Family Friendly Holidays with Sykes Cottages (PLUS Your Chance to Win)

Sykes Cottages are the UK’s leading provider of self-catering holiday homes with over 5,000 handpicked cottages to choose from. With a range of cottages stretching from the glittering Cornish coast to the magnificent Scottish Highlands, their selection provides something for everyone.

If you come from an active family then why not visit one of their isolated cottages which are ideal for walking? With many of these cottages set in the heat of a National Park, you can spend a day trekking the hills before returning to rest your tired feet by the open fire. Or if you’d rather spend an afternoon playing amongst the surf, then don’t worry as they cater for this too with hundreds of sea-front cottages- perfect for that all important summer BBQ!

A Family Weekend Away With Forest Holidays

If you're picturing a getaway that's a real escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life, somewhere that is set in beautiful and peaceful surroundings with a touch of luxury thrown in too, Forest Holidays is a great choice. Their cabins are situated in picturesque woodland spread across 9 locations within the UK where you can really unwind.

We have just returned from a weekend at the Gloucestershire site and we had a wonderful experience as a family that really brought us together and enabled us to reconnect with nature. 

After signing in and collecting our key from the reception area which also doubles up as a large shop with restaurant, we drove down the road a short distance to our retreat; cabin 73. It was at the end of a row and it felt nice and secluded with a relaxed ambience, although all of the cabins are spread out well to offer a little privacy.

I could almost feel the stress and tension melt away while unpacking and then exploring the stylish and spacious accommodation of our two bedded Silver Birch in the Forest of Dean.

The ceilings are high and the light pours in through the windows allowing you to feel at one with the natural world. With leaf prints on the walls and heated wooden flooring, it brings the outside inside too.

The Mini Mes loved watching the squirrels and birds from the decking and they looked eagerly for the wild boars that roam the environment here. 

The Funny Things Kids Say and Do - Holiday Havoc

Every now and then our little ones wake up feeling unwell so we keep them off school until they are better and ready to return to their classmates. Jamster had a day off recently. He came into my room as soon as he woke and looked incredibly pale, complained of a headache and was a bit emotional; a sure sign he isn't great. I told him to head back to bed and that I would make sure his teacher was aware that he wouldn't be in.

The following day he was back to his cheerful self so I was happy for him to go in which was exactly what he did. I assumed that would be the end of the matter but apparently it wasn't! The day after returning to school when I dropped him off at the cloakroom the teaching assistant was there...

My Sunday Photo

What Has Made Me Happy

 

 

We are booking our holiday today - woooop!!
I always feel so much happier having things to look forward to so a week in Kefalonia will do nicely. Sun, sea, sand and erm, saunas.

The Mini Mes had amazing school reports. Both are meeting targets and Minxy is way ahead of what is expected. Her reading age is over 2 years older than she is - making me a very proud mum.

I had a lovely day of retail therapy yesterday with a friend followed by a meal out with the Mr to review. I always feel a little odd taking photos of food but I'll admit when the bill comes and we don't have to pay it is worth it.

Tomorrow we are off to see Despicable Me 2 and I am so excited, probably more than the Mini Mes. I loved the first and I've had the odd Happy Meal over the past fortnight to collect my own minion toys! Well I am only 28....

I'm off to see Minxy in her cello concert later today. I'm very pleased that she has stuck with music and her instrument the past few years and is doing really well.

 

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons To Be Happy

Our Feather Down Farm trip is fast approaching and I'm really looking forward to it. A nice family break in the great outdoors, collecting our own eggs each morning from the chickens and cooking on a wood burning stove - good times!


The Mini Mes have sports day next week which is always something they are excited to be involved in. The event lasts the entire day so I shall pack up a picnic and enjoy a day watching them run, skip and jump in the sunshine (hopefully).

You know that feeling where you are focused and really determined to complete something. That. I am doing really well with weight loss and exercising at the moment and I feel proud of myself for sticking to it. I was always strong at first and then slipped back into old habits but I'm keeping on track. Watching The Biggest Loser has spurred me on and I'm keeping in mind that it took a while to put weight on so it will take a while to shift it.

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be Happy

 

My reasons to be happy

May has so far been amazing! The sun has been shining and I had a lovely bank holiday weekend, spending most of it outside working on my tan. Bronzed beauty here I come.

 

 We have another weekend away ahead and one that I am very much looking forward to. We will have lots of outdoor fun as a family and getting back to basics, in a slightly glam way....

 

Minxy has started athletics club and Spanish and I'm very proud of her for doing so as she doesn't usually like to get involved with groups (or she drops out quite quickly!). Her confidence is really building and I'm pleased to see she is enjoying activities with friends.

 

 

The Mr makes me happy for all of the little things he does for me. While out shopping at the weekend he purchased some new perfume for me (Versace Bright Crystal) and it smells divine. Apparently buying me things makes me smile - perhaps he was implying that I'm otherwise grumpy, hmmmm!

