October 2021 | Looking Back

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We had a very busy October with us all doing lots of stuff as a family that we had planned. Some of the things we enjoyed had been booked for a long time so we were just so grateful that we were able to go. No one knows what the next couple of months might look like here in the UK as the Winter kicks in so we tried to enjoy it as much as possible.

paper plane
We started the month with a date night for a Chinese and then off to a charity quiz night. John and I were absolutely rubbish at the quiz although John did make the best paper plane. His plane that went the furthest out of about 40 so he won a prize. He won a juicer. We didn't win at the quiz but it was lots of fun. 

Boy looking at  sign

Boy looking at  sign

Music wall
Around Springtime we took part in a Percy The Park Keeper Trail in Tatton Park. It was a lovely trail around the gardens and we got to explore, do challenges and meet Percy himself. There was a new Autumn trail to experience at the park this month called After The Storm. The trail was really good and was free to enjoy or you could buy a trail map for just £1. We got to see parts of Tatton Park we hadn't seen before. 

woman standing in front of a show poster
empty theatre seats
Tell me on a Sunday stage
We went to the theatre for the first time in what feels like forever and it felt so good to be back watching a live show. Unfortunately there were only about 100 people in there, which was just so sad. I can't even say it was the show as it was the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, Tell Me On A Sunday. I guess people may not feel comfortable heading to such an intimate setting yet. However I absolutely loved the show and Jodie Prenger was amazing.

Blackpool Tower illuminated

Boy looking at the illuminations in Blackpool


We made our way up North to visit Blackpool to see the Blackpool illuminations. We try and do it every year and it has become a tradition. We always do the same thing every year but the boys still enjoy it. We head to Coral Island to play some games and try and win some goodies. Then we usually go to the chippy for dinner because you can't go to Blackpool and not get fish and chips. As we are Merlin Pass Holders we then visit the Blackpool Tower to see the illuminations from 380ft in the air. After that we drive through the lights all the way along the golden mile. 

kenyon hall farm

kenyon hall farm

pumpkins

boy in a pumpkin patch
Pumpkin Picking was the start of five days of Halloween and was so much fun this year. We managed to pick some really nice pumpkins at Kenyon Hall Farm. Tickets sold out very quickly so we were lucky to grab some before they did, however we actually realised that you only needed the ticket to visit the pumpkin field, everything else was available at no cost with lots of pumpkins already picked for sale. You can also enjoy the play area, cafe and shop too so I won't be too stressed next year if we don't manage to get a ticket as there is still lots to enjoy. 

Carved pumpkins
Only one thing to do after you've picked your pumpkins, time to carve them. From left to right is big J, mine, John's and little J's.

boys walking through a light tunnel

a boy bowing to buckbeak

a wand fight

A wand fight
After our pumpkin picking day and pumpkin carving night we headed to the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest experience. We had tried not to see anything about the trail online as we didn't want to spoil our experience so didn't really know what to expect. It was absolutely amazing. The trail was at Arley Hall and Gardens National Trust property which was magically transformed in to all things Harry Potter. The rain poured down however the trees proved to be amazing umbrellas so we didn't feel it until we headed in to the open. It was an unforgettable experience and worth every penny.

scarefest sign

alton towers pumpkins

Mixtape at Alton towers

boy standing outside trick o'treat town
We made it to Scarefest at Alton Towers after almost being put off by the rain. We are so glad we still went as the rain stayed away all day and we had a really fun packed day. The morning was a slow start with queuing almost 2 hours for Mixtape but after that we managed to get on all the rides we wanted, visited the new Trick O'Treat Town which was a really fun experience for all the family and rode Galactica and Wicker Man in the dark

boy dressed as a scary pumpkin

man and woman dress for halloween
We finished off our Halloween themed half term with two Halloween parties. 

I hope November is as fun as October was.

Michelle
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Christmas Fun and Games For All The Family

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Disclosure - We were sent the below items. The idea for this post was my own. Any thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. This post contains affiliate links. 

Christmas is about spending time with your family and friends. However there is nothing better than getting all the board games for some fun around the Christmas tree. Here are a few of our recommendations this year. 

