tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54591667169098196472024-03-18T19:58:11.463+00:00run out of womb... learning how to be a mum from scratchLucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.comBlogger242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-42735230591607785552023-04-28T13:10:00.001+01:002023-04-28T13:15:09.560+01:00Disney World Florida hacks, tips and money-saving for young families<p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasRS4yJL0GLftg4VZHSjElRmBliVgzdYC-nECVVv-KSsjfITycdujW_yCDGtKFUdg1VM1RY3TuuZvJymUhQifC87xd0S35GeRPPpdAB0RxrzFkEa6QW9ctlWokgwlvEvcs1zg6aRp5vdaKRzSXL89oWUsP7U5LCMcT8A8QRzGdBgEkBqN-0OdFOMd/s1191/DSC_1188.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1191" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasRS4yJL0GLftg4VZHSjElRmBliVgzdYC-nECVVv-KSsjfITycdujW_yCDGtKFUdg1VM1RY3TuuZvJymUhQifC87xd0S35GeRPPpdAB0RxrzFkEa6QW9ctlWokgwlvEvcs1zg6aRp5vdaKRzSXL89oWUsP7U5LCMcT8A8QRzGdBgEkBqN-0OdFOMd/w640-h426/DSC_1188.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br />We’re just back from a trip to all the epic theme parks in <a href="https://www.visitorlando.com/unbelievably-real/">Orlando</a> and every night I cracked down to do more research than I did for my degree. Which Disney parks are best for young kids? Do you really need a Genie+ pass? (The FastPass is no more). What are the must-haves to pack? Where should we stay - on-park or off? What are the best rope-drop hacks? How can I pack all the rides into one day? Are there ANY ways to save money in super-expensive Orlando?</span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I’m far from a guru - I’ve just been on the one Disney trip as a grown-up! - but we packed in EIGHT theme parks in as many days, with a two-year-old, five-year-old and seven-year-old rollercoaster addict - and learnt a lot. This post is just focused on the Disney parks - here’s what I’d tell my best friend taking her family to Orlando, Florida (apart from ‘expect to have the most amazing time - it’s absolutely incredible.’)</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-90f89811-7fff-d773-1316-53514651585e"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a></span><b>The Disney Parks</b><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are four: <a href="https://www.disneyworld.co.uk/">Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney's Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Magic Kingdom Park</a>. You’ll have fun at all of them, but from our experience, if you have to skip one, Animal Kingdom was the least impressive for younger kids, although it’s mini Dr Doolittles’ dream, with wild animals intermingled with thrilling rides. It’s a relatively small park and very walkable. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VWAtfa_QY5pW8DmkL8YDJj9ux8B2lJm8-RLSCo7RlIEemyBEjs9WUBP7XZmMf3Ja47pcuMSm1mUUbhcnVkEkcELeGaWrHde6etmXRkqDLF_rlieMoiKPc8FV4ae7SZPRcCvYS7gzq2I8PNTV0uxNHQs_6sL_5xNtzSxoL-FXwVBgs4V-cUMlRFop/s793/IMG_6095%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VWAtfa_QY5pW8DmkL8YDJj9ux8B2lJm8-RLSCo7RlIEemyBEjs9WUBP7XZmMf3Ja47pcuMSm1mUUbhcnVkEkcELeGaWrHde6etmXRkqDLF_rlieMoiKPc8FV4ae7SZPRcCvYS7gzq2I8PNTV0uxNHQs_6sL_5xNtzSxoL-FXwVBgs4V-cUMlRFop/s320/IMG_6095%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Epcot is unmissable: a mixture of dazzling rides like the 3D Ratatouille and Frozen and Guardians of the Galaxy, and older attractions like Soarin’ and the amazing international</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘countries’ of World Showcase. It’s big - if you have early access, head to your top two rides, then take relaxed wanders around the World Showcase for a few hours as these rides don’t have large queues and they’re lovely to wander.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYD-8L2TCWVTM3iCoD22mXKaSx7vyytOhqa9sVJWwgPzBfmO4Db2CkmHABe8G4kMw4A589lKyhltTQt0Ny-zyXu1Vm-YqxzVV_dD-yZJNtoJ8WEdLXwgwUAqDrRXR3Mjzrqag7aSaLAtXHbK9Dm017MJj-buER2C1u5wNwIO2b8xfrYl2ysvrim4Vp/s1058/IMG_6183.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1058" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYD-8L2TCWVTM3iCoD22mXKaSx7vyytOhqa9sVJWwgPzBfmO4Db2CkmHABe8G4kMw4A589lKyhltTQt0Ny-zyXu1Vm-YqxzVV_dD-yZJNtoJ8WEdLXwgwUAqDrRXR3Mjzrqag7aSaLAtXHbK9Dm017MJj-buER2C1u5wNwIO2b8xfrYl2ysvrim4Vp/s320/IMG_6183.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t miss the free madcap Coca Cola drinks you can try from all around the world - my son’s highlight. Epcot doesn’t have traditional, turn-twisting rollercoasters but more experiential rides and it’s very atmospheric at night, with the buzzy ambiance of excited holiday-makers and a spectacular evening fireworks show. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkhHKKqoHAkeHUeGtemkOfRLKLp7jMGU2oI_eIbyiMmxjcXlFwQTbYli_oonu3U2QPVm80tIumegnS39ETLov_bXzIX2DIIgkyGl0qOtlQq7yNyfF0YrZ2cFP_o2-uujF_FvvIpoHz_oV4jBvOsLhdbwahH4plrjtaIoS4ER-QPl1KdqAaa7RLXQV/s1191/DSC_1297.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1191" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkhHKKqoHAkeHUeGtemkOfRLKLp7jMGU2oI_eIbyiMmxjcXlFwQTbYli_oonu3U2QPVm80tIumegnS39ETLov_bXzIX2DIIgkyGl0qOtlQq7yNyfF0YrZ2cFP_o2-uujF_FvvIpoHz_oV4jBvOsLhdbwahH4plrjtaIoS4ER-QPl1KdqAaa7RLXQV/s320/DSC_1297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For Disney purists and younger families, Magic Kingdom is your most important stop: it’s so special! We built a rough itinerary based on what felt like 57-hours of PhD-level online research. Stay on-site at a Disney hotel to get in early - we opted for Swan Reserve, which was luxurious and relaxing - and then arrive half an hour before the early rope drop. Plan to see at least one of the Magic Kingdom’s parades. They’re super organised: marker tapes spring out of nowhere to say where to stand, the smiliest, nicest staff firmly make it clear there’s no way you’re going to cross this road when MICKEY IS ABOUT TO GLIDE DOWN.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep4Me0N5SRQteFZZMHDIvNrhpJklbtGRWr4QesV55Mxu1VeICNJ3kpHS2oe_6eqxLau5I1kdTI87KhboU-9GJ1DoulmeFYQtuT11AcV4fuFJrV5CVmkKO4D5hCsKPppYk6fufWy0d4eeR2rdjIO4SjuE7R6nBBaG96k6ygpGYmPf-YhVJvIQ6kpqD/s1058/IMG_6222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1058" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep4Me0N5SRQteFZZMHDIvNrhpJklbtGRWr4QesV55Mxu1VeICNJ3kpHS2oe_6eqxLau5I1kdTI87KhboU-9GJ1DoulmeFYQtuT11AcV4fuFJrV5CVmkKO4D5hCsKPppYk6fufWy0d4eeR2rdjIO4SjuE7R6nBBaG96k6ygpGYmPf-YhVJvIQ6kpqD/s320/IMG_6222.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They’re worth it: hit the Mickey celebration parade at 3pm. Go to Main Street, try near the Christmas Shoppe, there’ll be a crack of pavement for your kids to sit on near the front despite others spending an hour (the time waste! The rides to fit in!) perching there to secure their spot pre-parade. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ride-wise, at MK It’s a Small World is as beautiful and classic as ever; updated yet still the same - it’s that Disney magic. Other hits include Buzz Lightyear’s laser-shooting fun </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">where you control your console, Winnie the Pooh in a manic dash around 100 Aker Wood. Big Thunder Mountain is a long, fun rollercoaster suitable for even scaredycats like me; Space Mountain has more scares. There are lots of opportunities to meet characters (and they’re bookable too with Genie+ otherwise there can be long queues. Some good opportunities to relax are the steam train ride around the park, the 3D Mickey Philharmania where you’re blasted with Donald’s orchestra screw-up and really rained on.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.284; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Genie+ and ride timetables</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Download the DisneyWorld app - it’s a must, and take a block charger with, in case you run out of battery. The Genie+ booking scheme (is around $20/extra a person; you’ll grimace at this addition to an already pricey park ticket, but you need it to ensure your day isn’t queues-upon-queues interspersed with occasional rides). You can pack the vast majority of the rides into one day with Genie+.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Buying it means you can make one Genie+ booking at 7am for one of the big-queue attractions as early as possible. Use any early access perks you have (if staying at a Disney hotel) to sprint to one of your favourite rides, then hit a second before the rest of the crowds come in, when you’ll go to your Genie+ booking. As soon as you go on your Genie+ ride, book the next ride, and keep doing this all day.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ask attendants about ride times, the app is sometimes wrong - a 10m listing can turn into 45m, or vice versa, but the ride staff are - you guessed it - lovely and helpful. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Timing: cram in as much as you can in the morning, queues peak at midday then never really die down, you think it will in the evening, it won’t as much as you think</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The adult/teenage crowd just pour in at supper time (and they don’t ignore the kiddy rides like you think - nostalgia, I guess). On the upside, there’s no annoying European queue-jumpers, no surliness - everyone gets on. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.284; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Other Disney World tips:</b></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t worry about getting around: the monorails, boats and buses glide in and out with the sort of frequency Londoners only dream of from the Circle Line. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.284; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dress your kids in bright Ts. Don’t go for some matching family affair you find on Etsy. This is near-uniform in the theme parks, you’ll lose your kids. GO FOR BRIGHT. Take ID bands and discuss what to do if kids get lost, especially if staying for the night-time fireworks parade - it’s dark, packed, a huge crowd, and easy to get lost. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are paid-for photographers dotted around everywhere (part of the unlimited photography package) but they will happily take pics with your own camera too for free. And they’ll get CInderella’s castle in exactly the right position for you. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you can, go for a hopper ticket: it gives you access any of the other parks from 2pm, and since some open til as late as 11pm, if your kids have stamina you can have huge long days packed with attractions. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The single let down at Disney is the food: there are burgers, so many burgers, pizzas, fries, SO MUCH FRIES, popcorn stands which reeked of fake cheese for some reason, but after a while, even my kids were craving a vegetable. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Take lunch sandwiches in if you can be bothered. Epcot has the best array of food offerings; at Magic Kingdom, Pinnochio’s has surprisingly good pizza at lunchtime. If you’re out late waiting for a parade, grab a fast food picnic, ask for a takeaway bag and eat it in front of Cinderella’s castle waiting for the nighttime show and fireworks to start, at around 8:15pm.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Money-saving ideas</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Orlando is pricey, theme parks are even pricier. You’ll need to budget a lot to get there, and stay there. Our money-saving tips are: take an indirect flight if you can deal with the hassle - flying via Philadelphia took $1000s off our total bill and worked out very smoothly. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’ve toddlers/young kids, pack a whole load of their favourite oat/fruit bars and other snacks from home - even supermarket food was expensive in Orlando ($8 for a pack of </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">apples!). </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Book a condo rather than a hotel so you can make your own breakfast and pack sandwiches if you want to for later in the day - we stayed at <a href="https://www.sonder.com/en-gb/destinations/orlando/vista-cay/c31235">Sonder at Vista Cay</a>, which was clean, with lovely pools and well-located. Picnics were de rigueur. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.284; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Other fun things to do</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://wildfloridaairboats.com">Wild Florida</a>: an hour-long air boat tour where you speed along on a bed of air, warm wind rushing through your hair as you spot alligators and birds of prey. Wild Florida Gator Park next door has a huge array of impressive animals and there’s a drive-through safari too. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.284; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.crayolaexperience.com/">Crayola Experience </a>was a highlight for my younger kids - there are really unusual craft activities- you can melt crayons then spin their drips into wax patterns, melt down crayons into chosen shapes, model-making, colouring, make your own colouring books of your photo, create your own Crayola crayon, name it and label it and take it home; there’s dancing on crayon patterns and 3D scanners that will turn your drawings into real cars on a track and models on a runway. Plus soft play, creative app play, and more colouring opportunities - a refreshing contrast to non-stop knackering activity of traditional theme park. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3qAnjtiYH815xfYrSVdEexjlWbc9XUh45QkYIk7ziAu3NA8rnkd5G6XJH0_wMMN5wu1MKsi6D8WiR4WqZL20q_2MrggxFGs5O3WDV-HHz-fa1ao0f8828m8SXPiOsHWT-eRb-52XS8_jkowcoA49t4j1NaJvHXdeOHfhmtu1BQdzxkYBH4ALrhxd/s1313/DSC_0939.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1313" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3qAnjtiYH815xfYrSVdEexjlWbc9XUh45QkYIk7ziAu3NA8rnkd5G6XJH0_wMMN5wu1MKsi6D8WiR4WqZL20q_2MrggxFGs5O3WDV-HHz-fa1ao0f8828m8SXPiOsHWT-eRb-52XS8_jkowcoA49t4j1NaJvHXdeOHfhmtu1BQdzxkYBH4ALrhxd/s320/DSC_0939.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBpn5iGdXplTzSD0q-f30X46_V-jKxQU1Onl9hM_rMSgSZSFMDG6gZwJW3lxzUsnjqRlyvRlfgmmYBVl8Koe0X69deeZHqADBVXBYGXoZ-XseczS1UcaUJCJOIHi_NWdTffU-1-b6k8s2NURuilDZ9CxjjjWFwxEwnFAvUGL0DXF5FE9hg-Eancgi/s1191/DSC_0979.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1191" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBpn5iGdXplTzSD0q-f30X46_V-jKxQU1Onl9hM_rMSgSZSFMDG6gZwJW3lxzUsnjqRlyvRlfgmmYBVl8Koe0X69deeZHqADBVXBYGXoZ-XseczS1UcaUJCJOIHi_NWdTffU-1-b6k8s2NURuilDZ9CxjjjWFwxEwnFAvUGL0DXF5FE9hg-Eancgi/s320/DSC_0979.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.284; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> * </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks to Visit Orlando for helping with this trip, initially based on <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/escapist/orlando-destination-guide-disney-world-parks-hotels-b1067321.html">an Evening Standard commission </a>where you can read much more about our visit.</span></p><br /><br /></span><br />Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-24505886902121734642022-06-07T19:32:00.012+01:002022-06-07T19:37:48.424+01:00Fresh reads: a review of Books2Door<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-7wTG7xXPY3dQPJ7syoxCprzJ-BtErZJvwpUOpyCPOEEO4sj171u0z3sD4bf0bYv0UPRtDP-JtxfT8ihm9DqZ5hBmg6m41iVBFnGUh33FE9xce_v_9T5O6WFdRk8Z1AFz72aoByRWYCPqClPk6T-aHsMkV4tMc3_SCG-UwWqUl3fvPL5RxrUPmVL/s534/5%20-%20Copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinewMe0TZJVvO8FCR5b7qfJQ4T81B_T5O7vzumMWJMpz1QfoA5tPph8q8fhfiHEYXCOjgs6X35KVra6_xkH2YxsFcCl27Qwas3hiFhmo3wHPu-Bp8WvSIdQ9m4ZmN9P97z_bmpnQbsU0upmKz7X0UK1Eyk16eNx_NE4UonfFUF1RYJqg3n97eOrKsu/s320/IMG_5025.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: left;"> </span></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">Books books books: early on when my first baby (who's now somehow seven?!) was born, I made a promise to myself that whenever he asked me to read a story, or held a book up to me pleadingly, I'd always stop whatever I was doing and sit down and read with him.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">And now I'm a mum of three with endless work deadlines and homework demands and meals to cook and Whatsapps to answer and and and... I still try to follow this pledge but sometimes life intervenes! </span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I do still think that reading with the kids is one of the best ways to spend time together - even my biggest will curl into our bed with his siblings if I put on my silliest voices and read an old fave. So, when <a href="https://www.books2door.com" target="_blank">Books2Door</a> got in touch to ask if I'd like to pick out a book collection or two to read together, I couldn't refuse! <br /><br />My four-year-old is learning to read but not super enthusiastic about it - I think having an older brother who can already do it, and pretty much always has his nose in a book, makes him frustrated he still has to put the building blocks of reading into place. But the <a href="https://www.books2door.com/products/usborne-my-first-reading-library-50-book-collection-ages-5-7-paperback" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Usborne: My First Reading Library</a> from Books2Door has really caught his imagination. </span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsj7OqyrYol3jIJPnCOuRQ9pEvstbUd1pUdcC9fNr80QYSZoaeALcWCnJUflJm35MqYsDFo58XYk0h74BOsr6Lp1feT3yCa42RoD8oB08Br_vvFLUwplTxNjqgmeQkCF3pwEdf4Se1nqPhn2VZ2ZSIJr1RaLrMI_EYv7tdrGVsBnsQged6ENUA4C0R/s4032/IMG_5029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsj7OqyrYol3jIJPnCOuRQ9pEvstbUd1pUdcC9fNr80QYSZoaeALcWCnJUflJm35MqYsDFo58XYk0h74BOsr6Lp1feT3yCa42RoD8oB08Br_vvFLUwplTxNjqgmeQkCF3pwEdf4Se1nqPhn2VZ2ZSIJr1RaLrMI_EYv7tdrGVsBnsQged6ENUA4C0R/s320/IMG_5029.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It's cleverly split up into different levels - at first, some of the pages are for me to read, and some for him, so there's lots of story lines to keep things interesting and the pace of the read is faster. The series starts with only eight letters in stage one and after this, continues with getting trickier with new elements of phonics. By stage eight, they read the book aloud by themselves. We're not there yet but we're having a ball getting through a book each evening, and one of the best things is the site offers such huge reductions on books - this set contains 22 individual books for well under £30!</span></div><div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The second package of books we were super excited to read is another Usborne classic (I love their books) - the First Encyclopaedia range, which again is really good value at £44 for eight fact-STUFFED hardback books, covering history (including child-friendly narratives on wars, the pyramids, and ancient civilisations), the human body, space, nature and far more. My son now daily chirps up with 'did you know...' gems gleaned from these books which he's not put down since first receiving them. They're packed with pictures and really well-written with clear explanations of some of the super-hard questions he daily stumps me with.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUl89OiA93vUIQFAA14d98YY84f_JtO39dR13YliICH6oxDg8XkWDYtq8fGyfuAQHr0mOfCaZRaNuJMzueDGSfg4lWz_NyYsv9RYA_k4ssgi7RjSvDplpQZp041kWqwaL0PsVfudYDAlPGsm8G6xbjYN9BESHFjGHEifNz7s2X6xSpfXAIT72BS3y/s4032/IMG_5026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUl89OiA93vUIQFAA14d98YY84f_JtO39dR13YliICH6oxDg8XkWDYtq8fGyfuAQHr0mOfCaZRaNuJMzueDGSfg4lWz_NyYsv9RYA_k4ssgi7RjSvDplpQZp041kWqwaL0PsVfudYDAlPGsm8G6xbjYN9BESHFjGHEifNz7s2X6xSpfXAIT72BS3y/s320/IMG_5026.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">One of the big discount book sites disappeared during the pandemic and I've really missed the option of stocking up on reasonable, great reads for the kids and for party bags too: now I've found Books2Door I'll be checking in regularly on all of its stock.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* <i>Thanks to B2D for sending us some reads to try out their site.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The @books2dooruk service is absolutely amazing as it is so easy to order and the items were delivered so fast too! There is also such an incredible selection of books, which would make amazing gifts now that Christmas is fast approaching! 📚</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">#books2door #books2dooruk #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks</span></p></div>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-83769691633538820892022-03-30T20:07:00.002+01:002022-03-30T20:07:26.037+01:00Review: The Grove, one of London's most family-friendly hotels<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x-uTpNbH7s6z3cCd4bwLNYdsxrI6Kfwe38IcEtCiiFDF_Tjp360m11zHB1Zduc6rtiJ65hut0ZkKaEG0A0lPBEARvRqiNW-Hs7n_e1r6M0lWNM9grpNzfGaZ87N40zh_Z2lxsB8XgI_M7sK4Gkgkzk3tPskAmzWnux76ZKjeDZ1J9utnUehGaCJ2/s4032/IMG_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x-uTpNbH7s6z3cCd4bwLNYdsxrI6Kfwe38IcEtCiiFDF_Tjp360m11zHB1Zduc6rtiJ65hut0ZkKaEG0A0lPBEARvRqiNW-Hs7n_e1r6M0lWNM9grpNzfGaZ87N40zh_Z2lxsB8XgI_M7sK4Gkgkzk3tPskAmzWnux76ZKjeDZ1J9utnUehGaCJ2/w400-h300/IMG_0004.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">For the Capital's parents, one of the great things about a getaway to The Grove is the journey: it might feel like it's in the depths of the English countryside - all rolling hills and Spring daffodils when we visited - but this resort-style hotel was only half an hour from our part of NW London. It means you arrive fresh and ready to explore the 300 verdant acres, and there's so much to do for everyone in the family. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Our kids - six, four, and one - loved an early morning explore of the vast woodlands, where there's a giant musical trail, a cycling route and free bikes for under 12s, plus a free, app-based treasure hunt involving taking photos and looking for hidden signs. There are various bike routes (and adult bikes to be hired too) along the canal or inland, but you won't want to stray for too long because there's so much to do at The Grove. <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vsFJZjIb3PnTv3pDuwrI75WYPOPjSPOFSnLTMcpXO0SZqbOhYNJyRw5E84cfjUP0t47n7IooWz0mM5LOWpX9LAzMo4gemGKLLgmx2FWcWZVQ4dg5Ucfcv8VsCmwzDx0rtpCeFsmtquKiZTtTFnseCcVjODA9CKyDWHSaXS6dpUxAu5Kkv43MAw2_/s4032/IMG_0108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vsFJZjIb3PnTv3pDuwrI75WYPOPjSPOFSnLTMcpXO0SZqbOhYNJyRw5E84cfjUP0t47n7IooWz0mM5LOWpX9LAzMo4gemGKLLgmx2FWcWZVQ4dg5Ucfcv8VsCmwzDx0rtpCeFsmtquKiZTtTFnseCcVjODA9CKyDWHSaXS6dpUxAu5Kkv43MAw2_/s320/IMG_0108.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjFuaTsvGvlamXt4sFPZqMME5k91iygASNY2MMyjHno_dU31j5njpaEoKIkzzrX2L1O420GOMxkEjEw7FOpZg7nJiT26MSW9faxNZHvybEXHjldVxegtUTs-ss4TyhA4dxsoXxYiprbe662C38XeJ4kT32JxXpd2V5vhOmCLhDv-4Zt6ESYygFK2u/s4032/IMG_0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjFuaTsvGvlamXt4sFPZqMME5k91iygASNY2MMyjHno_dU31j5njpaEoKIkzzrX2L1O420GOMxkEjEw7FOpZg7nJiT26MSW9faxNZHvybEXHjldVxegtUTs-ss4TyhA4dxsoXxYiprbe662C38XeJ4kT32JxXpd2V5vhOmCLhDv-4Zt6ESYygFK2u/s320/IMG_0133.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSrRm8Wg4-q2DbN5tv0rTZ3Y46jXDFG3qnH9bhM_mh731c8LXwJczaLlZcn6idyEOWVKgNGeb_JS71O-5emOkSvLMLSehkhiCPzz3k0RLNA1tbuuXGena8XEWUsEBT7vC_-2OAj0SlWFEDDjt1Us1ZE5UT_Js2QaF8kWIX3lZ-nCal9CZ8eGqSzoo/s4032/IMG_0136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSrRm8Wg4-q2DbN5tv0rTZ3Y46jXDFG3qnH9bhM_mh731c8LXwJczaLlZcn6idyEOWVKgNGeb_JS71O-5emOkSvLMLSehkhiCPzz3k0RLNA1tbuuXGena8XEWUsEBT7vC_-2OAj0SlWFEDDjt1Us1ZE5UT_Js2QaF8kWIX3lZ-nCal9CZ8eGqSzoo/s320/IMG_0136.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The extremely well-stocked trove of free arts and craft activities in the Potting Shed could have kept my kids happy for a week - in fact, half of the Potting Shed's creations seem to come back in our suitcase. There are china mugs to paint for tea sets, and wooden wind chimes to decorate, staff on hand to help set up craft obstacle courses and sort out pen dramas - for my kids, it was like being set free in Hobbycraft and told they could make whatever they wanted. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsLR8JNdLNYr_kUOjfv3KHVsTtDlMp-J2Bj7qx3Fe_6EAPwXB-BuypXPDP_57WIVJs9-wtWgfLLwgTnsm2idnTfpzfPdL2wM29b2SOZPJ18XFt12tm1wThd31FulCguTwJUNiN2pzRKZkzccaF56gsguXAk9BZskrpET5Vhj4R0f5rcUFWHf3pBzw/s4032/IMG_9963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsLR8JNdLNYr_kUOjfv3KHVsTtDlMp-J2Bj7qx3Fe_6EAPwXB-BuypXPDP_57WIVJs9-wtWgfLLwgTnsm2idnTfpzfPdL2wM29b2SOZPJ18XFt12tm1wThd31FulCguTwJUNiN2pzRKZkzccaF56gsguXAk9BZskrpET5Vhj4R0f5rcUFWHf3pBzw/s320/IMG_9963.