Hello Kitty x Laduree - This Makes Me Happy

Yeah I'm too old but I don't care - I love Hello Kitty. I also love Laduree macarons and their gorgeous little presentation boxes so this collaboration is a double win for me.  The Hello Kitty x Laduree collection of deliciously sweet, cutesy treats and all manner of kiddy stationery (notebooks, stickers, letter writing sets, etc) specially produced for the French gourmet brand, is only available in store.  www.laduree.fr for stockists

Hello Kitty x Laduree presentation boxes L - macarons, R - chocolate ganache

Hello Kitty x Laduree writing kits and stickers

Hello Kitty x Laduree notebooks and bag charm

GROUND CONTROL TO MAJOR TOM - BOWIE'S 'SPACE ODDITY' MADE INTO A BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN'S BOOK

I saw this earlier on ComicsAlliance and thought it was such a lovely idea. Andrew Kolb has produced the most beautifully illustrated children's book based on David Bowie's legendary 1969 hit about a fictional astronaut.  What a perfect baby gift for the newborns of muso parents. I've included a few of the images but you can see more and read all about it here.

VIRGIN MEDIA TV DOES KARAOKE ON DEMAND!

Yeah, so us Virgin TV users might not have Sky Atlantic but I'll tell you what we do have... Karaoke On Demand!

The track selection ranges from show tunes, chart hits and karaoke classics like New York, New York and I Will Survive, to hip hop, soul, R&B, rock, indie and brand new pop tracks from acts including Hurts and Owl City, as well as kids songs and film soundtracks.  Helpfully (?) it gives you the key at the start of each track and check out the excruciatingly twee background videos too. 

I came across this option by chance and it seems not many of the other Virgin users I know were aware of it either so I hope this is good news for at least some of you.

You can choose your aural posion via genre or browse the whole menu.  Personally, I've never done karaoke but being able to practice in the privacy of my own home might just change that...

To access: From your Virgin Media TV remote (which you can also use as a microphone, hairbrush style), press the Home button, select On Demand & Catch Up TV, then Music On Demand et, voila! Karaoke.

NB: PLEASE check if you have to pay to use this service before running up any massive bills!! :)  It says it's currently free if you have an XL package but best to be on the safe side. Phew.