Crater Craft A New Game - Review

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My partner and teen are always playing games on their Phones and are always telling me to download the latest games they are playing. I never do as I am not normally a fan of games on my phone as in the past I have been put off by the price of them, or the fact they can be stressful and so competitive as you race against the clock to complete a level. But there is a new game on the block called Crater Craft which is ideal for busy mums like myself who just want a gentle game to play to pass time whilst waiting to pick the kids up from school or for the washing machine to finish its cycle. 

Whitehouse Farm Winter Wonderland Review

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If you are yet to see Santa or you are just looking for a fun festive day out that the whole family will enjoy in the days before Christmas then Whitehouse Farm is the place to visit. 

As a family, we love Whitehouse Farm, I used to take my eldest when she was younger and now I take my younger two children. We visited a few times earlier this year, which you can read about here .We have never visited at Christmas time before but have heard how great the Winter Wonderland is from friends who have visited in previous years.

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Pantomime At The Tyne Theatre & Opera House - Review

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Last Friday we headed to the iconic Tyne Theatre and Opera House in the centre of Newcastle to watch this years pantomime production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I love visiting the Tyne Theatre and Opera House as it is such a grand, beautiful, old building steeped in history and it is a joy to watch shows there. 

E.ON Go Online Tariff - How Much Could You Save?

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 We are spending £120 a month for gas and electric for our three-bed semi, which is a big expense. We do try and save energy wherever we can, we have energy saving light bulbs in every room and we turn things off when we are not using them but could I save money by switching providers?

Cinderella Pantomime At Whitley Bay Playhouse Review

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You can't beat a family visit to the pantomime at this time of year and on Saturday we headed to Whitley Bay Playhouse to see this years production of Cinderella. As a family we love Whitley Bay Playhouse, it is not far from where we live and even though it is one of the smaller theatres in the region it is modern with comfortable seats and great views wherever you sit in the audience. 

We really enjoyed last years production of Aladdin and I did not think they would be able to top it, but they most definitely did. 

Lunch At Toby Carvery

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We are big fans of Toby carvery, it has been a few months since we last visited so we were long overdue a visit. And let's be honest at this time of year when the weather is cold and miserable you just can't beat a nice carvery with lashings of gravy. So we headed to our local one in Shiremoor, North Tyneside on Thursday for lunch. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Me Becoming Mum

This week I am joined by Naomi who blogs at Me Becoming Mum on Other Bloggers Family Lives. Naomi has a family blog all about life with her two little girls and family lifestyle topics.

 So let's find out more about the family behind Me Becoming Mum. 

Afternoon Tea With Santa At Wyevale Garden Centre Gosforth

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Edit - Wyevale garden centre Gosforth has been taking over and is now a British Garden Centre. 

This year I am so excited for Christmas as it is the first year my little two (aged 3 & 4) have properly understood what Christmas is all about. They have already written their Christmas lists for Santa, they keep asking when we can put the Christmas tree up and they are amazed by the twinkling lights from the shopping centre decorations. They truly believe in Santa and the magic of Christmas and it is heart-warming to watch. 

Crepe Affaire Newcastle Review

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Tucked away on the ground floor in Eldon Square near the escalators is Crepe Affaire, a small and very modern looking Creperie serving a selection of sweet and savoury French crepes. This week Crepe Affaire is celebrating its first birthday in Eldon Square and to celebrate they will randomly be handing out vouchers for a free crepe to ten purchasing customers per day during its Birthday week (this week). They will also be handing out a free glass of prosecco to all customers who place a crepe order after 5pm this Thursday (23rd November) too. 

Starting The Day With Ready Brek & Despicable Me 3

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Now that it is winter and the mornings are cold and frosty we have been starting the day with a nice warming bowl of Ready Brek. I fondly remember having Ready Brek for breakfast when I was a child and now my own children enjoy it for breakfast too. Packed full of vitamins and minerals and only containing natural ingredients it is the perfect way to start the day before school. 

Behind The Scenes At McDonald's

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Last week I was invited to McDonald's Silverlink to go behind the scenes and see what new changes they are making to the restaurants, and also to make my very own Big Mac! 

We were greeted at the store by franchisee Bill who was the 6th McDonald's franchise owner here in the UK and now has several branches here in the North East, including the Silverlink branch which has the busiest drive-thru in the North East. Bill employs over 600 people here in the North East, and funnily enough my partner actually worked for Bill and the store manager Simon many years ago when he was a teenager at the Silverlink branch.

