Judith Viorst’s, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day has won a George G. Stone

Center Recognition of Merit and a Georgia Children’s Book Award.

We have all had that day where we wake up on the ‘wrong side of the bed’ and things just don’t go our way,

and for Alexander, it is just one of those days.

Getting out of bed, he trips on a skateboard and drops his sweater into a sink full of water. At breakfast,

Alexander’s brothers Nick and Anthony reach into their cereal boxes and pull out amazing prizes, while all

Alexander ends up with is cereal.

Then, on the way to school, he doesn’t get the window seat in the carpool. At school, his teacher doesn’t like

his drawing of an invisible castle (which is actually just a blank sheet of paper) and criticizes him for singing

too loud. Then his friend Paul reduces Alexander to third best friend and there is no dessert in his lunch.

After school he goes to the Dentist and Alexander finds out he has a cavity, then the elevator door hurts his

foot and his brother Anthony pushes him into the mud, then his other brother Nick calls him a cry baby for

crying, to top it off, his Mum catches him in the act of punching Nick.

If that wasn’t enough, at the shoe store, they’re sold out of Alexander’s choice of sneakers, so his Mum has to

buy him plain white sneakers, which he’ll refuse to wear.

But things don’t stop there, at Dad’s office; Alexander makes a mess of things when he fools around with everything

there getting to the point where Dad tells him not to pick him up from work anymore.

At home, Alexander’s bad day is far from over. The family has lima beans for dinner, there is kissing on TV, at bath

time the water is too hot, he gets soap in his eyes and he loses a marble down the drain. Then when he gets out of the

bath he has to wear his least favourite pyjamas…and it still doesn’t stop there.

At bedtime, Alexander’s nightlight burns out, he bites his tongue, Nick takes his pillow, and the family cat chooses

to sleep with Anthony.

The book teaches children that everyone has bad days and that there are better ways of dealing with your problems than

just getting upset.

You can find this book in your local bookstore or online at amazon.com

In the Valentine’s spirit, we asked the stylist from alexandalexa.com to pick out her Top 5 Love Tops for kids

from alexandalexa.com:

1

Juicy Couture:  Posie Pink Tee, £45.00

2

Quincy: Grey Tee with ‘I love motorcycles’, £46.00

3

Fabric Flavours: Blue ‘Little Miss Giggles’ Tee, £15.50

4

Mayoral: White Longsleeve with “Love Music” Print, £16.50

5

D&G Junior: Navy Sleeveless Heart Tee, £78.00

In an attempt to really search out the top London restaurants

for your kids, we decided it shouldn’t be us quickly aging adults

that judge the place, but rather representatives of your children,

mini-critics will call them, to visit and test the restaurants of

London for themselves.

Because most British children are used to just one type of food at

home, we decided we will try to take our mini-critics to restaurants

from different places around the world, so their meal experience

can also double as a little mini vacation, allowing your kids to get

a glimpse of another culture.

To start this new way of reviewing restaurants, we decided to take our

mini-critics, aged 5, 8 and 11 to Wahaca to try Mexican food.

Before we went, we took a look at the website, which is very interactive

and kept the kids and I busy for 15 minutes as there is a lot of

information, colour and fun to get through.

Though there was quite a que when we arrived, due to Wahaca’s

strict no-booking policy, the atmosphere is incredible, energy is

all around you, from the vibrant colours in the decor to the bubbly

conversation of patrons around you, the open kitchen and the bustling

waiters. there is a large bar/seating area, where parents and caregivers

can grab a drink for themselves as well as fun alchol free drinks for the

little ones while you wait.

There is a large bar/seating area, where adults can grab a tasty mojito

or margarita for themselves and get fun alcohol free drinks for the little

ones. During our wait, my mini-critics and I  we were able to pick what

we were going to eat, while sitting comfortably on a fabric bench in the

waiting area.

