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Confetti Fields 2021
In Lifestyle

Liked & Loved June 2021

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Liked & Loved June 2021 – Some of the items in this post Liked & Loved June 2021 are…

flying a kite on a quiet beach in Cornwall
In Cornwall

A Quiet Beach in Cornwall

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Looking for a quiet beach in Cornwall? Or even something rarer, a quiet beach in Cornwall during the school…

Westbury Court Gardens Dutch Water Garden
In Gloucestershire

Westbury Court Gardens for Kids

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Westbury Court Gardens for Kids. Westbury Court is home to the best example of a Dutch water garden in…

Micro MX TRIXX Stunt Scooter
In Playtime & Craft

The Best Stunt Scooter for Kids

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AD – The boys were gifted Micro MX TRIXX Stunt Scooter for the purpose of this review blog post.…

In Our Family

Living Arrows 26/52 {2021}

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‘You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth” This weekend it was Charlie’s…

In Our Family

Our Adventures in Pictures: 365 Week 25 {2021}

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A busy week of Birthdays and of course Fathers Day. Catching up with friends, meals out and far too…

The church with the yew trees
In Gloucestershire

Stow on the wold – The Church with the Yew Trees

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When St Edwards Church in Stow on the Wold appeared in The Ultimate United Kingdom Travel List Lonely Planet*…

In Parenting

Top 10 baby essentials for the first six months

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Top 10 Baby Essentials – A friend of ours has recently had a little girl. It did make me…

Kids muddy feet
In Parenting

The benefits of playing outside for children

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AD – Sponsored post The benefits of playing outside for children. We have always encouraged the boys to be…

Seatractor coming across from the mainland to Burgh Island
In Devon

Day Trip to Burgh Island

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How to get to Burgh Island. Burgh Island was made famous by the fact that Agatha Christies Pirot Mystery…

Littlehampton Beach
In Our Family

Living Arrows 25/52 {2021}

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‘You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth” This weeks photo was actually…

Copper Horse
In Our Family

Our Adventures in Pictures: 365 Week 24 {2021}

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My first week since I finished work where I managed to tick a couple of things off my list…

In National Trust & Gardens

How to find the Lupin Flower Field in West Sussex

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How to find the Lupin Flower Field in West Sussex. I am a total sucker for flower fields having…

Paultons Park Tornado Springs
In Hampshire

The Complete Guide to Tornado Springs Paultons Park

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AD – We were gifted entry in return for this blog post – The Complete Guide to Tornado Springs…

In Parenting

Secondary infertility and breathe ilo fertility tracker

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AD Sponsored – I have been compensated for my time and given a breathe ilo fertility tracker discount code…

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  • TOTS100 - UK Parent Blogs
    TOTS100
Oh look it’s me! A rare appearance on the grid. I really am not a fan of photos of myself you think by 42 I would have got over it but no. Although this one taken by @sje13 just about passes as long as I don’t study it too closely. Nothing to do with the photography just the subject!

We went to the Confetti Fields yesterday and it was stunning. I do love a good flower field and haven’t managed to top this one yet. Although have high hopes for future travel plans next year.  The beginning of July means I am half way through my time off. Really not sure where the last two months have gone and now wondering if I should have delayed starting work again until next year. Or maybe I could stop together? I mean we don’t really need to move …. Alas I don’t think the husband will go for it. 

I’ve been spending hours literally planning our summer and I think I’m almost there. Apart from our first and last stop where I still need to think about days trips. I booked some amazing experiences and although it may not be Europe or the US we will still have a brilliant time. Assuming the boys don’t mind being dragged around umpteen castles and gardens … 

Only joking there’s a fair few beaches in there too … honest.
AD Gifted - The boys have been trying out a stunt scooter each from @microscooters The MX TRIXX Stunt Scooter is an ideal starting stunt scooter and suitable for children aged between five and twelve.  We have already added the pegs to Charlies wheels and he is loving the new challenge that they bring to scooting. Allowing him to start to learn tricks and jumps. 

