Food and Drink
Showing posts with label Food and Drink. Show all posts

Thorntons Chocolate Bundle | Giveaway

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Thorntons Chocolates
You may have read recently that we visited the newly refurbished Thorntons Store at Liverpool One. Thorntons is one of our favourite places to shop for chocolates and at Christmas time they are the perfect treat for someone special. We are giving away one of our chocolate bundles to a lucky Playdays and Runways reader.

The bundle will include

Your own personalised Cheeky Elf Advent Calendar. 

A Chocolate Block Library filled with 5 Chocolate blocks. 

A Classic Box 

A Beautifully Wrapped Continental Box

and 

a Craftery Box filled with 9 chocolates. 

All you need to do is enter via our giveaway widget below, tell us who you would share your chocolates with and pop back daily for special bonus chances to win. 

Good luck


Michelle


Competition closes on Sunday 17th November 2019
Entrants must have a valid UK address. 
Bulk, third party or any other entries using automated software will be disqualified. 
All entrants and entries are checked and verified. 
1 lucky winner will be chosen at random by the Gleam application. 
Playdays and Runways will contact the lucky winners within 7 days of the competition closing. 
The winners will be emailed to the email address given at the time of entering. 
The winners must respond within 28 days, if no response a new winner will be chosen. 
This prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative 
The Prize : Thorntons Chocolate Bundle
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How To Enjoy Breakfast As A Family | AD

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Disclosure - This post is a paid collaboration with nutella. The idea for this post, thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own.

Family enjoying breakfast
As a family there is one thing all four of us thrive on and that is routine. When little J was born we decided that having a routine was something we needed if we were going to be able to manage as a new family of four. Some days our routine doesn't always go to plan but one thing we always try to stick to is enjoying breakfast together as a family. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so I like to make sure that we all come together to enjoy a balanced meal to get us through the day.

Preparation

If you are going to enjoy breakfast together as a family then you have to prepare. I always make sure that I have all the ingredients that I need and I try to vary what we eat each day. I always set my alarm 15 minutes before the boys wake up time so I know that I have plenty of time to not only prepare the breakfast but to have time to enjoy it too.

boy enjoying milk
 A Balanced Breakfast

My Mum has always said to me that you should eat like a king at breakfast, a prince at lunchtime and a pauper for dinner. It's an old saying, which is just a saying, but it has always stuck with me. Breakfast is the first meal of the day so it's important to make sure you eat as your body won't have had any food for hours while you slept.

I like to offer the boys a variety of breakfast options each day. Big and little J like different foods at breakfast time. They both have different favourite cereals, little J likes toast and pancakes whilst big J prefers waffles and croissants.

Whether we spread it on top of our toast or waffles, we enjoy one heaped teaspoon of nutella (15g, 80kcal) which is the perfect portion size per person, to be enjoyed as part of a balanced breakfast.

spreading Nutella on toast
Big J loves toast and spreading the nutella himself is one of his favourite breakfast. He doesn't like to use a knife he prefers to use the spoon, which takes a little bit longer but as long as he is happy then I am happy.

Eat Together

Every mealtime we eat together at the table. It's something we have always done and will continue to do. I'm not a big fan of take away breakfasts and eating on the go, I like to sit and enjoy my breakfast and watching the boys eat knowing that they have had a balanced breakfast before school.

smiling family at the breakfast table
There are so many distractions nowadays with iPads and phones, social media and video games, mealtimes are now a perfect chance to get away from those distractions and actually talk to each other.

Talk

When I was younger my Nan would say it was rude to talk at the table. It's funny how times change as now I feel talking at the table brings us closer. During breakfast it's our time to chat about our day ahead whether it's what we will be getting up to, what the boys have to look forward to at school, activities they have planned after school or even what we are having for dinner. It's so nice just to take 15 minutes out of the day to sit round as a family and enjoy spending time together.

Spending time together as a family at breakfast time really does make us feel a lot happier as we start our day. It's relaxed and enjoyable and I know that the boys are starting their day with a balanced breakfast. Nutella has teamed up with leading family psychologist Linda Blair, to develop the Happy Portion formula - looking at tips for a great breakfast time. The campaign helps to show that spending time together as a family at breakfast time can have a positive effect on the rest of your day, whilst enjoying one heaped teaspoon of nutella as part of a balanced and varied diet.  If you would like to read more about nutella's Happy Portion Campaign, head over to https://www.nutella.com/uk/en/happy-portion 

I would love to hear how you spend time together as family at breakfast time and if you have any tips  on breakfast time as a family please do share with #nutellaHappyPortion

Michelle
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Snap Your Summer And Win With Swizzels

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Disclosure - We were gifted a range of Swizzels sweets and merchandise for the purpose of this post.

Swizzels sweets and cup
We have had a very busy Summer this year driving up and down the country visiting various theme parks and attractions. Whenever we plan a day out with the kids we always make sure that we take plenty of snacks and treats to keep them happy on the journey.


