Disney Magic Kingdoms App Game Review

Disney Magic Kingdoms is a new app game Disney fans are all talking about. It was released this month, and has been compared to the likes of Roller-coaster Tycoon and Theme Hospital. Upon hearing this I was really looking forward to giving the app a go. What could be more fun than creating your own Disney park!
  Once loaded I got my first glimpse of Main Street, the Walt and Mickey statue and the magical castle and immediately became absorbed in the game.
 

Around the rest of the park is a mystical, fog. Merlin informs you that the kingdom is cursed and the only way to clear it is  by collecting magic, unlocking new characters and placing attractions and rides. To achieve this the characters must complete missions, which I'm afraid is were the negative features of the game creep in. Some of these tasks can take 6 or even 8 hours to complete. You can speed the process along by using gems, but with these being hard to come by, the only way to get enough to progress is to pay for them. Since I don't want to spend money, I have tried to get into the routine of starting my characters on long missions just before I go to bed, so they are completed the next morning. The game could benefit from having something to keep you busy while the timers countdown on your characters. Like with Roller-coaster Tycoon you could continue to add pathways and plants, check on staff etc whilst waiting for visitor numbers to increase to unlock new rides.

Though the waiting time is a big drag on the fun of the game, I've still found it very addictive, and there are some really lovely features. The game has a great look, bright, wonderful graphics, appearances from beloved characters such as Mickey, Woody and Tinkerbell, and if you've visited the parks you'll be delighted to recognize the lands and iconic attractions.  A very cute feature I particularly adore is that the characters high five you when a task is complete. TOO CUTE!
   Overall I would definitely advise Disney fans to give this game a chance!

Lightening your Locks for Summer

With Summertime on the way, I thought I would share some of my favourite shampoos that gently, lighten hair for sunny days out and holidays.

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder - This shampoo leaves your hair shiny and silky with a gradually lighter shade over time. I would recommend using it along with the conditioner to get the best results. Although slightly expensive, its definitely worth getting a hold of, so look out for it when its on offer!

Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo The Blonde Illuminator - This shampoo is a much more affordable price. It has a lovely, strong fragrance in comparison to the John Frieda which has very little scent. Although it leaves the same bright, shiny look to your hair, it did take a lot longer to notice lightening results.

This Week I'm Loving...

Options Hot Chocolate Sachets

Cussons Mum & Me Pregnancy Shampoo

Benefit Goodies A Go-Go

Tetley Decaf Tea Bags

Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter

Fresh Blueberries

Top 5 Babymoon Essentials

A last chance to enjoy a relaxing, romantic holiday with just the two of you, before a new member of the family arrives. It's a great chance to grab a bit of quality time and take a pause from hospital scans, midwife appointments and nursery decor.
  Below are a few of my babymoon essentials.

1) Maternity Swimwear
Show off your gorgeous, little bump with a new maternity swimsuit or bikini. This one I bought from the New Look website. ASOS also has a lovely selection with reasonable prices.

2) Stretch Mark Cream and Body Butter
Keep plastering your belly on holiday, especially if you're travelling somewhere exotic.It will keep away the itches and dry skin from the hot weather. I love the Cusson Mummy and Me Cream and Mother & Baby by Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter,lots of vitamin E to help take care of your expanding skin.

3) Comfortable Shoes
It is important to pack suitable shoes if you plan to do alot of walking on your babymoon. Compression socks are also a great idea if you will be flying to your destination.

4) Pregnancy Magazines and Books
Take a few of these for the journey or for reading whilst you are away. I have found Dr Miriam Stoppard's New Pregnancy & Birth book really helpful with this being my first pregnancy.

5) Sunscreen
Make sure you pack a sunscreen with a high SPF as your skin will be extra sensitive to the UV rays during pregnancy. Also have a bottle or two of water in your bag to keep hydrated and prevent dizzy spells.

My Feel-Good Books to Read During Pregnancy

I'm a firm believer of 'happy mind, happy body, happy baby!'. That reading feel-good, magical books will help to fill you with positive vibes and dreamy thoughts throughout your pregnancy.
  Reading the words aloud is also a great idea. As I share the story with my little bump, I feel a strong connection, plus its great practise for as they get older and want to be read to at bedtime.
  Here are a few of my top picks below...

1) The Folk of the Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
The quirky, lovable characters visit magical lands at the very top of the Faraway tree such as 'The Land of Tea Parties' and 'The Land of Enchantments'. My old copies I had were originally my mum's and they're pretty worn now. I bought this one as part of a box set with 'The Enchanted Wood' and 'The Magic Faraway Tree' which are a good idea to read first but not necessary. As much as I enjoy the others though, this one is my favourite! The children get stuck with their spoilt, naughty cousin who refuses to believe that the Faraway Tree is real until they take her along on their adventures.

2)Beyond the Deepwoods- by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
This book is the first of a collection called 'The Edge Chronicles'. If you love fantasy books then this has EVERYTHING you could want. This story centres around the character of 'Twig' who has strayed from the path in the perilous Deepwoods in the hopes of finding his true identity,
 There's sky pirates in floating ships, woodtrolls, goblins, flesh-eating trees, all beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written. Although a slightly darker adventure, this story lets your imagination take off, leaving you completely immersed in a make-believe world

3)Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
I don't think I need to say anything about this one.

4)Oz Complete Collection Volume 1-Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Marvelous Land of Oz, Ozma of Oz- By L. Frank Baum
A classic collection of fairy tales set in the magical land of Oz. The Wonderful Wizard and Ozma of Oz are following the stories of Dorothy, while The Marvelous Land is a tale of a young boy called Tip. All feel good, lovely adventures!

5)How to Fall in Love by Cecelia Ahern
This book is aimed towards a much older audience that my last few.
Christine stops Adam from leaping off a bridge one night and promises to show him that life is worth living. A sweet, love story with grand romantic gestures and wild escapades. I was cautious when I found out what this book was about but was delighted to find that the story was generally light hearted and uplifting,

6) The Complete Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
My mum read these books when she was pregnant with me and I'd like to keep that tradition going with my little one.
As wonderful as the movies turned out, I don't think they're a patch on the original stories. C.S. Lewis has a way of creating worlds that make your toes tingle and leave you with a gooey, lovely feeling inside.