Netflix #LilStreamTeam

Today I am handing the reigns over to Leo, my Four year old because this month Netflix wanted to hear directly from my little man to give me a little blogging break! This month was home to two very special days, Mother's Day and of course International Women's Day, so what better way to give Mummy's of the household a break than to hand the blogging reigns over to the kids?

Leo has been ill this week with a nasty viral infection, and was actually off school Monday and Tuesday but when he asked me if he could go to the park I decided it was time to send him right on back to school on the Wednesday... Figures right? He still wasn't 100% but if he was well enough to want to go to the park, he was more than well enough to go to school! 

Flash forward to yesterday where school called me up to go and collect him and insisted that I keep him home until at least Monday, only for him to make a miraculous recovery today, so yesterday while he was still feeling worse for wear, we decided to record a little video for my budding little vlogger to hopefully take his mind off things and make him feel a little better.

It is safe to say that this week has consisted mainly of watching Netflix, so I have taken the opportunity to find out what my #lilstreamteam member has been enjoying recently... Bare in mind that he hasn't been 100% but he still wanted to help record this vlog for you all.

I present my little man Leo...

I am excited to tell you that the lovely Charlotte from Berice Baby and I are hosting a monthly linky for you all to join up with us and tell us what you are LOVING on Netflix. This will be a fun way to discover new shows and films to watch, because lets face it we all have those withdrawals when we reach the end of our favourite shows, and with Easter creeping up on us, we will want to keep ourselves hooked up with the latest and greatest Netflix shows!

I have just watched the new trailer for the Netflix Original Series The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt! That is set to be a must watch on my agenda!

The linky will run on a monthly basis, so make sure to share your favourite watches from the month with us!

You can link up below, and we cannot wait to see what you have been enjoying recently!

This post is in association with the #NetflixStreamTeam, all thoughts and opinions expressed are completely honest and our own.

Netflix: What We Loved in February

Netflix: What We Loved in February...

February has been a busy month on the Netflix front, and this is because I had missed the memo that Pretty Little Liars was back on our screens. The show breaks in season 6 after we finally discover who A is. I hadn't had to wait as long as some to find out, as I discovered the series on Netflix last year and binge watched it season after season until I was all caught up. 

Now Pretty Little Liars is back on our screens, it has picked up 5 years after the revelation and exposure of A (I won't expose who A is just in case you are currently watching the show!). The girls have moved on with their lives, but when they are called back to Rosewood to a hearing that will ultimately decide if A can be released into the world, they are asked to provide statements about how they would feel if this was to happen. With A being pretty close to home (just a small hint can't hurt!) their responses risk upsetting a friend.

With the girls all back in Rosewood, of course it isn't going to be plain sailing, and thank God it isn't because if it really was time for a 'Happy Ever After' then that would be the end of the show, and I for one don't want this to end anytime soon.

The low down without giving too much away is that A is released, but only for a short time before she is found dead. A has been murdered, and guess who quickly become suspects in the murder inquiry? You guessed it! The girls are forced to stay put in Rosewood until the case is resolved, and then it really comes to light how much life for them have changed over the last 5 years. They have jobs, fiances and lives that have gone on without each other. 

If you haven't sat and watched Pretty Little Liars before, I highly recommend this series. You will be on the very edge of your seat and wondering what will happen next. You won't want to turn it off.

90210 is a show I fell in love and watched a while ago, but I decided to re-watch the pilot episode again one evening, and somehow I have got sucked right back into the larger than life lives of Annie, Dixon, Naomi, Adriana and Silver. In fact I got so into it again, that I have just started watching season 2.

For those of you who have not watched or heard of this American series, it follows teenagers Annie and Dixon as they move from Kansas with their family to the wealthy zip code of Beverly Hills. They start school at West Beverly High and quickly meet people who help shape their lives over the next 5 seasons.

I first watched this thinking that I wouldn't enjoy it, as I do with most series in honesty. Of course after that first episode I was hook, line and sinker. Now that I am re-watching it, I am re-discovering story lines that I had completely forgotten. It's just like watching it for the very first time.

If there is one thing that YOU do watch in the wake of this post, it has to be Making a Murderer. I had heard so much about this series that is in fact a documentary following Steven Avery. Steven Avery was imprisoned for a crime he in fact did not commit. He was kept in prison for nearly 2 decades, and was finally exonerated. Avery filed suit against Manitowoc County and several individuals who had been involved with his arrest, and fabricating evidence to put him behind bars.

Shortly after his release, Avery was arrested again in connection with the murder of 25 year old photographer Teresa Halbach who unfortunately for Avery, was last seen on his property. The documentary follows Avery and his family on one of the most speculated cases ever un-veiled. It has certainly got people talking, and I can tell you know that when you watch it, you will be there shouting at the television.

