Festive Tales With Father Christmas At Woodhorn Museum

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On Saturday we were invited along to Woodhorn Museum in Ashington, Northumberland to experience the Festive Tales with Father Christmas event and the children had such a lovely time. 

For those who don't know Woodhorn Museum is a former colliery based just outside of the former mining town of Ashington at the Queen Elizabeth two Country park in Northumberland - about half an hour north of Newcastle. Despite only living 20 minutes away I have never visited Woodhorn since I was a child and the children had never visited before. 

Festive Tales with Father Christmas costs £6.50 per child and includes a gift, which I think is really good value. Adults do not pay but they do need to either buy or use their annual membership which costs £7 per year - under 16s are free. Arriving at Woodhorn in the afternoon everywhere was lit up with hundreds of white twinkling fairy lights which looked magical. 

Jack And The Beanstalk Pantomime At Whitley Bay Playhouse Review

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It just wouldn't be Christmas without a trip to the pantomime and as a family, one pantomime that we always look forward to is the one at Whitley Bay's Playhouse. We have been going to see the pantomime here for the past four years and it is always the children's favourite one as it is perfect for families.

 This year's panto was Jack and the Beanstalk produced once again by Blue Genie Entertainment and starring Ashleigh Butler and Sully the dog, former X-Factor contestant Molly Scott, Playhouse legend Steve Walls and the return of Playhouse favourites Damian Patton, Dame Patsy Trott and David Burton. 

Settling in our seats we were transported to Happyvale and as soon as the curtains were up the audience was captivated with the singing, dancing and non-stop silliness of the cast. Last year I mentioned that there were not enough jokes for us grow-ups well this year there was plenty, myself and my husband were laughing along just as much as the children with many of the jokes going totally over their heads. 

What Parents Of Teenagers Need To Know About TikTok

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Have you heard of the popular app TikTok? As a parent to a 17-year-old, I certainly have as my teenage daughter has been a fan for a while. However, I thought it was an app where you made music videos - but I was wrong. TikTok is much more than that and I have to admit since downloading the app, I am now a fan myself.

What is TikTok? 

Destination 1850 At Newcastle Central Train Station - Review

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* Destination 1850 is no longer open *

Destination 1850 has recently opened in Newcastle's Central Station, train station and it is a great new place to eat. Now you might be wondering why I am writing about train station food as its normally fast food or sandwiches - well Destination 1850 is different and has changed that preconception. 

Destination 1850 is from the people behind popular North East venues YOLO and STACK and is the ideal place to grab a bite to eat before or after a train journey - or even just lunch out if you're passing the area. 

Located just inside the train station entrance you will find Destination 1850 inside the glass covering, beautifully decorated it is cosy and welcoming and even has heated seats to keep you warm. Serving a range of hot drinks, wines, soft drinks and cocktails it also has an impressive food menu - expect to see the likes of pizzas, wraps, salads, loaded fries and sharing boards as well as brunch on the menu. 

Cookhouse And Pub Holystone Family Meal - Review

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* Cookhouse and Pub Holystone has now shut down *

 

We have visited the Cookhouse and Pub Holystone a few times over the last couple of years but this was the first time we have visited with all three children. After a busy morning of swimming lessons and shopping, we headed to the Cookhouse and Pub with rumbling tummies on Saturday lunchtime. We were warmly greeted and shown to a seat in the conservatory area which is bright, modern and perfectly cosy on a crisp autumn day. 

Activity sheets and crayons were provided for the children along with little pots of popcorn for them to nibble on whilst we pursued the menu. They were also offered vegetable sticks but they passed on these. 

Alnwick Castle

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As part of our magical stay at Macondland Linden Hall experiencing the Harry Potter Package we were given a family ticket to Alnwick Castle as this is where some of the first two Harry Potter films were filmed. 

