On Monday night we were privileged to be among some of the first people to see 2016's Christmas performance at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton. This Winter Cinderella is brought to us in a completely different way, via the rats who live with her in the cinders and ashes...


The Octagon is a lovely intimate theatre in the round, and the whole audience feel very close to the performers. My 6 and 8 year old boys hadn't been before and were incredibly impressed and excited. In the centre of the stage area were a collection of musical instruments, which started much debate about what was going to happen.


The actors were great, not only acting and singing, but playing all of their own musical accompaniment. The instruments in the centre of the stage were never removed, only moved to the sides and used, and were perfect for a Winter tale with lots of metallic percussion. Chimes are just spot on for Prince Charming's Ball.

Chosen as one of the Dream Toys for Christmas 2016, Silly Sausage from John Adams is possibly the daftest looking family challenge game you'll ever play. It tests your speed, co-ordination and memory skills and you do get to look completely silly while you're at it.


Silly Sausage is probably unlike anything you've ever played before. Although it has some parallels with other action games, it plays quite differently, and I think is actually more equal between age groups. Although recommended for age 7+, my 6 year old had the highest score here for a while, and now it's his Dad, but we are all fairly evenly-matched.

Timeline is a fantastic series of card games from Asmodee. Suitable for anyone aged around 8+, the aim of the game is for 2-8 players to put the events shown on the cards into correct date order. It may be history, but don't let that put you off, this can be a quick-paced game and children are often as good at making guesses as adults are!


I love the Timeline games, and we've been sent the newest edition in the series for review - Timeline British History. Also available are Inventions, Science & Discoveries, Historical Events, General Interest, Music & Cinema and Star Wars.


One of the features of Asmodee games is that they care about what happens when you've finished playing, and Timeline games are stored in their own beautiful metal tin. Not only attractive to look at, they are compact for travelling and taking to friend's houses, and will outlast the cards, unlike a cardboard box.

Champions Of The Shengha will be the first game release from British tech start-up BfB Labs. They are on a mission to 'help children develop the skills to combat the stresses of life' using Mindfulness techniques. In this case it actually means controlling your emotions while playing a game in order to increase your score...


BfB Labs work in a new generation of games which use emotional response as part of gameplay. Champions Of The Shengha is a fantasy battle-card app. game suited best to ages 10-15, which requires you to remain level headed and calm while playing, in order to gain power advantages.

A small BfB Sensor (heart rate monitor) is attached to the players ear, and connects to the phone or tablet by bluetooth.  At the beginning of each round the game encourages deep breathing to control your heart rate. The calmer you are under pressure, the more power you earn.


I was a bit dubious at first, I thought it might feel a bit embarrassing or weird, and couldn't really imagine the teenagers going for it. In fact it's a simple case of sitting up straight, breathing deeply and remaining calm while you play. The game gives really effective prompts to assist you in your relaxation, which actually help, and it really does train you to be aware of your own posture and breathing, and understand how to relax. I'm now convinced.

The BFG is an absolute classic. One of Roald Dahl's most treasured books, the tale of a little girl named Sophie and her giant friend has been brought to life with a mix of animation and live action, and it is available for you to own on DVD and Blu-ray on 21st November.


A lovely tale, this movie edition has beautiful CGI animation which really compliments the live action. Starring Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill and Penelope Wilton, the acting is great, and the characters incredibly likeable.

Yesterday was my birthday, half way to my 'four score years and ten'. I think I have aged about 30 of those years over the last 3, and I'm probably a way ahead of where I should be now. But still I am here. Older, saggier, wrinklier and hopefully wiser. Everyone was so worried there wouldn't be cake that in fact there were 5 cakes. What could be better? Cake plus LEGO obviously - and I'm now also the proud owner of the LEGO Christmas Train...it was a really good birthday.

Yesterday we went to Barton Square at intu Trafford Centre in Manchester, to visit this year's Christmas Santa's grotto. For 2016 the grotto has been turned into The Polar Expedition, and Santa is accompanied by lots of friendly Eskimo Elves.

My 6 and 8 year old boys are at the cusp of understanding, but are both firm friends with Santa this year at least...


We were a staggering 90 minutes late. My partner was called into work, so we ended up tight on time, but then the pre-lunchtime traffic was horrific, we were stuck in a jam for over an hour and our 8 year old was car sick. Christmas has started...

Thankfully it can be very beautiful...

I have an extra Bratz Christmas Present giveaway that I wasn't expecting. As well as the InstaPets, Bratz have just released Radio Controlled Bratz Doll Hoverboards! These are brand new and I haven't even seen one in person, but they look pretty cool...


The Hoverboards are available with Cloe and Yasmin dolls, and just like a real hoverboard, the Bratz Hoverboard goes forward, backward, and does a full 360° turn, while the adjustable doll stand enables your doll to stand on the hoverboard while it's in motion.

Bratz Dolls were a regular feature in our house up until a few years ago. One of our girls had several, and a house, and played with them for hours. They actually look a lot more like real humans now, but they're just as sassy and modern, and just as popular. The latest range are the Bratz InstaPets, and I have one to give away to one of my readers...


The Bratz take their style inspiration from anywhere, and that includes their kawaii cute spirit animals. There are 5 different dolls, each with their own pet and matching accessories.

Lumie understand that we can't always just wake up instantly, they appreciate how hard it can be on our poor tired souls. Especially in winter, to have time to wake up slowly and naturally is often impossible. The Lumie Starter 30 Bodyclock wakes you by increasing the light gradually over 30 minutes. Recreating a natural dawn helps to keep your sleep cycle on track, boosting mood, energy and productivity levels all day.


At the other end of the day, your Lumie Bodyclock light also recreates dusk, to relax you and settle you for a better night's sleep...