Family Fun at West Lodge Farm Park (WIN Tickets)

Like many families we've been counting down the days to not only pubs and restaurants reopening (hello beer gardens) but farms and zoos too. We are big fans of animals and with it being spring we've been excited to see, pet and feed all of the newborn lambs, kids and calves, so I decided to book tickets to West Lodge Farm Park which is situated in Desborough, Northamptonshire. 

This is quite a small attraction in comparison to many but the price reflects this with tickets costing just £7.50pp for a weekend booking (peak time) and just £2 for toddlers at the moment. It's definitely good value for a nice morning or afternoon out. There is a large adventure playground and barrel rides for little ones but with my teens in tow we were particularly keen to visit the paddocks, signed walks and nature trails on this occasion. 

Upon entry (there are currently staggered entry times currently to minimise social contact) you can purchase animal feed for 50p a bag before walking through a large gift shop and the new delicatessen which is full of different toys, meats and eggs to purchase - the perfect place to pick up a little souvenir from your trip. 

Back To School Labels (PLUS Your Chance To Win)

The school year seemed to fly by and now as September approaches I'm preparing for another term and sending my little ones back through the gates excitedly into new classes. Like all parents, I don't want their shiny shoes, crisp white shirts and jumpers (which cost a small fortune) to go missing so labelling uniform is a wise option and something I do every summer. 

 

Petit Fernand have a great range of customisable stickers and they have kindly sent packs for both of the Mini Mes to use - there is a chance to win some for yourselves too.

 

 

Image from Petit-Fernand

 

 

Ordering is really straight forward and the website is easy to navigate. I selected the school packs which consist of 40 Iron-on name labels, 30 Stick-on name labels, 20 Stick-on name labels, 40 Stick-

Around The World With Bernard Matthews

I quite regularly pick up a few packets of precooked meat when doing the weekly food shop as they are ideal for sandwiches, mixed with salads or served with jacket potatoes. I'd never really thought about using them as the protein in our family dinners however, but I was challenged to do so by Bernard Matthews in their Around The World in Five Days challenge so I thought I'd give it a go!

The idea was to serve a different themed meal each evening for 5 consecutive days using different types of turkey pieces (you can try using your leftover turkey at Christmas too if you wanted). The recipes and food was provided, along with some props, and we actually discovered just how versatile the turkey is, with one meal in particular making its way onto our meal planner quite frequently since.

Father's Day With Braun

When it comes to Father's Day gifts I often struggle with ideas. Socks and chocs are a little bit boring
whereas I worry that expensive or quirky gifts won't be appreciated; his tastes are forever changing and I want to make a purchase that won't be left to gather dust! Opting for something practical is therefore my plan this year and the Braun Series 3 Shaver will be ideal.

The Mr received one recently and he dumped his old razor rapidly and replaced it with this sleek machine. He has only used it a few times so far but it does such a great job on both his hair and beard (even when in the shower) that he won't be switching back. He has even packed it for the Isle of Man TT this week!

The Mr doesn't shave daily (more so because I prefer the rough and rugged look than him being lazy) yet this shaver glides through thick stubble with ease. It is shaped nicely for great grip and with adjustable blades it moves around the contours of his face comfortably. It has a locking head however for upper lip precision which he has said is useful too. Braun really have thought of everything!


"It's a seriously good bit of kit" - The Mr

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.

30 Wishes

Just a few days ago I joined club 30. I waved goodbye to my twenties and celebrated my birthday with family and friends over a delicious Indian meal with just one or two (bottles of) alcoholic beverages. I'd been dreading it to be honest, it felt as though my youth was coming to a bitter end and I was about to burst with grey hair and wrinkles (getting older is daunting for everyone, right?) but I decided to do something positive to mark my special day with Balloon Time instead.

Balloon Time kits are a convenient way to fill balloons at home in preparation for any celebration. They can easily transform a room and make it far more festive whether it's for a wedding day, christening or baby shower - whatever you like, and if you are a little adventurous you could create some bouquets or centre pieces for the table. You can even give them away to guests as favours at the end of the event which the children in particular will appreciate too. 

