by jo

Cadbury teams up with the National Trust to offer families a cracking Easter weekend 

It’s that time of the year again when Cadbury teams up with the National Trust to offer families the ultimate day out with their popular Easter Egg Hunts.

A photo posted by Jo Brooks (@mumfriendlyjo) on


This year, the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt (25 – 28 March*) will be inviting families to unleash their inner explorer with adventurous quests taking place across the country.

From spring woodlands and craggy coastlines, to historic houses and enchanting castles, there are over 250 Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts to choose from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, guaranteeing a fun-filled Easter for everyone.

What’s more, everyone will be rewarded with a delicious Cadbury chocolate treat at the end of each completed hunt, and every single Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt will help support special places looked after by the National Trust for future generations to explore.

To join in with the fun and find a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt near you, visit: www.cadbury.co.uk/easter

National Trust Easter 2016 Topiary bunny

Conservation charity, National Trust, unveils a series of show-stopping topiary Easter bunnies to celebrate the ninth year of their partnership with Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts. Taking place at 271 National Trust locations over the Easter weekend (25 – 28 March), the special topiary bunnies will be on show at select National Trust places for visiting families to spot on their Egg Hunts. Helping to preserve special places for generations to come, the National Trust anticipates over 3 million visitors over the course of the weekend, and has received an impressive 362,592 Cadbury chocolate bunnies in preparation.

 

London & South East

Mottisfont, Hampshire

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 March – 10 April, 10am – 5pm

Ancient trees, bubbling brooks and rolling lawns frame this lovely house. Crafted from a medieval priory, it is full of surprises, both inside and out. Pick up an Easter hunt sheet, full of brain teasers and craft activities. Follow the trail to discover giant eggs hidden around the grounds, and complete challenges with your family to earn a delicious Cadbury treat.

Price: £2 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01794 340757

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont

Morden Hall Park, London

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 3 – 6 April, 10am- 4pm

At the end of the Northern Line deep in the heart of sprawling south London, you can step off the train and hop into the countryside at Morden Hall Park. This Easter, families are invited to follow a special hunt, with clues that will have you searching high and low through tree-lined paths and riverside lawns. To top it all off, each egg hunter is rewarded with a yummy Cadbury chocolate treat.

Price: £4 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 020 8545 6850

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park

Stowe, Buckinghamshire

Stowe’s Sleeping Beauty Quest – Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 – 28 March 10am-4.30pm

This Easter embark on a quest to awaken Sleeping Beauty from her slumber, and in return claim your delicious chocolate treat. Fairy-tales, myths and legends have been weaved through the garden, where chivalrous knights and courageous princesses will hunt for clues. The quest will take you past mystical lakes and deep into the Sleeping Wood to claim your egg and finish on a happily ever after.

Price: £2.50 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01280 817156

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe

Chartwell, Kent

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at Chartwell, 25 March – 10 April, 11am – 4pm

This year, discover Easter characters from the 1920s era as they take you on a good old-fashioned adventure around Chartwell. The Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt will wind through the natural play areas and finish with a delicious chocolatey treat. Afterwards, stick around for more Easter related fun and grab a chick-shaped shortbread in the café.

Price: £2 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01732 868381

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

Woolbeding Parkland, West Sussex
Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Nature Trail, 27 March, 10.30am – 3.30pm

Hop down to Woolbeding Parkland for an exciting day of Easter fun. There’ll be a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt down by the River Rother where adventurers can hunt to claim their Cadbury treat. Make a day of it and stay for crafty egg-decorating fun and all sorts of competitions from egg rolling and egg and spoon races, to face painting, an old-fashioned egg shy and creative craft activities. It’ll be hard to know where to begin!

Price: £3 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01730 816638

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolbeding-gardens

South West

Dunster Castle, Somerset

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 March – 10 April, 10am – 4pm

This dramatic Norman castle, perched on the top of a wooded hill is an impressive place for an Easter Egg Hunt. The quest will take noble explorers through the garden where they will solve clues to win the ultimate reward, a delicious Cadbury chocolate treat.

Price: £2 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01643 821314

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle

National Trust Easter 2016

Conservation charity, National Trust, unveils a series of show-stopping topiary Easter bunnies to celebrate the ninth year of their partnership with Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts. Taking place at 271 National Trust locations over the Easter weekend (25 – 28 March), the special topiary bunnies will be on show at select National Trust places for visiting families to spot on their Egg Hunts. Helping to preserve special places for generations to come, the National Trust anticipates over 3 million visitors over the course of the weekend, and has received an impressive 362,592 Cadbury chocolate bunnies in preparation.

Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 – 28 March, 10am – 5pm

Complete with roaming deer and herds of cattle, Dyrham Park’s 270 acres of wild parkland is perfect for a day of adventure. And what better way to explore than on an action-packed Easter Egg hunt? Complete the hunts to claim your Cadbury chocolate treat, and afterwards take a look around the house, where tours will take you high above the roof of this 17th-century mansion to see the restoration works from a birds-eye view.

