Family Fun - Camping

Until I met the Mr I had never been camping. The thought of bugs and mud never really appealed but back in 2010 he convinced me to give it a go and I've never looked back; we have had many breaks as a couple and as an entire family too, and we now have a wide selection of tents and equipment!

My first time camping 2010

We went to Derbyshire last week for a few nights, and stayed at a lovely campsite named Pack Horse Farm, not far from Matlock. I tend to go for smaller, quieter sites and avoid those with evening entertainment and swimming pools as I like to enjoy nature and the peaceful environment, so this was perfect.

We arrived on Tuesday afternoon and set up our tent before heading off to the local supermarket for some food and drink. I was pleasantly surprised by just how quiet the site was, especially being the summer holiday, and by how much space there was to play!

Our Vango Kasari 800.

Camping is the perfect opportunity to leave technology behind and enjoy the simple things in life. It also makes you appreciate what you do have when you return home! 

Apart from our trips to Chatsworth House, Gulliver's Kingdom and Spy Zone plus a day at Conkers we had plenty of time for family fun on the camp site.

Water fights...

Talking, being silly and playing charades...

Playing cards...

If you are thinking about camping as a family this summer here are a few tips that should help to make your experience enjoyable and as stress-free as possible:

Erecting your tent - Read through the instructions and ensure everything is in the bag before you leave home. Attempting to set up a tent when you don't know what you are doing or with pegs missing isn't going to be fun! Also try to get to the site while it's still light so you can see well to assemble it and don't forget a mallet.

Comfort - Sleeping bags will keep you warm but it's not particularly comfortable laying on the ground. Inflatable beds are a great base for your sleeping bags to go on.... don't forget the pump!

Weather - The weather can be unpredictable and being outdoors you can get cold or hot very easily. Pack a variety of clothing and include both sun lotion and waterproofs/coats so you are prepared. Pack pillows and blankets too if there is space in the car to do so.

Hygiene - Although you may have access to toilets and showers, taking anti bacterial hand spray and wipes is always useful. 

A lot of people I've spoken to that haven't been camping before say they are concerned by the cleanliness of facilities and lack of privacy but there are some great sites available. I would recommend reading reviews of where you are travelling to to in advance. 

Shower cubicles at Pack Horse Farm - lockable doors and lots of hot water!



Have you been camping?

Reasons to Smile - Family Fun and Camping

We are camping in Matlock, Derbyshire this week and enjoying the great outdoors as a family. A nice break from work to refresh ourselves and a break from technology to appreciate the simple things in life. I must admit I was never keen on the idea of sleeping in a tent until I met the Mr but we have had a few really relaxing holidays on some lovely camp sites so far.
We tend to go for small, basic ones so it's peaceful with plenty of space to play - ideal for the Mini Mes.


We have had some great day trips so far including Matlock Farm Park, Conkers, the Heights of Abraham and the caves and today we are at Chatsworth House. Tomorrow we are heading to Gullivers and testing out the new Spy Zone before travelling home.


The Mr and I also have a weekend away planned while the Mini Mes go to their dad's home. We are off to Brighton (I've never been!) for some couple time before he heads back to work.

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Motivational and Meal Planning Monday

My scales need new batteries so I couldn't weigh in as usual but I shall continue how I began with calorie counting and extra exercise. I'm feeling fitter and my clothing feels a little looser so I must be doing something right anyway!

My motivation for the week...

This weeks menu...

Pizza and garlic bread
Sausage stuffed pasta with mascapone sauce
Chicken tikka masala with rice
Carbonara

We are away camping this week so all of the above will be cooked on the camping stove in the middle of a field! At the weekend we are child free and heading to Brighton so we will be eating out there.

What motivates you to exercise?
What's on your menu?


Have a great week!

Reasons To Smile

 

 

4lb down this week!! That is definitely worth smiling about as it's a big boost to my self confidence and also a great excuse to start buying new, smaller clothes very soon. Retail therapy here I come.

Minxy has her school show today and although it's a late night (it finishes at 9.45pm!) and is a bit of a trek to get to the theatre where it's being held, I am so very pleased and proud that she is involved with it. She is dancing and has been showing me her moves at home over the past few weeks.
This time last year she would NEVER perform infront of an audience so it would appear her confidence is building too.

Jamster has a school trip tomorrow and what's even better is that it is all FREE! His house scored the most amount of credits this year so they have been provided with a zoo trip as a reward. The weather is gorgeous for it too so hopefully lots of animals will be out for him to see. I'm going to give him a disposable camera to take and I'm intrigued by what will be worthy, in his eyes, of a photo.... I look forward to printing the pictures of food, monkey poo and his girlfriends *giggle*.

The weekend ahead is childfree and we are probably heading to somewhere near the beach with the poochie camping for a relaxing break. BBQ, booze and possibly bikinis here we come.