The Very Merry Christmas Game
The Very Merry Christmas game brings the whole family together as you all compete to grab the most lavish set of presents for your stocking. Presents might be really nice or really naff and you may not find out what the other players have dished out to you until you open them at the end of the game.

Humm Bug Game
Humm Bug is a game for 2+ teams of humming old songs, new songs, love songs and the blues with no whistling, singing or even a la-la-la. It's a race against the clock for your team to guess the song, perfect for a family game night. Features all your favourites from the 1960's to the 2010's and beyond, with a few theme tunes thrown in for good measure.

Tension Game TV Edition
Sit down and turn on your thinking caps with this TV version of the popular Tension board game. TV Tension covers everyone's television favourites. As with Family Tension its a race to name ten examples to a given 'TV' subject and it's against the clock.

Six second scribbles
No more waiting around while one person draws - everyone plays at once in this fast-paced party game! While playing Six Second Scribbles you all have ONE minute to draw up to TEN things from your card. But not every doodle will do! To win points, your friends and family must be able to guess WHAT you drew.

Chimp game
Chimp! is the perfect pick-up-and-play anywhere game. If you are a word-lovers, shrewd guessers
 or anyone who delights in spotting the truth from the twaddle then this game is for you. Definitions to wacky words are read out one by one... but are they the truth, false or a Chimp!... a dastardly deception by one of the players?

Christmas Games
There are 8 unique Christmas themed family card games in this one festive box. Included inside is Xmas charades, Santa's sack, Xmas lists, Santa says, Bah! Humm bug, Under the tree,  Silent night and Xmas trivia - and a full set of rules for each game. Christmas fun for all the family. 

Battle of the ages game
It's the battle between old school vs new school in this ultimate trivia game! Test your knowledge about your rival generation's pop culture trivia by playing in teams based on generations. Who will win and knows more about the other generation?

unsolved case files
Unsolved Case Files puts you in the shoes of a cold case detective tasked with solving a murder that happened decades ago with only the original investigator's case file. Think you can find out who really killed Jamie Banks on November 20, 1992? Unsolved Case Files will let you find out once and for all whether you’re as good as the detectives on TV.

who wants to be a millionaire
Bring home the nation's favourite game show and battle head-to-head with your family and friends in the race to reach £1 million. Relive classic moments from the show and tackle the iconic money ladder using only your wits and digital lifelines. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire is fun for all the family.

3D Labyrinth
The beloved international classic is now in 3D. In a labyrinth of soaring tower and deep vaults, witches and wizards scramble to find coveted treasures. They cast powerful spells to teleport and shift the maze in their favour. Whoever collects their treasure first wins in this contest of minds and magic! As with the classic, treasures must be found by skilfully moving the rows of towers to clear a path, but with 3D Labyrinth you have to take into account the tower heights too.


What games do you like playing at Christmas time? Do you have any favourites?

Michelle
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Christmas Jumpers Exclusive To Truffle Shuffle Plus Giveaway

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Disclosure - We were gifted a Truffle Shuffle spend. The idea for this post is our own. This post also contains affiliate links. 

Christmas will soon be here and there will be a Christmas jumper explosion wherever you look. I have already bought a few but I recently spotted some exclusive to Truffle Shuffle. I do love retro clothes and I've already picked out five of my favourites. 

Garfield Red Sweater
Garfield Christmas Special Red Sweater
At one point when I was little my bedroom was covered in Garfield memorabilia. I had everything including books, teddies and duvet covers. I don't however remember having any Garfield clothes. The Garfield Christmas Special Red Sweater features Garfield, Odie, Arlene and Pooky (I didn't even have to google those names!) around the Christmas tree. The sweater is red and of a loose fit and exclusive to Truffle Shuffle. 

the raccoons winter scene sweater
Raccoons Winter Scene Sweater 
The Raccoons was my go to every Saturday morning. I used to watch the show on CBBC following the adventures of Lisa, Bert and Ralph. I used to love watching what they would get up to each week. The Raccoons Winter Scene Sweater features the main characters with a snowy forest in the background and is exclusive to Truffle Shuffle.

TMNT Jumper
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ho Ho Heroes Red Christmas Jumper
Everyone loved the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle when I was younger including me. I had the figures, the pretend weapons, loved the show, the movies and even the song! This Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ho Ho Heroes Red Christmas Jumper is exclusive to Truffle Shuffle and definitely takes me back to my childhood days when everyone thought turtles that ate pizza were pretty cool!

ren and stimpy jumper
Ren and Stimpy Oh Joy To The World Green Sweater
I was late to the Ren and Stimpy party as it was exclusive to Nickelodeon. It was one of the first original animated series on the channel otherwise know as Nicktoons. Even though it was shown on Nickelodeon it was very popular with adults too based on its dark and adult humour. The Ren and Stimpy Oh Joy To The World sweater is exclusive to Truffle Shuffle and is it a lovely shade of Christmas green. 

rainbow brite sweater
Rainbow Brite Festive Scene Red Sweater 
I don't really remember watching Rainbow Brite on TV I just remember having lots of Rainbow Brite toys growing up. The original 80's toys were made by Mattel and featured everything from dolls to furniture. The Rainbow Brite Festive Scene Red Jumper is exclusive to Truffle Shuffle and has a real vintage and nostalgic feel.

There is a huge range of other items exclusive to Truffle Shuffle which you can browse here and if you are feeling lucky you can enter our giveaway below for the chance to win a £50 spend on Truffle Shuffle website.

All you need to do is complete the entry form below and pop back daily for bonus chances to win.

Good Luck


Michelle
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Christmas Gift Ideas For The Adults

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Disclosure - We were sent the products below for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our unless stated. This post contains affiliate links. 

I know we have no idea what Christmas will look like this year but I am sure you have someone special to buy for this Christmas and if you are struggling for ideas then look below for some gift inspiration. 

Christmas Gift Ideas For The Adults
buyagift experience voucher
There is always someone in the family that you never know what to buy them for Christmas. The perfect choice is a Buyagift Experience voucher. They can then choose exactly what they want from thousands of experiences across the country. 

Zippo Heat Bank
Practical hand warmer with 6 levels: the reusable Zippo pocket warmer can be adjusted to 6 levels up to 50 °C, so you can find exactly your desired temperature. Can also be used as a power bank – the Zippo power bank hand warmer is not only your hand warmer in winter, but also a practical power bank with 5200 mAh all year round.

Kikkerland tech kit
The Kikkerland Emergency Tech Kit is a compact basic kit containing everything you need for a smartphone and iPhone. 4 accessories including screen spray, cloth, cable tie and usb charger.

Any Sharp
Restore a super sharp cutting edge to blunt knives with this knife sharpener from AnySharp. No special sharpening skills required; anyone can get great results. Easy to use, simply draw your knife through the AnySharp sharpener 3 to 4 times using light pressure.

Easiyo Yogurt MakerFor use with EasiYo Yogurt maker. Each sachet makes one kilo of fresh yogurt. New Black Design, Requires no electricity, No fuss, No mess. Made in 3 Simple Steps; simple and cost effective.

ion8 bottle
The ION8 Stainless Steel 600ml Water Bottle. Keep hydrated with this thermal insulated bottle which opens with just one touch. Easy to carry and available in a range of stunning colours.

lazy bear laptop bag
The spacious bag for men, designed by Lazy Bear is ideal to carry everything you need. The bag is crafted from strong, durable fabric with sleek faux-leather highlights for a handsome finish.

Large, colourful interior features a padded laptop compartment for extra protection. Two secure front pockets zip shut and help organise your gear. Removable shoulder strap ensures comfortable carrying.

Wicker Picnic Cooler Seat
Kikkerland Collapsible Wicker Print Picnic Cooler Basket & Seat. Keeps hot or cold for 4 hours with a 5.8 gallon/22 Litre capacity. You can also use this basket as a seat and it has a sitting capacity 180 lbs / 80 kg.

kikkerland wine carrier
Keep your wine cool with the Kikkerland Wine Cooler. It matches the Kikkerland Picnic Cooler Basket and Seat so ideal to take out with you on your travels.

Be:Loved products
BeLoved 100% natural pet care range is a superb gift idea for any occasion for your four legged friend. 

Be:Loved 100% Natural Shampoo Bar. Sand, sea, leaves, muddy streams, sticky fingers and endless pets can leave your dog’s coat looking less than perfect. However, with Be:Loved handmade, 100% natural shampoo bars it is possible to wash on the go.

Be:Loved Nose & Paw Balm. The Nose and Paw Balms are perfect for on-the-go fixes for those little aches and scrapes that come from being an adventure dog, the Be:Safe, First Aid & Ache Nose & Paw Balm is just the ticket. 

Be:Fresh Probiotic Home & Kennel Sanitising Spray. Accidents happen and when they do it’s easy to clean up with this specially formulated spray. Use to clean, scent and protect your dog’s bed – the spray is safe for use on fabrics - and surrounding areas whilst on holiday.

the positive diary
The Positive Planner is a 12 week planner and journal dedicated to self-care, the practice of gratitude and encouragement of daily positivity. A powerful daily companion, The Positive Planner helps to cope with life's daily challenges and offers support through tough times.

Branches of my tree book
Ordinary moments seen through the eyes of a poet, Branches of my Tree is a collection of insightful vignettes that will inspire, uplift and help you think differently about life.

winter bouquet
A special Christmas bouquet inspired by winter walks on a brisk, sunny day. What more could you need as the perfect Christmas gift. This bouquet combines the elegance of luscious red carnations and scented red lilies with subtle green foliage and the earthy tone of pine cones and hypericum berries finish off this festive masterpiece. Elegantly arranged and sent via a tracked courier direct to their home or office this Christmas.

Bellica Puzzle

Puzzle and military enthusiasts will enjoy the new military history-themed range of 1000-piece puzzles. Designed by award-winning aviation artist Keith Burns, the Bellica Beaufighter Long Run Home 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle is just one from the range of ten stunning WW2 combat depictions that will be of interest to any military history fan.

Box of Favours
Box of Favours - Show someone how much you care about them by treating them to special favours. This beautifully designed box filled with cards is the perfect stocking filler this Christmas- for Him or Her. 15 beautifully designed favour cards with gold foil boarder held in place by black velvet covered foam. 10 of these cards have set favours and 5 are left blank for you to write your own personal favours.

glo32 whitening system
Glo32 Teeth Whitening System is an effective stain removal in just 20 minutes. You can double your glow with the advanced whitening system kit, including a 14 Day treatment of advanced whitening strips to lift your smile, and the advanced whitening stilo for on the go whitening. The Glo32 Teeth Whitening System Whitens teeth by gently reducing surface stains and discolouration.

Seams cream

Seams couturiers hand cream with shea butter, rosehip oil & oat beta glucan to mend, moisturise & soften dry, distressed hands.

our remedy products
Our Remedy is an award-winning female-founded brand with a focus on sustainability and self-care. Our Remedy believe in happier periods, finding balance and caring for our planet. Their range is lovingly made in the UK, totally vegan and packaged using eco-friendly materials.

forever smoothing exfoliator
Forever smoothing exfoliator removes dead skin cells to reveal brighter skin and smooth tone and texture. Smoothing Exfoliator uses five powerful and natural ingredients like jojoba beads that work together to provide a rejuvenating cleansing experience.

Take your lashes from lackluster to lush! This amazing Lash Serum was formulated by the world’s leading lash experts to deliver powerful ingredients with shocking results. Just one swipe of this lash-loving serum each night makes your lashes look fuller and thicker in as little as 4 weeks, with maximum results at 8 weeks—all with a nourishing formula that works wonders on natural lashes, while still being perfectly safe for lash extensions.

cellactive ampoule
This high-efficacy ampoule helps lessen the signs of ageing skin, with a high concentration of CellActive Code. It’s a powerful booster for impactful brightening, firming and line-reducing results. Plus, it boosts face and neck elasticity, leaving a radiant complexion. 

