My Sunday Photo

How Does Your Garden Grow?

I received a lovely new camera for my birthday from the Mr, a Canon EOS 1100D (if that means anything to the photographers out there), and as I was keen to test it out pretty much straight away I headed to the nearest spot to explore. The garden!

It is a bit overgrown at the moment and certainly needs some TLC but that's on the agenda in the very near future. In the meantime however, I made the most of the pretty wild flowers and weeds in the sunshine...

Magical Moments

It's the memory behind this photo that is special and makes me smile, despite not being picture perfect.

We have had so many lovely days out this summer but it's the simple things like running wild in the fields, walking the dog up huge hills, geocaching and evenings in the garden that have really brought us together as a family.

This photo was taken only last week and it was when the four of us spent an evening at the park after dinner, completely care-free, playing chase. The Mr and I were up on the climbing frames pretending to be monsters, sliding down the fireman's pole then hanging upside down like little monkeys on the bars!

The Mini Mes were in fits of giggles attempting to run with their little legs not going fast enough while they laughed.

The few people there looked and starred but I didn't notice them for long. 

We are big kids and neither of us really worry about what others think as long as we are having fun and the Mini Mes are happy that is all that matters.

I hope to always be this way.

We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing

- George Bernard Shaw

Silent Sunday

Linking this with...

Country Kids

 One of the many benefits of the recent sunshine is that we have been more inclined to spend time outdoors and take advantage of lots of free activities. We have been to the local country park several evenings when it's been nice and quiet, often with us being the only ones there, and had some great fun as a family....

The Mr and I chased the Mini Mes around this pretending to be the troll under the bridge from the Three Billy Goats Gruff!

Swinging...

Balancing...

What outdoor family fun have you enjoyed this week?

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Feather Down Farm - Family Fun

Surrounded by beautiful scenery in a peaceful environment is where you will find Feather Down Farms. Plotted in various locations across the UK, USA, France, Germany and Netherlands (where the idea originated), Feather Down Farms are all about staying on a working farm where you can be involved as much or as little as you wish.

We visited the College Farm site in Norfolk during May and enjoyed the most relaxing weekend I've had in quite some time. We enjoy camping as a family but this was a whole new level - the posh alternative named glamping.

Upon arrival we were greeted by Marcus, one of the farm owners, who was friendly and attentive. He provided a brief yet informative tour of the site and helped us settle into our south-facing tent, by lighting the wood burning stove to provide both warmth and light for our accommodation.

I was surprised by just how beautiful and large the canvas style tent was. Set above the ground and complete with wooden flooring it was comfortable and luxurious with a rustic feel. To the right in the tent was a large wooden table with six seats and several candelabras above. To the left were 2 large deck chairs and a wooden chest to use as the fridge (you can collect frozen water bottles from the shop freezers) and in the centre the impressive stove to use for both heat and as a cooker during our stay.

 

 

We had a look around further and unpacked, already impressed by the size of our home for the weekend. The attention to detail was amazing with framed animal prints hung up and heart shapes cut out in the doors. To the rear were the bedrooms, one with bunk beds and the other with a comfortable double bed and even lanterns with tea lights. There was plenty of storage in the form of wooden crates and duvets were provided. The Mini Mes favourite aspect of the tent was the cupboard style bed situated between the living area and master bedroom. Both children decided to share it for our stay and had great fun opening the little doors on either side and climbing into it several times a day to play and sleep in!

 

 

 

The kitchen had running water, all utensils and pots and pans supplied and even cleaning products bar washing up liquid, which we remembered to take along with us. Having been camping many times and being used to walking across a pitch black field at night to take the children to the loo, having our own flushable toilet within the tent was a godsend! It was so convenient and saved a lot of time and hassle which I really appreciated.

Outside the tent there was a picnic bench and we had our own wheel barrow which we used to collect wood for the stove but to also transport luggage and push the Mini Mes around with.
On site there were chickens from which you could collect eggs, lambs to fuss and play equipment to keep little ones entertained. There were bikes available to hire, a shop filled with both tinned and fresh, local produce to purchase and lovely powerful, hot showers with locks on the doors for added privacy.

If you don't fancy leaving the site during your stay it's not an issue as the shop was filled with all of the essentials and more. There was bacon, cheese, butter and even ice creams available to purchase. If there is something you wish buy you jot it down on the clipboards within the shop and settle up at the end of the stay, it was nice to feel trusted and to have a very relaxed atmosphere on site.