 

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Feather Down Farm - Family Fun

Surrounded by beautiful scenery in a peaceful environment is where you will find Feather Down Farms. Plotted in various locations across the UK, USA, France, Germany and Netherlands (where the idea originated), Feather Down Farms are all about staying on a working farm where you can be involved as much or as little as you wish.

We visited the College Farm site in Norfolk during May and enjoyed the most relaxing weekend I've had in quite some time. We enjoy camping as a family but this was a whole new level - the posh alternative named glamping.

Upon arrival we were greeted by Marcus, one of the farm owners, who was friendly and attentive. He provided a brief yet informative tour of the site and helped us settle into our south-facing tent, by lighting the wood burning stove to provide both warmth and light for our accommodation.

I was surprised by just how beautiful and large the canvas style tent was. Set above the ground and complete with wooden flooring it was comfortable and luxurious with a rustic feel. To the right in the tent was a large wooden table with six seats and several candelabras above. To the left were 2 large deck chairs and a wooden chest to use as the fridge (you can collect frozen water bottles from the shop freezers) and in the centre the impressive stove to use for both heat and as a cooker during our stay.

 

 

We had a look around further and unpacked, already impressed by the size of our home for the weekend. The attention to detail was amazing with framed animal prints hung up and heart shapes cut out in the doors. To the rear were the bedrooms, one with bunk beds and the other with a comfortable double bed and even lanterns with tea lights. There was plenty of storage in the form of wooden crates and duvets were provided. The Mini Mes favourite aspect of the tent was the cupboard style bed situated between the living area and master bedroom. Both children decided to share it for our stay and had great fun opening the little doors on either side and climbing into it several times a day to play and sleep in!

 

 

 

The kitchen had running water, all utensils and pots and pans supplied and even cleaning products bar washing up liquid, which we remembered to take along with us. Having been camping many times and being used to walking across a pitch black field at night to take the children to the loo, having our own flushable toilet within the tent was a godsend! It was so convenient and saved a lot of time and hassle which I really appreciated.

Outside the tent there was a picnic bench and we had our own wheel barrow which we used to collect wood for the stove but to also transport luggage and push the Mini Mes around with.
On site there were chickens from which you could collect eggs, lambs to fuss and play equipment to keep little ones entertained. There were bikes available to hire, a shop filled with both tinned and fresh, local produce to purchase and lovely powerful, hot showers with locks on the doors for added privacy.

If you don't fancy leaving the site during your stay it's not an issue as the shop was filled with all of the essentials and more. There was bacon, cheese, butter and even ice creams available to purchase. If there is something you wish buy you jot it down on the clipboards within the shop and settle up at the end of the stay, it was nice to feel trusted and to have a very relaxed atmosphere on site.

The shower facilities next door were very good indeed with several cubicles and hot water galore. Each cubicle had a lock, mirror and small shelf with hooks to the back of the door to hang clothing from. There were even little seats which helped greatly when trying to pop socks and shoes on.

On the Saturday morning we were introduced to Lucy, the second farm owner, who was again very pleasant, before we enjoyed a wildlife walk. We met and fed the horse before being given sheets and pencils to keep track of what creatures we discovered on our journey. We travelled down a track to the newly installed bee hives, which was a fun and educational experience for both young and old, before looking out over the fields at birds and cows. The walk continued along the river but we decided to return to our tent and prepare for a day visiting the nearby attractions of Great Yarmouth. In the evening we had already organised our meal but there was the opportunity to use the pizza oven to cook in if you wished to - a lovely idea, especially for the fast approaching summer months.

On the Sunday morning we were given a slot to groom the horse so Minxy and the Mr returned to the stable to do so while Jamster and I had fun outdoors playing hoopla which we created with our own glow sticks! I felt really safe here and with only a few other tents on site was happy to let the Mini Mes explore a little. Spacing between each tent is enough for privacy but close enough to interact with other guests or even friends and family if they are enjoying a break too.

There are optional extras you can add on to your break which include having your own chickens and pen outside your tent, having the beds made for you and dinner of jacket potatoes awaiting upon arrival. There are also lots of nearby attractions which include the curious treehouse adventure of BeWILDerwood which we thoroughly enjoyed.

I really enjoyed our visit to College Farm and would highly recommend a Feather Down Farm holiday. I would definitely be happy to return, which all of the family agree upon.



 

I'm linking this with...

 

A weekend in Norfolk

 

 

This picture sums up our weekend away, perfectly.

 

We travelled for a few hours north in the car to Feather Down Farm for a relaxing break, glamping.

If you aren't keen on the idea of popping up a tent in the middle of a field but like the thought of beautiful scenery in a peaceful environment this is the perfect get-away.

The tent is already assembled for your arrival, it has proper beds and wooden flooring.

