Crater Craft A New Game - Review

My partner and teen are always playing games on their iPhones 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 the washer to finish. 

Whitehouse Farm Winter Wonderland Review

With just a week to go until Christmas day, my children are so very excited and my son is even more excited after visiting Whitehouse Farms Winter Wonderland on Friday afternoon. 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 as it is just a ten-minute drive up the road from where we live and is somewhere that my children adore visiting. 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.

Trolls Holiday Gift Ideas

Last year my 4-year-old daughter Sophia went to the cinema to watch Trolls and she loved it, as soon as the film came out we bought it and she watched it non-stop. A year later she is still Trolls crazy and so are most of her friends, Trolls mania is still very much here. As Trolls was so popular a new DVD has been realised just in time for Christmas called Trolls Holiday, which is available to buy now for just £4.99. To celebrate we were sent a copy of the DVD and some great Trolls gifts that any fan will be sure to love.

We were sent

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

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. I have watched so many shows there over the years from shows when I was a child, to Fifi and the Flowertots when my eldest was little and more recently Ben & Holly Live with my younger children. I have not visited for a pantomime though I and was looking forward to the show after hearing great things about previous pantos. Unfortunately, my little two were unwell as they had a sickness bug so I attended the show with my teen and her friend instead. 

Ageing Gracefully With Canesten

As a woman in her mid-thirties (I am now 34) and a mum of three my body has changed so much over the years. In my mind, I still somehow think that I am in my mid-twenties and when I remind myself that actually, I am now 34 I feel a bit surprised as it sounds so grown up! Obviously, I know I am grown-up, I am a mum of three and my eldest is now 15-years-old, I have a house and bills to pay, I run my own business and I am planning my wedding.  But sometimes I think we forget we are getting older, we might find the odd grey hair or realise we are going to bed earlier and no longer know all the songs in the charts but we brush these things off. 

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

We moved into our home exactly one year ago and when we moved I just stuck with the gas and electricity supplier that the old lady who lived here before us had. I always thought it would be a hassle to change so I just stuck with the current provider but over the past year, I have realised we spend a lot on our energy bill each month. 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

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. 

Gifts For Teen Girls

I love shopping for my teenage daughter, but as she is getting older I am finding it harder to buy for her as she is asking for less. This year she has asked for new clothes and trainers and an HP Sprokitt printer for photos off her phone. In my latest gift guide, I have a list of some gift ideas that teenage girls are sure to like this Christmas.

1.) Chip Mug 

You can never be too old for Disney and Beauty and the Beast is such a classic that teens will adore, especially after the release of the live action version of the film earlier this year. This Chip mug is perfect for any Beauty and the Beast fan as he is adorable. Priced at £12.99 he is available to buy from Find Me A Gift.

Gift Ideas For Him This Christmas

I always find shopping for the men in my family so hard, whenever I ask them what they want they always say they don't know. This year I am prepared and have decided to share with you all a few gifts for him that I think the men in my life will love this Christmas. 

1.) Braun Electric Shaver

My other half has been asking for an electric razor and this Braun Series 3 electric razor will make the perfect gift. Designed to be tough on beards but smooth on skin. It has a five minute quick charge time which is suitable for one shave. It is priced at just £29.99 from Argos.

12 Days Of Pedigree This Christmas

Now that it is the 1st of December and advent calendars are being opened, it really is starting to feel like Christmas. Everyone is planning festivities for themselves and their family, from decorating the tree, wrapping gifts, visiting family and friends and eating lots of yummy treats. But one thing that is often overlooked at this time of year when everyone is busy in the lead-up to the big day is keeping our four-legged friends happy too. Pets, especially dogs are such an important part of the family and it is good to keep their comfort in mind and prepare them so they can enjoy this magical time of year too. 

