Recent Articles
Ana Snapshot : Hillarys Blinds
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Myself, Penny and Jen were invited to the Hillarys Blinds HQ last Friday. We had a tour of the factory, and met the product designer Matt Lucas. Here is a snapshot from showroom.
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Sherlock Homes Night In : Elementary My Dear Watson!
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Elementary My Dear Watson!
My husband (Tall Dad) has been away for a week, so last night we have had a bit of Sherlock themed night in, together to catch up, thanks to some Sherlock Holmes goodies that had been sent to us. We are big fans of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle classic, even watching the new American series called Elementary. There is something quintessentially British about each of the adaptations, even when they have been set in America. We also love challenging one another to solve the mystery first.
So we decided to have some Moriarty’s (our newly named cocktail) kick back, and watch some of the DVD’s we had been sent and play a Sherlock Holmes game, while Tall Dad, attempted to get over his jet lag.
First up was the Guy Richie film -Sherlock Holmes. I have always had a bit a thing for Robert Downey Jr (who plays Sherlock) I think its the rebellious streak that he has in real life that he seems to always put into parts so well when he is acting. I first noticed him in Ally McBeal, and that maverick streak he has brought brilliantly to the screen in the Sherlock Homes films.
Saying all this, I think I prefer the UK series named Sherlock, where the story has been brought bang up to date, as it is set in 21st century London. Its humorous, very fast paced and the stories each week are very cleverly interwoven. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman star in this version, which brings together perfectly Sherlock’s fascination in solving weird and wonderful cases.
Next up, we had been sent Cluedo, which has been adapted to include all of the elements of the UK Sherlock series. It’s such a long time since I’ve played Cluedo, I had forgotten what great fun it is. It also brings out the inner competitive streak I have, so of course I won! No, I honestly didn’t cheat, whilst a jet lagged Tall Dad, wasn’t looking. 
So all in all we had a great night, I can confirm that an evening with Sherlock is very enjoyable, and even though I spent it without Robert Downey Jr himself.
Disclaimer: Thank you to Gala Bingo for sending me these items in celebration of the new Sheerluck Holmes Game.
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Ana Snapshot : John Lewis Nottingham
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On Wednesday I went to the opening of the new John Lewis beauty department in Nottingham, it is absolutely beautiful. I will be writing about it in more detail, but I thought I would give you this snapshot to tease you with.
Bobby Brown, the new counter.
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Bratzillaz Review: Midnight Beach
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We have been given a Bratzillaz Midnight Beach Doll to review this week, the Yasmina Clairvoya doll, which comes with a swimsuit, cape, a broomstick hairbrush, a handheld mask and a bracelet. There are 6 dolls in the entire range, here are 5 of the dolls, the last one being Fianna Fins, a mermaid like character.
Each of doll comes dressed in a bathing suit with a cape, which also doubles as a sarong, and a witch like hat. The dolls have glass eyes, that give an amazing spooky and unusual look, and have fully articulated poseable bodies. Also each of the dolls characters have a different special power and ‘witch mark’ symbol on their body.
Included in the new range are original characters: Jade J’Adore™, Meygana Broomstix™, Cloetta Spelletta™, Sashabella Paws™, and Yasmina Clairvoya™, as well as brand new character Fianna Fins™, who has risen up from the waves to join her Bratzillaz™ friends.
Bratzillaz™ are the witchy glam cousins of the original Bratz dolls. They study at an exclusive fashion magic academy known as the ‘Bratzillaz™ Academy’, where they learn magical powers to do good for all those around them.
I did wonder what my daughters would think of them, as they had never had a doll quite like this one before.
Here is what they loved about Yasmina Clairvoya :
All of the Midnight Beach Bratzillaz dolls including Yasmina have a glow in the dark feature, which we had great fun trying out. Miss A and N thought this was a great idea, and went with the spooky image. I did wonder if it would scare my youngest who is 4, but she loved it.
Yasmina has yellow eyes, and the girls loved the colour, and how unusual they were.
They also really loved the purple colour of her hair and clothes, and the long length of her hair, so they could style it.
Yasmina was fantastic as well for making creative shapes with, as it was fully poseable. Miss N who was 10 in particular loved this.
Bratzillaz™ Midnight Beach™ dolls are suitable for ages six years plus, priced at around £17.99, and available from all good toy retailers nationwide. I think this is a great price, for a very versatile, and unusual doll.
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