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVb-MGaXWeHehq-RYoSdqb6QDTbukxj5o1LiDMkZwctUPVAAY--RS_KwoYu-fq70-FAlftHdCQc_iNNZNl7YtN6RAsamtplCHY7-NvAkx5J6UwYS5ld5cdIAM7pQ6IQxfbIk9Fn4PZGZp13N9WGvU8C_tMbAvGPt65-bqIfRfSDuhg3s0uFc1NIxo/s4032/IMG_9966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVb-MGaXWeHehq-RYoSdqb6QDTbukxj5o1LiDMkZwctUPVAAY--RS_KwoYu-fq70-FAlftHdCQc_iNNZNl7YtN6RAsamtplCHY7-NvAkx5J6UwYS5ld5cdIAM7pQ6IQxfbIk9Fn4PZGZp13N9WGvU8C_tMbAvGPt65-bqIfRfSDuhg3s0uFc1NIxo/s320/IMG_9966.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayDxbpwRRi-iMHlpBTUjinRTGiLyU6eN3qpNLUuV4R-bldaXCrz5XXW2PwE7Kwg7tq5cZDakf4SVFaA_QJhakh5Sr7Ca4e4Vp4VTIRs1AXEaQwnnDMCpCxJj7UOQKU5dcKQ7_z8VqNYBluTCNgotN5RRNKQjWQmML5rVrRANWAaHbkzPM3mj-DMof/s4032/IMG_9969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayDxbpwRRi-iMHlpBTUjinRTGiLyU6eN3qpNLUuV4R-bldaXCrz5XXW2PwE7Kwg7tq5cZDakf4SVFaA_QJhakh5Sr7Ca4e4Vp4VTIRs1AXEaQwnnDMCpCxJj7UOQKU5dcKQ7_z8VqNYBluTCNgotN5RRNKQjWQmML5rVrRANWAaHbkzPM3mj-DMof/s320/IMG_9969.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Only one thing got them more excited: the food. The Grove has a gaggle of restaurants, as you'd expect for a hotel of this size; there's haute cuisine and a gastropub near the golf course, but the most fun you'll have as a family is at the Glasshouse restaurant. Parents and children alike were agog at our first post-pandemic buffet - there's a sushi station, pasta bar, gyoza, roasted meats, salads, cheese, an Asian station - there there was the dessert area, complete with an ice cream sundae stand.. I'll let the photos do the talking here...</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi666_eRWk1ocSt1xHku3kjAInSIGjLEN9XE8B4wRuaDojshfBh4OvjyZDU1q0ldj6pqBYaPd7LhjFvKkzQNnc07q_HvkywF0ngCoz7X9FfAMH5JTpf8h445s5yM3QWGJsy3yhI_NIIFuZy4yqGdhn5KB0LLNa77QSMfw6OYd7SImRw5IAE93Dho7_q/s4032/IMG_0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi666_eRWk1ocSt1xHku3kjAInSIGjLEN9XE8B4wRuaDojshfBh4OvjyZDU1q0ldj6pqBYaPd7LhjFvKkzQNnc07q_HvkywF0ngCoz7X9FfAMH5JTpf8h445s5yM3QWGJsy3yhI_NIIFuZy4yqGdhn5KB0LLNa77QSMfw6OYd7SImRw5IAE93Dho7_q/s320/IMG_0054.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhRP6fQ20Cegla3ickLJQxFVvBL-rBXNcWv4qIHJTDs640oxWMSkPCQnjiDO-3SN2A1Cegosgsph8SKNeBYxhv_OG0C2NAASJS9ym3hlYZ5kpJsGYrSpmkjg_KLptHm13TVJfo20Bcutf5_fgvJZsXe_9StL8LcUMxvvpTaTlSx5WOWT5pnqD0GSN/s4032/IMG_0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhRP6fQ20Cegla3ickLJQxFVvBL-rBXNcWv4qIHJTDs640oxWMSkPCQnjiDO-3SN2A1Cegosgsph8SKNeBYxhv_OG0C2NAASJS9ym3hlYZ5kpJsGYrSpmkjg_KLptHm13TVJfo20Bcutf5_fgvJZsXe_9StL8LcUMxvvpTaTlSx5WOWT5pnqD0GSN/s320/IMG_0056.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51MtFqw7EKNCWH9Yj9--1hhO3HiWoWzHcL-3I02Ll8ZlCkm2-Z9i_ELVuiVXJ0-sqqcPC2YSpkn4EZtTfGX_l_B2Ou6Qk-5CnjF4nAQBrs02D6GtnvLzq5_PmWDFhdpt5lM7Q55izqIBeg8lCHGq2NL1NLEKHJxmlBwLSzdByGXhlEwyRA5VI5wUo/s4032/IMG_0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51MtFqw7EKNCWH9Yj9--1hhO3HiWoWzHcL-3I02Ll8ZlCkm2-Z9i_ELVuiVXJ0-sqqcPC2YSpkn4EZtTfGX_l_B2Ou6Qk-5CnjF4nAQBrs02D6GtnvLzq5_PmWDFhdpt5lM7Q55izqIBeg8lCHGq2NL1NLEKHJxmlBwLSzdByGXhlEwyRA5VI5wUo/s320/IMG_0061.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaZ0PHMFJbhRJ-LC5BLSNm3WjX3t7nFaZqyJ-JjNvnMNwgn_V3T73uB6pw6menzeeM0LTryoo0i2vX5fHNiFGfZ3x3xjgbut5zChmrU2RHhOCQDoNYabyOOZgbzNhWrdFPmSNH_u8ql86HHOvba7EGao9j2OwMdy_Xia70t3eYYaCFVUpG3cGQ50u/s4032/IMG_0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaZ0PHMFJbhRJ-LC5BLSNm3WjX3t7nFaZqyJ-JjNvnMNwgn_V3T73uB6pw6menzeeM0LTryoo0i2vX5fHNiFGfZ3x3xjgbut5zChmrU2RHhOCQDoNYabyOOZgbzNhWrdFPmSNH_u8ql86HHOvba7EGao9j2OwMdy_Xia70t3eYYaCFVUpG3cGQ50u/s320/IMG_0064.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTKY8eJbyQC_IOyM9Krz-jz7otwFjtUfU-2uI1MEirj0mAhQJkoAR2Nmc78ccfAIONy4RZ2Y2Zq1KEYZ0RVnlCIpeAPs_15xbsUc6k4R044cX5VowE3dvgkNWGaccC6g_HrbAtsZMyOygcNmj6KdkkKV0X2_Izpu8nBCTAO2VhJjudopGwNEXBuUm/s4032/IMG_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTKY8eJbyQC_IOyM9Krz-jz7otwFjtUfU-2uI1MEirj0mAhQJkoAR2Nmc78ccfAIONy4RZ2Y2Zq1KEYZ0RVnlCIpeAPs_15xbsUc6k4R044cX5VowE3dvgkNWGaccC6g_HrbAtsZMyOygcNmj6KdkkKV0X2_Izpu8nBCTAO2VhJjudopGwNEXBuUm/s320/IMG_0065.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnDZsaF7GfL20C4-sqODjoxKA13qvBsZ0KXTdtEaWb9bg2MP5YjcN8XQzvL4mw3vPTGdi5axEqS_Mrocw4mrUqV8MyvLcxIXBSRs2ahn16h5AknAKSrdhveYbZbEjeT5uPKFFsXN8EbSnZwvosf6V3mv9QCKctuOxInE1cro13yNQ18tJejpa0PHV/s4032/IMG_0092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnDZsaF7GfL20C4-sqODjoxKA13qvBsZ0KXTdtEaWb9bg2MP5YjcN8XQzvL4mw3vPTGdi5axEqS_Mrocw4mrUqV8MyvLcxIXBSRs2ahn16h5AknAKSrdhveYbZbEjeT5uPKFFsXN8EbSnZwvosf6V3mv9QCKctuOxInE1cro13yNQ18tJejpa0PHV/s320/IMG_0092.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">The Grove thinks about children in every area of the hotel: there are activity packs waiting for children at the chairs at mealtimes, high chairs are quickly procured, spilt drinks cleared with a lot more cheer than such spills receive in our kitchen at home. In the summer, the hotel also has a sparkling beach and outdoor pool - the fact it was a chilly February weekend when we visited did not, I'm afraid, stop my kids from slipping through a gap in the hedge to have a play on the sands.. </span></div><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/AVvXsEhv3qfVZfjrtvCHrOTK0QXvWHS7ZGwQNoqQi4QRlzW9APTpUEVBMn8yj1QPUJM2DCmbwjUQqQERtns2ciu3BPBcLe5pc399PHgCtAdkxe2CcFX1JAur0umx6CJ3wv72y7neW4MvsnZLieg6a9G-WzmzrPBPxg8znucx1CpOsyOImUxQVhLcggdq8s0J/s4032/IMG_0184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3qfVZfjrtvCHrOTK0QXvWHS7ZGwQNoqQi4QRlzW9APTpUEVBMn8yj1QPUJM2DCmbwjUQqQERtns2ciu3BPBcLe5pc399PHgCtAdkxe2CcFX1JAur0umx6CJ3wv72y7neW4MvsnZLieg6a9G-WzmzrPBPxg8znucx1CpOsyOImUxQVhLcggdq8s0J/s320/IMG_0184.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">Rooms are spacious and they're happy to add cots, extra beds etc for kids, plus there are lovely children's toiletries in the bathroom.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF33sieaDpmkkJYPII0RYIixRVA_As4vPYCPDyAMOVUJH4T0AE--QJAeZfP7pjqBakHuFF7uy0IPEWhMbkk-CSBhW1tnWhsVYax6UOPgIyaW1xRjbEyb9EasYPIqeNl3J6nN5atu7qfC2OFiS4ns14aaupedOvFdTY2UnK2v3-GkcF-s6gcqgAlJhw/s4032/IMG_9934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF33sieaDpmkkJYPII0RYIixRVA_As4vPYCPDyAMOVUJH4T0AE--QJAeZfP7pjqBakHuFF7uy0IPEWhMbkk-CSBhW1tnWhsVYax6UOPgIyaW1xRjbEyb9EasYPIqeNl3J6nN5atu7qfC2OFiS4ns14aaupedOvFdTY2UnK2v3-GkcF-s6gcqgAlJhw/s320/IMG_9934.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AmFod7C6EJIqWXDgc4Dw3DASprKuJdmQaqAD9F7KrAanpQC6i10Cnos4zcMs9gfuN_EmtwL9OB7qkqnBQ6T-AapKBvAZNeVoS_NSspGrOa3VZUvgMo14VZn2AiGf_t-EDSuXOV3rZdy7AIUbTBLgk-WiPlNDTuvedvHErmUfhj6B0Hg5mIEKrkr6/s4032/IMG_9939.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AmFod7C6EJIqWXDgc4Dw3DASprKuJdmQaqAD9F7KrAanpQC6i10Cnos4zcMs9gfuN_EmtwL9OB7qkqnBQ6T-AapKBvAZNeVoS_NSspGrOa3VZUvgMo14VZn2AiGf_t-EDSuXOV3rZdy7AIUbTBLgk-WiPlNDTuvedvHErmUfhj6B0Hg5mIEKrkr6/s320/IMG_9939.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">There's an on-site creche (age two-plus, £45/three hours) allowing parents to totally chill out at the golf course or in the adults-only Sequoia Spa, if they'd like. I had an amazingly relaxing massage there, which almost took out two years of pandemic-parenting knots. Only over 12s are allowed to swim in the Sequoia's spa's peaceful pool (probably why it's so peaceful) although that was the single downside from our weekend: we did have a family swim in the warm children’s pool near to the kids' club, but this pool is small and gets pretty crowded and doesn't have such a luxury feel as most five-star hotel pools, so perhaps a family time hour in the spa pool would be a nice addition to all swim together.</span></div></span></div><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/AVvXsEh6ni9xtUZY8NdtwIrwWz4rGd6M2Rx8o7zWtoGlPFKhyWgN0QsiFSuYz0wNMhr-Ehz6c7CtzAeLvEaly71aARLaNOMWR0ssaIg5LZz5bMnnvufxO31kE8g-R_spCRfpclR5x85yWLTmaSBQYEufS5y_fuXLLAvmabvkqCWhNINEgBWhmDFtJ2gsqOgz/s4032/IMG_0202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ni9xtUZY8NdtwIrwWz4rGd6M2Rx8o7zWtoGlPFKhyWgN0QsiFSuYz0wNMhr-Ehz6c7CtzAeLvEaly71aARLaNOMWR0ssaIg5LZz5bMnnvufxO31kE8g-R_spCRfpclR5x85yWLTmaSBQYEufS5y_fuXLLAvmabvkqCWhNINEgBWhmDFtJ2gsqOgz/s320/IMG_0202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">The kids had no complaints, though: there's a playground, they received welcome cookies and, perhaps best of all, they just loved being able to run free in The Grove's huge land, in a way that isn't usually possible in London. The hotel is only three miles from Harry Potter World, but it would seem a huge waste to spend a whole day away from this gorgeous resort setting!</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The Grove is definitely one of our favourite family hotels to enjoy some time together.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXYu3CILL24nyGKepREUxiX_uXEh3_QOBj7XNFCg2TTDG8lR7O-YpvlJgecRBW9xmEBPZBtkpRWxiUPNuqKAPEXX1OM-PdvZX2UPQCoAVn35Qoh4pX3nSq524HJxrFXKmewYUsqGJgV155UGFPWodAt3bcSnrmwqEDvF09SSqv70IkI_tVCMSkoVQ/s4032/IMG_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXYu3CILL24nyGKepREUxiX_uXEh3_QOBj7XNFCg2TTDG8lR7O-YpvlJgecRBW9xmEBPZBtkpRWxiUPNuqKAPEXX1OM-PdvZX2UPQCoAVn35Qoh4pX3nSq524HJxrFXKmewYUsqGJgV155UGFPWodAt3bcSnrmwqEDvF09SSqv70IkI_tVCMSkoVQ/s320/IMG_0011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzO4ADKCvlKpmoayTpAlYTaljg_t-nPMEDnnRbF0jBU9wnpzQI3jM83KigiRNc35eKB0X13_aXOMu6MbQLY4c02hdArllBahTKxr5GA6d6i904PnDP4cmdBHUHoy5m-pvX1kC7tryg9GVSnS2wo1EQ2xQAgQnYhReEJO4RmUpaCzbgnrel_8OuP0_F/s4032/IMG_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzO4ADKCvlKpmoayTpAlYTaljg_t-nPMEDnnRbF0jBU9wnpzQI3jM83KigiRNc35eKB0X13_aXOMu6MbQLY4c02hdArllBahTKxr5GA6d6i904PnDP4cmdBHUHoy5m-pvX1kC7tryg9GVSnS2wo1EQ2xQAgQnYhReEJO4RmUpaCzbgnrel_8OuP0_F/s320/IMG_0013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_Yf7XccnxRw411QteCwlrXuXfEo-LyAvOL8ybvpV37pDRZfzO1WYb3XNOclgtZzAgE90oGhOtqWsSq6NZDtQv-vVb_KvAus5zxIdgO_RFHkJTF0aUFxdiGz_ZXMtWbSVVc-zDTn6VD9m5UFCU8lS51jGsavwk1_2vTBz_PXMVqPFFbkvd-j-Rc4f/s4032/IMG_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_Yf7XccnxRw411QteCwlrXuXfEo-LyAvOL8ybvpV37pDRZfzO1WYb3XNOclgtZzAgE90oGhOtqWsSq6NZDtQv-vVb_KvAus5zxIdgO_RFHkJTF0aUFxdiGz_ZXMtWbSVVc-zDTn6VD9m5UFCU8lS51jGsavwk1_2vTBz_PXMVqPFFbkvd-j-Rc4f/s320/IMG_0015.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><em style="background-color: white; color: #1e1e1c; font-family: "Standard Text", serif; font-size: 20px;">The Grove charges from £590 for a deluxe room for four including breakfast; </em><a href="https://www.thegrove.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #1e1e1c; font-family: "Standard Text", serif; font-size: 20px; text-decoration-color: rgb(220, 6, 43);"><em>thegrove.co.uk</em></a><p></p><p><i>* Gifted review stay, but rest assured we're seriously gobby and only ever rave about things we really love.</i> </p><p><br /></p>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-42840876315821506912021-07-27T21:19:00.003+01:002021-08-29T17:10:10.804+01:00Best parks for kids and families in NW London, Barnet and beyond<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6tkas7lXb-jYxdVI4HAxcekwRkKQOFFn4WF7AGGZyCHMr8KKe4CDz7pHkWjHe0huLrBRiopGTSOuLbPuVX3OtZfjNTTVHbc9DvfLhK-J-QL7-A4yIXG2ACpL0JgJGfK-fbg4wF_tQCA/s6000/DSC_0977.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6tkas7lXb-jYxdVI4HAxcekwRkKQOFFn4WF7AGGZyCHMr8KKe4CDz7pHkWjHe0huLrBRiopGTSOuLbPuVX3OtZfjNTTVHbc9DvfLhK-J-QL7-A4yIXG2ACpL0JgJGfK-fbg4wF_tQCA/w400-h266/DSC_0977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Summer holidays are here - and this post is just a great big mental dump of all the parks and open spaces that we've enjoyed over the past few years that you might too. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you're looking for some outdoors ideas that don't cost money (beyond the inevitable ice cream invoice you'll be hit with by the toddler) - save this post, share it with friends, and breathe in all that fresh (ish, it's still London) air...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHyywE_BN4vIvQrppEHppwEbDgAP4f7Eqla2EyrbUjIzkKpoCRU_DXLAI0cpQD981sWUUaLT9bUV9kOoF1ijbVtNw3lj0Pbe6OcppyOdfaAKDfM0xDsSp5mYc4xD3VW9Jlz1wCK-Izf4/s4032/IMG_9808.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHyywE_BN4vIvQrppEHppwEbDgAP4f7Eqla2EyrbUjIzkKpoCRU_DXLAI0cpQD981sWUUaLT9bUV9kOoF1ijbVtNw3lj0Pbe6OcppyOdfaAKDfM0xDsSp5mYc4xD3VW9Jlz1wCK-Izf4/s320/IMG_9808.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* <a href="https://www.watford.gov.uk/cassioburypark" target="_blank">Cassiobury Park </a>- huge playground, splash park, stream/flooded area where kids can 'fish' and paddle / trample around in wellies, a very cute miniature train ride, plus you can walk along the canal, there's a cafe, and generally lots to see and do. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* <a href="https://www.enjoystalbans.com/listing/verulamium-park/" target="_blank">Verulanium, St. Albans </a>- big park with playgrounds, splash park, central lake, mini golf, paid attractions, a nice park cafe and you're right next to the Waffle House, whose banoffee waffle is basically the main reason we go.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Mill Hill Park: WHOLE lot of different playground areas for all ages, <a href="https://parkcafeuk.com/" target="_blank">excellent cafe</a>, and the wonderful Arrandene Open Space across Daws Lane if your kids need more land to run free/build dens etc. We love a trip to this park *even though* it always seems to involve torrential rain whenever we get there. (Not a micro climate, just bad planning on our part..)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy69I5tRTegFek611r1zK1Pjr4KxfMsWMnje8ytWAsbGOlop8aFoEjp7kl6NMx5tBqQfXC6I6KbQmaFTgqkjro1OjsGyq0yJ1fmf97s_atHgsw0lbo1VuzSaGZPH9PTCJA0NoiqJh8Cjo/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1257" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy69I5tRTegFek611r1zK1Pjr4KxfMsWMnje8ytWAsbGOlop8aFoEjp7kl6NMx5tBqQfXC6I6KbQmaFTgqkjro1OjsGyq0yJ1fmf97s_atHgsw0lbo1VuzSaGZPH9PTCJA0NoiqJh8Cjo/" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">* </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Cedar Park C</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">heshunt - a great extra if you're spending the day at our favourites, <a href="https://www.runoutofwomb.com/2021/03/20-outdoor-days-out-in-nw-london-post.html" target="_blank">Forty Hall Estate, Myddleton House or Capel Manor. </a>Or you're a member at Birch, where we also love taking the kids to hang out). </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Monken Hadley Common - near Trent Park, a nature-filled retreat with tons of wildlife, trees and dens to explore.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Lordship Rec - near enough to the Spurs stadium to hear the crowd roar during a match, so watch out for traffic. But parking is free on the weekends and my kids love this big park, especially its model cycling road with roundabouts, traffic signs, zebra crossings and junctions. There’s also a few great playgrounds AND a fab co-op-run cafe (strong recommend for the lemon/raspberry cake and chocolate brownie. They are woodlands too, a large duck-filled lake and even a nice big paddling pool. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3e85T6gcyLwJgPj8gFexW9hIIu27U14zahpwgVf4mSM3HaLW9ATtcXMaCIJ8WQbuAZmPGXsnYjfjsWyH3uQSYFH-Lcy9nPWL31HysT_3iecUHQQCGK2dBF6vBhBPi4RF1D-pW3oo4U8/s2048/1A656DE8-6A58-49C8-830D-E5AE8B7C7FA0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3e85T6gcyLwJgPj8gFexW9hIIu27U14zahpwgVf4mSM3HaLW9ATtcXMaCIJ8WQbuAZmPGXsnYjfjsWyH3uQSYFH-Lcy9nPWL31HysT_3iecUHQQCGK2dBF6vBhBPi4RF1D-pW3oo4U8/s320/1A656DE8-6A58-49C8-830D-E5AE8B7C7FA0.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_R4o5LRyW_wdg-p4tyvJRmmZ2Vx5tLa5iRETw_XW3HeFjdVBHXJ6V__tIDcwFn_f5I6iQDct1VBRhnLoe4Fu8Of-M_juObqvrgn4dm9So4IP_nz8y-TYkdbJz7TRT1VQ0VQyDAMBnZM/s2048/15117D0B-ADE4-4784-8390-4E4A85EB8DF2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_R4o5LRyW_wdg-p4tyvJRmmZ2Vx5tLa5iRETw_XW3HeFjdVBHXJ6V__tIDcwFn_f5I6iQDct1VBRhnLoe4Fu8Of-M_juObqvrgn4dm9So4IP_nz8y-TYkdbJz7TRT1VQ0VQyDAMBnZM/s320/15117D0B-ADE4-4784-8390-4E4A85EB8DF2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv47KejqMoEZMOBNpLjzwZwsa65zSMtmmIbsOMghEx-YY0H0Y5y1CfrYZ4TtTaTIvHaWv0ApPO640V7pzDwe5uCRelppLYBFcwwaSWURg9lZGT1as0qjb7qprRKycjYaw6dXRncFPn9v4/s2048/FC52DF7B-5A9F-4810-B729-751AF88ED2A4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv47KejqMoEZMOBNpLjzwZwsa65zSMtmmIbsOMghEx-YY0H0Y5y1CfrYZ4TtTaTIvHaWv0ApPO640V7pzDwe5uCRelppLYBFcwwaSWURg9lZGT1as0qjb7qprRKycjYaw6dXRncFPn9v4/s320/FC52DF7B-5A9F-4810-B729-751AF88ED2A4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Friary Park - well-maintained park with a standard playground AND - crucially - an excellent cafe (it's often/always about the cafe for us..) run by the guys behind Mill Hill Park cafe too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* <a href="http://trentcountrypark.com/Welcome.html">Trent Park </a>- vast, dens a-plenty, playgrounds and small animal sanctuary too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Victoria Park Finchley - my go-to for an after-nursery trip: it has two new, great playgrounds and a modest cafe selling ice cream and, I'm told, excellent basic cheese toasties. Lots of trees with dens inside too and easy free parking.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxc8OC5EWwE_VH9yfqmG9AzGKi5U0XfwIDr-ayYAlX_Eyq2_YETBXbFxS3p67dUyQBPdvHha6dQlU3W-d6Yy58xCH_mgVwEQ8ZOQ0rIZyziXqm_Af_-0q6MFWJAbjKZNbZ3VUqzLUFjRM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxc8OC5EWwE_VH9yfqmG9AzGKi5U0XfwIDr-ayYAlX_Eyq2_YETBXbFxS3p67dUyQBPdvHha6dQlU3W-d6Yy58xCH_mgVwEQ8ZOQ0rIZyziXqm_Af_-0q6MFWJAbjKZNbZ3VUqzLUFjRM/" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">* Highgate woods - vast playground divided up by age group, woods, REALLY excellent cafe (have the falafal with all the salads), big verdant grassy areas, wooded walks with lots of shade on hot days, and always lots of dogs. Can combine with a walk through to Cherry Tree Woods in East Finchley.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLLeJY-HpzVMU_dWwD9dxqeQEhr82HXG54eYppTqjkdVFU-Df9XAkYzgCaV3HfViaGerQHsFr19OIblNTzzhBHFWHGySGdgNREiC-pim34MwMFCxndJ-lz3PgDUimmIkkLTWmOcYrwmw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLLeJY-HpzVMU_dWwD9dxqeQEhr82HXG54eYppTqjkdVFU-Df9XAkYzgCaV3HfViaGerQHsFr19OIblNTzzhBHFWHGySGdgNREiC-pim34MwMFCxndJ-lz3PgDUimmIkkLTWmOcYrwmw/" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Kenwood and Hampstead Heath - huge; top views; access to lots of cafes and dogs named things like Aristotle and Pimpernickle, but note only one (that we've found) playground in across the heath estate.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Firs Farm wetlands - lovely volunteer-run nature reserve with trails, pond dipping, tadpoles, fun displays/models at various points in the year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Long Lane Pasture, N3 / Finchley Central - a small wild pasture just behind the A406. It doesn't take very long to explore, but it's packed with little ponds, beehives, wildflowers, blackberries, a very climbable tree, and my kids love combining a visit here with a trip to see the fire engines at Finchley Fire Station, opposite. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0vQbCpFlE9Zsggw_hXcxACs62yDYboJuI5rWVAZc7IG3fxO1_IXA9heMK_vtAHYcDveanElStvSpcrcn_5x87Z8eBF-UEQRqEnJmO8Xo3WLrDRLR3Ep6TbiugD0H1Vo1J9GVFS_mvw0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0vQbCpFlE9Zsggw_hXcxACs62yDYboJuI5rWVAZc7IG3fxO1_IXA9heMK_vtAHYcDveanElStvSpcrcn_5x87Z8eBF-UEQRqEnJmO8Xo3WLrDRLR3Ep6TbiugD0H1Vo1J9GVFS_mvw0/" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">* Broomfield Park - big Palmers Green park with wetland, orchard, adventure playground, model boating pond, a little mini golf, lots of space to run around, and and the lovely Baskerville Tea Room (which also hosts great baby classes) opposite on of the gates.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Grovelands Park - big park with the usual playground and cafe, a big moving dinosaur exhibition on at the mo (which you have to pay for) - <a href="https://www.pgweb.uk/event?jurassic-encounter-in-grovelands-park&event_id=12181">Jurassic Encounter</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> * </span>Golders Hill - wallabies, donkeys, animals - premium gelato and a big cafe too. Vast space to run around; manicured show garden area, climbable trees; tennis courts. A butterfly house that I've not seen open for a good few years. Band stand that I used to try to run up as a kid, and now my kids do, #ifeelold, and then back for more gelato.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT4QAwpmUH4ZFEc1dUbpeW0ZvPBAwFRwB15mIV-IvTGsCz2hwkjX4qDDUP8I086d1SoUBo9XWwUWHqM-OixsPohEEds8p6DXcKGUjDjM70EArUdNRew57ZytsbJZ82pFKUuD1_vNGfXU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="652" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT4QAwpmUH4ZFEc1dUbpeW0ZvPBAwFRwB15mIV-IvTGsCz2hwkjX4qDDUP8I086d1SoUBo9XWwUWHqM-OixsPohEEds8p6DXcKGUjDjM70EArUdNRew57ZytsbJZ82pFKUuD1_vNGfXU/" width="180" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Swan Lane open space - cute playground, nice cafe, good picnic spot, easy parking.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Darlands Nature Reserve, Totteridge - get lost in these winding paths surrounded by wild-looking fields and lakes. Then gawp over the houses you pass on the way. Not one for a Yoyo buggy, you'll need a robust 4x4 of the baby-propelling world. A nice walk is from Finchley Nurseries up to Darlands and back.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Canons Park - big playground, lovely lawn areas, and a central walled show garden area that's always closed whenever we've been.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Bigwood, Littlewood (Hampstead Garden Suburb) - nice for a wander in not-enormous but fun to explore woods, with lots of dens. <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: center;">Of go for the undulating triple park bonanza here; park on one of the roads around Norice Lea and enter Lyttleton Playing Fields; you'll find a capacious playground, lots of room to run around, a stream, good bridge for Pooh Sticks, and small (Kosher, if that's your bag) cafe. When you want to explore further, cross Kingsley Way to enter the small, recently-jazzed up Fletchers Park with nice planting, and walk through to cross Northway road and enter Northway Gardens. You'll pass </span><a href="http://toulous.co.uk/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;">Toulous Cafe </a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: center;">(which used to be public loos, geddit?) where you'll find nice sarnies and sweet potato chips (currently closed), see beautiful, volunteer-planted rose gardens, a gushing stream, tennis courts and another playground at the tip, which is perfect for toddlers. If you've still got energy to burn, exit the park near the playground, cross Oakwood Road and enter Bigwood, some not-so-big woods with lots of nooks to explore.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Musical woods in The Grove (<a href="https://www.runoutofwomb.com/2021/03/20-outdoor-days-out-in-nw-london-post.html" target="_blank">see no. 8 here</a>)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Oxhey Woods sculptor trail - we always enjoy a trip here, although watch out as parking can be a bit stressful as the car parks aren't big.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Avenue House/Stephens House - newish playground with sandpit, cafe, outdoor gyms, lovely flowers, big pond, we're regulars. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Bentley priory in Stanmore - nature reserve and can you spot the deer?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Aldenham - I get annoyed at paying for all the individual things but love the (now slightly rundown, albeit free) 100 Aker Wood area and Rhubarb cafe. Playgrounds are great too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span>* Forty Hall, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: center;">Myddleton House - b</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: center;">etween these two institutions (a drive away in Enfield) you'll find animals, lakes, gardens and cafes. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Woodberry Wetlands - <a href="https://www.runoutofwomb.com/2021/04/nw-london-family-days-outdoors.html" target="_blank">read all about it here</a></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTPyeBW6xEGVVYCcKKBUVDe7ZfvXSAh_aA2vbGSEShsElzyprb94iovkKOwWDg_BBEpxxf7e0nWW4OjOSDtSPU2YmRA1exoMsrzenqyRkYBQhDYCuZQ3LiKhfYyJa8jQwgfFV4oysMBY/s2048/IMG_3015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTPyeBW6xEGVVYCcKKBUVDe7ZfvXSAh_aA2vbGSEShsElzyprb94iovkKOwWDg_BBEpxxf7e0nWW4OjOSDtSPU2YmRA1exoMsrzenqyRkYBQhDYCuZQ3LiKhfYyJa8jQwgfFV4oysMBY/s320/IMG_3015.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURW37iXD_4w70bmeZAYF70tHj6hjhfWMFilQfl1Sq9g2xp2yjtaRnDJfzRqvfXS3_5dXzXjnw3I_1qIG7qU48tMAerKqByTvg_7f8zqFXDt546P-rqqT93sjUOEGtIxMeWWyZ9_P8lvk/s4032/IMG_2998.