SOS Cleanse
Dry skin is something we all suffer from in winter, but the range of SOS Serum skincare is here to save parched holiday skin. Ideal for sensitive skin with soothing, healing and moisturising properties. 

arran after the rain
Treat someone special to Arran's signature fragrance with the After the Rain Home Fragrance Gift Set. The set will bring the beautiful aroma of rose, sandalwood and lime to your front home, and the reed diffuser uses essential oils to provide an awakening and enlightening scent to your home, without becoming overpowering. The 8cl travel candles perfectly compliment the delicate aroma, with up to a 12 hour burn time. 

vegan bunny candle trio
Vegan Bunny Christmas Candle Trio Set include seasonal scents of Spiced Christmas pudding, Zesty and strong Mulled wine and Fresh & Earthy Christmas tree. Each candle is a handcrafted soy wax candle infused with essential oils and an approx burn time of 25hrs.

Pants and Socks Subscription Box
I am a huge fan of subscription boxes and this is perfect for the man in your life. Get fresh Pants & Socks, whenever they need them. There is a wide range of pants and socks to choose from which caters for all and top brand names too. 

johnsons products
Aveeno Mum and Baby gift set
Deciding what to buy for a new Mum and Baby can be tough however there is nothing better than pamper products. Johnsons and Aveeno offer a range of products suitable for both Mum and Baby. 

The Aveeno Baby Mum & Baby Giftset is the perfect skincare bundle for new mums or mums to be.

It includes Daily Moisturising Lotion, Baby Daily Care Hair & Body Wash, Baby Daily Care Moisturising Lotion  and a soft teddy bear comforter.

Johnson’s Bedtime NaturalCalm fragrance is centered around soft floral and powdery notes to help soothe baby before bed. Johnson's understands how special bedtime is to parents and their little ones and want to ensure it’s as calm as possible to create memorable moments, with the help of our known and loved scents along with a soothing bath and massage.

The baby hamper

The baby hamper
Whether it's a gift for a newborn boy or girl, this 'Really Useful' baby hamper is always popular with new mums. Containing a variety of practical baby gifts to make new parents life just a little bit easier!

The medium hamper box contains
Aden and Anais Musy, muslin square in 'Winnie the Pooh' print.
Wooden rainbow rattle.
Baby Bunting Star print bodysuit - Age 0-3 months.
Baby Bunting Star print hat - Age 0-6 months.

poo pourri
Poo-Pourri Christmas Scents Toilet Sprays are the perfect stocking filler or secret Santa gift and will bring nostalgic festive smells that captures the magic of Winter, and everyone’s favourite holiday season into your home.

Guylian ChocolateGuyLian Belgian chocolate sea shells are sure to deliver you the ultimate chocolate experience. Capture the exquisite taste of original chocolate sea shells. Each carefully crafted with a blend of delicious white, milk or dark Belgian chocolate. Not one of them has exactly the same marbled look as the other one. Each Belgian chocolate is filled with the delicious GuyLian roasted hazelnut pralines.

bradfords Gingerbread basket

Bradfords Bakers have a huge range of treats and gifts including this Gingerbread basket. This cute little shopper basket is filled with tempting treats including chocolate covered flavoured fudge squares and traditional gingerbread made with golden syrup and lightly dusted with sweet icing. The basket also includes Bradfords Blackberry Jam, Shortbread and New English Afternoon Tea Bags.

Lost Sheep Coffee Gift Box tower
Lost Sheep Coffee gift box tower will make the perfect present for the coffee lover in your life. 30 Nespresso Compatible fully Compostable Capsules in 3 of Lost Sheep Coffee's best selling flavours, all made from Speciality Grade 1 Coffee Beans.

kikkerland day of the dead corkscrew and shot glasses

Kikkerland Day of the Dead Corkscrew and 3D Skull shot glasses are a great gift for that someone special. The corkscrew measures 22.2 cm by 8.2 cm by 3.8 cm and the 3D skull shot glasses 4,7cm diameter and 6cm height. 

Mermaid Salt Vodka
Mermaid salt vodka at 40% abv is hand-crafted at the isle of wight distillery and shot through with a pinch of locally sourced sea salt, enhancing its smoothness and accentuating its subtle flavour.

Cranes Liqueur
Cranes delicious and smooth cranberry and blood orange liqueur is made with the finest cranberries from Wisconsin USA along with blood orange juice and orange rind. Over 115 delicious cranberries go into making one 50cl bottle, creating the perfect rich and smooth liqueur.

    
Michelle


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