Price: £2 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 0117 9372501

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park

Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 March – 10 April, 11am – 4pm

With acres of beautiful gardens and parkland to explore, including a kitchen garden with a royal reputation, you can have a great family day out at Kingston Lacy. This Easter help Bunny find all his giant egg creations around the garden. Each egg is different and some are easier to spot than others. Once you have found them all claim your very own Cadbury chocolate treat.

Price: £2.50 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01202 883402

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

Knightshayes Court, Devon

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 March – 28 March, 10.30am – 4.30pm

Head over to Knightshayes and revel in the Easter fun, where little explorers can hunt high and low for clues in the magnificent garden. There’s a yummy chocolate treat from Cadbury when you’ve completed the hunt. Stick around after for craft activities and face-painting.

Price: £3.50 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01884 254665

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knightshayes

Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Lanhydrock Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 March – 10 April, 10am – 4pm

Calling all Easter detectives, there’s a mystery to be solved! Head to Lanhydrock to uncover the clues while exploring the colourful garden, ancient woodlands and riverside paths. All detectives can claim their Cadbury chocolate treat once the mission has been completed. Afterwards head to the adventure playground for some wild play, or go on a family bike ride on the special family trails.
Price: £3 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01208 265950

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock

Stourhead, Wiltshire

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 – 28 March, 11am – 4pm

Take a trip to Stourhead this Easter where egg hunters can explore through towering trees, by mystical grottoes and past a glittering lake. Make a day of it and bring a picnic, best enjoyed on the rolling lawns with views that stretch across the Wiltshire countryside. Afterwards, keep the family fun going and play giant games in the garden.

Price: £2.50 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01747 841152

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead

East

Melford Hall, Suffolk

Cadbury’s Easter Egg Hunt, 25 March – 28 March, 12pm – 4.30pm

Enjoy a family day out at this eclectic home deep in the Suffolk countryside. Join the ever-popular Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt to solve the clues and claim your chocolate treat. Afterwards why not test your skills in the egg and spoon races or try your hand at some colouring in the crafts corner.

Price: £2.50 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01787 379228

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/melford-hall

Sutton Hoo, Suffolk

Eostre – Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 – 28 March, 10am – 5.30pm

Easter is named after Eostre – the Anglo-Saxon goddess of the radiant dawn, so what better place to celebrate than here at Sutton Hoo. Discover the secrets of the Anglo-Saxons on the fabulous Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt and collect your chocolate treat at the end.

Price: £2.50 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01394 389700

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo

Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 March – 8 April, 10.30am – 4.15pm

Take a trip to this beautiful country home complete with a working farm and resident bunnies. Rhyming clues will lead you on an egg hunt around the gardens, but to claim your chocolate treat you’ll have to find the hidden magic word.

Price: £2 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01223 206000

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate

Easter-Nymans-West-Sussex-©National-Trust-Images-David-Levenson

Midlands

Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses, Staffordshire

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 – 28 March, 11am – 3pm

Go on a woodland hunt to learn all about the wildlife of Kinver Edge, and find your chocolatey treat awaiting you at the end. Afterwards, take a stroll around the unique rock houses, carved by hand out of the sandstone ridge, and let off some steam on the Adventure Play Trail.

Price: £2 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01384 872553

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kinver-edge

Attingham Park, Shropshire

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 – 28 March, 10am – 4pm

Explore Attingham’s vast parkland this Easter and follow a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt to unravel the clues and claim a chocolate treat. Continue the family fun with spring activities and a good old run-around in the playfield.

Price: £2.50 per egg hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01743 708123

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park

Upton House and Gardens, Warwickshire

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 – 28 March, 11am – 4pm

Upton’s gardens are worth exploring at any time of year, and even more so when there’s chocolate at stake. Discover the great outdoors on this Easter Egg Hunt through the sweeping lawns and colourful flowers. Afterwards, have a go at the Wellington boot trail and see if you can spot some spring wildlife.

Price: £2.50 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01295 670266

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/upton-house

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 – 28 March, 11am-4pm

This Easter there will be no less than four days of family fun, with the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt through the Pleasure Grounds and across the mansion site, along with mini children’s rides and activities such as face painting and a BBQ. And if that’s not enough, there’s the whole park to explore on foot or by bike with plenty of wildlife to spot.

Price: £3 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01909 544917

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park

North West

Fell Foot, Cumbria

Cadbury’s Easter Egg Hunt at Fell Foot, 27 March, 11am – 3pm

Perched on the edge of the stunning Lake Windermere with rolling lawns and views up to the mountains, Fell Foot couldn’t get much more idyllic. Enjoy an action-packed day out in this glorious park with a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, traditional Lakeland Egg rolling, family-friendly games and much, much more.

Price: £2 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 015395 31273

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fell-foot

Wray Castle, Cumbria

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 – 28 March, 10am – 4pm

This Easter make a splash and visit Wray Castle nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere to discover turrets and towers fit for a knight in shining armour. Have fun exploring this quirky building, weaving your way through woodland and rambling along the lakeshore, solving clues along the way in order to claim your Cadbury chocolate treat.

