LEGO®Pharaohs Quest 7327 : Scorpion Pyramid

As they discover the golden headdress hidden in the dark depths of Pharaoh Amset-Ra's pyramid, the brave heroes go face-to-face with the evil mummy horde! If the mummies get the ulJake Rainesate Golden Nemes, they will awaken the Pharaoh! Can the heroes navigate the treacherous maze of booby-trapped stairs and the Pharaoh's tomb to escape the clutches of the mummies? Includes 7 minifigures: Jake Raines, Mac McCloud, Professor Archibald Hale, Pharaoh Amset-Ra, 2 Anubis guards and 1 flying mummy Collect all of the LEGO Pharaoh's Quest sets to have all the treasures and awaken the Pharaoh! Features golden coffin lid and other gold elements! Accessories include Egyptian swords, scarab shields, dynamite, spears, wrenches, guns, a pickax, binoculars, scorpions, snakes and golden coins Navigate through sliding doors, booby-trapped stairs and a mummy tomb! Pull lever to open trap door! Battle behind the wheel of the armored ATV! Shoot Pharaoh's tomb out of pyramid with flick-fire action! Remove the scorpion from the pyramid for battle Pyramid measures 10' (25cm) tall and 15'(38cm) wide


I grew up with lego, loved building houses, and now my children also enjoy creating with lego - they have houses, police station and firestations, along with loads of vehicles. However, this kit offers so many more possibilities - this kit would be brilliant for lovers of anything egyptian or would be an ideal introduction to ancient Egypt.

This is a large kit which will keep children (and adults) occupied for hours. Upon opening the box I was confronted with 7 bags of lego, 2 instruction books and a moulded lego base.

As with all Lego kits, the lego is split into bags, which are easily identifiable within the instruction books. THe instructions are split into very simple steps, listing the individual pieces required for each step at the start of each step. The photographs of each step are large and easy to follow.

The recommended age on this piece is 8-14 years, but as with all Lego kits, I am sure there is no age limit for the enjoyment people receive from Lego. A great way to relieve stress of the day or to spend time with children.

As well as the main pyramid construction to build, there is also vehicles, characters and a giant scorpion to tackle, all with detailed, pictorial instructions.

Although the kit has a finished product in mind, there is plenty of room for development with children able to combine kits to add their own twist. There are also additional kits which can be bought to add extra models to the kit.

I received this kit as part of the Amazon Vine Program.

The Lakes (Series 2)

The second series of this beautiful natural history series, presented by Rory McGrath which looks at life in one of Britain's favourite holiday destinations during a busy summer and the characters who inhabit it.

I missed this series when it was on TV and was really glad to have had the opportunity to watch it on DVD. Giving an insight into life around The Lakes, a snapshot of everyday life.

Set in The Lakes, there is stunning scenery throughout the DVD, as the film crew follow the lives of people and businesses set within the Lakes. The films show the real community spirit around the towns and villages, full of the highs and lows of daily life, none more so than the tragedy when Derrick Bird killed those innocent people, and just three weeks later the annual fair took place. The floods which affected the area are also inlcuded. Happier times are also celebrated - the life of a pig farmer, who is trying to breed micropigs and a lady who leaves the city to open up her own cafe/coffee shop.

The series is narrated by Rory McGrath. There are no extras on the DVD, however with nearly 4 1/2 hours of stunning scenery to watch, there is no need for extras. It is a shame that each programme is only 30 minutes long, it would have been lovely to have seen more on each of the snippets included in the series.

There is excellent camerawork throughout the whole series and I am definitely adding The Lakes to my places to visit.

Thank you to Michael for sending me the dvd set to review.

Tracy Beaker Returns DVD

The complete first series of Tracy Beaker Returns. Includes 2 discs with over 6 hours of content, featuring interviews with Jacqueline Wilson, Nick Sharratt and characters from the show, illustration top tips from Nick Sharratt and 4 exclusive postcards.Tracy’s back at the ‘Dumping Ground’ - her affectionate term for the children’s home - where she grew up, but this time she’s working there, as a trainee carer. Things can get complicated because Tracy often feels she understands the kids better than the adults. Tracy is determined and bold as ever, but tries her best to do what she thinks is right.

Episodes:

Tracy Beaker Superstar--With a published book and TV appearance Tracy’s grown-up life is going well – until she gets arrested.

New Life--Working at the Dumping Ground, Tracy finds she’s not as indispensable as she thought. Will she get the sack?

