WIN an Outdoor Adventure with Steve Backshall and The Brave Bones Club

At the weekends you can often find us climbing trees like Tarzan, rummaging through fallen leaves looking for bugs and searching for fairies among the bluebells. We love the great outdoors as a family and if we aren't exploring forests and woods in the UK we are playing in sand and splash pools abroad, just like we were last week in Zante!

If you too enjoy the fun and fresh air of being outside this competition is probably ideal for you. Steve Backshall has teamed up with The Brave Bones Club, (an initiative set up by Cheestrings and Yollies) which encourages people to have safe but brave adventures and this is the perfect way to build confidence while making magical memories outside. 

Check out the video below for more details...

Christmas Gift Giveaway - Day 16

My Christmas Gift Giveaway is back! 30 days, 30+ fantastic prizes.

A little thank you from me to my followers this year.

WIN a Thule RideAlong worth £120

Delicious Barbequed Meals for the UK Summer

So it’s June and you can jump for joy knowing you’ve survived winter and that the weather will steadily warm up until the short-lived but delicious English summer is upon us!! While the BBQ is an Aussie/American institution, more and more Brits are honing their skills on not only learning how to ‘throw another shrimp on the barbie’, but how to cook it to absolute perfection. Here are some meals to try this summer that are sure to please the troops.

Starters

‘Summer-fy’ your bread by chucking it on the barbie, not only is it ridiculously quick, but you’ll add

Silent Sunday

Silent Sunday

National Walking Month

Even the shortest of walks can become a great adventure when children are involved and with May being National Walking Month it's time to pop on your footwear and head outside!



Source



We do quite a lot of walking as a family, more so since getting our dog Spartan last January. It used to always feel like a chore but when you discover places you never knew existed, picturesque scenery and wildlife it is thoroughly enjoyable and something I would recommend for all families to take part in. You can have great fun playing in the British countryside - it's beneficial to both your health and happiness!



Our most regular and favourite walk is in the local fields. They are basically on our doorstep and they are ideal for football, kite flying and exploring! There is a small wooded area that has beautiful views and is usually damp and muddy for the Mini Mes to squelch about it wearing their wellies! On the other side we have the back of a large factory where we all take a guess at how many trailers will be parked up while we play fetch with the dog in the grass, make daisy chains and keep watch for rabbits. Further along there are huge hills to climb in an old off-roading track and lots of puddles to splash about in. It's usually very peaceful here and you can really unwind with the fresh air while getting some exercise in too.

Walking isn't always just about where you go, it's more about what you do and who you are with.
It's a great way to bond with family.

With another bank holiday on the way why not check out your local forest, park or woods and get outdoors for some family fun.

More information on walking and family fitness can be found here and here.

AXA PPP healthcare are holding a live chat where health nurse Kamilla Doughery will be on hand to answer your baby and child allergy questions that you may have regarding the great outdoors. The chat will take place on the AXA PPP healthcare website on Wednesday 29th May at 11-1pm.
You can leave a question in advance here.

We've asked "What natural products can you use to help reduce/prevent hay fever?" which will hopefully help both the Mr and the kids in the future!

You can also pop over to the AXA PPP healthcare Facebook page where you can get more information on family fitness and walking throughout the month: www.facebook.com/AXAPPP


Do you have a favourite walk?



*This is a sponsored post*
 

Cool Family Activities to do over the Summer

When the children are off school all Summer it’s difficult to keep them entertained without spending an arm or a leg. Nowadays it is imperative that you look online for events local to you on directory websites, to be able to get out and about as a family for as cheaply as possible.

Do not be scared to compare places depending on their prices, as long as it is an activity, and gets you out of the house, with a change of scenery, you will all have something to experience.

Another option is monitoring online competitions, which are often advertised via social media, such as this one from Wow247 where you can win an annual Merlin pass allowing you entry into over thirty attractions for free for four people (normally costing £146!). This also means exclusive offers on short breaks within resorts such as Legoland and Chessington Hotel.

You could also find some free activities online to do such as arranged park explorations to identify animals, trails and their habitats. Check out the top film releases and buy a family ticket to receive a discount.

If it’s enjoying your own home that you want to do then get baking with the kids, teaching them about ingredients, shopping for a recipe and culinary skills. What better excuse to invite friends and family round for a tea party afterwards to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Hopefully, you’ve been inspired to keep your eyes out on the Internet for discount deals, as well as competitions and free activities to keep you all busy over the holidays for a realistic price.

*Sponsored guest post*

Pennywell farm and Wildlife Centre

Situated in South Devon, only a few miles from Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay, is Pennywell Farm and Wildlife Centre; a fantastic interactive family day out.

