tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15509995027600522802024-03-15T18:11:13.749-07:00Stephloveshoney...Welcome to the blog! Follow us to find out all about our outdoor adventures in the UK!stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.comBlogger271125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-7717982450534549522023-07-18T04:03:00.002-07:002023-07-18T04:10:14.238-07:00Been there, done that?<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Have you ever seen a photo online, checked the location and thought 'hang on, I've been there but I've never seen THAT!'</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recently, I posted on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cue5bVLsC1b/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank">social media</a> about a walk we did on our local hill (<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b6464c955b02cec90075e7f/t/5d99e01b78af3601cddfd6dc/1570365473312/Cleeve+Leaflet+2019+inner+proof+3.pdf" target="_blank">Cleeve Hill</a>) and I have honestly never had so many comments and DMs telling me that they loved the hill, but had never seen the spots in my photos! So how can you have brand new experiences when you've already been somewhere? </span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">1. Just get out there!</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The first time we walked there, years ago, we just followed the path to the masts and then directly back to the car. That's how most of our 'new' adventures start, with the most obvious.</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLJKUpdA0PCV-zYV6yQsdWv96JM486gWf7pq8N3Ue-e90-UepSr9t_EEafBMMCcvet-ASg5GrpGMFsVC-QoKmf92DJzoNMp33QYCM-tq5zBxy8vpEkZa5Gl5TYZkFx_CSjNHfzW-c4C8b0jUyERRx66VirYlQU3is3EtPbHsaYJF2qDfs7wVPXHw3i_uV/s3674/IMG_9083.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3674" data-original-width="2755" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLJKUpdA0PCV-zYV6yQsdWv96JM486gWf7pq8N3Ue-e90-UepSr9t_EEafBMMCcvet-ASg5GrpGMFsVC-QoKmf92DJzoNMp33QYCM-tq5zBxy8vpEkZa5Gl5TYZkFx_CSjNHfzW-c4C8b0jUyERRx66VirYlQU3is3EtPbHsaYJF2qDfs7wVPXHw3i_uV/w150-h200/IMG_9083.heic" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnh754JicHYbfuv2wxwk4ySIYRqxKEViJ4wmZUC-izgIHe_T6YhJgm0fGm4bJKl2aP2bV3BEo5OZmPLnNR1EJE5iMw6v3Vg8T6MnyiaBMe74uIQkwgICMcxGwNM6ihEYgIlOnOvbISJ4GP3mibZP8NXU4dvP5K7Nk_m7dq1McP55OUS6oKNnIvw8HTA0F-/s4032/IMG_9159.heic"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnh754JicHYbfuv2wxwk4ySIYRqxKEViJ4wmZUC-izgIHe_T6YhJgm0fGm4bJKl2aP2bV3BEo5OZmPLnNR1EJE5iMw6v3Vg8T6MnyiaBMe74uIQkwgICMcxGwNM6ihEYgIlOnOvbISJ4GP3mibZP8NXU4dvP5K7Nk_m7dq1McP55OUS6oKNnIvw8HTA0F-/w150-h200/IMG_9159.heic" width="150" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">2. Explore more.</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">After a couple of walks there, we started noticing adventure spots. Hedges Honey could get inside, little rock formations she could climb and then small quarries where we stacked stones, made words out of rocks and searched for fossils.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYQbwF_Xla1w_xcsr9Ury8gZG2G408G59AP7GR-5i7DLGISB1ouPQxLAPO0oVIAqSLuXcVsvsm_sj2iH7uENAYEjuJeiSJH6pyG4-nbgE39XSd6rjzkngw4b-sEzAa2F_M7dxNvA68oVQY1oicL4YItuHCSgUj4t90lhXXsLBedDAgbFBLbJp1RfXgviO/s3267/IMG_9169.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2450" data-original-width="3267" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYQbwF_Xla1w_xcsr9Ury8gZG2G408G59AP7GR-5i7DLGISB1ouPQxLAPO0oVIAqSLuXcVsvsm_sj2iH7uENAYEjuJeiSJH6pyG4-nbgE39XSd6rjzkngw4b-sEzAa2F_M7dxNvA68oVQY1oicL4YItuHCSgUj4t90lhXXsLBedDAgbFBLbJp1RfXgviO/w200-h150/IMG_9169.heic" width="200" /></a><br /></div><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">3. Go further.</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fast forward to lockdown and we started extending our usual walks. Our old end point became our halfway point and we found <a href="https://butterfly-conservation.org/sites/default/files/2017-mar_prestbury-hill-leaflet_for-web-small.pdf" target="_blank">Prestbury Hill Nature Reserve</a>, a gorgeous cluster of excellent climbing trees, complete with rope swings (which have since been taken down) and stunning views over Cheltenham. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAob5P-KO6OgEKvLBDFKw9WLn9X9t8x8HQq7uYIQ0E5RBudg_jUPL3AWTwOW3H9q0ZiX5waul9CK95gT5lEl--R0_WSleJVtGXeyOdo3qXwLNJy_UyP-NFof9RYkUAfzX-3gmA_y-szRmSR14QOjouI1jYjv6E7oxyYtMKKZcE5LQHxTqC9I_B-Mdz62Q/s3545/IMG_9128.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3545" data-original-width="2659" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAob5P-KO6OgEKvLBDFKw9WLn9X9t8x8HQq7uYIQ0E5RBudg_jUPL3AWTwOW3H9q0ZiX5waul9CK95gT5lEl--R0_WSleJVtGXeyOdo3qXwLNJy_UyP-NFof9RYkUAfzX-3gmA_y-szRmSR14QOjouI1jYjv6E7oxyYtMKKZcE5LQHxTqC9I_B-Mdz62Q/w150-h200/IMG_9128.heic" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhMjAu84Fo_1CGvmj4YMGIjxNC1z1vyTzfLr7Lp5s0Hv6eo5mxMOW6areBFGQZt_pKXKq9sc32xcssrq7AfMnaxcaippPGB8ue6mDcDv__sOQdaUCOiTyV4HPUDirKEoNOX_HS82VLE7P82lyw_XmHtIXPAqD4z5Er-hpPSr4pTSo5BmSMQMuRQz7bQYF/s4032/IMG_9146.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhMjAu84Fo_1CGvmj4YMGIjxNC1z1vyTzfLr7Lp5s0Hv6eo5mxMOW6areBFGQZt_pKXKq9sc32xcssrq7AfMnaxcaippPGB8ue6mDcDv__sOQdaUCOiTyV4HPUDirKEoNOX_HS82VLE7P82lyw_XmHtIXPAqD4z5Er-hpPSr4pTSo5BmSMQMuRQz7bQYF/w150-h200/IMG_9146.heic" width="150" /></a></div><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">4. See what you're missing! </span></b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lastly (although perhaps this should have come first), I checked the location tags on social media and we had a good look at the map in the car park. Turns out that there were still some landmarks that we hadn't seen and we made our way to The Washpool, the best spot yet!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGDjjs_sP907k--NJLTO4JUKnEWTvtXTwQTH_-mW7VK1gIDmnVluvWbNIw2RyYaRCG8j5dDamz-5KfpCEpNXhLQTxbc-iWTvUME-F8UKbu_-qsZOvbLvUceZH1NGOtkbEcmv2LrL8ROov2nnO2xA78vMItyNaB-tL1P-M1uxvUA152g7vrpO6xVnTlGud/s3566/IMG_9115.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2674" data-original-width="3566" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGDjjs_sP907k--NJLTO4JUKnEWTvtXTwQTH_-mW7VK1gIDmnVluvWbNIw2RyYaRCG8j5dDamz-5KfpCEpNXhLQTxbc-iWTvUME-F8UKbu_-qsZOvbLvUceZH1NGOtkbEcmv2LrL8ROov2nnO2xA78vMItyNaB-tL1P-M1uxvUA152g7vrpO6xVnTlGud/s320/IMG_9115.heic" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We're not done with Cleeve Hill* yet, there are still paths we haven't been down, which means more new places to discover. Remember not to discount places just because you've been there before.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">*Parking charges will apply from 24th July onwards.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-52223712240777253032023-02-25T09:42:00.006-08:002023-02-25T09:42:57.953-08:00 National Trust Membership, is it worth it?<p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;">I</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">n short yes. In long, here's the lowdown, including a spreadsheet I made, detailing our most recent year of National Trust adventures…</span></span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">When did we use it?</span></b></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We mostly used it for days out from home, driving anything from 20 minutes to an hour and a quarter to get to our destination of the day. </span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another great way we used our National Trust membership is for low cost days out when holidaying in the UK. Use the NT app or guidebook to find properties and locations close to where you are staying.</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Free car parking is another great bonus of National Trust membership. There are so many beautiful walks to follow on National Trust land. Baggy Point is a favourite of ours down in Devon, we also love Sandymouth.</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Finally, who needs a service station when you can stop and picnic in a stunning garden or treat the family to homemade cake in an NT cafe? Free parking and entry by scanning your card and you can stay as long as you like (especially useful if you have a later check in).</span></p><p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOHO0Ey7Ex_spSRt00phCCQfDVuIXY1XP8s0ARxAja4PAQ28JXAmJC5Ga_epe4jeJEdARBqlNQZdDPFjUI8den3UA5KPjEe2RsqFltO3p5szkQk9lsBhuyq4fy9w2hB1CzypT8-YqCX5WM5iFCkt9az1es7XsNO_-dSJb-FaCmsPKQHbqxginjpme9A/s3575/IMG_2140.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2681" data-original-width="3575" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOHO0Ey7Ex_spSRt00phCCQfDVuIXY1XP8s0ARxAja4PAQ28JXAmJC5Ga_epe4jeJEdARBqlNQZdDPFjUI8den3UA5KPjEe2RsqFltO3p5szkQk9lsBhuyq4fy9w2hB1CzypT8-YqCX5WM5iFCkt9az1es7XsNO_-dSJb-FaCmsPKQHbqxginjpme9A/s320/IMG_2140.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Westbury Court NT</span></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">How much did it cost?</span></b></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Well, technically it didn’t cost us anything, as the membership was a family Christmas gift from my parents, but a 2 parent family membership costs £133 per year (£11.99 per month). There are also options for 1 parent families, as well as individual memberships. Costings can be found on the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/membership" target="_blank">National Trust website</a>.</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQr0HkUfWSj7u2NhXFfbfXVBp4Bahb2f3HbePkxLnmbyhmcC6RALKtlYfGCvGXW0dw4fs6OWd83l2yR7wG6FTbpx_BcnzhJeUauVCIGYWkoEKRrqjbG4siI4M2S-XtUTZ5Eg5iRrHFQsuRL7myYX4kPG4r9GfT5wQsrRvYi7XJb2_2tLgHKSG_NW_2Q/s3849/IMG_7660.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3849" data-original-width="2887" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQr0HkUfWSj7u2NhXFfbfXVBp4Bahb2f3HbePkxLnmbyhmcC6RALKtlYfGCvGXW0dw4fs6OWd83l2yR7wG6FTbpx_BcnzhJeUauVCIGYWkoEKRrqjbG4siI4M2S-XtUTZ5Eg5iRrHFQsuRL7myYX4kPG4r9GfT5wQsrRvYi7XJb2_2tLgHKSG_NW_2Q/w240-h320/IMG_7660.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Coughton Court NT</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">How much would we have spent if we had to pay at each location?</span></b></p><p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">£498.05, which is £364.25 more than our family membership cost! Sometimes, my husband was at work, so I have worked with the cost of a 1 adult family in those instances.</span></p><p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkb3LgMMECrBLFd941XG-OwrEBGJh50dWvihSi-FCHPaSyj7ZSWRQ1UcFB5XXykVm588BfAr38XsjRu1mYCqgG9Wrwb-qYKzb5OJYsJafvH-e-71B0EFUP0A9vsO0_rfSS1MR01PgV4bJE0N8HATtsnK-EBdv8GAXHyjNSsI0qLOASjnNfvuhWNYMiw/s712/Screenshot%202023-02-25%20at%2017.38.14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="712" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkb3LgMMECrBLFd941XG-OwrEBGJh50dWvihSi-FCHPaSyj7ZSWRQ1UcFB5XXykVm588BfAr38XsjRu1mYCqgG9Wrwb-qYKzb5OJYsJafvH-e-71B0EFUP0A9vsO0_rfSS1MR01PgV4bJE0N8HATtsnK-EBdv8GAXHyjNSsI0qLOASjnNfvuhWNYMiw/w400-h265/Screenshot%202023-02-25%20at%2017.38.14.png" width="400" /></a></div><p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Are there lots of extra costs?</span></b></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The main extra cost is eating and drinking. The majority of the time, we took our own food and refillable bottles then ate on the laws or at picnic tables. Lots of properties have covered picnic facilities for rainy days too. All the cafes have a water point, where you can fill up your bottles free of charge. </span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">During the summer, we sometimes bought an ice cream from an on-site vendor and the times we did eat in one of the cafes, the food was delicious and not extortionate.</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The other time you may want to spend, is in the gift shop. There are always beautiful books, fabulous cards and lots of locally sourced arts and crafts available. They’re usually situated near the exit, but it’s often possible to bypass them if you have magpies!</span></p><p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfveFIm7jpP2eH_IeUqvmmFDdCSutAuEGgzVzzGAI7snOoOOEHmP6vxupBSrIrxa4nqO31MVWjtuL4dGBWkTr7AfjhoK6DVNFH3IV0h7VkOARH1zb1Ggga0k0agfCRqGjwjyq9oB_remqCzMgYRN2uxcLyjN0zlTQ-g4sr0jfoPEONbsBpviInm3RiSA/s5703/IMG_7471.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3801" data-original-width="5703" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfveFIm7jpP2eH_IeUqvmmFDdCSutAuEGgzVzzGAI7snOoOOEHmP6vxupBSrIrxa4nqO31MVWjtuL4dGBWkTr7AfjhoK6DVNFH3IV0h7VkOARH1zb1Ggga0k0agfCRqGjwjyq9oB_remqCzMgYRN2uxcLyjN0zlTQ-g4sr0jfoPEONbsBpviInm3RiSA/w400-h266/IMG_7471.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Croome NT</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Your NT checklist:</span></b></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">✅Join online to save time when you arrive at your first property.</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">✅Don’t forget your card so you can scan it for free parking at many places.</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">✅A fully charged phone or camera do capture your team enjoying the stunning surroundings.</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">✅Weather appropriate clothing.</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">✅A picnic and snacks</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">✅Reusable water bottles.</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">✅A bag for dirty outerwear (the big, blue Ikea ones are great).</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">✅Clean shoes for the car.</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">✅</span>Start your own hashtag or photo book so you can look back on your adventures, ours is #teamgoresnationaltrustadventures</span></p><p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUr5nih8FcwafM37h7pQY9cFhsOLKjZIjHw4FjZuHe2E3Y0oPz9Jsvtk-ZMcJEyNmPkUwIuvZ9g7CCarRVE2iPkx5ik4BcHtUA8jiFE6j8-HiQF5Mm3-auN7Le_VBMTSW0fwmp59UvmZ9psgfkpfgO6_7UR5CXTIQYgD1ACDSziz2tVDVTaNM2TQLOA/s4032/IMG_7865.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUr5nih8FcwafM37h7pQY9cFhsOLKjZIjHw4FjZuHe2E3Y0oPz9Jsvtk-ZMcJEyNmPkUwIuvZ9g7CCarRVE2iPkx5ik4BcHtUA8jiFE6j8-HiQF5Mm3-auN7Le_VBMTSW0fwmp59UvmZ9psgfkpfgO6_7UR5CXTIQYgD1ACDSziz2tVDVTaNM2TQLOA/s320/IMG_7865.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Conwy Suspension Bridge</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">I'm sure we will buy National Trust membership again in the future, although we're taking a break this year so we can explore some of the venues on offer through </span><a href="https://www.historichouses.org/why-join/?campaignid=19580387687&adgroupid=144895859163&keyword=historic%20houses&device=c&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgOefBhDgARIsAMhqXA4kX36iJMpJdF37Fh5lsQ92Q6uOsM_az6vv6j4Ciywp9X0BjB0WJWMaAiwSEALw_wcB" style="font-size: 12px;" target="_blank">Historic Houses membership</a><span style="font-size: 12px;"> (which was a Christmas gift from my Mother in Law). A top tip I have come across recently, is to join the <a href="https://www.nts.org.uk/join" target="_blank">Scottish National Trust</a> as their membership options are cheaper, yet you can still visit sites cared for by the National Trust worldwide (including England). </span></span></p>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-23662580214723134522023-02-09T22:00:00.001-08:002023-02-09T22:00:00.167-08:005 Free (or cheap) Days Out in Gloucestershire...<p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">A big thank you to Jamie from </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://savvyjamie.co.uk">savvyjamie.co.uk</a>, who has written a guest post about her favourite budget friendly, Gloucestershire days out. We haven't been to the sculpture trail yet, but can vouch for how much fun the other options are for families!</span></i></span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Entertaining little ones can get pricey, so here are my 5 favourite things to do in Gloucestershire for free.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-8adc0be3-7fff-3ba7-4e49-20852a1643f9"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Head to The Jet Age Museum</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your little budding pilots will LOVE a visit to </span><a href="https://jetagemuseum.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Jet Age Museum</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. With lots of aviation history from around Gloucestershire, full-sized planes in their warehouse-style museum, and small single-pilot planes that can be sat in. There is also a Hawker Siddeley Trident airliner that you can book a free tour of (older children here as there is a height restriction). The museum is free but does ask for a donation. There is also an onsite café and a small gift shop full of reasonably-priced plane memorabilia. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 309px; overflow: hidden; width: 412px;"><img height="309" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1UA_6Yp3DPVTB72WiJaqiulmEtyQonfuobPPgLlJCLlfC3FVRT7XB3EyBlpaTWKPcyadhaESzg4Wygcj4YXsxM-m-Xih6lit9SmHfiDh4n9eB0jkQPlTA4oDD4M8Xu0OkSesI_894MhDBMPR0Xvoog" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="412" /></span></span></p><ol start="2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit Museum in the Park</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This eclectic </span><a href="https://museuminthepark.org.uk/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">museum</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> sits right in the heart of Stratford Park in Stroud. The museum also has a traditional “walled garden” which is perfect for playing Peter Rabbit! The museum also has a small giftshop and a coffee shop. Once you are done browsing the museum, talk a walk around Stratford Park and take in the Sensory Garden, dance in the bandstand, or feed the ducks (food is available at the museum).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 368px; overflow: hidden; width: 276px;"><img height="368" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/no6df37ZDY9lzl5ZsRk-RjEWEof_1PiAOk7EtFFp5IhKBAaHEoIouOAhCrjXTd4lfdltIj4HS3aI-T9kMwkQk_JzcRaWZgFLHNQmtanf4qmMHnBnmt4VhvoawUxtfH6ofN8zea8xHAHdjuZgmqwWVQ" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="276" /></span></span></p><ol start="3" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Explore the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Download your free trail map and get ready for adventure. There are 16 sculptures to find and explore. The </span><a href="https://www.forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk/visit/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is 4.5 miles long, but there are shorter routes too. Car parking is £3 and the trail is free.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><ol start="4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wander around Gloucester Docks</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With the guarantee of seeing boats, who wouldn’t love a visit to </span><a href="https://www.visitgloucester.co.uk/things-to-do/gloucester-docks" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the docks</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. With added excitement like watching the bridge go up, or seeing boats being repaired out of the water – the docks can be a great day out. It’s home to award-winning National Waterways Museum and the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum. There are also plenty of coffee shops and it’s located right next to the outlet shopping centre, Gloucester Quays. </span></p><br /><ol start="5" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Check out St James City Farm</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Who would believe that right in the centre of Gloucester is a sweet little farm?! Well, you better believe it. </span><a href="https://stjamescityfarm.co.uk/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St James City Farm</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is home to rabbits, pigs, sheep, chickens, horses and more. Get up close and hands-on at this charity farm where entry is free!</span></p></span></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-16339602073569935482022-12-09T12:17:00.000-08:002022-12-09T12:17:02.713-08:00One Enchanted Board Game...<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> AD|Enchanted Forest Game Gifted by Ravensburger</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whether it's your Dad always winning at snap, your Granny cheating at chess or your little brother sending the counters flying, most of us have memories of playing board games as a child.</span></b></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b></b><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here are 5 reasons why playing board games as a family still stands the rest of time…</span></b></p>
<ol><li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Playing board games like <a href="https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/games-puzzles-and-books/board-games/children-s-board-games/ravensburger-enchanted-forest-a-magical-treasure-hunt-game/p/211323" target="_blank">Enchanted Forest</a> allows little ones to practise taking turns.</i> The rule book helps here, in this case, stating that the youngest player starts first (this cut cries of "it's not fair, I wanted to go first"). Playing games with your child affords you the opportunity to model how to wait your turn, teach your child how to know when it’s their turn (eg it’s your turn after Mummy) and also lead by example with encouraging words and praise for others while you wait for a go. </span></li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvUkhyDGCl4ifF8DIwVFDsU8iPyEuM1gbPFCD0SiFgm2osnJl1-l6lwv0nQgTNATXt9XciDmTs7SxrudOSmX0ZrdkPOfkxZTzJE9Z6hnADMpUIp6kveN4TV8b2MTHrdwD3tk-PPgVuM_lNzuO_rj0mt5eKYZLkJloSvm1LDR1oWR3tQdW9bX0hLGIsQ/s6000/IMG_0577.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvUkhyDGCl4ifF8DIwVFDsU8iPyEuM1gbPFCD0SiFgm2osnJl1-l6lwv0nQgTNATXt9XciDmTs7SxrudOSmX0ZrdkPOfkxZTzJE9Z6hnADMpUIp6kveN4TV8b2MTHrdwD3tk-PPgVuM_lNzuO_rj0mt5eKYZLkJloSvm1LDR1oWR3tQdW9bX0hLGIsQ/w200-h133/IMG_0577.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOw9B-o5fwD3ME_l4cFVA-_LnDmYmJeNGcDouDMAbY-CkEorSaGAFwJVnvpW5nrYQn2FygPbGjECcx9zyjBz-pRBKGyX-Wmuwz2__QWBxY4brhCJ1B6Hfy30AxO7-1KorLd8nCJ0DZcZaeyMgbSPorFp01NTJ5ErdPoeTrvUuyIGf0Iaxru63E6FWVSQ/s6000/IMG_0571.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOw9B-o5fwD3ME_l4cFVA-_LnDmYmJeNGcDouDMAbY-CkEorSaGAFwJVnvpW5nrYQn2FygPbGjECcx9zyjBz-pRBKGyX-Wmuwz2__QWBxY4brhCJ1B6Hfy30AxO7-1KorLd8nCJ0DZcZaeyMgbSPorFp01NTJ5ErdPoeTrvUuyIGf0Iaxru63E6FWVSQ/w200-h133/IMG_0571.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><ol start="2"><li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Board games come in many different shapes, sizes and guises and most board help to teach life skills in some way.</i> Enchanted Forest uses two dice, which encourages counting and number recognition. It also focusses on strategy, problem solving, matching and honing memory skills.</span></li></ol><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5Xqkvc0lshj4SGimYYN-GIXSRd64Rgtd0KI-WlpzwkeLRYeR9SO00vDOmaj_9_rcqwnou8VAepBeLuvfhdD1gHcy2_yx41-mrjQbJZHDua4LEIVPy1PRrkY8QoKA0c8Suq_5iax1bGE4QY-AFmPkmo5r-vHlqU1bydmVkSXFBrMsyhHU52XdqJhmlQ/s6000/IMG_0591.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5Xqkvc0lshj4SGimYYN-GIXSRd64Rgtd0KI-WlpzwkeLRYeR9SO00vDOmaj_9_rcqwnou8VAepBeLuvfhdD1gHcy2_yx41-mrjQbJZHDua4LEIVPy1PRrkY8QoKA0c8Suq_5iax1bGE4QY-AFmPkmo5r-vHlqU1bydmVkSXFBrMsyhHU52XdqJhmlQ/w200-h133/IMG_0591.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></div><ol start="3"><li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>As well as the inevitable frustrations, playing games together can also lead to so many different conversations and much fun and laughter.</i> Playing games is a great way to spend quality time together.</span></li></ol>