Gift Ideas For Young Boys This Christmas

Today I am featuring a range of gifts for young boys in my latest Christmas gift guide. My little boy is three-years-old and every gift in this guide is suitable for children of a similar age to him. As he is only three all that he has asked for this year for Christmas is Pop out Pig game, so we have had to buy him gifts that we think he will like. I think that he will like every item in this gift guide and it includes a mix of toys, keepsakes and practical gifts. 

1.) Personalised Bauble 

This snowman Christmas bauble makes a lovely keepsake and the fact they are personalised makes them a lovely gift idea too. It is made from bone china and feels quite heavy and you can tell it is a quality item. They cost just £8.99 making them a really affordable gift too, you can buy this beautiful snowman bauble from www.giftpup.com

Lunch At Toby Carvery

On Thursday we had such a busy morning, we had people around to discuss our upcoming renovation work, we had errands to run and some more Christmas shopping to get done. As we had been so busy we had totally forgotten about lunch and we were starving, I really did not feel like cooking so we decided to head to Toby Carvery as I was craving a roast dinner. We are big fans of Toby carvery, when I was pregnant with Sophia I used to visit weekly. We visit less often now we have the nursery and school routines to stick too, it has been a few months since we last visited so we were long overdue a visit.

Gifts For Her This Christmas

I find buying for the women in the family so easy as I normally just buy things that I like the look of myself. I would personally be happy with any of the products on this list myself (take note family!). Featuring a range of different products their should (hopefully) be a gift suitable for everyone in my Gifts For Her Gift Guide. 

1.) Braun Silk Epil 9 Wet & Dry Epilator

This 4-in-1 epilation, exfoliation and skin care system is sure to leave her feeling pampered this festive season. With a wet and dry epilator to leave skin fuzz-free, a message pad to improve skin tone and exfoliation brush to leave skin silky smooth. It has an RRP of £165 but it is currently on offer at lots of retailers in the run-up to Christmas.

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

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 are so excited and each day they race downstairs in the morning asking if today is the day we can put our tree up. They truly believe in Father Christmas and the magic of Christmas and it is heartwarming to watch. 

Crepe Affaire Newcastle Review

Last year Newcastle's Eldon Square opened its new Grey's Quater which is home to a great variety of place's to eat and drink. Tucked away on the ground floor 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

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 each morning. I fondly remember having Ready Brek for breakfast when I was a child and now my own children enjoy it for breakfast too, especially my four-year-old daughter Sophia. Packed full of vitamins and minerals and only containing natural ingredients it is the perfect way to start the day before school. Plus it is super quick and easy for us parents to whip up in the morning too, bonus! 

Behind The Scenes At McDonald's

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, just like me and she 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

A couple of weeks ago Cote Brasserie opened a new branch here in Newcastle, I was invited to the press night but unfortunately could not attend and luckily I was booked in for an evening meal a week later instead. 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 and not in cold Newcastle. 

Photo via Cote Brasserie

Silver Cross Pioneer Doll Pram Review

My little girl Sophia is 4-years-old and she loves playing with her dolls and pushing them around in her doll's pram. Now that she is getting older 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. 

Halfords Black Friday Competition

Now that it is November everyone is starting to get ready for Christmas, I know I certainly am. I have started my Christmas shopping and I am hoping that I can get it finished by the end of this month (maybe that is wishful thinking) so that I can relax and enjoy the festivities that December brings. I like to try and be organised for Christmas but I often find myself holding out buying a lot of gifts until the end of November, to see if I can grab myself some Black Friday deals. 

A Prestige Christmas Hamper

I do love Christmas and now that it is November I am starting to think about gifts and getting organised for the big day. 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

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, I had heard great reviews but had never actually visited myself although I have visited sister restaurant Thaikhun in nearby Metrocenter many times.  While Thaikhun has a very family-friendly, street-food type vibe to it Chaophraya has a more elegant and upmarket vibe, making it perfect for date night or a meal out with friends. 

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 - something I really need to get better at as I am terrible at wasting money! So let's find out more about the family behind The Money Whisperer. 

