Pass the Pigs this summer

Pass the Pigs is a classic game using two pig figures in place of dice, with the aim being to throw the pigs hoping that they land in a scoring position. With points scored for positions such as the trotter, leaning jowler, snouter and razorback, the first to score one hundred is the winner. Just be careful to avoid the Makin' Bacon position! There are two great ways to enjoy some Pass the Pigs fun this summer.

The original Pass the Pigs game comes in a handy travel case and includes the pig dice, a score book, instructions and pencils. It's great for rainy days, games nights or for when on the go, with its pocket size format. It is suitable for 2 - 6 players aged 3 and up.

The game is quite fast paced, easy to play and anyone can win, making it good for a range of ages and abilities to play together. Its compact size means it is easy to take anywhere for some piggy passing fun whenever you fancy a game. It is a good game for travelling or when on the road to keep kids entertained.

There is now another way to enjoy Pass the Pigs - a giant, supersized version that will have everyone snorting with laughter!  With super cute, inflatable piggies, the fun is increased. The game comes with two blow up pigs, a scoring booklet, pencils, puncture repair patch and drawstring bag. It is perfect for taking away on holiday or for playing in the garden and is also good for indoor floor play if you have the space to toss the pigs.

The inflatable pigs are great toys in their own right and will be such fun in a pool or on a beach. For the game, you grab them both by the ear and toss them upwards to head height. How they land, dictates how many points you score. The score book has an illustrated guide to all the piggy positions. It is a lot of fun for all the family to enjoy together. From the youngest (3+) to the eldest, everyone can have a go at Giant Pass the Pigs!

Giant Pass the Pigs was recently featured on This Morning as an ideal game for keeping the family entertained this summer!  My family definitely agrees that it is a lot of fun. We've really enjoyed playing it and will be packing it when we go away on holiday later this year.

  

Pass the Pigs in £9.99 RRP and Giant Pass the Pigs is £14.99 RRP.  You can follow Pass the Pigs on social media: Instagram @passthepigsofficial and Twitter @passthepigsuk. Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/passthepigs.

Garnier Ambre Solaire Sun Protection for Kids

Summer is at last here and the sun is doing its very best to shine. We've had some lovely warm days so far this year, so I'm hopeful that 2017 might actually give us the summer we have all been hoping for. With this is mind, it's really important to make sure we have appropriate sun protection for our families to keep everyone safe from harmful UV rays. When it comes to children, their skin is very delicate and vulnerable, so it's important to make sure they are well protected when out in the sun. Garnier Ambre Solaire have a range of sunscreens designed especially for kids' skin, which are hypoallergenic and tested under paediatric control.

We received a selection to sample, which includes their top sun protection products for kids and babies.

Ambre Solaire Kids Sensitive Anti-Sand Sun Cream Spray SPF50 is a unique sun protection spray with a sand repelling action. It's perfect for the beach or sandpit as it helps avoid that itchy sand feeling. It is water resistant,non-sticky and absorbs instantly. The spray mechanism works continuously at all angles making it easy to use, even on wriggly kids!

Ambre Solaire Easy Peasy Kids Swim Protection Spray SPF50 is great to apply before hitting the beach or the pool. It is very water resistant and has a moisturising formula to protect delicate skin. It offers very high protection against sun-induced skin damage. The Ambre Solaire Easy Peasy Trigger Happy Spray SPF50 has a trigger action spray applicator for speedy application. It is very water resistant and instantly absorbs into the skin.

Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Baby in the Shade SPF50 sun cream is a formula that is hypoallergenic, free from perfume and parabens and especially designed for babies' delicate, sensitive skin. It is enriched with a mineral filter for advanced protection against UVA and UVB rays. It gives extra protection to babies who are shading from the sun, and gives reassurance to parents, knowing that their little ones are properly protected. It comes in a convenient 50ml tube that is perfect for popping into your handbag or baby changing bag.

Whether you are on holiday or playing in the garden this summer, it is so important to keep children's skin protected from the harmful effects of the sun. Always make sure sun protection is applied 20 - 30 minutes before going outside and topped up immediately before leaving the house or hotel room, and then reapplied regularly.

Play Factore - a fun day out for the family in Manchester

Visitors to Trafford Quays in Manchester may well be familiar with the iconic Chill Factor building. Based underneath this is the UK's leading indoor play arena, Play Factore, a state of the art play centre for families to enjoy together. We were invited along to their Summer Holiday Play Factore Rio 2016 event and were thrilled to be able to experience this fun filled venue for ourselves.

Entering Play Factore, I was taken aback by the sheer scale of the play equipment from the UK's largest play frame, complete with tunnels, slides, obstacles and an integral sports pitch to the  40 metre long big red slide, which is Europe's largest. Laser tag, go karts and a zip wire, that runs right across the building, add to the entertainment. A dedicated Toddler Area gives a safe place for the under 5's to enjoy.

The staff at the venue were all so welcoming, enthusiastic and warm and clearly passionate about working at the Play Factore. The atmosphere was buzzing.

Play Factore is a place where children can burn off all their excess energy and test themselves physically on the play equipment. They can find different routes through the play frame, climbing up netting, clambouring over giant balls and crawling through tunnels. The maze like nature of the play frame keeps it exciting every time you enter.

The play frame is for children aged 5 - 16 years old, but adults are also allowed on to play, which is lovely for families who want to have fun together. Teens have as much fun as the little ones. The big red slide is the thrilling finale with four lanes for whizzing down at the same time. Perfect for a family race. For grown-ups who would rather leave the playing to the kids, there is plenty of seating to relax with a coffee.