<ol start="4">
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Board games are available based on so many different themes, which makes them ideal to explore a favourite topic or interest. </i>Honey and Ace are huge storybook fans and they love spending time in the woods, so I knew Enchanted Forest would pique their interest. The game has 3D pieces, as well as a colourfully illustrated board and I can imagine them playing it 'in real life' and hunting for the King's treasure next time we go out for a walk! </span></li>
</ol>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRLU031WOxbRpptmeY2rO8r468ZY8uL2omjWY5XLhSnJYaG2z3Dj92ayQUdUpVY7PJlkpO21hXpCNAx78FYE2CUbLPla6g4Rngg0nwANF_d8Bj3uWof31Tjj8WP7btYxMTURQSTwvjbDPzFlcPLFL18QtWkIKuR-Uxkz8Idk5GX-gAKIj4Bqeb0U0ug/s4032/IMG_0555.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRLU031WOxbRpptmeY2rO8r468ZY8uL2omjWY5XLhSnJYaG2z3Dj92ayQUdUpVY7PJlkpO21hXpCNAx78FYE2CUbLPla6g4Rngg0nwANF_d8Bj3uWof31Tjj8WP7btYxMTURQSTwvjbDPzFlcPLFL18QtWkIKuR-Uxkz8Idk5GX-gAKIj4Bqeb0U0ug/w200-h150/IMG_0555.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHB0he4Yf1Ykmc3aDXfNMprvkVDNL9A_vvldfaNVW_aopzb8A6TPeqiUKCJR1K-EY9GqHRAuoy5jNYcmdL5ERUHgZ2PJLxvENaZsgA_EOR2pj9vRBoW9tIFfOWWog7ZDZRH48fJkkndxh87Aqgkqmdio7Z5FHWkNHOdfuVi5eusEf1MSs99xPq9_NH8w/s4032/IMG_0557.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHB0he4Yf1Ykmc3aDXfNMprvkVDNL9A_vvldfaNVW_aopzb8A6TPeqiUKCJR1K-EY9GqHRAuoy5jNYcmdL5ERUHgZ2PJLxvENaZsgA_EOR2pj9vRBoW9tIFfOWWog7ZDZRH48fJkkndxh87Aqgkqmdio7Z5FHWkNHOdfuVi5eusEf1MSs99xPq9_NH8w/w200-h150/IMG_0557.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p>
<ol start="5">
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Nobody is left out, you can find a game for any size of group and most can be adapted to suit a range of ages,</i> even if it’s simply teaming a young child up with an older child or adult. </span></li>
</ol><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivf9EFFNn6lwSWyZ0raQhFZFskKR347ovf21JLTkiwO3pZZZhNx4q0HG5wUZAeB4FhbnJ4SIxxTnNwS_u8JHJRcH_BEObXmllxDISvNM6YH61FvNKZtEZg665Z8pfI3jXicRMjc9lFpWkbgAZorDRJlqc92IzQyAQIgU4Lyfc2PEgamU4Hd-4un6xrkw/s6000/IMG_0562.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivf9EFFNn6lwSWyZ0raQhFZFskKR347ovf21JLTkiwO3pZZZhNx4q0HG5wUZAeB4FhbnJ4SIxxTnNwS_u8JHJRcH_BEObXmllxDISvNM6YH61FvNKZtEZg665Z8pfI3jXicRMjc9lFpWkbgAZorDRJlqc92IzQyAQIgU4Lyfc2PEgamU4Hd-4un6xrkw/w200-h133/IMG_0562.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you fancy getting the family together and competing to rule the kingdom, Enchanted Forest is available from <a href="https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/games-puzzles-and-books/board-games/children-s-board-games/ravensburger-enchanted-forest-a-magical-treasure-hunt-game/p/211323" rel="nofollow">Smyths Toys Superstores</a> (RRP £15.99).</span></div>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-20706941776784896422022-04-23T12:02:00.000-07:002022-04-23T12:02:16.410-07:00You can never have too many books...<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i> Disclosure: Honey and Ace have been gifted three Tales by Mail boxes in exchange for honest reviews and social media content.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's safe to say, we are big readers in our house. If we aren't out and about, enjoying the fresh air, you can usually find one or more of us curled up with a book.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREhXpONM5fL5Gu-iZXcmKHXhp4eZgWOmETxsTXgnH-jQkIGsBZzBRWsvSeYYvCAVmLvYj638WOrtSaPeo_yhDDTqpTUJbY47ejz81R_VI4Hl-gqnsoOZvaIUSBp3BSo-jiPF4trAvn5RE0iNFKJsWvfwH80QlRNj2QxieRJioe0FPwL8KXdiciEwQIw/s3024/IMG_8228.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREhXpONM5fL5Gu-iZXcmKHXhp4eZgWOmETxsTXgnH-jQkIGsBZzBRWsvSeYYvCAVmLvYj638WOrtSaPeo_yhDDTqpTUJbY47ejz81R_VI4Hl-gqnsoOZvaIUSBp3BSo-jiPF4trAvn5RE0iNFKJsWvfwH80QlRNj2QxieRJioe0FPwL8KXdiciEwQIw/w200-h200/IMG_8228.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaP94F70wX9pVpGIzwRzWzuWQPSHzKZPjVfGy79QcvSG231EHpwky2OJr9Z04RNlgsMJBjIlT6eAig4FjYr28XDIi4H9nV3X5YZThlw6qQWMUQBUR6064b-pxgcKaXWPFjfJg7rVRqCKj5adWiY0rfSp8COJ0I-Bvuq7HEzNQLFWpMOgXG_qatwf4L0g/s3024/IMG_9777.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaP94F70wX9pVpGIzwRzWzuWQPSHzKZPjVfGy79QcvSG231EHpwky2OJr9Z04RNlgsMJBjIlT6eAig4FjYr28XDIi4H9nV3X5YZThlw6qQWMUQBUR6064b-pxgcKaXWPFjfJg7rVRqCKj5adWiY0rfSp8COJ0I-Bvuq7HEzNQLFWpMOgXG_qatwf4L0g/w200-h200/IMG_9777.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></div></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As a primary school teacher, I am acutely aware of the benefits that reading affords children. From the moment they're born, reading is a brilliant way to bond with your child. Bedtime stories are an obvious place to start, the book doesn't even need to have any words, babies love black and white pictures and they also love the sound of your voice, so you can make up any story you like or just read to them from whatever you're reading at the time! </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_h-3Tmtqtki-JhqY48NXNqWc56lF_e3kpHFYy8me6QDzWLQ9IS3cMu0_aiiArGNAgwRzMdOiw3YMx6XBNhMI9iW5kLigqqTZtzpUCVXJC9uiGrsAD3lwd57eJBIfWgqo5pCagtxhW0tD5Pp1pN2e2a_GElq_d4EHcnd9tRUCZTq3_gYq5ZjGWkP9Qw/s6016/steph-24%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4016" data-original-width="6016" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_h-3Tmtqtki-JhqY48NXNqWc56lF_e3kpHFYy8me6QDzWLQ9IS3cMu0_aiiArGNAgwRzMdOiw3YMx6XBNhMI9iW5kLigqqTZtzpUCVXJC9uiGrsAD3lwd57eJBIfWgqo5pCagtxhW0tD5Pp1pN2e2a_GElq_d4EHcnd9tRUCZTq3_gYq5ZjGWkP9Qw/w320-h214/steph-24%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: Oobaloos Photography</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Toddlers love books, the colours and pictures are obviously most attractive at this age, but seeing words written down on the page and learning to turn pages by themselves are valuable lessons in becoming a reader. From an early age, we introduced half an hour of book time for Honey and Ace, once all the toys were tidied away for the day. Often, we would be reading the same couple of books on repeat (depending on their current favourites), but eventually this turned into them joining in with the stories or reciting facts and asking questions if it was a non fiction book. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLcn6G0DuygoIE2n8AOdX55YLdq439rUsDSiXIj4VjVLNuCi98MjO4k7Y3HoTxemMLBgWdSX_lGrMjtZqUPj15Px4g90muZ9Nv6gvECRhhcPvEX7dcZxQSZsLqDOgMNpAJxUj8mqOm25ZNOT_CrHYL89DRqQzZXGaTfU7p_2aYPLyZk0QtUyppOyjhw/s2447/IMG_6784.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2447" data-original-width="2447" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLcn6G0DuygoIE2n8AOdX55YLdq439rUsDSiXIj4VjVLNuCi98MjO4k7Y3HoTxemMLBgWdSX_lGrMjtZqUPj15Px4g90muZ9Nv6gvECRhhcPvEX7dcZxQSZsLqDOgMNpAJxUj8mqOm25ZNOT_CrHYL89DRqQzZXGaTfU7p_2aYPLyZk0QtUyppOyjhw/w200-h200/IMG_6784.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuQC0IXkbS2zby2Q_RTB_pH6JEYRAw9yG9s5MUURiB_bsJmzysT39tyoxXanPABhCkWvO7R9cRliK3EOXBX_75diwZBu2jP_LWDHOCuNaOFepgJFX-xC1vpnQRxdtxUqSW-IRymGIPUqzo8ZRR_Hbp539JGn0LUms4Tk-VJifRCGrA-AI__X215CjXQ/s2066/IMG_9804.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2066" data-original-width="2066" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuQC0IXkbS2zby2Q_RTB_pH6JEYRAw9yG9s5MUURiB_bsJmzysT39tyoxXanPABhCkWvO7R9cRliK3EOXBX_75diwZBu2jP_LWDHOCuNaOFepgJFX-xC1vpnQRxdtxUqSW-IRymGIPUqzo8ZRR_Hbp539JGn0LUms4Tk-VJifRCGrA-AI__X215CjXQ/w200-h200/IMG_9804.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On the subject of non fiction books, don't dismiss them or forget about them! Toddlers and pre school children develop their own interests - often bordering on being obsessions - and finding out about them is a great way to bond and spend time together. Libraries are your friend here, we are lucky enough to live in a large town, with multiple libraries, so we are spoilt for choice and can visit different venues depending on their book stock. Not only can we spend time reading in a comfortable environment, we can also take books home to borrow for free (having to return them is a lesson in itself and often resulted in us renewing favourites for another stint).</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1UFAph6nmoDpevTgYbqI8l3iX09JoWmxYlyBN8SPH0r9IjG24CvzlS_mLQQ2b2zYsaYWbyf7Cc-6eT07jGKtSveafKNnmZYJI8MGtt4GcVKsq0cA3mBqbkms4ViIq02-txNdXuyPfsPEiddF7-XHcCR9yV1snjmNhz58-CZ9KbIXAt2kk7imhLbXVQ/s3024/IMG_7268.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1UFAph6nmoDpevTgYbqI8l3iX09JoWmxYlyBN8SPH0r9IjG24CvzlS_mLQQ2b2zYsaYWbyf7Cc-6eT07jGKtSveafKNnmZYJI8MGtt4GcVKsq0cA3mBqbkms4ViIq02-txNdXuyPfsPEiddF7-XHcCR9yV1snjmNhz58-CZ9KbIXAt2kk7imhLbXVQ/w200-h200/IMG_7268.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpxc4XSQ8n8p66HlJvcT400td9T00WuVJnd5WXVbV0nylQr_M5ro1prcsx88PfH06gUGG5mvAW6NB-0nKiZ7W0_E32GBUBuo-W3Ro0bKAN53kFoiKijYKAvcXg1WKOlNirjGi4hQtU72OAZlzi_Mvfbhqk8lMxbpCZI9Hd0tcHgso1Cac9VdSPkAiog/s3024/IMG_7858.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpxc4XSQ8n8p66HlJvcT400td9T00WuVJnd5WXVbV0nylQr_M5ro1prcsx88PfH06gUGG5mvAW6NB-0nKiZ7W0_E32GBUBuo-W3Ro0bKAN53kFoiKijYKAvcXg1WKOlNirjGi4hQtU72OAZlzi_Mvfbhqk8lMxbpCZI9Hd0tcHgso1Cac9VdSPkAiog/w200-h200/IMG_7858.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As children get older and learn to read by themselves, the flood gates open and they can travel to far off lands without even leaving the house. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sometimes, children hit a stumbling block here, as things can get tricky, but with time and patience they can learn to love reading once again. During this time, don't stop reading to your child, even if they're playing and you don't think they're really listening, or they're tired and can't stay awake for a whole story, reading to them will pay off in terms of the vocabulary they are exposed to and the ideas they can develop based on stories and information they hear. You can also encourage them to make up stories using pictures or objects as stimuli.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If your child becomes disheartened on their reading journey, find a new way in. If they don't want to read their school reading books, what do they want to read? Information signs, comics, leaflets, books from their own bookshelves and even websites all contain words that your child can begin to use their phonic knowledge to decode. Encourage your child to ask and answer questions about their reading matter, this will really help them develop their comprehension skills too. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjktdXtTLLXGnbXf4WsnCwi87XvzOsNB5Xgrn8_3UNI5w5FA6dryCcO-rukO3pleicy9Aww04xigAWbDX631iZug471aF4sRvMrebVMxh3YXCeVJo9UhSjquUcuPnuFOkW0kG9dGR_nDWO2SWLWRteRbOUtgNrNcOxQPElifUnBL6kLOSVNvGmlnG-JA/s2791/IMG_5560.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2791" data-original-width="2791" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjktdXtTLLXGnbXf4WsnCwi87XvzOsNB5Xgrn8_3UNI5w5FA6dryCcO-rukO3pleicy9Aww04xigAWbDX631iZug471aF4sRvMrebVMxh3YXCeVJo9UhSjquUcuPnuFOkW0kG9dGR_nDWO2SWLWRteRbOUtgNrNcOxQPElifUnBL6kLOSVNvGmlnG-JA/w200-h200/IMG_5560.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2J0h497-Hp-lIKyHgfzQOiK5EPsEb2x3Qh39cvq3wtJIZP8WvlJoQtIhQNc0kL4iInIv9IwyiC7p3FWVbclwUM3yKf7Yd9W4GAco8x6MifbqkHFfGaDSIAJCYlcdFdlL5LBbJREHht2TM5FibcCQm91litDXDRGN8zz0r5naOn_TpKsIOdgG_CPcUA/s2048/IMG_0708.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2J0h497-Hp-lIKyHgfzQOiK5EPsEb2x3Qh39cvq3wtJIZP8WvlJoQtIhQNc0kL4iInIv9IwyiC7p3FWVbclwUM3yKf7Yd9W4GAco8x6MifbqkHFfGaDSIAJCYlcdFdlL5LBbJREHht2TM5FibcCQm91litDXDRGN8zz0r5naOn_TpKsIOdgG_CPcUA/w200-h200/IMG_0708.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p style="text-align: left;">Online stories, eBooks and virtual book clubs may be another way you can motivate your child to find something they enjoy reading. Or perhaps giving them a book shop voucher as a birthday gift may inspire them to pick up a book they don't want to put down.</p></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recently, we have been working with <a href="What's in the Box? THE PERFECT GIFT FOR EAGER READERS... 2 brilliant, newly-released books Collectable activity pages Exclusive author content Unique gifts & surprises Sibling subscriptions with double activities & gifts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tales by Mail</a>, an award winning company who supply book subscription boxes for children. There are two age groups available, 5-8 years and 8-12 years. Each box contains 2 newly released books (so it's unlikely you'll already have them sitting on your bookshelf), collectible activity pages, exclusive author content and unique gifts and surprises. You can even request a sibling box, which contains double the activities and gifts. As well as the subscription option, you can also check out past boxes and purchase those if you like the look of them! This is such a great way to ignite a passion for reading or to encourage your children to try reading something new.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYO-C6gDI3Hu2xxJFq63D2CUPrPm5ZI0BJ309eoGhWq_aI9m5YZHcxgPMTWkKRJKj1zKiVVuia_tIMe-vUjITobA9TjbqA-XslTKA6NiFLMziZq6zwofIZaBanCTDaMsmJm2YrTnhtmxVQcNvWWMVFqjBTCAcweTWWf8TuFzekJdX_crqjZnMwOU4KkQ/s1440/IMG_8349.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYO-C6gDI3Hu2xxJFq63D2CUPrPm5ZI0BJ309eoGhWq_aI9m5YZHcxgPMTWkKRJKj1zKiVVuia_tIMe-vUjITobA9TjbqA-XslTKA6NiFLMziZq6zwofIZaBanCTDaMsmJm2YrTnhtmxVQcNvWWMVFqjBTCAcweTWWf8TuFzekJdX_crqjZnMwOU4KkQ/w200-h200/IMG_8349.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg5iFlpOwIw2D9cXOVQ8mEs9Psh3GG1KddZMIMYJhAOhs0AhVcgCNCwh6gQwZMtUIojJA9nNBZ29y-5bhzXdLJoWsKD76F59sgw5Ato1FU3mTHe50QagqP4bq3p2Ju5vMLfNPmwphWNgBK0pI6NYGWlfPdlGwX1wibYx6p95My4t3mKZZ3NUgqxldHg/s1440/IMG_8356.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg5iFlpOwIw2D9cXOVQ8mEs9Psh3GG1KddZMIMYJhAOhs0AhVcgCNCwh6gQwZMtUIojJA9nNBZ29y-5bhzXdLJoWsKD76F59sgw5Ato1FU3mTHe50QagqP4bq3p2Ju5vMLfNPmwphWNgBK0pI6NYGWlfPdlGwX1wibYx6p95My4t3mKZZ3NUgqxldHg/w200-h200/IMG_8356.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_L8Di9f4EHFEiRmX2tgxCJXrzEy6J_5ImeAAgIxtFlG6gd5hF2pGT1Sj3Kv3-cDsUyDlFHBbVJMvgnqo1uC584oeQSh46zupqPwOPhOIpxjNNzM---i_PF_c7xFquueOfyysfqZrNEg4Q2pucyNLYv2vdGKoRQXxXlhIf3LXr1aLUUcA4R_gZpMoGA/s1440/IMG_8357.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_L8Di9f4EHFEiRmX2tgxCJXrzEy6J_5ImeAAgIxtFlG6gd5hF2pGT1Sj3Kv3-cDsUyDlFHBbVJMvgnqo1uC584oeQSh46zupqPwOPhOIpxjNNzM---i_PF_c7xFquueOfyysfqZrNEg4Q2pucyNLYv2vdGKoRQXxXlhIf3LXr1aLUUcA4R_gZpMoGA/w200-h200/IMG_8357.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcCRNUBunlAgyBFwwoxsi-Xzl1qR-IZLBjSQUOsKbtfD7OlQmAzj3mo883rbOlATfLixIsSw-KXT7F5lSq_Br1wLyjiCbE5Y6XxFBARq5l1z1NCmsJBipunJroHaFDBAZSmLi_SpTcKA3EW5dAxDQ3WEc1_89C_lFDdCSh1BiN9uYQAUQC8w9W9O6eQ/s3024/IMG_8691.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcCRNUBunlAgyBFwwoxsi-Xzl1qR-IZLBjSQUOsKbtfD7OlQmAzj3mo883rbOlATfLixIsSw-KXT7F5lSq_Br1wLyjiCbE5Y6XxFBARq5l1z1NCmsJBipunJroHaFDBAZSmLi_SpTcKA3EW5dAxDQ3WEc1_89C_lFDdCSh1BiN9uYQAUQC8w9W9O6eQ/w200-h200/IMG_8691.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p style="text-align: left;">Oh and a warning from me, kids books are addictive. We keep having to buy more bookshelves because I find it impossible to let many children's books go and whenever we hand books down or sell any, we inevitably buy more books! As I'm always telling my children, you can never have too many books ;-)</p></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Honey wears... Butterfly dress (preloved H&M)</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Honey reads... The Borrowers</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhca1eGET-nAYCkN4VvnuIFjyyyjlrhCwJl6kfdl1qr-MJh9Scr_9ht4PFMy1U3dGH4PVyV8WotWyF7ezu_8eXYVce71gq66xgcWKP9m5pPWwmDrz1SX3n-jJ7OGQPOj1kKTOlFo7jIwQuAdIVOOB_rBZOohzejWXbYNOXkU12oOK5ZIJwiseLDbdJyWg/s3788/IMG_0903.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3788" data-original-width="2841" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhca1eGET-nAYCkN4VvnuIFjyyyjlrhCwJl6kfdl1qr-MJh9Scr_9ht4PFMy1U3dGH4PVyV8WotWyF7ezu_8eXYVce71gq66xgcWKP9m5pPWwmDrz1SX3n-jJ7OGQPOj1kKTOlFo7jIwQuAdIVOOB_rBZOohzejWXbYNOXkU12oOK5ZIJwiseLDbdJyWg/s320/IMG_0903.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-53526014505155970402022-04-09T07:10:00.001-07:002022-04-09T07:12:56.767-07:00Duck on Call from Playmobil...<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Ad|Gifted</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Duck on Call is the brilliant new range from Playmobil and Ace was lucky enough to be gifted two pieces from the range to review, <a href="https://www.playmobil.co.uk/duck-on-call---ambulance-emergency-vehicle/70916.html" rel="nofollow">DUCK ON CALL - Ambulance Emergency Vehicle</a> and <a href="https://www.playmobil.co.uk/duck-on-call---ambulance-action%3A-help-the-racing-driver/70919.html" rel="nofollow">DUCK ON CALL - Ambulance Action: Help the Racing Driver</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Firstly, the packaging is eye catching, bright and engaging. Before even opening the box, Ace was talking about the different parts of the vehicle he could see, as well as detailing the role play games he was planning once he'd built the vehicles. He was so excited to see the ambulance, Daddy is a paramedic, so lots of Ace's play features paramedics and ambulances. Ace was happy that the boxes didn't have any plastic elements to them, so he could put it straight in the recycling box. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYF44a09tY2eI43Ov3cUz6CgqDToGzmonaRDXFXRwQdsin-BoRzpuMyt0sY1DiiRttcTyR0EAK81xwE2b2D6sUePuruNiI247NbzMwUPR6kmX5DYOsW0L_K5t_ktJ5iBT8RZaOFQUCCvZ5IzFEqSkdC4jYt6_CNFoo00RJmn3pWSNjAeMGc0wm5er02g/s4282/DSC_0066.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2855" data-original-width="4282" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYF44a09tY2eI43Ov3cUz6CgqDToGzmonaRDXFXRwQdsin-BoRzpuMyt0sY1DiiRttcTyR0EAK81xwE2b2D6sUePuruNiI247NbzMwUPR6kmX5DYOsW0L_K5t_ktJ5iBT8RZaOFQUCCvZ5IzFEqSkdC4jYt6_CNFoo00RJmn3pWSNjAeMGc0wm5er02g/s320/DSC_0066.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p>On opening the cardboard box, we were pleased to see minimal, single use plastic inside. There were a few numbered bags, each containing small parts to be used in the construction of the vehicles and accessories. The bags themselves are made from recycled plastic and can be recycled again, along with your other soft plastics at the supermarket.</p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFwXWINrTNaRjjCDO8X7ZLL1-3zBu8rTtvOafJIpvX1JhLg3T8Bb_CSQ_aD88SYiPK98QU8xuDtwPdxRbtAWsEmqqu70xA7twKf7WCOJM4om_etNTaHK-Pe3yg8cVOA7zYGuzq0aeIWiPwIKzJfr-lBS60PQhdnX39fsW-JqZruinmY8bL7A_a-UBRw/s6000/DSC_0145.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFwXWINrTNaRjjCDO8X7ZLL1-3zBu8rTtvOafJIpvX1JhLg3T8Bb_CSQ_aD88SYiPK98QU8xuDtwPdxRbtAWsEmqqu70xA7twKf7WCOJM4om_etNTaHK-Pe3yg8cVOA7zYGuzq0aeIWiPwIKzJfr-lBS60PQhdnX39fsW-JqZruinmY8bL7A_a-UBRw/s320/DSC_0145.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ace found the vehicles fairly easy to put together (he's at the top end of the suggested age range for these toys). He followed the picture instructions with no problems and only needed a little help to secure a couple of pieces. I think he was afraid of pushing bits too hard incase he broke them, but I can confirm that everything went together securely and without any breakages, with a slightly firmer hand. Ace also got to use his fine motor skills to put stickers on the vehicles, which he loved doing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8PHoIbo7cqPKIJfNeOzzMwSvmNqksGNZPC3ZQFtJxP4BNd2axS1yS5NdtwNi6osJtNzmoDqYLKaK6fO82Cu1bplyIKwSJnA-3_MZT6y36mmMpulccuoiQtugNHVWcW_NwUfVn6b0C_7xk8A2AbtNINZWIhNVMXgzHpa-6VLakFnx-GVZxKDkb5Ml5w/s5106/DSC_0159.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3403" data-original-width="5106" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8PHoIbo7cqPKIJfNeOzzMwSvmNqksGNZPC3ZQFtJxP4BNd2axS1yS5NdtwNi6osJtNzmoDqYLKaK6fO82Cu1bplyIKwSJnA-3_MZT6y36mmMpulccuoiQtugNHVWcW_NwUfVn6b0C_7xk8A2AbtNINZWIhNVMXgzHpa-6VLakFnx-GVZxKDkb5Ml5w/s320/DSC_0159.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">While these toys are undeniably made from plastic, it is far from single use and definitely not flimsy. We own Playmobil from the 1980's and it's still going</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">! Both Duck on Call toys we were given are strong and sturdy and look set to provide Ace and then countless other children after him, hours and hours of fun! </span><div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnc5__nQC3wtNurwr_IkaMEbFizXIWwEARC9ARRAOaCgBDOjUSc4TGDsfuvTnxlJpy1lOV5K5AWLL5Xup8mWwHY-GzueXjfkjDKcq4SzbDJz1KcAoNwHGeIZk_oy7cZwpO9N8MDkWfblyK-h52zkvsBMNhaNhVrpH1yZtJ6G9qqWSbKcNApyhDezaIA/s5080/DSC_0215.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3388" data-original-width="5080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnc5__nQC3wtNurwr_IkaMEbFizXIWwEARC9ARRAOaCgBDOjUSc4TGDsfuvTnxlJpy1lOV5K5AWLL5Xup8mWwHY-GzueXjfkjDKcq4SzbDJz1KcAoNwHGeIZk_oy7cZwpO9N8MDkWfblyK-h52zkvsBMNhaNhVrpH1yZtJ6G9qqWSbKcNApyhDezaIA/s320/DSC_0215.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of my favourite things about Playmobil is its strong links to real life, it really lends itself to role playing games. This morning, as Honey and Ace played with the new Duck on Call sets, they were discussing first aid (including whether to take a racing driver's helmet off after a crash) and the correct number for our emergency services ("it's definitely 999 in our country, but you'd call 911 if you were on holiday in America"), as well as showing empathy for others.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1vOgOs_No1hTwal6OcJjcyk4OrQtspePnLyk9A6C2cnyd3Hp32nCJAgqU24Ryj5TUNVss9abeQO8xnYs5Fd3vP-um-WGLHFXt__Sby-c45IS7ssCOnFJ5Qqln6TIKXqmEbk8nQ1pz5gh3F0S0-5wlP88d4ctZGxNu1_DJaaspSuR4Per4twowwi2ug/s4678/DSC_0234.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3123" data-original-width="4678" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1vOgOs_No1hTwal6OcJjcyk4OrQtspePnLyk9A6C2cnyd3Hp32nCJAgqU24Ryj5TUNVss9abeQO8xnYs5Fd3vP-um-WGLHFXt__Sby-c45IS7ssCOnFJ5Qqln6TIKXqmEbk8nQ1pz5gh3F0S0-5wlP88d4ctZGxNu1_DJaaspSuR4Per4twowwi2ug/s320/DSC_0234.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another thing I love about Playmobil, is how seamlessly the sets can be used together. People, vehicles and accessories can all be interchanged, allowing your little ones to create their own, imaginative worlds together. So, w</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">hether you're thinking about purchasing your first set, or you're adding to a collection, we're sure you will love Duck on Call as much as we do!</span><p></p><div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Check out the </span><a href="https://www.playmobil.co.uk/play/duck-on-call/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: verdana;">Playmobil website for Duck on Call activities</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">, including </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">colouring, hat and badge making, educational activities and character information posters. You can also purchase the sets via their websit</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">e.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIat_8u93VpE0YrNOmjUqj4SkAV79fml1pCpG7M8bfEEp7PmP-CgRLDM00dPkxOKmvfQjjdShz-bvOk4LgZ4A0jCuFDCUbBR6A9KCYBccBtwG5Bp1zWYNCgVdpp3jBubhTzT7q9TF8W0NeGV2BZYRH2Je8bfLB8i2a1tpEgFB_0OESh0X-75w-_W2I6Q/s5004/DSC_0193.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3336" data-original-width="5004" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIat_8u93VpE0YrNOmjUqj4SkAV79fml1pCpG7M8bfEEp7PmP-CgRLDM00dPkxOKmvfQjjdShz-bvOk4LgZ4A0jCuFDCUbBR6A9KCYBccBtwG5Bp1zWYNCgVdpp3jBubhTzT7q9TF8W0NeGV2BZYRH2Je8bfLB8i2a1tpEgFB_0OESh0X-75w-_W2I6Q/s320/DSC_0193.