Raspberry Crumble Slices

If you haven't been out to fill your baskets with berries yet this summer, now is the final time to do so - you can make your own jam! Although you can of course use shop bought if you prefer so that you can dive straight in to make this delicious recipe. Our preference of filling has to be raspberry for a beautiful burst of deep red but feel free to use whatever you have to hand or prefer. Blueberries and strawberries are great alternatives and they too create a sweet and sticky centre to contrast nicely with the the crisp yet flaky exterior of these slices.

We like to pop a batch into some plastic pots to take on day trips or when visiting friends as a tasty afternoon treat. The Mini Mes enjoy making these themselves, they are great for tweens to bake, and they get great satisfaction from layering the ingredients nicely before popping them into the oven to turn golden.

Chocolate Chip & Rolo Blondies

If you're looking for a chewy and gooey treat that is incredibly simple to make then your search stops here. These slices ooze with chocolate and caramel when cut and they are bound to satisfy any sweet tooth. They are great served warm with ice cream, wrapped in ribbon as a gift or devoured at home by the family as a delicious dessert.

Chewy White Chocolate Cookies {Creative Summer 5}

The Mini Mes love to whisk up a batch of warm and chewy cookies at the weekend and this quick and easy recipe has become a firm favourite. They are crisp on the outside with a soft centre and the white chocolate adds a little extra sweetness. 

We do however like to add in some raspberries or raisins on occasions, just so they feel a little less naughty!

DIY Phone Holder {Creative Summer 3}

The Mini Mes are now both tweens and it seems to get harder to keep them entertained and away from technology each summer. Finding activities that they will enjoy and appreciate can be tricky but as they both have mobile phones this craft is ideal for keeping them off their handsets to be creative by making something they will both find useful!

There are two different versions that you can try; one to hold your mobile while it's on charge, the instructions for which follow later this summer, and one to display your mobile on a bedside table or desk, which is below. Both use items you will probably have in your recycling tubs already so you won't need to pay out a penny either - it's frugal!

Creative Summer Project - Daily Activities for the Holiday

With the summer holiday on the horizon and our purses already in panic mode I thought it would be a nice idea to put together some posts to keep the kids entertained - for free or very little cost! 

My 'Creative Summer Project' will run daily with a new idea being shared between 23rd July and 5th September to provide inspiration and keep little ones occupied. As a parent I know that it can take time to search for fun things to do, and then find the materials to do them, so I've already created, tried and tested 44 (yes, I may be insane) recipes and crafts with the Mini Mes to prevent boredom from striking. 

These use store cupboard essentials and items from around the home, or recycling boxes, so you won't need to spend much at all, if anything, to be give them a go. 

When - daily from 23rd July - 5th September 2016

Where - www.TheMiniMesAndMe.com

What - a variety of crafts, recipes and activity ideas to keep your little ones occupied all holiday

Why - to inspire parents and give them some fun suggestions to try throughout the 6 week break

You can sign up to our newsletter to receive a reminder when the Creative Summer Project begins or follow us via social media using the icons below.

Card Roll Fairy Homes

I've been putting a few kitchen and wrapping paper rolls to one side, especially for half term, as they are always come in handy for rainy day crafts and keeping the kids entertained for free. There are so many things you can create with them from animals and vehicles to these cute little houses that will go well in your gardens for outdoor play! 

When plastic tealights are added they look really magical in the summer evenings but your little ones could always leave their teeth inside ready for the tooth fairy to collect from their rooms too.

Equipment

Card tubes

Coloured paper

Scissors

Pen

Glue

Tealights (battery powered, optional)

A Woodland Walk At Everdon

The Christmas break seemed to whizz by in a blur of turkey, presents and festive films so we didn't really venture far, bar seeing relatives. It was therefore lovely to get some fresh (and rather cold) air on the Mini Mes' school training day.

The weather was on the miserable side which was actually beneficial, as we therefore had the peaceful wood all to ourselves to explore.

Favourite Outdoor Spaces #ParkMoments

I live in quite a small rural town with plenty of outdoor space to enjoy, and in particular we love a trip to Daventry Country Park - there is so much to see and do all in one place for free!

It's just around the corner from our home and it is most definitely one of our favourite places to spend time locally having fun, regardless of the season. It was therefore my first thought when nominating a location for the Fields in Trust awards.