                            


The zip wire is a really cool activity for ages 6 - 16 years old, available during peak times at the venue. The wire runs from a tower at one side of the play arena, over the heads of other customers and coming to a stop at the landing pad on the other side of the building. The zip line team give children a full briefing and make sure everyone is safe and secure.

Freddy, who can sometimes get himself a bit overwhelmed by new experiences, absolutely amazed us by totally owning the zip wire!  This was definitely helped by the lovely staff who were so encouraging and boosted his confidence, allowing him to overcome his nerves. It is so good for kids to feel the fear but do it anyway...so character building! He was so proud of himself.

                              


As part of the Rio Event, there were Brazilian dancers and musicians entertaining the crowds and a big screen showing scenes from the Olympics, adding to the fun. Play Factore have various events through the year.

We were treated to some delicious food in one of the party rooms and enjoyed sampling the freshly baked pizzas from the in-house pizzeria restaurant along with baskets of chips, salad, garlic bread, nachos, fresh fruit salad and cookies. It was a real treat and the food was really good quality.

After a fantastic afternoon of playing, Freddy and his big sisters were thoroughly worn out. Play Factore is a brilliant venue offering state of the art play equipment for all the family. It's great to find a place that the teenagers can enjoy as much as the little ones. Everyone can let off steam and have fun.

Peak prices apply during the school holidays and the charge for a 5 - 16 year old is £11.95 for a two and a half hour play session. Adults are charged £3.95, babies between 6 and 11 months are £1.95 and children between 1 and 4 years are £7.95. The zip wire costs an extra £3.95.

You can find out about Play Factore, including their amazing birthday party packages for kids up to 16 years old at www.playfactore.com.

A Real Parenting Guide for the Summer Holidays

Confessions of a Summer Parent

I adore my little people. But six weeks of unadulterated entertaining over the long summer holidays can take its toll on even the most dedicated parent. At first I am all eager and enthusiastic, planning themed activity weeks and encouraging the children to keep exciting holiday scrapbooks to document the well thought out day trips and character building experiences I have scheduled.  Within a few days, however, my highly motivated mothering gives way to a slightly more apathetic approach where laptops and iPad's feature much more heavily than the eco-friendly, super creative, mind expanding art project that I had in mind. A few days of rain and a few hundred 'what can we do now' comments and we are watching Peppa Pig on a loop and eating Pot Noodles for lunch. 

So, what is the answer when it comes to balancing your sanity while keeping the children happy during the long summer break?

Simple. Trick them into having the sort of fun that serves the secondary purpose of making your life that little bit easier. They will unknowingly be doing something useful and beneficial to you, while having a good time. 

• Grab a big bucket of soapy water and a handful of sponges and excitedly sing the praises of wet play and making bubbles. Then point the kids in the direction of the patio furniture and watch in glee as one of those horrible summer jobs you've been putting off  gets completed under the guise of having some super, splashy sensory fun. If this works out well, you can escalate the 'game' to include washing the family car.

• Get them in the kitchen for some exciting pizza making. Give them ready prepared bases, tomato puree, grated cheese and a range of toppings. Throw a few Italian phrases into the mix and get them shouting out 'Buon Appetito' and 'Multo Bene' to get them in the mood, while you sit back with a glass of Italian Chianti. Bingo...they are kept occupied and they get fed in the process.  And that's one less meal that you have to prepare! Win win!

• When the Lego box has been tipped out for the umpteenth time and the paraphernalia for the teddy bear's tea party is strewn across the floor mixed in with the felt tips, crayons and colouring books that had kept the kids quiet for five minutes earlier, you have two choices. You can scream and shout and pull your hair out as you survey the extreme mess that has been generated or you can unleash your inner Mary Poppins and make a game out of tidying up. As Ms Poppins so rightly said "in every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. Find the fun and snap! The job's a game!" So instead of turning the chaotic scene of playtime devastation into a parenting warzone, give the kids a challenge. Who can pick up the most toys and put them back in the right box the fastest?! Hum the tune of  a "Spoonful of Sugar" as you watch your mini-mes compete to be the fastest tidier upper! Dangling a carrot (well maybe not an actual carrot, maybe a biscuit would be a more appropriate treat) and the whirling dervishes of destruction will put their energy into something useful. If they are really enjoying their tidying, extend the fun by popping a duster in their hand and watch as they do the housework.

• Sometimes, you just want some peace and quiet. But kids need to let off steam and get physical or they'll be up past their bed times hyperactive and twitching with unspent energy. So it's time to have a silent disco! Headphones on, iPods playing, listening to Britney or Bieber or 'Let It Go' on repeat, the kids can dance as manically as they want to in absolute silence. (Remind them of the no singing rule before embarking on this or you'll have a cacophony of tuneless, overly loud voices, shouting their way through an assortment of songs simultaneously. No one ever needs to experience that!) They will wear themselves out in a noiseless fashion just in time for bed.

• During the summer holidays, other parents can become your greatest allies. They are going through the exact same situation as you are and will be crying out for a hand of friendship and assistance to help them through the six weeks of child juggling. This is the perfect opportunity to initiate an unofficial childcare exchange. Invite some of your little one's pals over to play one afternoon. Prepare well for the onslaught of extra kids, providing some garden based activities and an outdoor picnic (keeping them outdoors means less tidying up indoors and the birds will eat the crumbs from lunch!) Then sit back as your good deed is repaid by way of future play date invitations from your little guests' parents. So that one afternoon of mayhem could be reciprocated with four or five child free days over the next few weeks. A fair exchange by anyone's standards!