I was sat watching this in the lounge back in January after I was held up following a sports injury, feeling pretty sorry for myself, and I was getting so drawn into it, when I saw that my own Mum had sat down, and she was even more into it than I was!

What's Leo watching?

Our morning routine is that Leo will wake up, toddle into my room and climb into bed. He picks up his Nintendo Wii U remote and will put Netflix on. He can do it all himself and doesn't need me to physically do anything. I'll wake up with my alarm to find him sat watching Horrid Henry, that is his all time favourite show right now.

Leo has his own kids Netflix profile on my account, and this means that all he needs to do is spot his name and associated image on the app so that he can find all of the kids content. This works perfectly for us and gives Leo a level of independence. I'm not worried that he will click the wrong account, he knows that he has his own, and we have never had a problem with him clicking on one of the other profiles and gaining access to content that isn't suitable. He knows exactly what to do, and enjoys having his own profile.

It does seem to mostly be Horrid Henry on his screen at the moment, but he loves The Adventure of Super Mario Bros, much to my horror. I have to say I am not a fan of this series, the music alone drives me to distraction, but Leo adores it. He uses Netflix for films too when he's in the mood and a huge contender for favourite has to be Planes,

In the next post I will talk about upcoming shows and series that I can't wait to watch! That will be live in the next week or so, so check back to hear about shows I am yet to watch, and the latest shows to Netflix!

Netflix Stream Team: August

So things have been pretty quiet around here recently because instead of blogging... I have actually been watching Netflix. So ironically the post I have been planning on writing up about Netflix has been delayed...Because I am to busy watching Netflix. 

You see the dilemma here? 

So tonight I have turned on some music, forgotten that I hold an all singing and all dancing Netflix subscription... Pushed the fact that I quite simply have an addition (maybe a borderline problem that needs addressing), and that I am in so deep into Season 5 of Pretty Little Liars, that I am inevitably growing ever closer to finding out who 'A' actually is!

Over the last few months I have been totally addicted to Pretty Little Liars, I am the kind of girl that simply can only watch one box set at any one time. I feel like I am doing myself a terrible in-justice if I swap up what I am watching, I guess you could say that I am an all or nothing kind of girl. If I do watch something in between my one and only, it may as well be down right cheating and it does not sit right with me. So while I have been completely loved up and feeding my infatuation with Pretty Little Liars, there has become a bit of a back log of things that I JUST HAVE to watch.

The day is fast approaching where this love affair I have going on is going to come to an end. It is going to be a sad day, because I have absolutely loved the twists and turns that have come with this series. Is it just me that get's a little bit attached to a show? To the characters? What I mean is I am going to be really sad to get to the end... Like I said. I think I have a borderline Netflix addiction. 

My mind is already wandering to finishing this post...Hopping into bed with a cup of tea and putting on Pretty Little Liars. This is not helping my case right?

When I finish the series up my next point of call has to be without a shadow of a doubt....Orange is the New Black. I attended the screening back in June and watched the first 2 episodes, and since then haven't had the opportunity to revisit the series just yet, but I am very much excited to. I adore it, I love the humor, the plots, the laughs and all of the characters. I find it crazy to think that the first time I watched the show...I thought that I wasn't going to like it. That very first episode changed all of that forever!

Following on from Orange is the New Black I have a bit of a list that I will be working my way through....Are you ready?

The Originals - I LOVE The Vampire Diaries, so for me this is the most logical next step!

The returned, I don't know much about this one but it keeps standing to me and is one I definitely need to see.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - This has been on my list for months and months! I loved the first two episodes and giggled in all of the right places. Such a great series that I am pretty excited about continuing.

Once Upon a Time - This series has been recommended to me time and time again. I haven't yet looked into the story and I don't know what to expect...But between all of these new series, I have a pretty full plate and also lots more to talk to you guys about once I get my teeth sunk into it all!

So if things do go a little quiet, please feel free to drop me a tweet @lovelyleosmummy and tell me that I have lots to be getting on with. I am most likely tucked up in bed after a gym session, relaxing in the bask of the television glow with my favourite companion...Netflix.

Disclaimer: As part of the Netflix Stream Team I am provided complimentary Netflix to meet my addiction. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.

Netflix: Race to Dragons Edge

Back in June Leo turned Four and the very next day we were on board a train to London. Netflix had called upon me and my not so little man to come and celebrate the launch of the Netflix Original Series Dragons Race to the Edge.

In true Netflix style all the stops had been pulled out and we arrived to find that all of the children were being issued their very own swords, axes and shields, much of course to Leo's delight. I couldn't but chuckle as he was lead off to battle, because it was only earlier that morning that I had told Leo to stop sword fighting with his cousin. Of course... Who am I to argue!? It provided the perfect opportunity to find a glass of bubbly to fill my empty hand! (I won't mention that this was an afternoon event!).

