Days Out Archives | Page 2 of 6

How To Look Stylish without Following Fashion

What a joy to spend the morning in beautiful surrounding at a styling workshop with Kate Evans. I have been following Kate on Instagram (check her stylish and accessible squares out) for a while and have admired her informative stories and blog posts, so when an oppountity arose to hear her in ‘real life’ I jumped at the chance.

She was leaving the Glos to enlighten a group of ladies at a styling workshop and lunch hosted by Jo at Blaegrove Barn, who runs gorgeous events & workshops from a barn in her garden. It is available to hire for your own event such as hen, baby shower, corporate or party too.

Kate kicked off the morning introducing herself.

Everyone was immediately reassured that she wasn’t some super stylist who was going to throw high fashion on us, but who would teach us how to wear clothes that would suit us to reach our potential.

Not only is she an expert in the colours and shapes, she is also a trained life coach and a bevy of knowledge on which shops suit which style personality and shapes.

She generously pinpointed what colours we should be wearing – I should wear deep (dark), bright (jewel colours) with a warm undertone (i.e. yellow based) and although I had my colours done a few years ago and trained how to do women’s seasonal colours (i.e. Spring or Summer) this updated version knowing your key characteristics was much more helpful!

Luckily, I was wearing the right colours!

Kate went through the key trends for this Spring / Summer, and as we had learnt what suits us, we knew whether we could wear them or not.

SPRING SUMMER TRENDS

Trouser Suits

If you feel a trouser suit is too formal, dress down with a logo T underneath and some trainers. This Boden trouser suit is a particular favourite of Kate’s (she nor I are endured with any of these recommendations FYI!)

Remember if black isn’t one of your colours, there are other neutrals that you can wear top to toe such as navy blue, grey or chocolate-brown that will suit you and look smart if they are the right colour for you!

1980’s

Bomber jackets – Zara is always good and for the perfect jumpsuit head to Rock The Jumpsuit. Best worn if your shoulders nd hips are the same width apart – if not – get those shoulder pads on you! Very 80’s…

Tapered trousers are also a winner this season. (My trousers in the above photo were a bit blousy…)

Fluted Sleeves

Perfect if you have a small top half and to even your proportions out if you have a heavier bottom half! (Monsoon are great for that latter problem – really good this season)

What can you wear with these though? A gilet!

Crazy Brights

If you aren’t good with brights around your face, accessorise it up! Gift Pop have gorgeous brightly coloured horse hair belts.

Florals

If you are tall, wear large patterns and if you are small wear smaller patterns! Reflect!

Ted Baker is doing fantastic florals at the moment.

We sat down for an incredible lunch that Jo had prepared surrounded by beautiful interiors.

From the nibbles to the homemade lemon posset and the salads in between – it was absolutely gorgeous.

These tulips were from Jo’s garden – I forgot to ask how she gets them to stay so upright!

After chatting and enjoying top fodder (Jo humbly said she used Tart London’s latest recipe book but I think most of her salads were totally from her own repertoire) we set about to glean as much info from lovely Kate on what’s what, who’s what and where’s where…

ENJOY!

Who does good t shirts?
Whistles…

Options to dress down a blazer?
Lucy Dodwell (great for a flash of neon) and FWP by Rae (great for slogans) do super cool sweatshirts in lightweight fabrics.

3 favourite small clothing brands
Baujken
Miranda Dunn
Be4 Ballerina’s who can personalise your trainers!

Top 3 go to items in your wardrobe when you are in a rush
In the summer, Maxi dress, Cropped trousers, Statement tee

Best return of investment on an item
My Keith Scarrott gold backed boots….I just love them and they make me feel so happy when I wear them!

3 favourite Instagram accounts
Suzie Verrill – she is hilarious
Caroline Hirons – brilliant beauty advice and she cracks me up
Mamma’s Scrap book…stunning interior shots but also brilliant instastories. Anna is a Psychotherapist and does lots of work on promoting support of mental health issues.