With six weeks of staycations stretching out in front of us, which I am so looking forward to. I know the boys will be getting a lot of practice in. I’ve already promised at least several trips to the skate park. Robust, non folding they are just as good for everyday adventures as well. So ours will definitely be accompanying us around the country.
AD Gifted - The boys have been trying out a stunt scooter each from @microscooters The MX TRIXX Stunt Scooter is an ideal starting stunt scooter and suitable for children aged between five and twelve.  We have already added the pegs to Charlies wheels and he is loving the new challenge that they bring to scooting. Allowing him to start to learn tricks and jumps. 

With six weeks of staycations stretching out in front of us, which I am so looking forward to. I know the boys will be getting a lot of practice in. I’ve already promised at least several trips to the skate park. Robust, non folding they are just as good for everyday adventures as well. So ours will definitely be accompanying us around the country.
Updating old posts and stumbled across this photo from when we visited the Confetti Fields a couple of years ago for my birthday. If you have not been it is so beautiful and opens this coming weekend. You need to book tickets in advance via their website. 

This week has been a week of birthdays with my own on Tuesday and Charlies this coming Saturday. He’s requested a very specific outing for his birthday which he is very much looking forward to. I think we will be packing waterproofs mind you looking at the forecast.

What are your plans this weekend?
AD | Not sure where the Summer has gone! But that has never stopped us. And despite the last day of our half term break being overcast we still managed to visit Burgh Island on our way home. The boys loved playing on the beach, climbing the rocks and running in and out of the water. Before the sea tractor took us back to the mainland.

Of course we needed to make sure they had the right footwear and their @keeneurope SEACAMP II CNX sandals were perfect for our adventures. They had the same style last year and I would not get them anything else now. The perfect water sandal which allows us to have fun without worrying. Comes with a grippy rubber sole and a secure fit lace system. 

Not only that but they are made from PFC Free Materials and are machine washable. Available in a whole host of colours you are bound to find something to suit your little ones taste. They come in kids sizes 7 junior up to adult 6. 

I can’t wait for our next adventure, read more about Burgh Island over on the blog [link in bio]
Ad After school yesterday we went to the beach straight from school, an attempt to enjoy the last of the sun. Of course I had to take something to eat with us. Since the boys are always starving after school. I took some @jazzappleuk and the boys devoured them! A mix of Royal Gala and Braeburn they have a tangy sweet flavour that the boys adore. I am not surprised they have been voted the tastiest apple at the National Fruit Show Live. And they are just the right size for when we are on the go.

With a fruit bowl life of up to four weeks I was keen to find other ways the boys could enjoy JAZZ Apples. So if you swipe right you will see I’ve been trying out a new recipe - Peanut Butter Stuffed JAZZ Apples. Ideal for an after dinner treat. 

They are so simple to make, just slice a JAZZ Apple in half and remove the core with a teaspoon. Bake for 15 minutes at 180, remove from the oven add a teaspoon of peanut butter (or subside nut butter) to each half, bake for another 5 minutes before topping with chopped nuts and melted chocolate. 

They were so yummy definitely got the thumbs up from the boys. new season JAZZ Apples are now available in supermarkets up and down the country
Press Tickets | At the weekend we visited @paultonspark to try out their new world - Tornado Springs. Themed around midwest America in the 1950s it brings two new thrill rides and six family rides to the park. Walking into the area and seeing Route 83 Diner right ahead, music playing over the speakers and catching the first glimpse of what can only be described as a huge thundering rollercoaster made me feel as though we had just stepped off a plane. Rather than driven an hour across to Hampshire! 