The shower facilities next door were very good indeed with several cubicles and hot water galore. Each cubicle had a lock, mirror and small shelf with hooks to the back of the door to hang clothing from. There were even little seats which helped greatly when trying to pop socks and shoes on.

On the Saturday morning we were introduced to Lucy, the second farm owner, who was again very pleasant, before we enjoyed a wildlife walk. We met and fed the horse before being given sheets and pencils to keep track of what creatures we discovered on our journey. We travelled down a track to the newly installed bee hives, which was a fun and educational experience for both young and old, before looking out over the fields at birds and cows. The walk continued along the river but we decided to return to our tent and prepare for a day visiting the nearby attractions of Great Yarmouth. In the evening we had already organised our meal but there was the opportunity to use the pizza oven to cook in if you wished to - a lovely idea, especially for the fast approaching summer months.

On the Sunday morning we were given a slot to groom the horse so Minxy and the Mr returned to the stable to do so while Jamster and I had fun outdoors playing hoopla which we created with our own glow sticks! I felt really safe here and with only a few other tents on site was happy to let the Mini Mes explore a little. Spacing between each tent is enough for privacy but close enough to interact with other guests or even friends and family if they are enjoying a break too.

There are optional extras you can add on to your break which include having your own chickens and pen outside your tent, having the beds made for you and dinner of jacket potatoes awaiting upon arrival. There are also lots of nearby attractions which include the curious treehouse adventure of BeWILDerwood which we thoroughly enjoyed.

I really enjoyed our visit to College Farm and would highly recommend a Feather Down Farm holiday. I would definitely be happy to return, which all of the family agree upon.



 

I'm linking this with...

 

BeWILDerwood *Review and Giveaway*

If you go down to BeWILDerwood today you're sure of a big surprise - with a Scaaaaary Lake, Mildred the Crocklebog and a tiny Twiggle Village to feast your eyes upon! There is plenty of outdoor play equipment, picnic space and even a maze that the whole family can enjoy at this enchanted treehouse adventure.

 

 

We recently travelled to Norfolk and received tickets to BeWILDerwood for a fun packed day of climbing, jumping, swinging and running.

 

BeWILDerboat Junction

Here you board a small boat that takes you on a journey across the Scary Lake to the centre of the wood; where your adventure really begins. Along the way you can hear about (and see) the Crocklebog Mildred and learn about the Boggles and Twiggles. This short ride really sets the scene if you haven't already read the books by Tom Blofeld that BeWILDerwood magic is based upon.

 

The Broken Bridge

The first stop for us was the Broken Bridge where you head high into the trees to climb across the transparent planks! There are lots of steps, a cargo net and slides to experience and back down on the ground there are swings and logs to balance on too.

 

Slippery Slope

With several ways to get up the top of the slides even the climb itself is fun! There are different sized logs to clamber up, a wall with grips, a slope with a rope and a cargo net up to the two slides, one of which is split into three lanes. There are mats available for a super slippery ride and other apparatus nearby to keep you entertained.

 

Muddle Maze

We raced, girls vs boys, to the centre of the maze where there is then the look-out and bridge to conquer. The maze itself is made from panels around 6ft high and you can look out across it from above to help others through (or look for the lost!).

 

 

Wobbly Wires

There are plenty of staff to ensure the zip wires run smoothly and even baby and toddler editions too! They vary in length and height and queueing time minimal as they are spread out well across the wood, again with fun climbing obstacles to reach them and a soft floor below for a safe landing.

 

Twiggle Village, Boggle Village and The Far Tree

These little extras give the magical touch of BeWILDerwood. The tiny homes in the branches and the spare shoes hanging from the tree of the Thornyclod Spider are great to find and lovely discussion points for the whole family.

 

 

Toddlewood on the Hill and Toddlewood Valley

There are several areas aimed at the younger generation in particular which are perfect for toddlers that wish to explore without the height of the trees. Toddlewood on the Hill and Toddlewood Valley have lower climbing frames and slides and is more suited to preschoolers.

BeWILDerwood is a great location for outdoor play and as there are shelters and the trees above, it's virtually an all weather attraction. There was slightly less there than I had expected but still plenty to remain entertained for several hours, if not a full day for the very energetic, and I was pleased that adults can go on absolutely everything!

If you want to rest for a while or try something different there is face painting, den building and storytelling too so there is a lot of variety.