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ace wears... Vitamin Sea sweatshirt: A charity shop find, customised by Mummy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p></div></div>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-60641946628652542012022-02-11T12:09:00.002-08:002022-02-11T12:09:21.817-08:00Good Crafternoon Everyone...<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">AD| Gifted with no obligation to promote or review</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We had such a lovely surprise last week when an unexpected parcel from Babyprints Cheltenham landed on our mat. Honey and Ace were delighted to receive a parcel with their names on and even more excited to find out that they had been gifted a sibling subscription to the Little Fingerprint Craft Box Club. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8md5vnS3LVBcsgp1C3VDwSEW0ZIOoodtZH0dm68lJ5BM9FZ3S28tv-cgnDrJt0B9KIF120ZljigqiH0hq8_lGyNkbrqxiejVRblOxnbsUNDu_i_3Nc3KZ_aRGQEJQbWNCLJ9k6sdZlZrVnk9fLfejRCjJss6NeZ9z8cKtNJPoDQCSlaQed32IJXhomA=s2841" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2841" data-original-width="2841" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8md5vnS3LVBcsgp1C3VDwSEW0ZIOoodtZH0dm68lJ5BM9FZ3S28tv-cgnDrJt0B9KIF120ZljigqiH0hq8_lGyNkbrqxiejVRblOxnbsUNDu_i_3Nc3KZ_aRGQEJQbWNCLJ9k6sdZlZrVnk9fLfejRCjJss6NeZ9z8cKtNJPoDQCSlaQed32IJXhomA=w200-h200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfKl7zVC6o7LI3qMssOpA78u4fQbabFDUhrCo-0RfAesu7QrjOJ4yjm37t3Ed9jtff0CgoAPZIpg7Oq_FSKC2D13B2_uQu26OH8W5em9gNJ3cAFOtR7cStedfL7FhVuWVcwsY9uDFeXOWzc7MMGKwe2DFhWG5IJsO7OfQueCC4iIFWpCpLX563A54_NA=s2823" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2823" data-original-width="2823" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfKl7zVC6o7LI3qMssOpA78u4fQbabFDUhrCo-0RfAesu7QrjOJ4yjm37t3Ed9jtff0CgoAPZIpg7Oq_FSKC2D13B2_uQu26OH8W5em9gNJ3cAFOtR7cStedfL7FhVuWVcwsY9uDFeXOWzc7MMGKwe2DFhWG5IJsO7OfQueCC4iIFWpCpLX563A54_NA=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over the next couple of months, we will be sharing our crafts with you over on Instagram, but in the meantime, here is what <a href="https://www.instagram.com/babyprintscheltenham/?hl=en">Babyprints Cheltenham</a> owner Victoria says about this fabulous new branch of her business...</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">These fuss free, monthly craft boxes (which are all themed), include everything you need for three or more keepsake crafts. They contain many original and handmade items you won't find in high street craft stores, to make some truly memorable keepsakes you will treasure.</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Crafting is a wonderful, easy way of developing your young child's creativity, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and knowledge of pattern, texture and colours. For o</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">lder children, craft provides </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">valuable independent creative play opportunities. </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Just £12 a month will buy you entry into our exclusive and fun club with so many benefits, including these amazing craft boxes, delivered straight to your door, with a bumper December box for those who have been signed up for 4 or more months. There is also a reward scheme where you receive a special prize once the reward chart is filled and every child signing up will receive a birthday card and gift on or around their special day too!</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We can also personalise boxes for children with sensory processing diagnoses and hold a range of sensory and fidget items we can swap out for some crafts. </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Please remember that colours may vary from promotional photographs of each month's box on social media.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We try to make these boxes as plastic free as possible but sometimes it is unavoidable. Please recycle what you can. Don't just take our word for how great these boxes are, here are just a few lovely reviews from some of our members,</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">"P has loved doing something different and having my full attention."</span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">"We are in love with these boxes, always something different and creative to do, thank you so much."</span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">"Saturday morning fun, I am loving these as much as my daughter is!"</span></i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There is even a private Facebook group for subscribers to join, so they can share ideas and see what other members have created. Victoria also posts videos and how to guides in the group, for those who may want a little extra inspiration. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYlBXoiImGzjgE31ChTcxXuXAaxhabNRbTerSef3b6LNa0-WM8s2YsIrudkfOevnyBoWv_OS723b1qcqMN4eu1kQUzS5o7ZiP2GzNkX_cc3XziLv6fjiM1Tp6-1nNYadDsxqvaeFK7OlfwVBMgG9vsfMukMwqk2ATr13RCf4FG7PYVmGmEgeTwktQwKA=s2832" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="2832" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYlBXoiImGzjgE31ChTcxXuXAaxhabNRbTerSef3b6LNa0-WM8s2YsIrudkfOevnyBoWv_OS723b1qcqMN4eu1kQUzS5o7ZiP2GzNkX_cc3XziLv6fjiM1Tp6-1nNYadDsxqvaeFK7OlfwVBMgG9vsfMukMwqk2ATr13RCf4FG7PYVmGmEgeTwktQwKA=w200-h200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEis0BkhPlWvYl9GAkX0pWLr2FndWHdZ-o7RD1U7m8BuEvu6QXWZeMRJAWEMM9TkxUFx-P3FlpVX4LRltflGaM8pVbOm8O4kuRMx5r5sKfk8CCd9rmG-oEwcOgokJUvTG1MrSERwbnKq_EsEcCgGSktiMA7i7kTyS-9RxJWFWksPNArJPHUUZeZBc0-pbQ=s2865" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2865" data-original-width="2865" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEis0BkhPlWvYl9GAkX0pWLr2FndWHdZ-o7RD1U7m8BuEvu6QXWZeMRJAWEMM9TkxUFx-P3FlpVX4LRltflGaM8pVbOm8O4kuRMx5r5sKfk8CCd9rmG-oEwcOgokJUvTG1MrSERwbnKq_EsEcCgGSktiMA7i7kTyS-9RxJWFWksPNArJPHUUZeZBc0-pbQ=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you like the sound of the Little Fingerprint Craft Box Club and decide to subscribe, please let Victoria know that you found her through this blog!</span><p></p>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-43407983356812364812021-11-07T03:18:00.003-08:002021-11-07T03:22:57.351-08:00Six Second Rule...<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> AD| Gifted for review</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Six Second Scribbles proves that good things come in small packages! With Christmas coming up fast, read on to find out the top 5 reasons why you should be adding this game to your list this year!</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>1. NO PLASTIC!</b></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">That’s right, from the postal packaging, to everything inside the box, it’s all recyclable! No plastic wrapping (paper bands to keep the cards together instead), no sellotape (just a well fitting lid), no plastic bags (pencils slotted inside a small, cardboard box in lieu of these). Brilliant, well done guys!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsW1logzMvk/YYeydXDtetI/AAAAAAAAEvI/C_9fPM3b7-Id_0GBxmP0NKD4Ee6iPgK2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3534.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsW1logzMvk/YYeydXDtetI/AAAAAAAAEvI/C_9fPM3b7-Id_0GBxmP0NKD4Ee6iPgK2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>2. The size of the box. </b><br />If you know me, you’ll know that I LOVE things to be neat and tidy and I hate unwieldy boxes that don’t fit easily into any of our storage spots! Not a problem here, measuring just 12cm x 9cm, this sturdy, little box slots neatly into any drawer or cupboard with room to spare. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzC0glhMUSo/YYeyNFPewvI/AAAAAAAAEvA/cYvIJnKzPWAS1-vqciZAGV9DcVSQXNZRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3535.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzC0glhMUSo/YYeyNFPewvI/AAAAAAAAEvA/cYvIJnKzPWAS1-vqciZAGV9DcVSQXNZRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>3. Its portability.</b><br />Related to point number one I suppose, but this game is perfect for popping in a handbag or backpack for fun on the go. Everything you need fits into the box, the only addition needed is a timer, which can be found on any smartphone. Think killing time in a restaurant while waiting for food, or taking it to a friend’s house for a play date.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>4. Its adaptability.</b><br />It doesn’t matter how young, old or (un)artistic you are, there’s a way for you to play. With three levels of cards available, easy, tricky and almost impossible, there should be something that appeals to everyone from toddlers, to even the most proficient (or competitive) artists! Six Second Scribbles is also a fab way to get reluctant writers practising their skills. Short words and phrases will keep those writing muscles working over the weekends and holidays, and they won't even realise!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jl149jtCRMo/YYeylr4csgI/AAAAAAAAEvM/8E3cg3Ak1RYG6ROLQu8YhrtRDhLddmF6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3533.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jl149jtCRMo/YYeylr4csgI/AAAAAAAAEvM/8E3cg3Ak1RYG6ROLQu8YhrtRDhLddmF6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>5. The fun packaging and clear rules.</b><br />Even though she'd never heard of Six Second Scribbles before, from the moment this game landed on our doorstep, my daughter has been desperate to play it… why? The packaging is bright, eye-catching and very exciting! I also appreciated the clearly set out rules, complete with suggested adaptations for youngsters and the encouragement to make the game our own, with your own rule tweaks and changes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We have had great time playing Six Second Scribbles so far and look forward to introducing it to friends and family over the festive period... bring on games night! If you'd like to find out more or browse Gamely's full range of games, head to <a href="https://gamelygames.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gamely's website</a>. Sign up to their newsletter for 15% off your first order.</span></div>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-7498636175755603452021-08-29T10:14:00.003-07:002021-08-29T10:20:14.067-07:00Every Day's a School Day...<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;">Disclosure: I have kindly been gifted a year's subscription to the Mrs Mactivity website, in exchange for mentions in my blog and on social media. All thoughts and opinions are my own.</span></b></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whether you teach in a nursery, primary school or from home, why not let Mrs Mactivity help reduce your workload? Once you’ve signed up, you can easily <a href="https://www.mrsmactivity.co.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">download resources to support teaching and learning across the primary curriculum</a>.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aGBpkyjSf8s/YSu9sQSbS7I/AAAAAAAAEs0/4heOQcwN-ZMbLboluty7egHbU8wOhviPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1187/Screenshot%2B2021-08-29%2Bat%2B18.02.16.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1187" height="192" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aGBpkyjSf8s/YSu9sQSbS7I/AAAAAAAAEs0/4heOQcwN-ZMbLboluty7egHbU8wOhviPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screenshot%2B2021-08-29%2Bat%2B18.02.16.png" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eye catching and easy to navigate</span><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;">With thousands of high quality, teacher made resources available to download, the site can really help streamline your precious planning time. Activities can be downloaded to print or can be added to your lesson presentations for a whole class to view.</span><p></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have also been using the site to provide fun, learning activities for Honey and Ace over the summer holidays. I’ve left <a href="https://www.mrsmactivity.co.uk/downloads/counting-in-multiples-number-track-activity-plain/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">maths</a> and <a href="https://www.mrsmactivity.co.uk/downloads/year-5-reading-comprehension-alice-in-wonderland/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reading comprehension sheets</a> on their craft table and 90% of the time, they’ve picked up a pen and enjoyed the activity without me mentioning it or getting involved. Great for keeping their brains ticking over!</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrOS3c2ZBFY/YSu-pdwfVaI/AAAAAAAAEtI/k3CDcFAvq-436JyPCQWj2BMKZ-V-60E0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0503.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrOS3c2ZBFY/YSu-pdwfVaI/AAAAAAAAEtI/k3CDcFAvq-436JyPCQWj2BMKZ-V-60E0gCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_0503.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-rpByWlNEE/YSu-pdfTIsI/AAAAAAAAEtE/0q16U-flf2IdOSyTWFVykiUrkjb3GTRowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0504.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-rpByWlNEE/YSu-pdfTIsI/AAAAAAAAEtE/0q16U-flf2IdOSyTWFVykiUrkjb3GTRowCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_0504.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I love that the resources span such a range of topics, including </span><a href="https://www.mrsmactivity.co.uk/downloads/axolotl-reading-comprehension/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">reading comprehension activities based on Honey’s new favourite creature (since getting into Minecraft), the axolotl</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">! The resources also feature hand drawn illustrations, which sets them apart from worksheets on other sites.</span></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kx-ZjqH-tY/YSu9Z5aXVjI/AAAAAAAAEss/IZ2gJtuD0B4TyevrURmix6axB3cgoFBUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0502%2B2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kx-ZjqH-tY/YSu9Z5aXVjI/AAAAAAAAEss/IZ2gJtuD0B4TyevrURmix6axB3cgoFBUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0502%2B2.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Everything is aligned with White Rose and Letters and Sounds and can be edited to suit your children. <a href="https://www.mrsmactivity.co.uk/downloads/category/free-resources/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">There are even some resources you can download for free</a>, to help you get a feel for the site and the quality of the resources. For just £24.97 per year, why not give Mrs Mactivity a try?</span></p><div><br /></div>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-48415570115234640412021-07-12T04:06:00.001-07:002021-07-12T04:06:25.698-07:00Let's get ready to summer...<p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">The countdown is on! We are just over a week away from the summer holidays and we can't wait! Here are my top 5 things you could try, to help your summer run as smoothly as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">1. Book tickets for attractions you want to visit.</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u1:p></u1:p><span face="Arial, sans-serif">With Covid restrictions still in place, many attractions are booking up well in advance. Most places offer an online calendar so you can see which dates are still available and some places even have a gauge so you can tell how close they are to selling out. <o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">We headed to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge/" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank">Slimbridge</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> (<b><i>gifted tickets</i></b>) </span>over half term and can highly recommend a trip there over the summer. They have just launched a new app, which allows visitors to interact with the wildlife and learn more about their various species. There are even fun features such as selfie borders and quiz questions in the app! <o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">We took a picnic, which is great for keeping costs down and being able to eat wherever you are in the park, but there is also a café and refreshment stands available on site (Team Gore thoroughly recommends the ice cream).</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNJz4yLqDFk/YOwci7uq7YI/AAAAAAAAEog/4M-IglQ5mvYQlENdZ0ECS6X4LHwv_SHOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7368.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNJz4yLqDFk/YOwci7uq7YI/AAAAAAAAEog/4M-IglQ5mvYQlENdZ0ECS6X4LHwv_SHOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_7368.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8RghgeEEvtw/YOwci5CVd1I/AAAAAAAAEok/AWwf03l_aJoEbPTpwuwVJi2nkcCZKK5lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7364.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8RghgeEEvtw/YOwci5CVd1I/AAAAAAAAEok/AWwf03l_aJoEbPTpwuwVJi2nkcCZKK5lwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_7364.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">2. Set up a snack station at home.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">If your children are always hungry, there are some great snack station ideas out there. Some people give their children a set number of tokens or coins at the start of a day and they can ‘spend’ them at the snack station throughout the day. Generally, fruit and vegetable snacks cost less than, say, a packet of crisps.<o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">We have a low, easily accessible cupboard and I fill up the snack box each week. The children know that if they eat all the ‘best’ snacks at the start of the week, they will be left with their least favourite snacks as the time goes on. It’s amazing how much their hunger decreases throughout the week! I also cut costs by buying larger packets or bags of rice cakes, crisps and breadsticks and then decanting them into reusable snack bags from <a href="https://nomnomkids.co.uk" target="_blank">Nom Nom Kids</a>.</span><u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QISmhkqaOig/YOwc9IDIB3I/AAAAAAAAEow/yWpfSdstDB0Wn1fuNEBv9BJC8UYS3UzngCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8508.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QISmhkqaOig/YOwc9IDIB3I/AAAAAAAAEow/yWpfSdstDB0Wn1fuNEBv9BJC8UYS3UzngCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_8508.HEIC" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dIE5qGNUfg/YOwgFRAKotI/AAAAAAAAEpU/YfQi29FzFMokVtmHMSePg-A4lmukzOSgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7172.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dIE5qGNUfg/YOwgFRAKotI/AAAAAAAAEpU/YfQi29FzFMokVtmHMSePg-A4lmukzOSgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_7172.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br /> </span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">3. Fit in some 'sneaky' learning.</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u1:p></u1:p><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Encourage your children to write in a journal. This doesn’t need to be daily, perhaps after a day out of if they have had a great day or a memorable walk.<o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Ask your child to write a book review if they have read a new book. This can include library books or books borrowed from family members or siblings. If they're reluctant to write, try making a video review to share with others.<o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Ask your child to write a postcard to a friend or family member.<o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Head to the library and join their<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank">summer reading challenge</a>. Take books to the beach or into the woods for added excitement!<o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">As for maths skills. if you're playing together, ask your children to name shapes they can see or read numbers that appear on boxes, signs or play equipment. Use a tape measure to measure how far toy cars can travel when you launch them off a ramp. Weigh ingredients as you bake or explore capacity while having fun with water play.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-17W9F7Cs8/YOwdHR_VDlI/AAAAAAAAEo0/2gB0xbJCE-Ex2ne9u9EPa0kM9RdglWqxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8512.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-17W9F7Cs8/YOwdHR_VDlI/AAAAAAAAEo0/2gB0xbJCE-Ex2ne9u9EPa0kM9RdglWqxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_8512.heic" width="200" /></a> </span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">4. Have a toy/activity/craft menu</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Pre-sort and tidy all your toys, games and craft supplies and make a list of what you have. This will enable children to make choices about what to play with or create. I find it helpful to label boxes, so that anyone can easily tidy up and it doesn’t all fall on me! <o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">During your pre-sort, make sure all your games and puzzles are complete (thus avoiding frustration and arguments over the summer when pieces are found to be missing). Some companies, such as <a href="https://www.orchardtoys.com" target="_blank">Orchard Toys</a>, offer free replacement parts, so finding broken parts or pieces missing, doesn’t always to mean that something needs to be binned.<o:p></o:p></span><u1:p></u1:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">If any craft supplies are running low, now is a great time to replenish them. Some items may need to be bought, but lots can be collected from around the house, namely:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">- Empty toilet roll tubes (these are fab for making bird feeders, pencil pots and so much more).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-stretch: normal;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">- </span><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span>Packaging and tissue paper (super for collages, paper flowers, sun catchers etc).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-stretch: normal;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">- </span><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span>Ice lolly sticks (great for making puppets, mini picture frames and models).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-stretch: normal;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">- </span><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span>Straws (use for weaving, to make shapes or chop up to use as beads for bracelets).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">- Empty jars (for glass painting and/or adding tea light to).<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yACkP9oyE74/YOwdt1hgSwI/AAAAAAAAEpE/IdcTtNkJVlg6Lib1Su4R3LqcilABcoYaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8509.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yACkP9oyE74/YOwdt1hgSwI/AAAAAAAAEpE/IdcTtNkJVlg6Lib1Su4R3LqcilABcoYaQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_8509.heic" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BS9ynaQdpH0/YOwdtibSn7I/AAAAAAAAEpA/OgvkdARP_WMu6L2NEYQWO9JYloLr-uThgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8510.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BS9ynaQdpH0/YOwdtibSn7I/AAAAAAAAEpA/OgvkdARP_WMu6L2NEYQWO9JYloLr-uThgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_8510.HEIC" width="200" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">5. Start an adventure list. </span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Seen somewhere cool on Instagram? Children fancy going to the beach? Why not compile a list so you don’t forget about things and work through it over the holidays and beyond. I find that this helps us plan days out in an instant and am always adding to ours and creating new ones once we've ticked everywhere off. We have found lots of amazing places by doing this, so we also make sure we head back to the favourites too! Obviously it helps if you have a car, but lots of the places we have been to are on public transport routes. For starters, if you live in Cheltenham, there’s a bus stop outside the Koloshi restaurant on London Road, which is a couple of minutes walk from both Lineover Wood and Dowdeswell Wood/reservoir. There are also a range of bus stops within walking distance of Robinswood Hill for those local to Gloucester.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Negdyb4SMfw/YOwekVw9LcI/AAAAAAAAEpM/2qcKHuzWM78AoM4AdhAW8u804hYzlfaUACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8511.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Negdyb4SMfw/YOwekVw9LcI/AAAAAAAAEpM/2qcKHuzWM78AoM4AdhAW8u804hYzlfaUACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8511.heic" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">I hope you found something you'd like to try, feel free to come and find us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/stephloveshoney" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to see what we get up to this summer! </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.693333625793457px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: right 451.3pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-34733341725963457562021-04-08T01:57:00.006-07:002021-07-12T02:35:56.980-07:00It's what's inside that counts...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">AD| Paid Post| With <a href="https://designbundles.net" rel="sponsored" target="_blank">Design Bundles</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One thing's for sure, we've all had to spend a lot of time at home over the last year or so. Whether you've managed to get round to completing that decorating you never had the time for previously, finally finished your garden project or simply cleared our some clutter to make way for home working, everyone's been making the most of their space and trying to make it work for their bubble. I've rounded up some of my favourite, fast interior design tips that could help you get started on making your home somewhere you love!</span></div><ol><li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Colour Pops</span></b></li>