We had a simply amazing day out. Tornado Springs has some how made a brilliant theme park even better. And since my two have a thing for coasters the new Storm Chaser (swipe double right for an action shot) now means there are four large coasters to choose from. Finding a theme park that suits a four year age gap (Charlie is 9 next week) is a challenge. Yet Paultons Park have done it. There is plenty for both of them to enjoy and the best bit is that we can visit as a family and not have to tag team in different directions. If you want to find out more about our trip, Tornado Springs or the other rides we love head over to the blog now. Link in bio
ad Harry and I have been enjoying creating origami bees from our monthly @foodiniclub this month. Generally I am not a fan of subscription style boxes but this one has totally changed my mind! 

Cooking is an essential skill and the @foodiniclub subscription focuses around seasonal foods and crafts so that they are learning even when they don’t realise it. The May box topic was bees with instructions on how to make both savoury and sweet recipes which were foccia and bee biscuits. The instructions are clear and come with shopping lists for your little ones to tick off. It also includes a kitchen science activity, this wonderful origami craft, herbs for the cooking and wild flower seeds to encourage bees into the garden. There’s a meal planning guide so you can get the children to input and also a nature guide. Great for taking out with you on your local walks. I even learnt how to make rhubarb fizz. 

For Charlie who is quite the little foodie and learning how to cook there is a different kitchen skill to learn each month. This month it was how to prepare garlic. All the inserts come with pre punched holes so they are easy to store and look back on. 

If you can’t tell we are really impressed with Foodini! You can see more of the pack contents in my stories tonight. These really are a delight and will fill up your school holidays with lots of fun ideas to keep the whole family entertained. 

Foodini Postal Club is a monthly cook and craft subscription for 5-12 yr olds. You can choose a subscription plan that suits you with prices starting from £11.50
Press Tickets - When we were in Cornwall for half term we spent the day @flambardsuk. The kids loved all the rides and their wonderful Victorian Village. There’s so much to do that we didn’t get it all done in a day. But that’s okay because as long as you get your ticket validated you can head back during the next six consecutive days from the day you visited free of charge! If you are going to Cornwall this Summer then read tickets need to be booked in advance.

Read more about our favourite rides, their inside attractions and our top tips for a visit over on the blog.
GIVEAWAY CLOSED

AD - Charlie and I have been having great fun making our very own felt dinosaur this week. Sewing is such a great life skill and also helps fine motor movements. This little dinosaur felt kit is perfect as an introduction as it doesn't take too long to make but it is hard enough that he needs to concentrate. It is now hanging on his cactus house pride of place!

If you would like to win your own then @chewits are giving you the chance to do just that, with 4 kits up for grabs. 

To ENTER:

⭐ Like this photo
⭐ Follow @chewits and  @mudpiefridays
⭐Comment with a dinosaur emoji below 
⭐BONUS ENTRY! Increase your chances by heading over the @chewits to enter as well

Please Note - Winners will be validated and must be following both accounts that have commented to win. We will not ask for bank details as part of the entry and any messages indicating as such should be ignored.

Open to residents of the UK and Ireland only over the age of 18. Ends at 9pm TONIGHT! @chewits will be contacting all winners directly on Monday 14th June 2021. This competition is no way affiliated or sponsored by Instagram or any other social media platform. We reserve the right to withdraw or change the giveaway at any time. 

⭐GOOD LUCK ⭐
Just a little boy and his kite ❤️

I would like to say all the washing is all done from our break but it’s not! And I’m off again first thing tomorrow for a couple of nights away with a girlfriend. We are heading to Bristol, the bars are booked, the restaurants are booked and we’ve a boat trip planned. Looking forward to a lay in, being able to shower in peace and maybe even some window shopping. Now just to decide what to pack ...

Harry’s swimwear was previously gifted by @muddypuddlesuk
Press Tickets - Back to reality with a bump after such a brilliant half term in Cornwall. There was beach trips, boat trips, crabbing, ice cream, quant Cornish seaside villages, castles and theatres. A busy but wonderful break that’s got me excited for the Summer! One of the highlights was visiting @camelcreekpark. The kids had so much fun and they’ve big plans and some exciting new rides coming in time for the Summer season. Definitely one for the list if you are heading to Cornwall in the holidays. More detail over on the blog.
AD - Did you know that half term is also Bike Week? It runs until the 5th of June and is an annual celebration to showcase cycling and how brilliant it is. 