 

For those with prams or in wheelchairs there is a pathed area to get across the lake to the centre of Bewilderwood as an alternative to the boat. All of the toilets have disabled and baby changing areas and there is even a special area for breastfeeding which I thought was a great idea!

 

Munch bar has a mixture of hot and cold food available and is reasonably priced. The Mini Mes had Swampy's Much Boxes which contained a roll, crisps, mini muffin, yogurt, fruit and a drink and cost less than £5. There is a ice cream stall with some really delicious flavours to try too.

 

 

You can book a birthday party at Bewilderwood and there are reserved pods for your guests.

There is a fantastic gift shop at the entrance/exit which has pocket money items as well as more luxurious products available to purchase.

We really enjoyed our visit and we would return.

 

 

 *** WIN ***

For your chance to win a family pass to BeWILDerwood you can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below.
The giveaway closes on 29th June 2013.

Good luck!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Silent Sunday

Father's Day - Gift Guide

With Father's Day fast approaching now is the ideal time to pick up the perfect pressies for Dad, but I'm sure with the same chocolates and novelty socks each year it can become a little bit boring!

Selecting something to suit dad's taste can be hard but working around their personality and hobbies can hopefully help you choose a gift that he will love....

Outdoors and Adventure Dad
This is definitely the Mr. He has driven tanks, bungee jumped and loves paintballing so a gift experience day is always a hit. With indoor skydiving, hot air-ballooning and so much more there is something new for him to try each year - something he will never forget.

Sports Mad Dad
If dad is a sports fan you can purchase some great themed photo upload cards and if your budget doesn't stretch to match tickets, some memorabilia of his favourite team will go down well. For something more fun and hands on a remote control car or bath basketball might be the answer.

Foodie Father
My dad loves his beer and chocolate but giving those as a gift can be a little predictable. Last year I sent him on a brewery tour where he was able to try different products and he really enjoyed it - perhaps a cooking lesson, a meal out or a hamper of goodies will be this years option!

Gadget and Gizmo Dad
The Mr loves the latest technology whether it's for the desk or his pocket so quirky toys are ideal for him like a movie maker set, a parking timer or Robo Fish, which you can get from Hawkin’s Bazaar. They have lots of bizarre gifts and gadgets for men.

Fashionable Father
Whether he likes his Converse or designer shirts a personalised gift can go well with his stylish dress sense. Fingerprint cuff links, footprint dog tags and the children's artwork put onto chains add a special touch to a present he can wear.

 

What will you be getting dad this Father's Day?

LEGO Friends

LEGO has always been well loved in our family. I used to love playing with it as a child with my siblings and as the Mini Mes have grown, LEGO has grown with them. They have moved from  larger DUPLO block sets as toddlers onto the more complex ones where they now build intricate vehicles and buildings by themselves.

I was so pleased when LEGO launched the Friends range at the end of 2011! The first range to be aimed specifically at girls, I bought several sets for Minxy's 8th birthday and we were lucky enough to have just received Olivia's Speedboat to review.

LEGO friends is based around the lives of 5 girls named Emma, Mia, Andrea, Stephanie and Olivia in their hometown of Heartlake City. Each character has their own unique personality and interests with matching play-sets to suit your child's own taste in hobbies.

The instruction manual included is a colour booklet with a step by step assembly guide making it simple to follow despite the number of pieces (65). It only took a matter of minutes for Minxy to put together Olivia, the sandcastle, speedboat and towel. Also included are an umbrella, shovel, cup and bucket for extra beach time fun.

The detailing of Olivia is fantastic for such a small figure and the new pastel shaded pieces in pinks and purples add a lovely feminine touch. The Friends range is still compatible with all other LEGO blocks so we could combine play with older sets too - Jamster soon had his Star Wars characters soaking up the sun with Olivia!

LEGO is a great construction and role play toy helping children develop their imaginations. Minxy thoroughly enjoyed, and still enjoys, playing with her Friends sets and making up little adventures for the characters. We will be adding more to our own collection very soon and we are looking forward to seeing the other new outdoor and adventure themes including horse riding, camping and flying!

If you would like to purchase Olivia's Speedboat set it is available to purchase from the LEGO shop for £9.99. You can head over to the LEGO website to find out more on the Friends collection and to play games too!

Tipped to be one of the best toys for Christmas, will you be buying LEGO for your children?