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURW37iXD_4w70bmeZAYF70tHj6hjhfWMFilQfl1Sq9g2xp2yjtaRnDJfzRqvfXS3_5dXzXjnw3I_1qIG7qU48tMAerKqByTvg_7f8zqFXDt546P-rqqT93sjUOEGtIxMeWWyZ9_P8lvk/s320/IMG_2998.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* Gobions woods - big 36 acre nature reserve near Potters Bar. Lots of bluebells and fungi during their respective seasons.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* <a href="https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/paddington-recreation-ground/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank">Paddington Recreation Ground</a> - <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: center;">actually in Maida Vale and this is hands-down the best playground in London WITH AN EXCELLENT PIZZA RESTAURANT next to the playground gates. </span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7Htbz8WlUGu9fOG2baIotKbD8aQm5Ah1iVGzYTqjx97wSpJ1MVWCyuflaZB6RNNHbct9SmYbRiavK1ipFeJMv9G0bp_GPxQqShyphenhyphenG0qAmhulmTmO35DqbZ7n1hCW5BOdBA9Sw1zL-wHo/s2048/IMG_5891.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7Htbz8WlUGu9fOG2baIotKbD8aQm5Ah1iVGzYTqjx97wSpJ1MVWCyuflaZB6RNNHbct9SmYbRiavK1ipFeJMv9G0bp_GPxQqShyphenhyphenG0qAmhulmTmO35DqbZ7n1hCW5BOdBA9Sw1zL-wHo/s320/IMG_5891.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> * </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Stationers' Park, Crouch End - b</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">ig playground, tunnel slides, a</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">nd you can walk to the bajillion excellent eateries of Crouch End, what's not to like?</span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: center;">Ally Pally: swan boats and pedaloes (bonus: great work out) on the boating lake, playground with sandpit (the addition of sand adds an extra hour to the average playground session, I find, and about 1.5 billion grains of sand to my car). Few nice cafes, including one inside the garden centre.</span><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSlZtV1HUCQjD5ywjdN_vouX307XwyMX3h2SNNC0nJRxLIwLPsp9ay6yndJBdXzuQt5MosFgq4_fYNw6oovCMGEEIcyOvOSnWK2fcswC_tHTD_SKA_8oCkVtpJtcH7C2OKlzQKCeO8eE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1158" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSlZtV1HUCQjD5ywjdN_vouX307XwyMX3h2SNNC0nJRxLIwLPsp9ay6yndJBdXzuQt5MosFgq4_fYNw6oovCMGEEIcyOvOSnWK2fcswC_tHTD_SKA_8oCkVtpJtcH7C2OKlzQKCeO8eE/" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">EN</div><br /><br /></div>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-37889406443490196072021-07-05T22:01:00.001+01:002021-07-05T22:01:20.301+01:00A family-friendly week in Shropshire cottage Drover's Rest<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRja73W9hyphenhyphenBtiInGa6qWa8idnZ6epC3txcjcDrQTE6bj5AaszY8WXUphHCU2u4j8wLVDhutiMtgrjQm9vdJ6o3ZXWUs3CtaWJRkI7zrQ3WUMuCPe32jcxQK2-pgFSYhHAm-mdn6a3TvYA/s2048/IMG_6357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRja73W9hyphenhyphenBtiInGa6qWa8idnZ6epC3txcjcDrQTE6bj5AaszY8WXUphHCU2u4j8wLVDhutiMtgrjQm9vdJ6o3ZXWUs3CtaWJRkI7zrQ3WUMuCPe32jcxQK2-pgFSYhHAm-mdn6a3TvYA/w400-h300/IMG_6357.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Back in the old, pre-Covid days, I was a devoted hotel lover. I had a mental league table of the best-ever hotel breakfast buffets. I loved the social factor of meeting others and chatting about the best things to do, and the kids making friends. Someone else tidied the room..</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I know lots of people with kids find self-catering easier, and it definitely can be more affordable, but a week doing the same cooking, eating the same Weetabix breakfasts, tidying up all the time and doing so without the home comforts that made it easier didn't hold the same appeal.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But Covid shook everything up and we haven't yet felt comfortable enough to go back to a hotel. We wanted to explore a part of England we hadn't been to as a family and started cottage-hunting. We found <a href="https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/66627-drovers-rest" target="_blank">Drover's Rest</a>, a newly-built farmhouse-style property (all wood, glass and stunning views across the Long Mynd and Shropshire Hills. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It was fantastic. I'm a City girl, London born-and-bred, but even I started day-dreaming about moving to the countryside as our kids ran freely in the beautiful fields on our doorstep. Our baby started saying 'baa' every time she saw one of the many, many newborn lambs just a few steps from the cottage, and the water and air tasted and smelt so pure and fresh!<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn38sZuhISFK7p-4QzrWKQJdKpWbbWYcAHdqAE1YpdM5PppfmGnRHREJgD-c7Hjr281Z3FalIr6NqA9Ofl6HIjGjcKmIxuwYdTGsdejDnJzzB3bv_0dgpuuN_jhv9WMv4RikF3snZq16g/s2048/IMG_0380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn38sZuhISFK7p-4QzrWKQJdKpWbbWYcAHdqAE1YpdM5PppfmGnRHREJgD-c7Hjr281Z3FalIr6NqA9Ofl6HIjGjcKmIxuwYdTGsdejDnJzzB3bv_0dgpuuN_jhv9WMv4RikF3snZq16g/s320/IMG_0380.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The cottage was impressive: two very comfortable bedrooms with expansive views, bifolding doors from the lounge to a painting-like landscape; a small garden with barbecue leading through to fields full of sheep, and wild horses (we saw hours-old foals). The cottage had a lovely selection of new novels and children's books plus local interest reads; there were lots of baby items available (stair gate, for the terrifying wooden stairs!, high chair, cot, etc), a bath so big that the toddler started swimming in it, and everything was such a high quality and pristine (Joseph Joseph kitchenware, Egyptian cotton towels, The Wool Room duvets) that it felt like we were the first people there. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSw6023I1hbfTY0Px6oNm2QdVfbtVBNg6jZR8b5kpXBwabba7VP8qzw7i8AaomVc8atzMOAuxiCYBdvITjH5Lg8BHX6OAvj_ERkkUxO16hocwEUN53gTlR5OnM7zEsIH3LvohKr2hbbY4/s2048/IMG_6290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSw6023I1hbfTY0Px6oNm2QdVfbtVBNg6jZR8b5kpXBwabba7VP8qzw7i8AaomVc8atzMOAuxiCYBdvITjH5Lg8BHX6OAvj_ERkkUxO16hocwEUN53gTlR5OnM7zEsIH3LvohKr2hbbY4/s320/IMG_6290.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_fpvY8Kco7E42j1G9gOX_McBhIYDKlpVWKJVhg7YKFlGAswq9fRlZZz-O6tX7LwMKrxjTVNatz-qp_zNCCiFiY0RGZkRvqcBSUVTB281nECPpu18XFunZsSL15Mpme41n8E_3G2p9GY/s2048/IMG_6293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_fpvY8Kco7E42j1G9gOX_McBhIYDKlpVWKJVhg7YKFlGAswq9fRlZZz-O6tX7LwMKrxjTVNatz-qp_zNCCiFiY0RGZkRvqcBSUVTB281nECPpu18XFunZsSL15Mpme41n8E_3G2p9GY/s320/IMG_6293.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPW9HzG9jHxe8KpeyHwSt_iKv_upSNKoDWbN99exedyvk_qIp8jVcImBNeB7LRwOctSjxKdw_yC7qLkVRBNZRW1BAHhiGdauJEKeicRhCCNeKml7GTYDzv67IlI6DBq7bnRDEgvskH5fY/s2048/IMG_0302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPW9HzG9jHxe8KpeyHwSt_iKv_upSNKoDWbN99exedyvk_qIp8jVcImBNeB7LRwOctSjxKdw_yC7qLkVRBNZRW1BAHhiGdauJEKeicRhCCNeKml7GTYDzv67IlI6DBq7bnRDEgvskH5fY/s320/IMG_0302.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The area has so many adventures for families: older ones than ours would enjoy biking the hills, we walked as much as our toddler would let us, and all three loved paddling in the streams around Carding Mill Valley and Gogbatch. We went to <a href="https://www.ironbridge.org.uk/explore/" target="_blank">Ironbridge </a>and the brilliant Victorian village there, Blists Hill; we ate at the delicious CSons in Ludlow and explored Shrewsbury too.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQa58k9HXlEkuxf5efIt3D7cjwuQVx6j_5uycrqahclD2xloD0omNQe9qwGZorpHUMcH6apkXEpKdoelmpMLn85hLhwM-ydI0l8OTCk1KQYchSns2BEu2LBepSG0D-zHF8TsZseZ1bBE/s2048/IMG_6295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQa58k9HXlEkuxf5efIt3D7cjwuQVx6j_5uycrqahclD2xloD0omNQe9qwGZorpHUMcH6apkXEpKdoelmpMLn85hLhwM-ydI0l8OTCk1KQYchSns2BEu2LBepSG0D-zHF8TsZseZ1bBE/s320/IMG_6295.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The owner of Drover's End, Simon, lives next door and swiftly became our kids' best friend as they whizzed around in a tractor lawnmower, planted pea plants and participated in a two-minute raid on a strawberry plant-packed greenhouse (how many strawbs can a four year old eat in a minute? You'd be surprised!)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I don't think we'll ever permanently leave the bustle of London behind - but another trip to Shropshire, and Drover's End particularly, definitely appeals to us all.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0cGoUCD8RnbEyEVpUP8AeiKYWOgn8mXExGCdo0Eo8P_8EA579jlRAygUgxhPgPrTieYyWdYm1LAkFiO3k8sB4av_EWFEUvCQTyUVJTVhpAwrQpoMY20lUGrFVPzs8iAWCqtj_4Ml5Iw/s2048/IMG_5998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0cGoUCD8RnbEyEVpUP8AeiKYWOgn8mXExGCdo0Eo8P_8EA579jlRAygUgxhPgPrTieYyWdYm1LAkFiO3k8sB4av_EWFEUvCQTyUVJTVhpAwrQpoMY20lUGrFVPzs8iAWCqtj_4Ml5Iw/s320/IMG_5998.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5nKOX_HM20HVoyKr3Kl8kCaFyg1dPE38ZX9m_N0PZvzVN2bGPnIPotOilycaGJoSbVaMrLlGCj3eZ5Kx28L3euaq3Rrd7zcjw6AzeMUgkHYG0LArLr_vFtMYSQJxWyecgr1XDRr7yuw/s2048/IMG_6160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5nKOX_HM20HVoyKr3Kl8kCaFyg1dPE38ZX9m_N0PZvzVN2bGPnIPotOilycaGJoSbVaMrLlGCj3eZ5Kx28L3euaq3Rrd7zcjw6AzeMUgkHYG0LArLr_vFtMYSQJxWyecgr1XDRr7yuw/s320/IMG_6160.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79vPLrgLREzbL936662OhOnUzgwMclyW-6wav3FXibyywvX-DDyhyphenhyphenK4B9K5WnDKArmxX8cTwlAkKWY04MEEw3P4YjW4LyviU4V1wg0SI0JtJBP61jgwjTUv7Dm657EspPs8D_68RplbY/s2048/IMG_6211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79vPLrgLREzbL936662OhOnUzgwMclyW-6wav3FXibyywvX-DDyhyphenhyphenK4B9K5WnDKArmxX8cTwlAkKWY04MEEw3P4YjW4LyviU4V1wg0SI0JtJBP61jgwjTUv7Dm657EspPs8D_68RplbY/s320/IMG_6211.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-33938782058552476642021-06-05T21:10:00.001+01:002021-06-05T21:10:30.261+01:00Tula Explore: the best baby (and toddler) sling for petite mamas<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcxTaaKmKRPbbR1ypcuFIW-hvSJDNsA16hMc0-xRNyDRP19sFj4Wwt8caH3uXckX3e5TNocSktCj9B9_tq0iPNootpdPUzrlTc4hvxmqRlxrY-aSGg4Fuss3ygWsz6V_3C0oqPbweO8k/s2048/IMG_5476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcxTaaKmKRPbbR1ypcuFIW-hvSJDNsA16hMc0-xRNyDRP19sFj4Wwt8caH3uXckX3e5TNocSktCj9B9_tq0iPNootpdPUzrlTc4hvxmqRlxrY-aSGg4Fuss3ygWsz6V_3C0oqPbweO8k/s320/IMG_5476.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br />With my first baby, I carried him in a sling most days as we were out exploring in London, jumping on the Tube and around galleries and museums and everything was easier without a buggy. With my second, I used a sling the whole time because it made it so much easier to run around after his big (toddler) brother at the same time. And with my third, a sling is the only way to have two spare hands to hold onto my sons whilst looking after my baby daughter too. So I've been sling-sporting (or baby-wearing as the gurus put it) for about six years, mostly using a BabyBjorn. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It was fine when the babes were tiny and in the classic model. But then as they grew I needed more back and shoulder support so moved on <a href="https://www.runoutofwomb.com/2018/06/review-baby-bjorns-new-one-air-carrier.html">to the Air model</a>. And that's when it went wrong. I'm small - still wear kids' trainers, have been known to buy clothes in age 12 in Zara, am around 5"1 - and so many slings I tried just didn't get tight enough on their shoulder or back straps.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Until a friend recommended the <a href="https://babytula.co.uk/collections/explore-baby-carrier" target="_blank">Tula Explore </a>and I love it. It's perfect for petite mamas: it's adaptable to every carry position your baby will need, including facing out, facing in, and on your back, it's ergonomic for babies' healthy hips, it has no annoying body panel between parent and babe so you can breastfeed in it easily, it has really padded straps so it feels like you're wearing a great rucksack, AND the waistband goes as narrow as 145cm so you can ensure it's really tight and supportive.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Even when my baby (she's 1, she's walking, I'm refusing to call her a toddler though!) isn't in the sling properly, I often use it to perch on my hip as it takes some of her weight off my arms. The Tula also comes in amazing prints - I couldn't pick between the cactus and the beautiful pink Grace design, but eventually went for the latter because I'm all about the pink this time round. It's machine washable, and comes with a great hood-type cover which acts as a sun shield or nap prolonger.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeYC00LY2fqQbgV5JDAY6bq7h7zXRnYpPfUU2I-nBKmr5N8K2gTffs84KIfcAAWSY_ghFJlPdvZrn0cv_j2yKw0Z95TSwwrLmdflNxCkW_MEP2YHuK8Of_IV4DNU00KiKD8YgPWOMtG0/s3088/IMG_6315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeYC00LY2fqQbgV5JDAY6bq7h7zXRnYpPfUU2I-nBKmr5N8K2gTffs84KIfcAAWSY_ghFJlPdvZrn0cv_j2yKw0Z95TSwwrLmdflNxCkW_MEP2YHuK8Of_IV4DNU00KiKD8YgPWOMtG0/s320/IMG_6315.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The only downside is the Tula Explore is sometimes a slight struggle to get on - there's a snap buckle to do up at the back which I sometimes find difficult once the baby is inside and need someone to help. But I can avoid that by getting the sling ready before I put it on. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Overall, if you're a small mum or dad (it's super easy to adjust and my taller, broader husband wears it too), I really recommend the Tula Grace. It's similar to the Ergo baby (which actually owns Tula) but available in much nicer and more varied prints and, from my experience, even more comfortable. We've hiked mountains in ours (and lazed around eating ice cream in it...) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH38S3Bf7GaHTB3C8zL04HV0jlwIxnyO_mVUuNQ663e8t4h64GTWzrl_K-y6sZ9cKaQLJ6M_KXyXATldObp4bFD1LkWu0vNU9AayVWOr5kAYSQlUkgktNeqhTOQt-oJedJfVETJX1YniY/s3088/IMG_6108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH38S3Bf7GaHTB3C8zL04HV0jlwIxnyO_mVUuNQ663e8t4h64GTWzrl_K-y6sZ9cKaQLJ6M_KXyXATldObp4bFD1LkWu0vNU9AayVWOr5kAYSQlUkgktNeqhTOQt-oJedJfVETJX1YniY/s320/IMG_6108.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br />and worn it for hours on end without a problem. The Tula Explore is definitely the best sling around for petite mamas - just don't make the mistake I made and go for another brand first, as this one fits babes from newborn.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">* We were sent a sling to review but rest assured, we're seriously gobby and only rave about things we really love.</span></p><p><br /></p>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-28219388882604581442021-04-09T22:14:00.002+01:002021-04-09T22:14:49.780+01:00Family days outside: Berkhampstead<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHymibHWLDq7qAZ-dgYHlG7yUp3qiQ-ux6KL7R70DS53CHLnYD4y-ddV1M-CTU45i1kx51R7sTo2sAu9xadeAUqVC_NY6sXMKyZqwpcIRElERHi0jMLZlK0CzY9_-Us_92xMAX0eVjVw/s2048/IMG_3419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHymibHWLDq7qAZ-dgYHlG7yUp3qiQ-ux6KL7R70DS53CHLnYD4y-ddV1M-CTU45i1kx51R7sTo2sAu9xadeAUqVC_NY6sXMKyZqwpcIRElERHi0jMLZlK0CzY9_-Us_92xMAX0eVjVw/s320/IMG_3419.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When we want a rural day out but don't want to go too far from NW London, the affectionately-named Berko is a popular option. The drive is short enough to be bearable with a baby who HATES the car, there are lots of animals to spot on route, and it's lovely place to walk around - canal, Rosie and Jim re-enactments, castle ruins, lots of playgrounds, and lots of cafes and non-chain restaurants. Here's our pick of what to do:</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our first stop was to pick up some food (went for burritos from Rosana's this time, but there are loads of good takeaway/outside options on Lower King's Street) then head to the castle. It's a/ ten minute walk away from the main parade of shops, past the train station and next to the canal. The castle has amazing history, parts being established in 1066, so my 5-year-old history boff loved it but all the kids appreciated its huge grassy areas, ruins to look at (but not touch) and the huge hill to clamber up. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mG26IV0CagQkun1lx1yugLL11xewLo-M-MANneSTWZUCOzWGR2Fy0fnrecDFXMYWt6Go3UgMOu44LedKSwMlZNu1DJ1BiR99DgQVqk9evqn4v5cPLqISXbEYA2dNnoHAEknAHZCWc9k/s4032/IMG_3344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mG26IV0CagQkun1lx1yugLL11xewLo-M-MANneSTWZUCOzWGR2Fy0fnrecDFXMYWt6Go3UgMOu44LedKSwMlZNu1DJ1BiR99DgQVqk9evqn4v5cPLqISXbEYA2dNnoHAEknAHZCWc9k/s320/IMG_3344.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMigw_gC7TZ_MCx4C6Zp05R13X_tmKkR-hu4AfZITmJOlkZC_DkyJkHHp_dMqwRN10HweeofDQOPFpNa44T7dHCDWdnnjvSsrEIPT65GG8R2-nlDtP4YbgkMCQvbllNHUIdg7AmjmbF8/s2048/IMG_0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMigw_gC7TZ_MCx4C6Zp05R13X_tmKkR-hu4AfZITmJOlkZC_DkyJkHHp_dMqwRN10HweeofDQOPFpNa44T7dHCDWdnnjvSsrEIPT65GG8R2-nlDtP4YbgkMCQvbllNHUIdg7AmjmbF8/s320/IMG_0044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZr4zfyNH_tFjr96jtA4bu5mk0TzbJoxHzH6ZxbJlw9QC3kVqQ1fodQP2cAQJ4W5Ng-EEai2UZ5t2V17v6lq1Ne8d0aCTY4Q5M3xsOdTjIZnIAqXVwqeein2nsJfdExwMSU-Y2PpvMo4/s2048/IMG_3404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZr4zfyNH_tFjr96jtA4bu5mk0TzbJoxHzH6ZxbJlw9QC3kVqQ1fodQP2cAQJ4W5Ng-EEai2UZ5t2V17v6lq1Ne8d0aCTY4Q5M3xsOdTjIZnIAqXVwqeein2nsJfdExwMSU-Y2PpvMo4/s320/IMG_3404.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrce1ID3Sevq1332r7hHdgzsj2tzzqtfbHJI5x0sHfm78ENHPnc3gS4ABCJRmu-X0VLKyF6hpjY0K0yNzjJ6J13U9C77M5_qQn46YPv9EUpGaLF9Yv0PpiVGWB4N2-ljIHIj0Yv0x_Kcg/s2048/IMG_3406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrce1ID3Sevq1332r7hHdgzsj2tzzqtfbHJI5x0sHfm78ENHPnc3gS4ABCJRmu-X0VLKyF6hpjY0K0yNzjJ6J13U9C77M5_qQn46YPv9EUpGaLF9Yv0PpiVGWB4N2-ljIHIj0Yv0x_Kcg/s320/IMG_3406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />There's a nice path (one way, Covid safe) to walk all around the castle area - it's not very buggy friendly, though, so we left ours on the grassy bit and took the sling.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We spent an hour or two around the castle, then headed off for a stroll along the canal, even helping a barge owner to deal with the locks (kids' highlight of the day), spotting trains (Tesco freight train blew the toddler's mind), hitting the playgrounds (there are two you pass between the high street and castle) and spotting animals (birds of prey aplenty around here). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1Rw2G4Ndans9Y8H-c0i-I2Y-5OGm4FHoadpbYiNfvGfwfNhtFsL-fDUXwExpf4O0M42Yw4xT3nV_33YRaLqDHIuBrr2qGJ3jD75f4rfCncBryXnHPLlorqs10Vj0wb5fKOSOQk1lGI8/s2048/IMG_3426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1Rw2G4Ndans9Y8H-c0i-I2Y-5OGm4FHoadpbYiNfvGfwfNhtFsL-fDUXwExpf4O0M42Yw4xT3nV_33YRaLqDHIuBrr2qGJ3jD75f4rfCncBryXnHPLlorqs10Vj0wb5fKOSOQk1lGI8/s320/IMG_3426.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThFqO5itq6YDYB6-j8F8D8lLUVyRUaqaYE32DFwOOOPOYw0zZFcrT0YTMuObgWrPu4RjEFKT86xKyPW6KM9jb3Z3EKy2PIZ6hQxRMAqvJ9SzqoQ-3JimQjNuEMiEJO1JELZ5QHgSr2xE/s2048/IMG_3428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThFqO5itq6YDYB6-j8F8D8lLUVyRUaqaYE32DFwOOOPOYw0zZFcrT0YTMuObgWrPu4RjEFKT86xKyPW6KM9jb3Z3EKy2PIZ6hQxRMAqvJ9SzqoQ-3JimQjNuEMiEJO1JELZ5QHgSr2xE/s320/IMG_3428.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUTZzeHwTqmucnywC46u-ui60dPlzMPtYFwRG2zXTqiQqEMIV1Pqf-8NeDe4ZZwlLOizblMMgpObal-f3zyvHeUFhb8GFvkIFGxrFlnGnBB3-y-brdLLTATyzy-KnUh5IDXEioHwvHK0/s2048/IMG_3424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUTZzeHwTqmucnywC46u-ui60dPlzMPtYFwRG2zXTqiQqEMIV1Pqf-8NeDe4ZZwlLOizblMMgpObal-f3zyvHeUFhb8GFvkIFGxrFlnGnBB3-y-brdLLTATyzy-KnUh5IDXEioHwvHK0/s320/IMG_3424.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />You can park for free on the streets off the High Street (non canal-side) or there's a big car park attached to Waitrose and M&S if you're shopping there. </span><p></p><p><br /></p>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-74445042113118553552021-04-09T21:07:00.001+01:002021-04-09T21:07:27.439+01:00Family days outside in London: Canary Wharf<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvz_APERmKXXg1wE9r1iQEPHSyHn2549GxoeZSHvQLYY2fVFOxfQONy0BD5bagfxoCu7EcrO3Z8c2caLvDMebTHKdaf_zMZD1li1WLgMmxb7tCf9EnARiPZXJLl36o6dzxLAs9aaLrXI/s2048/IMG_3138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvz_APERmKXXg1wE9r1iQEPHSyHn2549GxoeZSHvQLYY2fVFOxfQONy0BD5bagfxoCu7EcrO3Z8c2caLvDMebTHKdaf_zMZD1li1WLgMmxb7tCf9EnARiPZXJLl36o6dzxLAs9aaLrXI/w400-h300/IMG_3138.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">As lockdown loosened we were excited to get out of NW London and explore other parts of our city. On a freezing cold Easter holidays day out, we drove to Canary Wharf to explore its new roof garden, </span><a href="https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/crossorelle-roof-garden-mar-jun-2021/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Crossorelle</a><span style="text-align: left;">, a new Camilla Walala tunnel bridge, a kids' art trail and just watch the river glide at its own sweet will and, of course, eat some food not cooked by me.</span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We first headed for the roof garden. It's supposed to be inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s famous Jardin Majorelle in Morocco. You walk through the a roof top garden "and discover beautiful archways, stunning shadows and bold backdrops" according to the blurb. The reality is more, cool shrubs and a lot of brightly-coloured cardboard cut-out cacti dotted around. It's no Kew Gardens but the kids liked it, and the road stripes made for a nice scoot. My 3-year-old was actually most in awe of the escalators we took to get there - he thought it was like a theme park, having spent a third of his life in lockdown and not remembering the thrill of an escalator before!</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2NSLCapXQlxw4P3mxAPve8IFfAQM49RJsbNKo9-J7eYZ3R-a3mWAKWF6E6weaqUZn77dFeuClDQE5aqL6Y4c0_nPSWoA6Mz2s3xOJnt5NbjIYsjP-2OfHRd1aPJqvmsH3xXR3XQmP3s/s4032/IMG_3047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2NSLCapXQlxw4P3mxAPve8IFfAQM49RJsbNKo9-J7eYZ3R-a3mWAKWF6E6weaqUZn77dFeuClDQE5aqL6Y4c0_nPSWoA6Mz2s3xOJnt5NbjIYsjP-2OfHRd1aPJqvmsH3xXR3XQmP3s/s320/IMG_3047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdADSLiZV_h2n6hpInWYyZLicISsVRlQpfwOOpTjVpLnrKQXMaDQSgsn11dCTsKjfbL4ekGJ4RCMch5eJ7lJEjbvX_LSM5cf9pvdvdLCG7xsGMzw3ZY4wNAbWaRvb9ZeL3GS3ErBXB_ns/s2048/IMG_3059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdADSLiZV_h2n6hpInWYyZLicISsVRlQpfwOOpTjVpLnrKQXMaDQSgsn11dCTsKjfbL4ekGJ4RCMch5eJ7lJEjbvX_LSM5cf9pvdvdLCG7xsGMzw3ZY4wNAbWaRvb9ZeL3GS3ErBXB_ns/s320/IMG_3059.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq58Z2-nDvatE7Zb6mhfjWLE-1h7G7oqtXPdjmmnaEMq6FrYBe-0zA2VzaDn1SxhXbhnlD5RPNSmQhfuPQbXxx8GRwkbIIobpqhWBEPo-z4eJeHBGY4wMcFj4QwAqlFe2fRxE-W9_y9Wc/s2048/IMG_3078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq58Z2-nDvatE7Zb6mhfjWLE-1h7G7oqtXPdjmmnaEMq6FrYBe-0zA2VzaDn1SxhXbhnlD5RPNSmQhfuPQbXxx8GRwkbIIobpqhWBEPo-z4eJeHBGY4wMcFj4QwAqlFe2fRxE-W9_y9Wc/s320/IMG_3078.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUsJeZzXUYFNRp5_zVKvbs8U4x9CkBLWWPlWZ4CU5txEDNnczgstxne9w0F1pE8IzrQUfO4KUSJQhY2nS0h_5jGgi6gRn6_MjmiQZMhc5eZZYJYHd5tAKGuiT4xCA60PLGVKrAzgms7Q/s2048/IMG_3090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUsJeZzXUYFNRp5_zVKvbs8U4x9CkBLWWPlWZ4CU5txEDNnczgstxne9w0F1pE8IzrQUfO4KUSJQhY2nS0h_5jGgi6gRn6_MjmiQZMhc5eZZYJYHd5tAKGuiT4xCA60PLGVKrAzgms7Q/s320/IMG_3090.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPypR68ll6YYhJlcpsZsgZfdg7QsPXEPvRfg1je6lu7c90pHJqMstgrIqo4e1_v7CGCxQCZRR0s_o1O5tevnpczHCU6P9Uqq6v9ew4EUXe13oAVdjhau1RMiLzP8AKVV7T_PkalClKP8/s2048/IMG_3093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPypR68ll6YYhJlcpsZsgZfdg7QsPXEPvRfg1je6lu7c90pHJqMstgrIqo4e1_v7CGCxQCZRR0s_o1O5tevnpczHCU6P9Uqq6v9ew4EUXe13oAVdjhau1RMiLzP8AKVV7T_PkalClKP8/s320/IMG_3093.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Next we headed to this kaleidoscope tunnel. It was pretty empty and the kids absolutely loved race-scooting up and down for ages. It was a pretty nice backdrop for a feed for the babe too...</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro6EBHByWWRzRsjCFaJRjlda2QdD2kzHYRrsjkxjj5aeyak6iUVZmOny3eQjApmfgwdjhMcipEL0EHJauQdW3_UHMWdzb5v36G6kbPHA7SExRij_jchkX-NSNiIqhjhQv9mNblWZKPIY/s2048/IMG_3123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro6EBHByWWRzRsjCFaJRjlda2QdD2kzHYRrsjkxjj5aeyak6iUVZmOny3eQjApmfgwdjhMcipEL0EHJauQdW3_UHMWdzb5v36G6kbPHA7SExRij_jchkX-NSNiIqhjhQv9mNblWZKPIY/s320/IMG_3123.