Dragons Race to the Edge is the spin of series to the very popular How to Train your Dragon, and both Leo and myself had really high hopes for it. The series picks up in between the first and the second feature film, and in the first couple of episodes that we were lucky enough to view on the day, we saw how Hiccup came into possession of the Dragon Eye. The Dragon Eye is a mysterious object jam packed full of secrets and mystery that ultimately point the way to the undiscovered dragons and the islands in which the Dragon Riders will embark on countless adventures.

  

The children all cuddled up on bean bags, goblets in hand and enough goodies that they could muster and began to watch the new series. It gave me a break from having to make sure Leo was not taking anyone's eye out, hand off or even knocking Hiccups head off as he later came to do... (Sorry Netflix!). The kids were all so engrossed in the show, and it provided the perfect opportunity to catch up with my blogging bestie Lottie over at Berice Baby. In fact we had to step outside of the showing as our giggles were getting louder and louder...In true Laura and Lottie style of course!

After the showing we were free to stick around and enjoy all of the festivities that had been put together in honor of the event, Among the sea of bubbly, the viking theme had really been carried throughout and I was probably just as excited by this fact as the children. Dragon Sandwiches, goblets of tasty juice (Some with eyes floating around inside! I am still not sure what they actually were!) Not to mention the absolutely fabulous Hiccup Dragon Cake! 

We had such an amazing day, and Leo was in his absolute element which is always nice to see. The nice thing about these events is that you get to know everyone, and in turn the kids do to. It's always more like meeting a bunch of your friends, and that means that I can give Leo a little bit more freedom.

Before we left Netflix bestowed a Birthday Surprise on Leo, and presented him with a box of cupcakes. Leo was too excited to get on the train and tuck in, and I have to admit that even I snuck one and they were absolutely delicious! 

A few days after the excitement of the event had subsided, we took in our very own dragon! Since Hiccup arrived we have been having so much fun with him. I admittedly took him out to play before Leo even saw him... So yes it is my fault that Leo still thinks Hiccup can fly...And it is also my fault that Leo gets frustrated when he wont fly for him...

Here is what we have been getting up to!

A big, big, BIG thank you to Netflix for inviting us along to see the new series and for spoiling us rotten. We had a fantastic day as always and Leo still talks about his amazing time to anyone who will listen!

Disclaimer: We were invited along the Netflix Race to Dragons Edge Screening as part of the stream team. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own. 

Orange is the New Black Season 3 Launch Party

Orange is the New Black is back for a third season, and after only touching down in the UK hours earlier, I found myself whizzing across country to the series launch in London. Obviously it was an event that was to amazing to not make it back for, so I made it my purpose in life to get there...Someway...Somehow!

I arrived with the ever lovely Berice Baby who has become my #NetflixStreamTeam right arm, we always have a good giggle together (especially when there are cocktails or glasses of Champagne on hand) Of course luckily for us there was plenty of that to be had!

Berice Baby and I trying to get into character. We may have taken it a little to seriously...

I was to excited to see how season 3 kicked off after thhe action-packed finale episode of season 2 ends with Vee escaping the prison through Red’s contraband hole. Of course fans of the show know that she didn't get very far. Instead of tasting freedom that she had expected, Vee ends up with a mouthful of blood when Miss Rosa hits her with the vehicle she stole.

This was my second Orange is the New Black Premier (I know, I know! I am one very lucky lady!) and Netflix are always more than accommodating, a really great bunch of people who I look forward to seeing each time I visit with them. Of course they do spoil us, we were very privileged when we were directed into the screening rooms to watch the first 2 episodes of the brand new season BEFORE the release the following day, and they did that while feeding us tasty treats and slipping a few more cocktails into our hands! 

Season 3 has been out for a few weeks now, and I am yet to complete watching it! It's completely outrageous on my part, but I am no good at juggling box-sets. When I get my teeth firmly into something I have to watch it all the way through, and at this moment in time I am glued to Pretty Little Liars. That would explain the radio silence that sometimes sweeps over this here blog (I am probably watching Netflix!). 

Of course as soon as Pretty Little Liars wraps, Orange is the New Black is the very top of my list. I can't wait to see how this season plays out, the first 2 episodes have certainly implied that change is imminent, I won't go into to many details as I don't want to detract the surprses that you will discover along the way.

Just know that it's set to be a great season. Enjoy it and don't tell me any of the spoilers if you have already watched it!

A big thanks to Netflix for hosting such a fun filled evening, as always it was incredible.

Happy streaming!

Laura x  

Disclaimer: I was invited along to the Netflix Original Series Launch of Orange is the New Black as part of the Stream Team panel. All views and experiences shared are completely honest and my own.

