It’s not everyday that you get the amazing opportunity to gift your family something big! However,I was very fortunate to be able to give my nephew and his football team an incredible opportunity to help celebrate their fantastic success during their recent football tournament! All of which thanks to the brilliant team at Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool! Get ready to make a splash!
The biggest sport in the world is definitely football! Whilst I’m a massive fan of all sports, there are not many who have a whole museum dedicated to them, like football does! Based in Manchester, the National Football Museum is a hub of true wonder, which was why I had to send my football obsessed little bloggers along to really check it out!
Last night, the blog went along to the grand opening of Mulligans in Hemel Hempstead! The new arcade, crazy golf, electric darts and more venue is set to be the biggest new entertainment venue to hit the city, so we couldn’t wait to get stuck in to all the action. Find out what happened here when we went along to try it out!
I Do Handmade Will Have All Your Handmade Gifts At The Ideal Home Show Christmas 2024
Christmas 00:00:00
It might be a bit early to start planning for Christmas, however, it’s a great time to book your tickets for The Ideal Home Show Christmas to help support small businesses. With perfect presents and amazing discoveries, you will be sure to find the gifts that keep on giving with I Do Handmade and their incredible stall, at the 2024 festive filled event…
Good Morning Lovelies,
Half term is upon us, which means that finding things to do with the whole family it’s now a daily struggle! However, if you are taking a trip to London this half term, it doesn’t have to be anymore thanks to Hamleys!
To mark this special time off from school and every single day of the year, the world’s oldest toy shop has created a list of fun events that everyone can enjoy for free in their Regent Street store.
Starting at 10am in the morning, you and your little ones can enjoy the opening parade, before experiencing special events and daily events including tea parties, friendship bracelet making, puppet shows, dance parties and face painting.
Whenever I have ever been to Hamleys, I have always left in amazement. I become like Tom Hanks in Big, I just want to play with everything and bring it home too. I just love the whole atmosphere and the positivity within the building.
With so much free stuff to do and take home, it really is the perfect place to spend half term for little to no costs at all. To find out all the details, head to their dedicated events page, which is kept up to date each week with what is going on.
I’m gutted I missed the Bluey event to be honest, however, I will now be watching the events page throughout the year to make sure I don’t miss it again! What will you all be hoping to see at the oldest toy shop in the world lovelies? Whatever and whenever it may be, I hope you have endless amounts of fun!
Joey X
Good Morning Lovelies,
The new year brings hundreds of opportunities to learn how to make, do or see something new! Whether you are young or old, there is always a good time to get stuck into something that will make you happy and your brain healthier. A reason I adore the ideas behind the Gootopia workshops for those aged 18 months to 14 years.
Based in Lewisham, Brixton and Wandsworth, the fully inclusive London central company hosts workshops, where children can learn how to make their own slime, through a Slime Science Show, before using a mix of colours, scents, add ins and shaving foams if they wish to make it fluffy, to make a giant tub of their own creation. They can also add glow powder at the special Glow Slime Workshops to make the slime really stand out. Something I love about the brand too is that they also run quiet workshops to help those with SEN needs. Anything created during the workshops goes home with the child, making the £15.99 price of the event fantastic!
Upon hearing about the company just before Christmas, I knew it would be something my nephew would love. However, unfortunately he wasn’t with us in time to go. Luckily though, the team were kindly able to send me a few samples to try with him a few days later. These samples were giant tubs of their Honey Nectar Slime, which had honey confetti mixed in and a honey scent too.
The team also provided two further giant tubs, which were the Blue Lagoon Slime, with a coconut scent added in, plus, the Kiwi Slime, also scented. Upon opening the honey tub, I was faced with the thick slime, which I have to admit made me a bit nervous. Yet, after seeing my nephew just dip his hand into the kiwi one, I braved it and pulled out the slime. A product I found oddly really satisfying to play with. As you pulled it around and shaped it, the smell really came, leaving a lovely scent on your hands. Not a synthetic one either!
When kids attend the workshops, they don’t just get to leave with their creations, but also an extra giant tub too, giving them more than one to play with. A factor I think is really important, as it makes the whole at home fun even more enjoyable.