Upon entry you arrive in Pets Corner where you can cuddle up with your favourite smaller sized animals with friendly staff on hand to answer any questions. The Mini Mes thoroughly enjoyed this area (as did I) where they got to hold goats, rabbits and even their famous miniature pigs!

 

The Main Barn next door is where a lot of the activities take place and with it's large seating area there is plenty of room for everyone to get involved. We listened to an informative yet interesting talk on goat milking and then had the opportunity to take part too, earning a stamp for the Mini Mes certificates in the process.

If you collect 6 stamps during your visit a child can enter for free when you return - a great idea!

There is a new activity every half an hour including egg collecting, falconry displays, ferret racing and a family entertainer so there is always something to keep you occupied throughout your trip. We remained in the barn and fed the newborn lambs next which is a truly lovely experience for both young and old. There are plenty of bottles to go round to ensure everyone gets a turn.

All rides are included within the admission charge of £11.95 for adults and £9.95 for children (under 3's go free) which I felt was very good value.

The Tractor and Trailer ride takes you out into the fields where you can look for a variety of animals that are displayed in the trees and bushes. The driver got out briefly to discuss the views and local area.


The Run Rabbit Go Carts are suitable for children aged 8+ as they can pick up speed quite quickly and younger children may struggle to reach the pedals. Minxy and the Mr went on these and had a great time racing under the bridge while Jamster and I cheered them on from above!


The Rainbow Railway is a small train that does several circuits of a track, ideal for the whole family.


The Red Rocket is great fun for those over 4. The two wheeled barrels are pulled along for a bouncy ride!

We wandered around, fussed and fed a variety of animals and groomed some ponies too. There are plenty of sheep, horses, pigs and even deer to get up close to which we all really enjoyed.

Apart from the rides and animals there are trampolines, a play area for under 5's, ride-ons, bouncy castles, sand pits and an assault course to play on. There is a willow maze to explore, a tower with a nice view across the land, a variety of cafes, areas for picnics and pond dipping.

There is plenty to do and see for a full day of fun and I would definitely return again. I would say that Pennywell is the best farm for hands-on fun that I've ever been to!

 

Minxy: "It was awesome! I loved holding the tiny pigs."

Jamster: "The best day ever."

If you wish to find out more about Pennywell Farm and Wildlife Centre, book tickets, arrange a birthday party or plan a school trip you can head over to their website: http://www.pennywellfarm.co.uk/

 

*** WIN ***

 

The lovely team at Pennywell have kindly provided a family pass (2 adults, 2 children) to giveaway so you can have a great family day out too!

 

You can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below before 18th May 2013.

Good luck!
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Youth

 

 

The lack of responsibility, commitment or pressure is what youth is all about.

Having fun, laughing, playing and enjoying yourself ...without a care in the world.

“Play keeps us vital and alive. It gives us an enthusiasm for life that is irreplaceable. Without it, life just doesn’t taste good”

Lucia Capocchione

 

I'm linking this with...

The theme this week is Youth



Outdoor fun... win a Forestry Commission Discovery Pass

My chest infection has unfortunately returned and resulted in me spending very little time outdoors this week although I've tried to ensure the Mini Mes have been outside for fresh air and fun as much as possible in the gardens.

 

They have been running about with the dog, using chalk to doodle on the paths and the water guns to squirt the fences... even the neighbours washing (oops) in the process!

 

 

Once I return to full health I'm very much looking forward to going further afield to the local forests to explore, learn and play in the beautiful, natural surroundings. Being an Official Forest Blogger I received an annual Discovery Pass providing access to Fineshade and Salcey Forest earlier this year;  a great way to get all the family outdoors together, come rain or shine.

 

Spending more time outside is not only one of our resolutions but it is a great way to teach the importance of looking after the environment to children and exercising too. We love forests as a family and we have the opportunity to provide a Discovery Pass to one of you to enjoy the same great times in a local forest of your choice.

 

*** WIN ***

 

For your chance to win a Discovery Pass to a forest of your choice you can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below.

The giveaway closes on 13th April 2013.

Good luck!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 

• The prize is for one Discovery Pass   
• A Discovery Pass is valid for a specific location
• The pass is valid for 12 months and gives free parking for one car at the designated location.
• There are additional benefits to the pass which include a seasonal e-newsletter, with forest news and events and generous discount vouchers for shops and activities on and off site.

 

 

For further information please visit:  http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pass

  

   

Family fun - dog walking and puddles

Thankfully the snow has gone and the rain has stopped but the huge puddles still remain!

We have taken the poochie out a few times this week before the Mr has returned from work for some fresh air and some exercise.

