of the ​On AliExpress I found different kinds of cookie cutters and silicone molds. In the end I chose a set of different cookie shapes. For cookies I always use the recipe from Laura's Bakery, it's faul proof and they cookies don't 'bleed' in the oven. To make the cookies birthday worthy I wanted to decorate them with icing. Laura's Bakery has a great recipe for this too. I was surprised how much powdered sugar went into it! It really took me some time to get it right, but I love the result. Decorating cookies is time consuming, but worth it. If you want to give it a go, practice makes perfect. My best friend was a simple toothpick, to correct my mistakes. I put the cookies against the side of the cake, and made some chocolate 'footprints' that I could put on top.
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Funny thing was... she only ate the cookies, and left the cake for the guests :-P

Are you visiting Elfia Arcen, on the 21th or 22th of September?
​The Kasteeltuinen in Arcen will once again transform into the magical land of Elfia that weekend. Fables & Fairytales is this years theme.

​As I wrote about in a report of Elfia Haarzuilens, I really hoped for more Geekling activities. Since a lot of children love and visit the event. Well, it seems someone was listening? Well, probably not, but there are two nice additions to the program, especially for Geeklings.

• Firstly, there will be a costume parade for children and families! On sunday the 22th, children and families costumes will be put in the spotlight. The parade will be from 13u until 13.45 on the Utopia Stage. There will be awards for: best costume (0 - 7 yrs), best costume (8 - 14 yrs) and best family (two persons and up). You can register by e-mailing cathalijne@elfia.com, or do this at the fair (until 12u sunday).
• There will be an special Disney picnic for children! Cosplay group Royal Tea Time will make it possible for Geeklings to play and take a picture with the lovely Disney princesses. There will be small bites too, for a real picnic experience. Are you a cosplayer, or organization that would like to add something to this event?  Email to: behindthemaskscc@gmail.com or visit their website. 

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​You can find all activities in the Elfia app, which you can download here. 

Eye candy, that is the first thing that came to mind when I watched the first episode of The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. This Netflix original series is a prequel to The Dark Crystal, the Jim Henson movie from the 80's. Just like the movie, the series is special because of the use of physical props and puppets. The use of CGI is minimal, and the series breathes love for the source material.

Jim Henson believed that children shouldn't be shielded against scary story elements, and the original movie was rated 6+ in the eighties. Lots of kids where a little traumatized by the movie, and the new series is rated 12+. With good reason, because (no spoilers), there is a significant amount of violence. And the Seksis are scary as ever. I'll probably wait until my Geekling are about ten years old, but I can't wait to show them the beautiful world of Thra. Until then I cán give my girls some of the lovely braids that the Gelfing princesses wear in the show.

There is a lot to love in the new series. The story leaves some to be desired (it has many convenient plot developments) but the characters easily make up for that. They are more three dimensional then a lot of 'real' characters in tv shows. The three main characters are all stubborn, and different than their peers. They want more than the status quo, they seek truth and knowledge and are open minded. Good inspiration for Geeklings, if you ask me!
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The series is gorgeous, so I couldn't wait for the merchandise. If you are as impatient as me, you can buy figures from Funko. Action figures, as well as POP! figures. But if you want quality, then the figures made by Weta are your thing.

Great news for Lego fans, the Netherlands is getting not one, but two offical Lego Stores! In Utrecht and in Amsterdam. The Lego Store in Utrecht can be found in Hoog Catherijne and opens it's doors in October.

The brand-new flagship Lego store will offer a whole range of exciting Lego retail innovations like Mosaic Maker, as well as brand new play experiences and brick-building possibilities, with a nod to Dutch history and culture. I am excited to see how. Other in-store play experiences and activities include;

- Brick Specialists - Lego specialist who will help you find a set that’s the perfect fit
- Pick & Build Wall - choose the bricks and elements you want in all different shapes and colours. So grab a cup and fill it up with whatever pieces you choose!
- Digital Box - where you can scan almost any boxed LEGO set and see the model come to life in 3D.
- Hands-on play opportunities, including free build challenges and events each month
- Build a Mini Tower where you can mix and match from a wide selection of bottoms, tops, heads, hair pieces and accessories to customize your own minifigures.

These brand-new Lego store’s will offer the full range of new products only available in these stores and shop.lego.com, such as the Lego Stranger Things: The Upside Down. Lego VIP members get VIP gifts with purchase, double point events and much more. The Utrecht Lego store will be opening its doors during the autumn holiday, from 17 - 23 October. This coincides with the Lego World event in the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. According to Lego we can expect grand opening events, promotions and experiences.. The opening of the Lego store in Amsterdam will follow later this year.