Big Little Tent Festival This Easter | AD

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Disclosure - This is a paid collaboration with The Little Big Tent Festival 

The clocks have sprung forward so the nights are getting lighter and for us that means more time in our garden. We spent so much time in our garden last year due to being in lockdown and staying at home. The weather was kind to us and we had lots of fun playing garden games, playing in the pool and also making tents and camping outside. 

While we were safe at home last year we were introduced to the Big Little Tent Festival. The Caravan Club created the idea of Big Little Tent Festival during lockdown. It was an idea that meant we could still enjoy all the fun of the great outdoors but from our own home. 

Big Little Tent Festival is back again this year and is taking place over the Easter weekend which falls on the 3rd and 4th April. Restrictions in the UK are still in place so this is the perfect way to get outdoors, pitch a tent, and enjoy nature all from your own garden. 

There are lots of festival fun and activities to join in with across the weekend including a Zoom party to meet The Mermaid Princess and The Friendly Neighbourhood Hero for games, superhero training, and a campfire song! You can take part in their facebook love children's quiz, enjoy bushcraft and so much more. 

You’ll find all the information you need on their Facebook page - Big Little Tent Festival

To get you in the festival and camping mood the Caravan Club have created a free downloadable pack which contains everything your and your family will need for a home camping festival experience. 

Create your own festival wristbands. Use the wristband templates in the pack to make them as colourful as you like. 

Decorate your garden or home with The Big Little Tent festival colour your own bunting. 

Create a To Do list. Everything you need to make the festival fun.

Whether you're camping indoors or outside there is a packing list perfect for you. 

Lots of fun activities for the kids to enjoy, word search, garden bingo, spot the difference and much more, 

When you download the pack you will be entered in to a draw for a chance to win with Raleigh. Raleigh are offering the chance to win one of two amazing bikes. 

Raleigh's Pop and Molli children's bikes are worth up to £350 each. Perfect for exploring the great outdoors and getting some exercise too. 

Make sure you join in with The Big Little Tent Festival Twitter party on Wednesday 31st March between 7-8pm to find out lots more about the Caravan Club and The Big Little Tent Festival. There will be chances to win prizes too. Make sure you follow @BigLittleTent and use the hashtag #BLTF21 in your tweets. 

Not matter whether you have a tent or have to improvise, camp indoors or out, the Little Big Tent Festival is fun for all and the perfect way to spend an Easter Weekend

Michelle

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Things To Do In The North West This Easter

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The kids have only been back at school for a few weeks but it won't be long until they are off again for Easter break. Last Easter we were in lockdown in the UK however this year although some things are not fully open yet, restrictions are easing and there are some nice activities to keep us busy in the North West.

River Of Light

Liverpool Waterfront

The River of Light will commence one year on from the day the UK went in to its first lockdown. The River of Light trail will light up Liverpool's Waterfront for a total of 14 nights from Tuesday 23rd March to Monday 5 April. Local residents can explore the free River of Light Trail free of charge. 

There is a total of 11 illuminated artworks in various locations across the city's waterfront. You can view the trail at any time throughout the day however the artworks will be only be lit from 6pm - 10.30pm each night. 

In total the River of Light trail covers 2km and is a full walking loop so there is no set start or finish point. Covid-safe measures will be in place and everyone is required to follow government guidelines so that the trail can be enjoyed by all. 

To see a full list of installations head to visitliverpool.com/riveroflight and for a full list of FAQ's you can head to Visit Liverpool.

Social Kids - The Parking Lot Easter Breakout

Speke Hall Ave, Speke, Liverpool L24 1YD

The Parking Lot Social’s Easter Breakout is perfect to get the kids away from their screens and to enjoy lots of Easter fun. The Parking Lot Social’s Easter Breakout DJ will occupy you for a full 90 minutes including a silent disco, car-a-oke, an interactive quiz, party bingo & lots more.

One hour before the party starts the warm up DJ/MC will host some music, fun and games to get everyone in the mood to party.

The Parking Lot Social’s Easter Breakout tickets are available to buy for both the 17th and 18th April. 

Saturday 17th April 

Gates Open 11am - Pre-show with a live DJ to get you settled in, and hyped up.