We ordered some traditional Mexican drinks as well to keep the excitement

up while we waited. Our 11 year old tried Horchata, a Mexican classic made

of dairy free almond and rice milk with a touch of cinnamon, our 8 year old

went for an one of an Apple & Strawberry flavour Chogworth Valley Juice,

while our 5 year old went for a very exciting….water.

After about a 20 minute wait, which flew by, our friendly waitress patiently

helped us choose the perfect meal, because our mini-critics had not tried

Mexican food outside of the odd melted cheese on Doritos version of nachos,

we chose to get the ‘Wahaca Selection’ which is a assortment of their favourite

plates, the selection included 3 pork pibil tacos, 3 seasonal vegetable tacos,

2 huitlacoche quesadillas, 2 herring tostadas and 2 chicken taquitos with

green rice and black beans. Each of the items are served in small portions,

perfect for tiny hands trying something new and all of the items were thoroughly

enjoyed by all three children…except the herring tostadas.

Though these particular mini critics are fans of fish like Salmon, the Herring tostadas has more

of an ‘adult’ taste about them. We rectified the situation by ordering the Black Bean Tostadas which

had re-fried beans, avocado salsa, Lancashire cheese and fresh tomato salsa, which were enjoyed much

 more.

During the wait for the food, the kids were kept busy with the menu, which is made of paper and can

be coloured on (if you bring your own pencils!), the food came very quickly though, and in intervals

so that you were constantly getting something new just as you had finished the last dish.

Due to the taste difference of the food, we also spent a lot of time talking about what the kids liked

and disliked about the tastes, how to pronounce each item and so on. There was no need for

entertainment as the service itself is entertaining enough.

For puddings we went with ‘Churros y Chocolate’ and ‘Chocolate Ice Cream (with a touch of spice)’,

the Churros were consumed quietly with lots of “mmmm’s” from all three mini-critics, but the chocolate

ice cream with the ‘touch of spice’ was met with a furrowed brow of disgust and an embarrassed

under the breath admission of “it burns my throat, Holly” politely whispere by the youngest of our

mini-critics.

The kids had been learning about ‘going green’ at school and we were all very impressed when we found out

that the interior is designed with mostly recycled wooden interior, lamps made out of tomatillo cans dotted

with bottle caps, wooden crates packed with fruit and tubs of chilli plants. To top it off, the ingredients used

to make the food is fresh, free-range, sustainable, ethically sourced and/or produced locally produced locally.

When you leave the resturant, you matches full of little chili seeds, so when the spring comes, the kids can plant

the seeds in their back garden and grow their very own chilis!

As a result of our visit, my mini-critics and I give Wahaca 5 out of 5 Stars for food taste and variety, service,

atmosphere, social responsibility and child friendly-ness!

You can viist Wahaca online at www.wahaca.co.uk or visit them at their locations in Covent Garden, Canary Wharf

and White City (Westfields Shopping Centre).

Store bought valentines cards may be a quick fix if you are running out of time, but if you have some spare moments this

weekend, why not get stuck into a craft that will double as both a card and a gift?!

This cute idea is great for little budding gardeners and will surely be appreciated by parents.#

What You Will Need

Packet of seeds

Double-sided tape

Card stock or Construction Paper

Markers

What to Do

1. Cut a pot shape from folded colour card stock.
2. Attach the packet of seeds and transplant it with double-sided tape to the card-stock pot.
3. Cut out hearts or other shapes and write a message, fastening it to the card stock.

Clare Fergusen, the Art Editor at Stylist Magazine, has been in the fashion industry for over six years, working

for publications including New Woman and Cosmopolitan.

If anyone has the inside knowledge of what’s in style this season then it’s the team at Stylist.

Here are Claire’s top 5 picks from alexandalexa.com SS10:

1

Juicy Couture: Metallic Pink Ballerina Slippers, £52.50

“My niece Izzy would adore these and they are right on trend with the metallic fabric”

2

Cacharel: Coral Petal Dress, £63.50

“This gorgeous light summer dress is perfect for afternoons eating ice cream and playing in the garden”

3

Chloe: Chloe Oversized Sunglasses, £140.00

“These are super cool for a little mini me, I’d love a pair for myself!”