Both boys love to ride their bikes and one of our best lockdown memories is when Harry learnt to use his on his fourth birthday. Which means we can now go out for bike rides as a family.

As well as giving us quality family time cycling remains a great way to keep fit and active and is a good way to boost immunity, it's also fantastic for your well-being. This year you can also take part in their virtual #7daysofcycling challenge, giving you an amazing way to reunite with your friends and family in the outdoors. Will you be cycling with the family during Bike Week?

Head to their website to find out more and be inspired by some exciting challenges and routes. There are also some great family activities, downloadable certificates and free resources on their website. Link in bio.

#BikeweekUK @wearecyclinguk
AD Press Tickets - On Saturday we spent the day at @marwellzoo . We had really missed seeing all the animals and managed to get up close to so many of them. Including my favourites the giraffes and rhinos. Plus we saw the sloth for the first time in the tropical house.

The boys loved the play areas and we all had a lovely family day out. There are lots of precautions in place, including masks in certain areas, sanitiser everywhere (I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much), one way systems and reminders for distancing. We get very safe.  It would make a wonderful half term trip.  You need to book times ticket slots on their website in advance. If you want to see more see my Day Trips 2021 highlight above.

When was the last time you went to the zoo?
AD - This one love to craft he calls it our special mummy and Harry time. Only as a busy working parent time can be a bit thin on the ground. Which is where @bakerrossltd comes in. As they provide kits with everything you need in them. Not only making my life easier but also meaning we can craft on the go. I know several kits will be making their way to Cornwall with us this half term!

Crafting is so important for Harry as well as quality one on one time. It also helps him to learn, he has missed out on so much of his first year of school because of the pandemic. So, I want to ensure I am doing all that I can to help him continue to learn at home. Take these pirate puppets for example not only did we have fun putting them together. But they are a great way to encourage his imagination and since he sees it as playtime the best bit is that he doesn’t even realise he is learning. He is just too busy having fun! Check out my stories for his pirate voice!

If you fancy buying some pirate themed crafts if your own, or any other Baker Ross goodies then use SUMMER10 at the checkout for 10% off with min order £25 valid till 10.06.21

#Bakerross #getkidscrafting #bakerrossltd
AD - You will know if you have followed us for a while that we are a very active family that love to get out and explore new places all the time. It is something we have done since the children were very little. However as any parent will tell you, a hungry child is an unhappy one! So we always make sure we have lots of snacks on hand. One of our new go to protein snacks are @Grabitsnacking. The UK’s favourite protein snack brand has a new name, new look, new recipe but same big flavours. Not only are they really tasty but they are also healthy convenient and fun.
 
The chicken sticks come in five different flavours [swipe right] - Original, Chinese, Nice & Spicy, Mango Habenaro and Vindaloo. Which means that the adults can enjoy the more spicer flavours. I really like that they all have less than 68 calories a pack. And if we happen to be out somewhere with microwave facilities then you can heat them up as well. However the boys enjoy them just as they are. So although we may not have been able to control the weather recently on days out, we can at least ensure the boys have full bellies and are ready to enjoy our activities rain or shine
 
#grabit #gograbit #cravingsaving
Presstrip - At the weekend we visited @draytonmanorpark and stayed over on their Stay & Play package which also includes theme park tickets for a day. This gives you entry to the Zoo, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Dinosaur Walk and Thomas Land. 

Harry loves trains and has always had an affinity for Thomas and his friends. George in particular because he is green! So you can imagine his delight when he found him on our floor in the hotel. We ate in the hotel on the night of our stay and the food was amazing. Even getting a thumbs up from our resident foodie who is becoming increasingly hard to please!