Bad Luck--Toby believes his life is jinxed and Tracy makes it worse by writing about him. Meanwhile Sapphire has plans for a night out alone.

By the Book--Tempers reach boiling point when Tracy comes between brother and sister. Family Values--Lily & her sisters get fostered, leaving Carmen alone. Her loneliness leads to conflict with the other kids

Anarchy--Tracy’s first night duty descends into a chaotic nightmare certain to end in disaster. Secrets--Tracy finds stolen goods in Sapphire’s room and Liam discovers Gus’s notebooks are full of peoples’ secrets.

Sisters--Lily returns to the Dumping Ground without her sisters. Tracy resolves to re-unite them which leads to disaster. Tee hides a sheep in her room.

Good Luck Boy--Toby and the lads have to fake being a family when they win a free holiday to Florida.

Viva Carmen--Carmen’s mother turns up wanting her daughter to live with her again. But is she all she seems to be?

Werewolf--Who or what is the werewolf Carmen sees lurking in the grounds? Day at the Beach--A day trip to the beach becomes a journey beset with disasters; is someone sabotaging the trip?

Moving On--Tracy will leave to become a full time reporter if the kids co-operate on an article she has to write. They won’t.

I received only disc 2 of this collection to review, however my children loved it from the moment I put it on.

The set is a complete series of the popular Tracy Beaker show which is shown on CBBC. There are extras on the DVDs. On disk 2 this was an interview with Jacqueline Wilson (author) and Nick Sharatt (the illustrator of the books) which was really interesting and gave some history to the creation of Tracy Beaker. There is also a great section with Nick Sharatt discussing how he designs characters.

There are many topics and situations covered within this series, which children may be affected by and I think they are dealt with in a sensitive and positive way.

My children were laughing and crying throughout the programs, and even though they have watched the series on CBBC over and over again, they still loved seeing it again.

This is a great DVD set for children aged 7+

Thank you to Michael from The School Run Forum for sending me this to review.

Good Ol' Fashioned Love by The Overtones (CD)

The Overtones are the UK's hottest new vocal harmony group, specialising in repertoire from the 50's and 60's as well as nostalgic sounding brand new songs. Discovered in London whilst rehearsing during a tea break from their painting and decorating work they were snapped up for a record deal and the album Good Ol' Fashioned Love is the result.

It is packed with covers of classic doo-wop tracks like "Come Back My Love", "In The Still Of The Night", "Sh-Boom", "For The Longest Time" and "Blue Moon" as well as new songs like "Gambling Man", "Caroline" and the title track itself that were either written for or by the boys themselves.

CD Tracks:

1. Sh Boom (Life Could Be A Dream)

2. Gambling Man

3. Come Back My Love

4. Carolyn

5. The Longest Time

6. Good Ol' Fashioned Love

7. Blue Moon

8. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You

9. In The Still Of The Night

10. Don't Make Me Over

11. Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight

12. Why Do Fools Fall In Love

This is not my usual style of music but I really enjoyed this vocal harmony group's album. It has some classic songs on that I remember listening to with my dad along with some songs that were orginals from the boys.A great album to listen to if you like music from the 50-60's.

I would recommend to all.I give the album 4 stars!

Hedrin Once Spray

What is Hedrin Spray Gel and what does it do? Hedrin Spray Gel is a liquid gel in an easy spray format. The easy to use trigger helps direct the liquid gel onto the head and hair even in those hard to get at areas. Hedrin Spray Gel is highly effective against head lice and eggs.It works by physically smothering the lice and also contains Penetrol which helps the product to penetrate louse eggs in order to kill them. The gel can safely be used as often as required without lice developing resistance.

As a mum of two children, and someone who works in an early years department and children's centre, I have had to deal with many head lice and have tried many products on the market, as well as the conditioner and comb method.

When I was sent this to try I was 'itching' to try it, as I have previously used the solution which was left in over night and is very successful. The only downside was the price.

This is a new product by Hedrin and needs only 15 minutes to work. It is sprayed into the hair and washed out 15 minutes later.

The spray bottle provided is great design, the spray handle does not get gunked up with sticky solution as I have found with other products. There is hardly any smell to the product and does not leave that sticky, slimy feeling that other solutions done. When washing the solution out I found it quite easy to wash out, only needing a couple of shampoo washes to leave the hair feeling clean. As a family of four, which includes two family members who have thick hair, the bottle was enough for the whole family and there was some left in the bottle.

And the best bit of the test - it actually got rid of the head lice - only one application was needed for the whole family.