This Summer Swizzels are running a ‘Snap Your Summer’ Competition as part of their huge ‘Fun in the Sun’ summer campaign through July, August and September. The competition asks entrants to Snap their Summer by taking a picture of a Swizzels product while on a day trip or holiday and sharing on social or through the website entry page. They can win a £5000 holiday with On the Beach, and daily prizes from their new exclusive Swizzels Merchandise range.

I have submitted our entry but if you would like to submit an entry to be in with the chance to win, all you need to do is upload your photo using the form on the Swizzels Website

Good Luck

Michelle
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Drinks To Enjoy In The Summer

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Disclosure - We were gifted a Cranes Cider pack in return for a mention on our blog. The thoughts for this post, opinions and photographs are our own. 

cranes cider
I'm not much of a drinker, in fact I can go for months without having an alcoholic drink however there is something about the Summer that changes that. I think it's because we have the warm Summer evenings in the garden and family BBQ's and there are so many nice Summer tipples to choose from.

Cider is a perfect choice and we have been enjoying Cranes Cider this Summer.  There are so many flavours of cider to choose from including Blueberries and Apples, Pomegranate and Raspberries and my favourite Cranberries and Limes. A lovely refreshing drink which boasts 30% less calories compared to other top brands.

pink gin
 Gin is not a drink I would ever have thought of trying until I was given a pink gin at a Party. Pink gin has become a very poplar choice over the last few years and I like to enjoy it with diet lemonade giving it a sweeter taste compared to tonic.


Baileys vanilla cinnamon
 For many Baileys would be classed as a winter drink however I like to enjoy a Baileys no matter what the season. Baileys Vanilla Cinnamon is a perfect choice for a cool Summer's Evening in the garden. You can enjoy it neat or over ice. We have only been able to find this flavour in duty free at the airports so we always pick up a bottle when we are travelling.


Again wine was never a drink I would choose until I tried it with lemonade last year and really enjoyed it. It's a drink that you can sip throughout the day or evening and is lovely served chilled. I prefer a rosé wine as it has a sweeter taste.


Do you enjoy a nice drink in the Summer evenings? Do you have a favourite Summer tipple? Let us know.

Michelle
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Smiggle Lunchbag and Bottle | Review

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Disclosure - We were sent the Smiggle goodies for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. 

Smiggle lunchboxes and bottles
It was only about 6 months ago we found Smiggle. A store opened up in our city centre, we walked past it one day and the explosion of colours caught little J's eye. From the outside all I could see was pinks and purples and I have to admit I was keen to take a look myself. Smiggle has a huge range of stationery, bags, lunchbags and water bottles on display. Little J was so excited and we agreed he could choose something as a treat. He chose a water bottle and has loved that bottle ever since. Smiggle recently sent us some lunch bags and bottles and little J is over the moon.

Smiggle lunchboxes and bottles
Smiggle lunchboxes and bottles
This style of lunch bag is called a double decker. So if you want a bag with lots of space than I would definitely recommend a double decker. The top can be opened using the zip to reveal a shallow compartment. This is ideal for snacks or even an ice pack if needed. The bottom is spacious and could fit a large lunch in and/or a water bottle.

Smiggle lunchboxes and bottles
The glitz double decker is also spacious and could fit a large lunch inside and/or a water bottle too. There is also a front zip which opens up and is ideal for popping in a water bottle, ice pack or snacks. The glitz double decker comes with the choice of a carry handle or a strap.

There are also a large range of water bottles available at Smiggle. The range includes hard plastic, roll water bottle, stainless steel and also a spritz water bottle that has a water mist trigger that will spray cool, refreshing mist. This is on little J's Smiggle wishlist.

If you don't have a Smiggle close to home you can view and buy the range online by visiting Smiggle. There is currently 25% off all lunch bags and bottles however it is for a limited time so might be a good idea to buy now before the back to school rush.

Michelle
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Christmas 2018 | Gift Guide - The Foodies

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 At Christmas we have to buy for all different types of people. This Christmas gift guide is one for the foodies. We have included gifts for all tastes including Spice Pioneer, Mad Millie and Eat 17.
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Dining Out | Kids Menu at Turtle Bay

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Last week we headed in to town to for lunch at Turtle Bay. This was our first ever visit to Turtle Bay so we were not sure what to expect. Little J is quite a fussy eater but as they had just updated their kids menu we were keen to give it a try.
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Cocktail Making Masterclass at Prezzo

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You may have read my post recently about us sampling the new Summer Set Menu at Prezzo. We had lots of delicious food and drinks and while we were there we had the chance to take part in a Cocktail Making Masterclass. John and I have never done anything like this before and as the cocktails were going to have Peroni in John was very excited to make them.
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Review | The Summer Set Menu at Prezzo

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To celebrate the upcoming launch of the Summer Set Menu at Prezzo we were invited along during Aperitivo Hour to sample the dishes that will be available from 18th June 2018. Prezzo at Manchester Media City is in a really relaxing location close to other bars and restaurants. The first thing we noticed was the pop up Peroni Nastro Azzurro bar. The bar which is just outside the Prezzo restaurant was very inviting with lots of tables complete with cushions and blankets so you can enjoy eating and drinking Al Fresco even when it is cold outside.
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The Gruffalo and Organix Giveaway