We spent days playing with the slime. Even now, with my nephew having taken his home, I still sometimes find myself using it to help calm me down. The smells are strong but not to overpowering. They have added in a great amount of confetti, but nothing that leaves a mess everywhere. Plus, they are environmentally friendly too.
For me personally, I would much rather pay for my nephew to go to the one hour workshops than just buy him some random slime. Not only would he have more fun but from the size of the tubs, fun shows and the interactive elements, I feel like my money would go much further in a more enjoyable manner.
With workshops running on weekends and the school holidays,the hour slot is perfect for busy families or parents. Plus, the after results lead to more fun to be had for hours afterwards too. If you are also looking for a space to host a party, the company also runs them for around £299 for a party of 15 children. The parties allow for children to experience a longer Gootopia workshop of one and a half hours, plus lots more.
I will admit that I had never heard of Gootopia before the company reached out to me. However, I wish they had had something like this when I was younger. I love creative things, especially science based ones, so this would have been incredible for me. The idea of learning how to make my own slime and getting messy doing so just seems like a great way to spend the afternoon. I may just have to convince my nephew to have his party there, just so I can join in with it!
Gootopia has a fantastic website, which breaks down everything you need to know lovelies. From booking parties and workshops to school trips, they have something to help accommodate everyone, so make sure to take a look lovelies to find out more about it all. Just let me know when we should all book up to go!
Joey X
Good Morning Lovelies,
Christmas and New Year’s Eve are racing towards us and with it comes some big events to celebrate! At 11 CENTRAL, in Salford, the team has made a huge festive calendar of events to mark the big countdown to both, for the whole family to enjoy. Below are all the details you need to know about how you can celebrate with friends or family members bets of all ages. Disco balls at the ready…
Family Festive Party with Born To Be Wild Child, 21st Dec - 11am-1pm: Put on your best Christmas jumpers and get ready to step into the holiday season, with this rock n roll child friendly party. With the BTBWC DJ playing all the best Christ songs and hits, the dance floor is sure to come alive. Especially when a certain someone in a red suit hits it. Also available on the day will be bespoke festive arts and crafts, a giant parachute dance, a huge Christmas themed colouring mural, Christmas temporary tattoos, bubbles and more. You will not want to miss it!
Santa Super Special With Louby Lou, 23rd Dec, 1-3pm: Worried about missing out on the big festive party? Luckily, the 11 Central team have prepared another great event, with Santa and Louby Lou ready to get the party up and running again. Playing enchanting Christmas songs, with a saxophone performance included, the snow will really fall this Christmas, leading to lots of photos being able to be captured. Plus, the little ones could win a whole load of prizes in their exciting competitions.
Tickets: https://www.designmynight.com/manchester/bars/salford/11-central/santa-super-special-with-louby-lou
Peter Pan - A Magical Panto , Sat 30th Dec, 11am-1pm: If your family is seeking a quieter event this Christmas, fly off with Peter Pan and the Lost Boys in this magical pantomime. Battling off Captain Hook, this new pantomime follows the likes of Hercules, Sleeping Beauty and The Beanstalk, as the incredible team behind them make this new fun adventure. Get ready to sing, cheer, clap and boo as loud as you can.
Tickets: https://www.designmynight.com/manchester/bars/salford/11-central/peter-pan-a-magical-panto
ADULTS ONLY - 11 CENTRAL’s NYE Party with SEVEN BRO7HERS and SISTERS DISTILLERY, Sun 31st Dec, Entry Before 11pm: Collaborated for the first of its kind event, these three fantastic companies are hosting the ultimate over 18s party on NYE. Welcoming in 2024 in true style with their house band, Café Soul Collective, the evening is not to be missed, with food, drinks and good music being presented throughout. At £10 a ticket, the event is super affordable compared to others, as it includes a glass of fizz and canapes on arrival. Plus, a super surprising act will be helping to ring in 2024! Just make sure to enter before 11pm and to book tickets via design my night or directly on the 11 CENTRAL website to enjoy it.