 

 

  

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Expressions

On the way to Torquay during the Easter break, the Mini Mes unpacked their little bags in the back seats to see what I had put inside to keep them entertained for the journey. They always make a pile or list of what they want to take on holiday and I tend to pop in a few extra toys for a surprise with a magazine and sweets too. 

 

Jamster was thrilled to see I had added his new Moshi sticker book and Moshi figures for him...

A picture definitely speaks a thousand words!

I'm linking this with...

The theme this week is Expressions



The funny things kids say and do

Having had the Mini Mes at home the past two weeks for Easter, I've been able to have a lot more conversations with them and listen in on a few too!

 

 

Me: Come on kids, grab your shoes.

Minxy: We aren't goats mum. Please refer to us as children!

 

 

Minxy: Why do you think grown ups don't appreciate bad behaviour?

Jamster: Because they are grumpy!

 

 

Jamster: Can I borrow your Pillow Pet please?

Minxy: Yes but please don't dribble on it. I don't want it getting disgusting.

 

 

Minxy: What are you doing mum?

Me: Just listing a few things on eBay.

Minxy: Can you sell people? Can we sell Jamster?

 

 

Minxy: If this was Come Dine With Me I'd probably give you a 9 out of 10 mum for your cooking. Maybe a 10.

I found this lovely award from Minxy for apparently being kind to her... and a prize too of some of my own chocolate! It's the thought that counts I guess.

 

What funny things has your child said this week?

I'm linking this with...

 

Reasons to be happy

 

My reasons to be happy

We are currently enjoying a family holiday in Torquay, 5 days away from the norm at the seaside. Perfect. The weather has been surprising good considering how it has been the past few weeks so I'm very thankful for that!

Torquay October 2010

Another birthday this week with Minxy turning 9. She received lots of lovely gifts and we enjoyed a family meal out on Sunday to celebrate. I'm happy to have such a bright and kind daughter who is turning into a little lady.

The weight loss continues. I've not really been calorie counting the past few weeks and I've managed to still lose a few pounds which I'm so pleased about. Once we return from our holiday I'll be increasing the exercise considerably though while I'm searching for a new job.

 

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Meal Planning Monday

Woohoo! It's holiday time for us this week and we are heading to Torquay for a few days. I'm hoping the weather remains sunny as it has been over the weekend so we can fully enjoy the local attractions. I have of course packed paper, pens, cards and a variety of toys just in case it does snow/thunder/hail while there but fingers crossed they won't be required!

 Meals for this week...

Quorn masala with naan bread


Yep, that is the only meal that is planned for this week, which we are taking down in the cool bag to eat upon arrival. The rest of the time we will be eating out or picking up what we fancy as and when. I prefer to be relaxed during holidays which includes eating and dieting even if it involves spending a few more pounds.


I'd also like to wish Minxy a very happy 9th birthday today!!

I'm not sure how she has grown from this tiny baby so quickly into my tween princess.
Time goes so fast. Time for another?!...

 

What's on your menu this week?

I'm linking this over with At Home With Mrs M.

Reasons to be happy

 

My reasons to be happy

My little man is 7 today - Happy birthday Jamster! We are going to the cinema to see The Croods and out for lunch to celebrate. He has received so many lovely gifts from family and friends, all of which I am very thankful for! I don't know where the past few years have gone, he is a proper little man now.

It's half term which means no early morning wake ups and lots of fun with the Mini Mes. We have some Easter crafts and baking to do and we are heading to the seaside in a few days time too. I do love lazy days and a relaxed routine.

A good friend of mine treated me to lunch the other day to say thank you for all of the bits and bobs that I give her for her little ones. She is a lovely lady and it was really nice being picked up from work, taken to the pub and dropped back home after a delicious meal. Thank you!
 

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

The Easter break fast approaches and I can't wait to spend a fortnight with the Mini Mes. Both of their birthdays are during this break so I'm looking forward to celebrating with them being at home rather than school! We have lots planned including a trip to Torquay with friends, a few cinema visits and days out at the zoo.

The school Easter fete is being held today and Minxy has offered to work on her stall, selling ice cream! She is always keen to help others and is very kind in that way which makes me a rather proud mummy. Hopefully we can win some eggs on the raffle while we are there!

We are going to Drayton Manor at the weekend and I'm really looking forward to a day out as a family. I'm hoping the weather improves a little though as it seems bitterly cold out there again but hopefully it will be a nice way to enjoy the Mr's birthday (yep, 3 family birthdays in the space of 14 days eek).

 

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

I'm very thankful for my family today. Knowing that their love and support is endless and to have each member here and healthy is a blessing. I love them all dearly and I will be thinking of someone in particular today, as many in the blogging community will be, as she lays her baby to rest.

　

I'm thankful for the dog. A little bit random I know, but as I was never keen on the idea of having a puppy originally he is a lovely pet. He will always come over for a snuggle at just the right time and it is sweet to see him eager to say goodnight to the children each night. He sits patiently on the bottom step waiting to be called upstairs after they have been tucked in and he will pop his head in each room for a nosey before heading back downstairs to his own bed for the evening.

　

I'm thankful for my mummy. With Mother's Day being this Sunday I thought it would be nice for her to know that I am grateful for all that she does for me and has done for me over the years.

