Tag Archives: summer fun with the kids

Mook’s Bicycle & Scooter Party

Bicycle Party, Cookies & Biscuits, Party Themes September 15, 2014 Leave a comment

 

Mook's Bicycle & Scooter Party

Mook’s Bicycle & Scooter Party

Birthday Parties can be an expensive business. So this year, when Mook wanted (needed) a new bike, we talked about ways that we could scale back on a birthday party as she was having such an expensive present.

She was very gracious, possibly helped by the fact that we bought the new bike two weeks early, and we all sat down and talked about possible party ideas. Lulu hit on the great idea of having a ‘Bicycle and Scooter Party’ – which went down well with everyone, and so, this year Mook’s Party was a fantastic reminder that simple pleasures can be an absolute delight – and don’t need to cost the earth (literally!).

Continue reading →

Advertisement

Cabin Fever? Try Valentine’s Day Crafting with the Kids

Things for kids to try, Valentine's Day February 14, 2014 Leave a comment
Image

Mook’s Valentine Card

So yesterday was the calm before the ‘next’ storm.  This year, that means we had glimpses of sunshine, in between heavy showers of rain and hail, with a little less wind than on previous days.  Needless to say, we’re all going a little stir crazy.

Thankfully, we have not had to contend with the tragic consequences some people are suffering after the recent storms. But, when the level of activity in the rabbit hutch suggests they are planning their next ‘great escape’, and the kids are being ever more inventive in their mischief, it’s time for a distraction…

Sadly, the rabbits will have to make do with extra helpings of carrots and cabbage, but today Mook and Lulu have been happily crafting for Valentine’s Day.

Image

Lulu’s Love Bug Card

Continue reading →

Pizza Board Flip-Flops!

Party Activities, Party Decorations, Party Themes, Summer Party, Things for kids to try, Uncategorized August 29, 2013 Leave a comment

Image

Don’t throw your pizza backing boards away

– turn them into decorative flip-flops with the kids!

There are days, particularly when we’ve all been busy at school or work, when I just need something quick and easy for the kids to eat. On days such as these, I have been know to give them *whisper* shop-bought pizza.

Often these pizzas come with a polystyrene backing board, which my local council is unable to recycle. I find these perfect little white circles quite endearing and it seems such a shame to throw them in the bin. So over several years…ahem, months I’ve collected quite a few.

I’ve recently come up with the idea to use these polystyrene discs to create delightful decorative flip-flops, complete with tread on the bottom.  They’re so easy and fun to make and make a great project to do with your children, or (if like me, you have quite a few of them) this would be a lovely activity for a party.

Here’s how we made Pizza Board Flip-Flops

Continue reading →

Glorious Coconut Banana Bread

Cakes, Party Food, Things for kids to try August 28, 2013 Leave a comment

IMG_0617

There’s a definite chill to the mornings over the past few days and although we are still enjoying some fabulous weather, many of us are clinging desperately to the last of the English summer.
My attempt to squeeze the last few drops of sparkling summer effervescence from these late August days has been boosted by this heavenly recipe  for Coconut Banana Bread from Jenn Quillen at the rebelchick.com

It’s quite a simple equation:

Coconut + Banana + cake mix = a great big slab of golden sunshine!

Okay, so it might be more accurate to describe it as Coconut Banana Bread, and you don’t have to have a great big slab of it, but I defy you to not have a very healthy slice, or two!

I’m not a huge fan of bananas in cakes, but the addition of coconut delivers a truly delightful cake that has converted me.

Bake this while the morning is still crisp and fresh and by the time you’re itching to get out in the sun it will be ready.  Slip on your flip flops, cut a slice of Coconut and Banana Bread and enjoy in the sunshine with a nice cup of tea, or something more exotic if you like…

Here’s the recipe.

Continue reading →

Colouring – ‘Old School’ Stress Buster!

Rainy Day Ideas August 9, 2013 Leave a comment

ImageYou know the days,  you’ve heard ‘Mummy!’ (or ‘Daddy!’) for the gazillionth time, and you fear the next utterance from your dear little one will either result in you sliding uncontrollably into snivelling, weeping mess on the floor, or your face turning a very unflattering shade of puce as you struggle to contain the bubbling pot within that is cruelly spitting and spluttering at your ‘cool mum’ persona…. Why not take a time out with a  low tech option?

When irritation niggles, and your kids are pestering you to be entertained, it’s all to easy to fall into the trap of over-thinking the problem – and if you’re watching the pennies this can often result in a visit or adventure that puts further strain on your purse.

I’ve learnt though that sometimes my children just want to spend some time with me.  So, at these times you could sit down and watch a film or TV show with your children, although if you’re like me the socks – it’s nearly always socks – that come dancing out of the laundry pile while you’re sitting down, can be very distracting…

Reading a book or two with the kids is a nice idea, but I’ve recently discovered an activity with a miraculous (and somewhat unexpected) benefit – ColouringImage!

Continue reading →

%d bloggers like this: