chocolate This Easter post...

Manchester Museum Of Science And Industry is hosting Play it! and it looks set to be awesome! Over 180 games systems and consoles plus thousands of games in one room. We loved last year's and will be previewing this year's (so watch out for my post). Opens to the general public on Friday 25th March (Good Friday). Entry to the museum is free, Play it! tickets start at £4 for 90 minutes. Age 5+, children must be accompanied. Find out more on the Museum Of Science And Industry website.

If you're going to review one LEGO movie in a week, why not make it two. Out tomorrow March 21st, just in time for the Easter break, LEGO are back with their latest home movie. LEGO DC Justice League: Cosmic Clash will be available on Blu-ray and DVD.


We were sent a copy to review, and it doesn't disappoint. Fairly standard LEGO fayre, with plenty to offer the more mature audience, the tongue-in-cheek humour and sarcastic facial expressions of the characters make this a great all-round family movie.

If, like most, your children are viewing Easter as a time for stuffing their faces until they feel a bit queasy (and repeat) then here are some ideas for things to do that won't cost a fortune, won't fill your house and children with hollow chocolate models, and hopefully will let you spend a bit of quality time together.

Go OUT: If you are in the NorthWest then I'll be publishing a great list of things going on around the Manchester area this Easter for families, but low-cost events and activities happen everywhere. Google local museums and council run parks and activity centres, and take a look at your local news websites.

Eureka the National Children's Museum, Halifax: £11.95 per person annual entry

Stay IN TOWN: There will be loads to explore in your own local area, but it's easily overlooked. Take a look online, print off  a map and pretend you are a tourist, and spend a day visiting your own local attractions. History and geography lessons the fun way with your child.

My children love to find new material to read, and Amazing! really is excellent new material. A monthly printed magazine aimed at children aged around 7+, each issue has content based on the National Curriculum, delivered in a really exciting and interesting way.


Each edition is around 36 pages printed in full colour on good quality paper. It has a main theme running throughout and is packed with stories, facts, puzzles and riddles, poems, activities articles and jokes. We were sent two recent issues - a Human Body Special, and and Ancient Romans Special.

The Junkie from Bubblebum is a whole new level in back seat storage and tidying for your children. Designed to go especially well in between two car seats, it'll hold your drink, your snacks and your tablet, as well as providing desk trays for 2 children to work on, plus places to store anything else you might need to keep the kids occupied on your journey.


We were sent a Junkie to review, and while I think the name is a bit awkward, it really does convey the idea very well. This is the most techno back seat organisation system ever.

11-20 March is British Science Week and I took very little persuasion to join in with my 2 youngest children. I love watching children learn and explore their world, and simple science experiments at home are a brilliant way to have some real fun with your children.


We were given the opportunity to test another of the great Project MC2 dolls. We have previously reviewed the McKeyla doll with her Lava Lamp experiment, and now we've been sent the Adrienne Attoms doll with Volcano Experiment - one of my all-time favourite kitchen science experiments.

Everything you need is included except items you can find around the home - in this case a plate, vinegar, baking soda (baking powder), red food colouring and 2 drops of washing up liquid.

Geronimo is back! And this year it’s going to be bigger and better. Seeing a return to Tatton Park in 2016 from May 29th – 30th and a new venue at Harewood House from May 1st – 2nd, expect a line-up jam packed with some of the biggest names in children’s entertainment, including TV favourites Justin Fletcher*, Mr Bloom, Andy Day, Alex Winters and Cook & Line from Swashbuckle.