Christmas 2018 - Enchanted Parks - Everything You Need to Know (AD)

We were invited to attend Enchanted Parks and received complimentary tickets, parking and food.

There is something special and empowering about being able to wander through an unlit park in the dark. Enchanted Parks in Saltwell Park in Gateshead, part of the NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival, invites you to do just that and take your family with you.

So last night, following an invitation from NewcastleGateshead Initiative, me and the boys headed to this year’s Enchanted Parks - The House of the Lost & Found - where we had mystical adventure through Gateshead’s famous Victorian park, brought to life with light, sounds, fire, and performance.

Christmas 2018 – A-Z of Things Parents Love About Xmas

Now that it is approaching December and we are less than one month away from Christmas, then I really do start to feel Christmassy. I’m not yet jaded by the Christmas shopping – although I’m nowhere near finished, and I’m getting as excited as the boys about putting our decorations up next weekend.

So here are my favourite things about Christmas and a very comprehensive A-Z of things to love about Xmas suggested by other families.

Christmas 2018 – Where to watch Xmas Shows & Panto in the North East

Going to a pantomime or a Christmassy show is a lovely tradition for many of us here in the North East. Oh no, it isn't ... oh yes it is!

This year there are 19 shows on offer from traditional pantomimes such as Peter Pan; Christmas stories such as A Christmas Carol; and a modern take on Christmas with Mixtape Xmas Part - comedy sketch show and part music quiz – there really is something for everyone, and in places as far afield as Berwick and Darlington. 

Some we have been offered complimentary tickets* too, others we have bought ourselves. There are far too many for us to visit them all but if you do go to any of the following, I’d love to hear what you thought. Or indeed if you know of any more let me know in the comments.

Cooking with the boys: Homemade Pizza

Friday night is, more often than not, pizza night in our house. This usually means us buying frozen or fresh pizzas from the supermarket, sometimes creating our own with a choice of toppings. However, now that my eldest had started Food Tech classes at secondary school it’s all changed.

16 FREE Firework Displays In North East England

Where will you be watching fireworks displays in the North East this year? 

As well as many displays with an admission charge there are plenty of FREE places to watch fireworks this year in North East England. Here are sixteen that we have found for 2018. Although they are all free events, donations are often welcomed. 

So get the family together, wrap up warm, stay safe and take note of The Firework Code and head to an organised Bonfire and Fireworks display. 

Will the new Nighthawk Ride-On Make A Good Christmas Present? Review (AD)

My boys were asked to review the new Nighthawk Ride-On from Rollplay in advance of the UK launch. They loved to so much and its been really hard for them not to tell all of their friends about it. They are so relieved to be able to do so now … and invite their friends to try out the Ride-On that they received for their time and efforts.

7 Fab Family-Friendly Autumn Activities in Land of Oak & Iron (AD)

This post is sponsored by Land of Oak & Iron.

Well, it looks like summer is back with blue skies overhead, even if the temperatures are a little bit of a shock to the system. But this does mean we should have some lovely days over the coming weeks to enjoy some time outdoors. And the Land of Oak & Iron has some great events and activities on offer – no matter which of the school half terms you have this year.

What’s On For Halloween in North East England

Yes, it’s nearly Halloween. With the school holidays and October half-terms spanning two weeks this year across North East England there are plenty of opportunities to get out there and celebrate ghosts, ghouls and of course carve pumpkins. We’ve scoured the web to pull together a list of wickedly fun Halloween events going on across the region, if you know of any more please do add in the comments.

Fans Theatre Show Goes on Tour (AD)

Do you love live music and theatre? 

Were you in a band when you were younger? 

Did you dream of being in a band? 

Then the latest show from The Six Twenty could be right up your street. Fans returned to Newcastle last weekend, to which we received an invitation attend the press night, and is now on a short tour taking it to Doncaster and London before one more performance in the North East in Sunderland at The Peacock in November.

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.