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPDhsIVLHHS91j6khrRYllUjgZRVd7l2etaq8huCNpzOIl4g60mQiVIiOlUfYQF1-hhZe5OU2mM4CuJT73XBuq8iZVZesVWhOsBIZaBCCu2wXXAHcGz1R0tTVyK7vUui3WxRTTFgG9WY/s3088/IMG_3142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPDhsIVLHHS91j6khrRYllUjgZRVd7l2etaq8huCNpzOIl4g60mQiVIiOlUfYQF1-hhZe5OU2mM4CuJT73XBuq8iZVZesVWhOsBIZaBCCu2wXXAHcGz1R0tTVyK7vUui3WxRTTFgG9WY/s320/IMG_3142.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53VnwE83-YdNeILiTW8_jELHDAtGKIEFZpds7VWsp_svrPgGsS9O5Hw2GhOHcJAIS306z2a58tSWNFrxKHWhAfjulujxK7fc5JWfVkQ00WPlpHYlRzSJgTVQsbCvxBAqWUMDEIcTvPLU/s3181/IMG_3164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="3181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53VnwE83-YdNeILiTW8_jELHDAtGKIEFZpds7VWsp_svrPgGsS9O5Hw2GhOHcJAIS306z2a58tSWNFrxKHWhAfjulujxK7fc5JWfVkQ00WPlpHYlRzSJgTVQsbCvxBAqWUMDEIcTvPLU/s320/IMG_3164.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzEnlLAmeezw7yhYV6JIcjbkzPyifcqxyNRMXgm-uvF9eVNzvvrkPkay5JmGrYv2ElRTgIMeXN13zHmTO1GC3pfJsHwkyZprEVGv8vb-euAHj9F8sIQlPA03HhduM8T8kUKQvJufbEz8/s2048/IMG_3211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzEnlLAmeezw7yhYV6JIcjbkzPyifcqxyNRMXgm-uvF9eVNzvvrkPkay5JmGrYv2ElRTgIMeXN13zHmTO1GC3pfJsHwkyZprEVGv8vb-euAHj9F8sIQlPA03HhduM8T8kUKQvJufbEz8/s320/IMG_3211.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We were pretty excited to have actual choice of eateries for lunch. Most of the food outlets inside Canada Square shopping centre were open, plus outside ones like Sticks'n'Sushi and Franco Manca. There are lots of benches in the rooftop garden so most people took their picnics up there.<p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">The rest of the afternoon we spent following the <a href="https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/childrens-art-trail/" target="_blank">kids' art trail</a>, watching boats bob around, the thrill of the DLR whizzing past, and scooting riverside.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTm1-tI-gcibXvEkc_dRf7da-UDmUC8cHtrTg-LIhOQjrWygx2DVaDdemLlcaMMutybt31aeg1T3znHQV9TxAM5OHJsoVjRflI5_MGbVGIvkHn4aCpT6bmRz96yuHu9uSWtf7goL_Fdo/s4032/IMG_3227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTm1-tI-gcibXvEkc_dRf7da-UDmUC8cHtrTg-LIhOQjrWygx2DVaDdemLlcaMMutybt31aeg1T3znHQV9TxAM5OHJsoVjRflI5_MGbVGIvkHn4aCpT6bmRz96yuHu9uSWtf7goL_Fdo/s320/IMG_3227.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_31iKQpHSGIHxyJDbUjEHDMWUvNLWPbcmsnfJV6eZNaJjlDUFQlaIymzIBl9-xVtkYVp8kenDno_rH3bhSvuxCtzgwIT0kQeKOS9IuenFcgaQ3lY3YZtH9RMqlNAeh8jxpu3abMvuv2g/s2048/IMG_3221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_31iKQpHSGIHxyJDbUjEHDMWUvNLWPbcmsnfJV6eZNaJjlDUFQlaIymzIBl9-xVtkYVp8kenDno_rH3bhSvuxCtzgwIT0kQeKOS9IuenFcgaQ3lY3YZtH9RMqlNAeh8jxpu3abMvuv2g/s320/IMG_3221.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRF1Gx2tggEuEzHplqankw5Mlbc2Y25w9Ns5UGo8aW94ujkjT5d4vAqpy6sllYqYRE67hoi60HIgQcjzLBClCsgGRzWtSCF387Frll-qB6z-TAeK8GU6tsIdvzGAmpsipfzwIo2gkicM/s2048/IMG_3218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRF1Gx2tggEuEzHplqankw5Mlbc2Y25w9Ns5UGo8aW94ujkjT5d4vAqpy6sllYqYRE67hoi60HIgQcjzLBClCsgGRzWtSCF387Frll-qB6z-TAeK8GU6tsIdvzGAmpsipfzwIo2gkicM/s320/IMG_3218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnx5s9fSEDfo_xMlqU4LtuY0g2-_nZRcP56Lr6wKRar0ahvd_LZoykedK30vo0DBm0P-6Q6ijMKxZrcZV6nD4bHz2SX_8xgPGjEs1NH_3RXb-G7grGX3pRdPm8BHHM2poPaFmVFgR-V4/s2048/IMG_3114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnx5s9fSEDfo_xMlqU4LtuY0g2-_nZRcP56Lr6wKRar0ahvd_LZoykedK30vo0DBm0P-6Q6ijMKxZrcZV6nD4bHz2SX_8xgPGjEs1NH_3RXb-G7grGX3pRdPm8BHHM2poPaFmVFgR-V4/s320/IMG_3114.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNx4eGsUihfOY_5wMPvVksFaown1uLLoWxvlCxm0fGHG-1M3T8IRSlOm2lyqghP8DD3xjTAzIF2Ku982vxvb5nAiFAozPhvGHcS66J8nhwUYpEIjfUi3wSCWvF-C3CB5wXInpH7x6fn4/s2048/IMG_3116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNx4eGsUihfOY_5wMPvVksFaown1uLLoWxvlCxm0fGHG-1M3T8IRSlOm2lyqghP8DD3xjTAzIF2Ku982vxvb5nAiFAozPhvGHcS66J8nhwUYpEIjfUi3wSCWvF-C3CB5wXInpH7x6fn4/s320/IMG_3116.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUi2cOIDgVbSheX0a5llEkjbCvR_5IulqgPMlgMi4Jmz_Nzpm2N1FodTMF5nny59DPfrMzCDdQH-spK3ntTId_wEUOhf1pQxuliaOPR75Qcb26hVkPYlX4Ptv8wuVnMBMFA6Q2vucWMQ/s2048/IMG_3112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUi2cOIDgVbSheX0a5llEkjbCvR_5IulqgPMlgMi4Jmz_Nzpm2N1FodTMF5nny59DPfrMzCDdQH-spK3ntTId_wEUOhf1pQxuliaOPR75Qcb26hVkPYlX4Ptv8wuVnMBMFA6Q2vucWMQ/s320/IMG_3112.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Short verdict: it was a nice change, the kids had fun and we ate poke bowls. The weather was reallllly cold and we'd have enjoyed it more without the bitter wind tunnels created by the Wharf's massive towerblocks. I was also pretty shocked by how busy the shopping centre was - filled with people milling around, poor mask-wearing, and not feeling all-together safe. (Top marks for the security guard at Boots who wouldn't let anyone in without a face covering).</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">But more fun is coming: </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">from 15 April, Canary Wharf is putting on <a href="https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/minigolf-2021/" target="_blank">free mini golf </a>plus kids' floor games in Columbus Courtyard.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Parking is free for three hours on the weekends when you spend £10 in Canary Wharf shops/restaurants; during the week, two hours are free if you spend £10 in Waitrose (or that proportion can be removed from the bill if you're there for longer). </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq58Z2-nDvatE7Zb6mhfjWLE-1h7G7oqtXPdjmmnaEMq6FrYBe-0zA2VzaDn1SxhXbhnlD5RPNSmQhfuPQbXxx8GRwkbIIobpqhWBEPo-z4eJeHBGY4wMcFj4QwAqlFe2fRxE-W9_y9Wc/s2048/IMG_3078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq58Z2-nDvatE7Zb6mhfjWLE-1h7G7oqtXPdjmmnaEMq6FrYBe-0zA2VzaDn1SxhXbhnlD5RPNSmQhfuPQbXxx8GRwkbIIobpqhWBEPo-z4eJeHBGY4wMcFj4QwAqlFe2fRxE-W9_y9Wc/s320/IMG_3078.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-65997554342839522832021-04-06T21:32:00.004+01:002021-04-06T21:37:45.767+01:00NW London family days outdoors: Woodberry Wetlands<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2VSTZVrmS4c1BGfjVmNYICKrlrzbzZT-0llHlLmkFwsMayGteoZQoA9iGqnoQnNXiDyoVVmayb7vZ8_s-de3BXvrBX6Lwlcclx1N9dIPWFZtQf6l6LkeexoI9V03yiWjoynSeNf7f1Q/s2048/IMG_3015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2VSTZVrmS4c1BGfjVmNYICKrlrzbzZT-0llHlLmkFwsMayGteoZQoA9iGqnoQnNXiDyoVVmayb7vZ8_s-de3BXvrBX6Lwlcclx1N9dIPWFZtQf6l6LkeexoI9V03yiWjoynSeNf7f1Q/s320/IMG_3015.jpg" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">With three kids aged five and under, it feels like I’ve already visited most of NW London’s kid-friendly spots ... a lot. If I had a pound for the number of times someone’s asked me if I’ve ever taken the kids to the RAF museum, I’d be able to buy one of its Spitfires. I’ve spent more days in Golders Hill Park than the donkeys who actually live there. </span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Now, the kids will happily revisit anywhere with a playground / log to jump on / ice cream. But I get bored. So when I stumble upon a new spot, it's exciting. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">And so to today’s visit - of which my eldest asked ‘can we come back tomorrow?’ before we’d even left. Woodberry Wetlands has been regenerated by luxury housing developers - who’ve built a smooth weaving path around a large reservoir and alongside natural wetlands, sprinkled two good playgrounds in between, giving a good half or full day out, depending on how slow you walk. (PS you'll find loads of other <a href="https://www.runoutofwomb.com/2021/03/20-outdoor-days-out-in-nw-london-post.html" target="_blank">days out ideas here</a>.)</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURW37iXD_4w70bmeZAYF70tHj6hjhfWMFilQfl1Sq9g2xp2yjtaRnDJfzRqvfXS3_5dXzXjnw3I_1qIG7qU48tMAerKqByTvg_7f8zqFXDt546P-rqqT93sjUOEGtIxMeWWyZ9_P8lvk/s4032/IMG_2998.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURW37iXD_4w70bmeZAYF70tHj6hjhfWMFilQfl1Sq9g2xp2yjtaRnDJfzRqvfXS3_5dXzXjnw3I_1qIG7qU48tMAerKqByTvg_7f8zqFXDt546P-rqqT93sjUOEGtIxMeWWyZ9_P8lvk/s320/IMG_2998.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It's a beautiful walk - and there’s loads to do for kids. Alongside those two playgrounds, one of which has a super fast Shard-like design silver tube slide, there are Wind in the Willows sculptures, log trails, birds and animals to spot (we saw lots of new chicks although my poor photos of them give the impression that I enjoy snapping litter ..), a great cafe, a water feature that’s the closest I’ll get to Chicago’s famous mirrored bean for a while, and bug hotels aplenty. </span><p></p><p></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/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDl6v54yWlduzhSuKDvfyo2nfv8vLeDN2gWHqNm8aZ-zrytegE9vCIKee85ayuVRZv50e16GMhjNgePA_cn5PDOK61713eSVG887X8y3lLmwskCym0kXl_3UtGHASf3lRO1S8QtCH9k0c/s4032/IMG_2951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDl6v54yWlduzhSuKDvfyo2nfv8vLeDN2gWHqNm8aZ-zrytegE9vCIKee85ayuVRZv50e16GMhjNgePA_cn5PDOK61713eSVG887X8y3lLmwskCym0kXl_3UtGHASf3lRO1S8QtCH9k0c/s320/IMG_2951.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyAfroKNxcAcMjhvx9CI5WmY7kQ-PFBVMHryBQgZYkaTAThAJFIKZr3brcWis5wMAHbQxQ4FYRwPW2WvNy645_9vKO40yh3Z7dgLP4dLgGgs6XsE3idVEdAnQtTiZoOxs2ojdVwYnBIs/s2048/IMG_3030.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyAfroKNxcAcMjhvx9CI5WmY7kQ-PFBVMHryBQgZYkaTAThAJFIKZr3brcWis5wMAHbQxQ4FYRwPW2WvNy645_9vKO40yh3Z7dgLP4dLgGgs6XsE3idVEdAnQtTiZoOxs2ojdVwYnBIs/s320/IMG_3030.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKud39vGw3l8n2RtK5KYNZDvL5lWrfyRsKVCbQPlIgkSCTYOTzwP5IWSvYvC0YyK4Gt82orgjeMkEs89zX-a1ZOdMK9LGMo6ghem4fJbpPDpkac8xmkmzaS9oQjeog6Feq1ji-SysRWM/s4032/IMG_3012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKud39vGw3l8n2RtK5KYNZDvL5lWrfyRsKVCbQPlIgkSCTYOTzwP5IWSvYvC0YyK4Gt82orgjeMkEs89zX-a1ZOdMK9LGMo6ghem4fJbpPDpkac8xmkmzaS9oQjeog6Feq1ji-SysRWM/s320/IMG_3012.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTx1ZiujPJQVYIeaKfCYblEF0szkZhXcvmMSBM8FXavqxtuvBeqQN209ER4Cku2R5YJcqHj3r_uZJvHKZ72bm8gs-WNj3hwuesVtOLCYbt7zI1uTJPziE058NZPcyz8UglJLDdTwatao/s2048/IMG_2983.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTx1ZiujPJQVYIeaKfCYblEF0szkZhXcvmMSBM8FXavqxtuvBeqQN209ER4Cku2R5YJcqHj3r_uZJvHKZ72bm8gs-WNj3hwuesVtOLCYbt7zI1uTJPziE058NZPcyz8UglJLDdTwatao/s320/IMG_2983.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOix6vkwDcgkrbFC6O3BlzIYlh28N3KF8mzkBi3Z7Epi2UrL3PASwq5OCm-S_QQHDelSABTN2S-RGGgfjXl97re8LTXwJOkNTNtTrfaeCb8HB_-ZlE1YMCOFdUKj-jSExCsIIC06kq0Q0/s2048/IMG_2969.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOix6vkwDcgkrbFC6O3BlzIYlh28N3KF8mzkBi3Z7Epi2UrL3PASwq5OCm-S_QQHDelSABTN2S-RGGgfjXl97re8LTXwJOkNTNtTrfaeCb8HB_-ZlE1YMCOFdUKj-jSExCsIIC06kq0Q0/s320/IMG_2969.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It’s all well sign posted (currently a one way system around the water and wasn’t too busy on the sunny but freezing day we visited), buggy friendly and very scootable too. Parking is free on the Stanford hill side - eg no restrictions on Bethune Road - or you can pay to park on or near Lordship Road, where there's an entrance which is much nearer the cafe and main playground. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfP0URHjdf0vI7OXO523D16433umd_SWoaWJdNIK1Zva527zZu00c0vBqdGXMdOJCsNc1HEcdS1XMSuPiGilNbiR7PVXVfo9_Dbvx0m0pmVjfYinHQHpgTfFfAcFIWRvwUarS8RepF36Q/s2048/IMG_3014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfP0URHjdf0vI7OXO523D16433umd_SWoaWJdNIK1Zva527zZu00c0vBqdGXMdOJCsNc1HEcdS1XMSuPiGilNbiR7PVXVfo9_Dbvx0m0pmVjfYinHQHpgTfFfAcFIWRvwUarS8RepF36Q/s320/IMG_3014.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkljapUUihcdR7Xplhr3QcM9F-r0lGjdgq40tm6qKqP7co31ykiaP1ojB28POoxnBxdFx-nN4-YBApkuwzogj5Y4eHTCIaAtdIlMSZhVJQyKl6ORWA3WOgNdDMafZAOCf4JihIf78-cS0/s2048/IMG_3016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkljapUUihcdR7Xplhr3QcM9F-r0lGjdgq40tm6qKqP7co31ykiaP1ojB28POoxnBxdFx-nN4-YBApkuwzogj5Y4eHTCIaAtdIlMSZhVJQyKl6ORWA3WOgNdDMafZAOCf4JihIf78-cS0/s320/IMG_3016.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl68nfv7LvxArZ6PuPQT4albjyJ2OtHz5ae6qYVUVDXQgpuUeXJAbnVjQxB7cunoANOSDPMJoQiaK0KV6JoOYrS6wX6MY6p-s2skQquajaArww1kLq-J8JKrwxNNDJx7TApw1l67LeWeI/s2048/IMG_3024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl68nfv7LvxArZ6PuPQT4albjyJ2OtHz5ae6qYVUVDXQgpuUeXJAbnVjQxB7cunoANOSDPMJoQiaK0KV6JoOYrS6wX6MY6p-s2skQquajaArww1kLq-J8JKrwxNNDJx7TApw1l67LeWeI/s320/IMG_3024.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Once you've parked, follow the signs to Woodberry Wetland and you won’t get lost: there are two reservoirs to stroll around - the West Reservoir has watersports in normal times but currently its path is under construction so there's not as much access there, whilst the East Reservoir is on the other side of Lordship Road. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxYuiOp0-V8zkH7D19EuXoFuvArHgK4fhfwusjfBcrJ3JDuPOExuvcEcX1K4woh719wYmy9SM54LIs710Ha8i2Lnv8upkmT1nyiF8oePshExduLthyphenhypheno-j76xPLb2AaT1cjWPjukLdSpg/s2048/IMG_2953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxYuiOp0-V8zkH7D19EuXoFuvArHgK4fhfwusjfBcrJ3JDuPOExuvcEcX1K4woh719wYmy9SM54LIs710Ha8i2Lnv8upkmT1nyiF8oePshExduLthyphenhypheno-j76xPLb2AaT1cjWPjukLdSpg/s320/IMG_2953.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This has a great smooth board walk, beautiful swaying reedbeds (which you can’t walk on) and the Coal House Cafe, once used to feed the workers who built the reservoir in the 1800s and now an excellent cafe (takeaway only for now) with every Middle Class Menu Bingo item present. From mozzarella focaccia to smashed avo, sourdough and elderflower spritzers to smoked salmon and vegan breakfasts, plus cakes. The only downside I spotted was the queuing system, which is all inside the cafe. Unnecessarily Covid-spreading, in my view, when it's safer and just as easy to queue outside. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7RFdEze5tCxBABoVS0BfYaVa3mfAM5T75DghNkoesE5oJxZdKw1KpJcTLRqaZgPPu3LfluR6qOnZtbeOxWraRLs2yjiw39t48A9awEluXggZyHQL5uIhztETnpKsSrNXqUQ0Rgy26to/s2048/IMG_2974.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7RFdEze5tCxBABoVS0BfYaVa3mfAM5T75DghNkoesE5oJxZdKw1KpJcTLRqaZgPPu3LfluR6qOnZtbeOxWraRLs2yjiw39t48A9awEluXggZyHQL5uIhztETnpKsSrNXqUQ0Rgy26to/s320/IMG_2974.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There's a grassy area outside where you can picnic with your food or the cafe's, plus plenty of benches dotted around outside the new towerblocks of flats. This area also has logs for kids to clamber over, Mr Toad and Moley sculptures, lots of duck and coot nests to spot, and sun traps to relax in. We visited on a cold, windy day and this part was more sheltered.The walk loops around the reservoir and it's all free. Enjoy!</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnM0iTQmL7Xk8lVTaohGU5ULMfW_tMmAP3yObaRyNMFG_3uYioIRdNWJjNxyqIsKV5Xt4ltCMBmLWNDJ9BR7x69ahZJz5vKI1dAkjVHF7kEYGIoKAWDrFXB0rTt25ZD6GaWdyDsE7jLI/s2048/IMG_2962.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnM0iTQmL7Xk8lVTaohGU5ULMfW_tMmAP3yObaRyNMFG_3uYioIRdNWJjNxyqIsKV5Xt4ltCMBmLWNDJ9BR7x69ahZJz5vKI1dAkjVHF7kEYGIoKAWDrFXB0rTt25ZD6GaWdyDsE7jLI/s320/IMG_2962.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7cy6Pa3sXdxJZfBRUzw4Q3CqylZbT11EzDEYIRUirBzkHq-e-rNqV-t8kT6VzFRl_MvggR_w_S0nBU6XK3WkYHoDe3QmocPFOQn54iuE7tu8Berd2I-sMno7b1mGnt4g-FTMHYVVWPI/s4032/IMG_2957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7cy6Pa3sXdxJZfBRUzw4Q3CqylZbT11EzDEYIRUirBzkHq-e-rNqV-t8kT6VzFRl_MvggR_w_S0nBU6XK3WkYHoDe3QmocPFOQn54iuE7tu8Berd2I-sMno7b1mGnt4g-FTMHYVVWPI/s320/IMG_2957.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-66148511005925373882021-03-31T21:45:00.003+01:002021-04-06T21:36:30.206+01:0020 outdoor days out in NW London post-lockdown (almost all with excellent food)<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFPbdeqVDnfpVq7TfF_OBpzYnB7VBmITAupnSJMG9yg0GmIP0lUDB9tW0wzAUVEhT3DWAMZ28nCoidZ8qSAjbhpw6FqB9JoNG8I48xwjgWZLa3sQqqV_dsVzrG1aCD5d9IL4IFx-S058/s2048/IMG_9290.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFPbdeqVDnfpVq7TfF_OBpzYnB7VBmITAupnSJMG9yg0GmIP0lUDB9tW0wzAUVEhT3DWAMZ28nCoidZ8qSAjbhpw6FqB9JoNG8I48xwjgWZLa3sQqqV_dsVzrG1aCD5d9IL4IFx-S058/s320/IMG_9290.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I once wrote that "soft play is the worst place to be a parent. They're stuffy, stinky, germy holes with no daylight, crappy food and worse coffee..." hahaha how we'd all love a calm morning in one of those places with the sound of kids' happiness now. But! We don't have to stay at home all the time anymore, and there are so many great outdoors days out around NW London that I wanted to write some down for you here.</span><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We have 20-ish places to visit in or near NW (ish) London that aren't just about the babes - you AND your kids will enjoy them all. </span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2GMoUdYbanOyuI2_aZsh00GWS-chvE8BDgA0gB9ly1M4Elwqy_M6H13r_mgxSh22GhUObMin-yPa-Arv7m26fNKYWd3pshXpcvO73YMM6-3sOOVp-avELhgqMoe0gwdipsJ7GaNO66g/s1600/1.jpg"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2GMoUdYbanOyuI2_aZsh00GWS-chvE8BDgA0gB9ly1M4Elwqy_M6H13r_mgxSh22GhUObMin-yPa-Arv7m26fNKYWd3pshXpcvO73YMM6-3sOOVp-avELhgqMoe0gwdipsJ7GaNO66g/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">1. Capel Manor. One for the sunny days - <a href="https://www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk/" target="_blank">Capel Manor </a>is basically a university for gardeners, 30 acres to explore where they've created loads of different, individual gardens (think the children's garden, Japanese garden, water garden, etc) for you to all saunter round. There's a small farm, reptiles, a maze, a fairy garden plus regular activities for kids, like egg hunts at Easter. Take a picnic and you'll have a great day out.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWT5fOfWd6qEOG5rirLJxFt26Aua4qLc8dew2dP-xFMS1tAXfoYppY6wo4a5N8VxRMZdEM5Y14QiSeLpek20wpR3VXCMAUkoasELTb4gwhyphenhyphenkCABjsboGm4d0ZCQG5b30WXksM48-xXdY/s1600/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWT5fOfWd6qEOG5rirLJxFt26Aua4qLc8dew2dP-xFMS1tAXfoYppY6wo4a5N8VxRMZdEM5Y14QiSeLpek20wpR3VXCMAUkoasELTb4gwhyphenhyphenkCABjsboGm4d0ZCQG5b30WXksM48-xXdY/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">2. <a href="http://www.finchleynurseries.net/" target="_blank">Finchley Nurseries </a>- this is a garden centre that's actually a great morning or afternoon out too. There are the usual plenty of plants, which my kids love looking at and playing guess the fruit/herb/vegetable plant etc, but lots more too: a small playground to clamber over, a fish / aquarium area, a cute cafe with really EXCELLENT takeaway cheese toasties and cakes at the mo, pick-your-own flowers in summer, and an area selling who-would-want-these china gnomes where my two could stay all day... Easy parking and lots of walks nearby too.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUEsAXfirl43zMYOm3jGa17W3ysJrO66nXPIuzc9-mQBkh3gHZ80_zdQelKhiuMDQn69LJL4re1hy3ESe4xnFNp_WaMg2F5-jJktKLT4j8FHZN2jdKFMRE2IrTVc-IgBKSzgAefBmbeg/s1600/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUEsAXfirl43zMYOm3jGa17W3ysJrO66nXPIuzc9-mQBkh3gHZ80_zdQelKhiuMDQn69LJL4re1hy3ESe4xnFNp_WaMg2F5-jJktKLT4j8FHZN2jdKFMRE2IrTVc-IgBKSzgAefBmbeg/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMlBl4tVfiz3bIp2DlEx_3_gFtOtElzm-r9P5t7fa6Hn5LZhQqkftFTH9rv4Xhz2yi-9QFl4GCc_gSwSjADppadGxuN3G2tcViRRuFqKJNmb6PK1YUdZ9RJID4Qsl-hYAOldaOKNLO1w/s2048/IMG_5823.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMlBl4tVfiz3bIp2DlEx_3_gFtOtElzm-r9P5t7fa6Hn5LZhQqkftFTH9rv4Xhz2yi-9QFl4GCc_gSwSjADppadGxuN3G2tcViRRuFqKJNmb6PK1YUdZ9RJID4Qsl-hYAOldaOKNLO1w/s320/IMG_5823.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlL_sU_NEyrG66lELz6NxVwf0QpmGhkm8fmkcG8F3q-KSnHeTRIRzPu7OLjr7Yv_kViHUxlrhVHoRsTGSX45h6NbvAne1Ku_zdSN99sEIiI15i9eDUKQT2hQmvmqGq2OuSuKRjg576ZIU/s4032/IMG_8792.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlL_sU_NEyrG66lELz6NxVwf0QpmGhkm8fmkcG8F3q-KSnHeTRIRzPu7OLjr7Yv_kViHUxlrhVHoRsTGSX45h6NbvAne1Ku_zdSN99sEIiI15i9eDUKQT2hQmvmqGq2OuSuKRjg576ZIU/s320/IMG_8792.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">3. <a href="http://ktcityfarm.org.uk/" target="_blank">Kentish Town City farm</a>: it's small but in combo with local strolls, makes a lovely afternoon out: oink at the pigs, see the chickens, horses and more then walk down to Boma Garden Centre for cute babycinnos and seriously, seriously good brownies. Must pre-book, opens for the public from 19 April.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img alt="Image result for kentish town city farm" height="179" src="https://cdn.londonandpartners.com/asset/958a8b4eacd57b29036b5bf0c603c756.jpg" width="320" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">4. <a href="https://www.friendsofbroomfieldpark.org/about" target="_blank">Broomfield Park </a>has one of London's biggest adventure playgrounds (and a smaller one that's more tot-friendly), a conservatory with bananas growing, crazy golf (albeit it's not such a crazy course), a lake and model boating pond - and the amazing nearby Baskervilles Tea shop, with delicious cakes, babycinnos, etc for takeaway. (Is it obvious that I'm obsessed with the cafes?)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">5. Kenwood - there are ducks in the pond and huge grassy expanses to explore outside, walk down the hill from the main house and put 'Hollow Tree' in Google Maps to find a really excellent hollow tree to clamber all over and explore.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L9kjKhnv11k3CYxtwmQ94FIbUrAS6ASNgBv16w5twO0qvgpACbDploD4-wFpDWrCUX9F6u9FAtfbUNuQShmKIxYpt-m-DTgf3Q-_Y3_koKKasyBTdnjyc_PFetvN4giu5-YZFVkWPxw/s2048/IMG_4387.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L9kjKhnv11k3CYxtwmQ94FIbUrAS6ASNgBv16w5twO0qvgpACbDploD4-wFpDWrCUX9F6u9FAtfbUNuQShmKIxYpt-m-DTgf3Q-_Y3_koKKasyBTdnjyc_PFetvN4giu5-YZFVkWPxw/s320/IMG_4387.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPy0myBTgR5cMms2RO8aEVuDsouAMuFjCwqp_TyNBB2DXqo69DLMFMXArBHcOeHCfeKxuVZ6zs1HlXkC2A_NfGPhd32RNBODMt6ptZt7iEBiKV5dlaPhfeNY_U_CFbdGKnIRz6zvHWH7g/w1124-h843-no/" width="400" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"></span></span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">6. Ally Pally: swan boats and pedaloes (bonus: great work out) on the boating lake are reopening soon - and there's a great playground with sandpit (the addition of sand adds an extra hour to the average playground session, I find, and about 1.5 billion grains of sand to my car). Few nice cafes, including one inside the garden centre.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">7. St Albans. A drive from NW London, but worth it. There's a fantastic playground in the huge Verulanium Park, plus mini golf and a splash park if those ever re-open safely, there's the <a href="https://www.wafflehouse.co.uk/">Waffle House </a>which does a brilliant safe take-away service at the moment, and lakes to walk around too.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcGxqA9d2ks7y_ioXIaAKmfVhI1hyphenhyphenXqRV9IN3irgTfYhq7xPQExe5I8S6EziYCOrhVeyWz4Ca6lQWuWvfPa2gtUs0D8zqRGbPuTpPKidOKXPAPaPECd1DEs9NNE1vLV1mgdjINtSD0uU/s4032/IMG_9476.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcGxqA9d2ks7y_ioXIaAKmfVhI1hyphenhyphenXqRV9IN3irgTfYhq7xPQExe5I8S6EziYCOrhVeyWz4Ca6lQWuWvfPa2gtUs0D8zqRGbPuTpPKidOKXPAPaPECd1DEs9NNE1vLV1mgdjINtSD0uU/s320/IMG_9476.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGH8HOhjTbm3S4bCIQC98CIbBONtYuX8_kuO1zf1JeRyu4n76XcmV9_IPQ-b-5iH-OgUzKL1IySslXgHJ-YFdfauT7XDLQ1TQ7FIvYoL7Jat5xGAVacVNqJRf87Av1uSoetgw5qNBGos/s2048/IMG_9485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGH8HOhjTbm3S4bCIQC98CIbBONtYuX8_kuO1zf1JeRyu4n76XcmV9_IPQ-b-5iH-OgUzKL1IySslXgHJ-YFdfauT7XDLQ1TQ7FIvYoL7Jat5xGAVacVNqJRf87Av1uSoetgw5qNBGos/s320/IMG_9485.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">8. <a href="https://www.thegrove.co.uk/activities/adults/woodland-trails/">The Grove, Watford</a>. Also a drive away and also yes, it's a five star hotel but in lockdown they've opened up their grounds to non-residents and still now you can go to walk in their grounds. We went, parked near the Anoushka Kids' Club, explored their brill musical trail in the woods (huge metal/wood structures to play with), then walked along the canal and near the golf course (the kids really wanted a go in all its 'sand pits' but had to desist..).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoIK9CeSXQSdhznj5AtfQxcIm7eMMg0kv9KhVbFBTs0JXTeCek-UXtAuCHDhkDI_fCusAJzw8t_IdKXifpSjgPuLQT1ffvAHOBFHNbDbIuWmqSk-82qvYUufSlN4RqApJJD4g-u0ufvw/s2048/IMG_0048.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoIK9CeSXQSdhznj5AtfQxcIm7eMMg0kv9KhVbFBTs0JXTeCek-UXtAuCHDhkDI_fCusAJzw8t_IdKXifpSjgPuLQT1ffvAHOBFHNbDbIuWmqSk-82qvYUufSlN4RqApJJD4g-u0ufvw/s320/IMG_0048.