Alnwick Castle is located in Alnwick, Northumberland in the town centre and right next to Alnwick Gardens and the famous treehouse restaurant. We had a family day ticket as part of our Harry Potter package but you can buy tickets for either just the castle or the castle and the garden combined on the day or in advance online. 

Snapstar Dolls Review

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My six-year-old daughter adores playing with her dolls, she likes fashion dolls and spends hours changing their clothes, making up imaginative games with them and playing happily on her own or with her friends. Now there is a new fashion doll in town for children to play with called Snapstar dolls, a squad of six 'influencer dolls' with their own app - yep really. 

There are six Snapstar dolls to collect and each doll looks different and likes different things such as music, make-up, travelling, animals, fashion and crafts. The dolls are a similar size to other fashion dolls and they have moveable limbs and look really appealing for children with lovely sparkly eyes and nice outfits. 

A Family Night In With Arla Goodness

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September always feels like a fresh start, the children go back to school and families get back into a routine after the fun of the summer. I always spend September getting organised and trying to make healthier food choices for my family after a few too many treats during the holidays. As my children are getting older - they are 5,6 and 16, this is especially important as they always come home from school starving and tired and grumpy whilst they settle back in.

So when we were challenged by Arla Goodness to enjoy a family night in I thought this was the perfect way to relax after a busy week of school. 

We all know that milk is a good source of calcium and important to support normal bones and teeth and Arla new Goodness milk provides 50% of an adult's daily calcium requirement in just one 250ml glass. Arla Goodness is a new milk that contains just 1% fat and 30% more protein than semi-skimmed milk making it perfect busy families to incorporate into family life for growing and active children. 

Discovering The Harry Potter Package At Macdonald Linden Hall

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My 6-year-old daughter discovered the magic of Harry Potter earlier this year and she had been desperate to visit Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry ever since. So when an invite landed in my inbox (sadly not via owl post) to try out the new Harry Potter Package at Macdonald Linden Hall country house hotel in Northumberland, it was the perfect opportunity to make my very own little Gryffindors wish come true. 

Macdonald Linden Hall is a country house hotel, golf course and spa nestled in the beautiful Northumberland countryside - about 30 minutes north of Newcastle. Setting off on Friday afternoon after school we were soon pulling up outside the impressive 18th-century manor house set in 450 acres of private grounds and with plenty of free on-site parking. Checking in was super quick and easy and we were warmly greeted by the very friendly receptionist who really made the children feel welcome.

Our North Tyneside Wedding Suppliers

When I was planning our wedding I spent hours and hours searching for wedding suppliers as I had heard so many horror stories. I wanted to book reputable suppliers that were local and didn't charge crazy prices and who would help create the day we wanted. 

One bit of advice I can give to any engaged couple is to take your time, research suppliers and book a trusted supplier as they honestly will make your day extra special. I left the whole day up to our wedding suppliers and they made the day so stress-free and relaxed for us as everything was taken care of and we honestly could not have asked for better. 

We got married in North Tyneside, just north of Newcastle and these are the suppliers we used who all cover the North East area. I recommend them all as we had no problems at all with any of them and without them, our day wouldn't have been as lovely as it was. 

10 Pantomimes To See In The North East This Christmas

As a family we love nothing more than a family day out at the panto each year, it always gets us in the festive spirit and is something we can all enjoy together. I love watching the kids face light up, watching them shout 'he's behind you' and giggle at all the slapstick humour that panto brings.

If you're looking for a festive pantomime to see here in the North East this year then I thought I would put together this little guide to what pantomimes are on this year as we all know they can get booked up super early!

Kynren 2019

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Pulling up in the farmer's field that was being used as a car park we pulled on our waterproof coats as we exited the car as the sky was grey with clouds, splodging through the field as we made our way to the shuttle bus waiting to transport us to witness the most epic tale of England. 

Kynren awaited us. 