Price: £2 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 015394 33250

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle

Ennerdale, Cumbria

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 27 March, 11am – 3pm

Enjoy the great outdoors at this activity-packed Easter Egg Hunt in the wild Ennerdale Valley. There’s a Cadbury chocolate treat waiting for you at the end too. Starting at the Bowness Knott car park, the hunt will take you on an adventure around the lakeshore, through the woodland and along the forest track with loads to discover along the way. Perhaps you’ll find a Tree Spirit, help the Easter Egg Tree to grow or hear a woodland tale.

Price: Free event

For more information, please call 017687 74649

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ennerdale

Dunham Massey, Cheshire

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 – 28 March, 11am – 4pm

The Earl and the Countess are coming to Dunham Massey for a picnic to celebrate their wedding but the food is hidden all over the garden! Can you save the day and follow the hunt to find the food? It’s hungry work, so chocolate treats will be plentiful at the end.

Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 0161 941 1025

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Speke Hall, Liverpool

Cadbury’s Easter Egg Hunt, 27 – 28 March, 11am – 4pm

Glorious gardens and woodlands surround this magnificent Tudor manor house. Venture through the blooms of daffodils and bluebells to solve the clues on the Easter Egg Hunt and receive your delicious Cadbury treat. Once you’ve finished the quest why not head to the house and see if you can track down all the run-away chicks? They’re counting on you!

Price: £2 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 0151 427 7231

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall

National Trust Easter

Yorkshire and North East

Wallington, Northumberland

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 March – 3 April, 11am – 4pm

Amble down to Wallington’s West Wood for a wild Cadbury Easter Egg hunt amongst the trees. This rambling wildlife haven is complete with red squirrels and a bubbling river. Follow the hunt through the woods, keeping an eye out for resident wildlife, and claim your yummy Cadbury treat at the end. Why not top the day off with a hearty family picnic and a game of Frisbee?

Price: £2.50 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01670 773606

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, North Yorkshire

Easter Egg Hunt, 25 March – 10 April, 10am – 4pm

I spy with my little eye… an Easter bunny! This spring at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal little bunnies have been hoppety-hopping around the estate. Head over bridges of the river Skell, explore around every corner of the Abbey ruins, and follow the waterways of the Georgian gardens to find them and get a yummy Cadbury chocolate treat. There’ll be lots of family fun along the way too, including crafts in Swanley Grange and a brand new adventure playground.

Price: £2 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01765608888

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey

Northern Ireland

Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down

Easter Egg Hunt, 26 March, 2pm – 3pm

Join the Easter fun on these beautiful windswept sand dunes, where an Egg Hunt will have you searching high and low to discover the hidden treasure. Murlough is a wonderland of wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for seals and resident seabirds as you explore.

Price: £1 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

Booking Essential

For more information, please call 028 4375 1467 or email murlough@nationaltrust.org.uk

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/murlough

Ardress House, County Armagh

Easter Egg Hunt, 25 – 30 March, 1pm – 6pm

The Easter Bunny has made a hunt around the farmyard and gardens at Ardress House. Follow the clues to unlock the tasty Cadbury treat. Stick around afterwards to explore the apple orchards and feed the resident chickens. And on Easter Sunday there’ll be games, face painting and more family fun.

Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 028 8778 4753

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ardress-house

The Argory, County Armagh

Easter Egg Hunt, 21 March – 3 April, 12pm – 5pm

Where could be better to enjoy Easter than in the beautiful wooded estate surrounding this country house in County Armagh. Solve the clues to find the Cadbury chocolate treats with this fantastic hunt around The Argory Estate. Enjoy some eggstra fun on Easter Monday and Tuesday with face painting, games and more fun for all the family.

Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 028 8778 4753

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/argory

Springhill, County Londonderry

Easter Egg Hunt, 21 March – 3 April, 12pm – 5pm

Bounce down to Springhill this Easter where you can search the house and grounds for clues on the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt. After you claim your delicious chocolate treat, why not stay for extra fun on the natural play hunt, or join in the face painting and games on Easter Sunday and Monday.

Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 028 8674 8210

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/springhill

Easter-An-Easter-Egg-Trail-day-at-Charlecote-Park-Warwickshire-©NTPL-John-Millar

Wales

Erddig, Wrexham

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 – 28 March, 10am – 5pm

The Easter bunny will be hopping over the wall into Erddig’s beautiful garden to offer families the ultimate day out with a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt. Unleash your inner explorer to solve the clues dotted around the garden and outbuildings to claim a delicious Cadbury chocolate treat. Once you’ve completed the egg hunt there’s more fun to be had inside the house where some special Easter chicks are hiding, can you spot them all?

Price: £2.50 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01978 355314

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig

Plas Newydd House and Gardens, Anglesey

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, 25 – 28 March, 11am – 3.30pm

Bunny has hopped over the Menai Strait and has been up to his tricks again. He’s hidden clues for you to find all around the gardens at Plas Newydd. Help us find them and claim your special Cadbury chocolate treat. You can even take part in the famous Easter Sunday egg rolling race after, or head to the Dairy Wood for some wild time in the adventure playground.

