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 - 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.