</ol>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I love bright colours and usually have something cheerful as a focus point in each room. Think shutters or blinds, a quirky piece of furniture or a feature wall. If there’s a dress colour you love, why not take it along to a DIY store and get some colour matched paint? If you already own a fabulous, bright lamp shade, start there! Why not use <a href="https://designbundles.net/" rel="sponsored" target="_blank">design bundles</a> craft patterns to upcycle things you already own, colour pops don’t have to be expensive.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmsEaxAOH5A/YG1-o9qGMPI/AAAAAAAAEiY/wmXwQKsQ_OA92fxsfo7mAMotBasnS1P8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2713.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmsEaxAOH5A/YG1-o9qGMPI/AAAAAAAAEiY/wmXwQKsQ_OA92fxsfo7mAMotBasnS1P8wCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_2713.jpeg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2g3j-wMihrU/YG7DEBlwt4I/AAAAAAAAEjo/wDIVwTIvVUYO-sNVShxJycceZyWG-XAdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2608.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2g3j-wMihrU/YG7DEBlwt4I/AAAAAAAAEjo/wDIVwTIvVUYO-sNVShxJycceZyWG-XAdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_2608.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br /></span></div>
<ol start="2">
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Gallery Walls.</span></b></li>
</ol>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">How many of us spend our days taking photos of our children, families and the world around us, only to leave them trapped in our laptops? Or perhaps you’ve had professional photos taken, but don’t have them on display yet. I love seeing photos of our adventures wherever I am in the house and it’s so lovely to have reminders of how tiny the kids were! Frames can be identical or you could use frames of different colours and sizes that you may have lying around the house already, it’s what’s inside the frames that counts.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zi_nOYQEjME/YG1-x_z3coI/AAAAAAAAEic/8Xe2Ko7GHEIiswncNzdis5VjDIGLVgFMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4547.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zi_nOYQEjME/YG1-x_z3coI/AAAAAAAAEic/8Xe2Ko7GHEIiswncNzdis5VjDIGLVgFMACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4547.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<ol start="3">
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Typography Prints</span></b></li>
</ol>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Prints can make the world of difference to a room. Using Design Bundles <a href="https://fontbundles.net/other/tattoo " rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tattoo lettering font</a>, you can create your own, bespoke inspirational quotes, type up your favourite song lyrics and design name prints or birth announcements for your little one’s bedroom. Our favourite of the fonts is ‘The Bearded Sailor’, you even get the option to preview your text. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPSb3uVjzds/YG2HXJFKAtI/AAAAAAAAEjY/WmwC-rFKsKU3vufWtNWT7zjcg8MFYEmYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s750/IMG_4555.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="750" height="188" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPSb3uVjzds/YG2HXJFKAtI/AAAAAAAAEjY/WmwC-rFKsKU3vufWtNWT7zjcg8MFYEmYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h188/IMG_4555.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4lxCo8kygI0/YG1_E2ee3uI/AAAAAAAAEio/yudPbOL_AaQrN41o3yC6Kygc-kXzPNGXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s750/IMG_4556.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="750" height="153" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4lxCo8kygI0/YG1_E2ee3uI/AAAAAAAAEio/yudPbOL_AaQrN41o3yC6Kygc-kXzPNGXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h153/IMG_4556.jpeg" width="200" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">How you frame your prints is up to you, print at home and pop them in a frame you already have, upcycle a frame from a charity shop or order a larger print online with a custom frame, it's totally up to you.</span></div>
<ol start="4">
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wall and Window Stickers</span></b></li>
</ol>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is an inexpensive way to brighten up any room, without committing to a whole new colour scheme. Stickers can easily be added to existing decor and changed as your child grows or when you want to change the theme of your room. Window stickers offer even more flexibility, as they can be removed and reused easily, so they can be changed each season or in line with special occasions such as Christmas, Easter and even birthdays!</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12qcR6til2M/YG2COgkheMI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/VXW4ORXBiCYcJZM82JprmAmBEmg7umSgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0173.jpeg" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12qcR6til2M/YG2COgkheMI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/VXW4ORXBiCYcJZM82JprmAmBEmg7umSgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/DSC_0173.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEWA9RfAx0c/YG2AhqxJR2I/AAAAAAAAEiw/WkX0zw9SzLM2p9GeMegbUvKP5W6n4fm2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9375.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEWA9RfAx0c/YG2AhqxJR2I/AAAAAAAAEiw/WkX0zw9SzLM2p9GeMegbUvKP5W6n4fm2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/IMG_9375.jpeg" width="200" /></a> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><ol start="5"><li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fun and Functional</span></b></li>
</ol>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Have fun decorating and furnishing your home, but make it functional. Think about who will be living in and using the rooms in your home and take it from there. Why not create a breakfast/snack station in your home so that the children can be independent at mealtimes and help themselves to snacks at agreed times. You could even label the shelves or boxes using the design bundles fonts, to help everyone find their way around. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Choosing your favourite or really interesting pieces for your most used rooms is a great way to ensure that you get to enjoy them often. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmasCqSCoK8/YG2AySV0r8I/AAAAAAAAEi4/1VTeajJB-kQWx_IWo7h2zzo3gB3XmnAzACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4550.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmasCqSCoK8/YG2AySV0r8I/AAAAAAAAEi4/1VTeajJB-kQWx_IWo7h2zzo3gB3XmnAzACLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/IMG_4550.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RuQ42uOJt2E/YG7DWOZfo4I/AAAAAAAAEjw/afAZbxJ8ZlYmY83uXiMvx_tTtqLB5lJlACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4549.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RuQ42uOJt2E/YG7DWOZfo4I/AAAAAAAAEjw/afAZbxJ8ZlYmY83uXiMvx_tTtqLB5lJlACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/IMG_4549.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Think about how you can set out your furniture so it can be accessed and used as intended. Set up inviting areas for reading, a book nook can offer a much appreciated sanctuary in a children’s playroom and a reading chair can do the same in an older child’s or adult’s bedroom. There are some beautiful reading inspired quotes you could add too. Make children’s areas engaging and be sure to set things up at an appropriate height. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4Uu5vyryQA/YG2A5ZdPEOI/AAAAAAAAEi8/KL7PzS6XDI4gOGk2xPOnoRkrbKcD9wX_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4548.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4Uu5vyryQA/YG2A5ZdPEOI/AAAAAAAAEi8/KL7PzS6XDI4gOGk2xPOnoRkrbKcD9wX_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4548.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzoKhQfL2Z0/YG2BmieqxXI/AAAAAAAAEjI/VSs8Goe3udI7a_LtSApHuUdbEo5T_AKwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0903.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzoKhQfL2Z0/YG2BmieqxXI/AAAAAAAAEjI/VSs8Goe3udI7a_LtSApHuUdbEo5T_AKwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/IMG_0903.jpeg" width="150" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whatever your budget or time constraints, hopefully you've found something to spark ideas and help you kick start your interior design efforts.</span></div>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p></div>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-86106807950877027252021-03-30T04:38:00.001-07:002021-03-30T04:38:34.288-07:00Ready for a close up...<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> AD: Gifted</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A cardboard microscope... surely that won’t work? Well, I’m here to tell you that it totally does! With plastic free packaging and pieces made from sustainable cardboard and no need to use glue or other fixing materials, not only is the Build Your Own Microscope an incredibly clever creation, it's also kind to the planet.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXUdvcJJMn8/YGLvAf-sA4I/AAAAAAAAEgI/1sPeVNOSFZYMtUjQo2o-8Xdvt7V-cT5zgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3519.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXUdvcJJMn8/YGLvAf-sA4I/AAAAAAAAEgI/1sPeVNOSFZYMtUjQo2o-8Xdvt7V-cT5zgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_3519.heic" width="200" /> </span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4lZdiQaPsuM/YGLvAS_h7zI/AAAAAAAAEgE/B7-_j-vdSTIzv5tRKkhXkFtwLB9XxHP4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3522.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4lZdiQaPsuM/YGLvAS_h7zI/AAAAAAAAEgE/B7-_j-vdSTIzv5tRKkhXkFtwLB9XxHP4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_3522.heic" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The box states that the microscope is suitable for ages 8 years upwards, but Ace (5 years old) really enjoyed helping me put the pieces together. Each part is labelled in alphabetical order, so it was easy for Ace to find which piece came next, although he did need help with slotting them</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> in place securely.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3r1EgOYeFNA/YGL0jhcA8QI/AAAAAAAAEgY/Q8OFDh524D4wlHTF04Dvrck0P-sHD_YGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3521.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k32DkFkiWbk/YGL0jmwObGI/AAAAAAAAEgg/F2y5CWM5FBMq1rpq4Dt-R6gQlDYyOJSdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3818.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k32DkFkiWbk/YGL0jmwObGI/AAAAAAAAEgg/F2y5CWM5FBMq1rpq4Dt-R6gQlDYyOJSdACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_3818.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yo6bQWdRH0Q/YGL0jhOpVGI/AAAAAAAAEgc/wm3GzIcbluwxJ7dvYIfKH-FI9g_sMQ9JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3823.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yo6bQWdRH0Q/YGL0jhOpVGI/AAAAAAAAEgc/wm3GzIcbluwxJ7dvYIfKH-FI9g_sMQ9JgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_3823.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ace's favourite part was putting together the cam and gears, he couldn't stop turning them and was amazed that moments before, they were just bits of flat cardboard!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe4Mo6ay7mM/YGL2PXg_1MI/AAAAAAAAEg4/5RZ6npOfwqkW135wKu1sHsWZJ4fRHQLegCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3819.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe4Mo6ay7mM/YGL2PXg_1MI/AAAAAAAAEg4/5RZ6npOfwqkW135wKu1sHsWZJ4fRHQLegCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_3819.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9uE56qtfLY/YGL32oAThMI/AAAAAAAAEhM/FqplpLew7uUjCgc6o5DDVV-YNdzJRDPfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3821.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9uE56qtfLY/YGL32oAThMI/AAAAAAAAEhM/FqplpLew7uUjCgc6o5DDVV-YNdzJRDPfQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_3821.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am so impressed that all the packaging and leftovers are cardboard and therefore recyclable at the kerbside. This makes a HUGE change from layers of plastic packaging and awkward ties that some toys come wrapped in. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXDiveTzBK4/YGL4kK_6REI/AAAAAAAAEhU/F7WffZnxM4gfI8pgtvGw95zaDId-bAfWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3851.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXDiveTzBK4/YGL4kK_6REI/AAAAAAAAEhU/F7WffZnxM4gfI8pgtvGw95zaDId-bAfWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3851.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Once assembled, the microscope is really sturdy and has easily interchangeable trays for examining different types of materials (depending on whether your chosen specimen is translucent or opaque). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I will say that the age guidance of 8 years old is probably about right for actually using the microscope, as Ace's little hands found adjusting and looking through the lens at the same time quite tricky. Honey (almost 8) needed a little practise, but with a bit of patience, we were able to get a brilliant view (30 x magnification) of some treasure from our walk, including grains of sand, a feather, a rock, a leaf and a daisy! All in all, I would say that this is an excellent, sturdy, educational toy that ticks so many STEAM boxes both during and after construction.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2X7qOD5FQV4/YGMIWBiIhMI/AAAAAAAAEhg/u9W9ElN6CEM89xiA-bAnt5EgjLASBYVNACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3826_jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2X7qOD5FQV4/YGMIWBiIhMI/AAAAAAAAEhg/u9W9ElN6CEM89xiA-bAnt5EgjLASBYVNACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_3826_jpg.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPO1epuFk64/YGMIWOQeI4I/AAAAAAAAEhc/2v53t6286hMAoaKtZE6VkuoGTnLiXyLOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPO1epuFk64/YGMIWOQeI4I/AAAAAAAAEhc/2v53t6286hMAoaKtZE6VkuoGTnLiXyLOwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_3869.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you visit the <a href="https://buildyourownkits.com/makes/ " rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Build Your Own Kits</a> website, you purchase this microscope for £16.99 (delivery is free) and you can also download a set of free 'Fact and Find' cards, which are the perfect starting point for your mini scientists to begin taking a much closer look at the world around them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div></div>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-79942974714152598572021-03-08T02:27:00.004-08:002021-03-08T02:27:56.188-08:00Painting the town red... and orange and yellow...<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ad: Gifted Paint Sticks</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Do you ever say no when your children want to break out the paints? Are you put off by the mess and tidying up involved? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then read on!</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Before: Paint, palettes, brushes, water pots. Maybe some newspaper or a table cloth to protect surfaces.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After: Paint sticks.</span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMZiX2ayKaw/YEXzq2lOIXI/AAAAAAAAEdo/ohT40JVowHwM8uSFtSK4XHHARImuVD26gCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/2D2B389C-6A48-41B2-9220-FEBCA33D1D1D.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">All you need for 'no mess' painting!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMZiX2ayKaw/YEXzq2lOIXI/AAAAAAAAEdo/ohT40JVowHwM8uSFtSK4XHHARImuVD26gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2D2B389C-6A48-41B2-9220-FEBCA33D1D1D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Little Brian Paint Sticks are so quick and easy to set up, these fab little sticks can be picked up and put down like felt tips, with no need to clean anything when you change colours. My children have had these out every day since the box arrived and I haven't had to get involved in the set up or tidy up once (obviously I was happy to get involved in the painting ;-)</span><p></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The sticks work just like a glue stick, simply remove the lid, twist the bottom to reveal more paint and twist again to take the stick back down once you've finished. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mE3j4Tb_Zr8/YEX1nWbJEyI/AAAAAAAAEeU/SnVHQeO8d58kEk7gKDVpIoEH424i03GFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/E4B18CD7-0BDC-4C47-81BA-FD00FC968531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mE3j4Tb_Zr8/YEX1nWbJEyI/AAAAAAAAEeU/SnVHQeO8d58kEk7gKDVpIoEH424i03GFgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/E4B18CD7-0BDC-4C47-81BA-FD00FC968531.JPG" width="200" /></a> <img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--KOmKHIdZZs/YEX6YDiRwfI/AAAAAAAAEe0/PVfaTr5YRBkscMP5B7CLuP9GENzrMz57gCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/8A8A687C-2189-490A-8E5B-8D7B10AB2B5D.JPG" style="text-align: left;" width="200" /></div><p></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With classic, day glow and metallic options in the bumper pack, the colours are surprisingly vivid and can easily be layered for heavier coverage. You can also use the paint sticks with a little water if you want to create washes or mix your own colours.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If your little one prefers a larger canvas, Little Brian Paint Sticks are water based, so they're fab for painting on windows and tuff spots too as they can be wiped off with a damp cloth. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">While it does say on the packaging that the paint may stain clothing, the paint came off Ace's leggings without any rubbing, so I am taking that as a good sign!</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tF5WlIJ3WvE/YEX16TcCCuI/AAAAAAAAEeo/sshah7-qQ_wXODJFU8ENxg0penXgjt5dQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/5BE6CC75-F908-45A2-9DA5-0B6F4B57BCF8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tF5WlIJ3WvE/YEX16TcCCuI/AAAAAAAAEeo/sshah7-qQ_wXODJFU8ENxg0penXgjt5dQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/5BE6CC75-F908-45A2-9DA5-0B6F4B57BCF8.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNJHrOdySV0/YEX16JXko6I/AAAAAAAAEek/75WxXPNTsWIQ8BzxskbAOM_JN5_MmmOFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/6FEFC4A8-7551-4AEC-B1F7-C344F5B196DF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNJHrOdySV0/YEX16JXko6I/AAAAAAAAEek/75WxXPNTsWIQ8BzxskbAOM_JN5_MmmOFQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/6FEFC4A8-7551-4AEC-B1F7-C344F5B196DF.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075MDC1FX/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_51E7AJ539PTXAGRJTP70%20%20" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">The Little Brian Paint Stick Bumper Pack</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> (24 paint sticks) is currently retailing for £13.33 on Amazon. For activity inspiration, head to the </span><a href="https://www.littlebrian.com/little-brian-spring-activity-sheets/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">Little Brian website</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">, where you will find some free spring downloads. These include Mother's Day cards, Thank you cards (perfect for teachers as many children head back to school this week) and Easter pictures.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Happy painting everyone!</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Honey wears.. Apron by Emma Bridewater</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgJqg24Bsf0/YEX67bSPIiI/AAAAAAAAEe8/BPxPSrn-gNw_NfzsCIyY6CNTlipzm9mFACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/FC44B382-054D-45D0-A0F8-BA7EAAC3CB17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgJqg24Bsf0/YEX67bSPIiI/AAAAAAAAEe8/BPxPSrn-gNw_NfzsCIyY6CNTlipzm9mFACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/FC44B382-054D-45D0-A0F8-BA7EAAC3CB17.JPG" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0Cheltenham, UK51.8993855 -2.078253325.357341213921131 -37.2345033 78.441429786078871 33.0779967tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-58649513743784106322021-02-20T12:28:00.003-08:002021-02-20T13:50:58.933-08:00Let’s take this outside...<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: left;">Outdoor learning is something we do a lot, it’s our go to when indoor home school isn’t working, when we need a break or just when we’re out on a walk anywhere and an opportunity presents itself. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: left;">One of the most common questions I’m asked is ‘how do we take home learning outside?’</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: left;"> Here are a few of my thoughts on that.</span></div></span></span></span></div><p></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Stories round the camp fire. </b></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This could be a real camp fire or a pretend one like the one Honey made at our local nature reserve recently.