• Never underestimate the power of bribery! We can all strive to do our best, but we also have to be honest when it comes to our limitations. Sometimes we need a bit of leverage for ensuring the desired outcome when it comes to parenting. Kids love the concept of being rewarded for doing good things, most schools adopt a reward system, so embracing this idea at home can be a great tool for the summer. Get a nice jar and a big pack of marbles and tell the kids that whenever they have been super good they will be rewarded by popping a marble in the jar. (Naughty behaviour can also result in the removal of a marble if you want to exert maximum power!) When the jar is filled with marbles they can get a treat such as a cinema trip or a day at the zoo. The visual effect of the jar filling with shiny, colourful marbles will capture the kids' imaginations and hopefully inspire best behaviour. What the kids don't know, is that you would probably have taken them to the zoo or the cinema anyway (anything to get out of the house!) but if you can use this bribery reward scheme to your advantage, then why not!

However you cope this summer, I hope you all manage to have some family fun and make some wonderful memories together. Come September, we will hold on to the magical moments and all the bad bits will be forgotten, as we pack our little ones off to school, and we may even shed a tear from behind our rose tinted glasses.

"This post is an entry for the BritmumsConfession of a Summer Parent Challenge sponsored by Anchor."

Unleash your inner Ninja with LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre this summer

From Saturday 1st to Monday 31st August, LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre in Manchester will be transformed into the world of Ninjago as visitors embark on an epic adventure to celebrate the release of LEGO Ninjago Airjitzu!

Fans can immerse themselves in the Ninjago adventures by building their own LEGO® Ninjago Mask, taking part in the LEGO® Ninjago Laser Maze Challenge, and using their Ninja skills to build a LEGO® Ninjago Airjitzu flyer before ascending the magnificent ‘Fly-High-Tower’ to practice their fierce flying skills.

Visitors can also enjoy the Ninjago takeover at MINILAND, where they can take part in an exciting character hunt and even have the chance to meet ‘Kai’, the Red Fire Ninja, who will be at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre everyday throughout August at 11.00am, 1.00pm, 3.00pm and 5.00pm.

We've been invited down to join in the Airjitsu fun, which Freddy is so excited about! He watches Ninjago on Netflix so will love the chance to take part in all these fun activities!

For more information and to buy tickets visit: www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk/manchester. 

Summer Outdoor Fun with Tobar

The summer holidays are a great opportunity to get the kids outside in the fresh air getting active and having fun. Tobar has a great range of classic and contemporary outdoor toys, which are perfect for the job, and Freddy received a selection to try out.

The Space Hopper is real retro classic from my own childhood, so I was thrilled to introduce Freddy to the iconic smiley faced, giant bouncy ball. It came with a pump so we could blow it up straight from the box and get Freddy bouncing around. It is big and bright with handles to grip on to. Bouncing on a Space Hopper is such a simple pleasure and so much fun. Freddy mastered the art of bouncing and even took to doing some extreme bouncing action by using his Space Hopper on the trampoline (thank goodness for the safety nets!)

The Slot Together Hula Hoop is a great idea. It comes in eight, slot together sections making it handy for storing away in the box. It also means you can adjust the size by removing sections. The pieces are colourful and easy to push together making a sturdy hula hoop. Freddy is a bit of an expert hula-hooper so he enjoyed spinning it around his middle and doing tricks with it. Using all 8 pieces made it a good size for him to use, with a 70cm diameter. I really like the design of this hula hoop. The cheap ones that we have bought before tend to lose their shape or break apart quite quickly as they are made from covered cardboard, whereas this one is made from solid plastic pieces so will last much longer. Storing a hula hoop can be a bit tricky, but once taken apart, this one fits into its box and can be put away or taken away on holiday easily.

The Soak 'n' Sling Frisbee is a small sized, soft frisbee that can be soaked in water and used in water fights. Kids can take aim and throw, while others try to duck out of the way of a soaking. Freddy enjoyed using it without the water to practice his throwing and catching skills. As it is soft and rubbery it is easier to catch than a regular frisbee and the small size makes it more manageable for little ones.

The Pogo Ball is a cross between a hopper and a pogo stick. The blow up hopper ball is attached to a foot platform with an optional clip on pogo handle, giving two ways to play. It offers a stable way to perform tricks and stunts while balanced on the foot platform and bouncing using the inflated ball. (Unfortunately, the Pogo Ball was not compatible with the foot pump we had so we have to get hold of a pump with a needle attachment to test this one out properly!)

Tobar are UK wholesalers of toys, gifts and novelties, so look out for these products in toy shops and on Amazon. 

Get Your Game Face On at PLAY it! Manchester July 25th - Aug 9th

I remember my first games console, the Intellivision that my dad surprised me with on Christmas Day 1979. I played Lock 'n' Chase until I completed all ten levels of the crazy, maze style game. I still remember the sense of accomplishment on completing it. In the late 80's a Sega Master System with the built in Alex Kidd game became my console of choice, quickly followed in the early 90's by the Sega Mega Drive complete with the first Sonic the Hedgehog game. This was my era! The 2D gaming platforms worked for me and I was the house champion at many of the games we owned, in particular the Lion King, which was our first ever official Disney video game. 

Since then, games have advanced to unrecognisable levels of incredible graphics, complex gameplay and 3D imagery. As our consoles became upgraded to the latest models, I found myself left behind and I conceded ownership of my gaming crown years ago. I've watched all five of my children grow up immersed in the technology of gaming and developing the instinctive skills necessary to be able to beat the end of level bosses and create their own virtual worlds. I'm in utter awe of what they can do. Gaming is a big part of life here Inside the Wendy House. From my eldest son and World of Warcraft expert Joe to my youngest Freddy, who is a massive Minecraft fan, we have enjoyed sharing the gaming accomplishments of all our children.

