Transformers : Robots in Disguise – A New Mission is available on DVD and Digital Download from today - 28th March - just in time for the Easter holidays. Rated PG this contains 7 episodes, which is almost 2 1/2 hours of the of the latest Cartoon Network Transformers series.


This is the first release for the Transformers: Robots In Disguise series, and is set years after the Prime series. Earth has been peaceful and the Transformers are just living out Transformer lives.

In the first 2-part Story 'Pilot', Bumblebee receives an urgent message from Optimus Prime and gathers together the Autobots to return to Earth and rescue the planet from the Decepticons, who have escaped when their prison ship crash landed.

PLAY it! has returned to the Manchester Museum Of Science And Industry and we were lucky enough to be invited to the preview evening last night. Over 170 games consoles spanning the last 50 years, from even before Atari and the Sega Megadrive to the ultra modern Oculus Rift, in one room with limited entry. Football fans might disagree, but could you have a better 90 minutes?


Housed in a huge room at the back of the Museum, PLAY it! is suitable for gamers aged around 5+, super-friendly and completely accessible to those with limited mobility, including wheelchair users.

We love the Itty Bitty's. Collectible plush figures depicting movie, TV and comic book heroes and villains, they stand around 4inch (10cm) tall and are on sale in Gold Crown branches of Hallmark for a mere £6 each. Suitable for children of all ages, they make a great alternative Easter gift, and there really is an Itty Bitty to suit everyone.


Two of the new ranges of Itty Bitty's in the UK for Spring 2016 are Star Wars, and Superheroes, we already had an advance look at Superman and Batman, now we've been sent 6 of the new Star Wars Itty Bitty's to review - Rey, Yoda, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, a Stormtrooper and R2-D2.

We've reviewed a couple of the recent Bratz dolls, and they have released a brand new range of Special Edition dolls just in time for Easter. The new Sweet Style dolls are a limited range which will be exclusive to The Entertainer Toy Shops, and all feature the dolls in outfits inspired by their favourite sweets.


Far better for your teeth than the real deal, the Sweet Style dolls make an excellent alternative Easter gift. We've been sent Cloe, who is all sprinkles and icing, along with her puppy Froyo, for review.

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.