#NetflixStreamTeam June 2015

Over the past 17 and a bit months I have had the privilege of working with Netflix as part of their #StreamTeam. It's a role that I have thoroughly enjoyed, and one that I am so excited to be continuing with for 2015. 

I watched and enjoyed Netflix long before I joined the Stream Team, so when the opportunity landed in my inbox to get involved with a brand that I already loved, I knew that I had to get involved. From the diverse selection of boxsets and films that are available on demand whenever you want to stream them, to the kids boxsets and family entertainment there really is something for everyone. 

There is new content uploaded each month to keep the variation, and what I love is that the cross over is quite generous. I have never started watching something that I can't finish which for me is an essential part of the service. This month an old favourite of mine has been added, Anastasia, I may have to coax Leo into watching that one with me...Or even just enjoy it on my own! The same has to be said for the Lizzie McQuire Movie which I quite simply adored in my younger teenage days.

In our house Netflix is used from young to old, from Leo who has discovered the New Super Mario Bros boxset in recent months, to my younger brother and sister who have each hijacked my subscription! 

You can imagine my surprise when I couldn't access my own Netflix account because everyone else had logged in on multiple devices!

I secretly took great pleasure in signing them all out *insert evil giggle here* and gaining access back to MY account!

Even my parents have hopped on the Netflix bandwagon enjoying titles such as Breaking Bad and American Horror Story.

It really is a family addiction around these parts, and I for one love nothing more than curling up with my iPad in hand and tucking into the next episode (I do mean episodes!) of the latest box set I have got my teeth into. 

I have most recently discovered Pretty Little Liars, and I only really watched this after deciding to watch the Pilot episode just to see what it was like. I had seen adverts of it on other Netflix content I had been watching and even on the television, but I drummed it into my head that it looked to 'high school' for my tastes. After that first episode though I had completely pushed those initial opinions aside. I was hooked. Within a week or so I had ploughed my way through the very first series, and I am now well on my way with season 2. 

How had I never watched this before!?

Once I begin to watch something I cannot stop, it's like when you get into a good book and you can't put it down until you have read it from cover to cover. I have to admit that I get secretly attached to a series over the course of watching it, and it cuts deep when you reach the very end of a series, and then it's all done. Gone forever and you have to find your next love affair, for the pattern to begin again. 

Take last night for instance, instead of catching up on the multiple blog posts that I have to at least start before I head away on holiday this week...I stayed up until gone 2:00AM watching... Netflix! I think sometimes at the end of a long day, when all is done (or supposed to be!) we just need to lose ourselves in a world of someone else's drama and problems. It's highly addictive and lets face it, when something keeps us on the edge of our seats or curls our toes, we really are one with the moment!

For those of you who haven't tuned into Pretty Little Liars just yet, DO! The story follows four highschool girls after the un-expected disappearance of their best friend Alison. Alison is the leader of the pack, the most popular girl in the school, and hated on equal measure. It doesn't take long for the story to start unraveling with questions and mysteries coming out of the woodwork in the wake of Alison's body being discovered.

You can bet your bottom dollar that once this post is published I will be slipping into bed, iPad in hand, and catching up on my nightly dose of Pretty Little Liars.

What have you been enjoying this month?

Disclaimer: I was sent everything I needed to get started watching Netflix for the next 12 months. I have not been paid to write this post. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.

All Hail King Julien - A Netflix Original Series

Being part of the Netflix Stream Team is an exciting role, and this year we have absolutely loved getting involved. Over the last year we have absolutely loved Netflix and the television content available for the entire family. I have indulged in countless box sets and Luke has enjoyed the film selection, where as Leo has been glued to the variety of kid's content.

It is no secret that Leo is a big fan of Madagascar, so when I had a family invitation to the screening of the new Netflix original screening of 'All Hail King Julien' that just so happens to star everyone's favourite characters from Madagascar, there was no two ways about it, we just had to go along!

The event was held at Mahiki in London, and as soon as we arrived we found ourselves with a virgin Pina Colada each in a very special Pineapple Cup, Leo was very impressed and looked every bit the sophisticated Londoner parading around the swanky cocktail bar with his tipple in hand.

We were one of the first people to arrive, and it very quickly began to fill up with our fellow Stream Team friends and familiar faces that took me a while to place. Pixie Lott, Jamie Winstone, Donna Air, Oliver Cheshire, Jo Wood, Wretch 32, Denise Lewis, Portia Freeman and Jasmine Guinness were all in attendance along with their families, and it was lovely to see such a great turn out!

While being treated to a number of delicious beverages and watching Leo have such a fantastic time jumping around on the bean bags that had been provided for the kids, we were previewed the first 2 episodes of the brand new 'All Hail King Julien' series, and if that wasn't amazing enough, we even got to meet the very real, smooth moving King Julien himself! 

