Disclosure - We were gifted a selection of Love Corn products. The idea for this post, thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own.
We were so ready for things to start getting back to normal but now as restrictions have started to lift I have realised how busy we usually are. On top of work and school we now have football training and matches 3 times a week, swimming, friends over in the garden plus we are still trying to fit in our daily walks and our longer weekend walks too.
I feel like we are always on the move with somewhere to go so I make sure I have some snacks handy for the boys to eat. These are our go to snack ideas for kids on the go.
Proper Corn
There are a variety of brands and flavours on the market but we opt for Proper Corn. Proper Corn is one of the healthier popcorn choices and is also vegan friendly and gluten free. The sweet and salty bag has the perfect balance of sea salt and raw cane sugar giving it a caramelised glaze.
Fruit Bowl Juicy Yogurt Raisins and Strawberry Yogurt Flakes
Fruit Bowl offer a variety of snacks however we have found the juicy yogurt raisins and strawberry yoghurt flakes work best for us. Both are made with real fruit and have a tasty yogurt coating which gives them a sweeter taste. The yoghurt flakes are also gluten free too.
Go Ahead Fruity Cake Bites
Go Ahead fruity cake bites are delicious orange and lemon sponge bites with an orange filling. Each pack is high in fibre and offers no artificial colours or flavouring. The pack size is ideal for a snack on the go when you feel like something sweet and filling but without the calories.
Love Corn
Pieces of crunchy corn sprinkled in a choice of four tasty flavours. The Love Corn flavours will definitely satisfy your taste buds with a choice of salt and vinegar, smoked BBQ, Habanero chilli and sea salt. Each pack is plant based, vegan friendly and gluten free. Again the pack is a great size for snacks on the go, lunchboxes or even add to a salad for an extra crunch.
I have teamed up with Love Corn to offer you the chance to win a delicious box of 12 packets of Love Corn and Love Corn Merchandise. All you need to do is complete the entry form below, pop back daily for bonus chances to win.
If you are not lucky enough to win you can still enjoy Love Corn. Head to the website, order some tasty Love Corn and enter CRUNCH20 for 20% off. If you would like to try before you buy thats okay too. Grab a free sample of the four flavours (postage is £1.99). Grab Your Free Sample Here
Michelle
Terms
Competition closes on Sunday 2nd May 2021
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 will not be announced on my blog or social media until they have agreed that their name can be displayed.
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 : 12 packets of Love Corn and branded merchandise
Today is the day that we begin the second step of the Roadmap out of lockdown and restrictions. All non essential shops will open, as well as hairdressers and beer gardens to name a few. I think the one thing we have been looking forward to the most is the opening of the Theme Parks. Visiting theme parks is our favourite day out and we can't wait till we can visit our favourites this year.
We are Merlin Pass holders so their attractions will be top of our visit list this year. They have been working hard behind the scenes during lockdown to bring lots of new and exciting updates to their parks and attractions in 2021. Here is what we can look forward to.
Alton Towers
Due to Covid-19 the opening of David Walliams land was delayed but it now looks set to open this year with the 'land' being added to the park map and features new rides.
Gangsta Granny: The Ride
This dark ride will take you on a journey based on the popular David Walliams book, Gangsta Granny.
You must be 0.9m or over to ride, and 1.2m or over to ride without an adult. All riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask.
Royal Carousel
Hop on board the Queens horses or sit on the throne as you spin round and round.
If you are under 1.3m you must be with an adult (18+). All riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask.
Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp
Bounce up and down on Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp Ride.
You must be at least 0.9m to ride Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp. If you are under 1.1m you must be with an adult (18+). All riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask.
If you are familiar with Alton Towers you may know David Walliams land will take over the former land Cloud Cuckoo Land.
Although the location has not been confirmed yet I can only assume that Gangsta Granny The Ride will either be in the Charlie and The Chocolate Factory ride which closed in 2015 or the old Wobble World play area.
The Royal Carousel and Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp sound very familiar to the Carousel and Frog Hopper which were located in Cloud Cuckoo Land so may not be new rides as such, maybe just rebranded.
Alton made a very exciting announcement recently on their social media that they have added three 'pop up' type rides to the park called The Retro Squad.
We don't know a lot about these rides other than they are old school rides called Mixtape, Funk'n'Fly and Roller Disco.
The locations of the rides have been shared with a brief description.