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">9. Sunnyfield Park, Hendon. To be honest, this is a fairly average park with an adequate playground and we go mainly because I love <a href="https://www.sunnyhillcafe.co.uk/" target="_blank">the Israel cafe</a>. Really great takeaway shakshuka, wraps, sabich.. And a giant hill to tire the kids out with too.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;">10. <a href="http://www.stephenshouseandgardens.com/" target="_blank">Avenue House / Stephen's House</a>. Being NW London born and bred, I haven't updated the lingo and this beautiful, volunteer-run space in Finchley Central is forever known as Avenue House. They've updated though, and there's a great playground (with extra sand delivered to the playground sandpit just today!), a more wild climbing area (check out the carved owl), wooden gym/exercise areas dotted around, a lovely pond, cafe with outdoor seating and good events too. I'm partial to walking the 10m to <a href="https://www.falafelfeast.co.uk/" target="_blank">Falafal Feast </a>for their yummy lunch and picnicking in the greens. Don't miss the chance to explore the gardens of the Bothy if you hit jackpot and visit on a day when they're open - and there's open-air theatre there </span><span style="color: #333333;">again</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #333333;">this summer too. Say hi to Spike Milligan from me.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">11. Clarenden Playground at Hornsea Park </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Full disclosure: this <a href="https://www.haringey.gov.uk/news/park-life-haringey-unveils-new-green-space-residents" target="_blank">ridiculously good-looking brand new playground </a>was shut the day we visited, but it looks so good that it's on our list to return ASAP and you should too. Even has sun loungers for parents to relax on (HAHAHA, yes I have a toddler and baby and 5yo.)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">12. Stationers' Park, Crouch End</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;">Big playground, tunnel slides, a</span><span style="color: #333333;">nd you can walk to the bajillion excellent eateries of Crouch End, what's not to like?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBRoR4SVnhHbPsAIqilB72lC8u2tBCdXBz-JGLZmegphljP4kp0EVVXtfrVxD0iIoKFAvkQAQrcmdwjE4_WQt4iNcttuXOLFVupdwOBoLPJ48ZuFna3iUuj6FBLHZ46m62SeLeR4aDo0/s800/stationers.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBRoR4SVnhHbPsAIqilB72lC8u2tBCdXBz-JGLZmegphljP4kp0EVVXtfrVxD0iIoKFAvkQAQrcmdwjE4_WQt4iNcttuXOLFVupdwOBoLPJ48ZuFna3iUuj6FBLHZ46m62SeLeR4aDo0/s320/stationers.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">13. Golders Hill Park</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There's the animals, the strange cuboid sculpture that I remember, as a five year old, running up the sides of (but realise now that this didn't happen), the delicious gelato from the cafe, and the tennis courts, duck pond, always-closed butterfly house, climbable trees and rolling hills of the main park, but take a sharp left as you enter from North End Road and keep wandering and you'll find a beautiful pergola, lake and rambling ruins to explore. Along with a whole lot of pouting Instagrammers.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">14. Lewis Ice Cream Farm</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A speedy drive to Barnet and you'll find yourself in a well-managed, socially-distanced queue for one of a gazillion flavours <a href="https://www.lewisoflondon.co.uk/">of perfect ice cream</a>. There's a playground and haystacks to clamber over in normal times, hopefully they'll reopen them soon, and lots of fields to explore. But walk, shmalk, we mainly go for the sundaes...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-K98ty2uuJjYrYfavpgTj4_phoP_OemvxFNkg31znRS367e6oydkY5PNktAL1QKgwFHX8q9lVwDMFt8o_TRlxfJJvosx45tZDRXmFDbtYV9iUZSaucRXqKSU3PFiVtp1rRQVQkNdAfE/s2048/IMG_3066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-K98ty2uuJjYrYfavpgTj4_phoP_OemvxFNkg31znRS367e6oydkY5PNktAL1QKgwFHX8q9lVwDMFt8o_TRlxfJJvosx45tZDRXmFDbtYV9iUZSaucRXqKSU3PFiVtp1rRQVQkNdAfE/s320/IMG_3066.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">15. Highgate Wood and Queens Wood</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The woods really saved our lockdown. Dens, sticks, the Gruffalo, and bam, the kids have happily played together for an hour. The benefits of these adjoining woods are the excellent large playground of Highgate Woods, with separate section for younger kids and two sandpits, the even better <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Pavilion-Cafe-Highgate-Woods-179196128827717/">Pavilion cafe </a>(best park food in NW London? I think so.) and the vast wild areas to explore in Queens Wood, which by the way also has a small but perfectly formed cafe. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-oKORDXowNln_I4KPIwZImmdgAvG6MTwspo_D0uxAA9CXQQ-NnXsaUjlBmJHn3lgN5_j5KkKmrnZSGMq48TC1SnOtFFCNDQc8fajA3cw3fcExwNPsB0mz50cMCU3YgvmA8Vass51MoI/s2048/IMG_0511.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-oKORDXowNln_I4KPIwZImmdgAvG6MTwspo_D0uxAA9CXQQ-NnXsaUjlBmJHn3lgN5_j5KkKmrnZSGMq48TC1SnOtFFCNDQc8fajA3cw3fcExwNPsB0mz50cMCU3YgvmA8Vass51MoI/s320/IMG_0511.heic" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">16. Lyttelton Playing Fields, Fletchers Park, Northway Gardens and Bigwood</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2dGpojfGgEZSdOQpEKJtRVauheV1JzL6bVwTl7-6R1IsqJYOpyZuMwDlAKj1GVqfUpvA_sA-XXxCcTl0E2mc-EupLc7_eEHvzTgGEltrUu-BETELdjHNlKPKiAJFYqjqR_liYcrMaVU/s2048/IMG_7594.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2dGpojfGgEZSdOQpEKJtRVauheV1JzL6bVwTl7-6R1IsqJYOpyZuMwDlAKj1GVqfUpvA_sA-XXxCcTl0E2mc-EupLc7_eEHvzTgGEltrUu-BETELdjHNlKPKiAJFYqjqR_liYcrMaVU/s320/IMG_7594.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH_6dhUNWTxynxCDIKX-xJN6fFOd-OKIkVVaer0-tDXn_YC4_DaVWcUU77k03ngL9Osu3PQbCbZwdVP785kn3YrTQt0bkMS1baMi12RCjE_AOJGeJ_7_v2rWtEPS-k9yFsEBGavNONvE/s2048/IMG_9290.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH_6dhUNWTxynxCDIKX-xJN6fFOd-OKIkVVaer0-tDXn_YC4_DaVWcUU77k03ngL9Osu3PQbCbZwdVP785kn3YrTQt0bkMS1baMi12RCjE_AOJGeJ_7_v2rWtEPS-k9yFsEBGavNONvE/s320/IMG_9290.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">An undulating triple park bonanza here; park on one of the roads around Norice Lea and enter Lyttleton Playing Fields; you'll find a capacious playground, lots of room to run around, a stream, good bridge for Pooh Sticks, and small (Kosher, if that's your bag) cafe. When you want to explore further, cross Kingsley Way to enter the small, recently-jazzed up Fletchers Park with nice planting, and walk through to cross Northway road and enter Northway Gardens. You'll pass <a href="http://toulous.co.uk/">Toulous Cafe </a>(which used to be public loos, geddit?) where you'll find nice sarnies and sweet potato chips (currently closed), see beautiful, volunteer-planted rose gardens, a gushing stream, tennis courts and another playground at the tip, which is perfect for toddlers. If you've still got energy to burn, exit the park near the playground, cross Oakwood Road and enter Bigwood, some not-so-big woods with lots of nooks to explore.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">17. <a href="https://adventureexperience.co.uk/dinosaur-safari/">Dinosaur Safari Adventure Golf</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Not a park but it's outdoors - crazy golf with pretty terrifying animatronic dinosaurs all over the place, what's not to love?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqshq6HzMfBTqtqRCM1igO04sl8whoDASYLEqCAIw0vULRi0bk7X87gpoE5tu_AvBa5TkCSi-bR3awEso7dtYQcePCgg69ZLkNB5G8m4lqXmURw3WrYV_iuNzUs6UC4BPRUZ57BdkPFjE/s1400/dino.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqshq6HzMfBTqtqRCM1igO04sl8whoDASYLEqCAIw0vULRi0bk7X87gpoE5tu_AvBa5TkCSi-bR3awEso7dtYQcePCgg69ZLkNB5G8m4lqXmURw3WrYV_iuNzUs6UC4BPRUZ57BdkPFjE/s320/dino.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">18. <a href="https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/paddington-recreation-ground/" target="_blank">Paddington Recreation Ground</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">OK, NW London is a stretch but it's actually in Maida Vale and this is hands-down the best playground in London WITH AN EXCELLENT PIZZA RESTAURANT next to the playground gates. I mean, look at this playground! There are lots of Paddington Bears dotted around too.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUN0hzrQdFazCCWyv7THRCYX0i34TQE4HUUvvYHl8NJSpJmcYp7PIkk4qDxaFLmbOQBaHdVG24k0JexuCf3IF5py04ZGTeJBSllpf6gv-7crzSI2owZ27d8jDbXKt_cOYyggDceVdCLQ/s2048/IMG_5891.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUN0hzrQdFazCCWyv7THRCYX0i34TQE4HUUvvYHl8NJSpJmcYp7PIkk4qDxaFLmbOQBaHdVG24k0JexuCf3IF5py04ZGTeJBSllpf6gv-7crzSI2owZ27d8jDbXKt_cOYyggDceVdCLQ/s320/IMG_5891.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">19. Teddy Bears Walk, Mill Hill</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">You'll find it if you put 'teddy bear walk nw7' into Google Maps - a magical path next to a field, filled with cuddly toys in the trees and branches. Tag it on with a trip to Mill Hill Park's epic playground and really excellent cafe and you've had a great morning, even if the rain dumps four years' worth of wet on you in one go, as it did to us...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcaf_-hGYCA65Fv3VIViGoYmqUwbnBMtKZ80FA2M1GC_sgs6Ftqx0vbFjgk5ejqPFOwIHYt1Zj3RxR9WRIBs5pzUdD6VZqLCuBPocf_etDK0tVtdpyjymve64ZnNHAEIeRNVKPwXJ5DY/s2048/IMG_0798.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcaf_-hGYCA65Fv3VIViGoYmqUwbnBMtKZ80FA2M1GC_sgs6Ftqx0vbFjgk5ejqPFOwIHYt1Zj3RxR9WRIBs5pzUdD6VZqLCuBPocf_etDK0tVtdpyjymve64ZnNHAEIeRNVKPwXJ5DY/s320/IMG_0798.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLyQzCprpWmARRzylDkK4bfRllKqm5Cx-yPIuEbVdHdvGWalIt15vx2kO1wwMRl5lqormeElZNMxjfknpvkq_cjNrTE-BU3yYKCz9RsWVk7yegDv0wE-9Bhfd5kkzHnCxBZGj-20bm14/s2048/IMG_0802.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLyQzCprpWmARRzylDkK4bfRllKqm5Cx-yPIuEbVdHdvGWalIt15vx2kO1wwMRl5lqormeElZNMxjfknpvkq_cjNrTE-BU3yYKCz9RsWVk7yegDv0wE-9Bhfd5kkzHnCxBZGj-20bm14/s320/IMG_0802.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDlyOvg4dQX9XrNTHh88KmWre9JvB-udUqdbpyAmzQ1lUDOWphDDGRHsZZLjRBvyT7eqYPc0SQmxy8U9q886ofO-ABBMYbuaRvCJegl7j8KxR_Ur_5Cb-H8dXd1NgJ38nMJeN4AdhdWo/s2048/IMG_0813.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDlyOvg4dQX9XrNTHh88KmWre9JvB-udUqdbpyAmzQ1lUDOWphDDGRHsZZLjRBvyT7eqYPc0SQmxy8U9q886ofO-ABBMYbuaRvCJegl7j8KxR_Ur_5Cb-H8dXd1NgJ38nMJeN4AdhdWo/s320/IMG_0813.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">20. Forty Hall, Myddleton House combo</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Between these two institutions (a drive away in Enfield) you'll find animals, lakes, gardens and cafes. You have to book <a href="https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/gardens-and-heritage/myddelton-house-gardens-">Myddleton House </a>in advance at the moment, but it's free.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">21. <a href="https://www.runoutofwomb.com/2021/04/nw-london-family-days-outdoors.html">Woodberry Wetlands - see post here</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Other ideas for days out (some slightly further afield):<br />Berkhampstead, Cassiobury Park, Friary Park, Oakwood Park, Trent Park, Firs Farm Wetlands, Grovelands, Aldenham, Ashridge Estate (bluebells aplenty), Beckonskot model village, Ivinghoe Beacon, Gruffalo trail in Ealing, Broxbourne sculpture trail.</span></span></div>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-28540628882044400232021-03-11T20:43:00.000+00:002021-04-02T10:23:33.943+01:00The Best Presents for a Sibling from a New Baby<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6AC_SpW8VtWylqnLbt7flN-ev0hyphenhyphenuIxHdf3_BoEh1biDUFa7bFKEbld-LDswGlMDDlCbOrrcPoctHa8tB70ntb-IGNNZ4AwbECfgqMs2eGnZgxPG0IQDT37dLFWuMEJEJM9gQblqVis/s1600/DSC_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6AC_SpW8VtWylqnLbt7flN-ev0hyphenhyphenuIxHdf3_BoEh1biDUFa7bFKEbld-LDswGlMDDlCbOrrcPoctHa8tB70ntb-IGNNZ4AwbECfgqMs2eGnZgxPG0IQDT37dLFWuMEJEJM9gQblqVis/s320/DSC_0725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Giving birth is hard enough, but I'm extremely glad I didn't have to also push out the present my baby 'bought' for his new big brother.. It was a toddler version of the etch-a-sketch drawing board. A really, really big version... Good job the new baby Amazon Prime'd his gift rather than buying it in-utero. But it did turn out to be a really good present: his toddler bro loved it, and it was especially helpful in those early weeks when I was feeding the newborn and didn't have free hands all the time - something the new big brother could get along with solo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Obviously you'll know your own kid's likes and obsessions the best and that will feed into the present - but in my experience of a close gap (mine were born exactly two years, one month and one day apart), you want a toy that your eldest can play with solo, for a long time, and/or which helps them feel involved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So here are some great ideas for new big brother / sister presents if you've got a toddler (or older kid) who's about to lose his or her I'm The Boss Around Here title...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2jwoKUg" target="_blank">V Tech Camera </a>+ <a href="http://amzn.to/2AtRaWn" target="_blank">Scrapbook set</a>- make your kid the "official photographer" of the baby with this toy camera from which you can print real photos. Then they can stick their photos into the scrapbook with stickers, glitter etc too - OK, this bit will need someone's help but will be a nice souvenir as well as a great present, and the photography bit really helps them feel included when visitors etc come, as they have an Important Job To Do.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dispatch from brill Bookabees</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* Subscription to </span><a href="http://bookabees.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Bookabees</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> - the idea of a subscription might be a bit complicated to explain to a tot but once these parcels start dropping through the letterbox each month they'll soon love it... Bookabees is a kids' subscription book club - you fill in a form about your child's age, likes etc, and each month one, three or five perfectly-pitched books arrive through your letterbox in a personalised box that's also full of puzzles, stickers, bookmarks and activities. You either keep the books forever, paying 50% off their RRP, or send them back after reading them, and either way more arrive next month. It's £5 a month for <a href="https://www.bookabees.com/page/choosebox" target="_blank">one book each month</a>, up to £11 for five. We've had two parcels so far and all the books have been really popular (featuring dinosaurs, dirty dogs and cuddling hedgehogs) - especially good as a baby gift as it can be tough to get out to the library etc in the early newborn days, and ongoing books arriving each month is really exciting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* Sibling book - <a href="http://writingfortiny.com/" target="_blank">Writing for Tiny</a> makes personalised story books about changes, worries and milestones - including becoming a sibling. You fill in details about your child and your family, and receive a super-cute little book with cartoon pictures and a story about the baby. A lovely idea for a gift from your baby, or buy it before the birth as a more personal alternative to '<a href="http://amzn.to/2C3S5tX" target="_blank">There's a House Inside My Mummy</a>' et al.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6lD4tgkprAf1975t1P_1wfOpZYfpDty88Ssh59SXqPp6xAtqlS5LOvAl4u0GR7E9tEDIuq6ou9pFzE7MSX-3W62426Nz5N7S3Q6_Q0SCELxpApNnNgMnHnATpzuleM6czCZosu2Nygw/s1600/7affc911885007c13b37040d69e3fe72--sketch-tablet-magnetic-drawing-board.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6lD4tgkprAf1975t1P_1wfOpZYfpDty88Ssh59SXqPp6xAtqlS5LOvAl4u0GR7E9tEDIuq6ou9pFzE7MSX-3W62426Nz5N7S3Q6_Q0SCELxpApNnNgMnHnATpzuleM6czCZosu2Nygw/s320/7affc911885007c13b37040d69e3fe72--sketch-tablet-magnetic-drawing-board.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* <a href="http://amzn.to/2jOnAjR" target="_blank">Drawing Board </a>- As above, tiniest man 'bought' this for his new big brother and it's been great as he gets it out himself, draws, uses the (included) stamps and generally keeps himself busy for good chunks of time, especially when I'm feeding. And no mess...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GDbzsRpY08XX1dTlrlfAweEfVvAVwi3Egj9cvn2b75qCWVn1CmGWkVCYKIUbj14OkAab0PRJEJJSVBzUIKHBcEJPmaKtFu-JJd9664DBQ9lcrCnfA4J6vZKDu9iFf4DQqSukkdGO-mY/s1600/l3616_fr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GDbzsRpY08XX1dTlrlfAweEfVvAVwi3Egj9cvn2b75qCWVn1CmGWkVCYKIUbj14OkAab0PRJEJJSVBzUIKHBcEJPmaKtFu-JJd9664DBQ9lcrCnfA4J6vZKDu9iFf4DQqSukkdGO-mY/s320/l3616_fr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* <a href="http://amzn.to/2knmUl2" target="_blank">Doctor's Set</a> - friends bought this for their eldest and said it worked out well as the baby 'gave' it to his sister at the hospital, and the toddler could then play with it alongside the midwives etc, but still uses it lots at home - including to check her newborn's heart beat :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* Pound Shop Box - there's nothing nostalgic about this one, but lets face it, crappy pound shop toys are popular, and you can buy a whole bunch of stuff for not much money. Stickers, toy cars, masks, colours, etc - grab a basket in Poundland, put the toys all in one box, and hopefully it'll keep them playing for ages because there's so much in there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2TV6x-SwPYqN5MeEYS-Xz0PZ-zm0-ZxVQhKI0ahsCSSqVbSjcvey5UynjLHaKHjkQsXr719QIc_ok78m-Z54lH2Hj1hK5KuLp_KWIIN7XmK3WBmmvH5AvwQ4Rj9w6gMwNjP8Rfl0x0E/s1600/zapf-baby-annabell-brother.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2TV6x-SwPYqN5MeEYS-Xz0PZ-zm0-ZxVQhKI0ahsCSSqVbSjcvey5UynjLHaKHjkQsXr719QIc_ok78m-Z54lH2Hj1hK5KuLp_KWIIN7XmK3WBmmvH5AvwQ4Rj9w6gMwNjP8Rfl0x0E/s320/zapf-baby-annabell-brother.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* A doll - especially one with lots of accessories, just like a newborn, such as <a href="http://amzn.to/2C6N8k4" target="_blank">Baby Annabell</a> (or her brother doll, <a href="http://amzn.to/2jzdkPI" target="_blank">Baby George</a>) - so your older child can feed, bathe, cuddle, change nappies, clothes etc at the same time as you're doing so with the baby.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf3jLlLLe3iUyVs2KZTGN7zdfnA2CkEboZZ7vyiqHp78eLA8Hx96H7slubCJshqzWZ3i1b0-Hjap0PVgG4rWlnoT9kh667cVCSkcJaXVPpzrDOa6h6VTXdDZsFRgKmyGFiwA9C97bfiM/s1600/lego-duplo-deluxe-box-of-fun-10580-24109-0-1402990299000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf3jLlLLe3iUyVs2KZTGN7zdfnA2CkEboZZ7vyiqHp78eLA8Hx96H7slubCJshqzWZ3i1b0-Hjap0PVgG4rWlnoT9kh667cVCSkcJaXVPpzrDOa6h6VTXdDZsFRgKmyGFiwA9C97bfiM/s320/lego-duplo-deluxe-box-of-fun-10580-24109-0-1402990299000.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* Duplo / Lego - this is the toy that seems to hold kids' attention for the longest, as well as encouraging imaginative and solo play - which is vital in the early days. There are loads of special <a href="http://amzn.to/2C50I7d" target="_blank">sets like this one</a> but what's been really popular in our house is just a great big multi box of bricks <a href="http://amzn.to/2Atjlop" target="_blank">like this one</a>: pricey, but doesn't wear and gets so much use. Look out for second-hand sales on Facebook mum groups and in charity shops.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qKEAWaaIhKIR04DEBfADnW9m2TPXoQKdYMKtea3MUsCpvqbwfWEmhbFXQCoRIAgmI_5y3oMUVUwd1uaL-vFOEFQ9_18KTjBYHa1gddFn1vhRYbKTaz-_UYcxBtGU_nFjbXSdmcXmiis/s1600/81d%252BK%252B3prPL._SY524_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qKEAWaaIhKIR04DEBfADnW9m2TPXoQKdYMKtea3MUsCpvqbwfWEmhbFXQCoRIAgmI_5y3oMUVUwd1uaL-vFOEFQ9_18KTjBYHa1gddFn1vhRYbKTaz-_UYcxBtGU_nFjbXSdmcXmiis/s200/81d%252BK%252B3prPL._SY524_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* <a href="http://amzn.to/2AumDYH" target="_blank">Paint Sticks</a> - same theory as above, you want an imaginative toy that they can play with solo, so the idea of painting when you've a newborn around might seem CRAZY - but these involve zero mess, it's just colouring in, crayon-style, and then you add water. Fab invention and really good quality. <a href="http://amzn.to/2juBxXE" target="_blank">Play Do </a>can be good for this too - a bit of mess, but lots of fun.</span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">* Some of the above ideas were sent to ROOW for review but rest assured we're seriously gobby and only rave about things we really love.</i></div>
Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-40983662401279744232021-01-12T11:37:00.002+00:002021-01-12T11:37:33.002+00:00Piccolo baby food subscription box<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOgh8OU9BIJfz9Pt9TXkIzk7C2HtTnMwm1R1Us7VTq-WWVrDoGhy8UKRCwR92Vd4tGJRB_Z0ZQMYvtEdfggxFegx3V-QKRZiQek2I2y8z16ZYVlKjFuwIUEFA3QaUNFzt7GiRQ6IP9j0/s4032/IMG_6052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOgh8OU9BIJfz9Pt9TXkIzk7C2HtTnMwm1R1Us7VTq-WWVrDoGhy8UKRCwR92Vd4tGJRB_Z0ZQMYvtEdfggxFegx3V-QKRZiQek2I2y8z16ZYVlKjFuwIUEFA3QaUNFzt7GiRQ6IP9j0/s320/IMG_6052.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There have been (many!) stressful things about giving birth in lockdown - but when my baby turned six months and another lockdown loomed, I started to worry again! In her first months, where I worried about sourcing my next slot from Ocado/Tesco/random farm someone's said has spare capacity on Facebook, at least I knew my babe wouldn't go hungry as all her food came from my boobs. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Not so when weaning beckoned and a food delivery slot once again became as rare as a parent happy that schools were shut. So when Cat, the founder of Piccolo, a baby food brand <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/business/entrepreneurs-piccolo-is-the-babyfood-maker-that-s-ethical-and-growing-up-fast-a3494241.html" target="_blank">I've written about a few times at work</a>, and told me about her <a href="https://shop.mylittlepiccolo.com/custom-box/" target="_blank">new subscription service</a>.. I was excited!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It works like this: you fill in a cute form about your baby - what you want them to eat, what kind of milk they have, any allergies, your lifestyle (ha, I yearn for the days when I had a lifestyle beyond up-play-school-walk-bed!) and each month, or as often as you want, you receive 35-40 servings of meals and snacks.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can pick between Piccolo's amazing organic pouches, or their cooking range (think baby-friendly stock, tiny pasta, tons-of-vegetables sauces), and milk too if you're after formula. It all arrives in a big box (which incidentally is an excellent hour's activity for kids if you brand it a spaceship/car garage/etc!).</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaiaWN_pi1ESnRwqHpudsjiqlbqNM66-4EJD6fE9Qd1tVNNaB2NYT9Z0qdwXDkgSFvWOWXJddfrB7S8bUiioBmNayVe4W5gVgozUw2g6NaiwgodgA2OdIQr7mdS3OHeXhHqQy2sL5EU4/s4032/IMG_5782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaiaWN_pi1ESnRwqHpudsjiqlbqNM66-4EJD6fE9Qd1tVNNaB2NYT9Z0qdwXDkgSFvWOWXJddfrB7S8bUiioBmNayVe4W5gVgozUw2g6NaiwgodgA2OdIQr7mdS3OHeXhHqQy2sL5EU4/s320/IMG_5782.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Our box was a lifeline: I've currently got three kids at home, the baby, her toddler brother, and her five-year-old big brother, and it's.... chaos! To know that the baby's meals can be grabbed from the subscription box whenever the day has been a bit too long, or I'm knackered, or we're going for a pizza and it's not baby-appropriate, is a big relief. Especially as I've met Piccolo's founder Cat a few times and totally trust that the food is nutritious, goof stuff. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Initially, there was a but... My babe refused to eat purees or pouches! This was GREAT, obviously as I'd prepared about 90 different puree varieties in the freezer before learning this. But even so I found Piccolo's stash was super helpful as I could use vegetable pouches to make really healthy muffins, packed with veg and they only took five minutes to make (seriously - recipe below!). The tiny pasta and sauces are so useful too for baby-led weaners. And there's currently 25% off with the code FIRSTORDER25.