Leo sat among all of the other children as the first two episodes were shown, he laughed and thoroughly enjoyed the new series, and I know that when Netflix releases the first Five 22 minute episodes on the 19th December, we will be enjoying them again and again! Leo said that he really enjoyed All Hail King Julien and it was apparent that he found Julien himself very comical.

All Hail King Julien is set long before the Zoosters arrive on Madagascar, when King Julien holds court. The colourful cast includes fan favourites Mort and Maurice, along with a host of all-new jungle dwellers as they take on the craziest adventures and wildest parties the jungle has to offer! 

What do Netflix say about the all new series?

'Keeping tune with the dance-crazed taste of its lead character, the humor of ALL HAIL KING JULIEN is backed by a pulse-pounding original score that includes a brand-new, infectiously upbeat theme song.  The series features a talented voice cast that includes television legend Henry Winkler (Happy Days) as Julien’s regal predecessor, Uncle King Julien, alongside Emmy-winning actor Danny Jacobs as King Julien, Andy Richter (Conan, Arrested Development) as Mort, Kevin Michael Richardson (Family Guy) as Maurice, and India de Beaufort (One Tree Hill) as Clover, the king’s special-ops expert.

ALL HAIL KING JULIEN joins the hit series Turbo FAST in a growing lineup of Netflix original animated productions from DreamWorks Animation.  By the end of 2016, DreamWorks Animation will debut 10 additional new series on the world’s leading Internet TV Network.'

We all had a super day, Leo meeting King Julien was exactly the same feeling as me getting to meet THE Pixie Lott, kind of surreal coming face to face with one of your favourite popstars in the ladies toilet I can tell you! 

It was plain to see just how much fun Leo was having, he practically disowned us from the moment we arrived until the moment I told him it was time to make our way home. His exact words to me when I told him it was time to leave were 'No Mummy! Wait! *Insert hand stop signal here* I playing!'. With that I got the hint that he had no intention of leaving any time soon...

Leo spent the afternoon dancing with King Julien and learning the very special dance routine, I couldn't believe my eyes when he got involved on his own accord! My 3 year old normally shy's away from such activities! 

All Hail King Julien is going to be a fantastic new addition to the already fabulous collection of children's content, and we absolutely love all the Netflix offers it's subscribers. We as a family wouldn't be without Netflix these days, and we are very excited to see the show go live on the 19th of this month!

Make sure you tune in! You can watch it right here from the 19th!

Disclaimer: I was invited along to the All Hail King Julien Screening, but all views and opinions are completely honest and my own.

#NetflixStreamTeam - July

Summer is upon us and Leo has just broken up for his very first Summer holidays. It is hard to believe that this tie next year my little man will be preparing to start reception at first school. With the 6 week break here we have been making plans to get out and about and make the most of this special time, with my Birthday coming up this Friday I decided it would be great to head along to the cinema and enjoy the new Planes feature! Of course having 6 weeks to keep little one's entertained can be a mammoth task, but there are plenty of options that we can take up in order to have fun and teach them while the homework is on hold!

This months Netflix theme is of course 'School is out for Summer!' and in honour of the Summer break they have put together some great content that will help us keep the kids entertained and learning while we try not to pull our hair out:

How to let your kids play and learn:

 Check out the list of titles to stream on Netflix which will keep the children inspired throughout the holiday. Titles for younger kids include Scholastic’s The Magic School Bus whilst Planet Earth, The Life of Mammals and The Secret Life of Birds are great options for the older children and even adults.

For the little ones:

For the older ones:

At this moment in time Leo is still loving the Thomas the Tank Engine selection that is running on Netflix. This has to be my number one trick on a Sunday morning if he does decide that he is going to wake up at the crack of dawn with the birds. Another aspect that we have been really enjoying is the opportunity to enjoy family films together cuddled up in bed on a weekend evening. We cheekily get in the popcorn and a few naughty treats, we then cuddle up under the duvet and enjoy a film together. 

For me this month I am still working my way through Gossip Girl. I am ever so slightly addicted and have just hit season 4. 

I hope everyone so far is enjoying the summer break and that the kids are all on their best behavior!

Disclaimer: I was sent everything I needed to get started watching Netflix for the next 12 months. I have not been paid to write this post. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.

#NetflixStreamTeam - June

'Me' time becomes pretty scare when you become a parent. It is natures way of telling us that we can forget doing anything for ourselves, well for the first couple of years anyway! Now that Leo is getting older I seem to be getting a better balance, and I have even found myself with some spare time to do things.. for ME! 

I have recently started the gym and once Leo is in bed I have been treating myself to an hour or so out of the house. I guess that's the one benefit to having to move home, I now have built in babysitters, and as I have tucked Leo up in bed, and read him his bedtime story, I don't feel guilty about doing something completely for myself. 