Silver or gold jewellery?
Mostly gold as I have a warm skin tone- so works much better- but I also like mixing my metals and wearing both at the same time. Cotton and Gems is my favourite!

Last book you read?
Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi…an incredibly moving book about Ayaan’s upbringing in a strict Islamic family in Somalia and her escape from it into Dutch Politics.

The song you pelt out on your own?
Anything from Train or Christina and The Queens

3 favourite apps
Snapseed for photo editing
Hairy Letters (for kids)
Wunderlist (sharing to-do lists between yourself and someone else. I love it I can add things to my husband’s list!)

Best tip for Instagram
Be yourself and make connections with other users so you can support each other. It can be a harsh place…but it can also be SO supportive and positive. Be strict with how long you are on it, how often you check it otherwise it can easily take over.

Follow her here!

I am seriously considering booking a shopping trip wth Kate. She is so lovely and has a super fun sense of humour, and totally just gets it. Also tempted by her ‘online shopping’ package – give her your brief (an event for example) and she will edit a Pinterest board for you with suggestions.

Now that is service!

How much?

Prices start at £75 per hour… but the amount of money you will save in the long run far outweighs the initial outlay.

What a fun day! I feel so inspired and am going to go through my warden with vigour!

Subscribe to kate-evans.co.uk
Keep up to date with events at Blaegrovebarn.com

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Days Out Travel

Lucknam Park : A Perfect Night Away

This post is hard to start. If I am truly honest (which is of course the route I am going to go down) I will be sure to incite a little of bit of envy when I tell you about my whistle stop trip with my mother, to Lucknam Park near Chippenham in Wiltshire last Thursday. You have to know about this hotel (if you don’t already) and add it to your bucket list. Here is why…

After an easy journey from the M4, we meandered up the tree lined entrance to Lucknam Park at midday. I was struck by its grandeur.

This 10th Century building was home to various Airstoctratic families until it was turned into a hotel in 1987. In 1994 the hotel was bought by a European shipping family who operate Lucknam Park as a single private hotel property. Below is a picture taken of inside the courtyard.

We started with a quick coffee in the Brasserie before we explored. Yes, you can tell I was pretty happy to be here!

We wondered around the landscaped gardens. There were gardeners beavering about in every corner. I was suprised not to see them cutting the edges with nail scissors – it was immaculate.

There were numerous pretty pathways and secret gardens throughout (which you are allowed to enter). It is a wonderful destination if you are a keen gardener.

One of my mothers highlight was the Orangerie – not because it was a designated smoking room (she doesn’t smoke but it was quite novel) but because it was so stylish and would make a fantastic garden room if you had the space and money!

Not only is Lucknam Park part of Relais & Châteaux exclusive 500 of the finest hotels and gourmet hotels across the world due to its beautiful setting, this 5* hotel boasts an excellent Spa, Cookery School and one of the only on site Equestrian Centres with her 500 acres to explore.

The Cookery School was in full swing – I could have happily joined in!

I loved the home from home feeling, especially in the drawing room where you could have afternoon tea or drinks that felt like in the comfort of your own home (obviously without the antique furniture and interior designed rooms!)

My mother loved the multitude of fresh flowers and the clever way they were arranged.

The Spa is accessible to all hotel guests or you can book for just the day. They use ESPA products which always make me feel like I’m at a spa due to the lovely lemony wafts from the oils and diffusers that are omitted through shout the spa and your treatment room.

We had an excellent deep tissue massage with Abi and Tania and felt well and truly pummelled and preened afterwards. We were instructed to rest and drink camomile tea in the rest room afterwards! We didn’t complain – it was the first time I have lied down during the day in a few years (unless I have had a heavy night the night before 😉

The tranquil pool was utilised by many of the guests but never crowded and I couldn’t believe I actually forgot my swimsuit. (For those who ambitious to use all the facilities they did have s mall shop where you could buy swimsuits and aids…)

I loved that the indoor pool continued on outside. This would be even more incredible in the summer when its slightly warmer and all the flowers are out.

Now for food. An important topic for me and many!