New Shoes

Ensuring the Mini Mes have properly fitted footwear is really important when it comes to their growth and development as wearing incorrect shoes can cause no end of issues for tiny toes. We generally have our feet measured at Brantano every 3 months as advised, and have done for several years, but it's always lovely to be invited to a store to review their service and receive new shoes in the process, which we were asked to do recently.

Upon arrival we were greeted by staff and shown to the fitting area. There is a table of WOW Toys to keep little ones entertained and also a large variety of stationery, bags, umbrellas and other accessories to browse while waiting. The wait wasn't long however and within minutes the Mini Mes had taken off their existing Nike footwear and were stood on the iPad foot gauge to have their feet sized. The device used was from Clarks and with whole and half size measurements and four different widths it really helps to ensure the perfect fit. It's interactive (they can pick a character, insert their name and age) which means children can really get involved with the entire experience.

Brilliant Beauty Buys (PLUS Your Chance To Win)

I'm on a bit of a mission this year (as I mentioned in my beauty haul post just here) to boost my confidence and take care of little old me a little bit more as I approach the big three zero - EEK. Therefore I've been treating myself to the odd beauty product baskets full and I've become dedicated to my daily skincare routine since January. Panda eyes from last nights makeup is not a look I've seen in quite some time, thankfully, and I'm looking and feeling so much better for it.

I've even received quite a few lovely items from companies to put to the test recently and here are some of the latest ones I've been using...

Time Bomb Black Ops Dark Circle Rescue - £36

This is shaped perfectly for easy application around the eyes although you can apply a small amount to your fingertips to gently rub in if you wish. It is to be used twice a day, focusing on the darker under eye area and the corners and it really is quite magical! It reflects light well, with a shimmering look, even underneath makeup, so your imperfections and bags are minimalised. Perhaps a bit pricey for the size but it definitely does what it says on the packaging! It is ideal for hyper-pigmentation too.

Family Fun at The Welsh Mountain Zoo

Voted one of the top ten attractions in North Wales, the Welsh Mountain Zoo is a lovely place for a day trip, especially as it reasonably low cost too. For just £38.10 a family of four like ours can spend the day interacting with animals, watching creatures big and small being fed and having lots of outdoor play at the Jungle Adventureland. We have just returned from a holiday at Conwy over Easter and this attraction really appealed to the Mini Mes.

After paying from your vehicle at the entrance you drive around to the car park which is in the centre of the zoo. It's a really picturesque location with some stunning views across the Snowdonia Mountain range, Isle of Anglesey and the coastline. If you don't want to take your car you can always pop on the free mini bus between May and September from the railway station nearby instead however.

Equestrian Fun with Star Stable (PLUS Your Chance To Win)

Star Stable is a 3D virtual game which combines both equestrian role play and fantasy fun that the children (or kids at heart) can enjoy. It's ideal for those that love horses or animals in general and being a MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) they can chat safely online with friends to build their social skills without even leaving the house.

Apart from many educational benefits which include teaching your children about caring for animals, they can select and name horses for their personal stable before training them, competing in races and solving mysteries along the way. There really is so much to do and Minxy in particular has really liked this game so far. It's also far cheaper than riding lessons or purchasing her a new pet which many mums and dads will appreciate!

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. 

'Home' The Movie Toys Review

I'm not sure who is more excited about seeing the latest film from Dreamworks; Home. It looks like a feel good family must-see for Easter and we will be going to watch it next week at our local cinema. The Mini Mes are very much looking forward to it with pick n mix and popcorn to hand, and I think the main character will be so cute and lovable on screen having seen the trailer several times upon request!