Up until I found this new found freedom my evenings would be spent curled up with a new Netflix Boxset, and to be honest even these days I do love nothing more than a quiet evening with my favourite boxsets.

With June seeing the arrival of Season 2 Orange is the New Black, I very quickly demolished each episode. Now I am more than ready for season 3 to hit the screens! Last month I was invited to Soho to view the screening episode of Season 2... Along with the cast! Yes I was actually in the very same room as Taylor Schilling and Jason Biggs. Jason Biggs for me is someone I have grown up watching on the television, so it was a surreal moment to actually almost meet him!

When Leo isn't around there are a number of boxsets that I have thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish, one of the ones on my 'must watch list' at the moment is Gossip Girl. This is a series I actually started to watch a couple of months ago, and for some reason I just didn't get into it straight away. Fast forward a couple of months and I cannot get enough of it, I am still on Season 1 at present but I am pleased to see I have 5 more seasons to enjoy ahead of me.

24 is another show that I just LOVE, no matter how many times I watch this series I can still enjoy it again and again. I have recently caught back up on all of Jack Bauer's bad days in anticipation of the latest season coming around. 

I will end this post with a selection of my favourite Netflix selections that I enjoy when I do get some coveted time to myself...

Disclaimer: I was sent everything I needed to get started watching Netflix for the next 12 months. I have not been paid to write this post. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.

#NetflixStreamTeam - May

Leo and I are big animal lovers, we often take visits to our local farm park and are busy planning a few trips to the zoo over the summer months. Over the month of May Netflix were encouraging us to celebrate the animals in our lives and provided a fantastic selection of animal content to help us all out.

Among the selection of titles that really stood out to Leo and I, Babar and of course the Animal Train were big hits. I even managed to persuade Leo to watch Beethoven's Big Break, which he loved even if he did protest a little before relenting!

One aspect that I have been doing of late is reviewing the titles on the Netflix App that I have been watching. This helps them show me more relevant shows that Leo and I may like, and now that Leo is using the Samsung Kids Tab 3, I have even created him his very own user area on Netflix and this has pleased him no end!

How to make a Dog sandwich

You will need

2 x slices of wholemeal bread

1 x wholemeal pita or 1 x slice of wholemeal crust

Your favourite sandwich filling

Cucumber

Cheese

Cream cheese (optional)

Method

1. Make a sandwich using two slices of wholemeal bread and your favourite filling

2. Using a sharp knife, cut out a shape that resembles a pear or light bulb (wide and round at one end and narrower and rounded at the other)

3. Using either pitta bread or the slice of a crust, cut two teardrop shapes and then tuck these inside the sandwich so that the rounded section is at the top and the point is downwards

4. To make the nose, cut a slice of cucumber skin and then shape it into a round edged triangle and put it in place

5. For the eyes, take a slice of cheese and using a circular cutter (small cookie cutter), cut two oval eye shapes. Cut some more cucumber skin and using an apple corer or very small circle cutter, make two pupils from the cucumber skin and place on top of the cheese ovals

6. To finish, cut some small curves of cucumber skin using a round cutter and place above the eyes. To give the eyes and nose a more lifelike appearance, use a tiny dot of cream cheese to highlight these

How to make a Rabbit sandwich

You will need

3 x slices of 50/50 white bread

½ a slice of wholemeal bread

Sandwich filling

Slice of ham

Cucumber

Black grapes

Red pepper or cherry tomato

6 x pieces of dry spaghetti

Method

1. Make a sandwich using two slices of bread and your favourite filling

2. Cut the shape of the Rabbit head as shown in the picture (rounded at the top, with a wider section for the cheeks, narrowing to a thin neck)

3. To make the ears, cut the third slice of white bread into two long oval shapes pointed at one end, and top these with two ovals of ham slightly smaller than the ears, leaving an edge around the outside

4. Using the wholemeal bread cut two small oval shapes slightly pointed at one end and place these together on top of the bread so that the tips touch. Top this with a small circle of either red pepper or cherry tomato for the nose, cut using a small circle cutter

5. For the eyes, cut a slice of cucumber lengthways and remove the skin. Using the cucumber flesh, cut two long oval shapes and top these with half a black grape for the pupils

6. Finish your Rabbit with some teeth made from a rectangle of cucumber with a v-shape cut up the middle. Using the spaghetti poke it into the wholemeal bread nose and snap off to your desired length. Don’t forget to remove the spaghetti before eating the sandwich.

Disclaimer: I was sent everything I needed to get started watching Netflix for the next 12 months. I have not been paid to write this post. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.

#NetflixStreamTeam - April

Throughout the year there are a number of special occasions that give us reason to celebrate. In our house Christmas, Birthdays and Easter rank pretty highly, and with Easter on the doorstep and the half term holidays upon us, we are all looking for ways to entertain the kids and of course ourselves.