Price: £2.50 per hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01248 714795

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/plasnewydd

Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd

Cadbury Easter Weekend, 25 – 28 March, 11am – 4pm

The cheeky Easter Bunny has hidden clues behind the front doors of our woodland friends’ houses, dotted around the woods and garden. And that’s not all, while he was busy setting his clues, Bunny’s family have disappeared. Can you help him find his family, who are lost inside the castle? After you’ve helped Bunny and claimed your chocolate treat, there’s even more fun to be had with fluffy-eared team games and Easter crafts galore.

Price: £2 per egg hunt (normal admission charges apply)

For more information, please call 01248 353 084

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penrhyn-castle

* Some Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts will be running for an extended period over the Easter holidays, please visit www.cadbury.co.uk/easter for more details.

National Trust membership offer

This Easter, if you take out a National Trust membership by Direct Debit, you’ll receive access to over 500 special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland that can be enjoyed all year around. Any new membership taken out with Direct Debit over the Easter weekend at a National Trust place will receive a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt voucher, valid until Monday 28 March. The voucher entitles the holder to free, unlimited Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts on presentation at a participating property – the voucher is multi-use. The cost of the hunt bought on the day of taking out a membership to the National Trust will also be refunded. Plus every membership helps the National Trust carry on looking after these special places and spaces for ever, for everyone.

National Trust and Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts logo

by jo

Aldi Spring and Summer Cocktails

It’s getting warmer outside, which means one thing in this house – it’s almost that time of year when you can sit outside and drink! When you’re sent a bottle of whisky and prosecco to try out some delicious Aldi Spring and Summer Cocktails, well, it had to be done.

Aldi spring and summer cocktails don’t need many ingredients, indeed, you might even have some growing in your back garden.  I have to admit that usually I’m a wine kind of girl, and haven’t had cocktails in a long time – mainly because I thought they were a lot of trouble to make (how wrong could I be?). I know we’ll be trying these out as the evenings get warmer and we can sit outside again!

Ingredients for Aldi Spring and Summer Cocktail Grilled Peach Julep

Grilled Peach Julep

Ingredients
50 ml Highland Black 8 Year Old Whisky
6-8 mint leaves
15ml honey
1 peach
10ml fresh lemon juice

1) Add the mint to the cocktail shaker (we don’t have a cocktail shaker, so just used a blender container) and cover with the Highland Black 8 Year Old Whisky. Lightly muddle using a wooden spoon.
2) Add the honey to the cocktail shaker and stir until dissolved.
3) To make peach puree cut one peach in half and de-stone. Lightly grill the two halves until they begin to caramelise. Add to a blender until smooth and place in the fridge to chill.
4) Add 25ml of peach puree and all the remaining ingredients and stir to ensure all the flavours are combined.
5) Pour into an ice-filled tall glass and serve with a large mint sprig.

Aldi Spring and Summer Cocktail Grilled Peach Julep

The Grilled Peach Julep is a great drink to have after a Sunday roast lamb. The caramelised homemade peach puree adds another depth of flavour to the smoky Whisky notes. The mint cuts through with a crisp and light refreshing finish. Personally, I loved it – it softened the whisky and I’d never think of mixing it with peach – but it worked a treat!

Ingredients for Aldi Spring and Summer Cocktails Prosecco Thyme

Prosecco Thyme

Ingredients
1 bottle Prosecco
2 large ripe plums
½ cup of white sugar
½ cup hot water
4 springs of fresh thyme
25ml fresh lemon juice

1) Cut the plums into quarters and discard the stones
2) Muddle the plums in a cocktail shaker (again, we used a blender container)
3) To make thyme syrup add dissolve the white sugar in the hot water. Once dissolved add the thyme sprigs. Allow the mix to cool, and then strain before storing in the fridge until needed
4) Add 25ml of thyme syrup and ice to the cocktail shaker
5) Add the remaining lemon juice and shake hard
6) Strain into a rocks glass filled with cubed ice and top with Prosecco. Cut a fresh plum into wedges and place this into the glass. Strip a few leaves of fresh thyme and scatter over the drink.

Aldi Spring and Summer Cocktails Prosecco Thyme

Prosecco Thyme is the perfect cocktail for a celebration, whether you’re toasting the Queen’s 90th birthday or just celebrating the first signs of spring. The cocktail is full of fresh seasonal flavours and zing. We could taste the thyme, but preferred to have it just with the thyme syrup and the plums, leaving out the lemon juice. It was delicious anyway – and definitely worth trying out!

We enjoyed both Aldi Spring and Summer Cocktails over two nights on the Easter Bank Holiday. They’re both delicious, and definitely something we’ll be trying again – once I’ve bought a Cocktail Shaker!