This summer, I am excited to be able to introduce my kids to some of the games that their mama used to play as PLAY it! comes to the MOSI Manchester, as part of their 'Imagine it, Make it, Move it' programme of events.  From July 25th to August 9th, visitors to the exhibition can get to play some of the most popular video games from the past 30 years, from Pong and Pac-Man to Minecraft and Halo, enter multiplayer competitions, take on  friends or family in collaborative games and play on consoles and gaming systems including Atari, Commodore, Spectrum, Megadrive, SNES, Nintendo 64, PC, PlayStation and Xbox. There are six themed zones with more than 120 consoles and games ready to test skills and give young visitors a taste of retro gaming, alongside the chance to try their hand at some more contemporary consoles.

Families can drop in for 90 minute sessions, whereas seasoned gamers can buy a full day pass or attend an adult-only evening session. PLAY it! is open to anyone with a passion for games. Individual day sessions start at just £4 while a family session is £12. All day passes are just £10. PLAY it! promises to be a fun and entertaining way to spend time with the family this summer holiday.

Find out more and book tickets at: www.mosi.org.uk/whats-on/play-it-manchester.

Goodbye Juniors - Hello Summer!

Today marked the end of the school year.  Kizzy said good-bye to primary school as her time as a Year 6 pupil came to an end.  In the teacher's awards presentation, she won the accolade of being recognised as MD Junior School's Next Top Model...the girl with a model attitude and the longest legs that her teacher had ever seen on an 11 year old.  But Kizzy isn't just a beauty, she's got brains too, getting level 5's for her maths SATs and a level 6 in English.  She also has a lovely group of friends (and is also mature enough to know who not to be friends with! She's had a bit of trouble recently with a so-called friend, but has dealt with it without losing her integrity). I'm so very proud of her and the way she handles herself.

Kizzy's teacher gave all the children a truly wonderful gift with a beautiful sentiment.  They each received a pretty little jar filled with things...a jar of ingredients for a fruitful future.  A contents card listed what was contained in the jar, from a packet of seeds to a sprinkle of stars with the reason behind each object.  It was so lovely.  It made me cry.

Kizzy also had an official school autograph book, which she got filled with messages from her school friends.  It was heartwarming to see so many people saying how lovely, funny and kind my daughter is, and what a great friend she is

I'm sure will have a fantastic time when she goes up to secondary school.  She is so ready for it.  But before September, I intend to enjoy some quality time with Kizzy - along with Ella and Freddy who have both reached educational milestones themselves.  I love spending time with my children and the following six weeks will be well spent as we prepare for the next stages of our lives!  

Fun days out for the whole family

With the school holidays almost upon us, thoughts are turning to ways of keeping the kids entertained during the summer months. From organised activities to adventures and outings, whatever your budget, make the most of your time together with fun-filled family days out.  

Here's some suggestions for things to do with the family.

Get out and about in the great outdoors

In glorious weather, what better way to spend the day than enjoying a sunny day at the seaside? While teenagers lounge on their towels reading the latest John Green book, curious toddlers can get creative with sandcastles. You are never to old to paddle in the sea, jumping over the waves and feeling the sand beneath your feet. Enjoy some candy floss, a cone of chips or an ice cream on the promenade and relive those sunny days from your own childhood holidays.

You could check out nearby nature trails, beauty spots or picturesque parks. You could enjoy a relaxing day with kite flying and a family picnic or get more energetic with a cycle ride followed by a play in an adventure playground. Kids love feeding the ducks, climbing trees, building dens or searching for mini-beasts.  If you are on a budget, days out in the great outdoors can be practically cost free yet so much fun. Fresh air and exercise is great for tiring out the little ones!

Discover cultural delights on your doorstep

When the British weather is at its best, the UK offers a wealth of outdoor entertainment. From heritage events at historical hotspots to treetop adventures to festivals, you can enjoy family fun in the sun. If the weather fails to deliver you can still have fun by heading off to enjoy an indoor activity. From museums with interactive activities to stately homes and spectacular castles, children of all ages can explore the culture and history of the UK while avoiding the rain!

Great value days out

Look for discounts and promotions that can allow you and the family to visit places for less – there are plenty of these advertised over the summer months.  Don't forget to check the offers available from Tesco Clubcard for some bargain days.

Investing in annual membership for certain attractions or organisations can be a great investment if you intend to visit numerous locations throughout the year. Merlin Entertainments – who own Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, Legoland and Alton Towers as well as Warwick Castle, the Dungeons and the SeaLife Centres – offer great value season passes giving you year round entry to all their attractions plus discounts on food, gifts and hotel stays. 

You can also get membership for places like the National Trust to enjoy access to over 500 special places of interest such as historic houses, castles, forests, woodland, beaches and nature reserves. You get to experience history firsthand, which children love!

Enjoy high octane entertainment

For thrill seeking families, there is an abundance of family fun venues across the length and breadth of the country for big days out.  From theme parks to safari parks and zoos, there is so much choice. We recently visited Chester Zoo and can highly recommend it as a great family day out for animal enthusiasts.

Alton Towers remains our favourite theme park. Older children can enjoy the excitement of the rollercoasters and the big rides, while little ones play in the new CBeebies Land with mum or dad!  There are also acres of beautiful gardens to explore if you want a quiet moment away from the crowds.  The SeaLife Centre and the Ice Age 4D cinema are all-weather attractions you can visit while you are there too. The all day dining plan is a great value idea allowing families to eat and drink all day for one inclusive price.  It's a great treat for a special occasion.