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></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/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUk8aQioBI08k9M22Zf8LrXWZtNs7jg1Hb4git3lpOKx6ZljFnguEEvlYhj-6SOPArrMjc6gwv2seUdNmfpYTfKjWFtY39yqqMo8LONmdmxIMOaG0xvq5lxSKAqMh2tpF7UY0-8Wnrl4/s2048/IMG_6525+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUk8aQioBI08k9M22Zf8LrXWZtNs7jg1Hb4git3lpOKx6ZljFnguEEvlYhj-6SOPArrMjc6gwv2seUdNmfpYTfKjWFtY39yqqMo8LONmdmxIMOaG0xvq5lxSKAqMh2tpF7UY0-8Wnrl4/s320/IMG_6525+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Baby muffins for BLW made from Piccolo pouches</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">2 x Piccolo vegetable pouches - I often go for <a href="https://www.mylittlepiccolo.com/product/carrot-sweet-potato-butternut-squash/" target="_blank">carrot, sweet potato and butternut squash</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">2 eggs</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">150g wholemeal flour</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">100g melted butter</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">1 teaspoon baking powder</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">30-50g grated cheese</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Method:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mix together all the ingredients apart from the cheese. Pour into small muffin cases (I usually get 20-25 portions). Sprinkle the cheese on top of each muffin. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Bake for 15m.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">They last about three days, so I usually freeze half the batch, then just remove one or two from the freezer in the morning and it's ready for lunch or supper. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">They're really great for when you're eating out in a park or picnicking with older kids and the baby can eat a healthy muffin from their buggy (expect all the mess though, obviously!) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span></div><p></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;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOftxobhK_fgMptTimZX87O5jdxJQAlS1z5b0m4u08jQOu-vDVGfOjXBT8FKBsCbwmYZAw5uHuupmoy3VAY9IE3QMxv8Lg76depYOdYk99tERyhuryHzpAG5CwQgVoyFfOtaSpvqH1co/s2048/IMG_6637+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOftxobhK_fgMptTimZX87O5jdxJQAlS1z5b0m4u08jQOu-vDVGfOjXBT8FKBsCbwmYZAw5uHuupmoy3VAY9IE3QMxv8Lg76depYOdYk99tERyhuryHzpAG5CwQgVoyFfOtaSpvqH1co/s320/IMG_6637+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />* we were sent a review box but rest assured, we're seriously gobby and only rave about things we really love</span></div></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-1652487873714801642020-11-04T21:01:00.001+00:002021-01-12T11:03:00.396+00:00Amazing Autumn family photoshoot in London <p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwl2PLg3eyE1XQbDgptYYnkKA8HpG_bl3sBpn9m9WSgzmdhUY4oSABI6JVmmU2orWT4WmOI5KO4tsPUFvCy7uhK127R-mPfhzvpwFTABjgTvaNRdQMuNeavoFPAv7EIkQVzvZGbD-rcVY/s2048/IMG_6115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwl2PLg3eyE1XQbDgptYYnkKA8HpG_bl3sBpn9m9WSgzmdhUY4oSABI6JVmmU2orWT4WmOI5KO4tsPUFvCy7uhK127R-mPfhzvpwFTABjgTvaNRdQMuNeavoFPAv7EIkQVzvZGbD-rcVY/s320/IMG_6115.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">Giving birth to my third babe two days before the first lockdown, we didn't have a whole lot of family snaps! There was the iPhone one a kind neighbour took from the end of our driveway, a whole bunch of awful phone/timer attempts and some blurry selfie jobs, but..that was it.</span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Now, I love summer's rays whilst playing in them, but photo-wise, reckon its Autumn's crunchy hues that give the best backdrops. So when I saw <a href="photosbyruby.co.uk" target="_blank">Photos By Ruby</a>'s amazing leaf-speckled family photoshoots on her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_photosbyruby/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram </a>feed, I knew I wanted to book in for our own session.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOgGestqw5xlbE48tbWszi-p10d9iBhR_OsesZxBWko2PoZgdq7KVwITH1cHeDXU08YBiwrAN7Eo8Ai8xb32ucauV-b01vIYn78peN_ggbaSD1oFlkvurotdh4yI7Te0Io39tJp8k67g/s640/IMG_0340.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOgGestqw5xlbE48tbWszi-p10d9iBhR_OsesZxBWko2PoZgdq7KVwITH1cHeDXU08YBiwrAN7Eo8Ai8xb32ucauV-b01vIYn78peN_ggbaSD1oFlkvurotdh4yI7Te0Io39tJp8k67g/s320/IMG_0340.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyDgW5lOL0vbNFwfpATvlQYw9rzxvxFLkCtIyX7bCkWHcZyH52U_QGglCCZeIAmilgdBY1o809tO24sSM7MOFoguy6UI-tAtJ2E2mDLzXWuOjOhoSvGOGPRNsm9Nw0hSEY98VLLRyQ0c/s640/IMG_1939.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyDgW5lOL0vbNFwfpATvlQYw9rzxvxFLkCtIyX7bCkWHcZyH52U_QGglCCZeIAmilgdBY1o809tO24sSM7MOFoguy6UI-tAtJ2E2mDLzXWuOjOhoSvGOGPRNsm9Nw0hSEY98VLLRyQ0c/s320/IMG_1939.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgms-T1c_ABU8i39Jsh-W06QYC5RKcPsp126qrz7iyNn9zAFlx4Vczq6IjxotALkWov8lcWF2L2N1K_hn8_rqjy-hxvkyMye17Q1aPc_sC55RXZ_A4ByBheAWxEst2zz4rwLNyD340u_QI/s640/IMG_5409.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgms-T1c_ABU8i39Jsh-W06QYC5RKcPsp126qrz7iyNn9zAFlx4Vczq6IjxotALkWov8lcWF2L2N1K_hn8_rqjy-hxvkyMye17Q1aPc_sC55RXZ_A4ByBheAWxEst2zz4rwLNyD340u_QI/s320/IMG_5409.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRU9TqdKqefaAwh1Ge-1qmXk0bqqrYPl4c2eDpvM-wjw25w-61Ml3bTg60o-VOB0mkijQSyOsw4Mz4wGyBS3lVRtCSgffT9nt-oaXc9ivwe_GZO5HHEwQrOc-WWyM30rZPvB9VEXKiz_M/s640/IMG_8680.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRU9TqdKqefaAwh1Ge-1qmXk0bqqrYPl4c2eDpvM-wjw25w-61Ml3bTg60o-VOB0mkijQSyOsw4Mz4wGyBS3lVRtCSgffT9nt-oaXc9ivwe_GZO5HHEwQrOc-WWyM30rZPvB9VEXKiz_M/s320/IMG_8680.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjih6Bur5pIhIh3LrIhyphenhyphenM0NCjeXuouOqThpyPNdz7likQVQ2bM3Rk1zRpRRm-UQfC-sxPK3qnesolkBXo_kiezyOk1YAdu1HLQRqNRXJdftcvAtgAO0YtCH90vhYO_yECElqJdE7oRpggg/s2048/IMG_5773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjih6Bur5pIhIh3LrIhyphenhyphenM0NCjeXuouOqThpyPNdz7likQVQ2bM3Rk1zRpRRm-UQfC-sxPK3qnesolkBXo_kiezyOk1YAdu1HLQRqNRXJdftcvAtgAO0YtCH90vhYO_yECElqJdE7oRpggg/s320/IMG_5773.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We met Ruby in Kenwood, (given it's had a cameo in most of the London-set movies I've ever seen, its photographic status was assured). The kids were immediately relaxed, happy to show her 'how far we can run!' and 'how tight we can cuddle!' and any other ideas she suggested - it was far more fun than other photo sessions we've tried. They just raced around and had naturally big smiles, so I didn't even have to get out my emergency bribe-jar of chocolate coins!</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg9jKN1HK86_5MMgP0hpgxJcPZQLGHOHZTsB80HUF1J4S3dsSFY_Et_mXyEPS3wXQCYG3tdHKdZ0hL9PbqJPlpMIZj4H8acCzHcToBpQ-Dye9yInGxuMCb2nUuVZqSgvBWEE03NKoUxE/s2048/IMG_6011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg9jKN1HK86_5MMgP0hpgxJcPZQLGHOHZTsB80HUF1J4S3dsSFY_Et_mXyEPS3wXQCYG3tdHKdZ0hL9PbqJPlpMIZj4H8acCzHcToBpQ-Dye9yInGxuMCb2nUuVZqSgvBWEE03NKoUxE/s320/IMG_6011.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Only two days after the shoot, Ruby had already emailed over almost 100 beautiful, edited photos.. and I'm finding it hard to narrow down to just a few to print because they so brilliantly strike the balance between natural, and wall-worthy! (I mean, I'm all for the natural look but not so natural that I'm gurning and the baby is mid-dribble..)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xw6VRe4tDDxbh5RYYrQmQH34jXVGaQBQoZ_umTgGd-YBEHNx1sN2s3sH6YE2lPSCQtRNqbBW0ZCwjg0E0kdmwRFi5EpKu46BcXeHqpe6fN-hGva5WGin-xJJ8A6krnWgwG_M5hS3Pxc/s2048/IMG_6201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xw6VRe4tDDxbh5RYYrQmQH34jXVGaQBQoZ_umTgGd-YBEHNx1sN2s3sH6YE2lPSCQtRNqbBW0ZCwjg0E0kdmwRFi5EpKu46BcXeHqpe6fN-hGva5WGin-xJJ8A6krnWgwG_M5hS3Pxc/s320/IMG_6201.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you're looking for a family photographer, I really recommend you take a look at Ruby! And there's 10% off if you use code Lucy10! Get in touch if you've any questions..</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></p>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-89388227465377084082020-11-02T12:46:00.000+00:002020-11-04T21:08:26.058+00:00The Only Guide to Weaning You'll Need To Produce A Perfect Eater<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0Vry4iajZrUXzAqJcrVviP90D9MTIRvngx976XuD5swt_1um0nKDA7fzHSk7mQtaQ5SP-u1b6aic6icGjAHihi9vIWb_iN-myQnHxBs2wjMi8pUwsCkGHD8Kz13lFBq9on1xnVsNfDQ/s1600/3267947784_a62e8ab691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0Vry4iajZrUXzAqJcrVviP90D9MTIRvngx976XuD5swt_1um0nKDA7fzHSk7mQtaQ5SP-u1b6aic6icGjAHihi9vIWb_iN-myQnHxBs2wjMi8pUwsCkGHD8Kz13lFBq9on1xnVsNfDQ/s320/3267947784_a62e8ab691.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After canvassing much advice and as mama of two, here's the definitive guide to raising a baby to be a non-picky, adventurous eater..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One who hits the scales at weight 'perfect' and turns pale at the thought of refined sugar. You've <a href="http://www.runoutofwomb.com/2015/11/spreading-food-around-your-babys-face.html" target="_blank">bought the best weaning gadgets...</a> so follow these steps, and you will have an adventurous eater on your hands in a mere 12 days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">1. At the start of the weaning process, remember that your baby will only be used to drinking sweet milk, so ensure their first foods are soft, liquidised sweet fruit puree such as apple mush.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2. This is true except if you want your child to be a sociable eater when older - one who enjoys eating out in restaurants and gobbles everything put on their plate. In this case, never offer a baby pureed foods - doing so is pandying to their </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">inexperience, and </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">lack of teeth. </span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">3. Instead, opt for baby-led weaning (BLW): foods like soft vegetable batons, yogurt and home-made houmous. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">4. BLW works wonderfully - although, think twice if you want your child to sleep at night. Because if so, you'll want them to be full so you'll definitely need to opt for easy-to-eat purees, with you helping spoon your (exclusively homemade, sweated-over) purees into their mouth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">5. But - watch out - don't spoon-feed your baby if you want him or her to be an independent eater, or to be doing their homework themselves by the age of 17. A baby who doesn't use their own cutlery by aged 193 days will turn into that Little Britain 'bitty'-loving character demanding milk feeds during their lecture breaks at uni. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">6. So, a great way to encourage a baby to turn into a quinoa-guzzling toddler is by popping the food in front of them for them to explore themselves. W</span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">atch your baby smear avocado into your new white cashmere throw and hurl gently-steamed tomatoes into your cream carpet, then smile serenely and channel a handy Instagram slogan, such as '#letyourpossessionsgo'. (Obviously, the 'go' refers to 'go manky.')</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">7. Whilst doing so, remember that weaning is a fun, relaxing process for you and your baby. Always fun and relaxing. Even when you're facing another clamped-shut baby mouth, who literally refuses to eat your slaved-over baby-friendly-organic-vegan-clean-food-healthy-green lunch dish (that smells so compost heap-y you'd never eat it.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">8. Meanwhile, NEVER worry about your baby's eating progress - babies can pick up on any concerns that you're stewing over, and become anxious, and then refuse to eat. Anyway, you can always find some sensible, non-contradictory, non-emotive advice online that will help....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>PS Seriously, though, remember that the real weaning mantra is 'fed is best'... BLW or purees or shop-bought pouches or homemade goo ALL help to make happy healthy babies! </i></span><br />
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Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-88377176278200860172020-10-19T16:01:00.000+01:002020-11-04T21:04:08.192+00:00Jumping in Muddy Puddles: the Scamp Suit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are a handful of baby/kid inventions that they really need to extend to adult usage. Gro-bags; naps; teethers (hey, my wisdom teeth really hurt..). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now, after tiny man tested out a new outdoor outfit, <a href="https://www.muddypuddles.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI04G-i7aW2AIVA7ftCh1k1Q42EAAYASAAEgJiZfD_BwE" target="_blank">Muddle Puddles' </a><a href="http://amzn.to/2kllaJZ" target="_blank">Scamp Suit </a>this weekend, I've immediately added it to my list.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I mean, I think I might look a bit like an oversized Teletubby if there <i>was </i>an adult one, rather than the cosy bundle of energy that tiny man looks like in his Scamp Suit. But it'd be worth it. This outfit is ideal for outdoors-loving toddlers (all of them, right?). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxfIAEWfIyc5wVzePzs-NJABOjdQMidRTPOc6dGeupUVlaYNZy_UzQhdcaHR0Q7dbKbvw_jIjkJ_jFq91cYqGGD8HqdUkGuolPmD5OMv6SZxo9BvPSyw_X1GOvtEIAC3gwJUfBz6b8Mo/s1600/IMG_1374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxfIAEWfIyc5wVzePzs-NJABOjdQMidRTPOc6dGeupUVlaYNZy_UzQhdcaHR0Q7dbKbvw_jIjkJ_jFq91cYqGGD8HqdUkGuolPmD5OMv6SZxo9BvPSyw_X1GOvtEIAC3gwJUfBz6b8Mo/s320/IMG_1374.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Muddy-Puddles-Waterproof-Fleece-Suit/dp/B0752MP712/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=ruouofwo-21&linkId=c112f40ea3978e883e7934c84fd3f27b" target="_blank">Scamp Suit</a> has two layers: a totally waterproof all-in-one, with cone-shaped hood to channel the cute elf look and a peaked front to stop any raindrops in their tracks. The bottoms have stirrups, to tuck under feet and stop ANY water getting in anywhere, and sleeves are elasticated. Then there's an inner layer of an *uber* soft fleece onesie. The kind you want to pull on yourself and lie watching an entire Netflix series, in total cosydom the whole time. It's breathable materials though, so not too hot or sweaty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The fleece joins to the waterproof outfit with a handful of poppers, so it's easy to disattach in autumn/spring when it's not so cold, or to wash one or other of the outfits - it can all be chucked in the washing machine. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhru4lcvUYHQqwc64EhYI37IRouZkWIQmdbWvmdnZWoHDGtLBKXzHAK1OLJCZzzigR9yLacy0UR6tmv5PbcpBXAwtQjoRLZEQ8khXJ5ltZ0SBGH55TMk8iLOX2Wkhz-UrsGUz01rxtklVI/s1600/IMG_1375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhru4lcvUYHQqwc64EhYI37IRouZkWIQmdbWvmdnZWoHDGtLBKXzHAK1OLJCZzzigR9yLacy0UR6tmv5PbcpBXAwtQjoRLZEQ8khXJ5ltZ0SBGH55TMk8iLOX2Wkhz-UrsGUz01rxtklVI/s320/IMG_1375.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Scamp Suit is perfectly-named because it's ideal for scamping-about toddlers: any Peppa-inspired jump-in-muddy-puddle-rs will remain dry and warm however deep the jump. It comes in three fabrics, and, judging by my son's fellow nursery-goers in hand-me-down Scamp Suits, it lasts long and well. The downside? It's not cheap - £75. But it's good value. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Whilst we were sent this one for review by Muddly Puddles, I'm ordering a matching one for tiniest man as soon as he's on the move - and waiting 'til they start stocking adult sizes too...</span></div>
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Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-12405663008177931682020-09-27T08:37:00.000+01:002020-11-04T21:03:27.162+00:00Parents Selling Stuff Online BINGO <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicF6wluANAA7C80p4SUHl3Ao7UkYRvZX6lbS8ndwJgNdET5yT0ufCyUUkWFb0FHdExIithMGceGuo_h0NGv_Atkx9hwDQPJGIOv5OjOFSkaNLHZriPJJyKbEUyBmgnJ2k0Ao9kYkqU9yk/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="634" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicF6wluANAA7C80p4SUHl3Ao7UkYRvZX6lbS8ndwJgNdET5yT0ufCyUUkWFb0FHdExIithMGceGuo_h0NGv_Atkx9hwDQPJGIOv5OjOFSkaNLHZriPJJyKbEUyBmgnJ2k0Ao9kYkqU9yk/s320/Capture.JPG" width="262" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It must be something to do with all those broken nights' sleep. But when people turn into parents, some go bonkers. Nowhere is that clearer than in buying and selling groups on Facebook. . . where someone's actually selling a dummy ("lightly used") for 50p. And someone else has something advertised as "could do with a clean.." (so clean it before flogging it?). And someone actually bought a "baby wipe warmer".. and thinks someone else might want to buy this pointless ("Invaluable!") gadget off them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Most of the time, these groups are a really useful way to get hold of stuff you need, or nab a bargain, without adding to that enormous child-rearing plastic landfill. But sometimes people are a bit, er, strange in their sales ads. So next time you're browsing a group, why not play PARENTS SELLING STUFF ONLINE BINGO?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Let me know if there's anything I've forgotten...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPT-T1Sx2eXAHLEaOZC3pOaBR4oCj9-YJ7k6gItxsILIwBvFy9RaTPCpGv7EVpmtXztYjTD1M0LmGgaczUkc_C70p0OfbEE1mr6AzqK9F_nVJ6Gad8H3py5IULhoPijUvolszwBfCet-w/s1600/Capture1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="597" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPT-T1Sx2eXAHLEaOZC3pOaBR4oCj9-YJ7k6gItxsILIwBvFy9RaTPCpGv7EVpmtXztYjTD1M0LmGgaczUkc_C70p0OfbEE1mr6AzqK9F_nVJ6Gad8H3py5IULhoPijUvolszwBfCet-w/s1600/Capture1.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-27242710462466305252020-08-16T21:33:00.001+01:002020-08-16T21:33:45.712+01:00Family travel: Woodend Villa, Torquay<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OhLPO6inKNpVsI4OeNYmKtsTzdF0jSqRrbmmEVHcSu8A4bS5FBpiRwgea_uHTvucULHSJDclOnn1TSXQh0LuQncw4ia3ZZ81eTPgOqmXYQdgU7dDRA1VnNyD-SISOeHc-632fNwxZs4/s2048/IMG_1407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OhLPO6inKNpVsI4OeNYmKtsTzdF0jSqRrbmmEVHcSu8A4bS5FBpiRwgea_uHTvucULHSJDclOnn1TSXQh0LuQncw4ia3ZZ81eTPgOqmXYQdgU7dDRA1VnNyD-SISOeHc-632fNwxZs4/s640/IMG_1407.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">The three things we missed most in lockdown were family (especially as our little lady was born on the day that schools shut and we all had to stay home..), then restaurants (remember how we used to just pop out for a quick dinner without even thinking twice about touching a pepperpot/door/working out if we could avoid the rain if we ordered and ate really fast?!) and... swimming. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">I got really into swimming whilst pregnant and Mr 5 had JUST learnt to swim when pools shut. I was pretty sad thinking that we wouldn't be able to have a dip for who-knows-how-long whilst Covid lingers. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">But then we stumbled on <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/18922099">Woodend</a>, a villa in Torquay where we stayed for a week during the summer holidays... which has its own pool. And what a pool: warm, with a chunky shallow end for the kids and room for some great (diagonal) lengths. We took our island (been waiting to use that for a while, with a pump it only took half an hour to inflate..!) and the pool was the centre of an amazing break. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkGyWkTGpJL7koR5w9VzfNQR7RulJaGooVK0AUfUzA2Sn7x6kH-x4my4p3827X6Bn7vho29yUV1LQdtqCqpghGAdifMgSc3lPKkXFNqkznswV_cir53vJoqTDF94P3u0Jsd4LyhZRi_o/s6000/DSC_0850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkGyWkTGpJL7koR5w9VzfNQR7RulJaGooVK0AUfUzA2Sn7x6kH-x4my4p3827X6Bn7vho29yUV1LQdtqCqpghGAdifMgSc3lPKkXFNqkznswV_cir53vJoqTDF94P3u0Jsd4LyhZRi_o/s640/DSC_0850.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7_Svez-USMMYywmuIm-osGmhWk82NFu8MmBBfn2Mmk-cCTAZ8LkV7RQxbdpAg1V_F_wNoKtjW3EQsFy-6-nBeDS6f1PSmeeCmXURs0L-T5N7kSuOryBP24eQvUiI2MEt9fa8ostpj7U/s4032/IMG_1565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7_Svez-USMMYywmuIm-osGmhWk82NFu8MmBBfn2Mmk-cCTAZ8LkV7RQxbdpAg1V_F_wNoKtjW3EQsFy-6-nBeDS6f1PSmeeCmXURs0L-T5N7kSuOryBP24eQvUiI2MEt9fa8ostpj7U/s640/IMG_1565.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">We had a fantastic week at the villa - Mr 3 called it a 'cottage' but with eight bedrooms and an occupancy of up to 29 people, that was a bit of a misnomer! Some of our other favourite things about the Torquay pad included the hot tub, poolside bar (poolside Pimms, yes please), and spaciousness. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkR2Es6IOaI4rvQ05bBhkp9BhIcyjUnRnDYy1ReE0pBHAd2Y5UJF0TIgEWcGysSIEb2psP6h_r0T6zlsjL25optjDwNF_3mYSmQmkEc2BucOE7VPqNFNHTwRLQH30EG0gNlI1xbUebqS0/s2048/IMG_2108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkR2Es6IOaI4rvQ05bBhkp9BhIcyjUnRnDYy1ReE0pBHAd2Y5UJF0TIgEWcGysSIEb2psP6h_r0T6zlsjL25optjDwNF_3mYSmQmkEc2BucOE7VPqNFNHTwRLQH30EG0gNlI1xbUebqS0/s640/IMG_2108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwg9gr5RfhfbVdaY7PQ4nfaz8Ln0GeIzIq_aCfItlq1u-zqb1fLijh66GpraZELIg7CsfeJzfdGCTjJZQe1UR6jT-zj3DEFvKIhKFZ-Jk5NLpps8u0Zx1ao4WHhOXQGL7FoDK6ATVh2E/s2048/IMG_2109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwg9gr5RfhfbVdaY7PQ4nfaz8Ln0GeIzIq_aCfItlq1u-zqb1fLijh66GpraZELIg7CsfeJzfdGCTjJZQe1UR6jT-zj3DEFvKIhKFZ-Jk5NLpps8u0Zx1ao4WHhOXQGL7FoDK6ATVh2E/s640/IMG_2109.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtk28fCagPBnN9lys2NNcuEZt-jTlI-kgJc2MlIyILyxjpOoirE78AgcJ4uvmPSPTyrRaRYnTYxvbqKqQGeCUvawebpi8PkFkNDf9h1CYvAgV1F53XNZqh78ACZtujVR879kR4yMqx3A/s4032/IMG_2113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtk28fCagPBnN9lys2NNcuEZt-jTlI-kgJc2MlIyILyxjpOoirE78AgcJ4uvmPSPTyrRaRYnTYxvbqKqQGeCUvawebpi8PkFkNDf9h1CYvAgV1F53XNZqh78ACZtujVR879kR4yMqx3A/s640/IMG_2113.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xGX-k5CH7opZ_XW2BUt5B28RSFCRdn3GheBvVM3E4aRApSy_YJpUT5SWgjyRsnIiYmEWO9xSla9XJjasTqj7m25lcscMj_6YRIrJcHgFf2ThyyVldj9kkguUCcuSL6WEgBtw0p9MHYU/s1064/WE2.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1064" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xGX-k5CH7opZ_XW2BUt5B28RSFCRdn3GheBvVM3E4aRApSy_YJpUT5SWgjyRsnIiYmEWO9xSla9XJjasTqj7m25lcscMj_6YRIrJcHgFf2ThyyVldj9kkguUCcuSL6WEgBtw0p9MHYU/s640/WE2.webp" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT78TAoiSUA2sBKrL6D02jWhL83PSdza3pybPNqDHLGd43dBnwhyphenhyphenOE3W697G4xQkrKyKuuRNwWIrrXS0Cv8k2SnVDC3XvJQCP5BIPLvUVXkxrUnEfdFE2EWSypt3FMapZ9M4hAWIuNbU/s960/WE4.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="718" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT78TAoiSUA2sBKrL6D02jWhL83PSdza3pybPNqDHLGd43dBnwhyphenhyphenOE3W697G4xQkrKyKuuRNwWIrrXS0Cv8k2SnVDC3XvJQCP5BIPLvUVXkxrUnEfdFE2EWSypt3FMapZ9M4hAWIuNbU/s640/WE4.webp" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">On top of everything you'd expect from a home-away-from-home (towels, bedding, every kitchen utensil you could dream of needing) there were lots of fun extras - from karaoke in the lounge with disco lights for a drunken singalong night of dreams, to a colour-changing BT phone box in the garden (with a cut-out Boris Johnson inside... Torquay voted a strong leave in the Brexit vote..), and a big Mac computer, cocktail shakers, Nutribullet, and borrowable bikes, every corner of this amazing house had something to do. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">There were bunk beds, books and toys for the kids, which they loved (the fart megaphone might have been one of Mr 5's holiday highlights..), although it wasn't an explicitly child-friendly cottage. The local beach, Meadfoot, was perfect for my boys to beach-comb and crab-hunt amongst the pebbles, although it was very tidal. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnm61CqgDF7xjLOI8vk09untJ_Go9LEU3jVHokrXKi4pgGXl66Wf4Pv9XIwiL8mELw6PLYNTrXxeU0cG1WUTWExu01TQ42ixXV13Ps_s3sx3eoEQYW1OGFUUi_Yt2G8iNbHaaG4zBezo/s2048/IMG_1532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnm61CqgDF7xjLOI8vk09untJ_Go9LEU3jVHokrXKi4pgGXl66Wf4Pv9XIwiL8mELw6PLYNTrXxeU0cG1WUTWExu01TQ42ixXV13Ps_s3sx3eoEQYW1OGFUUi_Yt2G8iNbHaaG4zBezo/s640/IMG_1532.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBZZPa7usnvL-KxaPvj7TJKnY7Ht6bHu3c1__aB8IDUF1TB9js97HRQ7uPKhuGYqG2A3iVBHFeeQYqfzevixd61SCyUPzXvRfgdc6bEHY-f5C7kpLQHNM5OOChReglfrUPPx227ul65w/s2048/IMG_3078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBZZPa7usnvL-KxaPvj7TJKnY7Ht6bHu3c1__aB8IDUF1TB9js97HRQ7uPKhuGYqG2A3iVBHFeeQYqfzevixd61SCyUPzXvRfgdc6bEHY-f5C7kpLQHNM5OOChReglfrUPPx227ul65w/s640/IMG_3078.