</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h25eFEj7Cq4/YDFoRubcJII/AAAAAAAAEa4/xEUlGV6qKPghf6Ri0sAvutkbSiFxHqMQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/5123487C-8AF7-4EBE-8713-F1543BC1A3DA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h25eFEj7Cq4/YDFoRubcJII/AAAAAAAAEa4/xEUlGV6qKPghf6Ri0sAvutkbSiFxHqMQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/5123487C-8AF7-4EBE-8713-F1543BC1A3DA.jpeg" /></a></div><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The stories could be ones you make up on the spot, you could take a favourite/outdoor themed book with you, or you could bring a story they’ve written as part of their home learning. As you read, stop and ask questions about the story and relate it to what you can see or hear around you. Which trees are wide enough for Max to hide behind? Can you spot anywhere that would be perfect for the wild things to take shelter if it rains? Stories are amazing, they can take you in so many different directions after you’ve finished reading them. Next you could...</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Build a den</b></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are some super science links surrounding which materials to use, asking children to think about how they could make their den waterproof or give it a more comfortable floor for the wild things to lie on. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sRikaJnrNH0/YDFpCCMlnhI/AAAAAAAAEbA/40Q4fOlwskU2-pVjbioF-FoGrUXjLifDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/61771C6D-DA13-459B-9963-C8F5E639495A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sRikaJnrNH0/YDFpCCMlnhI/AAAAAAAAEbA/40Q4fOlwskU2-pVjbioF-FoGrUXjLifDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/61771C6D-DA13-459B-9963-C8F5E639495A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You could also discuss different types of home at this point, do they know what flats are, what makes a bungalow special? Do they know that some people live in homes that can move, like caravans or narrow boats? From here they could...</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Make a nature picture</b></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ask the children to use whatever they can find in the woods/on your walk, to make a picture of their home or themselves. Talk about the size and shape of the materials that could be used for each section. Do they need to find sticks that are longer than the ones they have? Can they find sticks of an equal length to make a house roof? Can they find a nut or stone that’s a sphere shape to make their eyes? While they’re thinking about themselves, why not...</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Have fun with some role play</b></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Perhaps you’ve got a wannabe vet in the family, or a little person who aspires to be a mechanic. Their den could become a surgery or garage. Little ones usually come up with amazing ideas for role play, much better than my ideas, but you could suggest that they find things in the woods that will help them do their job (this usually involves a great big collection of sticks, which can act as tools/instruments). Ace’s favourite is when we draw a racetrack on the woodland floor (move leaves out of the way with your wellies) and then commentate as he races around the track, zooming under bridges (tree branches) and making pit stops for more fuel or spare tyres. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BCMPKLeOD4/YDFx7KZABMI/AAAAAAAAEcU/DoFykwZwu3g3dWMlRcvt5akxvRgWFApSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s653/196622B7-A6A8-4A4D-9F22-4B960064D4EE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="653" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BCMPKLeOD4/YDFx7KZABMI/AAAAAAAAEcU/DoFykwZwu3g3dWMlRcvt5akxvRgWFApSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/196622B7-A6A8-4A4D-9F22-4B960064D4EE.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">He even has a leaf podium for when he wins a race (spoiler alert, he always wins). If they’re ready for something a little calmer after all that racing about, I suggest... </span></div><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Secret English and secret maths</b></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Use sticks and stones as a substitute for base ten and practise counting in tens or make up addition and subtraction stories together (eg I had 3 sweets and Mummy gave me 2 more, how many do I have now?)</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7DEt91gegk/YDFrghhge9I/AAAAAAAAEbg/GIQAr7s-yDwtwomfO5R1YOVLjXq-BKSKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3B9752FA-2AED-4560-A97B-D925DD638E4B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7DEt91gegk/YDFrghhge9I/AAAAAAAAEbg/GIQAr7s-yDwtwomfO5R1YOVLjXq-BKSKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3B9752FA-2AED-4560-A97B-D925DD638E4B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">Find sticks that look like different letters and name the sounds or build words using them. If there aren’t any conveniently shapes sticks around, lay stones or smaller pieces of twig on the ground to form the letters you want.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3G0IkMxuTQc/YDFsF8TTRSI/AAAAAAAAEbw/GHSSotrvqhIrjvPUTfnU6qzT23alswm4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/AACD3CB9-3E6D-4B40-9BAC-D57B52642616.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3G0IkMxuTQc/YDFsF8TTRSI/AAAAAAAAEbw/GHSSotrvqhIrjvPUTfnU6qzT23alswm4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AACD3CB9-3E6D-4B40-9BAC-D57B52642616.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">Use your senses to think about what you can see, hear, feel, smell (maybe not taste, unless you have snacks or your a fungi expert). Describe where you are and talk about synonyms for the words you come up with (eg That tree is tall, could become, that tree is gigantic, massive, towering etc). Finally remember...</span></div></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>It’s ok not to know all the answers</b></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What’s this flower called Mummy? Is that a beech tree Daddy? Being outside in nature invites A LOT of questions and as much as I love being outdoors, I have no idea what things are most of the time! We now keep a set of I spy books in our adventure bag, so we can look up trees, plants and cloud formations where ever we are. There’s also a wealth of spotting sheets and outdoor resources on <a href="https://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/activities" target="_blank">The Wildlife Trusts</a> website and the <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-kids/games-and-activities/" target="_blank">RSPB</a> site too. Lots of their resources are printable, so you take take them with you, or just take a screenshot with your phone if you don’t fancy carrying bits of paper around with you. Failing all of that, ask them to take a photo or draw a sketch so you can look it up (or Facetime Grandad) when you get home!</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hnxYOmyUoq4/YDFtdIY-haI/AAAAAAAAEcI/9u2h2aNS7XkodXWMItrdmpftwCoetMBAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/F50E1294-5B8F-4805-BAB9-FB99C747BE49.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1995" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hnxYOmyUoq4/YDFtdIY-haI/AAAAAAAAEcI/9u2h2aNS7XkodXWMItrdmpftwCoetMBAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/F50E1294-5B8F-4805-BAB9-FB99C747BE49.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the countdown on for the children to be back in the classroom, we will be taking every opportunity we can to explore the world around us and watch the seasons change. If you’re lucky enough to have a toddler or preschooler, all of these activities can be adapted to their level and used any time you’re out and about.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Have fun and please tag me on Instagram (@stephloveshoney) if you try any of these ideas! </span></span></p>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-86112719916064709092021-02-13T10:42:00.008-08:002021-02-13T10:48:51.581-08:006 of our most used phonics resources...<p><i><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Disclosure: I have kindly been gifted a year's subscription to the Time for Phonics website, in exchange for mentions in my blog and on social media. All other resources have been paid for myself. All thoughts and opinions are my own.</span></b></i></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I used to be scared of reception children... yes really! I LOVED working in Key Stage 1, but my only experience teaching in reception was one incredibly exhausting half term covering for a teacher who had been seconded to another school. I just didn't 'get' reception. Fast forward 7 years, I became a Mum and just like that, it all made sense. I saw why it was so tiring and I saw why it was absolutely, 100% worth it! One of the most amazing things about the early years and key stage 1, in my opinion, is phonics. Watching them unlock the magic of reading is like nothing else. I've rounded up a few of my favourite phonics resources that are perfect for home schooling and that you can carry on using in fun and engaging ways once the children are back at school...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">1. <a href="https://www.phonicsdice.co.uk" target="_blank">Phonics Dice</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This Cheltenham based, small business is still fairly new, but they're doing great things already. They started with dice and moved on to discs, puzzles and they even have a board game out now! We have the phase 2-5 dice and we use them to introduce new sounds, as well as to revise those Ace has already learnt. There are lots of games you can play with the dice. Ace likes using them for I spy, but we also use them to initiate scavenger hunts (find something beginning with /sh/, bring me something that has the /oo/ sound in it) and play phonics Jenga! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FK34uf91MIU/YCgD_-f9tjI/AAAAAAAAEZM/TS2Sjxw9oFUyFx-wz2m6wuGmlJjQyXf_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/phonics%2Bdice%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FK34uf91MIU/YCgD_-f9tjI/AAAAAAAAEZM/TS2Sjxw9oFUyFx-wz2m6wuGmlJjQyXf_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/phonics%2Bdice%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2jmcNQNxrUQ/YCgD_5LVOHI/AAAAAAAAEZI/-XG-QI2qUIUmzjhpsuFOQ3d97H4XRybuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/phonics%2Bdice%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2jmcNQNxrUQ/YCgD_5LVOHI/AAAAAAAAEZI/-XG-QI2qUIUmzjhpsuFOQ3d97H4XRybuQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/phonics%2Bdice%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">2. <a href="https://www.playmakessense.co.uk" target="_blank">Play Makes Sense</a> Phonics Activity Cards</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The activities on these cards have been buying me time recently! I tend to set one up in the living room and then when Ace has finished his main home learning jobs, he can go off and occupy himself while revising previously learnt sounds. This leaves me free to help Honey if she needs me. Each card has an activity idea, a short list of what you will need, easy to follow instructions and a word bank. A little bird tells me that phase 4 cards are coming soon, which we are very excited about! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-obiUhITvI78/YCgEUbAYtSI/AAAAAAAAEZY/0afYJFbwh_spGI_AViGntH52FefsN8KfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/IMG_1347.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-obiUhITvI78/YCgEUbAYtSI/AAAAAAAAEZY/0afYJFbwh_spGI_AViGntH52FefsN8KfQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_1347.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCi_a_rZ1QI/YCgEUduHZ7I/AAAAAAAAEZc/bnSA4v5bFbQvODHnK-Q8RJTaMk4bPyA-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1425%2B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCi_a_rZ1QI/YCgEUduHZ7I/AAAAAAAAEZc/bnSA4v5bFbQvODHnK-Q8RJTaMk4bPyA-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_1425%2B2.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p>3. <a href="https://timeforphonics.co.uk" rel="nofollow">Time for Phonics</a></p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Time for Phonics is a new website offering fun phonics games, it's the sister site of well established educational blog and website <a href="https://www.mrsmactivity.co.uk" rel="nofollow">Mrs Mactivity</a></span><span>. The games have been designed by a teacher, who found that her daughter didn't want to engage with some other phonics games on the market. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ace loves the fun settings and characters and really enjoys playing the games. Once he had been on the website a couple of times, he found it easy to select the correct phase and pick a set of sounds to work on. You can access the site on a mobile, tablet or computer, we have tried all three and haven't had any isses. Currently, you can sign up for a 30 day free trial and it's £10 per year after that. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OFLhRqKPhQ8/YCgINN0sN4I/AAAAAAAAEaI/NHl0tKOG2NcctUWxPBcDc1-tBua6L-vagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1243/Screenshot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B17.10.18.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpTNx04vXCM/YCgIOwKHYTI/AAAAAAAAEaM/VZTJfkbaWk0Ha5enG7iJ9Omao3sZYAonACLcBGAsYHQ/s1188/Screenshot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B17.10.37.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="1188" height="109" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpTNx04vXCM/YCgIOwKHYTI/AAAAAAAAEaM/VZTJfkbaWk0Ha5enG7iJ9Omao3sZYAonACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h109/Screenshot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B17.10.37.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzjnkCJBgCs/YCgIOy0_ixI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/-3WkJExW314HJcmMLi8lncIkHJtwPwWtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1197/Screenshot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B17.10.59.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1197" height="106" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzjnkCJBgCs/YCgIOy0_ixI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/-3WkJExW314HJcmMLi8lncIkHJtwPwWtgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h106/Screenshot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B17.10.59.png" width="200" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">4. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Read-Write-Inc-Phonics-Flashcards/dp/0198386818/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IF3M71PLQ9HG&dchild=1&keywords=ruth+miskin&qid=1613239832&sprefix=ruth+mis%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Ruth Miskin Cards </a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've used these ever since I started teaching and have recently bought a pack to use at home with Ace. He responds so much more enthusiastically to 'real' phonics lessons, compared with watching videos (although <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/breakthruchris" target="_blank">Mr Thorne</a> and Geraldine do give me a run for my money). The cards have a grapheme on one side, eg /aw/ and a short, easy to remember rhyme (eg /aw/, yawn at dawn) on the other side. They can be used for speed sound practise, putting sounds in groups, introducing new sounds and we also use them in conjunction with our phonics dice and magnetic letters to build words and captions.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8Naqi0IEPE/YCgFHyu7UdI/AAAAAAAAEZs/B1Ox0PyLWvwayavDj9DN0rvE7BNkr6HeACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1089.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8Naqi0IEPE/YCgFHyu7UdI/AAAAAAAAEZs/B1Ox0PyLWvwayavDj9DN0rvE7BNkr6HeACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1089.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">5. <a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wooden-Framed-Blackboard-Home-School-Office-Chalkboards-Indoor-Outdoor-Display/323834777433?hash=item4b660e8f59:g:~28AAOSwz5hbw-M2" target="_blank">Blackboard </a>or <a href="https://www.argos.co.uk/product/3493906?istCompanyId=a74d8886-5df9-4baa-b776-166b3bf9111c&istFeedId=30f62ea9-9626-4cac-97c8-9ff3921f8558&istItemId=ixixxqrwq&istBid=t&&cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59157%7Cacid:629-618-1342%7Ccid:9563523555%7Cagid:102230992750%7Ctid:pla-889180689259%7Ccrid:423314717222%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:16710235899363319947%7Cdvc:c%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1006622&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=9563523555&utm_term=3493906&utm_content=shopping&utm_custom1=102230992750&utm_custom2=629-618-1342&gclid=CjwKCAiAjp6BBhAIEiwAkO9WuoLLbOkgWiGXT_MtyMMjRj6gbBDpG7NYOwVBDNSmix_l6xOUh3q9-xoCIUsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds">Mega Sketcher</a> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Our blackboard is in the garden, so the kids get a bonus shot of fresh air whenever they use it! U</span>sing chalk is great for building fine motor skills too. It's fun for children to practise their writing in a range of ways, especially when the stakes are low and they can easily rub out or change what they have written.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jQFC8wV8MY/YCgGgCNBfSI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/rxqmzBzKX8sL5HmZvuzkBM4XfSGGLSZvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9091.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jQFC8wV8MY/YCgGgCNBfSI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/rxqmzBzKX8sL5HmZvuzkBM4XfSGGLSZvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9091.jpeg" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">6. <a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-wooden-magnetic-letters/p4297244?sku=238054686&s_ppc=2dx92700051980027256&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=CjwKCAiAjp6BBhAIEiwAkO9WuhylY45VDgMLzCyXc4c_Bb7DRGQccp9A1gQ738i_ZFYKx1G1t0mETBoCoJQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Magnetic letters</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">These are great for letter recognition, understanding the difference between upper and lower case and matching upper and lower case pairs. You could ask your child to point to a letter and say the sound it makes, build a word or sentence, create a caption or practise their spellings. Children love that these letters are portable, they can build words on the radiator or fridge and don't have to be chained to the home school table (metaphorically speaking of course)!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wj6E9hg7Bio/YCgGGsgjKgI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/q-LNv-2UPyQVsNEPzJL-5kF02Yu4r2pLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC_0078.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wj6E9hg7Bio/YCgGGsgjKgI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/q-LNv-2UPyQVsNEPzJL-5kF02Yu4r2pLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0078.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So if you're looking to sneak some extra phonics into your play or your home school day, hopefully this list has given you some food for thought!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ace wears.. pyjamas from Next.</span></div><p><br /></p>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0Cheltenham, UK51.8993855 -2.078253350.895509470035677 -4.275518925 52.903261529964325 0.11901232499999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-39003662195892986332020-11-03T02:35:00.004-08:002021-02-13T10:44:57.544-08:00Pump it up...<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The first lockdown saw us exploring our town more than ever before. For the first few weeks, we stepped out of our front door and headed into the countryside, there were so many footpaths we had never walked before and so many beautiful views we’d never even glimpsed!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Alongside our walks, we also took to our local streets and cul-de-sacs for bike riding practise. Both children were confident riders, but most of their experience had been in parks, so we wanted to teach them to navigate crossing roads, watch out for pedestrians and negotiate other hazards. Once we were happy that they’d mastered those skills, we started to roam further afield, trying to stick to cycle paths where possible, but thanks to the quieter roads we could also teach them how to ride safely on the road, when we needed them to.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the best places we’ve cycled to in Cheltenham is the BMX Pump Track at Burrows Field in Leckhampton. Children and adults alike, can use the track to hone their bike skills, improve their fitness and most importantly, have fun!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmb0j_EOYKs/X6Ew5w9vImI/AAAAAAAAESM/z_EUGoB-G8EgzeFnMF--LOIDfwYx8j5XgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0973.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmb0j_EOYKs/X6Ew5w9vImI/AAAAAAAAESM/z_EUGoB-G8EgzeFnMF--LOIDfwYx8j5XgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0973.jpeg" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Currently, there are social distancing reminder signs by the track, it’s the perfect activity for kids to meet up without the temptation of huddling together!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you’re not up for cycling there, there’s a small, free car park at the edge of the field (next to Broadlands Pre school). There’s also lots of grassy space around the track, perfect for meeting up for picnics at a distance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;"><span>We arrived at the track at around 11am and as lunchtime came and went, it got quite a bit busier, so I’d suggest heading down there early if it’s your first time, giving your children chance to get to know the lay of the track. There’s a really helpful sign next to the entrance, explaining the skills you should master before taking on the track, as well as covering track safety and etiquette points.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mUgSR_9ntqk/X6EwyVUq1qI/AAAAAAAAESI/-k_3OrSbYlkFGXPR76oPoTkyhJng8uvwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1416.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mUgSR_9ntqk/X6EwyVUq1qI/AAAAAAAAESI/-k_3OrSbYlkFGXPR76oPoTkyhJng8uvwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1416.jpeg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">As well as other newbies like us, we saw toddlers on balance bikes bossing the track, older children who had clearly been practicing for years and adults who effortlessly navigated the track. Despite the range of ages and abilities, everyone was polite and respectful, giving the smaller children space and nobody laughed or made comments when wipeouts inevitably happened. </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Both our children (4 and 7) had an awesome time and spent the cycle home planning their next trip!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you fancy giving it a try, you can gain access to the track via Moorend Grove. The postcode is GL53 0HB.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Honey and Ace wear... Cycle helmets (don't get on a bike without one).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AKh2qv-nLBM/X6EwxA38mpI/AAAAAAAAESE/OrDBxeaEDqsuu9C9ppMDC4brKsrYykZbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1391.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AKh2qv-nLBM/X6EwxA38mpI/AAAAAAAAESE/OrDBxeaEDqsuu9C9ppMDC4brKsrYykZbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1391.jpeg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></p>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0The Burrows Park, 32 Moorend Grove, Cheltenham GL53 0HA, UK51.8792065 -2.08239123.568972663821157 -37.238641 80.189440336178848 33.073859tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-43436154371219042872020-08-31T03:02:00.004-07:002021-02-13T10:45:31.210-08:00We're Going Camping in a Camper Van... <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Disclosure:</b> We were give a discount on Hartland's hire fees in exchange for Social Media coverage and honest feedback to the Cheltsea team.