4

D&G Junior: Navy Frill Front Dress, £192.00

“I love this dress with pretty frills and its a practical colour for playing”

5

Chloe: Classic Lemon Trench Coat, £194.50

“The perfect spring jacket to take [kids] through to summer and with our rainy British climate it will get lots of wear!”

Alexandalexa.com has published their online magazine for February.

The issue includes an announcement of all the new brands Alexandalexa.com will be carrying for spring/summer 2010

like Chloe, Hugo Boss, Archimede and much more.

The magazine also includes a massive denim feature, perfect for parents looking to get some new jeans for their

little ones, as well as some half term activities for you and the kids!

Clare Fergusen, the Art Editor at Stylist Magazine is the guest editor for this month’s issue and gives her verdict on her

top 5 favorite items from alexandalexa.com

Take a look for yourself online at http://alexandalexa.com/magazine/

It is hard to find anyone who strongly dislikes hot chocolate; however, it is a hit and miss commodity, some Café’s

and restaurants make it perfectly, for others, it tastes like instant stuff you can  make at home.

So if you are going to pay for it, it might as well be good and it can be a fun adventure or treat after errands for kids

and parents alike, which is why we created our Top 5 Hot Chocolate Spots in London.

1. Theobroma Cacao (43 Turnham Green Terrace, Chiswick, London, W4 1RG, ): Yummy hot chocolate and a

free truffle with every cup, one of our 8 year old testers said he thought it was the “best hot chocolate [he has had]

EVER”

2. William Curley (198 Ebury Street, London SW1W 8UN): Winner of the Best UK Chocolatier Award, it would

be just plain wrong for them not to have fabulous hot chocolate, lukily, they do and it is absolute luxury with one

part chocolate and five parts creamy milk.

3. Paul Young (33 Camden Passage, Islington, London N1 8EA): A British Chocolatier carrying ‘Paul A Young’s

Hot Chocolate Rocks’, made with water instead of milk and the percentage of chocolate included in the drink changes

depending on the weather, on a cold day, you can get 70% chocolate which is a rich and decadent, while in the summer

a 64% might be used for a lighter taste.

4. Apostrophe (19 Baker Street, London, W1U 8EQ): Known for the thickest hot chocolate in town, this chain cafe has got

it right. Their hot chocolate is so thick that you and the kiddies will need a spoon to drink it!

5. Melt (59 Ledbury Rd, London W11 2AA): Hot chocolate served in tiny cups with a sweet and sticky texture, you can also

buy the hot chocolate in blocks to take home and melt for hot chocolate treats at home (way better than powdered hot

chocolate!)

Easy baking ides are great for kids and Rice Krispies squares are easy to change for any holiday need, this recipe

is a great Valentines treat to make with the kids and can double as personal valentines for your kids friends and teachers!

What You Will Need

• Cooking spray
• 3 tablespoons margarine
• 6 cups mini (or 60 regular-size) marshmallows
• Red food colouring

• 9 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• Heart-shaped cookie cutter
• Plastic bags, yarn

What To Do

1. Let the kids coat a baking sheet with cooking spray then set  it aside
2. Melt the margarine in a large pot over low heat.
3. Let the kids carefully place the marshmallows in as you stir, you can count with them as they do it, counting each marshmallow they place in the pot. (Make sure you explain to them about splashing or the baking fun will turn into hot margarine on your top!)
4. Stir the marshmallow and margarine continuously until they melt.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and let the kids put drops of red food colouring into the mixture while you stir, until you reach your desired colour.
6. Let the children add the Rice Krispies into the mixture while you stir and continue stirring until they are evenly coated with marshmallow.
7. Spoon the mixture onto the baking sheet.
8. With waxed paper (or lightly buttered hands), smooth out the mixture, spreading it to an even thickness.
9. Let the kids cut out hearts with the cookie cutter.
10. Have the kids place each heart in a plastic bag while you tie a yarn bow
11. Place in the fridge until you are ready to give them out!