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We seal-spotted nearby, and took day trips to beautiful villages like Cockington and to Dartmoor, where we swam in the river Dart. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcJgzULxh7HMUtR0DnNkSIS8DksST3owarZsUwNVGo6TowDCVDJj_42g4UhtNwScKX0P08ZFRnNDUXZnUSqVlCmZb7ZLqMgEZ1FwOj_UE0CrTq3QtDWtW-vehFphAaymkM0NUY0zMdQs/s960/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OyevwUd43W759kL9ve2fr28ikcgg9BWNl3C5Syo6fDNrGSwaWHNNOU6xOKcyQZJb-Nex8RXeUghgsLNvH4zf_jvaIu4DxuQEJ9jmHMozkaJ76eEFSYkB60G4qqcYgzDhRiDszt1zork/s2048/IMG_1886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OyevwUd43W759kL9ve2fr28ikcgg9BWNl3C5Syo6fDNrGSwaWHNNOU6xOKcyQZJb-Nex8RXeUghgsLNvH4zf_jvaIu4DxuQEJ9jmHMozkaJ76eEFSYkB60G4qqcYgzDhRiDszt1zork/s640/IMG_1886.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The owner, Adrian, was a great host, easily on-hand for any questions and very friendly. If you're looking for a Torquay holiday base, you'll have a great time at Woodend. </span><p></p><p><br /></p>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-60611397630266239002020-07-08T20:39:00.004+01:002020-07-08T20:39:54.521+01:00Tonies: the screen-time-bashing hifi that your kids will love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">During lockdown, screen addiction got real. I gave birth to my third child on the day that schools were closed.. So s</span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">ome days, turning off Paw Patrol or trying to de-grapple an iPad from a toddler's paws involved the kinds of screams more usually heard in an abattoir. Or a banshee meet-up. Or foxes making sleep-shattering midnight, er, love. Screen time addiction is real.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But then we trialled a kids' gadget that gives them the time they need to chill out (often solo!), but still use their imagination. Step forward the </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Toniebox </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- like a foolproof hifi for kids, so they can listen to music or stories (including ones you can buy and others that you/grandparents/friends record, and read out). </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Here's what we think about it:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The box itself is super simple: a really robust cube, which you can buy in a bunch of different colours, for around £70. It has two 'ears' on the top for volume </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(which has a controlled max)</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">, and, on the face of it, that's it. Then there's the 'Tonies' - chunky animal and people figures that magnetically attach to the top of the box; once one is on, it plays its song or stories. Knock it off, and it stops. Tilt it one way to rewind, the other to fast forward. So simple that my three-year-old easily operates it himself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It has an in-built speaker or you can add headphones, and you plug its charging block into the wall to charge it up, which lasts for hours of audio. It looks retro (no blinking buttons here) and calming rather than flashy. My three-year-old loves the song Tonies - there are loads to choose from, including nursery rhymes and more old-fashioned fair tunes - whilst my five-year-old will lie on his tummy listening to its audio books for ages. Stickman is a favourite, and he'll often follow along with the book that we have too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Creative Tonies - where you can record a tale of up to 90-minutes long via an app - are especially fantastic right now. Far-away relatives or friends can upload their own voice reading made-up stories or old favourites, and your kids can listen to them whenever they want. It's a lockdown must-have. The night-time lullaby Tonie is a hit too, with classical - and classic - tunes to send your kids off to sleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After a month of testing out the Toniebox, it's become a household favourite. I love that my kids will relax on their own whilst concentrating on the stories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like the <span id="goog_1575630476"></span><a href="https://www.runoutofwomb.com/2020/03/screen-time-killer-your-kids-will-love.html" target="_blank">Lunni</a><span id="goog_1575630477"></span>, which I'd say is pitched at older kids than the Toniebox, this new audio gadget would be an ideal present for a sibling of a new baby - it gives the new siblings something to focus on, solo. My only objection is that single Tonies are expensive, at around £15. They're super robust and - despite each one being hand-painted, they'll survive any chewing, throwing or toddler attacks (we've, er, checked) but they do cost considerably more than physical books or downloads. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You can buy the Toniebox from its <a href="https://tonies.com/" target="_blank">own store</a> (currently on offer with a free Tonie per purchase), from <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07H8HF4K2/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=ruouofwo-21&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07H8HF4K2&linkId=7fecc17c5b59e9019b25c1b0dcff9074" target="_blank">Amazon </a>or from John Lewis and other toy shops. It's aimed at 3-8 year olds but my youngest is already enjoying it. It's really robust as well as light too so not like the toys/devices you buy and have to shield in bubble wrap or not let your kids carry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Toniebox sent us a device to review but we've bought lots of Tonies to play - rest assured we're seriously gobby and only rave about things we really love.</i></span></div>
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Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-26057499213757543112020-03-02T15:41:00.000+00:002020-03-02T15:52:14.679+00:00Lunii My Fabulous Storyteller review: the screen-time killer your kids will love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Turning off Paw Patrol or trying to de-grapple an iPad from a toddler's paws usually involves the kinds of screams more usually heard in an abattoir. Or a banshee meet-up. Or foxes making sleep-shattering midnight, er, love. In short, screen time addiction is real.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And yet, that black box of pixels is sometimes so fricking useful. When you're knackered. Or need to do some work. Or just want to make dinner without also simultaneously acting as a referee between squabbling siblings who just so happen to want the same toy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And sometimes kids come home from school in need of some chill out time, and the TV/iPad provides it. But then they never want it to turn off and the endless arguments ensue...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So for all these reasons, I was really keen to find an alternative to the black box babysitter that would still give my kids a chance to sit back and relax, whilst using their imagination.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Then a French mama friend told me about Lunii's My Fabulous Storyteller. It's amazing. So I wanted to share our experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's basically a 21st century update of the Walkman that we all had as kids (long childhood car journeys plugged in, listening to Joseph... that was me!) - made more techy because it comes with 48 stories downloaded onto it, plus you can download loads more. There are special snoozy ones for bedtime, a meditation collection, and hits like Mr Men available too - and they can choose elements of the story to make it personal to them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The device itself is super simple: a turquoise rectangle with just a few buttons and dials, one on the top for turning it on and off and volume (which has a controlled max), a front yellow dial to pick a story, and three buttons to choose and pause a story. My four-year-old quickly picked it up - this is no manual-requiring complexity!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It has an in-built speaker or you can add headphones: Lunii's Octave ones are £32, but ordinary ones work too. Another excellent factor: NO BATTERIES! You charge it up like your phone and each charge lasts for a whopping ten hours of stories (each one tends to last around 5-7 minutes).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After a month of testing out the Lunii, it's exceeded all expectations. I love that my kids will sit down, relax and focus on the stories whilst still using their imagination to fill the gaps and dream of the characters etc. We haven't needed to download any extra tales just yet (there are about 160 English stories available at the <a href="https://lunii.com/pages/luniistore" target="_blank">Lunni store</a>; they cost anything from £3 up) as both my almost-three and almost-five year old remain entranced by the 'free' ones provided. But I'm excited about the future options - linguist kids can even download stories in seven foreign languages - in total the store has more than 1500 to download.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Lunni Fabulous Storyteller isn't going to usurp bedtime books: nothing can beat curling up with your kid and reading them a story, (or the, er, fun of cajolling them to read their school reading books on a Sunday evening..). But the Lunni has proved amazing for car and plane journeys, for after-school chilling time, and especially for Saturday mornings when mum and dad just want half an hour to read the newspaper or relax! I also think it would be an ideal present for a sibling of a new baby, as it's an exciting gadget that gives them independence... and parents of a newborn time to lie down! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You can buy the Lunni from its <a href="https://lunii.com/" target="_blank">own store</a>, from <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B076CMY51H/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=ruouofwo-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B076CMY51H&linkId=f6b325c2d193d33683b30f694fe8b624" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or from Selfridges and Harrods. It's aimed at 3-8 year olds but my youngest is already enjoying it. It's really robust as well as light too so not like the toys/devices you buy and have to shield in bubble wrap or not let your kids carry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Lunii sent us a device to review but rest assured we're seriously gobby and only rave about things we really love.</i></span><br />
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Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-1823899911740150312020-01-27T08:55:00.000+00:002020-11-04T21:02:48.329+00:00Winter Things to Do in London with Toddlers and Kids<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Summers in London are great - endless places to go, city beaches and parks to play in, fruits to pick, playgrounds to explore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But Winter? It's trickier but there's still a lot of fun to have - I really hate soft play so always try to think of other places to fall back on. Here's a list of a load of great, often indoor London places to go when the weather's not all that warm...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They're all within an hour's travel from NW London, cos that's ROOW HQ and I'm not *that* adventurous. So, enough chat... Bookmark it, share it, but most of all visit them - and let me know what I've missed...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">* Do the Docklands area: frankly my toddler would 'drive' the driver-less </span><a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/dlr/" target="_blank">DLR </a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">all day if he could. But on top of that, nearby there's the excellent </span><a href="https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands" target="_blank">Museum of London, Docklands </a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">which has a fantastic kids area (</span><a href="https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands/permanent-galleries/mudlarks-childrens-gallery" target="_blank">Mudlarks</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">) with water play, building blocks, climbing area and loads more. It's free but gets busy, so book a half-hour slot in advance on the website. On a dry day, take a </span><a href="https://www.thamesclippers.com/" target="_blank">Clipper boat </a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">on the Thames too - so much fun and not too pricey.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* Take the <a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/bus/route/9/" target="_blank">number 9 </a>bus (one of the few old-fashioned Routemasters still in service) for a cheapo sightseeing tour of Trafalgar Square, Knightsbridge and Kensington, or the no. 11 does King's Road, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Shoreditch, if you last that long. We take my toddler's <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1409582078/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=ruouofwo-21&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1409582078&linkId=e1925d1e2e6d042edb284e2495449ebb" target="_blank">London book (Usborne's is amazing</a>) and tick off everything we've seen. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">* Or get off that no. 9 at </span><a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens" target="_blank">Kensington Gardens</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> and visit the Princess Diana memorial playground - there's a secure entrance (you must have a kid with you), a huge Peter Pan pirates ship, lots of swings, lots of shade, enormous sandpit, water fountains, splash puddles, all free; try to shield the kids' eyes as you pass the pricey carousel. Walk down to Ken High St after and toddlers will love seeing the food piled up and gorging on the freebies at </span><a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/kensington" target="_blank">Whole Foods Marke</a>t.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* Ikea. I know it sounds bonkers, but my kids love playing in their kids' toy bit (despite the fact that we have half the toys at home anyway..!), touring the mini rooms, and picking out plants. Plus the kids' meals are pretty decent and a mess-free dinner for you...!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* If your tiny one is half a fan of aeroplanes , or just likes running around in a big space, hit up <a href="http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank">Hendon's RAF museum. </a>It's free (parking is £3 but phew the machines take cards), has been recently redone, with a huge hangars of jets, ride-ons, dressing-up area, and if the weather is OK, a really great playground full of planes and a mini-museum. <span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* Stroll the <a href="http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson" target="_blank">Southbank</a> if it's dry. There are lots of places to pop in to warm up - the Southbank Centre, Tate, National Theatre often have storytelling, music and other events - but even if not, the whole bank is full of buskers, street food, NO STAIRS (buggy bliss), and colours - plus loads of chain restaurants that don't shudder at the sight of your over-burdened City not-so- Mini rolling in.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXI9L_GWVHCtAE_erxg0ajhVeLvg8B92Z_NW6NWLoCBNAXY9HYJZ8fjFUbx1c6E5HzgbDFHu4ADoxBzkSb8vulBf3AIDUUT987DQXgVWG_5PeMykijDziY2OJFo5nencTCzArvngNVI0/s1600/Hayden+Jane+aged+4+months+photographed+by+Jez+Dixon+for+Water+Babies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Swim. Of my local pools, Spires in Bushey is rated for being warm, Borehamwood's Venue has a baby pool, or find a friend with a guest pass for a gym with a baby pool... :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.discover.org.uk/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #010101; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">The Discover Children's Story Centre</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;">, </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">with big indoor and outdoor playgrounds, storytelling rooms, crafty groups and amazing exhibitions, centred around kids' authors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* We love a City farm: tiny man loves oinking at the pigs, and seeing the chickens, horses and more at <a href="http://ktcityfarm.org.uk/" target="_blank">Kentish Town</a>, and the ones in <a href="http://www.spitalfieldscityfarm.org/" target="_blank">Spitalfields</a> and <a href="http://hackneycityfarm.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hackney </a>are on our list too. All free.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 20.4px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">* </span></span><span style="color: #444444;">The </span><a href="http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Science Museum</a><span style="color: #444444;"> is a nightmare to get to on the Tube from the Northern line, but worth it - the Garden bit in the basement has a long water splashing activity, big blocks to play with, concave mirrors, noisy activities and more. The rest of the museum is great for a toddling one to explore, and the hanging planes are a hit with my tiny man. By contrast, I find the National History Museum too school group-packed for much tot fun, even during the week.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* Hit up some galleries - we had a lot of fun at the <a href="https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern" target="_blank">Tate Modern </a>(big spaces, weird exhibits that tots can interpret just as easily as us (aka not easily!), and kids activities during the holidays; the <a href="https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/?gclid=CJKIjOqqsMkCFQeNGwodO58JwQ" style="color: #888888; line-height: 20.4px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Royal Academy, </a><a href="http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/venues/hayward-gallery" style="color: #888888; line-height: 20.4px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Hayward Gallery </a><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 20.4px;">and</span><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 20.4px;"> </span><a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern?gclid=CIm-1_eqsMkCFQeNGwodO58JwQ" style="color: #888888; line-height: 20.4px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Tate Modern </a>also <span style="color: #444444; line-height: 20.4px;">all have wide, buggy-friendly spaces and lots of things for kids to stare at. </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdUoskwgkfkK6CG9_E78lmV4GfvzmIsDpKb4t2wwqfy5P6aM4C6qoIZZklcKNAq2-G6n3WqoYRfQIKbqSvMo8y9H65Kwyxh9dweoj8ngmVOoQgKE_7rG1at96xFZQzLFpItiN3Eh-2qU/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdUoskwgkfkK6CG9_E78lmV4GfvzmIsDpKb4t2wwqfy5P6aM4C6qoIZZklcKNAq2-G6n3WqoYRfQIKbqSvMo8y9H65Kwyxh9dweoj8ngmVOoQgKE_7rG1at96xFZQzLFpItiN3Eh-2qU/s400/DSC_0115.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20.4px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">* Take a boat trip: wrap up if it's chilly, then take the <a href="http://www.thamesclippers.com/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Thames Clipper </a>to Greenwich and it's really easy to wheel a buggy on and off. Plenty of places to park them next to a seat too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 20.4px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">* Book in advance to enjoy </span><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 20.4px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://skygarden.london/" style="color: #888888; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Sky Garden </a>in the City - it's free and has lovely views (just have to book a time slot in advance). Great cafe and tons of space for rattling around.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 24.375px;">* We were disappointed with the £million-a-ticket and too-busy-to-move London Aquarium. For a cheaper hit, Forest Hill's </span><a href="http://www.horniman.ac.uk/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #010101; line-height: 24.375px; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">Horniman Museum</a><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 24.375px;"> has an aquarium as well as lots of child-friendly exhibits. For a realllly cheaper hit, we sometimes visit the local pet shop or Pets at Home to see fish, guinea pigs, etc.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* Crazy golf - <a href="http://dinosaursafari.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dinosaur Safari adventure golf </a>has little clubs for tots and moving dinosaurs all around the holes. Win, win. (Except if the moving 'saurs scare them..)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* Garden centres - at Crews Hill, there's soft play, aquatic centres (£1 to feed fish), bird and reptile rooms to look around at the various garden centres. In Stanmore, Squire's also often puts on cheap and fun kids' activities, so worth checking them out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 24.375px;">* Make a "</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24.375px;">Mini Masterpiece" at <a href="http://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/" target="_blank">Dulwich Picture Gallery </a>- once a month on </span></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 24.375px;">Tuesdays, for babies aged six-to-18 months. Preceeded by tour of the Sir John Soames-designed gallery.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* <a href="http://www.friendsofbroomfieldpark.org/" target="_blank">Broomfield Park</a> <span style="color: #333333;">has one of London's biggest adventure playgrounds (and a smaller one that's more tot-friendly), plus if it's rainy, a conservatory with bananas growing, crazy golf (albeit not such a crazy course), lake and model boating pond - and the amazing nearby</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><a href="http://www.baskervillesteashop.co.uk/home" target="_blank">Baskervilles Tea shop</a><span style="color: #333333;">, with delicious cakes, babycinnos, and a room just for baby classes if you time your visit right (usually need to prebook).</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 24.375px;">* Go to a ceramics cafe. Yes, breakable pots + tots sounds crazy, but if they're in a calm mood (and you go at a quiet time) it can be great. And a handprint plate / paint-sploshed vase makes a great present for dads, grandparents, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 24.375px;">* Go train or plane-spotting. Sure, it's pretty boring for you.. But my toddlers love nothing more than sitting at <a href="http://www.londonelstreeaerodrome.com/" target="_blank">Elstree Aerodrome</a> (where the cafe is also surprisingly good), Kings Cross station or under the flight path (<a href="http://www.syonpark.co.uk/" target="_blank">Syon Park </a>in west London and <a href="https://www.kew.org/" target="_blank">Kew Gardens </a>are good for this) and watching their fave mode of transport trundle by.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 24.375px;">* Or for a more in-depth version of the above, try driving a train and more at the <a href="http://ltmuseum.co.uk/" target="_blank">ltmuseum.co.uk</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* Visit one of London's huge toy shops (like <a href="http://www.hamleys.com/" target="_blank">Hamleys</a>) - toddler is obviously the ideal age: they're distractable so won't notice you're not buying *everything* (or anything).</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* Visit a local children's hub - we love <a href="http://kidzescape.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kidz Escape </a>(Finchley), <a href="http://www.tomatotutors.com/" target="_blank">Tomato Tutors </a>(East Finchley), <a href="https://www.barnet.gov.uk/citizen-home/children-young-people-and-families/childcare/childrens-centres/newstead.html" target="_blank">Newstead Children's Centre </a>(er, Finchley again), <a href="https://www.artsdepot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Arts Depot</a> (guess where..) - they all have loads of classes on (check schedules) whilst Kidz Escape also has tots' crazy golf and disco.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* Go jumping: we all love the <a href="https://www.flipout.co.uk/activities/classes/mini-flippers/" target="_blank">Flip Out </a>tots sessions, Mini Flippers - it's only about £5 for a morning trip to this trampolining centre in Staples Corner, but better than that, when the schools are open, it's always really quiet so you don't have to be scared of big kids knocking over your little ones. And you're almost guaranteed a nap time after..</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* Visit the flicks: our local cinema, <a href="http://phoenixcinema.co.uk/PhoenixCinema.dll/Home" target="_blank">the Phoenix</a>, runs brilliant toddler film sessions on Tuesdays; there's a half-hour activity first (toys, playdo etc), then a short film/show - the likes of The Gruffalo, or an episode of Sarah & Duck etc. Tickets include popcorn and the kids love it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">* Go out for a treat. Places we love to go to / bribe the kids with include <a href="https://www.creamscafe.com/" target="_blank">Creams ice cream/waffles</a>, <a href="https://chinchinicecream.com/" target="_blank">Chin Chin Labs</a>, <a href="http://www.wafflehouse.co.uk/st-albans/" target="_blank">The Waffle House</a>, and any ice cream parlour, ever, no matter what the weather.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Anything I've missed? Get in touch or comment below. </span></div>