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our <a href="https://hello.cheltsea.co" target="_blank">Cheltsea</a> story started in July 2020, when we booked our first ever camper van experience! We are seasoned campers, but fancied something a little bit different this year. A VW camper is something we have often talked about and lusted after, but we are not in a position to buy one (nor do we have space to park one), so we were really excited to get going! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">As our holiday approached, we exchanged emails with the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cheltseavw/" target="_blank">Cheltsea</a> team, arranging details like which awning we wanted to hire and booking me in as an extra driver. We didn’t tell the children about the holiday until the van was parked on our driveway and we had packed it up. It was so much fun planning everything and imagining their reaction and Cheltsea did everything they could to ensure that our surprise had maximum impact!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMiZdhnuOao/X6E8_hjOwmI/AAAAAAAAETk/-rwuJUdRS68UjAEr6ZOpA7EKJl_6c4YXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4338.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMiZdhnuOao/X6E8_hjOwmI/AAAAAAAAETk/-rwuJUdRS68UjAEr6ZOpA7EKJl_6c4YXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4338.jpeg" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hartland and the Drive Away Awning.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Once we had shown the children the van and established that we were free to roam in it for the next four days, we headed straight for our favourite place, Woolacombe. It’s been a special place for my husband for many years and I have shared his passion for the place over the last 10 years, we even got engaged there in 2011! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Van life is a little different to camping, some differences we loved and others not so much, but it’s all down to personal preference! Here’s our top three perks of van life:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>You get your very own mobile changing room and kitchen! We made packed lunches in car parks, ate takeaways overlooking the sea and used the van to change in and out of wetsuits.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWDthcnQi94/X6E9kiUcwNI/AAAAAAAAETw/d6h9_sswr-kkbbJRlo_bDLhxtwjQ0Mk5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4549.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWDthcnQi94/X6E9kiUcwNI/AAAAAAAAETw/d6h9_sswr-kkbbJRlo_bDLhxtwjQ0Mk5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4549.jpeg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"> <span style="text-indent: -18pt;">2. The cool. Hartland is very cool. There’s no way you can lose this van, even in a car park </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">full of campers! Its distinctive colourway appeals to my love of bright colours and is a great </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">change from the usual block colours.</span></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfS9iIs73O8/X6E9KuXsGdI/AAAAAAAAETo/VUQgPyZY5O0ykqUIA3hRCtbtO8RNhI0rwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4533.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfS9iIs73O8/X6E9KuXsGdI/AAAAAAAAETo/VUQgPyZY5O0ykqUIA3hRCtbtO8RNhI0rwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_4533.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;">3. </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;">Setting up is fast, even faster if you’re travelling light and don’t need an awning! If you’ve </span></span></div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"> been organised and kept your bags etc tidy, you can pack away quickly too.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">When we go to Woolacombe, we usually stay at Easewell Farm in Mortehoe. It’s part of the Woolacombe Bay group and we love it there because it’s nice and quiet, but you also have access to their bigger, busier sites (should you wish to visit them), which have more facilities and evening entertainment. We don’t normally go down there in the summer holidays and unsurprisingly, Easewell was full this summer, so we booked Woolacombe Sands as we have friends who have stayed there and recommended it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">The main difference between the two sites, was proximity to town and therefore, the beach. Woolacombe Sands is the closest camp site to the beach and there’s a lovely foot path which leads you there in around 15 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Our few days away were a blur of exploring beaches (we loved Grunta and Combesgate this time), walking, bodyboarding and enjoying delicious food. Shout out to Fudgies for their incredible pasties and sausage rolls, Big Chief for their wonderous waffles and ice cream and Woolacombe Bay Pizza Co for the obvious!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YflMagAwKNg/X6E8VfQo7FI/AAAAAAAAETU/gRlGmO_prCQl1n8jwCrnA5EixF1ga8nNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4348.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YflMagAwKNg/X6E8VfQo7FI/AAAAAAAAETU/gRlGmO_prCQl1n8jwCrnA5EixF1ga8nNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4348.jpeg" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">We loved being back in Woolacombe and loved our first foray into van life. We look forward to making more camper van memories in the future! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">P.S. If you sang the title, you are my people! ;-)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Honey and Ace wear... T- Shirts tie dyed and printed by </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/amg_cre8tes/" target="_blank">AMG Cre8tes</a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHPrDKiRlXM/X6E6ZTYjhvI/AAAAAAAAESk/8Pbzzj6PqfQuDkgZHF_aLNUHydqpaBnyACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4356.jpeg" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHPrDKiRlXM/X6E6ZTYjhvI/AAAAAAAAESk/8Pbzzj6PqfQuDkgZHF_aLNUHydqpaBnyACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_4356.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Nez_WQ22wg/X6E6aD30PNI/AAAAAAAAESo/Sv1C8QCfFsYhofjBV3_zWaAzZR4rdZXRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4393.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Nez_WQ22wg/X6E6aD30PNI/AAAAAAAAESo/Sv1C8QCfFsYhofjBV3_zWaAzZR4rdZXRwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/IMG_4393.jpeg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-38987153670785621282020-08-18T08:24:00.002-07:002020-08-18T08:28:33.097-07:00Playmobil EverDreamerz...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Disclosure: We were sent the products featured in this blog post to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have a bit of an issue with dolls. Honey has some great ones, some terrible ones and some average ones in-between. The terrible ones lose limbs, have torn clothing and sometimes their paint even chips off. The average ones sit in a drawer for a year or two and then get passed on to a younger friend or relative or sent to the charity shop. But the great ones? They encourage role play, story telling, imagination and even problem solving. The great ones, like the new Playmobil EverDreamerz, are played with often and by everyone and will be kept and passed down to cousins and grandchildren in the future. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>As children, my brother and I were lucky enough to own some Playmobil sets and I remember them keeping us occupied for absolutely ages. They were such good quality, robust enough to pass on to our younger sister a few years later and then I took it all into work with me years after that, for classes full of excitable 6 and 7 year olds to enjoy. I am pleased to report that modern </span><span>Playmobil seems to maintain the high quality standards I remember.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAA2xb9tN68/XzvwyQ2dGlI/AAAAAAAAEM0/swyPWXzJNPol_A3ew2hW_bqNjXNrKJElwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PhotoRoom_20200818_143744.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAA2xb9tN68/XzvwyQ2dGlI/AAAAAAAAEM0/swyPWXzJNPol_A3ew2hW_bqNjXNrKJElwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/PhotoRoom_20200818_143744.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IOHMZOalWI4/XzvwyvL3hlI/AAAAAAAAEM4/FHbIWuXGzAwUfTLDTfBVFJj_lWQFFB3tACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PhotoRoom_20200818_143700.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IOHMZOalWI4/XzvwyvL3hlI/AAAAAAAAEM4/FHbIWuXGzAwUfTLDTfBVFJj_lWQFFB3tACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/PhotoRoom_20200818_143700.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgLpSFurB7g " rel="nofollow">Playmobil's new EverDreamerz collection</a> couldn't be more up Honey's street if it had been designed by her! The dolls are brightly coloured, come with a whole host of accessories to inspire exciting, creative play. There are two worlds, Candy World and Comic World and there's an <a href="https://everdreamerz.playmobil.com/intro " rel="nofollow">introduction to the characters and collection on the Playmobil website</a>. Honey loved watching the cartoons, singing along to the positive, empowering song and playing the simple online game, this content is all free for anyone to access.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3Hvt87UkCc/Xzvo2iUJ4UI/AAAAAAAAEMQ/L4mRmbZOQrUWlDoP6uiHjzQlNOpom0CxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0195.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3Hvt87UkCc/Xzvo2iUJ4UI/AAAAAAAAEMQ/L4mRmbZOQrUWlDoP6uiHjzQlNOpom0CxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/DSC_0195.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb5KVdFzUEs/Xzvo2t-0UyI/AAAAAAAAEMU/TRVwRM2oeQcxjV_vMM_N-yU0Fgd5l3p9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0194.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb5KVdFzUEs/Xzvo2t-0UyI/AAAAAAAAEMU/TRVwRM2oeQcxjV_vMM_N-yU0Fgd5l3p9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/DSC_0194.jpeg" width="200" /></a></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The packaging is great. Aside from a few small, thin plastic bags (which can be recycled alongside your supermarket carrier bags), everything else is cardboard and is designed to be reused and then placed in your kerbside recycling bin, once it reaches the end of its life. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yfFeKEIgQI/XzvkmX018WI/AAAAAAAAELQ/ceS5Y4okizIzg6DFqizNLwIestNHpV1KQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1773/PhotoRoom_20200818_144028.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="1773" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yfFeKEIgQI/XzvkmX018WI/AAAAAAAAELQ/ceS5Y4okizIzg6DFqizNLwIestNHpV1KQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/PhotoRoom_20200818_144028.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibpBgPemAtw/XzvkvZ7DAqI/AAAAAAAAELU/q9TW_uDskjYVEM2VHeYBMDFyLZbQHP89ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1935/PhotoRoom_20200818_144115.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="1935" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibpBgPemAtw/XzvkvZ7DAqI/AAAAAAAAELU/q9TW_uDskjYVEM2VHeYBMDFyLZbQHP89ACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/PhotoRoom_20200818_144115.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Inside each box, there's a doll and a range of themed accessories, including a bracelet which your child can add charms to. Everything comes in small parts, ready to be assembled at home, hence the recommended age of 7+ for these dolls.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6E0JTJ93--Q/XzvplVkfsBI/AAAAAAAAEMk/4IaWWDTrnLokb-yx2m7ooE5AkCqgNmqXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0205.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6E0JTJ93--Q/XzvplVkfsBI/AAAAAAAAEMk/4IaWWDTrnLokb-yx2m7ooE5AkCqgNmqXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/DSC_0205.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RS0TgAlkLGM/XzvplUYNTII/AAAAAAAAEMg/bUmBRMRoONYrUjGoViehXsQ0VA2zrgsowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0206.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RS0TgAlkLGM/XzvplUYNTII/AAAAAAAAEMg/bUmBRMRoONYrUjGoViehXsQ0VA2zrgsowCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/DSC_0206.jpeg" width="200" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Each set also includes a water pen, which can be used on the stickers provided, to reveal words, patterns and designs, there's also a collector's card and sticker set to go with each doll.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLXnw6Nh4to/XzvnGi6tfzI/AAAAAAAAELo/rhSGj_UJkXA42U0yrhM6ThkVQxag72BmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0225.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLXnw6Nh4to/XzvnGi6tfzI/AAAAAAAAELo/rhSGj_UJkXA42U0yrhM6ThkVQxag72BmQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/DSC_0225.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9RQCqh-x5ok/Xzvnf6NUu6I/AAAAAAAAEL0/79CytveYsz8vk2RD8kOI2Np44Xf3nHZMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0235.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9RQCqh-x5ok/Xzvnf6NUu6I/AAAAAAAAEL0/79CytveYsz8vk2RD8kOI2Np44Xf3nHZMQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/DSC_0235.jpeg" width="200" /></a> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, if you're looking for cool toys that will stand the test of time, you can find the full range of EverDreamerz <a href="https://www.playmobil.co.uk/onlineshop/products/everdreamerz " rel="nofollow">here</a>.</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdmNjTVvu6A/XzvoMR2BbdI/AAAAAAAAEMI/-ysmL__IJesfQoOR1NPDnN1rTkdbtGk3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2001/PhotoRoom_20200818_143632.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="2001" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdmNjTVvu6A/XzvoMR2BbdI/AAAAAAAAEMI/-ysmL__IJesfQoOR1NPDnN1rTkdbtGk3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h328/PhotoRoom_20200818_143632.JPG" width="328" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Honey wears... Butterfly dress by H&M<br /><br style="font-size: 12px;" /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IB_aFQic8D4/Xzvn02NpAaI/AAAAAAAAEL8/hZAm7D0haqYLRlDy1y526yb36IupX9TcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0228.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IB_aFQic8D4/Xzvn02NpAaI/AAAAAAAAEL8/hZAm7D0haqYLRlDy1y526yb36IupX9TcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/DSC_0228.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><br /></p></div>stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-77029932264163083162020-05-26T08:25:00.000-07:002020-05-29T10:18:03.322-07:00It's all about you...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was kindly gifted these books in exchange for an honest review.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When <a href="https://www.wonderbly.com/uk" target="_blank">Wonderbly</a> got in touch to see if I would be interested in choosing some of their books to review, I was so excited. I'd seen their adverts online and had put them on my list of sites to visit when I was looking to give an extra special gift. You can search the site by age, bestsellers or occasion and easily add personalisation to make your book one of a kind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With <a href="https://www.wonderbly.com/uk/pages/fathers-day" target="_blank">Father's Day</a> coming up, we chose a present for Daddy, from Ace, entitled 'Ace loves Daddy this much'. You enter your child's name and choose the illustration that most closely resembles them, in the first instance. After that, you can choose between a hardback or soft cover (pricing varies depending on which option you choose), then you choose a colour for your front cover and you can even add your own dedication at no extra cost.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ace Loves Daddy This Much</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The website is very user friendly, with clear menus and easy to navigate pages. You can even preview your whole book before you commit to buying it, which is great for checking you've spelt all the names and entered other details </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">correctly. I was kept up to date with shipping progress via email and o</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">ur books arrived really quickly.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyTj80oJC5U/XsvaX5vmX9I/AAAAAAAAEHQ/LrNakrFa-t847X-T-Kc3Y1Uq_LthHnDQwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Opening%2Bthe%2Bbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyTj80oJC5U/XsvaX5vmX9I/AAAAAAAAEHQ/LrNakrFa-t847X-T-Kc3Y1Uq_LthHnDQwCPcBGAYYCw/s400/Opening%2Bthe%2Bbook.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening up the new books</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once you have finalised your book, you can choose whether or not to have it gift wrapped (extra charge applies). The wrapping is in the form of a pretty, cardboard envelope, which can be recycled, used again to gift a different book (or book shaped object) or it could be used as part of a craft project, which is what we decided to do with it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The other book I chose, is called 'That's MY Cake!' and it's all about how we sometimes don't want to share things, but it often turns out better if we do. It's perfect for siblings who have been spending more time than usual together and have been navigating the world of taking turns and sharing things they may not normally have to. As you can tell from the photograph above, Honey was so excited to see that the book was all about Ace and herself, she especially loved the personalised dedication!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Honey is a proficient and avid reader and found the book easy to read, she just needed help reading some of the larger numbers. She was amazed that the facts surrounding their ages were accurate (another thing to double check when you preview your book, as the numbers are calculated from your children's dates of birth) and loved that they were the stars of the story.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bvf6U0-TnJQ/XsvcRWcmqnI/AAAAAAAAEHw/krj-h1fPGdAtSUKm6UhYkKEEBYv-htyqQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Reading%2Btogether%2BTHIS%2BONE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bvf6U0-TnJQ/XsvcRWcmqnI/AAAAAAAAEHw/krj-h1fPGdAtSUKm6UhYkKEEBYv-htyqQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/Reading%2Btogether%2BTHIS%2BONE.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing the new books</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_0NnWvyMWc/XsvaXztsAnI/AAAAAAAAEHU/ZThtjZNCaZEpQoqJ95YeyNuLXoTDehogQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/inside%2Bthe%2Bbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_0NnWvyMWc/XsvaXztsAnI/AAAAAAAAEHU/ZThtjZNCaZEpQoqJ95YeyNuLXoTDehogQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/inside%2Bthe%2Bbook.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful pictures and such a fun story</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I chose the hardback versions and I was not disappointed, the quality is brilliant. The colours are vibrant, the pages are thick (Ace proof) and the illustrations are so lovely. Honey and Ace absolutely love reading these books, they don't sit on the shelf for long at all, which in my opinion is the true sign of how good a book is!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bceSW5UuJV4/XsvbKjZqJLI/AAAAAAAAEHk/_adu8n70zCMDLZIouhcdfDhIUOS6xjGlACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/front%2Bcovers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bceSW5UuJV4/XsvbKjZqJLI/AAAAAAAAEHk/_adu8n70zCMDLZIouhcdfDhIUOS6xjGlACPcBGAYYCw/s400/front%2Bcovers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These books stand out in a crowd(ed bookself)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you'd like to order your own Wonderbly personalised book for Father's Day (or just because), visit their site by <a href="https://wonderbly.mention-me.com/m/ol/st5pp-steph-gore" target="_blank">clicking here</a> and enter your email address to receive a voucher for £10 off your first order, or enter my name (Steph Gore) at the checkout (where is says 'Been referred by a friend?). In the interest of full disclosure, I will receive money off my next order if you use my link or name when you order.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading my review and I hope you have fun designing your own books!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Honey wears... Flower hairband from a festival last year</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ace wears... Yellow shorts from Cotswold Baby Co</span></div>
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stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-14332017706678915522020-05-25T06:43:00.002-07:002020-05-25T07:09:18.210-07:00Secret learning... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">There are so many brilliant activities out there for keeping little ones entertained at home. My main sources of inspiration are Pinterest and Instagram, I'm forever taking screen shots of activities I like the look of or think I can adapt for my own children. Often, the activities are just for fun, but there are nearly always learning opportunities to be found if (like right now) you want to draw them out.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px;">A few weeks ago, we criss crossed the patio with masking tape and used pavement chalk to fill in all the shapes we created. While we worked and after we had finished, we chatted a lot about shape. This is just one example of how you can create learning opportunities during a game or activity.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1fN3k6vezk/XqXcEHQMoRI/AAAAAAAAEFA/Q7JQuRX5PxsVmkvVZ2Iolgd2DrfqpfiSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8965.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1fN3k6vezk/XqXcEHQMoRI/AAAAAAAAEFA/Q7JQuRX5PxsVmkvVZ2Iolgd2DrfqpfiSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_8965.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPBNoojRN4g/XsvIdoVsVDI/AAAAAAAAEG0/AZw2fL-5_VknrynDiOODXkWYLb4bPalFACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9044.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPBNoojRN4g/XsvIdoVsVDI/AAAAAAAAEG0/AZw2fL-5_VknrynDiOODXkWYLb4bPalFACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9044.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Set Challenges</u></b></div>
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Find a rectangle and colour it yellow.</div>
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Colour the smallest shape blue.</div>
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Jump on a triangle.</div>
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Throw a stone onto a rectangle.</div>
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<b><u>Ask Questions</u></b></div>
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How many triangles can you see?</div>
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What is this shape called?</div>
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Can you see anything else in our garden that is square shaped?</div>
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Can you see any more rectangles?</div>
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How many sides does this shape have?</div>