Roller Disco
Located in The Dark Forest and is a spinning ride.
Mix Tape
Located in X Sector and seems to be a 'bouncy' type of ride.
Funk'n'Fly
Located in Forbidden Valley and says we will soar to heights.
All three rides require you to be a minimum of 1.2m and all riders aged 11+ must wear a face mask.
All the above rides may not open on the 12th April 2021. Further updates will be made with opening dates once released.
Chessington World Of Adventures
It looks like there is just one new addition to Chessington World of Adventures in 2021.
Croc Drop
Jump on board and reach great heights before being plunge 25m in to the Crocs Jaw.
Croc Drop is a fun and exciting 'drop tower' type of ride which requires all riders to be a minimum of 1.2m. If you are between 1.2-1.3 you must ride with an adult over the age of 16. All riders over 1.3 can ride alone.
There is no update about face masks for this ride however I assume it will be similar to Alton Towers.
Legoland Windsor Resort
Opening on the 29th May Lego Mythica is a new land coming to Legoland Windsor Resort. Mythica is a parallel universe where all the lego creatures we create go so they can come to life.
There are three new rides opening in the land of Lego Mythica and includes the UK's first ever flying theatre ride.
Flight Of The Sky Lion
Take a ride with Maximus through Lego Mythica and explore the realms facing some of the rarest and scariest creatures.
Fire and Ice Free Fall
Two spinning top tower rides.
Hydra's Challenge.
An interactive water ride with twists and turns.
Again there isn't much information about the new land and the three exciting new rides. As soon as information is released I will update minimum height restrictions and other updates.
Thorpe Park
Just one new attraction heading to Thorpe Park this spring and it is a UK first.
Black Mirror Labyrinth
Opening on May 21st The UK's first ever Black Mirror Experience attraction. Described as a twisted and sensory defying maze it will lead you in to the core of the Black Mirror Universe.
Based on the description I will assume this will be adults only however will update as soon as more information is released.
Warwick Castle
A new activity trail to follow.
Zog and The Quest For The Golden Star
Included in the price of your ticket and available until 5th September 2021, the Zog activity trail will keep you busy. Learn how to become a true dragon, rescue a princess and collect stamps along the way.
Zog will be there to pose for a photograph and hand out some golden stars too.
All these new rides and attractions should keep us busy this year. What are you looking forward to most?
After visiting Tatton Park last Christmas time to join in with their Holly's Festive Feast trail we have been on the lookout for something similar. We found the new trail, Percy The Park Keeper - The Secret Path In The Gardens Trail, which started on 2nd April.
What To Expect At Percy The Park Keeper - The Secret Path In The Gardens Trail. Tatton Park, WA16 6QN (Sat Nav WA16 6SG)
Percy The Park Keeper and all his animal friends have headed to Tatton Park this Spring for an adventure.
The idea behind the trail is Percy is working in Tatton Gardens. You must follow the trail along secret paths and sloping hills to help Percy find all the items that have gone missing which he needs to have a big Spring clean-up
The trail begins in the garden entrance. You can pick up your trail map and pencil upon arrival and head out in the gardens to start your journey along the secret path.
Once you are on your way you can follow the squirrel signposts which will tell you which direction to go in next.
There are 7 clues in total hidden around the gardens and you can solve each one and write them down on your trail sheet. Each answer is a missing item that Percy needs to finish his Spring clean up.
The gardens are so big and you can of course head off and explore the gardens along the way or after you gave finished the trails. There is lots to explore and you can use your map to help you get back on track.
If you complete all the clues in order when you complete clue number 6 you may spot someone in the distance. It's Percy! Percy is at his potting shed ready to say hello to all his visitors.
When we arrived at the potting shed, Percy introduced himself and had a lovely chat with little J about what football team he supports. He then gave us a a little pot which contained a french bean. He told us all about the bean and the steps we need to follow to help it grow. As it was Easter weekend Little J was also given a Lindt chocolate bunny which was a lovely surprise. We took a quick photo with Percy and then we were on our way to find the last clue.
Once you complete the trail there is another photo opportunity with Percy and his animal friends.
On your way out you can collect your Percy The Park Keeper trail sticker to keep.
Anything Else?
Percy The Park Keeper - The Secret Path In The Gardens Trail is available every day until 13th June 2021.