We were sent a bottle of each to make these Aldi Spring and Summer Cocktails – all opinions are my own. Aldi’s website is over here. (please open one near us soon!)

by jo

Bioglan Smartkids Vitamins

We were approached to try some Bioglan Smartkids vitamins. H has had a few issues recently, so I figured it was a win-win situation and we put them to the test!

bioglan smartkids vitamins

Bioglan Smartkids vitamins are a new brand to me – and indeed, they’re quite newly launched in this country.

Bioglan Smartkids Vitamins Brain formula

We were sent the Smartkids Brain Formula – which helps support normal brain function, learning and memory, and healthy growh – and are 30 citrus flavoured chewable squirts. They have a high DHA, Omega 3, six B vitamins and iron too. Unfortunately H hated the taste – and Shaun tried one and said it felt like fish oil with flavour – so this wasn’t really for us. I didn’t try it being vegetarian!

Bioglan Smartkids Vitamins fussy eaters

We were also sent Smartkids Fussy Eaters Multi vitamins, which include fruit and veggies as well as multi vitamins. They help maintain healthy growth, immune function and healthy bones – and I’m pleased to say these ones went down much better – in fact, she was asking for a second one! The vitamins in these Bioglan Smartkids vitamins are sourced from sixteen types of fruit, vegetable and herbs, which is good to know. They’re also blackcurrant and strawberry flavour.

Bioglan Smartkids Vitamins Brain formula tablets

The Brain Formula tablets come in a crunchable tablet which the liquid comes out of when crunched, whereas the Fussy Eaters Multi are a more straightforward tablet.

Bioglan Smartkids Vitamins fussy eaters tablets

Has it made a difference? We’ve had a rough month and a bit with H, where she’s seemed to pick up lots of little things making her quite run down. I’ve since found out she has two molars (the 6-7 year ones) plus one of her front teeth is ready to cut through the gum – so I’m wondering if that has lowered her immunity. Nevertheless, when she started to take the Fussy Eaters tablets, she definitely started to be on the right side of being well.

Both packs of Bioglan Smartkids Vitamins can be ordered direct, and sell for £9.99 a packet – within each packet you get 30 tablets. The Brain Formula tablets are here, and the Fussy Eaters ones are here.

We were sent a pack of each for the purpose of review, all opinions are our own. 

by jo

Celebrating Science Week With Project Mc²

Project Mc² is a new programme for us – and as we’ve recently resubscribed to Netflix, an easy one to watch. We were asked if we’d like to review a doll from the series to celebrate Science Week 2016 – and given how much H loves science we jumped at the chance!

Project Mc2

Project Mc² is a US programme about four girls, and is described as ‘where science meets style, and everyone knows it’s cool to be smart’. We’ve watched the first few episodes which are on Netflix now, and H took to it straight away. Those girls are smart, and Project Mc² reminds me of the school-type programmes you get on CBBC which she also enjoys watching.

Here’s a bit more info about the girls:

Aspirational and effortlessly cool, the programme focuses on four main characters – each with a different personality, interests and sense of style. They are:

• McKeyla McAlister (Mc2) Writer, hipster and undercover spy! When McKeyla isn’t writing in her journal, you’ll find her reading a Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel, upcycling or saving the world! Her catch phrase is “I’m smart. Get over it!”

• Adrienne Attoms (A2) Made of a more complex recipe than sugar and spice. Adrienne is a culinary chemist! Originally from Spain (her father is a diplomat), she just loves to host dinner parties. Her catch phrase is “Pretty Brilliant”

• Bryden Bandweth (B2) Bryden loves tweeting, digital photography, streaming music and anything tech! Just don’t ask her to go camping in the wilderness or anywhere without a hotspot! She’s a 24/7 #digitaldarling. Her catch phrase? “Stand Back, I’m Trending”

• Camryn Coyle (C2) Known for her high IQ, Camryn’s real genius comes out in the garage – especially when it comes to her souped up skateboard! Her catch phrase is “Nailed It”

The four girls attend Maywood Glenn Academy – but are also part of a secret, seriously cool organisation, NOV8 (pronounced ‘Innovate’). Even their friendship makes mathematical sense – based on the Pythagorean theorem that A2 + B2 = C2

Project Mc2 McKeyla doll

It just so happens that MGA Entertainment have made some brand new fashion dolls available, with science-inspired play. We were sent the McKayla doll which also includes a kit to make your own lava lamp style light. So what did H think?

Project MC2 red lava light

She loves her McKayla doll – the arms and legs bend (and can easily be removed), and she’s already making “friends” with her other dolls and moving into the dolls house! McKayla also comes with a lava light (you need to supply your own ingredients to do it), which had some brilliant results – with simple water and food colouring, vegetable oil and an effervescent tablet. H really enjoyed doing the activity and felt pretty cool because it was part of Project Mc²!