There are two dining options, a Michelin starred restaurant – Hywel Jones (see below) or the more informal Brasserie.

(BTW If you want a taste of old school opulence but cant stretch to Michelin prices, breakfast is held in the same room as Hywel Jones).

Before supper, we had a lovely drink in the old school drawing room. On the left hand side of the photo there is a permanent puzzle that you can add to or plenty of wooden games on the side tables and sills to keep you occupied.

After our evening drinks, we headed to The Brasserie which is in close proximity to the Spa (so a perfect suit stop for lunch in-between treatments too).

We chose to share the sirloin steak (golly, doesn’t that sound gutsy and unladylike but it was delicious!!)

We stayed midweek so there were a mix of guests both local, international and many staying due to the nearby Cheltenham racecourse.

I have no doubt, on the weekend there would be many couples enjoying the tranquility of being somewhere so beautiful and grabbing a quick couple of days away from their kids.

Whether you come on your own for some solo recuperation, fancy some cooking lessons, participating in some riding clinics or for a family gathering with multi generations – you really couldn’t beat it.

It is world class.

lucknampark.co.uk

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Days Out Family Life Fashion Little

Warwick Castle : An Educational Christmas Outing

A visit to a castle conjures up school outings, tours of the castle room by room and if you are lucky a token whip around the hedge maze. When we were asked to visit Warwick Castle with* Joules Clothing, we decided to give it a go as both boys have recently had Castles as their class topic.

Situated above Banbury and below Coventry, it was an easy journey along the M40. The castle is hidden until you are through the gates.

It is truly magnificent from the outside but only when you go over the draw bridge do realise the enormity of it.

I felt the interiors were much more accessible than a lot of castles with few barriers and wax like assistants growing at you if you go too near the four-poster bed. As it is run by Merlin Entertainments who also have Seaworld and Chessington to their name, they have made it child friendly and interactive.

Sadly as it was mid winter, the maze and adventure playground were closed. However, Christmas at The Castle is on till 31st December.

The story time with Santa was enchanting and the visit to the Princess in the tower was a treat for little girls.

My highlight other than using the castle as an adventure playground (you can navigate your way around the whole castle along the top, weaving through small passages and up and down-arrow staircases.

Be warned if you suffer from vertigo though – lots of see through walk ways. The 4 year old wasn’t too delighted by the narrow spaces so managed to wrangle being carried around.

All this exercise built up a bit of an appetite and given a choice between the sit down courtyard restaurant and the all you can eat pasta and pizza buffet – yup you guessed it – we went for the latter and were pleasantly surprised by how tasty the food was for only £12 per adult and £6 for a child.

The highlight of the day was the Time Tower.

It consisted of an interactive video taking you through the history of Warwick Castle, the battles and the families that resided there. Its was a great brush up on Common Entrance history!

Despite the freezing temperatures, we were all kept warm with our new Joules coats. They are very well made, well insulated, comfortable and good shapes.

Here they are…

Belmont Padded Coat £59

Noah Parka Jacket £69

Farrington Jacket Was £99 Now £59

I chose the Gosling Padded Coat due to the curve at the bottom and the flattering lines at the back.

Sadly the red is sold out but there are still some Burgundy, Navy and Caramel left.

H’s coat is also sold out but I love the Stafford Marine Navy Quilted Jacket as a smart alternative. (They also do a mens version!)

When I am next on the hunt for a proper winter coat I will definitely head over to Joules. The selection is vast and you know everyone will be properly insulated!!

PS. I have added these to my basket, as they aren’t just good at coats!

The Mens Crew Neck Jumpers £49 are very smart.

This Navy Boys Rugby Shirt is unbelievably in the sale!

I love this Pincord Dress – very original.

What do you think?

This is not a sponsored post however entrance to Warwick Castle and the jackets from Joules were gifted.

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Activities Days Out Family Life

9 Festive Family Activities

Christmas lights were switched on on Marylebone High Street last night which has given me the red light to go into full Christmas mode. What better way to start the Festive season on The London Mummy, with a ‘What’s On’. The lovely Melissa Gauge from Spare My Time is sharing her top 3 places to visit this Christmas with your family to get you in the festive mood.