ZooMoo TV Show Review

The last few days have been a bit of a disaster in our household, first we all started coming down with a sickness bug one by one making us housebound for half-term and then our TV broke! A broken TV is not what you need when you stuck at home with two young children to entertain while you are poorly, luckily we have managed to use one of the TV's from the bedroom for now until ours get fixed (fingers crossed).

Blaze And The Monster Machines Animal Island Stunts Speedway Review

My three-year-old son Jacob and 4-year-old daughter Sophia are huge Nick Jr fans and one shows that they both adore watching on there is Blaze and the Monster Machines. They have been watching this show for about a year now and they watch it every, single day as they love it that much. 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. 

We already have a few of the small Blaze and the Monster Machine trucks which the children got in their stockings last Christmas and they play with the little trucks all of the time. So when we were recently asked if we would like to review the new Fisher-Price Blaze and the Monster Machines Animal Island Stunts Speedway set I knew this would be a huge hit with both of them. 

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

My little girl Sophia is a typical little four-year-old girl and she is really into dolls and babies, she has a collection of dolls that she loves to play with. She also really, really likes water play so when we were recently sent a Baby Born Musical Foaming Bathtub to review I knew that this would be a toy she would love. 

Sunderland Illuminations With Tyne & Wear Metro

Every year Sunderland have an illuminations event (from the 5th October to 5th November), 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 traffic and 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

My little boy Jacob 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. We have a plastic Thomas train set and a few Thomas trains which he adores but we don't have any wooden sets. 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 were not going to have a holiday this year as we moved late last year and we knew we would not be able to afford a holiday so we booked a little UK min break instead. 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

My 4-year-old daughter Sophia is My Little Pony crazy at the moment, she watches it non-stop on TV and she has asked for My Little Pony everything for Christmas. We recently reviewed the My Little Pony Canterlot & Seaquestria Castle playset, which Sophia adores 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, which we can not wait to go and see. 

Cicciobello Love n Care Doll Review

My little girl Sophia love's playing doctors and playing with baby dolls, we were sent a Cicciobello Love n Care doll recently that combines both of these things, much to Sophia's delight. 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 one of my favourite bloggers, Laura from Five Little Doves. Laura blogs about family life, days out, reviews and the most beautifully written and heartbreaking posts about her son Joseph who was sadly stillborn. Laura's blog is full of the most beautiful photos and words and it feel's like you're sitting down for a chat with an old friend when you read her blog.

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

Christmas Toy Shopping At Smyths

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

My little girl Sophia is 4-years-old and she is My Little Pony crazy, she watches it on TV non-stop and My Little Pony toys are top of her Christmas wish list. She can not wait to go to the cinema to see My Little Pony the movie which is out in cinemas soon. 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

Having three children means that we have a lot of stuff and as I am a bit of hoarder who never gets rid of anything all the clutter in our house is starting to get to me. 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. I always think that it sounds like a lot of hassle having to sell things so I keep putting it off. 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 one of my favourite fellow North East parent bloggers Caroline from Sprog On The Tyne (such a cool blog name). Caroline blogs about days out and thing's to do here in the North East that she goes on with her two very cute pre-schoolers. She takes some wonderful photos and visits places that I have never even heard of! Caroline is also very friendly and lovey in real life too. 

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

Jurassic Kingdom Newcastle Review

On Sunday we went along to the Jurassic Kingdom event in Leazers Park Newcastle, as my three-year-old son is dinosaur crazy. I will start this review off by saying that I was giving complimentary tickets to the event in exchange for running a giveaway and promoting the event before it arrived in Newcastle. However, I was not asked to write this review and all views in this post are my own.

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

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

As a mum, I always try to cook fresh home cooked meals for my family, however, 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 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 just booked my youngest two children tickets to a Halloween party in our village and now that they are 3 and 4 I think that they are at the age where they will get into the spirit of Halloween. 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

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

My little boy recently turned 3-years-old and like most children his age he loves being outdoors and playing on ride on's and 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.