This Easter break we are looking forward to getting out and doing things as a family, we are hoping for lot's of sunny weather so we can make the very most of the long weekend that is coming our way. Of course if the sun doesn't shine we will need other ways to entertain ourselves and of course Leo. That is where the arts and crafts come in, or even just cracking open some Easter Eggs and relaxing with a good family film.

This month Netlix has teamed up with Konnie Huq and asked her to pick out some of her favourite family films for Easter. There are so many great films on Netflix at the moment so narrowing it down to a few 'must watch' is a monster task! Many of the films that Konnie has picked out are films that we have already been enjoying as a family, but to be honest I am a fan of a film that Leo hasn't made me watch more than 50 times! 

Some of the best family films to sit down and watch together this Easter are:

Leo adores Up and this is a film that we will quite happily sit down and watch with our Easter Eggs! But if you are looking for some content for the younger children then why not tune into The Land Before Time: Wisdom Of Friends. I loved these films as a child and I have taken great pleasure in introducing them to Leo, and as he is currently going through a Dinosaur phase at the moment, it is suffice to say that it has been a BIG roaring hit!

The great thing about Netflix is that they are always bringing new content in, so even after you have spent a rainy day watching lot's of kid television, there is a whole range of programs that are just for you! It takes becoming a parent for you to really appreciate grown up television,  and for me having Netflix at the touch of my fingertips has provided me with so much to watch as and when I can fit it into my busy life. This month I have been enjoying Ugly Betty and I am highly anticipating season 2 of Orange Is The New Black!

In honour of Easter Konnie has put together a fun art and craft for us to do with the kiddies. How about making up some 'Cuddly Easter Bunnies?' For this I will hand you over to Konnie!

'One of the funniest moments I had presenting children’s TV was when I had to do some baking on a live show of Blue Peter with S Club 7, all the while interviewing them, and literally all of the utensils and cooking dishes were missing! It was really chaotic, I kept having to ask the cameramen and crew during the live show “does any one have a spare baking tray?” Very embarrassing but funny too.

Hopefully there is not as much margin for error with this Easter themed craft idea for ‘Cuddly Easter Bunnies’. I love it because they are so simple to make, the kids love them, and depending on how many old gloves you find, you can create an army of these critters!'

1. Materials you'll need: An old glove Two buttons Needle & thread Glue Ribbon Cotton wool balls Scissors 2. How to do it: Take your old glove and cut along the dotted white line. 3. Use your needle and thread, and sew on two buttons for eyes then stitch an X for the nose. 4. Turn your bunny inside out and stitch along the cut edge, leaving enough of a gap to stuff 5. Turn your bunny back out and stuff with wadding, then finish stitching to close the gap 6. To finish, stick a cotton wool ball on the back with multipurpose glue for the bunny's tail. Tie a ribbon round the ear or neck and bend the longer ear down.  Turbo FAST competition time! The Next batch of Turbo FAST episodes from season 1 are available to watch on Netflix now. This month why not get the kids to review? We will be giving our star review a 6 month Netflix subscription as a competition prize to give to your readers. So revv up your engines and get reviewing!

#NetflixStreamTeam - February

If I have been a little quiet around here lately, you have my sincere apologies. I admittedly have been found relaxing in front of the television taking my role as a #NetflixStreamTeam member very seriously. I have ploughed my way through Life Unexpected and even started to watch Orange is the New Black, and I am sure Luke will be the first to tell you how I may be slacking in the washing up department! Thank god we have just brought home a dishwasher!

Having been using Netflix for 9 months prior to being welcomed on board with the stream team, I was really excited to get involved. If you are anything like me you will never get to watch live TV, not with a toddler ruling the roost. Everything either gets recorded these days or is watched on demand, this makes Netflix my very best friend, as it allows me to watch what I want, when I want to watch it.  The only problem for me is, once I get into a new series I tend to sit and watch it until I run out of episodes, or until Leo's nap time comes to an end.

I am not alone in my love for Netflix, Leo has been enjoying the kids section since last summer when all he wanted to do was watch Cars 2. You can imagine Leo's reaction when it was eventually taken down... But now the original Cars feature is online, and Leo makes daily use of this. He will actually bring my iPad to me and demand to watch Netflix! How savvy are these toddlers becoming these days!? We have watched Cars on such a regular basis that not only do I know what the next sentence will be... But Leo does too! 

Admittedly Netflix is a great morning distraction in our house if I want to buy an extra half an hour in bed cuddling up with my beautiful little man.

Last week saw London Fashion Week taking place, and in the spirit of this Netflix joined forces with Natalie Hartley, Fashion Director over at Glamour Magazine. This partnership was created to bring trade secrets on how our favourite celebrities do their hair and makeup,  and to help the likes of you and I get the look of the stars.