Take it away…

1) Santa and his huskies at London’s Wetland Centre

Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London, SW13 9WT

2 & 3 December

Christmas is coming early thanks to a magical Santa’s Grotto with free husky and donkey rides for little visitors at the WWT Wetland Centre, Barnes Father Christmas tickets are selling out fast but there are plenty of other festive activities on that weekend – husky and donkey rides are free with admission (children 8 or younger, with weight restrictions) or you can lend a hand at the Elves workshop, making festive decorations or small Christmas gifts to take home.

(If you’ve not been to the Wetland Centre before it’s a must even without the Christmas activities – over 100 acres of managed wetland reserve, nature at its best.)

Top Tip: Apart from Father Christmas, there is no advance booking so make sure you get there early to avoid disappointment.

2. South Bank Centre

Belvedere Rd, London, SE18XX

10 November – 4th January (10am-11pm)

From Christmas Markets to roof top saunas, from Skandi rooftop bars to giant snow globes, from ABBA sing alongs to Nordic folk tales there really is something everyone at the Southbank Centre.

Top tip: try visiting the cosy Rekorderlig Cider Lodge for a glass or two of mulled wine

3. Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park, London, W2

Friday 17th – 1st January

A Christmas Bonanza – your only problem will be where to start!

Here is a pick of what’s on:

 Skate on the UK’s largest outdoor Ice Rink

 Take a journey in the deep sea at The Magical Ice Kingdom

 See the enchanting fairy-tale Cinderella on Ice

 Watch jaw-dropping acts in the Circus Megadome

 Experience spectacular views from the Giant Wheel

 Join the family fun in The Sooty Christmas Show!

 Drink festive cocktails at Bar Ice

Tickets get booked up fast however there is still plenty to see and do even if you do miss out on the big events.

Top tips : Keep your children close – this is a very busy event! We write our telephone numbers on our children’s arm just in case they decide to go for a wander.

Outdoor Ice Skating

With so many options of outdoor ice skating on offer we’ve narrowed it down to our top 5:

Hampton court palace: Open from November 24th – January 7th 2018.

This has to be one of the most picturesque ice rinks, overlooking Henry VIII spectacular home beside the Thames.

Tower of London:

Open from 17th November – January 2nd 2018.

Tip: visit in the morning if you are taking children, it does get busy later in the
day!

Somerset House:

Open from 15th November – January 14th 2018.

In our view, one of the most romantic ice rinks – perfect for that elusive date night. For an extra special touch try one of the Fortnum’s Skate Extras

Natural History Museum:

Open from 26th October -7th January 2018. The Natural History Museum is our die-hard Christmas visit. Be sure to book a penguin for the kids – they do run out quickly

Top tip: Outdoor ice skating does get VERY wet and cold! Bring plenty of layers, gloves and hats (possibly waterproofs for children!).

Covent Garden Christmas Pudding Race

2 December.

Did you know that for the past 36 years there has been a Christmas Pudding race to raise money for cancer research? This fancy dress fun run is full of entertainment and amusements.

Children are not able to enter but not to worry, there will be a lot to see!

Operation Christmas Child

Be a part of changing a child’s life this Christmas and donate a shoe box with a few small gifts and necessities inside. This wonderful tradition started in 1990 and has helped over 146 million children in 150 countries.

Spend the morning compiling your gifts with your children and drop them into your local centre.

Here is a link giving you do’s and don’ts to put inside your box.

Top tip: Remember to wrap the box and the lid separately so they aren’t stuck together when checks are done.

Shoeboxes need to be in by 18 November.

Melissa’s blog is well worth signing up for if you want to be kept informed of new businesses and what’s on in and around London and sign up to Spare My Time if you need any jobs done in your house or garden with a trusted tradesmen recommended by Melissa.

Read her Spotlight interview here!