Project Mc2 yellow lava light

There is a large range of dolls available now as well as a Spy Notebook – all available from good toy stores. They’re suitable for age 6 and upwards. I like this range of all four dolls (different to the one we got) which Argos stock.Project Mc2 McKeyla doll and lava light

You can also visit www.ProjectMc2.com to become an honorary member of NOV8 and ‘ladder up’ through the organisation through a series of fun Ops tests. You can play games, take quizzes, watch videos, learn more about the girls from Project Mc2 and even ask them questions!

Download the free app, Project Mc2 Case Files, from the App Store to go on missions for NOV8. Collect evidence, analyse the clues and solve the case! If you’re playing on a smart phone, you can pop your device into the A.D.I.S.N. Notebook for added secret spy mission play, just like you’re McKeyla McAlister. Use the key code in the back on the booklet included with A.D.I.S.N. to unlock even more clues. With over 1,000 missions to play on the app, NOV8 will be keeping you busy.

Watch exclusive content with AwesomenessTV and on Dreamworks TV and Project MC² is on Netflix now!

Follow on Facebook (Project Mc2 UK), twitter (@ProjectMc2UK) and Instagram (Project_Mc2UK) for exclusive news, competitions and more!

We were sent the McKayla Project MC² doll for the purpose of review, all opinions are our own.

project mc² british science week 2016

by jo

Hampton Court Magic Garden

We’re Historic Royal Palace members this year, and as luck would have it so is one of our friends, and H’s best friend at school – so when she received an email inviting her to a special event today to try out the new Hampton Court Magic Garden, we all went along as it sounded pretty awesome.

Hampton Court Magic Garden amphitheatre

The Hampton Court Magic Garden is described by them as “a truly unique and immersive children’s play garden at Hampton Court Palace which translates the stories of the palace into Tudor-inspired design and features a liberal sprinkling of magic!” – so what did we think?

Hampton Court Magic Garden - spotty

We LOVED it. It’s awesome. For me it has the spirit of the Diana playground in Kensington, but with less sand (there is a water and sand play area there), where children are safe, can be left to get on with playing with minimal adult supervision, and there’s plenty of space for their imagination to run riot. It’s suitable for young kids and older ones – with enough space that nobody gets in each other’s way.

As it was a test weekend when we get to check how things work, some features weren’t available (the toilets weren’t ready, but Hampton Court itself has plenty).

Hampton Court Magic Garden crown hill view

There’s a large mound with a tunnel-slide through it and a crown on the top. There’s towers, the Tiltyard Towers (and while the Magic Garden was being built they found what might be one of the original towers), a smoke-breathing dragon you can climb on (which is awesome), a water area where you can pull a boat from one side of the water to the other, or just walk across on stepping stones instead.

Hampton Court Magic Garden Water play area older kids

There’s plenty on offer – a dragon cave, two slides – one in a tunnel and one from the tallest tower over the other side of the park, suitable for older kids. A giant fireman’s pole which H loved and said it felt like she was going down it forever. We easily spent almost two hours in there – us adults sitting chatting while H and her friend had the best time ever!

The Hampton Court Magic Garden felt safe, well thought out and fun. We had perfect weather for it – there’s an amphitheatre area too which is fun for just running or rolling around in (good hills, y’see). On top of the mound is a crown – H and her friend had races from the top to the bottom.

Hampton Court Magic Garden crown hill

There’s a climbing area leading to a long fireman’s pole, and an even longer slide – both kids loved it and kept going back.

Hampton Court Magic Garden dragon and water sand play area

Then there’s the sand area which has water you can pump from various places, there are wooden dams, and when the Hampton Court Magic Garden opens you’ll have buckets and spades too.

Hampton Court Magic Garden tree house

Oh, and the tree house. Oh my word, it’s awesome. H and her pal stayed in there quite a lot, climbing up there to get away from us adults. We wanted to join them! How amazing does this look?

Hampton Court Magic Garden towers with mirrors

As for us adults, there wasn’t space for us to sit anywhere so we perched in an area which looks like it has hooks for something, next to the fire breathing dragon (well, smoke, anyway) – and grabbed a reasonably priced drink from the nearby cafe (within the Magic Garden) – there are snacks and ice creams on offer there too.

The Hampton Court Magic Garden opens on the 21st March – keep an eye on their website for more information. You can buy a maze and Magic Gardens ticket, otherwise it is included in the cost of your Hampton Court Palace admission ticket. For members it’s included in your membership package.

It was really difficult to take photos to try and show how amazing the playground is, without there being other people on it. I’ve tried to blur out faces where I can, and can only apologise if you spot yourself and wonder why you have no face. Sorry!

by jo

Guardians of the Scroll by Steven Loveridge

We were approached to see if H would like to review Guardians of the Scroll, the second book in The Palace Library series – a new series of books for us. Described as ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe meets Tolkien’ I knew it might be something H would like – so decided to give it a go!

Guardians of the Scroll and The Palace Library by Steven Loveridge

Guardians of the Scroll by Steven Loveridge was published in paperback on the 21st January 2016 – and is described as being ‘perfect for 8-12 year olds’. Now, H is only six – but she loves reading. She reads books way too advanced for her and doesn’t struggle. At the moment she’s mid-way through ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ while simultaneously reading the other three Harry Potter books. She loves ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ so we thought it was worth trying.