Show Starts 12pm - Let the party commence!

End Time 1:30pm approx

Sunday 18th April 

Gates Open 2:15pm - Pre-show with a live DJ to get you settled in, and hyped up.

Show Starts 3:15pm - Let the party commence!

End Time 4:45pm approx

Easter Trail at Speke Hall

The Walk, Speke, Liverpool, L24 1XD

Explore the gardens and park at Speke Hall on their Easter Trail. Complete all the activities at the 10 trail points along the way and have lots of fun.  

To help you along the way you can purchase a trail pack which costs £3 on top of the general admission cost to enter Speke Hall. 

Each trail pack includes an activity sheet and  pencil to help you complete and a chocolate egg or allergen free reward.

The trail is available Wednesday 31st March to Sunday 11th April (except Tuesday 6th April) 10.30am – 5pm. Tickets for the Easter Trail are available to purchase on the day however you do need to book your tickets for Speke Hall in advance and tickets for the Easter period will go on sale on Friday 26th March.

The Storybarn – Strolling into Spring

Calderstones Mansion House, Calderstones Rd, Liverpool L18 3JB

This Easter enjoy the scenery and explore Calderstones Park on a Spring Welly Walk.  Make sure you bring all five senses with you so you can enjoy and play games, listen to stories and even create your own.

The Spring Welly Walks will last a hour-long and will take place outdoors. You can't rely on the great British weather so make you dress appropriately and prepared.  The Storyhunter will be waiting for you on the steps of the Mansion House.

Best suited to children aged 4 - 8 but there’ll be fun for the whole family.

Tickets are available to purchase in advance and £4 each for both and adults and children. Under 1's go free. 

Percy the Park Keeper - The Secret Path in the Gardens

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN (Sat Nav WA16 6SG)

Head to Tatton Park to join Percy the Park Keeper and his animal friends on a Spring adventure.  The family trail will take you inside Tatton Park’s gardens. Follow the pathways and help Percy along the way to take care of nature and wildlife. Why not stop off for a selfie at Percy’s potting shed, here you can enjoy the all the sights and smells of spring. Can you find all of Percy's animal friends along the way? Once you have finished collect your Easter chocolate treat and meet Percy too.

Percy The Park Keeper - The Secret Path in the Gardens trail is available from 2nd April - 5th April for Easter however the trail will continue through to the 13th June.

The trail is available 10am - 6pm (last entry 5pm).

 

Garden entry is priced at £8 per adult, £6 per child, National Trust members go free (but you must still book a timed ticket to visit). £1 per child for Percy the Park Keeper’s garden trail sheets (including NT members,

I will add to this post if more days out / Easter themed activities pop up.

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Michelle

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Spread Kindness With Amazon Wish List

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Amazon has been a life saver for us over the past year. Having an Amazon prime account means we have been able to shop both non-essential and essential items without the need to go out to the shops. We can usually find everything we need and at a reasonable price too. 

I have found myself creating lots of ideas lists on Amazon and it helps me to remember things I need to buy in the future, upcoming birthday/Christmas list ideas and also things I see but might not want to buy straight away. 

There are other types of lists on Amazon and they are called Wish Lists. This is a list were you add items that you would love but can not buy for yourself. It's like a virtual list of presents similar to a wedding list. These lists can stay private or if you want to you can share with others.

We have shared our lists in the past to family and friends and it's really helped them to buy gifts as they had no idea what to buy. 

Amazon Wish List is also a great way to spread kindness to others. You can browse a persons wish list, choose an item to buy them as a treat and select to send it to their address. 

How Can I Create An Amazon Wish List?

When you are logged in to Amazon hover over where it says Hello Your Name Accounts and Lists. Once you are hovering a drop down menu will appear. On the left hand side of the dropdown it says create a list. Click on it.

Now it will ask you to name your list. This can be anything you choose. 

Once you have chosen a name you are ready to click create, and start adding items to your virtual wish list. 

Now all you need to do is browse Amazon and instead of adding to basket, click add to list.

Managing Your List.

Once you have added items to your virtual wish list you need to manage your list. On the right hand side above your list you will see three dots and the word More. You hover over this and it will create a drop down menu, click manage list. 