Natalie said 'As Fashion Director of Glamour Magazine, I am constantly on the hunt for fashion inspiration wherever I go, whatever I do. For me Netflix has become a one-stop shop for ideas. Whether I am organising a high fashion photo-shoot based on the fabulously manipulative Claire Underwood from House of Cards or a summery sport-lux feature drawing motivation from the preppy cheerleaders in Bring it One, I can always find something to spark my creativity.' 

I know that I don't have the available funds anymore to run out and buy the latest magical wonder that is foundation, or replace my hair straighteners instantly if they were to suddenly go *bang*, and I often really study what I am watching and take ideas from the characters, particularly for me 90210.  

Natalie's Top 10 Tips

Tip 1 - Gossip Girl - Blake Lively is always well put together and she is not afraid to wear colour. If you are afraid of colour the easiest way to begin is to add a bright pair of shoes to a plain black outfit. Blake loves to accessorize so why not wear statement jewels with a simple t-shirt and add a blazer to give it that upper west side twist

Tip 2 - House of Cards - With House of Cards returning to Netflix for a second series this Valentine’s Day, Claire Underwood’s stylish but minimal look is a great one to copy. To recreate this wear a fitted dress layered over the top of a shirt for an extra stylish detail - this also works as a great cover up for those not wanting to bare arms. Structure is key to this look so make sure clothes are flattering. Go for knee length skirts with a kick hem for a more striking look. 

Tip 3 - The Bridge - The way to get Sofia Helin’s Scandinavian-chic look is to wear your usual pair of skinny jeans but rock it up with a great three quarter length coat or add a leather biker jacket. Keep colours tonal and simple and add a strong block heeled boot to finish your look.  I would opt for a cross body satchel bag, which is a great style for mums as it means you can still use both your hands for other tasks!

Tip 4 - Confessions of a Shopaholic - Isla Fisher is all about statement designer clothes but I don’t think you have to spend a lot to look good, its how you wear what you have. In this film she would style animal print with bold coloured dresses and even clash pinks and reds. Checks and animal prints are bang on trend and easy to pair with colours.  There are no rules here, anything goes!

Tip 5 - Annie Hall - Annie Hall is the ultimate style icon for anyone who loves to add a masculine twist to her wardrobe. Quick tip for this look is to raid a male wardrobe for an oversized shirt that can be worn with jeans and a man’s blazer. You can wear skinny jeans if that suits you the most or be true to the trend, and style with a pair of wide legged trousers and flat brogues.

Tip 6 - The Help - The easiest way to get the look is to find simple floral A-line dress shapes and add a denim jacket for a modern update. Cropped trousers are a key style worn with a midi height heel. Cut the sleeves off an unwanted shirt and add to a pencil skirt. Mix and match your pastel shades and look out for boxy shaped bags.

Tip 7 - The Help - Glenn Close can really work a simple shirt; it’s a classic wardrobe piece and worth investing in with many high street options available. Wear with a loose pair of trousers and a trainer to give it an edge for day or add a simple court shoe and earrings to dress this up for night. A plain white shirt always keeps things looking fresh.

Tip 8 - Mr Selfridge - Choose lace, cream and full-length skirts to recreate Rose Selfridge’s look.  An easy way to work her style into your wardrobe is to concentrate on the neck area. Adding a high neck blouse under a sweatshirt will instantly update something so ordinary. Keep your hair up to elongate the neck and add a cute pair of earrings to complete the look. Cropped jackets also look great here and can be worn with a pair of jeans.

Tip 9 - Iron Lady - Love her or hate her Margaret Thatcher has become a huge style icon of our time. Her distinct trademark piece was her pearls so the easiest way to represent her style is to add pearl earrings or a simple single strand necklace to any outfit, it would even look great with a plain white tee. Opt for a more traditional straight leg trouser cut or add a pencil skirt to complete.

Tip 10 - Bring It On: In It To Win It - Prada has overhauled the sports trend this summer and possibly might have even taken inspiration from this film! For an easy wardrobe update invest in a bright pair of trainers and wear with everything!  Other quick fixes include wearing a silk bomber jacket, or a sporty all in one that means you don’t have to think too much if time is of the essence!

So what do you think of Natalie's style tips?

To help celebrate London Fashion Week you may have seen that Netflix have brought an old favourite on board for the kids. Clifford the Big Red Dog. He joined the programme selection on his birthday on February 14th. Leo is yet to watch this, but I think he will be a hit. We were asked if we would like to get creative and submit a drawing of Clifford, so when Leo went to bed... I decided to do just that!

Disclaimer: I was sent everything I needed to get started watching Netflix for the next 12 months. I have not been paid to write this post. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.