The weather forecast was heavy rain and thunderstorms and it has been raining on and off all day, there was a chill in the air even though it was August. Despite the terrible wet and gloomy British weather thousands of people had travelled to Bishop Auckland in Durham to watch history come to life before their very eyes. Spirits were high as locals and tourists alike chatted excitedly about the show they were about to see, the traditional sweet truck and bustling food and drink stalls were doing a roaring trade as people queued for refreshments before the show. 

Go Ape Matfen Review

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When an invite to try out Go Ape tree-top challenge landed in my inbox a few weeks ago my initial reaction was no-way am I trying that as I am terrified of heights. However, once I realised my teen was old enough to go around the course herself (16-17 years can tackle the course alone) then I signed her and her friend up straight away, as Go Ape sounded right up her street (she is a bit of an adrenaline junkie, unlike her mam).

Go Ape is located in Matfen in the lovely Northumberland countryside, right near Matfen hall and golf course and it is only about a 20-minute drive from Newcastle. Luckily on the day we visited the sun was shining and it was a lovely day to be out in the countryside. Following the directions for the golf course, we soon arrived in the large free car park and instantly spotted the wooden Go Ape hut.

We Got Married

After two years of planning, we finally got married!  I honestly don't know where to begin telling you all about the big day as it was just perfect, we were blessed with wonderful weather as it was the hottest day of the year so far, although the whole day just went by so very fast. 

We got married last Saturday, which would have been my late mam's birthday. I chose that day as a way to remember her on my special day and so she was a part of my wedding day. 

Inflata Nation North Shields Review

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Inflata Nation opened its Newcastle venue a few months ago and we were invited to the launch event. Sadly we couldn't make the event but we were kindly invited back to try it out and we visited during the recent May half-term holidays.

  Inflata Nation Newcastle is an inflatable obstacle course inside an inflatable building, so it is super easy to spot. It is located at the Royal Quays in North Shields and its location makes it really easy to get too as it is not far from the A19 and Tyne Tunnel. 

We were booked to attend on a Tuesday lunch-time during half-term so it was busy but we could still get on everything without waiting and there was plenty of free parking available. We had already pre-booked the session online, which is recommended but you can just turn up on the day and see if there is space in the next session. When you arrive you just give the booking number and check the waiver is signed and then you go and watch a safety video. 

Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years Of Magic In Newcastle This October

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Disney On Ice is returning to Newcastle this October to celebrate 100 years of magic -  and I for one can not wait! This year's show is set to bring more than 50 unforgettable Disney stars to the ice from 14 much-loved Disney stories. 

Mickey and Minnie will be on hand as always to introduce us to mesmerising skating scenes from The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Toy Story, Nemo and Aladdin to name just a few. 

As a parent, I adore Disney On Ice, let's be honest must of us do as Disney just evokes such wonderful memories. I have been going to see Disney On Ice for over ten years now, I remember taken my eldest to see Princess Classics all the way back in 2008/2009. She went dressed up as Cinderella, complete with glass slippers and she was thrilled to be watching the show as it set it off a love affair with Disney On Ice. 

Dining Out With Teens - Thaikhun Metrocentre

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I was invited along to Thaikhun in the Metrocentre and decided to take my teen along with me. I think that Thaikhun is a great place to dine with teens as it is relaxed, has interesting decor and yummy food. 

I have visited Thaikhun in the Metrocentre a few times, we have dined there as a family, as a couple and we also attended a cooking class there. 

 

Feeling Nostalgic For The 90s With The Spice Girls

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I loved the 90s, being born in the 80s the 90s was the decade I grew up in and I have so many amazing memories. From the cool TV shows, to the questionable fashion styles, Adidas popper pants, hair scrunchies, plastic dummy necklaces and platform trainers anyone? To the catchy pop music filling the charts, it was a decade full of fun that I remember fondly. 

So when I heard iconic 90s pop group the Spice Girls were back I was instantly transported back to being a teenager, waiting to watch them on Top Of The Pops on a Friday evening and heading to HMV to buy their latest single (remember when you could buy a single on CD?). 

