Christmas is going to be a little different for most of us this year. However I am more determined than ever to make it as magical as possible and to make the best out of a bad situation.
Christmas theatre and cinema plays a big part in our usual festivities and we will really miss our regular pantos and Christmas performances.
Steve and the boys absolutely love a scary film and as we are staying at home this year, have set themselves a little challenge of watching a scary movie every night in October.
I will probably watch a few of these with them, especially the retro ones but to be honest, despite loving scary films when I was younger, I don't like being scared these days so will probably leave them to it a lot of the time.
I spotted a recipe for Weetabix Cookies over on the Weetabix Instagram. My three love Weetabix (of the chocolate variety) and I had all of the ingredients in the house so thought I would give them a go with a few little changes.
90% of the time I try to include some kind of fruit / veg into the kids as part of their after-school snack and these seemed ideal.
Scroll to the middle of the post for ingredients and method.
Like many, I really want to support our local businesses at Christmas where I can. However I also know that Christmas shopping is going to be a little different this year - there will be no browsing of Christmas markets where we can chat with stallholders and sample products, it is unlikely that I am going to want to spend hours shopping with my mam this year and to be honest, who knows what the next few months hold. It is all so uncertain right now.
On a personal note, I already know my income is not going to be en par with the last few years. A big chunk of my income comes from advertising big Christmas events and these just not going to happen this year. I know many small businesses will be in the same boat - relying on the last quarter to boost their yearly income and it is a worrying time for us self-employed folks. I strongly believe we should try and support our small and local businesses where we can.
This post is based on a visit to Ouseburn Farm in September 2020.
Ouseburn Farm is one of our favourite places to visit in Newcastle. I have lost count how many times we have visited over the years, especially when the kids were little. All of my children love animals (especially Heidi) and we have enjoyed various activities and visits over the years from just popping in to a reptile spa day (which was a favourite) and even a summer camp where the kids spent the full day learning how to be farmers. They still talk about catching chickens and herding sheep to this day.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for directions, booking links and FAQs
Who knows what is going to happen with Christmas this year. As a family of 5, I am starting to worry that we may not be able to plan any of our usual get-togethers with friends and family. This is so sad and I try not to think about it too much. For me, Christmas is very much about family and friends (oh and food). Fingers crossed restrictions change by then......
2020 has been a tough year for all of us and Christmas is something we usually look forward to and is the time of year we can inject a little magic into our lives. Whatever happens, I reckon most of us just want to try and make the best of it.
Toffee Apple Nachos are a quick and easy snack. I like making them for when the kids get home from school but they are just as good as a movie night snack. Perfect for those cosy nights at home when you have the curtains drawn, the candles lit and are snuggled up on the sofa.
I like to think that this snack is a nice mix of nutrition and treats too - the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, this dish cannot be made in advance but it only takes a few minutes to prepare. The dish is best enjoyed with your fingers but it can get a little sticky and I find that individual portions work best.
A quiet, accessible wildlife walk with bird hides near Amble in Northumberland. This post is based on a visit in September 2020.
These mini baked cheesecakes are super simple to make and are ideal as an after school snack, to prepare for a school Christmas fair, to take into work or bake if you have a friend coming over for coffee over the Christmas period. If your school allows a little chocolate, you can sneak one into lunchboxes too.