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How many corners does this shape have?</div>
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Can you see any letters in our pattern?</div>
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Can you see any numbers in our pattern?</div>
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Which shape is the biggest?</div>
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Which shape is the smallest?</div>
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How many different shapes can you see?</div>
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How many shapes are there altogether?</div>
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Which shape has the most sides?</div>
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Can you see any symmetrical shapes?</div>
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Are any of these shapes squares? Why/why not?</div>
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How many right angles can you see?</div>
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What is the length of the sides of this triangle?</div>
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Which shapes are regular?</div>
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Which shapes are irregular?</div>
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Which angles are acute?</div>
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Which angles are obtuse?</div>
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Can you name some 3D shapes that have rectangular sides?</div>
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So you see, home school doesn't have to be worksheets every day, there are loads of activities you're probably doing already that you can find learning opportunities within. Let me know if you have a favourite activity with added 'secret learning'!<br />
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P.S. Aside from all the learning that took place, these photos also lead to me cleaning our patio due to how grim it looked here! I spent a happy hour scrubbing the slabs using a cream cleaner, water and a stiff bristled broom (another hack seen on Instagram) and we were all amazed by the results. It feels like we have a new patio!<br />
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Honey wears... Tutu by Candy Bows</div>
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stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-46554359591362277542020-04-24T09:57:00.000-07:002020-05-25T07:09:46.172-07:00One mans trash...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are currently feeling very grateful that we are allowed to leave the house each day for a walk or a bike ride around our local area. We have rediscovered footpaths we haven't walked down for 10 years, discovered places we've never been before and realised that our children can walk a lot further than they let on, especially if they have a challenge to keep them occupied!<br />
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Here are some examples of the fresh air challenges we have given the children recently. All of them can be made quickly and easily using things from your recycling box and home. Text in <span style="color: blue;">blue</span> demonstrates an English link (EYFS/KS1) and text in <span style="color: red;">red</span> demonstrates a maths link, just incase you're looking for ways to sneak a spot of learning into your fun!<br />
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<b>1. Treasure Hunt</b><br />
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A cardboard rectangle.<br />
A felt pen or marker pen.<br />
Double sided sticky tape.<br />
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You can differentiate the task depending on your child's stage. Ace loves letters and numbers and is absolutely loving sounding out short words, so I <span style="color: blue;">used sound buttons to help him read some of his clues independently</span>. I also <span style="color: red;">specified some quantities, so he could practise his counting</span> and so that we could ask him questions such as 'how many have you got?' and 'how many more to make 5?' For Honey, I suggested that she could <span style="color: red;">try to make her blades of grass the same length </span>and I also <span style="color: blue;">used synonyms for some of the words on Ace's board so that we could talk about vocabulary choices</span>.<br />
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I was wearing a gilet, so I peeled off Ace's tape and put it in my pocket as we went along, but you could peel it all off before you begin and then leave the rubbish at home.<br />
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<b>2. Nature crowns</b><br />
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Packaging paper.<br />
Sticky tape.<br />
Double sided sticky tape.<br />
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We <span style="color: red;">used string to measure Honey and Ace's head circumference</span>, then cut a piece of packaging paper to size for each of them. We then spread the paper out on the table and added strips on double sided tape. Finally, we used normal sticky tape to secure the ends. As we were walking, Honey and Ace chose flowers, twigs and leaves they liked and added them to their crowns. Ace was thrilled to find some pink tipped daisies and loved blowing the dandelion clocks, while Honey tried to make her crown a sea of different colours.<br />
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<b>3. Bunting</b><br />
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Packaging paper.<br />
Toilet roll tubes.<br />
Paint.<br />
Felt pens.<br />
Stampers (optional).<br />
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This one isn't something to take on a walk with you, but my children love seeing bunting whenever we go out, so we thought we would make some of our own. First <span style="color: red;">cut the paper into a row of even triangles</span> leaving a strip at the top so that they all stay together (you can make your strip whatever width you like). Then <span style="color: red;">use your toilet roll tubes to stamp circles/ovals</span>, depending on the shape of your chosen animals. When the paint is dry, use your felt pens to draw eyes, noses, legs etc as appropriate for your animals. Finally, <span style="color: blue;">use pens or stampers to add wording</span> (if you want to). We made these for Easter, but you could make them for lockdown birthdays/anniversaries/just because!<br />
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<b>4. Clipboard</b><br />
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A cardboard rectangle.<br />
A large paper clip.<br />
A blob of Bluetac.<br />
A felt pen or marker pen.<br />
A pencil.<br />
Rectangles of packaging paper.<br />
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I made a couple of little clipboards for Honey and Ace, to add a twist to our daily walk. On our walks, we noticed that lots of people had drawn and coloured rainbows or left bears in their windows to brighten other peoples' days. A couple of times, we tried to keep count of how many we saw, but we kept forgetting our total! I drew a simple table on to a piece of packaging paper and off we went, <span style="color: red;">keeping a tally of the things we saw along the way</span>. <span style="color: red;">We stopped to count our running totals (in 5's and 10's) and then found the difference between the totals once we got home</span>. You could also use the clipboards for indoor or outdoor sketching, or for <span style="color: blue;">making lists</span> of trees, flowers or types of cars you see while you're out and about.<br />
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<b>5. Nature weaving</b><br />
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A cardboard rectangle.<br />
Elastic bands (you could use string instead or cut lines straight through the cardboard).<br />
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Finally a use for all the elastic bands out postman has dropped over the last year or so! Ace's set himself a goal of <span style="color: blue;">finding sticks shaped like different letters</span>, he managed I, y and t. Honey wanted to find things that were<span style="color: red;"> exactly the right length to fit widthways on her weaving board</span>.<br />
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Honey wears... Gryffindor scarf by Nanna<br />
Ace wears... Flower crown by Ace<br />
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stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-63063856271031632682020-04-13T04:49:00.000-07:002020-05-25T07:10:42.134-07:00Get out (while you can)...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There's nothing that can't be solved by getting outdoors, well very few things anyway. If tensions are running high, simply opening the back doors and pouring the children into the garden can work wonders for everyone's mood. Often, a walk to your local parkland is in order </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(obviously avoiding play areas at the moment) </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and sometimes an adventure further afield is called for! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A couple of years ago, we explored lots of our local National Trust properties, which included meeting up with friends and family for woodland walks and this year (after lockdown), we are joining <a href="https://www.historichouses.org/" target="_blank">Historic Houses</a>, so will be doing more of the same I'm sure. We love getting outside whatever the weather and having the right kit is crucial to make sure that it can happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u><b>A Comfortable Backpack</b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I love the <a href="https://www.vans.co.uk/shop/en-gb/vans-gb/realm-backpack-vn0a3ui6zwg?variationId=COLOR_VALERIAN-BLACK" target="_blank">Vans Realm Backpacks</a> and we have a few in the house! They were the perfect size to carry our sling, potty, spare clothes and some snacks when Ace was smaller and now I use mine to carry snacks, drinks, spare clothes and all manner of adventure essentials, including our Scrunch buckets and spades, binoculars and compass. Honey used to take hers to the childminders and has used it as a school bag for the last few years, so it's been worth the initial outlay.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><u>A Travel Potty</u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While a nature wee is a common occurrence when out in the countryside, sometimes when they're first potty training, little ones can announce the urgent need for a number 2 at any time! Although it's not something we need to carry around with us anymore, we used and loved </span><a href="https://mycarrypotty.com/product/my-bee-carry-potty/" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;" target="_blank">My Carry Potty</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> with both Honey and Ace, you can read more about our potty training experiences <a href="https://stephloveshoney.blogspot.com/2015/09/i-want-my-potty.html" target="_blank">here</a> (Honey) and <a href="https://stephloveshoney.blogspot.com/2018/08/once-upon-potty.html" target="_blank">here</a> (Ace).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Waterproof Outerwear</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A warm, waterproof coat is worth its weight in gold. Things to look out for include, a hood that stays up during the wind and rain, upright pockets so that gloves don't fall out and a warm lining. We love the <a href="https://www.welovefrugi.com/baby-toddler-clothes/collections-baby-toddler-main/rainbow-2/puddle-buster-coat-5-dig-a-rainbow.htm" target="_blank">Puddle Buster coats from Frugi </a>and also have <a href="https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/seasons-kids-water-resistant-padded-jacket-p16783.aspx/berry/" target="_blank">warm, padded coats from Mountain Warehouse</a> for chilly but dry(ish) days. For warmer days, I carry a lightweight, parkway waterproof for each of them, in our backpack.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTFaYhAsIlQ/Xm4RnRESDHI/AAAAAAAAD_g/H-empr6BkV8EenJOkBbBkwas8AUxhLU2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7500.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTFaYhAsIlQ/Xm4RnRESDHI/AAAAAAAAD_g/H-empr6BkV8EenJOkBbBkwas8AUxhLU2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_7500.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_IrsbjMqlA/Xm4RCgVnMMI/AAAAAAAAD_E/hwlo6p7ZUXYJtivzw3Axpfmpmigm2Z0hwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3686.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_IrsbjMqlA/Xm4RCgVnMMI/AAAAAAAAD_E/hwlo6p7ZUXYJtivzw3Axpfmpmigm2Z0hwCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_3686.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Waterproof trousers or dungarees are key too. Not only do they keep little bottoms dry when they're sitting on the sand (or in a puddle), they also provide a valuable extra layer to protect from chilling winds. Our favourites are from <a href="https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/kids/trousers-shorts/kids-waterproof-trousers/spray-kids-overtrousers-p6257.aspx/purple/" target="_blank">Mountain Warehouse</a> and <a href="https://www.grassandair.com/product/navy-waterproof-wader-trousers/" target="_blank">Grass & Air</a> and our tip is to wear them over the top of wellies instead of tucked in, as this helps keep wellies dry inside too!</span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eY3587ngGYg/Xm4RC3oqBMI/AAAAAAAAD_I/b0AslDBFMhUwjrTlFybGu5iV6HZkEo7rQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6779.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eY3587ngGYg/Xm4RC3oqBMI/AAAAAAAAD_I/b0AslDBFMhUwjrTlFybGu5iV6HZkEo7rQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_6779.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNy3VQI9sN4/Xm4RC64faJI/AAAAAAAAD_M/9bNkokQAF2wfhTEoEOrEESNELPHguXovQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_3403.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNy3VQI9sN4/Xm4RC64faJI/AAAAAAAAD_M/9bNkokQAF2wfhTEoEOrEESNELPHguXovQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_3403.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Waterproof Gloves</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My children love to pick up sticks, stones and other treasure on our walks. If we're on the beach, they also love to build sandcastles and climb rocks. All of these things are fine during the warmer months, but when you're out in the wind and rain, little hands can get very cold and when they're cold there's whinging and when there's whinging, nobody has fun! Mountain Warehouse come up trumps again here, we rate their <a href="https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/kids/accessories/gloves-mittens/kids-snow-mitten-p9181.aspx/dark%20blue/" target="_blank">ski mittens</a> and <a href="https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/ski-glove-printed-kids-p13221.aspx/pink/" target="_blank">gloves</a> and love that the elastic cuffs can be tucked into sleeves to keep out the weather.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKkCc3R_mrA/Xm4RzkzFqgI/AAAAAAAAD_o/Q7pzQly0T18EgKUPT-AgnWXQsLMoJYtSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5580.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKkCc3R_mrA/Xm4RzkzFqgI/AAAAAAAAD_o/Q7pzQly0T18EgKUPT-AgnWXQsLMoJYtSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_5580.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>A Cosy Hat</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Everyone's Granny ever used to tell them that '10% of your body head is lost through your head', so a decent hat is an absolute must! We love <a href="https://www.littlehotdogwatson.com/collections/winter-hats/products/arctic-cub" target="_blank">Little Hotdog Watson</a> hats because they're water resistant, have a cosy, thinsulate lining and are even reflective for those darker days. My favourite things about these hats is that they can be fastened underneath your chin so they don't blow off your head and also the they are not too bulky, so can easily be worn under a hood for double warmth! They also do amazing summer hats which have SPF and mosquito repellent built in, they're worth every penny.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ss-31vXrM-A/Xm4RxI5QxsI/AAAAAAAAD_k/_a9RVOl0hhEEvC6fEHw1UB_mOJbqBn2KQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7134.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ss-31vXrM-A/Xm4RxI5QxsI/AAAAAAAAD_k/_a9RVOl0hhEEvC6fEHw1UB_mOJbqBn2KQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7134.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Appropriate Footwear</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cold extremities are the <b><i>absolute worst </i></b>on an outdoors day. I've already mentioned the importance of keeping fingers warm, but keeping toes warm is essential too! Recently, I was lucky enough to win our family a set of <a href="https://www.warmwellies.co.uk/" target="_blank">Warm Wellies</a> and I can honestly say that our recent winter holiday to Devon was the first time EVER that my toes have stayed toasty all day while wearing wellies. I have tried countless different sock combinations previously, as well as welly liners and have always ended up with freezing toes. The Warm Welly Company make neoprene lined wellies, which keep my feet warm and dry while only wearing my normal day to day cotton socks. To say I'm impressed is such an understatement! </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-La-eND6hw/Xm4Sl3Pm1hI/AAAAAAAAD_4/KXdbNFxv7qUftMyPtOIyPiPcnkDQeHaSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7237.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-La-eND6hw/Xm4Sl3Pm1hI/AAAAAAAAD_4/KXdbNFxv7qUftMyPtOIyPiPcnkDQeHaSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_7237.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the moment, the children's Warm Wellies are too big for them, so they have tall wellies (so they can wade in deeper puddles without water cascading over the top) and insulated, <a href="https://www.muddypuddles.com/snowflurry-socks-thunderbolt-baltic/" target="_blank">moisture wicking welly socks</a>, which seem to do the trick judging by the lack of wet feet complaints! For tall wellies, we rate <a href="https://www.muddypuddles.com/classic-wellies-red/" target="_blank">Muddy Puddles</a> and <a href="https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/plain-kids-wellies-p24186.aspx/khaki/" target="_blank">Mountain Warehouse</a>. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For warmer days, unlined wellies or hiking shoes can save the day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vg09km1EsXc/Xm4Sl1ttKmI/AAAAAAAAD_8/ZjZyPTpgELg94rROArt3k-jbP74V9KvuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0089.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vg09km1EsXc/Xm4Sl1ttKmI/AAAAAAAAD_8/ZjZyPTpgELg94rROArt3k-jbP74V9KvuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/DSC_0089.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n29-JTr7r7M/Xm4S3GlowoI/AAAAAAAAEAI/k6wTwWOyRxcVBs80W4Xo4D9nGDvckNoygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4762.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n29-JTr7r7M/Xm4S3GlowoI/AAAAAAAAEAI/k6wTwWOyRxcVBs80W4Xo4D9nGDvckNoygCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_4762.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Spare Clothes</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When the kids are kitted out in full wet weather gear, we don't carry spare clothes in the backpack anymore, but we do tend to keep a full set of everything back at the car just in case. The one time we didn't do this recently, Ace decided to go for a swim in the sea (in february) and water went down the neck of his coat (brrrrr). He had had to wear my jumper until we could raid the local charity shops for a more appropriately sized one!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Wet bag</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We keep the wet bag from our brief foray into cloth nappies in our backpack which is great for making sure wet clothing stays away from the rest of our things. Bags for life and Ikea bags are also great to keep in the car boot for containing wet garments and footwear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So if you've broken up the fourth fight of the morning, ended up in an argument about whose turn it is to pick a film or found chocolate smeared on the sofa, get out. Draw chalk rainbows on your patio or path, practise your ball skills in your garden or explore your local area and make the most of your government sanctioned period of daily exercise. Breathe in, breathe out and enjoy the fresh air, I guarantee it will make everyone feel better.</span><br />
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*<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Everything mentioned has been bought by us (apart from our Warm W</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ellies, which were a Facebook giveaway prize). I have linked our most useful buys so you can find them easily if you're looking for anything similar, none of the links are affiliate.</span><br />
