Easy Recipe: #FreeFrom Flapjacks - Gluten free, dairy free & sugar free

Do you love flapjacks? I love them and so do my boys. I think nearly everyone loves a good flapjack – but sometimes though when we think we are being healthy, we realise we are actually eating a fair amount of sugar, without really knowing it.

So below you will find my recipe for Free From Flapjacks – which are gluten-free, dairy-free and have no refined sugar either. Please note they do contain nuts though.

5 Reasons To See The Lovely Bones On Stage (AD)

I received two complimentary tickets to see The Lovely Bones so I could write this review. Images have been supplied by Northern Stage.

The Lovely Bones tour sees Alice Seabold’s novel bought to the stage for the first time. with the stage premiere of the world-famous novel, and one of the best-selling novels of the 21st century. I was invited to attend Press Night at Northern Stage this week and I took a friend along with me. We both loved it and here are 5 reasons why I think you should go and see it.

Save Money on Family Days Out with Go North East (AD)

This post is sponsored by Go North East.

Have you heard of Big Days Out? They are discounted family days out offered by bus company Go North East in North East England. And did you know they are not just for the summer holidays, but apply all year round including weekends and the forthcoming school half-term holidays too?

5 Reasons To Visit Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre (AD)

This post is sponsored by Land of Oak & Iron

The Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre opened in Winlaton Mill earlier this month. It is located just a few miles from the MetroCentre, close to the A1, the Derwent Walk, Red Kite Trail and the Coast to Coast Cycleway and is also the gateway to the Derwent Valley.

The centre provides a unique interpretation of the fascinating local heritage, heritage skills training for volunteers and has business units to support creative businesses in the area. In addition, the site is also home to a small café and gift shop, café shrub. As part of my day job, I have been involved with the launch of the new centre so here my five reasons why I think you should visit.

What's On Free for Families in the North East - October

So it’s October. Nearly Christmas! But not quite and still half term to enjoy which this year spans two weeks across October and early November in the North East. Whichever half-term week your children have off school there are plenty of free family fun events and activities to enjoy an don’t forget our A-Z of free family days out across North East England for you and your family to enjoy day trips out together.

What to Consider When Applying for a Secondary School Place

This is the time of year when lots of schools right across the country are holding open days to let parents and children see what they can offer in terms of education. Over half-a-million children will change schools between primary and secondary in England every year, and it is quite a stressful time for parents, and our offspring, as we try to make the best decision for the future of our child. 

We went through this process last year so I’m sharing our top tips on factors to consider when choosing a secondary school, and I’ve also spoken to other parents for their help too. Don’t forget if your child is in Year 6 the deadline to apply for a secondary school place is October 31, 2018.

Win a family ticket to see The Snowman on Tour in Durham this Christmas (AD)

Can you believe it’s only 90 days until Christmas? And this is already my second post about Christmas 2018. 

Just after Christmas The Snowman Tour returns to Durham Cathedral again this year following the success of last year's tour, which we were lucky enough to be invited by Carrot Productions along to see is as a family. And this year as my boys have decided they are too old I’m able to offer one of my lucky readers the opportunity to win a family ticket to see The Snowman over on my FACEBOOK page.

Days Out in Devon – Cadover Bridge, Plym Valley, Dartmoor

Dartmoor is a place that we often drive across, on good weather days, possibly stop for a short walk and take in the views, or head to in search of Sunday lunch when we are staying in Devon on a family holiday, however it’s not somewhere we have spent a whole day in one place before on a family day out … until this past summer while on a staycation in Devon.

Prestige Hampers Review – Not just for Christmas (AD)

It's September so I think I can now write about the 'C' word!

I always associate hampers with Christmas. A little (or sometimes large) basket of treats full of amazing goodies that you can enjoy over the festive period. 

One of the best things about Christmas is the food and drink. I love the gift giving and being with family and friends, but its also so good to be able to indulge without the guilt that comes at any other time of year. Hampers, therefore, can make a great gift especially for those loved ones or are really hard to but for because they already have everything they need.  

Frieze Sculpture 2018 in Regent's Park, London

I had to travel to London for business last week, and after finding myself with a few hours to spare before meeting up with colleagues, I decided to take a walk from Kings Cross along the canals, through Camden Town and eventually ended up in Regent’s Park where I very happily stumbled upon Frieze Sculpture 2018 – a free art exhibition featuring 25 works by contemporary and modern artists. It made for a very lovely Sunday stroll.