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Days Out Events

A Little Heads Up

Needs must and this is a need. Otherwise I wouldn’t mention Christmas (!) in September. However, last night I was doing a little research into what shows there are on for kids at the moment, thinking the theatres won’t have listings beyond half term – and woe and behold – the Christmas shows are out! And one show in particular that piqued my interest is actually sold out. (Beauty & The Beast at The Royal Albert Hall… click here to feel my pain!) WHAT? How on earth are people so organised as to get their shizzle together in the second week of school and BOOK CHRISTMAS SHOWS.

So, let’s not let any more get booked up – and if they are going to be booked up – let them be booked up you lovely peeps.

Here are my top picks!

Slava’s Snowshow – Royal Festival Hall

18th Dec – 4th June

The Tony and Olivier award-winning hit returns to Royal Festival Hall this Christmas!

Slava’s Snowshow is now established as a leading London Christmas show, having delighted theatre goers of all ages around the world for over 20 magical years.

Created by multi-international award-winning performance artist Slava Polunin, Slava’s Snowshow introduces a joyous dream-like world, unlike anything you have ever seen; a world in which a cobweb envelops the audience and one tiny piece of paper begins a heart-stopping blizzard of snow.

Snow White & Rose Red – Battersea Arts Centre

29th Nov – 30th Dec

Snow White likes to tell stories and paint. Rose Red likes to race with the deer and the wolves. When a friendly bear knocks on their door, the mischievous sisters have no idea that it’s the beginning of a magnificent adventure.

Based on the original fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm, acclaimed RashDash present a musical quest for justice, love and friendship.

snow-white-and-rose-red-web

Pinocchio – National Theatre

1st December – 7th April

If anything has sure-fire bankable hit written over it, it’s this new family musical. In a good fairy-worthy stroke of luck, the National Theatre has managed to land stage rights to Disney’s legendary movie ‘Pinocchio’, which means that it’ll boast all of the original’s best-loved songs, including ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’.

The Christmasaurus Live on Stage – Apollo Hammersmith

20th – 28th December

Based on the novel of the same name, The Christmasaurus is set on Christmas Eve, a story about the magical adventures of a boy named William Trundle and a most unusual dinosaur called the Christmasaurus. There are sleigh bells and singing elves, Santa Claus and flying reindeer, music and magic. It’s a tale about adventure, family, friendship and discovering that the impossible might just be possible…

apollo-new-new-hero-a8956879e9

The Nutcracker – Royal Albert Hall

28th – 31st December

For the first time ever, Birmingham Royal Ballet brings an enchanting production of this Christmas favourite to the Royal Albert Hall. This magical ballet, with its ravishing Tchaikovsky score, is the quintessential Christmas treat for all the family.

We join Clara in the Victorian setting of her family home. As midnight strikes, the magical Christmas tree grows and grows, Clara’s nutcracker doll and his army of toy soldiers come to life, and Clara is swept away into a fantasy adventure through an enchanting winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes to the magical Kingdom of the Sweets.

rah_41958752597

The Snowman & The Carnival of The Animals – Cadogan Hall, SW3

20th December

Give the whole family a magical Christmas treat as The Snowman is shown on the big screen while the Mozart Symphony Orchestra provides a live soundtrack.

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A couple of my favourites, Chiswick House and Fulham Palace haven’t released their dates yet – just the big theatres, so watch this space for smaller performances nearer the time! xx

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Activities Days Out Family Life

How To Have a Successful Family Picnic

This post is written in collaboration with John Lewis and contains affiliate links!

Prepare to fail, fail to prepare. I have recited this motto since Common Entrance exams however as I get older and a bit more relaxed, it sometimes slips. This was particularly true on Sunday when all the family went to watch Alex in a cricket match at Highclere Castle. I was so focused on getting there on time, I completely failed to prepare anything substantial for the kids picnic. (Obviously I was alright as I knew the adults were catered for. Bad mum points!)