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stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-55570697552214350092020-02-02T13:31:00.003-08:002020-02-02T13:31:36.191-08:00What a waste...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was Anne-Marie Bonneau (aka <a href="https://zerowastechef.com/" target="_blank">Zero Waste Chef</a>) who wrote "we don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She's right isn't she? As a family:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. We have two cars (one petrol, one diesel).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. Since moving out of town, I use my car every week day and some weekend days (as opposed to approximately 3 days per week when we lived closed to town).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. We have a tumble drier and a dishwasher.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4. We don't often cook from scratch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. We eat a lot of meat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">However, having said all of that...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. Our cars were chosen with good fuel economy and low emissions in mind (this is a lie, I chose mine because it was pink, the other things were a happy coincidence). We also use my husband's car for our family holidays, so while it's not 'trains over planes', our carbon footprint is lower than if we were flying abroad each summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. We only drive half of the school run each time, parking near our old house and finishing the journey on foot/bike/scooter. We also try to do errands while we are out in the car, so we aren't making extra trips.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. We hang our washing out during the summer months, so the tumble drier gets a break.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4. We recycle any food related cardboard, jars and tins we use and our local supermarket recycles plastic bags, from frozen vegetables and the like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. We have started choosing some things from the vegetarian freezer during our weekly shops and have found quite a few alternatives that we will definitely keep eating.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If zero waste sounds like too much to take on, here are some of the ways we are trying to reduce our impact on the planet, maybe some of them could work for you too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Nom Nom Kids</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We first started using <a href="https://nomnomkids.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/reusable-food-pouch-140ml-x-4-pouches" target="_blank">Nom Nom Kids reusable pouches</a> for purees and yoghurt when Honey was tiny. Since then, Suzanne has added <a href="https://nomnomkids.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/monster-reusable-food-pouch-x-3-pouches" target="_blank">larger pouches</a>, <a href="https://nomnomkids.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/reusable-snack-bags" target="_blank">snack bags</a> and <a href="https://nomnomkids.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/pack-of-4-reusable-sandwich-bags-by-nom-nom-kids" target="_blank">sandwich bags</a> to her repertoire and we have bought and used every single one of her products. They are a daily feature at snack times and in our packed lunches (even I use them) and they have helped us save hundreds of sandwich bags/pieces of clingfilm from going to landfill.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7ENos8Fwqw/Xjc2Fm4-idI/AAAAAAAAD74/6sFdLzaeb_0bSo4QAy4ls9eyXHMsvbgXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6756.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7ENos8Fwqw/Xjc2Fm4-idI/AAAAAAAAD74/6sFdLzaeb_0bSo4QAy4ls9eyXHMsvbgXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_6756.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A sea of Nom Nom</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of my favourite ways to use the snack bags, is to portion out larger bags of crisps, biscuits etc so that they last longer and so that only one single use packet has been used. Often, the kids will share a bag of Quavers or Mini Cheddars without even realising, whereas they would usually eat a whole packet straight from the original bag.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Terracycle</u></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw_Vdin3XFs/Xjc3CWXuB8I/AAAAAAAAD8A/g8-dxU0BTRgXsHvOnZiv1q81kfOfDRQDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw_Vdin3XFs/Xjc3CWXuB8I/AAAAAAAAD8A/g8-dxU0BTRgXsHvOnZiv1q81kfOfDRQDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_6759.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Saved from Landfill</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Although we try to cut waste where we can, my tendency towards time and effort saving foods inevitably creates rubbish. Since we moved to a larger house, we have started recycling crisp packets, kids snack wrappers, biscuit packets and so much more. In our neck of the woods, a local lady and her trusty helpers work tirelessly to sort, pack and send the different waste categories off for recycling via the <a href="https://www.terracycle.com/en-GB/" target="_blank">Terracycle</a> scheme. All the money they raise goes to the charity <a href="https://www.kickscount.org.uk/" target="_blank">Kicks Count</a> and all the waste they sort DOESN'T go to landfill!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For a full list of what can be recycled via Terracycle within Gloucestershire, <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=18ACIT6se7-k0qc1zlWmxshEQg5xA1x0b" target="_blank">click here</a>. To stay up to date and to find out where your nearest collection hub is, join the Facebook group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/KCRecyclingGlos/" target="_blank">Recycling for KC - Cheltenham and Gloucestershire</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Kerbside Recycling</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/5/bins_and_recycling/924/kerbside_recycling_collection" target="_blank">In our area</a>, we have recycling boxes for plastic, paper, tins and glass and a bag for collecting cardboard. The list of things that can be put in our kerbside boxes can be a little bit confusing, with different sources contradicting each other, but recent additions include dead batteries, aluminium foil and aerosol cans. As the street we live on is fairly narrow, a smaller lorry is usually sent to collect our recycling fortnightly, so we don't worry too much about sorting within the boxes. At our old address (just down the road), a truck with compartments for each waste type collected the recycling weekly, so we sorted within the boxes to make the refuse collectors' jobs a bit easier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Since moving house a year ago, we also have a food waste bin for the first time. Tea bags, coffee grounds and the occasional toast crust make their way into the food bin before the day even begins, add egg shells, potato peelings and floor snacks and our little bin is often quite heavy by the end of the week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Recycling Centre</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In our old house, we designed everything to take up the least amount of space and while we had</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> plenty of room for bins and recycling boxes outside, inside was a different matter. Now that we have more room to store the boxes, we have also started recycling juice cartons and because we will be going to the <a href="https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/5/bins_and_recycling/919/recycling_centres_and_bring_banks" target="_blank">recycling centre</a> anyway, we save odd bits of wood (like lolly ice sticks), scrap metal (85,000 Ikea allen keys anyone?) and we also take the leaves that fall onto our lawn, when one of us can be bothered to collect them up!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8OocYNvqXk/Xjc5Q63yzEI/AAAAAAAAD8U/lPXQz1gOIHY5d_wQEA2H4u-nVUfBrcodgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3929.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8OocYNvqXk/Xjc5Q63yzEI/AAAAAAAAD8U/lPXQz1gOIHY5d_wQEA2H4u-nVUfBrcodgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3929.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ace loves helping at the tip!</span></td></tr>
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<u style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><b>Eco-Able</b></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ableeco/" target="_blank">Eco-Able</a> is the brainchild of the lovely Danielle, she has curated a marketplace full of fabulous alternatives to single use. She is a stockist for the aforementioned Nom Nom Kids bags and pouches, as well as many other products that can help you on your way to planet friendly living. Here's our Eco Able top five:</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plExw68QNlg/Xjc0SmJG3GI/AAAAAAAAD7U/96FtSxr_ew8l90Abqb_cEK23GokhjSp9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6310.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plExw68QNlg/Xjc0SmJG3GI/AAAAAAAAD7U/96FtSxr_ew8l90Abqb_cEK23GokhjSp9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_6310.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNeccwbP5NA/Xjc0alWcdOI/AAAAAAAAD7k/6_NdGtb1Y98ugDdetaCuyOyj2rrGNhrTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0042.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNeccwbP5NA/Xjc0alWcdOI/AAAAAAAAD7k/6_NdGtb1Y98ugDdetaCuyOyj2rrGNhrTACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/DSC_0042.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Playdough</b> - Their eco friendly, vegan play dough comes in a cute, metal tin. The colours are gorgeous and the consistency is lovely, it's perfect for modelling, and also great for chopping, rolling and mark making. The sets come in a handmade, reusable fabric gift bag, with 25p from every sale being donated to <a href="https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/" target="_blank">Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust</a>. The tins are really pretty too and I can think of loads of uses for them once the play dough comes the end of its life (e.g. refill with more play dough or wash and use for storing hair clips etc).</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEHP0ZXA5yE/Xjc0Sp8SdvI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/hl8VI9EnezoU4nLPFN4VQIZMaS1VGhMlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6315.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oEHP0ZXA5yE/Xjc0Sp8SdvI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/hl8VI9EnezoU4nLPFN4VQIZMaS1VGhMlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_6315.jpeg" width="200" /></a><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Goats milk soap</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"> - According to the blurb, unprocessed goats milk helps to get rid of dead skin cells, making it perfect for shaving and moisturising. I have been using the plain goats milk bar for a couple of weeks now, instead of shower gel and my skin is lovely and soft.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Soap saver</b> - This little pouch not only helps keep your soap together (thus making it last longer), it is also a fabulous alternative to a plastic shower puff. Oh, and it encourages your soap to dry out between uses so it isn't all slimy next time you need it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QW2ySgmV4WU/Xjc0TeeSe8I/AAAAAAAAD7s/tUG3xmTRGOonwzTCWDB6iODLUChR26DhgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6435.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QW2ySgmV4WU/Xjc0TeeSe8I/AAAAAAAAD7s/tUG3xmTRGOonwzTCWDB6iODLUChR26DhgCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_6435.jpeg" width="200" /></a><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Reusable wipes</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"> - We used reusable baby wipes part time when Ace was in nappies (I never got my head round using them out and about) and since he potty trained, we have sold the boxes, but kept the wipes for mopping up spills, wiping faces and even cleaning the bathroom. Eco-Able </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">stocks cute, colourful wipes which are made from fabric off cuts and sewn together using left over pieces of thread. They are backed with super soft flannel, making them perfect for little (and big) faces and they also come as rounds which are ideal for removing makeup (I have even sacrificed one of mine for removing nail varnish, which has eliminated the need for any single use cotton wool in our house).</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Reusable cups and water bottles - </b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">I don't drink tea or coffee (which is apparently very strange for a teacher), but I do genuinely love water! From the age of 16, I worked as a lifeguard and spent a lot of time on very warm poolsides gulping back litres of water per shift, to stave off dehydration. A reusable bottle was essential, but I also used to buy bottled water whenever I was out shopping. These days, I carry reusable water bottles for myself and the children most of the time. When we go out for the day, it's as natural as packing my purse and my keys and I can't remember the last time I bought a bottle of mineral water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><u><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Buying Pre-Loved </b></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If we want or need something, my first instinct these days is to search for it on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/110519355635992/?ref=bookmark" target="_blank">Facebook Marketplace</a>, in a selling group or on <a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/" target="_blank">ebay</a>. Buying things preloved and locally has saved us a lot of money over the last few years and the pre loved marketplace has also allowed us to move on unwanted items of our own and earn some money in the process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So although we aren't perfect, we are trying and we will keep trying. The kids are on board and we regularly have conversations about how we can look after our planet a little better and they get involved in all our efforts, taking many onboard with gusto... apart from giving up Happy Meal toys... On the rare occasions we visit McDonald's, these are still seen as a huge treat. Here's hoping McDonald's and other companies offering similar, plastic tat, will come up with more Earth friendly alternatives in the not too distant future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">*Although we were kindly gifted some items from Eco-Able, all thoughts and opinions within this blog are my own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ace wears... Hat by Little Hotdog Watson</span><br />
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stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-41840063473500223452020-01-26T13:07:00.004-08:002020-01-26T13:09:59.499-08:00In the hood...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I take Ace swimming, the trickiest part, is having my own shower in the short window of time between Ace finishing his shower and Ace getting really cold and needing my attention! The new hooded towel from <a href="https://tiddlersandnippers.com/" target="_blank">Tiddlers and Nippers</a> has given me the gift of time! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9GB1nAvKvs/Xi3xjwb7YQI/AAAAAAAAD6o/Yoi5yJhNEtYHO1aVII1-OfKNVsXANJn_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9GB1nAvKvs/Xi3xjwb7YQI/AAAAAAAAD6o/Yoi5yJhNEtYHO1aVII1-OfKNVsXANJn_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6446.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As soon as Ace is showered, he pops his towel on, finds a dry patch of floor (or his swimming float) and sits singing to himself while I wash my hair. He doesn't shiver anymore and he's no longer moaning at me to hurry up! By the time I'm changed, Ace is dry (including his hair), so I can help him get changed and pack his bag ready to go home. Ace can put his towel in his <a href="http://tiddlersandnippers.com/products/kids-swimming-bag-girls-boys-quick-drying-soft-microfibre-towel-swimming-set?ref=5ce7f1315d2d6" target="_blank">swimming bag</a> by himself as they fold down really easily and nice and small, leaving room for his wet swimming gear too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ace wears the small sized hooded towel and it's a great size on him. There's plenty of growing room (he will be 4 in March).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Honey has the larger hooded towel and again, it's a great size on her (she will be 7 in May). She showers independently at the pool these days and this hooded towel hangs waiting for her to slip on when she's finished. She loves it because it leaves her hands free for carrying her <a href="https://www.childsfarm.com/products/childs-farm-3-in-1-swim-strawberry-and-organic-mint/" target="_blank">3 in 1 swim wash</a> and her <a href="https://www.tangleteezer.com/all-brushes/detangling/the-original.html" target="_blank">Tangle Teezer</a> and it also means that by the time she's dressed her bottom half, her hair is dry and doesn't get her top all wet. </span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;">If you like the sound of these towels, you can buy one <a href="http://tiddlersandnippers.com/products/tiddler-hooded-microfibre-towel?ref=5ce7f1315d2d6" target="_blank">here</a> (<b>affiliate link</b>). Here are all the finer details (taken from the Tiddlers and Nippers website):</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;">Small 2-5 Years / Large 5-10 Years kids travel Hooded Poncho Microfibre/ microfibre towel /</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;">High-performance & lightweight</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Both super absorbent and amazingly compact. Our microfibre children's hooded towel is Ideal for days out with the kids, trips to the pool and beach, or family holidays where luggage space is at a premium.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;">Tiddler kids travel hooded towel</span> - Clever microfibre technology dries up to x4 faster than standard towels. Say goodbye to heavy, sopping wet towels!</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0b0599; outline: 0px;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;">> Quick drying, super absorbent </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;">> Large size - generous dimensions - 66cm width x 77.5cm each side = total length 155cm</span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;">> Small size - generous dimensions - 61cm width x 60cm each side = total 120cm</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;">> Absorbs up to x4 times more water than a standard towel.</span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0b0599; font-family: "arial"; outline: 0px;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;">> Made with a durable, high-frequency, moisture-targeting weave.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;">> Features a heavy-duty hanging loop on back of hood.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;">> Comes in a compact carry pouch </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;">> 220gsm Microfibre for both softness & comfort.</span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0b0599; font-family: "arial"; outline: 0px;">> Antibacterial action - Machine wash and hang to dry.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">>Available in pink, blue and grey, with contrasting same colour stitching.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(119, 119, 119);">* Although we are Brand Ambassadors for Tiddlers and Nippers and have previously been gifted items from their range, I bought these towels myself. As always, all thoughts and opinion are my own.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Honey and Ace wear...Hooded towels by Tiddlers and Nippers</span></div>
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stephloveshoneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03239374915798030632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550999502760052280.post-64225135096392504982019-11-19T10:42:00.001-08:002019-11-19T10:42:40.836-08:00It's beginning to look a lot like...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Christmas... There, I said it. The decorations and music are creeping in and the schools have started rehearsing for their nativity plays. I am not a massive fan of the consumer side of Christmas, but what I do love are useful, practical gifts that can be used year round! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Honey and Ace love bath time, there's something about water that can diffuse any situation and bring harmony to even the most fraught evening. We have used Child's Farm products since Honey was tiny and have been brand ambassadors for them for around 5 years. We are particular fans of their rhubarb and custard 2 in 1 hair and the latest, seasonal addition to the Child's Farm collection, their delicious smelling satsuma hair and body wash. The packaging is gorgeous and it would make an awesome stocking filler, something fun yet functional that won't be lost or broken by 1st January.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Jp0DkChxmI/Xc7iFEczg8I/AAAAAAAAD3o/HWkP1jrrSqgO0d90YxoQEiF8tiY5jD76QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4114.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Jp0DkChxmI/Xc7iFEczg8I/AAAAAAAAD3o/HWkP1jrrSqgO0d90YxoQEiF8tiY5jD76QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4114.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Child's Farm products are formulated to be gentle on eczema prone skin and are approved by dermatologists. Child's Farm source the highest quality, naturally derived ingredients </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">and essential oils, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">to produce a range of bath and shower products for the whole family</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">! </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Here are a few of our favourite bath time activities which can all be enhanced by using your favourite Child's Farm products! </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ice block rescue mission</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> - Freeze plastic animals or dinosaurs in blocks of ice (I use empty, washed out takeaway tubs as containers). Run a nice bubbly bath and give the ice blocks to your little ones so they can 'rescue' the trapped creatures.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Coloured ice cubes</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> - Use a drop of food colouring to turn water your desired colour/s. Pour the water into ice cube trays and freeze. Run a foamy bath then give the ice cubes to your tiddlers to drop in the water. As the cubes melt, the water will change colour. Older children might like to explore colour mixing using cups or jugs to melt different coloured ice cubes together. I hardly used any bubble bath for this one so the colours would be more visible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Pouring</b> - So simple, yet so much fun for </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">children! Pop a range of containers in the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">bath at bath time and watch them create bubble ice creams (satsuma flavoured, naturally), make bath time soup and more than likely, pour water over each other!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uZEZ4g_Kss/XdQFKRzKskI/AAAAAAAAD4U/QVDilDSn1SEwhEFl518_va5hp3IU1Mw9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0139%2B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uZEZ4g_Kss/XdQFKRzKskI/AAAAAAAAD4U/QVDilDSn1SEwhEFl518_va5hp3IU1Mw9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0139%2B2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Dinosaur bath time/car wash</b> - Tell your child to choose some of their plastic animals, dinosaurs or toy cars to take into the bath with them. Give them a sponge or flannel to clean their toys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/TOYMYTOY-Water-Flutes-Colorful-Whistling/dp/B079GWNV76/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=bath+flutes&qid=1573840328&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyWVRRV08ySU1ESklLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTQwNTUwMTNEOEE0QUtLT1A2TSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzc1Mzc4M01TNEJSRjhISDA2MCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=" target="_blank">Bath Flutes</a></b> - Ace was given a set of bath flutes when he was a baby and they have been used regularly ever since. You fill them up to different levels and each one can then be used to play a different note. There's lots of fun to be had trying to play nursery rhymes or favourite pop songs! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As Honey gets older, she is becoming more independent and often has showers instead of a bath. The Child's Farm bottles are easy for her to open and squeeze onto her hands or sponge by herself, without wasting loads, plus they don't sting her eyes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you'd like to try the new scent, you're in luck! Child's Farm have offered to send one lucky reader their own bottle of festive satsuma bubble bath. To be in with a chance of winning, head over to <a href="http://www.instagram.com/stephloveshoney" target="_blank">Instagram (@stephloveshoney)</a> and look for the photo below on our grid. <b>Comment with your answer to the following question:</b> What's your favourite thing about Christmas? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">*All thoughts and opinions within this blog are my own. I won our satsuma bubble bath in a Child's Farm giveaway. I am a brand ambassador for Child's Farm but do not gain commission from sales of any of their products. The 2 in 1 hair pictured was purchased by myself from <a href="http://www.boots.com/" target="_blank">Boots</a>.</span></div>
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