We had such a wonderful stay and the boys went on so many rides we literally left on Sunday as they were closing the gates. It turned out to be the perfect theme park for an almost 9 year old and 5 year old. A four year age gap can be difficult to cater for at any sort of attraction. But Drayton Manor and a Thomas Land nailed it. I’m busy writing up our experience and it will be live on the blog soon. In the meantime check out our story highlight above for a snapshot of our adventure.
AD Press Tickets - If you have been following our stories over the weekend you will know that we visited Cadbury’s World on Saturday. There is so much to do there and the boys loved all of it.  Located in Bournville on the out skirts of Birmingham  there really are lots of reasons why it should be on your must see list. Head to the blog to read more about it [link in bio]

Chocolate bar surfing [swipe right] is just one of them @cadburyworlduk
Because everyone needs a heart shaped umbrella right? ❤️

Can’t wait to get out exploring again this weekend with the boys. We are definitely planning on making the most of the easing that happened on Monday. Including our first hotel stay for absolutely ages. Make sure you follow along as I will be sharing our adventures in my stories ⬆️⬆️
I feel like I am finally starting to settle into my time off. I know I am very lucky that it has coincided with being able to see friends and family again. And I have definitely been making the most of that recently. If you follow my stories you will see I have been enjoying some girlie lunches in Brighton which is where this was taken. 

I actually use to work very close to here when I was younger. The kissing coppers is replica of an original Banksy that appeared back in 2004 and was then subsequently sold in 2011 for £345k! Head over to the blog to find out more and I will also be sharing some of my favourite Brighton street art snaps and locations later this week. Link in Bio
Running to the sea ❤️ starting to settle into this not working corporately routine... feeling a little more productive this week possibly because I managed some time in the greenhouse today. The garden is definitely my focus at the moment, there is so much to do it’s never ending.

This photo was taken at Camber Sands over the Bank Holiday weekend, when we stayed with @beside_the_sea_holidays. Our blog post is now live if you fancy reading about our stay. 

Rash vest kindly gifted by @muddypuddlesuk as part of a previous collaboration
AD Gifted - How did this one turn five last week? He is such a loving, kind and funny little boy. Who can also be fiercely stubborn and mischievous at the same time. He will definitely be the one who challenges our parenting over the next few years. 

For his birthday he asked for a dinosaur cake which the very talented @sugaredpumpkin made for him, a number five ballon and a Lego set. Harry really does find joy in the simple things and I hope this will always stay with him.
 
Number five top gifted by @welovefrugi swipe right to see it in its full rainbow glory.
AD Presstrip - I’ve been looking back over the photos from our trip with @beside_the_sea_holidays last weekend. The boys loved the sand dunes at Camber  Sands. Running up and down constantly, I really don’t know where they get their energy from. 

Camber Sands is stunning with golden sands that stretch for miles. There’s various seaside shops and eateries close by and so has everything you need for a trip with kids. If yours are slightly older then it’s possible to walk all the way along the beach to the Rye Nature Reserve which is equally as beautiful. We found crabs in the harbour and enjoyed watching the fishing boats coming and going with their catches. The seagulls fighting over any scraps being thrown off the sides. 

Our cottage like all the cottages with Beside the Sea Holidays was only a five minute walk away from this beautiful beach which makes holidaying with kids so much easier.

The boys jackets have been gifted from @muddypuddlesuk
AD Presstrip - We have had a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend with @beside_the_sea_holidays in Camber Sands. 

The boys have enjoyed the huge sand dunes and golden sands that stretch for as far as the eye can see. Just a short walk from our cottage. We’ve caught crabs at Rye Nature Reserve and watched the fishing fleets come and go. Harry got his Birthday wish of travelling on a steam train from Hythe to Dungeness. Where we threw stones into the sea and marvelled at the remoteness of the only classified desert in the U.K. We ate Birthday cake. Visited a funicular railway and relived the 1066 Norman Conquest at Battle Abbey. 