I'm happy to have booked our first holiday of the year and I'm looking forward to a break. We are actually going away with friends for the first time so it will be nice for the kids to all play together.

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

Half term is almost here random butt shuffle dance across the lounge which means a week off school and a week off work too. We have tickets to the Gruffalo's Child and lots of baking and craft activities on the agenda although to be honest I'm just looking forward to a lay in each morning and spending time with the Mini Mes!

We have our bedroom being decorated finally so it is going to be looking very beautiful, very soon. New carpet is being fitted on Saturday and I have this lush new bed arriving the following week...

... yes it has a tv in it! I absolutely love it and have many times walked past the bed shop drooling at the site of it. We have a new memory mattress to go with it too. Comfort here we come!!

My mum is my third reason to be happy this week. She plods along through life doing so much for others and she is very loving and kind. I've actually done a random act of kindness today and sent her some flowers to ensure she knows I love her.

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

A weekend in Blackpool - Merlin

Blackpool is the first place the Mr and I went away to as a couple so it was nice to return there last weekend with the Mini Mes in tow and Merlin passes in hand.

The Big Ticket give you access to 7 top attractions that will keep you and your family busy for several days or a rather fun-packed weekend. The ticket includes the Blackpool Tower Eye, Circus, Dungeon, Ballroom and Jungle Jim's plus the Sea Life centre and Madame Tussauds which are all within walking distance along the sea front.

The Blackpool Tower Circus

Situated within the Blackpool Tower, the Circus is great for all of the family. We arrived early as seats are not allocated and we ended up on the front row with a fantastic view of all the action. There are snacks available at reasonable prices and clown face painting before the show and during the interval at £1.50 -  great value.

The show itself is very entertaining with varied acts including dancing, juggling, plate spinning, acrobatics and more. There are opportunities for audience participation with singing and booing the bad guys which the children particularly enjoyed!

We saw the Christmas show, Alice’s Adventures in Mooky’s Circus Wonderland, which runs until 20th January 2013. Featuring favourite characters from the story including the Mad Hater and The White Rabbit you can watch as the different performances try to impress The Queen of Hearts. The show is in two halves of around 45 minutes and we all really enjoyed it. The Mini Mes giggled along at the silly clown and they loved the daring skills of the rabbits.

You can see some action of the circus shows here:

Madame Tussauds

With several floors of wax figures that have taken over 800 hours of  moulding, measuring, painting and sculpting to create each one, you will feel as though you are with the real celebrities themselves - they are so life-like! Whether you are a movie lover or sports fan there is something for everyone with 7 categories of people to view including pop stars and comedians. You can have your photo taken with your family on a huge deck chair and at a police station with your chance to purchase the pictures at the end of your visit. There are some interactive parts to enjoy including the Who Wants to be a MiIlionaire game, ball throwing, golf and a mirror maze to work through.

We were the first to arrive Sunday morning and it was lovely and quiet to have a leisurely stroll around without queuing. We were there for around 90 minutes although we could of stayed longer and the gift shop has a great variety of products for the perfect souvenir on the way out.

Sea Life

We are big lovers of fish having a large tropical aquarium of our own and the Sea Life centre is an educational yet fun attraction to visit. With the huge tanks of colourful fish and plenty of information boards, the Mini Mes (and I) learnt quite a lot about different species, eating habits and living conditions that they didn't previously know. The trail and interactive wall displays allow little ones to explore and discuss what they see and there are several different areas to view. There is a section where you can pop your hands in the water to handle shrimp and star fish too which was really enjoyable.

The layout is well planned to allow lots of space to view the sea life without having to wait your turn and it is easy for small children or those in prams or wheelchairs to see too. There is a soft play area and cafe including several vending machines serving food, drinks and ice cream if you need to stop off for a break.

Blackpool Tower Ballroom

Situated on the first floor of the Blackpool Tower, the ballroom is stunning in appearance and a lovely location for a bite to eat and a dance with your partner. There is plenty of seating and combined with the music it provides a relaxing environment and a break for all the family.

Due to the high winds we were unable to access the Tower Eye so we decided to save the passes and visit again early in the new year to go to the Dungeons and Jungle Jim's also for a day trip. I really like Blackpool as a seaside break within the UK and I would highly recommend the Merlin passes while there to make the most of your holiday. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and look forward to returning - Winter is the perfect time to go as despite being out of season all of the attractions are quieter and indoors so out of the cold.

We stayed at the Number One South Beach Hotel which provides 5 star luxury to both couples and families. Each guest room has it's own style to match your taste and mood and we were made to feel very welcome with friendly and helpful staff on hand. We stayed in the Drama room which was wonderful with a separate sleeping area for the children, whirlpool bath and plasma TV. The breakfast was delicious too!

*We received Merlin passes and a hotel stay for the purpose of this review*

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?

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?

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!

Back Soon!

We are having a family break for a few days but we will be back later this week!
Hopefully my scheduled posts will appear like magic when they are supposed to.

If you need to get in touch you can email me.