Managing your list allows you to add your name, email, DOB, address (very important if you want to receive treats to your door - your address is concealed from buyers so they cannot access your address but your name will pop up at checkout which they can then choose to have the gift sent directly to you.) and also the privacy setting for your list. I used shared which means I have to share the link to my list to someone so they can see it. 

Sharing Your List.

This is the fun part, now you can share your list with whoever you like and hopefully kindness will be spread and someone may treat you to a gift off your list. 

Treat Others 

I like to treat others so I usually scroll socials for #AmazonWishList and choose a couple of people to send gifts too using their wish list links. 

It's so important to spread kindness. You never know what kind of day, week, month, year a person is having and receiving an anonymous treat in the post might be the best thing that has happened to that person in a long time. 

Michelle

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Snacks and Lunch Bag Fillers From Jack's | AD

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Disclosure - This is a paid collaboration with Jack's. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. 

We have successful completed the first week back at school and it went really well. I think we all had the same idea that it was time for our children to get back to some kind of normality and routine. Staying at home for a short period is okay but it is no good for our little ones long term as they need to be with children their own age and little J was ready to be back in his social circle. 

I knew once little J was back to school he would adapt well to being up and out before 9am , however I was worried about how he would cope during the day just having a snack and his lunch. There has been lots of posts on socials from parents joking how will their kids survive during the day without their second breakfast, 52 snacks before lunch and it's true. While at home our children have definitely snacked more. Little J has a packed lunch at school so I need to make sure I provide him with a healthy but filling lunch each day whilst not denting the bank balance too much. 

At Christmas we headed to Jacks to shop festive treats on a budget so we decided to pop to our local Jacks again to stock up on lunch box fillers and snacks.

Jacks Supermarket

Jack's is a supermarket that was founded and named after Jack Cohen who is also the founder of Tesco. As well as Jack's own branded products you can also find a selection of Tesco and Britain's favourite brands in store. It's a go to supermarket that is very popular as you can shop quality products at outstanding value. 

As well as selling food and drink you can also browse the toys, games and homeware. 

Packed Lunch Ideas

Little J is a very fussy eater and is often unsure about trying anything new so his lunches each week are usually a variety of sandwiches, pasta and chicken. 

Sandwich fillers are little J's favourite sandwich choice so we popped a choice of egg and tuna in our trolley. Each pack makes up to 4 sandwiches. I will usually use the Tuna filler on a sandwich one day and then add it to cold pasta the next day so it covers two different lunches. 

Another lunch choice is another of little J's favourite chicken fillet and a small cheese block. I love that as well as Jack's own brand I can also shop brands that we also love too under one roof. 

Lunch box extras are usually one or two pieces of fruit. Jack's fruit is always really fresh with reasonable expiry dates. You can also shop their fresh five with offers on fruit and veg every two weeks. 

I will then add a packet or crisps or crackers, a small treat such as a biscuit and a drink. 

Where Can I Find A Jack's Store?

Jack's has twelve  stores in the UK and they can be found at St Helen's, Sheffield, Edge Hill, Barnsley, Immingham, Wakefield, Liverpool North, Walton, Rubery, Castle Bromwich, Chatteris and Middlewich. A full store locator is available on the Jack's website.

As you may know from previous posts we do like to shop with a budget in mind so we don't get carried away whilst in store. Our break time snacks and lunch box fillers cost less than £20 and lasted us beyond the school week. Having the choice of Jack's and other brands all in one place allows you to add  a variety of items to suit your family tastes and budget. 

Michelle

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The Rainbow Blots Review

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Disclosure - We received a copy of The Rainbow Blots for the purpose of this post. Any thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. This post contains affiliate links.

Red and yellow and pink and green, orange and purple and blue. This is part of the rainbow song that we all know. We think this song teaches us the colours of the rainbow when in fact they are not the correct colours at all. The Rainbow Blots is a beautiful children's book that not only teaches us the correct colours but in the correct order too. 

The story begins when Mummy Rainbow lowers down her blots to the ground and encourages them to go and have fun. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet explore the world and along the way they tell us about each other and what the love. Red Blot loves to play with red things. He tells us four of his favourites including a rose, strawberries, cherries and his red car.