After reviewing an incredible meal at their restaurant at the start of December,I honestly couldn’t recommend 11 CENTRAL enough! I know that whatever event you go to with them they will put on an epic party, gorgeous food and delicious drinks! What a better way to start the new year!
Joey X
Hey Lovelies,
Gathering together at this time of year is super important! For most of us that means the next few Saturday nights, like tonight, are going to be full of plans. Yet, they don’t have to cost you the earth!
Seeing friends, family members and even taking time for yourself can be totally free or done cheaply in fact. Here are a few ideas on how to do so…
Homemade Dinner Party: Gather your friends and arrange a dinner party each week in the lead up to the big day. Then hand out what dish each person should bring. For example, if there are six of you, two can bring starters, two can bring dinner and two can bring desserts. You can then discuss dietary requirements and any other important matters. Then simply decorate the table on the night and enjoy each others company. Plus, you won’t have to fork out for a taxi or car park either.
See The Light All Around You: Hop into the car and drive or walk around your local area with your family and friends to see the lights. I love to spend Sunday’s doing this with my mum. In fact, we even do it on Christmas Day. Grab a hot drink, wrap up warm and go out into the dark to see the lights in everyone’s homes. There is nothing quite like the joy a decorated tree can bring.
Host A Crafting Night: Know how to knit or crochet? Got a printer that can print out colouring in sheets? Why not spend a Saturday evening hosting a crafting night. Little ones can spend time painting cards or decorations, whilst adults can make gifts to give to others. If you want to learn a new skill then someone else may teach you just in time for the big day. Bonding and money saving are brilliant ways to spend Christmas together.
Eat, Sleep, Santa, Repeat: I really miss the days when I would head off to a friends house for a sleepover. With so much madness happening at this time of year, I think it is actually the perfect month to host one. Get the snacks in, snuggle up and enjoy endless Christmas specials and films together with your favourite people. I’ve already got a few nights in planned and I can’t wait! Plus, with sleep being hard to get at this time of year, it’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on some.
Visit A Lonely Person or Nursing Home: I recently heard about this idea and loved it. Instead of heading to your nearest pub or big venue, go to a local hospice or nursing home and spend time with those who may not see anyone at this time of you. I’m certain that all of you will leave with a smile on your face.
However you choose to spend the next few weekends, I hope that you have fun, relax and enjoy them! If you do any of these, please let me know! Especially the last one, which I think is super sweet!
Joey X
Hey Lovelies,
There is nothing as magical as seeing London all lit up at Christmas. When I worked in Covent Garden, I was always in awe of the beauty that was the Christmas tree, which always arrived early. Seeing it glowing every day motivated and warmed my soul.
London is famous for its magical moments of pure bliss. From markets to ice skating, there is truly something for the whole family to enjoy. Luckily, I have been able to experience a number of must-do events, which I think you will all love to.
There so, I have gathered a list of my top five things you have to do at Christmas in London. These are…
Ice Skating at Somerset House: The capital is famous for its rinks during the festive season. Yet, there is something truly magical about dancing under the massive tree at Somerset House. For years, they have put on the best musical area around, with added snow chalets to warm up in and shops filled with goodies from exclusive brands. You should put your skates on and hop on to the ice as soon as it lands lovelies.
See The Lights and Shop Displays: This is a completely free Christmas based event to do lovelies. Wrap up warm and head to Regent Street to see the famous angels. Then walk the longest Christmas lights stretch via Oxford Street, heading off into Carnaby and Bond Street as you go. Oh and don’t forget to look in the windows of Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Hamleys as you go along. They are always incredible!
Watch Elf the Musical: If you love the film then you will adore the stage show. I witnessed it live a few years back and the magic of it still makes me feel all warm inside. It’s a true classic in a live action format that works. The songs will be stuck in your head well into the new year.
Visit Winter Wonderland: After closing down due to the pandemic, the return of this much-anticipated event made everyone go wild. You will now need tickets to get in, but everyone has to experience this event at least once if they are in London. Look out for the giant chocolate bars you can win.