The focus on staycations this year has really opened my eyes on what this little country of ours can provide. Full blog post coming soon in the meantime see first hand our adventure in my ‘Camber Sands’ highlight above.
AD Gifted - Summer is on its way and we can not wait to be out exploring and have some UK Travels planned. Of course, you need a good pair of shoes, as I find UK staycations normally include a lot of walking and discovering! This is why I am so pleased with my new shoes from @unifootwear. Not only do they have rainbow butterflies, we know how much I love a rainbow. But they are also really lightweight and comfortable swipe right for a closer look.

I know I will be getting a lot of use out of them over the coming months. There is a whole host of designs and styles to choose from. With so much choice you are bound to find something for the whole family. Order yours direct from their website and use the code FRIDAYSUN for 5$ off. 

#uinshoes, #uinspired, #uinlove,#uinfam, #uinfashion, #uinstyle,  #uinlife, #mothersday2021, #giftforher, #uinshero
AD Presstrip - Couldn’t resist a throw back Thursday post today. I’ve been reminiscing about our wonderful trip to Croyde with @croydebayresort a couple of weeks ago. It’s been rather an emotional week here, so it’s done me the world of good to have these memories to look back on. 

There is so much to do on the resort and with the beach just over the dunes it’s a paradise for kids. Apparently the boys have decided we need to visit every Easter! Next week I will be sharing some ideas for things you can do locally so make sure you keep an eye out for it. Or check out my Croyde highlight above.
Can’t beat the beach, a kite and a big brother to chase you around. I’m am so looking forward to the Summer with these two. This year is going to be super special. As I have taken redundancy and finish my job of 19 years tomorrow. I start a new job in September and so face four months off. Which means I get the whole of the Summer holidays with these two and I can’t wait. You will find me on Friday planning our adventures. 

Clothing gifted from @welovefrugi
Trip planning - I am starting to think about and book a few things in for the Summer. It’s so nice to have things to look forward to again and I’m really starting to feel optimistic about getting out and seeing the U.K. Theres is so much of it we haven’t explored. 

Take Devon for example while visiting over Easter (once allowed obviously) we took a trip to Clovelly. Where this photo was taken. I’ve shared the things to do and see and tips for visiting over on the blog today [link in bio]. If you are planning a break in Devon this Summer it should definitely be on your list.

Next week I’m starting to rewrite our U.K. bucket list. Let me know what’s at the top of your must see list in the U.K. it could be a day trip, beach, National Trust property, something unusual or something just round the corner. I’ve four months of adventures to fill and need your help ...
AD - I can still remember when I was a child, and my parents brought my brother and I a Swingball for the garden. We used to play with it for hours outside hitting the yellow ball back and forth. Competition always ran fierce between us, and I still cannot remember who the ultimate champion was, or more likely do not want to admit it..

Of course, that was quite some time ago. Since then, #Swingball has developed a whole range of different styles to suit both children and adults alike from beginners through to experienced players. Swingball kindly sent us their Classic All Surface Swingball. While we were in Devon, we decided to try the boys with it for the first time. They could not wait to have a go, even Harry wanted in and proved to be more of a match for this brother that we had anticipated! Of course, the husband also wanted in on the action and challenged Charlie to a tournament. I am pleased to say that the most competitive family member won… and we have started a love of tennis in Charlie. But they all definitely have the bug now and it makes such a great beach toy. As the whole thing breaks down into the black box which means it is easy to transport and store.

If you would like to see how the competitive spirit runs in your family then you can buy your own Classic All Surface Swingball from Amazon, Argos, and Smyths Toys (RRP £32.99). I know we will be getting a lot of use out of it over the Summer, both on the beach and in the garden. @mookietoys @swingball_uk
AD Presstrip - Have you been anywhere, where when you open the door and it magically feels like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders? That’s how I felt when I opened the door to this beautiful three bedroom lodge at @croydebayresort. 