Film lovers can head to the Leavesden film studios and enjoy the magic of the epic story of J K Rowling’s Harry Potter, which has become the most successful film series of all time and the Harry Potter tour takes you behind the scenes to discover its secrets.

From the Great Hall to the shop front of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, this unique walking tour takes in the remarkable sets that helped to recreate the magic on the silver screen. The extraordinary animatronics, special effects and power of the green screen uncover how some of the most spectacular scenes evolved. Visitors can also view an amazing, hand-crafted replica of Hogwarts Castle, alongside many models, renowned artefacts and much-loved characters and creatures. Families who are potty about Potter will love this magical, fun-filled family day out. It's on our list of places to go this summer!

Whatever you choose to do this summer, I hope you have a fantastic time making lots of special memories with the family.

Belvita for Busy Mornings

The last week of the summer holidays is here. Every minute of everyday is made up of precious moments, before my little Freddy starts school, and I do not want to miss out on them.  This time is so special to me. On September 4th my baby boy begins his school career and my life will no longer revolve around being a stay at home mum to my pre-schooler.  It's a time for big changes, both exciting and scary in equal measure.

We've had a really busy and enjoyable summer holiday so far, doing lots of fun stuff which has involved some early starts. When the routine goes out of the window, getting the kids up in the morning isn't always easy.  We simply don't get the luxury of a leisurely breakfast when pushed for time and skipping breakfast is never a good idea.  It's during days like this when I swear by breakfast on the go in the car.  It saves time and avoids the stress of rushing around or running late.  With my grown-up girls as well as Freddy to get ready, mornings can be pretty hectic!

I received a fantastic Summer Holidays On The Go Kit from Belvita to help me cope with the remaining days of the holidays, so not a moment is wasted on those early morning starts.  With a diary to keep me organised, a book of ideas for days out, a picnic rug and a cute Cath Kidston bag to carry everything I need, days out will be much easier to contend with.

My On The Go Kit also included some new Belvita Breakfast Duo Crunch with Apricot and Live Yogurt.  The tasty wholemeal biscuit sandwiches are generously filled with a creamy yogurt and fruity jam filling.  They contain added vitamins and minerals and are a source of slow release carbohydrates, releasing energy continuously over 4 hours.

Grabbing the individual foil portion packs of Belvita biscuits and throwing them into my bag  provides a good start to the mornings along with a piece of fruit and a drink, and can easily be enjoyed on the go. With grown-up kids, this is an ideal solution to the rush of mornings.

The biscuits are tasty and the moist filling makes them really palatable and easy to eat.  My girls happily munched on them and I was happy to know they were getting nutrients and energy for the whole morning. This keeps them going until lunchtime so we can enjoy thrilling days out together, and get out of the house quickly and effortlessly.  Our latest day out to the Chill Factore in Manchester was fuelled by a Belvita breakfast!

The Belvita Breakfast Apricot and Live Yogurt Duo Crunch Biscuits are available in major supermarkets with an RRP of £2.79 for a 5 portion pack.  

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Our Review of Center Parcs Sherwood Forest

Last Friday, we headed off to Nottingham, to enjoy a prize of a three night stay in a pair of three bedroom Woodland Lodges courtesy of Center Parcs Sherwood Forest.  My two eldest children joined us which meant I had my family, including my 5 month old grandson, altogether for a few days.  Thanks to Center Parcs' hospitality, we were treated to a wonderful long weekend with all the trimmings!  Even the sun shone for us, which made for a perfect family break.

The Woodland Lodge was quite practical and utilitarian looking from the outside, being single story, flat roofed and built from brick and wood cladding.  But inside it was modern, spotlessly clean and very well designed.  The main living area comprised of an open plan, fully equipped kitchen with all mod cons enclosed by a bar-like counter, a six seater dining area and a lounge with corner sofa and  built in TV.  Patio windows opened out onto a patio area with a BBQ and six seater table and chairs.  A full sized blackboard had a chalked on message welcoming us to Center Parcs which was a lovely touch.  Lovely photo artwork was hung on the walls making the place look really inviting.  Our lodge was stocked with some grocery essentials and a few luxury items to make our stay special.

The two twin bedrooms and double bedroom had very comfy beds made up in crisp white linen.  There was adequate storage and a vanity area.  The main bedroom had a TV.  There was a family bathroom with over-bath shower and a second toilet.  The accommodation included a cupboard where an iron and ironing board, cot and highchair were stored making this a very friendly family choice of accommodation.  It was a perfect venue for baby Ted's first holiday with our family.

Bike stands allowed us to lock up our bicycles safely outside, and a large hall was perfect to store the pushchairs, hang our coats and store our shoes.

 Our lodge was nestled in an area of woodland with a duck pond in its centre.  The flora and fauna surrounding us was delightful.  We had regular woodland visitors: swans, ducks, geese, moorhens, squirrels and rabbits, who came to our patio looking for breakfast every morning.  The natural setting was a wonderful playground for Freddy to let off steam, explore and play.  He made friends with children from neighbouring cabins and they enjoyed playing with sticks!!  It was idyllic!

Although the lodges have full self-catering facilities, Center Parcs boasts a host of restaurants and takeaways to tempt you away from the kitchen.  We were treated to a meal at Huck's where we were invited to eat, drink and be merry!  We had a table overlooking the lake.  The American style restaurant has an informal atmosphere and even has a play area for the kids.  Children can eat from a buffet so they don't have to wait for their food.  Adults can choose from the Tex-Mex menu which features delights such as burgers, burritos, ribs, fajitas and steaks. 