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You may have read my earlier post about us being a Merlin Annual Pass holder, which means we get to visit attractions across the UK throughout the year. One for our Summer Bucket List this year is to visit Chessington World Of Adventures for two reasons. Firstly we have never been and secondly because little J absolutely loves the Gruffalo and Chessington World of Adventures now have a new Gruffalo River Ride. Celebrating its partnership with the new Gruffalo River Ride Adventure at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Organix are giving one lucky Playdays and Runways winner the chance to win a Gruffalo DVD and a £10 bundle of its top selling Goodies healthy snacks. 
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Charlie Bigham's Meals Review

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It's always nice to find out about brands that you haven't heard of before so when we received some vouchers to exchange for a few Charlie Bigham's meals we were very excited. We headed to Tesco that morning and found the meals in the fridge section. We have never seen them before but if I am being honest they look very posh and we have probably just walked past them. There was a small choice in our local Tesco but we decided that we would try the Chicken Tikka Masala and Lasagne.

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Slimming World Slow Cooker Lasagne Recipe

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Recently I bought myself a slow cooker and I've made a few things in it so far but our favourite last week so Slimming World Slow Cooker Lasagne. I've just started my Slimming World journey so I will be making more meals but for now I thought I would share with the Lasagne recipe.
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Hollands Micro 2 Go Pastie Slice Review

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When I was younger Hollands was the only brand of pie I knew. It was the brand my Nana and Grandad bought, My Mum and Dad and whenever you had a pie from the chippy it would always be a Hollands. Growing up I was never a lover of meat based pies but I loved Cheese and Onion. A cheese and onion pie with lots of tomato sauce, yummy.

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Switch It Up and Drink Smart

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As soon as the Christmas season begins we usually have lots of invites for nights out, get togethers, and meals and to me this means lots of fun but others its an excuse to have lots of alcohol. I am not a big drinker in fact whenever I go out I am usually the driver and would much rather drink water or a glass of diet coke than wine or vodka. To me drinking is a social thing and people use it to have great time but I don't need it. Don't get me wrong when I was younger I would party all weekend but I was younger then and had no responsibilities but I now one night of partying would make me feel ill for a week after and with two kids and a husband to look after I much prefer to to stay alcohol free. Recent research commissioned by AB InBev was done to demonstrate the benefits of smart drinking encouraging Brits to 'Switch It Up' 
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Go Ahead Snacks Review #SnackSmart

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We love reviewing new products as it gives us the chance to try out new stuff we may have missed in the shops. However when we were asked to review some Go Ahead goodies it reminded me of a brand I used to love but just forgot about somehow. We used to eat Go Ahead bars a few years ago but stopped and I'm not sure why as they are so tasty and low in kcals.
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Annabel Karmel Frozen Meals Review

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When it comes to mealtimes I have mentioned before that I do like to cook from scratch but realistically there are days when this does not happen. Being a parent it's busy, busy, busy and there are days when I just have to throw something together quickly if we are running late and I haven't had time to prepare something. Having said that I still make sure what we eat isn't junk and that it is something that is nutritious and healthy. When we were asked to try out Annabel Karmel Frozen Meals I took a look at the website and the products and I was impressed. Annabel Karmel has turned her best-loved children’s recipes into nutritionally balanced freezer fillers for parents like me that have days when we are just too busy to cook.
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Win An Organix Goodies Bundle Giveaway

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To celebrate the launch of its tasty new snacks Organix Goodies is giving away a hamper for your little one to munch, crunch and nibble away at the new foods.  There’s also a lunch bag, a hat and water bottle for your little explorer’s adventures.
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Riverford Fruit and Vegetable Box Giveaway

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As farmers, veg box deliverers and self-confessed ‘veg nerds’, Riverford Organic Farmers know a thing or two about healthy, seasonal eating. What’s more, their new ‘Veg Fund’ allows families to raise money for their school while introducing children to healthy eating and teaching them where their food comes from.
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#AirFryerTakeIn - Making Chocolate Brownies with Philips AirFryer

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Since I joined Slimming World I have been noticing calories and fat content more than I ever have in the past. I am conscious all the time especially when eating out. When Philips asked us to take the #AirFryerTakeIn challenge I was quite excited as I love using our Airfryer. For those that are not familiar with the Airfryer you can visit our Airfryer Review. We were sent a selection of different recipes to make that have less calories than if you were eating out.
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Num Noms at Bella Italia

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I have mentioned Num Noms before on my blog but if you haven't heard of them Nums are adorable, scented, squishy characters with tons of personality. Noms are motorized mischievous characters that move around, they're scented too. Stack the Nums on top of the Noms to make over 1,000 sweet scented combinations. We were recently invited to an event at our local Bella Italia to celebrate the launch of series 2 of Num Noms.
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