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring My Chaotically Eclectic Life

This week on Other Bloggers Family Lives I am featuring Debbie who blogs at My Chaotically Eclectic Life. Debbie blogs about family life with an older child and two younger ones, she also features days out in Yorkshire, reviews and crafts.

 So let's find out more about the family behind My Chaotically Eclectic Life.

Cote Brasserie Newcastle Review

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A couple of weeks ago Cote Brasserie opened a new branch here in Newcastle. Located in the former Barclays bank building on Grainger street you will find Cote Brasserie, and what a transformation it has been under. The building has been transformed with rustic, yet luxurious decor that almost makes you feel you are at a Parisian bistro instead of Newcastle. 

Photo via Cote Brasserie

Silver Cross Pioneer Doll Pram Review

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My little girl enjoys playing with her dolls and pushing them around in her doll's pram. Now that she is getting older (she is four) her current dolls pram is getting a bit small for her and we were thinking of buying her a new one for Christmas this year, then just like magic Play Like Mum got in touch and asked if we would like to review a Silver Cross Pioneer 5-in-1 doll's pram (perfect timing). 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Trinimamabebe

This week on Other Bloggers Family Lives I am featuring Trini who blogs at Trinimamabebe, which is a family lifestyle blog about life as a first-time mum, money saving and reviews. 

So let's find out more about the family behind Trinimamabebe. 

A Prestige Christmas Hamper

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Every single year my partner mentions getting a Christmas hamper delivered as he remembers them from his childhood, I never end up getting a one as I always thought they would be expensive and full of items we would never use. So when Prestige Hampers got in touch and offered to send me a hamper I was keen to see if they were worth the money or not.

Chaophraya Thai Cooking School Review

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Last year Eldon Squares new grey's quarter opened which is home to a great range of dining options, one of these is Chaophraya Thai restaurant. Chaophraya is located on the top floor with wonderful views of the city below. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring The Money Whisperer

This week on Other Bloggers Family Lives I am featuring Emma who blogs at The Money Whisperer. Emma blogs about a host of ways to make and save money and her blog is full of really useful tips on how to easily save money.

 So let's find out more about the family behind The Money Whisperer. 

Blaze And The Monster Machines Animal Island Stunts Speedway Review

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My three-year-old son  and 4-year-old daughter are huge Nick Jr fans and one shows that they both enjoy watching on there is Blaze and the Monster Machines. They have been watching this show for about a year now. 

If you are not familiar with the show it is about a boy called AJ who rides in a monster truck - Blaze who talks and goes on quests with AJ and his friends (who are also Monster trucks). On their adventures, they solve lots of problems which they encourage the children watching to get involved with (such as basic maths) and it is a fun way for them to learn. My children can often be heard shouting out the answers at the TV whilst watching Blaze. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Unconventional Kira

Welcome to another week of Other Bloggers Family Lives, this week I am featuring mum of three Kira who blogs at Unconventional Kira. Kira blogs and vlogs about family life with a teen, a primary school aged child and a baby.

 So let's find out more about the family behind Unconventional Kira. 

Baby Born Musical Foaming Bathtub Review

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We were recently sent a Baby Born Musical Foaming Bathtub to review. Read on to see what we thought. 

Sunderland Illuminations With Tyne & Wear Metro

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Every year Sunderland have an illuminations event, where Roker Park is transformed into an illuminated wonderland that both adults and children will enjoy. Every single year we say that we will take the children but we never get around to it as we keep hearing how bad the parking is. So when I was recently invited to enjoy a family day out on the Tyne & Wear Metro I knew that a trip to Sunderland Illuminations would be the perfect day out that the whole family would enjoy. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Wanderlust And Wet Wipes

This week on Other Bloggers Family Lives I am featuring Emma who lives in the Middle East and writes about all of the travels her globetrotting family go on. 

So let's find out more about the family behind Wanderlust and Wet Wipes.

Brio Metro Railway Set Review

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My little boy recently turned three and he adores trains, he loves travelling on trains and the Metro (which we have in Tyneside) and playing with toy trains. So when Brio got in touch and asked if we would like to review the Brio Metro railway set I thought this might be something he would enjoy playing with. 

Haven Berwick Northumberland Review

Back in May, we went on a little mini-break to Haven Berwick caravan site in Northumberland, about an hour away from Newcastle. We booked about six weeks in advance on the Haven website and for a four-night mid-week break in an upgraded three bedroom deluxe caravan, it was only around £160 for the five of us. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Isablog

Welcome to this week's Other Bloggers Family Lives, this week I am featuring Ross who is a first-time dad who blogs about life with a baby and offers lots of advice to fellow dads. 