A Family Day Out At The Gate Newcastle With Young Kids

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Saturday's in our house are family days and  we like to have a day out somewhere. We were recently invited along to The Gate complex in Newcastle city centre for an afternoon of family fun so we visited with our 4 and 5-year-old on Saturday afternoon. 

The Gate is somewhere that I have such fond memories of, I partied there with my friends in my 20s, I visited for first dates with my soon to be husband. However it is not somewhere we have visited much with our younger two children (aged 4 and 5 years old). 

Creating A Candy Buffet For Our Wedding With Swizzels

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In just two months time I will be getting married and I am really looking forward to spending time with all of my friends and family. We have picked the food, we have a DJ booked to entertain our guests, we have an amazing photographer to capture the big day and we have a brilliant wedding coordinator who I trust will make our big day run smoothly. So now I am busy planning lots of little finishing touches that our guests will enjoy. 

One thing that I knew I wanted as soon as we started planning a wedding was a candy buffet, so the children (and adults) could enjoy some yummy treats as they danced the night away. Originally we were going to have a sweet cart but they can be rather pricey and I have already blown our wedding budget. So I decided to create a sweet table instead as they are much more affordable. 

Hape Teepee Review

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 Hape recently got in touch and asked if we would like to review one of their teepees I knew the children would have lots of fun and really enjoy testing it out. As making little dens is always fun for kids. 

I had seen photos of the teepee online and it looked really sturdy and the perfect size for my 4 and 5-year-olds to play in together. When it arrived in a rather small storage bag I initially thought there must be some kind of mistake as it looked a lot smaller then I imagined and I was dreading putting the teepee up as I thought it would be in lots of little pieces. However, I was proved wrong on both counts as it was super quick and easy to set the teepee up and it was a lot bigger then it looked in the bag. 

Spirit Riding Free Toy Collection Review

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My 5-year-old daughter dreams of owning her own pony someday. So she watches Spirit Riding Free on Netflix, a TV show about a young girl called Lucky and her horse Spirit. So when I found out that there was a range of Spirit Riding Free toys by Flair I knew these would be a big hit with fans of the show. 

We were sent some of the toys to review, so read on to see what we thought. 

Jump 360 Trampoline Park In Newcastle Review

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On Friday afternoon we headed to Jump 360 Trampoline Park, Newcastle - which is actually located in Benton. Jump 360 is in Bellway industrial estate which is near the big Asda supermarket and Round the Twist soft play. Jump 360 is clearly signposted and is situated near the back of the industrial estate. 

I visited with my 16 year old daughter and her friend and also my five year old daughter. 

A Family Meal At Toby Carvery Kenton Review

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I love a roast dinner so last Saturday when we went shopping at Kingston Park we decided to head to Toby Carvery for lunch. We normally head to Toby Carvery Shiremoor as it is more local but have been to the Kingston Park branch before too. 

We arrived around 2.30pm on a Saturday afternoon and it was fairly busy, however, we were greeted straight away at the entrance and showing to a table in the dining area. I noticed that the restaurant had a bit of an update since I last visited about five years ago and everything looked more modern. 

Slimming World Friendly Chilli Con Carne Recipe

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Week nights are always busy in our house as the children attend various after-school clubs, so I always try and cook quick and easy meals that the whole family will enjoy. One meal that we cook almost every week is Chilli Con Carne and I use a recipe I adapted from when I used to attend Slimming World groups.  It is packed full of hidden veg, is healthy and delicious plus beef is a source of iron which helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. 

This dish takes under half an hour to cook and you can make it in just one big pan, saving on the washing up too - always a plus point in my household. 

Village Hotel Spa Day With Red Letter Days

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This morning I went to The Village Hotel Newcastle (Silverlink) to relax on a Spa day thanks to Red Letter Days who give me a voucher for the occasion. Red Letter Days have a whole host of different vouchers available for different experiences making them the perfect gift idea - they would make a great Mothers Day gift.