It's cosy and comfortable with the natural world on your doorstep.

 

Sitting by the wood burning stove Saturday night, playing cards by candlelight and having a few drinks with the Mr was lovely.

I hadn't felt so stress-free in quite a while and getting back to basics with no technology in site makes you appreciate the important things in life, like good company.

I'm linking this with...

The theme this week is Drink



2013 - where will you go this year?

Sun, sea and sand already on your mind? I know it's on mine and I've been browsing a variety of brochures of far away shores, exotic food and spa retreats that I would love to visit.... if funds stretched that far! 

You can still have a great time within the UK though and you don't need to stay at home all year without a well deserved getaway, even if you can't afford a holiday abroad. 

Although we will be exploring foreign land during the summer again we often enjoy camping and caravan trips during the February half term breaks, Easter holidays and even as late as October, exploring new towns  and villages and having fun as a family. A break from the norm is something we can probably all benefit from!

Camping and caravans

Going back to basics and leaving technology behind is something I really enjoy despite loving my acrylic nails and little luxuries! There are some really nice sites that have pools, parks, entertainment and restaurants although I do like to get out the gas stove or BBQ and cook surrounded by nature and eating alfresco. 

We will probably have a few weekend trips away with the tent and a week visit somewhere near the seaside.

Hotels and apartments

If you don't fancy the great outdoors you can always opt for comfort and warmth with holiday sites like Butlins. We had a fantastic time at their Skegness site and that was only for a day visit while in the area. There were arcades, rides, shows, swimming and a variety of restaurants if you fancy a night off from cooking - we had delicious filled crepes!

We will have a week stay at a resort staying in a hotel or apartment later in the year.

Where will you be heading this year?

Happy Campers... and a crazy puppy!

The Mr and I had a lovely few days child-free camping at the end of last week. This was the first long car journey and holiday for Spartan, our 9 month old Border Collie, and he was a little excited by the entire experience! He wouldn't lay down and rest in the boot, instead he watched every vehicle and person that went by, taking it all in.

When it started to rain the Mr popped on the wipers. For most this is an ordinary thing to occur but for little Spartan who had never seen wipers before he didn't know what was happening....

He decided to attack the window every time and bark!

Do your pets do things that amuse you?

Meal Planning Monday

I really enjoyed a few days away camping last week and some delicious food. Friday we had a BBQ consisting of tandoori shish kebabs and burgers with some fresh salad from Morrison's deli counter - yum! Upon returning home Saturday we headed to one of our favourite Italian restaurants Papa Cino's with my parents for a great meal too. I had my usual stromboli and carbonara but skipped dessert as I was stuffed!

For the next two weeks I won't be eating the same as the Mr and the Mini Mes. I'm reviewing a meal replacement plan from today and hoping to lose some weight! I'm hoping it gives me a boost and a kick start into eating better. I snack way too much! However the family must still eat normally and here is what's on the agenda for them....

Monday - Fajitas

Tuesday - Lasagne

Wednesday - Pizza, salad and garlic bread 

Thursday - Fish, wedges and veg

Friday - Toad in the hole with veg

We don't currently have plans for the weekend as yet so there will probably be a roast chicken involved and a buffet style dinner, although this may change if we go out (I'll still have my "Paks" to eat).

What is on your menu this week?

You can add your planner or view more for inspiration over with At Home With Mrs M

Have a good week!!

Silent Sunday

Saturday Caption

I can't believe the summer holidays have already come to an end! But as we have had so much fun camping (and we are away at the moment doing so) I thought I'd add a camping themed pic for you to caption from the past few weeks. I can't decide if this is sibling love or whether Minxy is actually trying to squeeze Jamster to injure him!...

Head over to Mammasaurus for more photos to caption or to link up your own pics.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Meal Planning Monday

The planner for this week is short and sweet! The kids are going to their dad's house Wednesday until Sunday and the Mr and I are camping, somewhere, during this time.

Monday - Fajitas.

Tuesday - Pizza, garlic bread and salad for the Mr, the Mini Mes and I are eating out with friends.

Wednesday - Sausage and veg pasta bake.

Thursday - Sunday I am leaving free as we will be away. It will be a lovely combo of camping food and meals out. I can't wait for the break!

What's on your menu this week?

You can link up your own planners or view more over with At Home With Mrs M

Saturday Caption #SatCap

When I say 'cheese' or 'smile' the first attempt often involves silly faces and this was one of those moments. Do you have a funny or witty caption for the faces pulled by the Mr, Jamster or Minxy while camping in Dorset? You can add your comments below.

Head over to Mammasaurus for more fab photos to caption or to link up your own snaps.

Have a great weekend!

My reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

I have that warm, fuzzy feeling at the moment. The one where you smile to yourself when no one is around and feel all happy inside. Life seems to be good and I'm feeling happy as I have lots of holiday related reasons to make me cheerful this week!

Family Holiday

We went away last week to Dorset and had a lovely time. We camped at a really nice site called Newlands with two pools, shop, bar, restaurant and lovely facilities. While there we visited the Sea Life Adventure Park in Weymouth and also Farmer Palmers.

Summer Holiday

It seems to be flying by but we are having an amazing time. Bar our family holiday we have had so much fun with bike rides, baking, crafts, cinema trips, festivals and more. I'm enjoying working through the Bucket List we made mid July and keeping track with scrap books too.

Couple Holiday

The Mr and I have 4 child free nights while the Mini Mes go to their dad next week so we are having a break with the poochie camping. We aren't sure where we are heading yet in England but possibly Matlock Bath again (we went a few years ago) or similar. Somewhere we can chill out and enjoy the scenery.

What has made you smile this week?

My week that was...

The majority of last week was spent camping in Dorset and despite the rain we still had a lovely time and did so much while we were there.

Monday - After dropping the poochie off at the kennels we headed to Dorset. We set up camp, popped to Morrisons for supplies and spent the evening relaxing with a few Jack Daniels and cokes in our tent and watching the kids playing in the play area.

Tuesday - We went to a lovely farm for the day and enjoyed feeding goats, grooming ponies, pig racing a wonderful deer safari and playing on all the the play equipment. In the evening we had dinner and had another relaxing evening doing puzzles and Sudoku while the exhausted Mini Mes slept.

Wednesday - It poured down today but we decided to go out anyway and not let it ruin our break. We went to a great Sea Life Adventure Park in Weymouth where we got to touch star fish, crabs and shrimp, see some beautiful creatures and follow a trail with questions on route. The Mini Mes collected their medals afterwards and we called into Morrisons cafe on the way back to camp. By the time we were back the sun had made an appearance so the kids played on the field with their bubbles until dinner.

Thursday - We had a disastrous experience with Paulton's today which ruined our plans completely. We ended up packing up and coming home early as heavy rains and winds were due the following day but a Domino's pizza for dinner did help a little!

Friday - We spent most of the day unpacking, sorting washing and trying to get the house back in order.  We picked up the poochie and then the Mini Mes went to their dad in the afternoon so the Mr and I went to the cinema and saw Expendables 2 which we loved (I'm quite a Jason Statham fan).

Saturday - Today consisted of housework, food shopping, and chilling! The Mini Mes returned home around 5pm so after some dinner, showers and bed I sorted out our picnic and printed documents ready for Lollibop.

Sunday - WOW! Such a beautiful, hot day and we had an amazing time at Lollibop in London. We had VIP tickets so we received some lovely freebies from various tents and enjoyed the Bloggers Lounge for free refreshments throughout the day and to shade from the sun. We arrived for opening so it was really quiet and we were able to walk straight in to see the Moshi Monsters, Skylanders, Ella's Kitchen and Face Painting. We left around 3pm, walked to Mornington Crescent station and headed home.

What did you get up to last week?

I'm linking this with...

Project 366, 226/366 - Home

We are camping in Charmouth for the week (Dorset/North Devon) and our Vango Kasari 800 will be home for the next few days. As you can see it's rather large!

Saturday Caption #SatCap

As we are off to Dorset with tent in tow next week, I had a rummage through my photo archives and found this camping themed pic to caption. What is Jamster doing with that hammer?!.... 

Please leave your witty and funny comments below.

Head over to Mammasaurus for more pictures to caption or to link up your own.

Have a great weekend!

My reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

Even though the weather has had a turn for the worse I'm still a cheerful little lady with lots to smile about again this week!


A relaxing child free weekend
Being so busy during the summer holidays keeping the kids entertained can be hard work at times, so I thoroughly enjoyed a chilled out, child free weekend with the Mr when the Mini Mes went to their dads house Friday-Sunday. We enjoyed a trip to the cinema, a pub quiz night and some retail therapy. I feel rather refreshed!


Family over for dinner
It's not that often that my family come over, generally we do the travelling and go to them, but I invited my mum and sister over Monday night for dinner. I cooked lasagne and had some chips, salad and garlic bread that everyone could help themselves to. The Mini Mes and I also made flapjacks (their current fav) and we made our own mint choc chip and marshmallow ice cream too. Both were a real hit so I was pleased.


Holidays
Next week we are heading to Dorset for a few days camping. I don't really like mud or mess but I do love the great outdoors and I'm really excited! We have some fab day trips planned too while we are there (but if anyone has some suggestions on places to visit let me know!). We will of course miss Spartan but I'm sure he will be ok in the kennels with his freshly cooked chicken to eat!

Some pictures from our last camping trip

What reasons do you have to smile this week?