We had a brilliant stay and I think you would too. Which is why I am sharing ten reasons to stay at Croyde Bay Resort over on the blog today. [link in bio].

If you agree then be quick as unsurprisingly their availability is fast filling up. For May Half Term they are down to their last few hotel family and triple hotel rooms. With the self catering options all being sold out except the last 2 dog friendly cottages for the last weekend of half term. 

As for the summer some dates for both the lodges and cottages are already sold out. If you are looking for a four bed lodge which sleeps eight the earliest availability is from August 20th. Earlier dates available for the three bed sleeping six. Breaks are available Monday - Friday or Friday - Monday. Unless you want a really treat and to stay all week. Which is what I would do as five nights just isn’t enough! Week stays can start on either a Friday or Saturday. 

What are you waiting for GO GO GO!
AD - I have been asked to get involved with the #MyStarmixFavourite campaign. HARIBO Starmix has been around for more than 25 years and it has just got better. As it is now made with fruit juice, each piece is even tastier and there are new flavour combinations to add even more excitement. The iconic pieces – Heart, Ring, Bottle, Egg and Bear stay the same, which is just as well since we all have our favourite. The boys' favourite is the cola bottle, mine is definitely the ring! So, to celebrate the new flavours, we have been making a cola bottle piñata. 
 
Over the years it has become a family tradition to have a pinata when it is the boys' birthdays. They always really enjoy them, and it has become a fun childhood memory, just like HARIBO Starmix. Head over to the blog (link in bio) to see how simple it is to create your own.
 
I would love to know your #MyStarmixFavourite please let me know in the comments below @haribouki
AD Presstrip - Yesterday we spent all day local to @croydebayresort enjoying its stunning location. In the morning we headed over the dunes to Croyde Bay itself. Ideal for kids it is literally a five minute walk from the resort. The boys enjoyed bodyboarding and then rock pooling. Where we found mud skippers, crabs and shrimp. 

After lunch we walked out the back of the resort and headed to Baggy Point. It’s a twenty minute walk to get to the National Trust carpark and then Baggy Point is around a mile on from there. We stuck to low trail but you can go up and over. There’s lots of wildlife to spot and the views are amazing. 

We ended the day watching the sun going down over the dunes while the boys ran up and down. Using up the last of their energy. A simple, uncomplicated day of family fun out in the fresh air.
AD Presstrip - If you have been watching our stories you will know we arrived in a North Devon yesterday afternoon staying at the lovely @croydebayresort which is right next to Croyde Bay. Check out our stories for a look around our three bedroom lodge and an amazing sunset watched from the dunes a couple of minutes walk away. 

Today we headed to Clovelly which is around forty minutes from the resort by car. The 16th century privately own village is built into the hillside and has a steep cobbled high street. The boys loved seeing the donkeys, eating ice creams, playing on the pebble beaches, climbing rocks, watching a waterfall and frequenting the sweet shop. Definitely one for the list when planning a trip to Devon.
Happy Friday - felt like a long time coming this week with the kids at home and juggling work. Today we have been to a NT looking for chocolate eggs. So nice to be out and about again (safely).

I thought I would share our letter C from our U.K. A to Z travels today. As you can see from the photo it was a while ago that we visited.... Cheddar Gorge. Charlie was only five at the time and Harry just 16 months old. Plus it was in October and wet, which put pay to any walking adventures. We loved exploring the caves and would very much like to go back to Cheddar Gorge now the boys are much older.

I am still collecting inspiration for the Summer months and would love to know where your letter C is in the U.K.?
AD Gifted - Jumping into the Easter holidays! This photo was taken on Saturday when we visited grandparents outside. It was the first time the boys had seen them for about five months maybe even longer and they were very excited by the prospect. As well as that we had a lovely long Easter weekend despite the cold and the snow managing a trip to the beach, Easter Egg Trails and lots of time outdoors. 