I was particularly shown up by the lovely Mopie who runs Spare My Time, who literally arrived with everything bar the kitchen sink. Sun cream, hand made sandwiches, snacks, fully charged iPad (ours doesn’t last longer than the car journey itself) to name a few. So I observed closely at her happy, hydrated, sated kids and made a few notes to what makes a successful family picnic.

Water. Lots of it. Sistema Twist n’ Sip bottles are great as they don’t leak. It is quite hard to find a proper non leaking water bottle, but these fit the bill and they come in three bright colours – blue, pink and green and two sizes. Why not put a bit of lemon and cucumber in the bottle, fill them with water and freeze them the night before!

Tupperware that holds the food together. In compartments. Nothing worse than sandwiches where the top half slides off! Sistema lunch tub is perfect. Wraps are always a winner with little ones, especially cream cheese and ham or chic spread and banana. Yummy. Anything chopped small works a treat too – mine are into dried apricots at the moment. I think they think they are sweets! If only they knew…

One thing that is imperative not to forget is your picnic rug. It has to be waterproof underneath and dark is always a good idea when kids are around. This simple navy one is a staple.

One thing is a picnic blanket, the other thing is an outdoor rug if you really want to up the ante! I love this navy blue outdoor rug. Tres Chic.

This is brilliant. I haven’t seen it before but such a good idea as how do you eat if you have a glass in your fork hand! Party plates – on my hit list! Plastic wine glasses to go with them too… Try and make sticky food that doesn’t roll off the plate. Potato salad is much easier to eat than new potatoes and coronation chicken is easier than a chicken thigh as you can just use a fork. Chop your salad into bite size pieces too!

I am a huge fan of melamine. The kids use it at home. It looks good and doesn’t break if hurled across the kitchen. (Obv that never happens…) Keeping with calming blue theme – I love this Eddingtons set of plates and tumblers

I love something that can double up as something else and this is one of the best I have seen in a while. A Cooler Box that you can use as cricket stumps so all you need to remember is your bat and ball! Pack it with ice to keep everything cool and also great if someone gets a bump on the head. Don’t forget a tea towel!

And how to transport it all? This Tote Cooler Bag is pretty stylish and will keep everything cool.

Obviously, the most frequently forgotten item is a bottle opener. You won’t forget this bright blue bird!

If you want to kit your family out for the summer and get organised so you arent running round like a headless chicken, head to John Lewis as it has all you need for picnics and barbecues. Jon’t forget the sun cream and the waterproof trousers. It is a British summer after all! xx

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Activities Days Out

Things To Do With Kids in London This Half Term

With half term around the corner, its time to do a bit of planning with the kids. I don’t know about you but there is only so much park I can take, so some days out are much needed. I know it can be exhausting taking kids across London, but if you plan well (download Citymapper – game changer), take an Uber back 🙂 and have a great destination – it can refresh everyone! This list compiled by the team at Hoop should inspire you to get out of your comfort zone and explore a new hood whilst also learning a thing or two.

1. The Amazing Bubble Man at Underbelly Festival Southbank

The Amazing Bubble Man presents a combination of comedy, artistry and spellbinding
bubble tricks! Suitable for all ages and with shows daily from May 27th to June 4th, this is a perfect half term treat that parents will love as much as kids.

We also love the look of Ali Cook: Principles of Deception (May 27th), an offbeat comedy and magic show for ages 8+.

The Underbelly Festival will be running all summer with a great programme of family
activities.

2. Chocolate Truffle Making Workshop at The Chocolate Museum

One for mini-chocoaholics! Children will make their very own chocolate truffles to take home – from choosing, tempering and moulding the chocolate to painting and creating the packaging.

1st & 2nd June for ages 4 to 16.

3. Hokusai: Making Waves at the British Museum

A perfect activity for arty kids, this free drop in workshop explores traditional Japanese crafts, colours and stories – add to a paper mural and make something to take home. Once you’ve finished, take a look around one of London’s favourite museums!

Suitable for ages 1+, running daily from May 29th to June 2nd.