A great product, which works, does not leave hair feeling sticky or unclean following the rinsing of hair and in an easy to use bottle. I would definitely recommend this product, although be warned, it is at the higher end of the price range for head lice treatments.

Due to the price, I give this product 4 Star Rating.

Thank you to Michael from The School Run Forum for sending me the solution to try.

B.Sensible Bedding

2 - 1 fitted sheet and mattress protector

The first fitted sheets and pillowcases that act like a second skin.

■100% natural Tencel thermo-regulating fabric.
■Protects with the latest-generation breathable membrane that is virtually undetectable.

■Dermofresh waterproofing system.

■Provides a natural barrier against bacteria & mites etc.

■Ideal for all mattresses & pillows including memory foam.


The range includes bedding for all mattresses from single beds through to doubles and king-size beds.
■24 Colours including White

for further information see bedding industrial

I have tried a number of waterproof sheets, mattress protectors and disposable bed pads while trying to get my son out of pull up pants and dry at nights, my daughter was no problem but I have had real problems with my son.

When I received a single bed sheet from Bedding Industrial to try, I was unsure what the results would be. However, from the moment I opened the parcel I was impressed. The sheet was very soft material and the waterproof film covers the back of the sheet, no separation between the two layers, and no noise or rattle from the waterproof layer as is the case on many waterproof sheets I have tried.

The sheet fitted the bed well, there was plenty of material to cover the corners - it would fit a thick mattress very well and grip the corners well. The sheet was very soft and comfortable to lie on and there was no rustling heard when lay on, as some waterproof sheets or mattress protectors I have used in the past do.

Following an accident in the night, the sheet had done as promised. I had only the sheet on the bed and the mattress was bone dry! There was however, no wetness lying on top of the sheet although wet to the touch.

It was washed in the washing machine along with the other bedding and came out of the washing machine in the same condition as it went in. The sheet and waterproof film were still as one layer, a problem i have incurred previously on other products.

The sheet can be tumble dried and came out of the tumble dryer with no bobbling, another problem I have experienced previously.

The price appears to be high compared to a single bed sheet (£29.00), however, I do think that this sheet is worth it, compared to the number of disposable bed pads and a waterproof bed pad I was using before. They can be bought in many sizes from moses basket up to king size sheets.

The advertising literature for the sheets also promotes its hypo-allergenic qualities and also the eco-friendly manufacturing processes which is very important in this modern world. Another plus for this product.

The material is also breathable which helps prevent overheating of the child at sleep times.

I would definitely recommend this product to parents of children who are in nappies at night or those who are trying to come out of nappies through the night.

Thank you to B.Sensible and PJ Partnership for sending me this to try.

Lyclear Mousse

About the lotion – The leaflet says it is a double action formula and it “suffocates and dehydrates lice and eggs “
You spray it onto dry hair and leave for 15 minutes , wash off , then comb the hair through to get rid of the eggs and lice .
The leaflet also states that as there are no pesticides the lice can’t become resistant to the lotion !

With two children aged 8 and 6, and myself volunteering in the school early years department, aswell as a children's centre, headlice are often present in our household! We have tried many of the solutions on the market, aswell as the conditioner combed through the hair every night for a week and have found some work well, while others do not appear to work.

I was sent Lyclear Mousse to review, there was also an option for a spray, however these affect my husbands chest and so declined that option.
Upon opening the box, I was surprised to find how small the bottle was - I have very thick hair, as does my son and my daughter has finer hair, while my husband's is very short and so I could not see the bottle lasting to treat us all. The bottle only did mine, my daughters and my husbands hair for one application each.
The bottle has a new design
nozzle which, at the start, was very good, however when we got further into the application we found it to be harder to press as the bottle got greasy and slippery.
The solution was not highly fragranced - something which i like because i hate to think other parents know that you have treated headlice over teh weekend! However, the solution was very greasy and when we came to washing it out it took many washes and rinses to get the hair looking ok - it looked very greasy, no matter how many rinses we gave it.
There was also a nit comb included within the box which was also a new design - my son prefered this style of comb, however it was useless in my thick hair, goes nowhere near the roots of my hair.
The solution states that it 'suffocates and dehydrates eggs and lice' however when combing the hair through and washing out the shampoo we found lice that were still alive.

In summary, the good points to the solution were that it was lightly frangranced. However, the bad points were that the solution was very greasy, took many washes to rinse out, the bottle got slippery and difficult to apply the solution and did not get rid of all the eggs and lice.

Thank you to Virgo Health for the sample bottles.
I would give this product 2 stars.