Buy A Decoration at the Southbank Christmas Market: I stumbled on this market randomly one Christmas and made it a yearly tradition with my mum to go to it. From handmade gifts to real roasted chestnuts, you will find something for all the family whilst browsing.
There is so much to offer in London in terms of things to do. It is a place of wonder and joy during December. I hope you all get a chance to experience it this year!
Joey X
Tomorrow marks the release of the Barbie Movie! However you may be watching will be exciting, yet, if you can catch it in a special way then it is going to be even more magical. Therefore, I have gathered some of the best cinematic and event based Barbie events around the UK that you can enjoy.
From free food to homemade beaches, you will find yourself in the ultimate Barbie world at these events…
Free Food at Vue Cinemas, from the 21st July 2023: To mark the release of the film, Vue Cinemas are giving away free regular popcorn or their special Barbie inspired Pink Candy Floss Tango Ice Blast to those who attend a screening with a Ken. All you have to do is show your tickets and the person’s ID to prove they are a Ken to get the goods.
Fulham Beach Barbie Beach Party, £22.38, 22nd July 2023: Let’s go to the beach and party in the ultimate Barbie world! Thanks to Fulham Beach, Malibu Beach has landed in London and now you can experience everything Barbie within it. From music to yoga, there are different activities to enjoy whilst sipping on a summer tipple and enjoying the film.
G-A-Y Barbie Drag-A-Thon, £2, 2st July 2023: Get ready to laugh, love and embrace a whole new Barbie world, as drag queens gather from all over the UK at G-A-Y in London to celebrate the iconic doll. Outfits are going to be incredible, so make sure to dress your best!
The 90’s Brunch Barbie Special, £39.99, 5th August 2023: Enjoy the perfect Barbie inspired brunch whilst also going back in time with this special menu. It is a little costly, but you can be assured that the food, drinks and experience will be worth it. Plus, the 90s were peak Barbie, making it the best time to go back to.
Backyard Cinema Manchester Barbie Beach on the Beach, from £6, from 28th July 2023: Another beach event, yet this one includes a screening of the film. Grab your deckchairs, sit back with a pink spritz and embrace the world of Barbie whilst pretending you are in Malibu. Perfection!
How will you be watching the new film lovelies? Are you ready to embrace all things Barbie tomorrow? Let me know how you plan to celebrate the greatest doll on earth’s return to cinema!
Joey X
Summer is finally upon us! Okay, so technically it is still spring, but with the sun in the sky and the warmer temperatures already starting, it has put me in an excited mood. One that wants to get out there and go exploring.
However, with everything costing a little more nowadays, it can be hard. Yet, there is so much that you can do for free with the whole family or friends. In fact, you can even do my list on your own! The possibilities are endless with my top free things to do during the summer, which are…
Build A Fort: Like Ross and Joey in Friends, there is nothing better than getting cushions, cardboard boxes or anything that you have to spare to make a tent. Spend time reading in it or having fun. The childlike nature of it will make you so happy.
Visit The Sea or a Local River: Whether you live close by or have to take a little journey, go and visit a local seaside resort. Or head down to your closest nature reserve and spend time near a pond or river. Just the sound of water can be so refreshing for the mind and soul.
Find A Free Local Event: With so many places offering free events, not just at the weekend, now is the perfect time to uncover a hidden gem. Plus, many of them allow you to see places you may have to normally pay for for free! A little added bonus!
Host An Outdoor Cinema: Grab the family or your closest friends and host an outdoor cinema. Take an old sheet and project the film onto the big screen or take your TV or laptop outside. Watching a film under the stars is truly magical.
Binge Watch Your Favourite Shows: When the weather does get too warm, you may not want to head out. Something that is perfectly fine. Grab your best snacks and embrace a classic or new summer series and spend the time binging on it.
Get A Pen Pal: Summer is the time to connect with people. Yet, they don’t have to be in or near to the place you live. Write a letter to a friend who has moved away or find one online who lives in another country. Facebook has some great pages to meet people.
Summer comes with endless possibilities for free fun! What do you like to do during the warmer months?
Joey X