So what’s the plot? Well, The Palace Library is an extraordinary library in an old house. It has magical books inside, and when three children (Harry, Eleanor and Grace) stumble upon it, they head through a door (with an enchanting deerhound) into a world in the past. Within that world they have to unlock secrets in the books as they face storms, fight traitors and tackle dragons.

Guardians of the Scroll is the second book in the series, and we meet Harry, Eleanor and Grace again. This time they’re thrown back in time again and have to protect a dangerous and magical manuscript. Only the power of the scroll can control the savage creatures of The Nether World. The children battle monsters and face fire to wrestle the scroll from Caesar and Cleopatra (interesting!). Just as they find success a new evil comes to steal it away – the children are left with the Library of Alexandria all around them, so how do they escape?

H really enjoyed both books – and I mean REALLY enjoyed. She is still young, but I found that Guardians of the Scroll sits well alongside the books she chooses to read at the moment. I really like that the theme within the books is about the power of reading, libraries and how important great books are.

Book text size in Guardians of the Scroll

Both books are around the 200 page mark, and were straightforward reads.  Genre-wise, I’d put this under Children’s Fantasy, and as I said at the start, it does sit well alongside Harry Potter, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Tolkien books (we’re not quite there on the latter yet!).

They get a big thumbs up from H!

Steven Loveridge’s website is over here, and you can follow him on Facebook and Twitter too.

Guardians of the Scroll can be bought here and The Palace Library here. (Amazon Affiliate link)

We were sent The Palace Library and Guardians of the Scroll for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own. 

by jo

Blue Peter Book Awards 2016 WINNERS!

It’s World Book Day, and this means just one thing if you’re a book lover who also watches Blue Peter – the Blue Peter Book Awards 2016 winners have just been announced!

Blue Peter Book Awards 2016

Two graphic artists turned authors are Blue Peter Book Awards 2016 winners, chosen by schoolchildren across the UK.

Ross MacKenzie The Nowhere Emporium - Blue Peter Book Awards 2016 Winners

Scottish children’s writer Ross MacKenzie, who is also a graphic designer for a national newspaper, has won Best Story with his latest title, The Nowhere Emporium.

Adam Frost - The Epic Book of Epicness - Blue Peter Book Awards 2016 Winners

Adam Frost from Essex, who creates fantastic, wacky, information graphics which are often found in his books, has won Best Book with Facts with The Epic Book of Epicness.

Both were delighted to be crowned this year’s Blue Peter Book Awards 2016 winners and viewers will be able to see them receive their awards on Blue Peter (5pm) tonight from the Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell – who will also be sketching live throughout the show.

Best Book with Facts winner, Adam Frost, who believes illustrations in books are just as important as words, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have won. I tried to fill my book with as many bizarre facts and funny pictures as possible. I loved writing it and am over the moon that kids are enjoying it.”

Best Story winner, Ross MacKenzie, who grew up watching Blue Peter, said: “It’s always a great moment to receive any sort of award, but to win The Blue Peter Book Awards for Best Story is extra special. Firstly, because it’s an award chosen by the readers. It’s fantastic and important that children have a voice, and I’m so glad they liked The Nowhere Emporium enough to give it their vote. And secondly, it’s special because Blue Peter was such a huge part of my childhood. I’m delighted and stunned to become a tiny part of the show’s history and I shall be humming that famous theme tune for the foreseeable future! And of course I always wanted a badge.”

The Epic Book of Epicness, which schoolchildren described as having ‘funny facts that made your head fizzle’, is illustrated with Frost’s infographics, designed by Simon Holland and Peter Clayman (Dutch&Dane), which reveal extraordinary facts from extreme weather to embarrassing toilet trouble, making learning fun for the reader.

The Nowhere Emporium tells the story of orphan Daniel Holmes who stumbles upon a mysterious shop that suddenly arrives in Glasgow. Before long, the ‘shop from nowhere’ and its owner, Mr Silver – draw Daniel into a world of magic and enchantment. When judging the Blue Peter Book Awards 2016 Winners, children described the story as giving them a ‘wonderful feeling’ and the plot was like ‘putting pieces into a jigsaw’.

A panel of judges including TV presenter Angellica Bell, winner of Blue Peter Best Story 2015 Pamela Butchart, National Literacy Programme Manager Jim Sells and Blue Peter editor [non-voting chair] Ewan Vinnicombe selected the shortlist from publishers’ submissions.

These were then read and voted on by more than 200 children from ten schools across the UK who decided the winners in each category. The winners were announced on a special World Book Day morning bulletin of Newsround.

The enormously popular Blue Peter Book Awards are managed by reading charity BookTrust, which works with schools to get more children reading for pleasure. The Awards celebrate the best authors, most creative illustrators and the greatest reads for children.