To start we had the Surfboard platter that consisted of onion rings, a dipping pot of hot cheese and spinach sauce, goats' cheese empanadas, bruschetta, lime shrimp and buffalo wings.  It was enough for us all, both veggies and non-veggies alike and brilliantly presented on a mini-surfboard at the table.  For mains I chose the Portobella Mushroom sandwich served in a Brioche bun with salad, coleslaw and 'wet' fries (fries topped with cheese sauce).  It was very good and the portion size was big!  Freddy, being a little vegetarian, wouldn't have done justice to the kids' buffet of hotdogs, nuggets, fishfingers etc, so the waiter went out of his way to get him a cheese pizza from the next door restaurant.  It really went beyond the call of duty and we were very grateful!  For dessert, we had the absolutely massive Giant Sundae of Classics.  It consisted of ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate brownie, marshmallows, sprinkles, sauces and loads of chocolate  sweets in a huge bowl!  We all enjoyed cocktails, including non-alcoholic ones for the kids.  My Mudslide was gorgeous made with Baileys, Kahlua and vodka mixed with ice-cream and served with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.  Megan had a funky Jam Jar cocktail which was brilliantly presented in a glass actually made from a jar.  The restaurant experience was excellent.  We ate loads, drank some fabulous cocktails and enjoyed a relaxed meal overlooking the picturesque lake.  Perfect!

We also sampled the delights of Dexters where we had an excellent veggie burger and milkshake, and the Dining In takeaway where we had a pizza meal deal delivered to our lodge and the amazing Pancake House (their Banoffee pancake was simply fantastic).  The onsite Starbucks provided a familiar setting for coffee and snacks.  The local Parcmarket stock a great range of groceries.  They have a lovely bakery section selling yummy cakes and biscuits!

During our stay we had bicycles from the onsite cycle hire shop.  I have never seen so many bikes of all shapes and sizes in one place!  We had mountain bikes for the adults.  Freddy had a trailer that was towed behind one of them.  He loved being ridden around the woodland setting and it was a very efficient way of transporting him around safely.  It was lovely to cycle around the roads knowing that we wouldn't encounter traffic.  Kizzy loved the freedom of being able to cycle around in a safe and beautiful environment.

Center Parcs Sherwood Forest has a lot of free activities to enjoy.  There are several outdoor play areas which were great with a lot of very impressive and unusual pieces of equipment for the children to play on.  The older kids enjoyed joining in the fun and "helping" their younger siblings climb up, slide down, swing and bounce!  The lake has a lovely, sandy beach which was a hit with the little ones.  They could build sandcastles and dig holes as if they were at the seaside.  

The fabulously landscaped, sub-tropical swimming pool is brilliant!  Freddy used one of the inflatable jackets that are free to borrow, so he felt confident in the water.  The main pool has waves that go off every half hour.  The outdoor pool was absolutely glorious in the lovely weather and I could easily believe I was somewhere tropical as I relaxed in the warm waters.  The older children loved the flumes and slides.  I was coerced into riding the rapids and instantly regretted my decision as I was tossed inelegantly through the water, not knowing which way was up, eventually sliding down with a huge splash into the plunge pool at the end.  The children thought it was hysterical and I did eventually laugh at my misfortune after the event!!  Freddy loved the children's pool featuring a pirate ship and a mini flume and slide.  It was really fun for him to splash and play in the warm water.

There are a lot of paid for activities to try out including golf, archery, high ropes, pottery, sports, watersports and exercise classes.  We tried our hand at a family game of ten pin bowling.  We were pretty shocking but it was good fun and the venue was pretty cool with funky lighting and effects.  Freddy and Ted scored best as they used ramps and bumpers to take their turns.  The rest of us threw most of our balls into the gutter!

The Aqua Sana is the onsite spa.  We were all treated to a 3 hour spa session where we experienced the different saunas and steam rooms and enjoyed the outdoor pool.  Ian and I had a Serail Mud Treatment where we smothered ourselves in different muds and then steamed ourselves for 25 minutes before showering the mud off.  It was very mucky but my skin felt lovely afterwards.  My girls babysat Freddy while we were at the spa giving Ian and I some alone time, and Freddy some quality time with his doting sisters!  While the older kids were at the spa, Ian and I had our first solo grandparenting task of looking after Ted on our own.  He survived...so I guess we did OK!

Overall, we had an excellent short break, enjoying everything that Center Parcs has to offer. Even with the different ages of the children, everyone had a great time in the great outdoors.  

Centre Parcs is not a super cheap holiday destination.  Instead it is a high quality alternative to travelling abroad where family can get together in a stunning environment with great accommodation to suit every budget (from the more reasonable Comfort lodges to the luxury Treehouses) and plenty of activities to take part in.  The facilities are excellent and the site is family friendly.  It's definitely worth spending your budget on a Center Parcs holiday tailored to suit your needs.  There are activities for every age group and the Subtropical Swimming Pool is excellent and free.  You can spend a lot of money at the restaurants and on activities, but you don't have to.  The self-catering aspect of the lodges means you can dine in cheaply if you choose.  There are enough things to do that are free meaning you don't have to spend a lot on extras to have a good time.  Although hiring a bike is great, it's not essential as everything is within walking distance.  

Whatever your budget, Center Parcs is a great destination for spending quality time with family and friends.  We loved it at Sherwood Forest and definitely hope to return.