The Mini Mes love throwing Spartan's ball into the puddles and getting splashed as he jumps in to fetch it. They like throwing in pebbles to watch the ripples and walking through them to see how deep the water is. Hopefully it won't be long until it's warm enough to take the football without it getting stuck in mud!

Have you had fun outdoors this week?


I'm linking this with...

Our week that was... new beds, food and outdoor fun

Sunday the Mr and I decided to go on a hunt for a new mattress, as despite being only 2 years old our current one isn't very comfortable. This resulted in us buying new carpet, a TV bed, pillows and a new mattress and we looked at new beds for the Mini Mes too.... Oops - but worth it!

Monday we went on a bike and scooter ride after school for some outdoor fun and fresh air. Minxy has a basket on her bike which was handy for bringing back a few bits of shopping in too. We didn't get out as much this week as I would have liked but with it being half term now we will be outdoors a lot next week.

Tuesday Spartan decided to join in with my 30 day shred by climbing on me during sit ups!

 Wednesday I received a lovely Weight Watchers hamper of goodies including wine, bonus.

Thursday Minxy had her first swimming lesson in the evening. She loved it and did really well, the instructor said she was confident which was reassuring as I have a phobia of water.

Friday after a busy evening clearing our bedroom out completely ready for the new carpet I popped on a movie and poured the Mr a Jack Daniels Single Malt to relax.

 Saturday As the Mini Mes were really good while the workmen were in today, I treated them to some chocolate eggs, pizza and a movie.

How has your week been?

I'm linking this with...

Fun with snow (and ice)

We have had several inches of the fluffy white stuff over the past few days and as well as the usual snowball fights and snowmen building, we have had fun with the ice and snow in other ways too.

We made these ice decorations by filling plastic containers with water, food colouring, sequins and glitter before allowing them to freeze. I popped some candles into one and the Mini Mes added coloured string to theirs so that they could hang them on the trees and bushes.

We filled a water bottle with water and a few drops of food colouring to enable us to create coloured patterns in the snow.

We created coloured ice marbles for the garden by filling balloons with water and food colouring, allowing them to freeze and then popping and removing the balloons.

We went sledging.

What fun have you had with the snow?

I'm linking this with...

We're going on a bear hunt...

BEARS...

Rather cute bears though!

To make our dog walking a little more exciting we decided to take some inspiration from some books this week and we first chose to make our plod across the fields into a bear hunt!

Inspired by 'We're going on a bear hunt' by Michael Rosen.

I'm linking this with...

Polarn O. Pyret Review

Now that the ice has started to appear on the cars in the morning and the crispy leaves are blowing about in the gusts of Autumn wind, it's time to look at your child's wardrobe and stock up with warmer clothing.

Polarn O. Pyret got in touch and asked if we would like to receive some stylish clothing from their new season clothes collection, which was perfect as the Mini Mes really do need a few more items.

A few days later a lovely package arrived with goodies for both Minxy and Jamster.

Jamster was sent a dark green padded child's coat worth £79. Just upon unwrapping it I felt that it would keep Jamster really warm and that it was great quality by its weight. It has a soft fleece-like lining to keep Jamster snug and the hood is lined and adjustable for extra warmth too. The zip is quite chunky which is ideal for smaller hands to do up themselves at school. As the hem and cuffs are both adjustable it provides a superb, comfortable fit that prevents the cold getting in.

We took it out for an evening walk around the nearby fields and woods....

The reflective parts are especially great for this time of year when they dark hits earlier in the evening. The two zipped pockets to the outside and one netted pocket inside are great for storing bits and bobs like his wallet or toys that he takes on his travels. The zip cover makes the coat look smart and helps to prevent chafing and there is neck and chin protection which is soft against his skin.

From a parents point of view this coat is well worth the money as it really keeps your child warm and I feel as though it will last several years as it's quite durable, if he doesn't grow too much! If it gets grubby, as boys do, it can be popped into the washing machine. The sizing is spot on for his age too. They pretty much thought of everything with this product!

Minxy received a Russian Doll T-shirt to create a lovely layered look - this will be available to purchase from October. Initially I thought it was a little quirky and wouldn't be to Minxy's taste (she loves everything pink!) but she really likes being able to wear it over her vest tops, slighlty off the shoulder. The fabric is soft and it has come up well after a few washes already.

What Minxy says "I like that it's quite baggy and it's very soft and comfortable to wear."

Polarn O. Pyret is a Swedish company with 15 shops within the UK and an online store. You can have a look at their products here: http://polarnopyret.co.uk/

*We received clothing to review. The opinions given are our own*