McBusted Announce Forestry Commission Concert (PLUS Your Chance To Win)

McBusted have announced a West Country date as part of Forest Live, organised by the Forestry Commission, where acts perform in spectacular woodland locations around the country. The band will be the sixth and final headline act to appear at Westonbirt Arboretum this summer. 

Have you got your tickets yet?

McBusted formed in 2013 when Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd from McFly joining forces with James Bourne and Matt Willis from Busted. Together Busted and McFly have sold over 15 million records worldwide and chalked up 14 number ones, 20 top 3 singles and 27 top ten singles. The popularity of the new supergroup was reflected in them playing the UK’s largest arena tour of 2014, to a staggering 350,000 people across 35 sold out shows culminating with headlining in London’s Hyde Park. Their unique Forest Live date at Westonbirt will see the band perform a powerhouse of hits such as: ‘Five Colours In Her Hair’, ‘Obviously’, ‘All About You’, ‘What I Go To School For’, ‘You Said No’ and ‘Crashed the Wedding’.

Mini Makes - Granola Breakfast Bites

We baked Chocolate and Granola Muffins just the other day and this week we decided to make some granola cereal bars which are great as an alternative to a sit down breakfast. Mornings can be busy and sometimes we need to eat on the go for convenience so these are ideal. They are really easy to make too which is always a bonus - I like to spend as little time as possible in the kitchen and as much time with my feet up!

You will need

Family Fun at Greenwood Forest Park

Named the best family attraction in North Wales for the past 4 years, GreenWood Forest Park caught our eye while travelling around Snowdonia during April. Entry for the four of us would have been just under £40 so for a day of entertainment that's really good value. The setting is very natural and relaxing and dogs are welcome on site too which is certainly a bonus when on holiday with pets.

Aimed more so at younger children, the attraction has a combination of indoor and outdoor play areas plus some furry and feathered friends to see too. It really is a place of adventure, fun and confidence building with the challenges to get involved with. We began our day by going on the Green Dragon Coaster which is a people powered ride, the only world's only, where you can email the snap shot to yourself to print at home for just £1.50 at the end. I thought this was such a great idea!

Hot Wheels Super Speed Blastway Review

Jamster has always loved playing with cars and over the years he has built up a vast collection of Hot Wheels tracks and diecast vehicles. The latest set to be added to the toy box is the Super Speed Blastway which at only £22.99 is quite an affordable toy to purchase.

There are two launch bays where cars can be loaded and when the triggers are pressed they zoom around the track which activates the pit crew pegs to pop up into the air. The idea is to be the first person to release them all above the grandstand and raise the finish flag - it's seriously fast moving and great for competitive play! Some skill is required but generally anyone can have a go. The way the trigger is pressed can alter the speed that the car travels at slightly so you need to get it just right to go round the loop successfully. I think that just adds to the enjoyment.

Craft Subscription Packs From toucanBox (PLUS Your Chance To Win)

Do you ever have the urge to get crafty with your children, but don’t know where to start when it comes to getting materials? It’s difficult to remember to save every gloopy lolly stick, especially when you’re out and about.

If this sounds like you, then toucanBox is the answer! 

They make craft boxes for 3 - 8 year old children which are filled with everything required to ignite their creativity and transport them to another world. Each box contains a unique project to complete with the support of an adult... although if you’re anything like me, you’ll enjoy it just as much as your little one.

We are giving you the chance to win a 3 MONTH SUBSCRIPTION to the TWO CRAFT Grande box.

This contains:

WIN a Spa Day For Two!

Win a Ragdale Experience Day for two people at award winning Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa (worth £180 – valid Monday to Friday)

Ragdale Hall, located in the rolling Leicestershire countryside, combines state-of-the-art facilities with the charm of traditional Victorian architecture to create one of the most luxurious and relaxing health spas in the country. Wheather you are looking for total relaxation, me-time and pampering or to kick-start a healthier lifestyle, Ragdale Hall is the perfect choice. Our great selection of spa days and breaks include something for everyone.

You and a friend could spend a relaxing day (valid Monday – Friday) at Ragdale Hall in Leicestershire on a Ragdale Experience Day to include:

• Light lunch in the Verandah Bar.
• Plus use of all of Ragdale’s facilities including the multi-million pound Thermal Spa featuring candle pool, indoor/outdoor waterfall and a series of heat and water experiences plus two further pools, including whirlpool bath and cascade
• Gym, exercise classes and outdoor facilities.

NB 10.30am arrival - 6.30pm departure.

Mini Makes #8 - Chocolate and Granola Muffins

I had two bags of granola hiding away in the cupboard fast approaching their expiry dates, and a packet of chocolate, so I decided to use them up while baking over the bank holiday weekend. The Mini Mes were happy to get involved while it was raining outside so we ended up with an activity to keep us occupied and some treats to eat at the end - win win!

You will need
(Makes approx 12)

Would You Purchase Adult Games For Your Children?

I'm quite strict when it comes to the apps and games the Mini Mes play. I get a notification every time they download something to their Kindle Fire HDs but they know to ask beforehand and I have a thorough look at exactly what it is they wish to play. I don't want them to be subjected to anything inappropriate, mainly to prevent nightmares at their age, and it can be hard for a child to distinguish the difference between reality and the virtual world at times, especially when graphics today are far more advanced than when I was a child. You can never be certain of the long term effects adult themed games can have on young minds either so I'd rather be safe than sorry.

My Voucher Codes recently sent me a survey on gaming habits, as part of their research into how social media and technology impacts our lives, and the results were quite shocking to read in Digital Connect Magazine. As many as 30% of UK parents purchase adult games for their children, with 35% not even playing them beforehand to see if they are suitable. These games often include violence, drugs and sex similar to the games listed below and I would definitely not let the Mini Mes watch or play things that are aimed at those aged 18 and over - however much they may protest in the future. 

Age restrictions are in place for a valid reason, surely?

Our New Arrivals

As you may have seen on Instagram, we collected a beautiful Border Collie just before Christmas to join our little family. We have Spartan already, the same breed that we bought as a puppy, and we had hoped a companion would've been lovely for him. Unfortunately however Spartan wasn't fond of the playful ball of fluff and he became very withdrawn, refusing food after just a few days, and therefore we had to say farewell to the new poochie much to everyone's disappointment. It was certainly for the best as although we were sad to see him go Spartan was here first and it was unkind to leave him so miserable. His happiness had to be priority as responsible dog owners and although it was difficult the Mini Mes did understand.

As the weeks went by I thought more and more about getting a different pet to fill that empty space in our hearts and after our trip to the Welsh Mountain Zoo at Easter it was obvious how much the Mini Mes adore rabbits. The decision was made.

 I ordered a hutch and set it up secretly one evening (please remind me how bad I am at flat-pack if I purchase furniture in the future) and a few days later I collected not one but two new bunnies from the local pet shop within the garden centre.

The excitement was a little overwhelming for Minxy who shed a tear and hugged me so tightly I felt I  may pop and Jamster was thrilled too, his huge grin was proof of that. They have been taking great care of them and they are always the first thing they mention when waking up and going to the last before they go to bed.

So let me introduce, Stampy, Bobby and their accommodation which is currently situated on our patio.