 To redeem the gift experience voucher you simply register your voucher online, you will then be giving a phone number of your chosen venue to ring and book and then you hand the voucher in on the day. It was really straightforward to book and as I had been given  Blissful Spa Day for two voucher there was a number of different spas I could book into all over the country. I decided on The Village Hotel Spa as it was local. 

Arriving at the Village Hotel for 9am we arrived at reception and were directed to the spa area which is downstairs near the gym. We were showing to the relaxation room which had dimmed lights, comfy chairs and was very peaceful and we were asked to fill in some forms.

The Highwayman Sizzling Pub In Whickham Review

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Finding somewhere to eat with kids can sometimes be a bit tricky, with fussy eaters and kids who don't sit still we always try and head somewhere family friendly with a relaxed atmosphere that serves food that the children enjoy. One such place is our local sizzling pub, which serves pub food the kids (and us grown-ups) enjoy, plus it is such great value for money too.

 I was recently invited along to the recently refurbished The Highwayman Sizzling Pub which is on Whickham Highway in Gateshead, not far from the Metrocentre. I have never visited The Highwayman before so we headed there for tea last week after school with my dad.  

ClassDojo Keeping Parents Informed Of Their Child's School Life

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Every day when I pick up my children from school I ask them what they have done that day, I always get the same reply "I don't remember" or "Nothing". So when I heard about ClassDojo I wished my children's school used this as it sounds like a great way to help us parents know what our children have been up to and how they are getting on at school. 

Finding Out Where I Come From With Findmypast

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Do you ever wonder where you come from? 

About all the ancestors who came before and helped make you the person you are today? 

Now that I am older and have children of my own it is something that I often think about. When I was a little girl my grandparents would often tell me tales about where their families came from. I wish I could remember what they told me as I didn't have much interest when I was younger and now I am older and interested my grandparents are no longer with us. I think that is the reason why I am so curious about finding out about my past. 

Finding Childcare Is Easy With Childcare.co.uk

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Like most families these days finding someone to watch our children is hard, grandparents often work, families live miles apart and everyone is leading busy lives. 

Myself and the other half rarely have any time apart from the children, date nights are rare in our house. 

Boxy Girls Dolls & Fashion Pack Review

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My five-year-old daughter is really into surprise toys, she loves the surprise element of opening things up and discovering what is inside. So when I heard about Boxy Girls which are fashion dolls that come with surprise boxes of accessories I knew these would be of interest to her. 

We were kindly sent Riley and Brooklyn dolls (£17.99 each) plus a Fashion pack (£9.99), there are also two other dolls to collect called Nomi and Willa.

 Boxy Girls are rather cute dolls, they look childlike with big heads and huge box-shaped eyes, long brush-able hair and fully moveable arms and legs.  Each doll comes with four small surprise boxes which contain accessories. 

Safer Internet Day With Project MC2

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Today, Tuesday the 5th of February is Safer Internet Day and in today's digital world it is something that all of us parents need to be aware of. As a parent to three children  keeping my children safe online is something that I do worry about and try and be aware of - especially as my teen now uses social media. 

With this in mind Project MC2, who you may be familiar with from the Netflix show or from the great range of S.T.E.A.M toys, have produced some top tips for keeping children safe online. Something I think all of us parents should read and familiarise ourselves with. 

Behind The Seams Costume Exhibit At Preston Park Museum Teesside

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On Sunday we were invited along to Preston Park Museum in Stockton-On-Tees, to explore the new Behind The Seams exhibition. The exhibition provides a glimpse into the world of costume design and explores the story behind Angels Costumes, the worlds greatest costume houses who have been dressing the stars of stage, screen and TV for over 175 years. 

As I had never visited Preston Park before I had no idea what to expect, so read on to see what I thought.