I've made many memories at this specific park during my own childhood but it's a pleasure to take the Mini Mes regularly now to stroll, play and explore too. The beautiful golden colours of autumn, giant puddles and mud are certainly an attraction for the Mini Mes at the moment!

The beautiful reservoir is a nice distance for a dog walk (just over 2 miles) although over the years I've pushed the children in prams, assisted them on scooters or climbing trees and taught them to ride their bikes around it. We've had some real adventures there and we've also tried geocaching  more recently which is quickly becoming a hobby of ours. 

It's really nice to see the surroundings change and watch my family grow at the same time. 

#HolidayAtHome with Carpetright

Forking out for school uniform and new shoes over the summer can be a little expensive so you may want to think about having a #HolidayatHome with Carpetright! There is no need to pack your bag and catch a flight abroad or spend money on local attractions to have a good time with the family this August, you can have lots of fun without passing your front door for a fraction of the cost.

 

 

Den Building

Whether you want to build a cardboard castle or a furniture fort, getting creative and making a hideout with the kids is really entertaining. Sneak in some snacks and pop on a movie too to enjoy.

 

Bike Riding at Sunset

The shed is generally a no go zone for me. It's filled with spiders and that alone is reason enough not to enter! The sun was shining however and the Mini Mes wanted to go for a ride so I put on my bravery hat, entered and exited with their bikes as swiftly as possible (there may have a been a few shrill noises from me), and headed out to the nearby fields.

Toilet Roll Bird Feeders - Mini Makes

Keeping the children entertained during the summer holiday can be expensive for parents but never fear. There are many free (or incredibly low cost) activities you can try including these recycled cardboard toilet or kitchen roll feeders for our feathered friends!

 

It may be a little messy but it's great fun and if your little ones love animals just as much as the Mini Mes do they too will enjoy watching the wildlife they attract.

 

 

 

 

Equipment

 

Cardboard rolls

Knife

Peanut butter

Plate

Bird seed

Ribbon (optional)

 

 

Method

• Thinly cover a cardboard roll in peanut butter using the knife (you can use a plastic one if you wish). You may want to put some newspaper, kitchen tissue or plastic sheeting down over your work surfaces before you begin to make clearing away easier.
  

7 Low Cost Activities for Summer Family Fun

A few weeks in to the summer holidays and no doubt our pockets are a little lighter as the pennies are being spent to entertain the little people in our lives! But panic not, as there are so many free (or virtually) activities that will keep you busy without breaking the bank - not every day has to be expensive!

Forests

Den building, bug hunting and tree climbing are just a few things you can do at your local forest. With the option to stay overnight with camping and forest breaks now available, you can extend your day out even further.

Check out the Forestry Commission website for more details - with prices starting at £7.70 per night you can book a mini adventure! (There is also the chance to win a break with the Guardian).

Libraries

Over the past few years we have joined in with the summer reading challenges where you gain stickers, a certificate and medal for your achievements (reading 6 books over the 6 weeks). The scheme is running again this year so check out some books and gain your rewards when you return them. It's a super way to encourage reading too!

Cinemas

The usual price of a ticket, food and drink may cost a small fortune but this is a great time to take advantage of the early bird morning and weekend deals. With tickets from just £1 you have a bargain trip out and if you take some snacks in too it kills a few hours without denting your purse.

Water parks

You may have been to your local park a million times by now so try to venture a little further afield and look for new places to visit, especially ones with water play. Pack a picnic and towels and make the most of the sunshine in your swimwear, splashing about as the water jets cool you down. 

Free swimming

Our local gym has several open days over the summer offering free entertainment and sports to children and this even includes free swimming. Check your local one for more details and to book your places today. 

We have already enjoyed inflatable play at ours this summer!

Churches

Many churches offer some great free craft groups which allow your little ones to get creative and it saves your carpet from glitter and sequins galore in the process! Some also have the option to leave your children for a few mornings giving you the perfect opportunity to take a well deserved sit down.

Geocaching

This is treasure hunting on a larger scale where you seek out containers or 'caches' using GPS. It's a great way to explore your local area and to get active. We have downloaded an app to find ones nearby but you can have a look on the geocaching website for more details too.

What would you recommend as a cheap or free day out?