So let's find out more about the family behind Isablog. 

My Little Pony - My Magical Princess Twilight Sparkle Review

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 We recently reviewed the My Little Pony Canterlot & Seaquestria Castle playset,  and we were also very lucky to also be sent a My Magical Princess Twilight Sparkle pony to review too. 

Both of these toys have been brought out to coincide with the My Little Pony Movie which is due in cinemas for October half term.  

Cicciobello Love n Care Doll Review

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 Cicciobello Love n Care is a lifelike doll that children will love caring for, he cries and his cheek's flush and it is up to children to find out what is wrong with him and help him feel better with the help of the range of accessories that he comes with. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Five Little Doves

This week on Other Bloggers Family Lives I am featuring Laura from Five Little Doves. Laura blogs about family life, days out, reviews and the most beautifully written and heart-breaking posts about her son Joseph who was sadly stillborn.

So let's find out more about the family behind Five Little Doves.

Christmas Toy Shopping At Smyths

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Now that it is October we have started thinking about Christmas in our house, which let's face it is the most magical time of the year. We love Christmas in our house and I normally start planning on what to buy the children months in advance, however this year I did not know what to buy them as they have so many toys already. Then the Smyths toy catalogue came through the letterbox and solved my dilemma, as the children adored looking at it and pointing out the toys that they really wanted. 

My Little Pony Canterlot & Seaquestria Castle Review

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To celebrate the release of the new My Little Pony movie, Hasbro has released some new My Little Pony the Movie toys just in time for Christmas. As part of the Hasbro toy tribe, we were very kindly sent a My Little Pony The Movie Canterlot & Seaquestria Castle playset. 

Decluttering In Time For Christmas With eBay

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Having three children means that we have a lot of stuff!  We have so many toys, old children clothing and baby items that we just never use anymore. I keep meaning to sell them but I just never get around to it. So when Mumsnet challenged me to try selling some unwanted items on eBay I thought this was the perfect chance for a bit of a de-clutter,  especially with Christmas fast approaching.

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Sprog On The Tyne

This week on Other Bloggers Family Lives I am featuring fellow North East parent blogger Caroline from Sprog On The Tyne. Caroline blogs about days out and thing's to do here in the North East that she goes on with her two pre-schoolers.

So let's find out more about the family behind Sprog On The Tyne.

Jurassic Kingdom Newcastle Review

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On Sunday we went along to the Jurassic Kingdom event in Leazes Park Newcastle, as we were giving complimentary tickets to the event in exchange for running a giveaway and promoting the event before it arrived in Newcastle. 

Marie Curie's #FeelSuper Campaign With P&G and Superdrug

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Earlier this week Superdrug relaunched their charity campaign #FeelSuper for its third consecutive year, the campaign is run in partnership with Proctor and Gamble to raise money for Marie Curie. 

This year the campaign is hoping to raise £500,000 for the Marie Curie charity to help care for those with a terminal illness and their families. Once again the campaign is being promoted by singer and celebrity mum of two Frankie Bridges who is asking UK shoppers to help raise the huge £500,000 campaign target.

Riverford Recipe Box Review

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I have found that I tend to stick to the same few meals on rotation and it gets a bit boring after a while. So when I was recently asked if I would like to try out a Riverford recipe box I thought this would be the ideal opportunity to try out some new recipes. 

Riverford recipe boxes are made up of local, fresh organic produce and they are made up with everything that you need to create tasty meals at home. 

They offer a range of boxes such as vegetarian and meat-eating boxes for two or three recipes with a range of boxes such as an original box or ones for under 500 calories or quick cooking times if you want something healthy or speedy. They also offer a good range of fruit, vegetable, salad and meat boxes too for you to enjoy at home.

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Life As A Single Mum

Welcome to this week's Other Bloggers Family Lives, this week I am featuring Charlotte who blogs at Life As A Single Mum. Charlotte blogs about life as a single mum, raising her little boy and her life in Brighton.

 So let's find out more about the family behind Life As A Single Mum. 

Halloween Events In And Around Newcastle For Families

I have been looking at events in or around Newcastle that are on for families this Halloween and thought I would share them in case you are still looking for some ideas. I have also included an event for teens and one for adults too. 

Jurassic Kingdom Is Coming To Newcastle & Family Ticket Giveaway

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Dinosaur fans listen up as Jurassic Kingdom is arriving in Newcastle in just a few days time, and not only do I have all the details about the event but I also have a family ticket to give away to one lucky reader. 

Read on to find out what Jurassic Kingdom is and how you could win yourself a family ticket to see the dinosaurs yourself.