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Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-48921498074722850152019-12-26T21:45:00.000+00:002020-03-02T15:44:29.243+00:00Review: Dinotropolis, Bluewater<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The prospect of soft play normally gives me sweaty palms. Especially on the weekend. Hot, sweaty, packed, scream-filled. No thanks. </span><span style="font-size: large;">But we've just visited the brand-new <a href="http://dinotropolis.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dinotropolis </a>centre in Bluewater - it's soft play, but with a twist. It's actually really good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What is it? A massive dinosaur-themed adventure playground, with a decent-sized area for tots (ball pond, two slides, squashy things to hurl around) and a huge expanse of twisty slides, climbing areas, soft ball-shooting machines to control, massive spacehopper-style balls to jump around - all surrounded by huge, animatronic T-rexes and more, who moved their heads, twisted around, and generally delighted kids, and, er scared my toddler!</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">What sets Dinotropolis apart, though, is the 'extras' to the usual soft play experience. For the £12 entry ticket (which grants 90 minutes' playing-time), there's also an arts and crafts area, with stacks of dinosaur colouring sheets. They don't appear to be special, but then there's a large screen in the corner; you scan in your coloured-in pterodactyl or other dino pal, and the exact design has suddenly flown onto the screen with your name on and is whizzing around. Cue agog kids. (And adults!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also in this quieter area there's a sand fossil-digging play area, and a computerised sandpit where kids make sand castles or dig ravines and impressive volcanoes or lakes, packed with moving dinosaurs, are projected onto the creation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are also go-kart-style peddle-bikes with a circuit - the 'raptor run' - that kids as young as two and as old as eight were all enjoying. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Soon a dino-themed kids' escape room is also going to open (tickets including access to this are £15), to build the entertainment. Overall, though, we easily filled two hours here, with a three-year-old and one-year-old beaming throughout. Obviously at that age we followed the kids, but plenty of parents, and grandparents, were sitting down relaxing whilst their kids sprinted off to explore. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The downsides? The food is bog-standard at best: the meal deal included in the Ranger Pass (£20) gives you a sandwich; the rest of the fodder is mainly chips with small burgers etc. I'd use one of the far better eateries in Bluewater before or after the session, then let the kids fully enjoy their 90-minutes in what is a fantastic new attraction. Then, of course, I packed the exhausted kids into their buggies for my fun shopping session...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">* Dinotropolis invited us to review the centre but rest assured, we're very gobby and only rave about things we really like.</span><br />
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Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-83209752471531488652019-11-17T20:38:00.000+00:002020-03-02T15:44:59.578+00:00Family-friendly brunch in Kensington, London<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Remember what brunch was like in the pre-kids days? Leisurely, long; there'd be newspapers, steaming-hot coffee, endless courses... Relaxing... And a not-to-be-repeated for 18 years memory?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Because even the best-behaved kids won’t sit for *that* long - and you can't even leisurely stroll around the buffet table when you've got people hanging onto your legs, begging to have yet another chocolate croissant...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or that's what we thought, until we hit up a new family-friendly brunch at the <a href="https://www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-london-kensington" target="_blank">NH Hotel in Kensington</a> this weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After a morning at the <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Natural History Museum</a> (the hotel is a 20-minute walk away) we strolled down to brunch. Musicians were playing chilled Latino tunes, and we first all enjoyed a gazillion-course brunch of waffles, roast meats, cheeses, salads, eggs, chocolate fountain - and bottomless bubbly - whilst the kids had a ball too. First they ate with us, then they were entertained at the fab adjacent kids’ room. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was packed with board games (think Hungry Hippo, rather than Scrabble...!) plus Twister, cuddly toys, a screen projector with kids' films (The Lion King was on offer when we were there, but ours were having too much fun with the games). There's colouring, and Laser Quest for older kids, and a fab supervisor, Ana, who was super-happy to lie tummy-down playing Hungry Hippo for longer than my patience would allow... whilst we relaxed! Ana even did face painting, turning our two little men into a rainbow and dog respectively.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So the kids were super happy - and we gorged and chatted like the old days. There was a lot of choice on the buffet: salads, oysters and other seafood, cheeses, breads, then a carvery of roast meats or fish with veg, desserts, fruit, a chocolate fountain (tiny man hadn't seen one before; his eyes were wider than the plate he almost dropped in excitement). Plus, there's a menu to order egg-y dishes (Eggs Royale, waffles, and more) for the grown-ups, and kid-focused things like burgers and fish fingers if they don't fancy the main buffet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The food was good, although some parts could have been perfected (some of the veg was overcooked, as was the chicken) - but the variety was enormous. That, on top of a drinks area - huge range of hot options, plus unlimited soft drinks or Prosecco or Moet, depending on the option you pick - meant we left super-full and relaxed, whilst the kids had a ball too. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: windowtext;">* The Sunday brunch at NH Kensington is available from 12-3pm; </span><span style="color: windowtext;">kids under five are free, 5-12 year olds are £24.50, f</span></span><span style="color: windowtext; text-align: left;">or adults, the bottomless prosecco brunch is £59.95, with a non-alcoholic option of bottomless juice, tea and coffee for £49.95. Brunch with bottomless </span><span style="color: windowtext; text-align: left;">Moet et Chandon</span><span style="color: windowtext; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="color: windowtext; text-align: left;">Champagne</span><span style="color: windowtext; text-align: left;"> is £79.95.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-align: left;">Thanks to NH Hotel for inviting us to try out their new brunch; rest assured we're seriously gobby and only rave about things we genuinely love.</span></span></i></div>
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Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-18521834524323592042019-10-30T21:51:00.000+00:002020-03-02T15:45:19.422+00:00Ten NW London Places to Take Your Kids .. That You'll Actually Enjoy Too<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Soft play is the worst place to be a parent. They're stuffy, stinky, germy holes with no daylight, crappy food and worse coffee. There's only one bearable one (Ally Pally's Little Dinos, where at least you can get a great juice and it's small enough not to lose sight of the offspring you like enough to have bought to soft play). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But as I jumped reeeally high on a trampoline yesterday whilst watching my kids racing around beaming next to me, inspo struck. Here are ten places to visit in or near NW (ish) London that aren't just about the babes - you AND your kids will enjoy them all. (And if not, tell me where's better. More days out that aren't soft play are always appreciated.)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">1. Capel Manor. One for the sunny days - <a href="https://www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk/" target="_blank">Capel Manor </a>is basically a university for gardeners, 30 acres to explore where they've created loads of different, individual gardens (think the children's garden, Japanese garden, water garden, etc) for you to all saunter round. Once they've been visited, there's a small farm, a maze, a fairy garden plus regular activities for kids, like egg hunts at Easter. Take a picnic or eat at the cafe (it's student-y but does a good baked potato) and you'll have a great day out.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2. <a href="http://www.finchleynurseries.net/" target="_blank">Finchley Nurseries </a>- this is a garden centre that's actually a half-day out too. There are the usual plenty of plants, which my kids love looking at and playing guess the fruit/herb/vegetable plant etc, but lots more too: a brand-new jungle gym to clamber over, a fish / aquarium area, a cute cafe, pick-your-own flowers in summer (both an excellent activity AND a cheap way to get a beautiful, majorly-Insta bouquet), and an area selling who-would-want-these china gnomes and animals where my two could stay all day... Easy parking and lots of walks nearby too.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">3. Flip Out - the place that inspired this post. I love going to the toddler (<a href="https://www.flipout.co.uk/activities/classes/mini-flippers/" target="_blank">Mini Flippers</a>) mornings at the Staples Corner trampolining hub (there are lots of other branches) - there's almost always fewer than 20 people, and given the place is the size of a football pitch, that gives you a LOT of places to jump. Even my youngest, who's under two, can run like a banshee without my fearing he'll be knocked over by big 'uns - meanwhile, I'm getting a ton of exercise by boinging up and down next to them. There's also a ball pit room and laser room. The place is pricey most of the time, but Mini Flippers is about £8 for two hours' bouncing for you and a tot. (You do have to buy their socks the first time you go, about £2/pair.)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">4. Ikea. It sounds bonkers, but my kids love playing in their kids' toy bit (despite the fact that we have half the toys at home anyway..), touring the mini rooms, and picking out plants. Plus the kids' meals are pretty decent and a mess-free dinner for you... And if you just happen to have bought more napkins and storage boxes to add to the 8.3 million you have at home, it's not my fault.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">5. If your tiny one is half a fan of aeroplanes , or just likes running around in a big space, hit up Hendon's <a href="https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank">RAF museum</a>. It's free (although parking is £3 but phew the machines take cards), and has been recently revamped, with huge hangars of jets, ride-ons, a dressing-up area, and a really great playground that's full of planes and a mini-museum and is nothing like the identikit playground you find in every park.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">6. <a href="http://ktcityfarm.org.uk/" target="_blank">Kentish Town City farm</a>: it's small but in combo with local cafes, makes a lovely afternoon out: oink at the pigs, see the chickens, horses and more then walk down to Boma Garden Centre for cute babycinnos and seriously, seriously good brownies.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">7. <a href="https://www.friendsofbroomfieldpark.org/about" target="_blank">Broomfield Park </a>has one of London's biggest adventure playgrounds (and a smaller one that's more tot-friendly), a conservatory with bananas growing, crazy golf (albeit it's not such a crazy course), a lake and model boating pond - and the amazing nearby Baskervilles Tea shop, with delicious cakes, babycinnos, and a room just for baby classes if you time your visit right (usually need to prebook).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">8. Local indy cinema, the <a href="https://phoenixcinema.co.uk/" target="_blank">Phoenix</a>, runs brilliant toddler film sessions on weekends and mid-week; on Tuesday mornings there's a half-hour activity first (toys, playdo etc), then a short film/show - the likes of The Gruffalo, or an episode of Sarah & Duck etc. Tickets are £3, including popcorn and the kids love it. On Saturdays it has kids' film club for older kids, similarly good value but full-length films.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">9. Kenwood - there are ducks in the pond and huge grassy expanses to explore outside, obviously, but don't forget the house - it has a kids' room, huge dolls hours, dress-up clothes and music/art classes dotted throughout the week too.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">10. Hit up Ally Pally: there are swan boats and pedaloes (bonus: great work out) on the boating lake (albeit it's not cheap) - and a great playground with sandpit (the addition of sand adds an extra hour to the average playground session, I find, and about 1.5 billion grains of sand to my car). Young kids are free to boat, btw, but babes must be over one to go on a boat. They have tiny lifejackets. Also in the park are incredible views, a nice cafe, ice skating and... OK, if you really want it, that pretty decent soft play too.</span></div>
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Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-49813463085012346172019-10-08T21:39:00.000+01:002020-03-02T15:46:01.850+00:00Learning to swim with Swimming Nature<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #515157; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm not the kind of parent who's always carting kids to after-school classes. Tiny man does a whole lot of activities at nursery; afterwards, he's happy playing at home or out on an adventure with me and his brother. I don't think a packed timetable is a good way to grow up. But there's one class I do think is worth the effort and investment: swimming. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #515157; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's not only a life-saving skill, it's fun exercise, it's hours of pool-play on holiday, it's an amazing feeling to love the water. Swimming lessons are a ticket to a love of one of the best activities there is - and one you can do solo, at any age, and for as long as you like.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #515157; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But when I think back to my swimming lessons as a kid, I think, ugh. I only got in the pool due to the promise of Pom-Bears afterwards. Lessons meant hanging to the side by your fingertips, waiting your turn to splash around and be told what to do by a teacher on dry land. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #515157; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So when I saw my "initially hesitant" (read: screaming I'M NOT GOING SWIMMING for the whole previous hour) toddler shrieking with joy as his <a href="http://www.swimmingnature.com/sn-public/">Swimming Nature </a>teacher, Vilmar, poured water over his head and got him water-confident, I thought: this is a really special kind of swimming lesson.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #515157;">The gist of Swimming Nature is getting people on the path to the life-saving skill of swimming the fun way. There's no arm bands, no doggy paddle; toddler-age classes are one-to-one or, at a maximum, one-to-two. The teachers are always in the water, never yelling instructions from the pool-side; eventually they teach </span><span style="color: #515157;">the correct mechanics of the four recognised strokes, but obviously at toddler age, it starts simpler.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515157; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And so to the happy shrieking: Vilmar really 'gets' kids. Within two minutes he'd clocked that Tiny Man is a transport-loving toddler; he'd filled a watering can up with 'petrol' (pool water, obvs) and was pouring it over his head (the same head that goes <i>bananas</i> if a single drop of H20 hits his face on hairwashing night). Tiny Man was powerfully kicking his way to the other side of the pool because he wasn't <i>swimming, </i>duh, he was a speedy car, fuelled-up and racing along. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #515157; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Swimming Nature isn't cheap: the tiny ratios and top-notch pools ensure that. But at times as I watched Vilmar simultaneously teach two three-year-olds to be happy in the water whilst overcoming their various neuroses (one hated goggles, one didn't like his feet touching the wall, just your average toddler chat..) AND keep them both afloat (one on each arm, or one hanging on the back, etc) without arm bands or floats, I thought, whatever he's paid, it isn't enough. This is one skillful job.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #515157;">Another thing that impressed me was the setting: we swam at Swimming Nature's private pool in Muswell Hill, north London; it was scrupulously clean (and almost continuously mopped by a conscientious on-site mopper!); there's loads of poolside toys and equipments, and there were also toys and books to occupy siblings waiting out of the pool. </span><span style="color: #515157;">Training-wise, all of Swimming Nature's teachers hold ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) or STA (Swimming Teachers’ Association) qualifications and have life-saving qualifications and a CRB Enhanced Disclosure. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #515157; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Final evidence for how much I rate Vilmar and <a href="http://www.swimmingnature.com/sn-public/">Swimming Nature</a>'s lessons is this: we were gifted three classes for this review piece. I thought, 'wow this is good - but it's £30 for each half-hour lesson - is it worth it?' We're signing up for a term - if there's a skill worth investing in, it's definitely swimming and Swimming Nature make it fun.</span></div>
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Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459166716909819647.post-46715803875405101242019-08-30T10:47:00.001+01:002019-09-01T20:08:34.633+01:00Paw Patrol Afternoon Tea at Family-Friendly Park Plaza Westminster Bridge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1b1J6CMFRF8mBig575FPWT0DMf_vwH5TXAksOv19LAOCS5reyw8iF5x7s-YiNhdeL3tBYaTva3zak3vFGx33RQiSDYrw4rO0PKYzxsYQUXw79Ok4CgJfiytojpcMgU_ogd5eHEKezrM/s1600/IMG_9272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1b1J6CMFRF8mBig575FPWT0DMf_vwH5TXAksOv19LAOCS5reyw8iF5x7s-YiNhdeL3tBYaTva3zak3vFGx33RQiSDYrw4rO0PKYzxsYQUXw79Ok4CgJfiytojpcMgU_ogd5eHEKezrM/s400/IMG_9272.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How do you make afternoon tea - officially the best meal of the day, given it covers cakes, biscuits, scones, more cakes, more biscuits - even better for kids? Sprinkle a bit of Paw Patrol on top of the biscuits and cakes, stir in a massive playroom packed with every Paw Patrol toy you can imagine and the Ryder-starring programme itself on a loop on a projector... And sit back and watch your tots have the time of their life!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We took the Tube to <a href="https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-plaza-westminster-bridge-london/deals/family-getaway-package?checkInDate=2019-08-28&checkOutDate=2019-08-29&adults%5B%5D=1&children%5B%5D=0&searchType=pac&promotionCode=FAMILY" target="_blank">Park Plaza Westminster Bridge </a>last week and immediately realised how family-friendly the hotel is, with posters about the kids disco that evening, the (supervised) Paw Patrol playroom available to all guests as well as afternoon tea-gobblers, amazing art installations that double up as play places for kids (like these amazing swinging face chairs) and views of Big Ben, the Thames and the Houses of Parliament. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As for the <a href="https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-plaza-westminster-bridge-london/deals/pawpatrol" target="_blank">Paw Patrol afternoon tea </a>food... these pictures show just how much we had fun gobbling jellies, cupcakes, shortbread biscuits, chocolate chip cookies, 'bone' biscuits and lots more... There were also sandwiches (ham, chicken, cheese, egg) to start - although they were quickly woolfed down as we moved onto the tiered platter of cakes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Paw Patrol afternoon tea cost £25 per kid, (although there was so many cakes that we had enough to share with us adults too) and we were even given a cuddly Rubble, Marshall and Zuma to take home!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As for the play room - we went before and after the tea and the kids still wanted to stay longer! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The sad news is that the Paw Patrol tea was just running for August, so the toys have been packed away for now (although the play room leader promised they might run it again soon - keep an eye out!) - but I wanted to write to flag how great this hotel is for kids (it even has a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/Family%20Getaway%20package?%20All%20the%20information%20is%20at%20this%20link:%20https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-plaza-westminster-bridge-london/deals/family-getaway-package?checkInDate=2019-08-28&checkOutDate=2019-08-29&adults%5B%5D=1&children%5B%5D=0&searchType=pac&promotionCode=FAMILY" target="_blank">family getaway package </a>where kids eat free, get goodie bags and more)- and it's <span style="text-align: center;">so centrally located that their legs won't tire out sightseeing, and so much to do inside that it's a really good family-friendly option for a central London stay. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbvWdmDg4byzIDLo1p3_jfj2P5zHYHDbp-d5_SX4y0l7T8GkOvZ_mxmw01pUrg_gRHv2vsxWr2AujRPqgmJYaAe07VwvuSv-sjhzder9FWlwYyd3XE9FDpHE6GFROJrLZZTfXgr4qzKQ/s1600/IMG_9312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbvWdmDg4byzIDLo1p3_jfj2P5zHYHDbp-d5_SX4y0l7T8GkOvZ_mxmw01pUrg_gRHv2vsxWr2AujRPqgmJYaAe07VwvuSv-sjhzder9FWlwYyd3XE9FDpHE6GFROJrLZZTfXgr4qzKQ/s320/IMG_9312.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV84DjclkuqThptXscxWPJZAY8SYu4rVRQMBHsMrdkKQSkKOcNivE4MuIhrvK_WAsKaVnfNl1ncbcKM_LI1UEd7W-77uMzjI8DLYbkfy4prnD3mKaUB0BSPMCWT2g70Psyhyu8FynWFlE/s1600/IMG_9326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV84DjclkuqThptXscxWPJZAY8SYu4rVRQMBHsMrdkKQSkKOcNivE4MuIhrvK_WAsKaVnfNl1ncbcKM_LI1UEd7W-77uMzjI8DLYbkfy4prnD3mKaUB0BSPMCWT2g70Psyhyu8FynWFlE/s320/IMG_9326.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thanks to Park Plaza for inviting us for afternoon tea - rest assured we're seriously gobby and only rave about stuff we really love!</span></span><br />
<br />Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18311683482955795132noreply@blogger.com0