"When Oh, a lovable misfit from another planet, lands on Earth and finds himself on the run from his own people, he forms an unlikely friendship with an adventurous girl named Tip who is on a quest of her own.  Through a series of comic adventures with Tip, Oh comes to understand that being different and making mistakes is all part of being human.  And while he changes her planet and she changes his world, they discover the true meaning of the word HOME"

 In the meantime we have been sent some movie merchandise to enjoy in our own home. Flair have a great collection of toys with all the recognisable characters from the movie including Oh, Tip and Captain Smek so children can bring the world of BOOV's to life through play.

Silent Sunday

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A Special Delivery from Appleyard London

If you are looking for a gift that oozes elegance this Mother's Day, look no further. Appleyard London create beautiful flower bouquets for all occasions and with a passion to bring boutique styling to your door you will no doubt be pleased with the design and quality of your delivery.

My vase is usually empty and gathering dust (the Mr really doesn't take a hint!) so I was delighted to receive the Liberty arrangement to review.

"Beautiful crisp white scented oriental lilies, lilac memory lane roses with bold purple eustoma and country garden blue veronica."

I love pastel pinks and purples so these were ideal for me.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Flowers and chocolates are always gratefully received at Mother's Day but there are some lovely gift solutions available that make amazing alternatives to these traditional items. Here are a few of the ones we received recently that will certainly put a smile on mums face this Sunday!

At Home With House of Fraser

Last year we had a beautiful new kitchen fitted and I've been looking for a few finishing touches recently. It's the little things like matching place mats, colour coded electricals, vases, plus other pretty accessories that really complete the look and bring it all together, isn't it? 

House of Fraser have far more homeware products than I realised and I had a really nice time browsing the website for a few bits. I've already picked up some new plates and cutlery but these cute red stoneware Linea Maison egg cups were great value and a nice addition to the table for breakfast; just £3.60 for a set of 4.

Being red they complement the kitchen well too.

A Family Feast with Bella Italia

We eat out quite regularly as a family but I'd never thought about going to Bella Italia until an invitation to do so popped up in my email account. There isn't one that locally to us and I certainly wasn't aware that they had such an amazing children's menu as they do - you can have a smaller portion of an adults meal which is ideal for Minxy and Jamster as they generally eat the same as we do.

We were invited to the Milton Keynes restaurant on Savoy Crescent where nearby parking after 6pm is free. We were the only people there when we arrived so we could take our pick from the tables but by the time we left, an hour and half later, staff were turning people away as it was fully booked! This was proof that the food and  service were really good, especially for a Monday. It's definitely wise to book in advance like we did.

5 Places to Visit When in Luxembourg (With Kids)

A few months ago we had a wonderful opportunity where we travelled by land and sea for a family break in Luxembourg. We had possibly the most relaxing holiday I've ever experienced, despite being miles from sand and sunshine, and I would certainly recommend it as a location to visit if you are looking for peaceful and beautiful surroundings. 

We had some great days out and these are our recommendations:

1 Mullerthal Trail and Schiessentumpel Waterfall

Good physical condition and footwear is required for this walk but it's certainly worth it as it's such great fun and the scenery is stunning! Everything is just so green. The walk takes you up and down some rather unstable steps (no hand rails) for around 10 minutes, with the flowing water below. There is of course the option to skip the walk and take a stroll along the roadside path to the waterfall itself, if you don't want to miss out on it's beauty, where you can stand on the bridge to see the waterfall from a birdseye view. It's a great place for photographs and to sit with a book or picnic.

5 Fun Apps The Mini Mes Love

Although time on the tablets is limited, the Mini Mes certainly have their favourite games to play. I must admit there are quite a few that are probably more suited to children that I really enjoy too! 

Here are some of our their most loved apps.

Crossy Road

If you were a fan of Flappy Bird this is likely to prove popular in your home. With cars coming across the roads to avoid, trains on tracks to dodge and logs on rivers to cross you need to react quickly and move fast. You can take your pick from a variety of characters to be and by tapping the screen you can travel in different directions. It's great for developing hand eye coordination and it should get the kids to be more aware of traffic in the real world too.