4. Aliens Love Underpants – Tenth Anniversary Party at Greenwich Book Festival

Celebrate ten years of popular children’s book Aliens Love Underpants with at an interactive event for ages 3+ with storyteller Liz Frost – and look out for monstrous guest appearances! .

Greenwich Book Festival on May 27th has lots of fab family-friendly events – we also love the idea of Making Awesome Comics with Neil Cameron, an imaginative workshop for ages 6-13.

5. Spin at the Polka Theatre

Join word wizards at this interactive performance – there’ll be incredible rappers, poets and storytellers, each with their own distinct style to send you spiralling into a poetry revolution!

27th May, for ages 6+.

6. Dalston Flower Show for Kids at the Dalston Eastern Garden Curve

Perfect for budding gardeners! This is a flower show especially for children, packed full of plant-related activities and workshops. For ages 4+, from Saturday 27th May, at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden.

7. Zebra Skate Wheel Excitement Day at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington

Take your child from zero to roller hero with these rollerblading and skateboarding camps in Kensington Gardens. There’s something for all abilities with both beginners & advanced groups, and pads, helmets and skates are provided free of charge. Suitable for ages 5-13.

8. Little House of Science: Archimedes & Simple Machines, Imperial College also in
Shepherd’s Bush & St. John’s Wood

A fun, hands-on science workshop for mini-scientists ages 4-10 who want to know more
about how the world works! This is a chance for curious kids to explore Archimedes’
inventions and the science behind them.

9. This Is Your Trial (PG) at the Bill Murray, N1

An award-winning improvised comedy show in which top comedians play lawyers
prosecuting and defending charges set against audience members! Each show is shaped by
the audience. Kids also get to discover what a trial is & how law works, albeit by comedians and can put parents before the judge! Saturday 27th May at The Bill Murray in Islington,

Suitable for ages 6+.

10. Investigate for Families at the Natural History Museum

A chance to get an inside look at a favourite museum! Kids can have a go at being a
scientist in this hands-on exploration of real nature specimens that Museum scientists use in their work.

This free, drop-in activity is suitable for ages 3-11 and runs from 11am on
weekends and 3:40pm on weekdays.

If you’re looking for more half-term inspiration, find these and loads more fun family-friendly events and activities on Hoop. You can download it in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

Have a happy half term! xx

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Days Out Events Family Life

Aisle of Wonder at Stratford Westfield

I was thrilled to be asked by Nestle Breakfast Cereals to visit their recent pop up cereal experience – Aisle of Wonder. After a great time at Thyme in Gloucestershire, I was keen to see what they have been up to. Situated smack bang in the heart of the Westfield in Stratford (2nd floor by John Lewis) the pop up looks like machinery from Willy Wonka’s factory – it is so fun and interactive.

Tubes above your head are filled with Nestle cereal finishing in a pick n mix style to enable you to choose a cocktail of cereals, finished with a selection of milks and toppings.

As a family, cereal is a staple in the morning so we don’t have to persuaded, although after a good chat with a nutritionist, I and firmly on the wholegrain band wagon, that Nestle includes in their breakfast cereals with the green banner.

What Does Whole Grain Actually Mean?

Whole Grain cereals basically mean that they contain all three parts of the grain – the germ, the endosperm and the bran.

By having all three you are receiving fibre from the bran and the vitamins especially Vitamin B from the germ.

If something is refined, the top and middle layer is removed leaving just the endosperm.

With breakfast below, you are getting calcium, nutrients and wholegrain and no need to add extra sugar (like we tend to with porridge so it is counter productive!)

If you are feeling flush, you can buy a personalised box of Shreddies, Cheerios or Shredded Wheat – each only £3 and also filled with the relevant cereal.

The event runs for 2 weeks for the second year in a row and the aim of the pop up is to show the range and ways you can eat cereal.

Fuel your visit to the Westfield at the Aisle of Wonder and then head to the Olympic Park.Well, that’s what we are doing!

GIVEAWAY

To win your own personalised box of cereal – head over to Instagram to enter.

Aisle of Wonder at Stratford Westfield

Runs Until 23rd April.

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