Saturday: See A Show

What: Dr. Suess’s The Cat in the Hat

Where: Young Vic, 66 The Cut, SE1 8LZ, 0207 992 2922, www.youngvic.org

Time: Saturday, February 13,  10:30 & 13:30,

About: Perfect for your 3-6’s, this 45-minute production of Dr. Seuss’s much-loved book about a mischievous

cat in a red and white striped hat.

Price: £10.00

Bookings: Book Online

Sunday: Show Some Love

What: Love Heart Hunt at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

Where: Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ, 020 7924 5826, www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

Time: Sunday, February 14,

About: As the children explore the zoo, they can count how many love hearts they can see, at the end of the trip,

you and the kids can post your answer in the shop to be entered into the draw for a “Family Day Ticket”

Price: £6.00 per child, £25.00 for families

Bookings: No Booking Necessary 

Monday: Whale of a Tale

What: Whale Week at London Aquarium

Where: London Aquarium, Riverside Building, Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7PB, 08445 791940,

www.sealife.co.uk/london

Time: Monday-Thursday 10-6, Friday –Sunday 10-7

About: Celebrate all things ‘whale’ at the Aquarium with displays, activities, competitions, films,

and shark and ray feeds!

Price: £10.58 per child, £45 for families

Bookings: Call 08445 791940 or book online
 

Tuesday: Make a Pancake for your Tea              

What: Kids Cooking Classes

Where: The Kitchen, Parsons Green, 275 New Kings Road, SW6 4RD, 0207 736 8067

www.visitthekitchen.com 

Time: Tuesday, February 16, 11:00-12:00 for 4-8’s, 14:30-15:30 for 9+

About: Chill out in The Kitchen Cafe while your kiddies learn to cook pancakes!

Price: £15 per child, £25 for two children

Bookings: Email [email protected] or call 0207 736 8067

Wednesday: Pop Star Dance Camp

Where: Eddie Catz, First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street, London, SW15 1SF, 0845 201 1268, www.eddiecatz.com

Time: PUTNEY Wed, Feb 17 from 1.00pm – 4pm

About: For your 4-8’s that like to move it, move it, sign them up this half term to learn some of the coolest moves from

their favourite pop stars! A snack is included and so is Free play at Eddie Catz!

Price: £20

Bookings: www.eddiecatz.com/shop

Thursday: Build a Bridge

What: Family Fun Day at Mordon Hall

Where: Morden Hall, Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD, 020 8545 6850,

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-mordenhallpark-2

Time: Thursday, February 18, 11:00-15:00

About: Fun activities for the whole family with an engineering theme that includes a bridge building challenge, arts,

crafts and games!

Price: £1.50 per child

Bookings: No Booking Necessary 

Friday: Climbers and Creepers

What: Royal Botanic Gardens Interactive Learning Centre

Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond, TW9 3AB, 020 8332 5000, www.kew.org

Time: Open Daily from 09:30-15:45

About: Fun and educational, Children visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens can learn about plants through play

in the interactive Climbers and Creepers area. Kids can climb into a plant to pollinate it, get gobbled up by a

giant pitcher plant and crawl through a bramble tangle.  

Price: FREE

Bookings: No Booking Necessary

Hugo Boss makes a smart entrance for Spring Summer 2010 with an exquisite new Collection for boys and girls.

The uber-cool fashion, leisure and sportwear Brand has developed a kids line with classic Boss Black & Orange

label looks, representing the strengths of their design ethos. Look out for smart, refined tailoring, complemented

by vibrant Polo’s and sportwear combinations.

The stylist from alexandalexa.com has put together these two cute looks from the new line:

Hugo Boss: Pink Slim Fit Hugo Boss Tee, £29.00

Hugo Boss: White Slim Fit Hugo Boss Tee, £29.00

Hugo Boss: Dark Denim Slim Fit Jeans, £82.00