During our adventures Harry has been wearing his new @bobuxshoes Grass Court Switch, where you can choose to change the colours of the velcro fastenings. We have long been fans of the Grass Court and I think he’s now on his third pair! Smart, colourful and comfortable they tick all the boxes.

As for the rest of the Easter break, I’ve only two more days at work left and they we are off for a little trip to the seaside for a few days. Keeping everything crossed the weather is kind to us.
Letter B in my U.K. A to Z initially was not going to be Brighton. It was going to be Brownsea Island, we had a lovely visit a couple of years ago. But then I started to think about all the things I love about Brighton and it’s history for me and realised it had to feature.

I went to Brighton university and studied Business turning down a much converted space at redbrick business school higher up the country. Much to my families disappointment, I was in love you see. Needless to say the relationship didn’t even last the first semester. But I had a great time none the less, and ended up working and eventually meeting my husband in Brighton. We moved out about 12 years ago but still visit regularly having family on the outskirts. There are many memories tangled up in this city for me. 

If you have never been it really should be on your list! This photo of the sun setting over the palace pier was taken in January 2020. When I met up with @amomentwithfranca and @zenassuitcase. It’s very apt for today with the sun setting signifying the end of a chapter with tomorrow bringing a bright new dawn full of potential. 

Where’s your letter B?
AD Gifted - Looking forward to the Easter break. The Easter tree is decorated and we did some Easter baking at the weekend. The boys don’t break up until Thursday but we’ve lots of things planned over the two weeks including seeing family at a social distance, egg hunts, a trip to the beach, National Trust wanders, a mini break (when allowed) more craft and of course baking. With the sun shining today for the first time in a long time we are feeling optimistic. 

I have been doing some sewing recently to take my mind off of everything and have totally fallen in love with these bunnies which make a lovely gift for Easter. The kits from @makebox.co include some beautiful vintage floral material along with everything else you need to make your chosen bunny. I was kindly gifted Bobby (in blue) and enjoyed making him so much that I brought Beatrix (pink) and Betsy (yellow) to keep him company. Although the boys have decided they both want Bobby ... so I may have to make another! 

What are your Easter plans?
Happy Hump Day
My plan today was to share our letter N of A to Z travel. But since the announcements about fines and all the press speculation about foreign travel I thought I would start again on places to visit in the U.K. picking up our foreign list at a later date.

So our letter A is Aldeburgh. We were fortunate to spend a couple of nights there last year in early Autumn and absolutely fell in love. It was the first time we had visited Suffolk and consequently the county is now on our radar for a break this Summer.

One of the highlights for Harry was getting his own little boat and playing with it in the boating pool right next to the beach. He still talks about it now and expects all towns to have one! Such a lovely memory to hold dear in these last 12 months of the pandemic.

Where in the U.K. would be your ‘A’
AD Gifted - Over on the blog I have been talking about starting to update our kitchen. Its the hub of our house but we've not done anything to it since we moved in thirteen years ago. It is tired and in desperate need of an update. However, rather than rip the whole thing out we have decided to do little by little and update it one element at a time. The first thing we did was change out our old sink and tap for a sparkly new one from abode. It was incredibly easy to do and I am wondering why we didn't do it earlier! 

We opted for a Xcite one and a half bowl & drainer sink in grey metallic granite and a Hesta pull out tap in brushed nickel both from @abode_home. There is lots of choice on their website with so many different sizes, designs and finishes there is something for everyone and every space. At the moment you can buy directly from their website with free delivery over £50. If you are planning a Spring makeover then head over to the blog for inspiration and to find out more - link in bio.
Thought I would share some blue sky.. this was such a beautiful place to visit and it’s beauty was totally unexpected.

This photo was taken in the last couple of years... can you guess where in the world it is?
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