Tag Archives: Christmas

Mattel Hot Wheels Apptivity Review

Posted on by Abi

Apptivity is a brand new idea from Mattel that allows kids to play with their favourite toys on the iPad.

When I was asked if I would like to review the Hot Wheels version of  Apptivity I jumped at the chance. My boys love both playing on the iPad and with Hot Wheels so this seemed like a great idea.

The idea is simple, first purchase a compatible Apptivity toy (in our case a small blue car) then download the free app. When the car is placed onto the iPad screen it interacts with the app using patented conductive technology. Simply put, you swivel the car on the screen to drive along the track.

I was rather apprehensive about allowing a toy to be placed onto the iPad screen, I was concerned about scratches. So far though I’m happy to report that none have appeared, although I did keep an eye that the boys didn’t press too hard.

The actual app looks very impressive, it’s graphics and content are excellent for a free game. However I suspect this was also it’s initial downfall, on an original iPad it crashes on a regular basis before you can actual do an awful lot. The iPad 2 seems capable of handling the game, but this isn’t made entirely obvious on the toy or app.

I also fear that my boys were a little too young for the game, even with my game savvy brother sitting with us we all got a little confused as to what we were actually supposed to be doing. It would have been much more fun if they had simplified the games to just basic races as far as we were concerned.

This all sounds rather negative and I must admit that I wasn’t overly impressed with the game. However my sons would tell a vastly different story. Despite some crashes, confusion and general head tapping they absolutely adore this game and ask to play with it often. They are much more forgiving of the little niggles which would stop me from playing. They don’t care because at the end of the day they get to play with a car on the iPad with cool music and great visual effects, it’s a boys dream.

As a parent you may find yourself slightly disappointed for the points I mentioned, but Mattel know their market and the child you buy it for is quite likely to be thrilled. I obviously can’t comment on the other incarnations of Apptivity.

Details

The range brings to life some of the UK’s hottest toy brands including Hot Wheels, Batman and WWE as well as extending the play value of top-selling apps such as Angry Birds, Cut The Rope and Fruit Ninja. And it’s great for all the family – there’s even an Apptivity toy for toddlers.

Single Apptivity packs start at RRP £11.99. There are also larger starter packs priced at RRP £24.99, which come with exclusive figures, amplifiers and accessories.

For more information, please go to: http://www.mattelapptivity.com

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Rachel’s Organic Ice Cream Bombe Recipe!

Posted on by Abi

I was recently sent a box full of Rachel’s Organic yogurts. Amongst the new flavours were some old favourites, so I decided to try out one of Rachel’s new seasonal recipes to share with out all. Here’s how I got on!

I loved the sound of this recipe as soon as I read it, ice-cream, fruit and Rachel’s, what’s not to love! As we had family coming to share in our new year festivities it seemed like the perfect time to give this recipe a try. It was absolutely amazing! The sauce came out a little too thick (and rather less photogenic) but it tasted sensational and I think this wondrous little pudding will become a firm family favourite.

What You’ll Need

200g dried fruit (sultanas, sour cherries, cranberries, blueberries)

6 tbsp brandy or dark rum (optional)

2 tbsp dark brown sugar

350ml double cream

300g Rachel’s Greek Style Bio Live Natural Yogurt

100g Rachel’s Low Fat Vanilla Bio Live Yogurt

200g frozen berries (raspberries or mixed summer)

For the sauce:

200g cranberries, fresh or frozen

100g caster sugar

1 tbsp cornflour

2 tbsp water

Step 1

Soak the dried fruit in the alcohol (we used Brandy) and leave overnight. Tip. Rachel’s suggest that you can also microwave the fruit on high for 2-3 minutes if you’re short on time.

Step 2

Line a 2 litre pudding basin with clingfilm, leaving enough overhang to cover the pudding completely.

Step 3

Whip the cream and yogurts to soft peaks, add the frozen berries (we used raspberries) and stir. Add the soaked fruit and mix well.

Step 4

Carefully spoon into the pudding basin, pushing the mixture down and leveling off the surface. Cover with the leftover clingfilm. Place in the freezer overnight.

Step 5

Before serving remove the pudding from the freezer to allow it to thaw slightly. Then invert the basin onto a plate to release the pudding. Peel off the clingfilm.

Step 6

To make the sauce place the cranberries and sugar into a saucepan and gently heat until all the sugar has dissolved. Mix together the cornflour and water and gradually add to the cranberries and sugar. Allow to thicken and then remove from the heat. Pour the sauce over the bombe and allow to trickle down (I got a little over enthusiastic with the sauce as you’ll see in the picture).

For more yummy recipe ideas from Rachel’s Organic visit www.rachelsorganic.co.uk.

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Happy Christmas!

Posted on by Abi

Just a quick post today to say Happy Christmas to everyone!

You can probably tell by my distinct lack of blogging this week, that I’ve been rather busy of late. No matter how organised I intend to be, there’s always last minute bits and bobs that need sorting near Christmas, parties that need attending (most of these are for the kids!) and a generally full calendar. I’m sure the same is true for many of you so you’ll understand completely.

In the few moments I’ve had, I’ve managed to sort huge quantities of Gingerbread, remember the last post about our new tradition 🙂 Here’s the first batch ready to go.

Make three Wise Men/Woman costumes for the crib service.

Help the kids to make salt-dough decorations (although in truth it was their Granny’s idea).These were made over a period of about a week, thanks to a few stops and starts but the children absolutely love them!

My daughter took real pride in the detail.

My eldest son loved making new shapes.

My youngest just wanted them all to be pink.

There’s plenty of little bits left to do, plus somewhere in the midst of all this chaos we have to remember to pick up the food (especially the Turkey) and actually wrap some presents! It’s surprising how easy it is to miss these small (and somewhat essential) things 😉 My one goal year on year is to have as stress free a Christmas as possible, which basically entails having absolutely everything as prepared and organised as possible the day before.

With this in mind I’d like to wish you a thoroughly merry and completely stress free Christmas whatever you have planned. I’m not taking a massive break, in fact I’ll be back next week and looking forward to the New Year. In the mean time though have a wonderful weekend all!

 

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