Wednesday, 8 August 2012

Center Parcs Escape Sherwood Forest

UK forests also provide the perfect setting for a short break to recharge your batteries and feel close to nature. At Center Parcs, kids and adults can take part in falconry and learn about birds of prey and enjoy having a hawk feed directly from your hand. And as a holidaying family of seven this is what we decided to do courtesy of Center Parcs. And whilst my niece was not happy to eat fruit ...


No fruit please !
She was more than happy to stroke the birds at the falconry session being braver than her older brother who just didn't want to have a go. I think the young Falconry session would have been ideal for them as it would have been tailored to their ages and temperament.



My niece stroking a Barn Owl.



Center Parcs offer a wide range of lodges and villas to suit all tastes, from the simplicity of a Comfort Villa to the luxury of a Treehouse. All the villas and lodges at Center Parcs do, however, have one thing in common - they all offer you peace and tranquillity from the modern world, all within a woodland setting. We had decided to stay with in the Executive lodge with Games room and four bedroom complete as well with its own Sauna. And this was great way to relax at the end of the day after many an exhausting session such as Badminton.




We split the cost of the villa between the two families so whilst expensive I didn't mind as it was a unique experience and was my choice of holiday this year. And bearing in mind we were catering from an age ranging from 8 -42 you have to keep children amused especially the 42 year old!


The view of the Executive villas Center Parcs Sherwood Forest.


On the balcony at the executive villa Center Parcs Sherwood Forest.

The games room executive villa Center Parcs Sherwood Forest.


My son enjoying pool in the games room.



The living room area.
My niece checking out her very own bedroom with TV!
Setting up for a night eating in.


At Paint a Pot Sherwood Forest You can choose a piece of pottery from a huge selection, paint it with your own design then we will professionally glaze and fire it (generally overnight) for be taken away, usually the following day.



My niece preparing her Unicorn for painting!



A beautiful hand painted Unicorn





My mug!



Spotty Mug from Paint a Pot Center Parcs Sherwood Forest


Chalk drawn Angelina Ballerina

(Disclosure Center Parcs provided me with the Falconary experiance but everything else was paid by myself )



Tuesday, 31 July 2012

Badge It Review


Badge It! returns by popular demand after calls from the craft loving public to reintroduce this much loved toy. Released in the UK in 2003, over 1/2 million makers were sold in the first year and Badge It! picked up the ‘Creative Toy of the Year’ award.

Now with craft making experiencing a surge in popularity Badge It! returns. The Badge It! maker has got quick, simple, no-mess badge making all buttoned up!  Make unique, high quality metal badges in seconds of your favourite pop star, footballer or pet.

The award winning design makes creativity simple as there’s no glue and no mess. You can use photos, pictures from magazines or your own drawings to make the badges you want.
So get creative, and wear your badge with pride!

My 8 year old niece was so excited when I gave this to her and wanted to make badges straight away. It is easy to do when you read the instructions. However the instructions are in very very small print !

The set came with some ready printed circular pictures for making badges which were in fun and funky designs.  Alternatively, there was a template that could be used to cut pictures from magazines.  I know my niece is going to enjoy enjoyed being able to use pictures she had found herself to make really unique pin badges!

The set only comes 15 pin badges so thankfully refill sets are available to buy separately. This would make the perfect party activity as It is  really fun, quick, not messy and easy to operate.


Badge It ideal birthday gift!
And the other thing I would like to see is this made in a more neutral colour for boys seeing as it  does have some very trndy kids on the box one of which is a young boy/teen!

(Disclosure I was sent this Badge It for review and all my opinions are my own )

Sunday, 29 July 2012

Silent Sunday 29/7/2012 #SilentSunday


Fifteen Cornwall


Fifteen Cornwall


Fifteen Cornwall is part of a global social enterprise, founded by Jamie Oliver with a clear mission – empower those who deserve a second chance in life. It aims to inspire people through food, whether it’s the apprentice chefs in our kitchen or the diners in their restaurants.

Every year  group of 16 – 24 year olds from Cornwall.  It is Fifteen  belief that no matter where someone may be at in life, with the right guidance, they can build a compelling and successful future.


The apprentice chefs how to slice, dice, sear, braise and blend beautiful Cornish ingredients into outstanding plates of food, all against a backdrop of two miles of stunning Cornish beach.


And it is indeed a stunning location prefect for dining anytime, but my favourite time of day to dine there has to be when there is a sunset. Purely breathtaking as the sun melts in the sea though a camera will capture the image, the beauty if the sunset is so strong the memory is forever imprinted on your memory.