Times:
10am - 6pm (last entry 5pm)
Price:
Garden entry: £8 adult, £6 child, National Trust members go free (but must still book a timed ticket to visit).
£1 per child for Percy the Park Keeper’s garden trail sheets (including NT members).
There are no toilets inside the garden area so make sure you head to the toilets before you enter which are just outside the gardens entrance.
There are plenty of grass areas suitable for a picnic both in and outside the gardens plus there are picnic benches and tables scattered around the estate too.
The Stable Restaurant is open daily 10am-5pm and offers a limited takeaway menu.
Parkland is open daily 10am – 7pm (last entry 6pm). The Farm and Mansion are currently closed.
All vehicles will be charged £8 parking fee, this is half price for blue badge holders, cyclists and pedestrians are free to enter.
The gardens have plenty of space to ensure social distancing and the trail is a lovely family day out to enjoy with the little ones.
Michelle
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Have you been to Percy's trail yet? Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit.
We have made it in to the second quarter of the year. How have you found this year so far? As much as I have enjoyed the restrictions being lifted with more to follow this month I really do hope we will still embrace the simpler days of walks in the park and exploring our local area. Here are a few things to keep us busy in April.
April Fools Day (1st)
Play a trick on your family and friends. Can you fool them?
Good Friday (2nd)
The first of two bank holidays this month and depending on your religion today is the day we remember Jesus dying on the cross.
Easter Sunday (4th)
Easter is celebrated in so many ways. For Christians, Easter Sunday is the day we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead. Amongst the younger generation Easter is a day when the Easter Bunny arrives to give out lots of chocolate eggs.
Grand National (10th)
One of the biggest sporting events in the UK, the Grand National will take place behind closed doors this year after cancelling last year due to Covid-19.
The three day racing event will run from 8th-10th April with the main race taking place live at 5:15pm and available to watch on ITV.
National Siblings Day (10th)
Whether you are young or old today is the day to reflect on the bond between siblings. You may not always get along with your sibling, they may not be with us anymore or maybe you are best friends. Today is a day to remember the bond you share.
Roadmap Step 2 Begins (12th)
April 12th is a date that has been on our minds for sometime now. It's the day when non-essential retail, personal care venues, gyms and most outdoor attractions can open as part of the easing of restrictions in the UK.
Anniversary Of The Titanic Sinking (15th)
If you are looking for something to watch tonight then maybe you could watch Titanic to mark the anniversary of the day it sank.
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Finale (23rd April)
For Marvel fans the 6 episode mini series The Falcon and The Winter Soldier finale will air on Disney+ on the 23rd April.
What are you looking forward to in April?
Michelle
If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.
Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit
We are now officially in the second quarter of the year and we can start to look forward to warmer days and lighter evenings. March was the beginning of back to some kind of normal with the children returning to school and also the rule of six coming back in to play again. Little J was happy to be back at school and has settled back in to his routine without any trouble at all.
Weekend Walks
The highlights of our months recently always involve our walks. They are what we look forward to the most at the moment and have carried us through the past year.
I really do hope that we that we continue to explore our local woods, enjoy walking along the waterfront and just appreciate the simple things.
Days out don't have to cost much and you don't have to travel for miles either. We have found so many beautiful places local to us that either are free or a small entrance / parking charge. Our days out have usually consisted of a home made packed lunch and a trip to the ice cream van at the end of the day. Travel time and cost have been minimal but they have been some of the best days out we have ever had.
Illness and Injuries
Disaster struck mid month when little J got tonsillitis and big J tore his ligaments playing basketball. Firstly little J getting ill before his birthday is nothing new. He has been ill on most of birthdays so far with tonsillitis, vomiting and chicken pox. Luckily a course of antibiotics and a few home days off school he was okay for his actually birthday.
Big J's plans for the month changed when he was playing basketball in the garden, fell and tore his ligament in his foot. He was in a lot of pain even after doing the recommended RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate) so John took him to A&E and it was confirmed he had injured it. He has had a cast on it and also using crutches. He has had one lot of physio so far and some exercises to do at home. Hopefully he will be on the mend soon.
2nd Lockdown Birthday
Despite this being his second lockdown birthday and no party planned little J was so excited for his special day. Up until the day before he didn't have any ideas of what he wanted for his birthday except for a box of fidget toys and surprises. He woke very early at just before 6am and loved every minute of his day. He loved all his presents including AirPods off his brother, a bike off us and his much wanted fidget toys. We had a small lunch and birthday cake, headed to grandparents to collect even more presents and all day he received messages, cards and visits from his friends. his favourite surprise of all was his Pizza Hut dinner. He has wanted Pizza Hut for so long and he had no idea we were collecting an order for him. He was very surprised.
In Other News
Little J's football has returned so that means lots of training sessions and matches each week. I've put my family organiser back on the fridge to keep track of everything.
John and I are still making our way through the Marvel Movies and Series. We are absolutely loving Agents of Shield at the moment and are just about to finish season two.
Next month we are looking forward to spending more time in the garden and outdoors with family and friends, haircuts, trips to the beer gardens and non essential shops opening.
Disclosure - This post includes gifted products. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own.
Spring is just around the corner and for us that means lots of playing outside in the garden and on the patio. We love having toys that are perfect for both in and outdoors and games that are portable to enjoy outside. We have gathered a few ideas that are perfect to enjoy this Spring.
6 In 1 Solar Recycler
Teaching the children to recycle is so important but it can also be lots of fun too. The 6 in 1 Solar Recycler can transform old items into something fun and new.
The kits contains everything you need to get started including a solar panel, motor and instructions. All you need to do is add the recycled item. Turn an old bottle in to a drummer robot, a yacht or a flying bird. If you have an old can you can turn it in to a walking robot or a street roller.
The perfect kit to provide lots of play in an eco friendly way.
Huckleberry Make Your Own Motor Boat
Children love using their imagination especially outdoors. A simple stone, a stick or piece of wood can turn in to whatever the child's imagination wants. This kit has everything a child needs to turn a piece of wood, cardboard or bottle in to their very own motor boat.
All you need to do is build your boat and attach the motor and place it in the water. Press the button and watch as it sets sail across the water.
Learning Resources Play Foam
Play Foam is perfect for both inside and out and can provide hours of fun. Each Play Foam ball can be squashed, squeezed. shaped and sculptured to create anything your imagination wants. Each squeeze of Play Foam is not only fun but can help to develop fine motor and manipulative skills,
The texture of the Play Foam is also perfect for sensory play. The best thing about the Play Foam is it will not stick to anything. If playing indoors you can be sure it won't stick to your carpet and outside it can be placed in a tuff tray and will never dry out.
Chocolate Lolly Maker
Spring is the perfect season for chocolate with Easter just around the corner. The Chocolate Lolly Maker has everything you need to get started an make some delicious chocolate lollies for yourself or as a treat for a friend.
All you need to do is melt some delicious chocolate (not included), pour into a mould of your choice, adding a lolly stick. You can even add a message too.
You can make your chocolate lolly even more special by wrapping it in a gift bag.
Huckleberry Pop Up Net
We find lots of bugs and creatures in Spring and it is lovely to go on a bug hunt and see what you can find. If you are feeling a little adventurous and brave you may like to catch the bugs so you can study them and observe them. The Huckleberry Pop Up Net is ideal for those who enjoy being outdoors and looking for bugs.
All you need to do is pop the net open so it is 10" wide, catch your bugs and creatures, observe them, then release them back to the wilderness.
Kanoodle Head To Head
Go head to head with a friend in this colourful and fun game. Each player has to compete to be the first player to finish the puzzle. It takes a lot of thinking to correctly place the 2D magnetic shapes in the correct order. If you finish first all you need to do is press the button and watch the other players pieces fly in to the air.
80 different challenges to complete, Kanoodle is a perfect size to take out and about with you too.
Huckleberry Waterproof Sketch Book
We can never rely on the great British weather so the Huckleberry Waterproof Sketchbook is a great way to be able to sketch, draw, write and colour outdoors no matter what the weather.
Each of the 80 pages is 140gsm waterproof stone paper and is the ideal size to fit in your pocket on the go.
Hoppy Floppy's Happy Hunt
Perfectly themed for Spring, Hoppy Floppy's Happy Hunt is a fun filled game were each player must use the tweezers to pick up the coloured carrots from the box and place them in their basket. The first player to have four different coloured carrots in their basket is the winner.
The use of tweezers in the game can really help develop fine motor skills, hand eye co-ordination and also matching colours.
Spring is one of my favourite seasons as we start to enjoy warmer days and lighter evenings giving us the perfect chance to enjoy lots of different activities both inside and out.
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.
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