Yvolution Y Glider Refresh Deluxe Child Scooter Review

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My little boy recently turned 3-years-old and like most children his age he loves being outdoors and playing on scooters. So when we were recently sent a Yvolution Y Glider Refresh Deluxe Scooter to review he could not wait to have a scoot about on it. 

The Y Glider scooter is for children aged 3 + and can be used both indoors and outdoors and is perfect for helping little ones develop balance and coordination skills. They are perfect for first-time scooter riders as they have 'lean to steer' steering which helps little ones learn how to steer. You can also change the steering from loose to firm as children develop. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Edinburgh Life With Kids

This week on Other Bloggers Family Lives I am featuring Laura who blogs at Edinburgh Life With Kids which is a family lifestyle blog. Laura blogs about her family life, things to do in Edinburgh, food, style and fitness and a whole host of different subjects.

 So let's find out more about the family behind Edinburgh Life With Kids. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Kizmetcava

This week on Other Bloggers Family Lives I am featuring Bec who blogs at Kizmetcava which is a family lifestyle blog covering a whole range of subjects such as recipes, parenting and a whole heap of positivity.

 So let's find out more about the family behind Kizmetcava. 

FurReal Chatty Charlie The Barkin Beagle Review

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My children are at the age (4 & 3) where they have started asking for a pet dog.  So they were utterly delighted when they were recently sent a FurReal Chatty Charlie The Barkin Beagle dog to review, which is a very cute, interactive beagle puppy dog toy. 

Shuffle & Giggle Tiddlytubbies Review

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This year iconic children's TV show the Teletubbies celebrate their 20th anniversary! It is safe to say the show is still as popular now as it was back then. The biggest change to the show over the years has been the introduction of the rather cute Tiddlytubbies back in 2015, these cute baby Teletubbies are big hits with little ones. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Confessions Of A Working Mum

This week I am featuring Kat who blogs at Confessions Of A Working Mum on Other Bloggers Family Lives. Kat blogs about being mum to little girl Willow and being a working mum. 

So let's find out more about the family behind Confessions Of A Working Mum. 

Tapas Revolution Northern Spain vs Southern Spain Summer Menu Review

*Tapas Revolution Newcastle has now*

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Earlier in the year, I was invited to the pre-launch of Tapas Revolution Newcastle, which opened a few months ago in Eldon Square Newcastle. I was very kindly invited back to Tapas Revolution to try out the new Northern Spain vs Southern Spain tapas taster menu. 

It was lovely to revisit the restaurant after the launch and even though we visited at 2 pm on a weekday it was still bustling with couples enjoying meals, friends sharing a drink and even families sharing tapas together. 

The Northern Spain vs Southern Spain taster tapas menu is amazing value at just £9.95pp for three tapas from the either the North or South of Spain. The two menus are being pitted against each other during the summer with customers voting for their favourite. 

Each of the menus has three set dishes and we tried out both menus to see which we thought was the best. 

Surviving The Summer Holidays With Berocca

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We are now on week five of the summer holidays and I don't know about you but I have been feeling pretty exhausted from having all three of my children home and having to keep them entertained. 

For the first few weeks of the holidays, I was surviving on vats of sugary coffee and sugary treats to try and perk me up and get through the day. This just resulted in me hitting a bit of a mid afternoon slump most afternoons. So last week I  started taking Berocca each morning with my breakfast. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Mummy To Dex

This week on Other Bloggers Family Lives I am featuring Nicola who blogs at Mummy To Dex. Nicola blogs about family life in Liverpool with her little boy Dex along with recipes, reviews and day out posts.

 So let's find out more about the family behind Mummy To Dex. 

Other Bloggers Family Lives Featuring Lylia Rose

This week on Other Bloggers Family Lives I am featuring Victoria who blogs at Lylia Rose which is a family lifestyle blog. Victoria blogs about a whole range of subjects such as working from home, family, healthy living, style and home posts. 

So let's find out more about the family behind Lylia Rose. 

75 Places To Visit With Teens In The North East

Updated 2026

I published this post in 2017 when my eldest was a teenager. I have updated this post for 2026 and have included a few places we have visited that my tweens (aged 12 and 11) have visited recently and enjoyed. 

If you have older children (tweens and teens) and you are looking for days out here in the North East then I have complied a list of 75 places to visit with teens in the North East. From big days out at theme parks to local days out playing mini golf to adventures in the trees at Go Ape to relaxing activities like pottery painting. Hopefully there will be something for everyone and it gives you some inspiration on things to do with teens and older kids.