Well, Disney, and the fabulous Kerry and Kate at Think Parents invited the Blu Ray Ambassadors down to old London town to be filmed talking about the fabulousness that is Disney Blu-Ray.  

‘Filmed’, as in by a camera.  Not just a little clicky clicky one, but a proper big one.  And we had microphones and make up and everything.  (Even Dan.)

What for?

Why for some lovely commercials that may be used on the t’internet around Christmas time of course.
They obviously couldn’t get Angelina and Brad, but it didn’t matter, as there was myself, the fabulous Dan, lovely Linda and her amazing girls, and the gorgeous Preseli Mags, and we also briefly met NotSuperMum who I at first thought might be lovely Linda aka @Joner, and who actually recognised Dan on the streets of London which made his head swell so much his hair shrunk.
 
Our ‘location’ was a gorgeous basement flat in Kentish town.  From the outside it looked pleasant enough but not overly exciting, but inside…Oh my Bob!  Gorgeous fireplaces, fabulous wood and tiled floors, a wall of books and interesting ornaments and curiousities, and the chunkiest wooden table I have ever seen.

We were perched atop enormous settees that begged to be curled up on by ensuring your feet couldn’t touch the floor if you sat back.  The crew were really lovely and said nothing about our probably amateurish attempts at improvised conversation on a variety of subjects that were hurled at us by the lovely (and actually quite handsome) director, Mark.

I seem to remember saying something along the lines that my Dad would probably be getting a Blu Ray Player from myself and my three siblings for Christmas, and that brilliantly that sorted out his Christmas prezzies possibly for the rest of his life, then I got a fit of the giggles when I realised what that sounded like, and uttered the words ‘he hasn’t got long,’ afterwards which means they will hopefully cut it.  Snort.

(Sorry Dad.)

While Dan and I shook like leaves on a tree being used as a scratching post by an extremely large elephant during an earthquake, the stars of the show were obviously the kids.  10 year old twins Emily and Melissa took everything in their stride and undoubtedly made their Mum very proud.  Even when they had to repeat themselves several times due to passing trains and overhead helicopters, they did so with a smile and managed to look adorable the whole time.

The rest of the day was spent outside a pub, at the Tate Modern, on the Millenium Bridge and finally at our fabulous hotel, The Crowne Plaza.  The beds were big and comfy, the food fabulous, and the bill…not ours.   My one issue with our room, was, well, maybe they could label the black out curtains, as black out curtains.  Otherwise very tired Mummies might sleep in and miss a secret film preview, because they mistakenly think it must be really early as it’s still dark.  Cough.  (Bugger.)

Apart from that, we were looked after brilliantly, AND, Kerry aka Mrs Dan, also managed to convince Dan to stay in with the internet kids, so Kerry, my mate Nic and I managed to do dinner and drinks in a most civilised way – though we did cause a few heads to turn when the conversation inevitably turned to ‘poo’ as it often does when you each have at east one child under 5. Snort.

As for our 15 minutes of ‘fame’, whether or not they will use any of our footage I do not know, but it was great to meet Mags, Linda and her family, and spend some more time with the fabulous Mr and Mrs Hughes and their little monkeys, especially when we’ll be spending a week with them next year on Hadrian’s Walk.  It’s so good to realise that people you like in blogland are equally likeable, funny and warm in real life.  

Thanks Disney.  And I forgive you for Beverley Hills Chihuahua…almost.

(Review coming soon folks.  You are pre-warned.)

Also coming soon, scary stuff at the Tate Modern, and a peek at Anthony Gormley’s One and Other.

London rocks.  :D

Well not only is there a new ad…

..which I really like even though it is still kind of dark and sad.  (As usual any opinions on this would be interesting.)

..and a fab new game that encourages your children to find a safe place to cross,

..but also, (and here’s the fun bit) the DfT are heading a campaign regarding the safety of kids on bikes which includes a competition, and these 5 handy cycling tips:

·         Use your head! – make sure you are wearing the right size helmet and it is fitted correctly

·         Be bright, be seen! – wear light, bright reflective clothes and accessories

·         Size matters! – ensure your child’s feet can touch the floor comfortably (bike is not too big or small)

·         Bright ideas! – accessorize your bike with lights and reflectors, and ensure they are kept clean.

·         Safe Place to Ride! – Stay on cycle lanes and get off the bike and walk if the road looks too busy

So, the competition.

The lovely folks at Think Parents have provided myself and three other bloggers with a fabulous prize to give away.

Cute aren’t they?  (NB.  Quilted throw not included.)

There are boys prizes too, so head over to visit DJ at Chez Aspie, Caroline at In Search of Adam and the fabulous Susanna at  A Modern Mother for 3 more chances to win.

I’m keeping it simple here competition wise as my brain is still a little frazzled from last night, so it’s names in a hat time people.  If you would like the chance to win the above piece of loveliness for your child, or your friend’s child, or yourself (cough, weirdo, cough) then please leave me a comment below with your name and the words ‘I want to ride my bicycle’, and I will do the necessary.  The winner will be drawn next weekend and announced on Sunday.  Worldwide bloggers, none bloggers, lurkers and one off visitors who are looking for something else but find me may all enter, but no hamsters.  

And if your child cycles on or near the road, or will be doing so in the near future, then have a look here for simple but life saving safety tips AND the opportunity to win a brand spanking new bike.

USEFUL LINKS

·         http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/education/early-years-and-primary/ - the DfT’s road safety education website with info for parents, teachers and children

·         http://talesoftheroad.direct.gov.uk/pdf/RoadSafetyMattersGuide.pdf - a booklet you can download giving more information and tips on road safety here.

·         http://www.bikeability.org.uk/ -  training for children aged eight and above.