Find out more at www.centerparcs.co.uk

Childhood Memories of Butlin's

We have just returned home following our Easter Holiday break at Butlin's Bognor Regis, as part of the Butlin's Ambassador program for 2013.  During our stay we paid particular attention to the accommodation, the entertainment and the food, to see how well Butlin's could do at keeping our family, which includes a tot, a tween and a teen, holidaying happily together. We stayed from Monday to Friday in a Reef Appartment at the Wave Hotel and we had a Premium Dining Plan giving us half-board for the duration of our stay.

Being there, brought back so many memories of my own childhood and of Butlin's and how it used to be in the mid to late 70's.

As a child, we would regularly take our annual Summer holiday at Butlin's Barry Island.  I remember the rows of rather utilitarian self-catering chalet accommodation and the chilly outdoor swimming pool.  We would take the train to our destination, armed with buckets and spades.  We always went self-catering and would eat out for a treat.

Ready To Brave The Pool 1974

My parents enjoyed the evening entertainment and we'd ensconce ourselves at a good table and watch the all singing and dancing Red Coats.  I was always painfully shy and although I desperately wanted to join in with the kids' dances, I never was brave enough to do the "Wiggle, Wiggle, Whoops" with the other children.  I remember the comedians, the singers and even the guy who played R2D2 in Star Wars making appearances on stage.  My dad always liked to introduce himself and collect signed photos of the 'stars'!   One comedian did an act where he put a skittle in his mouth and invited the audience to throw balls to try and knock it out.  Most balls fell short of the target, but my dad with his strong right arm, took it upon himself to throw his with total accuracy and the look of shock on the comedian's face was brilliant as the ball connected and almost knocked out his teeth!  The talent shows were always a favourite and I vividly  remembered an entrant singing "I Wanna Be Like You" from The Jungle Book.  He was clearly a little bit drunk but that only enhanced his King Louis impression!

Ready For An Evening Of Entertainment (Little Me with My Daddy!)

Personally, I am a creature of habit who loves her home comforts.  I have always found it hard to justify paying out a big chunk of our hard earned annual income to fund a single week away, unless it promises something really fabulous.  We are also all vegetarian, so worry about food being a disappointment when we are away from home. So, I had very high expectations for our holiday and I hoped that today's modern Butlin's would be able to live up to them.

While we were there Butlin's celebrated its 77th year.  So much has changed over the years but the fundamental ethos to provide seaside holidays for families remains at its heart.

Over the following days, I will be writing all about our holiday at Butlin's Bognor Regis and sharing our thoughts and our experiences.  I hope you enjoy reading about how we enjoyed  holidaying at Butlin's in 2013.  It's a far cry from my childhood memories!

Morrison's Saver Summer and Easy Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

Enjoy Summer On A Budget

We are half way through the summer holidays and if you are feeling the financial pinch from spending cash on days out and buying things to keep the kids entertained, then Morrisons is here to help.  They have come up with lots of yummy recipes and handy hints to make sure that little ones have a fabulous time without breaking the bank.  They have put together a selection of M Savers recipes and have teamed up with Play England and money saving expert Sarah Willingham to provide great tips to make the most of your summer.  You can find out more by visiting the Saver Summer website where there are details on ways to find low-cost ways of entertaining the family this summer:

• Easy to cook, low cost, nutritious M Savers summer-themed recipes, perfect for picnics, barbecues and kids’ summer snacks starting from as little as 16p per portion
• Free or low cost family activities developed with Play England
• An interactive map of the UK to locate free play spaces
• An M Savers Summer ‘Pop-Up’ Play Park which will tour the country in August which will have cooking demonstrations as well as low and free play workshops hosted by Play England to teach all sorts of game ideas including arts and crafts and den building

Morrison's have challenged me to cook up one of their M Savers summer recipes and I have made a Cheat's  Lemon Drizzle Cake which will be the perfect post picnic pud!  Best of all it is super easy to make and costs just 90p for a 10 portion loaf.  The children can help with the baking and the family will be enjoying a tasty, Summer loaf cake in no time!

• 2 x packets of M Savers Sponge Mix
• 2 x eggs from store cupboard
• Water
• 4 x tablespoons of M Savers Lemon Curd
• Juice and zest of 1 M Savers Lemon

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C Line a one litre loaf tin with grease proof paper. Mix up the cake mix as instructed on the packet using the eggs and water. Stir two tablespoons of lemon curd into the cake batter.
2. Pour the cake mix into the tin and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the centre of the sponge springs back when pressed with your fingertips.
3. Remove from the oven and repeatedly pierce the top with a kebab skewer.
4. In a bowl, mix together the leftover lemon curd and lemon juice and zest. Pour over the cake and allow to cool in the tin.

Easy To Make Lemon Drizzle Cake

Enjoy a Summer Playcation!

Get Outdoors With The Kids This Summer

Recent findings have discovered that 68% of family time is sedentary with TVs and technology entertaining the family whilst sat down on the sofa!  Ironically, this summer's Olympics is creating even more sedentary behavior as many of us tune in to watch the sporting endeavours of Team GB, whilst sat on our behinds!

However, 30% of parents surveyed expressed a desire to be more active as a family although 32% worry about the expense of participating in sporting activities.  Help is at hand as Argos, the UK's number one toy retailer has teamed up with TV presenter and exercise enthusiast Laura Hamilton to create a Summer Playcation Guide full of games and tips.

There are some great ideas to inspire and equip parents to play outdoors with the kids this summer.  The ideas are all inexpensive, focusing on families getting up and getting out into the fresh air together to enjoy their Playcation!