Not only does the book encourage us to learn the colours of the rainbow it is also a lovely introduction to colours for younger ones. The bright, bold illustrations are eye catching and lots of fun too.

The author of The Rainbow Blots Carlie Wright has composed a nursery rhyme which is accompanied by 2D animations of the characters from the book. It really does help bring the story to life. 

The Rainbow Blots is a beautiful story with fun illustrations and will make the perfect story book for little ones.

Unfortunately our giveaway is now closed however you can purchase The Rainbow Blots on Amazon.

Michelle

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6 in 1 Solar Recycler Review

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Disclosure - We were sent a 6 in 1 Solar Recycler for the purpose of this post. Any thoughts, opinions or photographs are our own. 

To celebrate British Science Week I have teamed up with Wicked Uncle to give away a 6 in 1 Solar Recycler kit. The 6 in 1 Solar Recycler kit is an eco-friendly kit which allows you to build six moving models using household recyclable items.

Powered by natural sunlight, the models are easy to make up and build using old recycled items with the various kit parts, including a solar panel, motor and instructions. Have fun recycling a drinking can to create an impressive walking robot with googly eyes or make a twin-can street roller. Reuse empty water bottles to build a bottle yacht, drumming robot and flying bird or recycle those old CDs to make the cool-looking CD racer. A great beginners' introduction to solar power technology, whilst having fun stretching the imagination and inventing your own creations. All powered up by simply sitting on the window-sill, a truly brilliant kit.

Unfortunately our giveaway is now closed.

Win 6 in 1 Solar Recycler

Michelle

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February 2021 | Looking Back

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I had this post scheduled for the end of February but unfortunately it never published and I have only just realised. However it's better late than never so here is what we got up to in February 2021.

Although February was a short month it felt so long and by the middle we were all ready for that half term break. The excitement of being off school and doing work at home has definitely fizzled out and I think we are all ready for some normality. 

Weekend Walks

Just the same as other months we really do look forward to our local weekend walks. It really gives us a reason to get up and dressed at the weekend rather than lazing about in our Pj's - although that is fun sometimes too.

Towards the end of last year we bought National Trust memberships so I am really looking forward to the restrictions lifting so we can visit some new places further afield. 

Valentine's Day

John planned and prepared a lovely afternoon tea for us all to enjoy for Valentines Day. It was such a lovely treat and although we don't really celebrate it he bought me a gorgeous Disney Loungefly Bag which I have wanted for so long. I was very happy. 

Pancake Day

During half term it was Pancake Day and the boys really enjoyed flipping pancakes and filling them with delicious treats. I offered them Nutella, jam, sweets and M&M's. They tried the lot. 

Treats

Little J was a little down for a few days. I think he had just had enough with being at home stuck with just us but he really cheered up when a package of treats arrived for him and big J. It was a lovely surprise from his Grandma and Grandad. 

Cinema Night

As another treat John and I planned a night at the Odeon cinema at home for the boys. We downloaded the Odeon at Home free resources which really made the night extra special. We had slush, coke, nachos and cheese, hotdogs, pick'n'mix and popcorn. It was a fun night and little J keeps pestering for us to do it again so he definitely enjoyed it. 

In Other News

Little J has become attached more than ever to his Winnie The Pooh taggy over the past year. Taggy has always been little J's favourite teddy but they are just inseparable at the moment which worries me as he will be returning to school soon. I drew him a picture of taggy (what taggy used to look like 8 years ago) and he has stuck it on his bedroom door. 

John and I have decided to watch the Marvel Movies and series again. We have already watched Captain America The First Avenger and then the Agent Carter Series 1 & 2. We've still got a long way to go but I am really looking forward to seeing them again. 

We have been thinking about our travel plans for 2021 and although we are still unsure about what we can and can't do I am hoping we will have something booked by next month. 

Michelle

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Ideas To Keep You Busy In March

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If everything goes to plan in the world, we can start to look forward to being able to do more things and have a lot more freedom starting in March. It's crazy to think it's been a year this month since the craziness began but hopefully we can start to put it behind us. Here are a few things that can keep us busy in March. 