When I was a child Hide and Seek, den building and playing in the fields opposite my home were favourite pastimes.  Nowadays, my own older  children prefer video games and social media!  But it's not too late to instill a love of playing outdoors together in their repertoire of things to do!  

Argos has a wide range of outdoor toys to suit all ages and budgets. They also stock Chad Valley which is a leading toy brand.  We have received a croquet set and two space hoppers to help us get sporty and active and enjoy our Playcation!

The Playcation Guide is available to download here.  It features three original games alongside a host of activity and toy suggestions. 

My favourite is the Rainbow Treasure Hunt where players have to hunt for items in the garden of every colour of the rainbow.  Perfect for even the youngest players!  Our Space Hoppers can be used in a game of Stop and Go where players have to bounce on the track without being spotted by the traffic light who is ready to turn round and spot them unless they stay completely still!

Five Top Tips for your Playcation

• It doesn't have to take long.  Just 30 minutes is long enough for a quick game of swingball before dinner.
• Reward sporting activity to motivate your family.  Simple printed certificates are great fun to receive.
• Activities don't have to be expensive.  Argos sells over 800 toys from just £3.99.  Hide and Seek is free!
• Get a big group get together.  Team games like rounders and football can be fun.  Change the rules to let little ones join in so no one feels left out.
• Don't be put off by lack of space.  Fun can be had in the smallest space.  If you want a bigger area, head off to the local park.

Freddy loves his garden and has enjoyed testing out the Croquet Set he received to try out.  Not only did he enjoy knocking the balls through the hoops, he also had fun throwing the balls and using the colourful mallet as an imaginary magic wand.  With a bit of imagination everyone can have fun outdoors!

Aldi Special Buy Books

Aldi have some fabulous products in store for the little ones to enjoy when the Summer Holidays are wet and grey!  A selection of books including Sticker Books, Activity Books, Noisy Books and Busy Books are available from just £1.99 while stocks last.

Freddy was sent a couple to try out, Miaow and What's Kitty Up To?

Miaow is a Noisy Board Book with fun animal sounds and an engaging story about the cute cat's day.  It is chunky for little hands who will love pressing the button to hear the cat miaow! (£1.99)

What's Kitty Up To? is a busy book which includes a play mat and twelve little plastic cats so the story can be acted out.  The rhyming story and use of clocks to tell the time makes this really entertaining for little ones.

Freddy loved the play mat and kitties and enjoyed having an imaginative game with his big sister involving the kittens having an adventure in the house depicted on the mat.  Afterwards it all packs back into a section in the back of the large sized board book.  It's great value at just £4.99.

Keep your eyes out for Aldi's special buys for lots of excellent bargains for all the family.  Find out what is coming up in store by checking out the website here!

Bandai Toys for Girls and Boys

Keeping the kids entertained over the summer holidays can sometimes be difficult as the long weeks stretch ahead.  Bandai have a range of top branded toys that can provide hours of fun for youngsters, with prices starting at just £1.99!

  

My children received a bundle of Bandai toys to try out.

Ben 10

Ben 10 continues to be one of Cartoon Networks best performing shows.  With the original series, Ultimate Alien and the CGI movie Ben 10: Destroy all Aliens!  Ben 10 continues to be hugely popular and has spawned a huge range of merchandise including the toys which are suitable for ages 4 and up.

Ben 10 Mini Figures come in individually packed bags so you don't know exactly who you'll be getting. Series 2 of these collectible mini figures has just been released!  Collect them or swap with your friends to create the ultimate Ben 10 collection.  Just £1.99 each they are great pocket money toys.  The little characters are quite detailed and will definitely be a hit with Ben 10 fans.  There are sixteen to collect so there is a risk of getting doubles (which is when swapping comes into its own!)  We ended up with two Kevins!

Power Rangers Samurai

Power rangers Samurai master the mystical and ancient Samurai symbols of power to fight evil.   They are the latest generation of Power Ranger in this popular franchise.

The Samurai Morpher (£11.99) is used by the Power Rangers to call up the Zords.  The mobile phone style toy makes fab sound effects as seen in the TV show.  Freddy loved it!  He pressed the buttons to listen to the cool voice and sounds.  The sound level is muted so it won't damage the ears.

The 10cm Action Figures come with a Samurai Sword or power weapon ready to battle evil!  The Power Rangers unite against the sinister forces of the Netherworld and fans can re-enact their favourite moments with these toys.  (£6.99)  Action figures are always a favourite.  These are quite detailed with good articulation allowing imaginative play based on the Power Rangers Samurai TV show, which is the number one boys' show on Nickleodeon.  

Harumika

One for future fashion designers, Harumika is a unique craft toy that allows budding fashionistas to create their own looks by using a special mannequin with a silicone strip in its back.  By folding, tucking and layering the material, funky fashions can be created over and over again.

The Accessory Puppy Pack allows you to create a bespoke look for a poodle to match your dress designs.  Containing a small puppy model, three different coats, a bow, a lead, a basket and a tool shaped like a bone, you can create a pampered pooch outfit with ease.  For £8.99 it adds to your Harumika collection, providing the perfect canine accessory!  It is quite small and simple to do so does not really stand alone, so definitely one for Harumika fans who want to add a fashionable puppy to their collection!

Stockists include Asda, Toys R Us, Argos, Sainsburys, Tesco and other good toy retailers.

Check out the full ranges on www.bandai.co.uk, visit the Facebook page for even more fun at http://www.facebook.com/BandaiUK, or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BandaiToysUK