World Wildlife Day (3rd)

Head to your local woodlands or forest. Each year a new theme is introduced to help celebrate and raise awareness of World Wildlife Day. In 2021, the new theme is Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet. This theme looks to shed light on the links between the state of our planet’s forests and woodlands and the preservation of the many livelihoods that depend on them. 

World Book Day (4th)

World Book Day was created by UNESCO on 23rd April 1995 as a worldwide celebration of books and reading. It is marked in over 100 countries around the globe. It is usually celebrated in schools with children dressing up as their favourite character from a book. However as most schools are closed except for a select group of children we will just have to celebrate at home this year. 

British Science Week (5th-14th)

British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths. You may have your own ideas on how you can celebrate all things STEM but if you are looking for some inspiration, head over to  https://www.britishscienceweek.org. You can download activity packs and even make your own poster. 

WandaVision Finale on Disney+ (5th)

For all the Marvel fans out there you may not want this date to come around as it means it is the WandaVision finale. Just 9 short episodes of Marvel brilliance and it all comes to an end tonight. There are lots of theories but no-one truly knows what exactly is happening in Westview but I am guessing we will get some answers in the final episode.

Raya And The Last Dragon on Disney+ (5th)

Available on Disney+ Premier Access Raya and the Last Dragon can be streamed through the app for £19.99.

Back To School (8th)

The 8th of March is the date given that all children will return to school. Everyone has their own opinion on this date. Whether you think it's the right or wrong time for the return, I think only time will tell.

Meet A Friend (8th)

You will be allowed to leave home to meet a friend in a public place, such as a park today as part of the lockdown easing plan.

International Women's Day (8th)

Marked annually on March 8th, International Women's Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about women's equality, lobby for accelerated gender parity and fundraise for female-focused charities.

Assembled - Making of WandaVision on Disney+ (12th)

For all you who are missing WandaVision you can watch Assembled - Making of WandaVision on Disney+

Yes Day on Netflix (12th)

Imagine saying yes to your kids to everything they ask for one whole day. Yes Day starring Jennifer Garner premieres on Netflix today.

Mother's Day (14th)

Mother's Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. 

St Patrick's Day (17th)

Dress up and decorate your house in green as Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.

Red Nose Day (19th)

Red Nose Day is a campaign to end child poverty, one nose at a time. There are lots of ways to get involved by raising money and awareness to ensure children who need our help the most are safe, healthy and educated around the world.

World Sleep Day (19th)

March is National Bed Month so it's the perfect time to catch up on some zzz's and get some much needed beauty sleep. We all know sleep is good for our health both physically and mentally so we need to make sure we are getting enough of it. 

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (19th)

The new Marvel mini series The Falcon and The Winter Soldier premiers today on Disney+.

International Day Of Happiness (20th)

International Day of Happiness is a day to remember how important it is to be happy. Do something for you today, do something that makes you happy. 

Spring (20th)

Today the sun will rise at 6:14am and set at 18:25pm, giving us 12hours and 11 minutes of daylight to mark the first day of Spring. 

World Down Syndrome Day (21st)

Pop on a pair of odd socks today and help raise awareness for Down Syndrome. 

Debt Awareness Week (22-28th)

Time to sort our your finances this week for debt awareness week. 

World Water Day (22nd)

World Water Day is held on 22 March every year since 1993. It is a day to remember how lucky we are and help to raise awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water.

Tolkien Reading Day (25th)

The 25th of March each year is known as Tolkien Reading Day and it was created to encourage people to celebrate the author J.R.R Tolkien. For fans of Lord of The Rings you may recognise the significance of the date 25th March, this date was the fall of Sauron and Barad-dur. 

Rule of 6 is Back (29th)

From today you will be able to meet in larger groups again, but only outdoors - including in private gardens.

The rule will be that up to six people can meet, or a larger number as long as you all come from just two different households.

Outdoor Sports (29th)

Outdoor sporting venues (such as tennis clubs) will be opened and people can take place in outdoor sports.

Stay Local (29th)

The stay at home order will end today, but the advice will be to stay local rather than travelling long distances. We are lucky to have lots of parks, beaches and forests locally.

Michelle

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