Ewan Vinnicombe, Editor, Blue Peter said: “It’s fantastic that the Blue Peter Book Awards have given children across the UK the chance to vote for their favourite books. Adam and Ross should be really proud and Blue Peter will continue to promote children’s books and our viewers’ love of reading throughout the year.”

Keep up-to-date with the Awards at www.booktrust.org.uk/bluepeter and on Twitter by following @Booktrust and #BPBA

by jo

The Sound of Music Live on DVD

It is no secret that The Sound of Music is my favourite film – it’s something I always enjoy, and am currently enjoying passing my love onto H. (who also loves it, thank goodness) Over Christmas, ITV got ambitious, following in the footsteps of several productions in the US, doing a proper version of it on tv – The Sound of Music Live – and now it’s available on DVD.

The Sound of Music Live

The Sound of Music Live is exactly that – but don’t expect the same version as the film – this time around it’s the stage play, with just one alteration from that, having ‘Something Good’ in place of ‘An Ordinary Couple’ (it was written for the film). Following Social Media when it was on tv, a lot of people didn’t realise this – and I think it is important that it’s different – and I think tells the Von Trapp story a bit clearer too. (which is still massively different from the musical, but that’s just pulling hairs)

The Sound of Music Live - Kara Tointon

Kara Tointon stars as Maria and did an excellent job, at times I felt she was singing in a similar way to Julie Andrews – this may well be her singing voice of course, though I’m not sure. When we saw the touring stage production last year, Danielle Hope did similar.

The Sound of Music Live - My Favourite Things

The Sound of Music Live – My Favourite Things

Julian Ovenden plays Captain von Trapp and also does an excellent job.

The Sound of Music Live - How Can Love Survive

The Sound of Music Live – How Can Love Survive

With The Sound of Music Live following the stage play, characters like Max and Elsa have a much higher profile role, and the songs ‘How Can Love Survive’ and ‘No Way to Stop It’ (both dropped from the film) make an appearance, tackling Austria and the oncoming Anschluss.  I’ve always felt this part of the film is important, as you get to see the reason the Captain and Elsa split, paving the way for him to marry Maria – and while this is a musical and isn’t an accurate representation of what happened in real life, it’s closer! Max is played by the fabulous Alexander Armstrong (this role is made for him!), while Elsa is played by Katherine Kelly – and both are again, excellent.

The Sound of Music Live - No Way to Stop It

The Sound of Music Live – No Way to Stop It

H’s personal highlight was the appearance of Mel Giedroyc as Frau Schmidt, the housekeeper, what with her love of Bake Off. Mel’s BAFTA nominated sister, Coky Giedroyc directed The Sound of Music Live alongside the Tony Award winning Martin Koch. Oh, and of course it goes without saying, the children were brilliant too!

The Sound of Music Live - Do Re Mi

The Sound of Music Live – Do Re Mi

So here’s what to expect – plenty of singing, Nuns, fun, Wedding, a competition and then there’s the extras. The following night on tv there was a ‘Making Of’ film which I missed – and is included on here so I’ll finally get to see it!

The Sound of Music Live - DVD menu

What you won’t get with The Sound of Music Live – a puppet show while they all yodel (The Lonely Goatherd is the song they sing with Maria when they’re scared of the thunderstorm), My Favourite Things is placed back at the Abbey when Maria leaves to go to the Von Trapp home. ‘I Have Confidence’ (written for the film) doesn’t appear. The songs are in a different order – but remember, this is the original song order, the film changed them around.

The Sound of Music Live - The Lonely Goatherd

The Sound of Music Live – The Lonely Goatherd

All in all, The Sound of Music Live is an enjoyable hour and a half and I’d recommend to anyone who hasn’t seen the stage play – and indeed, anyone who has!

The Sound of Music Live - So Long Farewell

The Sound of Music Live – So Long Farewell

The Sound of Music Live is out now and can be ordered from Amazon now!

We were sent a copy for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own. All images are my own personal screengrabs from the DVD. 

by jo

Human Body Factivity Box Set

As Parragon Book Buddies we are sent a different book every month for H to read. This month was a Human Body Factivity Box Set – and it’s excellent!

Human Body Factivity Box Set

The Human Body Factivity Box Set has a book inside – part of the Gold Stars range, ‘The Amazing Human Body’. With H only being six she hasn’t got a lot of knowledge about the human body, so she found this box and book fascinating – and here’s why.

Introducing Elvis the Pelvis (her name).

Human Body Factivity Box Set Skeleton Model

Inside the box you get 20 pieces of plastic bones to put together to form your own skeleton on a stand. H found it fascinating. “Do I really look like this?!” she queried, I asked her to stand and she felt all the various bones she was able to feel. It was a huge eye opener. As she’s starting to get older and to be more aware of herself, it was good to point out parts of her body and where they are on the model.

Inside the Human Body Factivity Box Set is the book of course, which has loads of activities within. No topic (other than periods really) is skipped – farts get featured (always funny for six year olds), and I’m liking the section on ears which is good for showing H where she sometimes gets infections too.

You know when a book opens up someone’s eyes and they start to discover a brand new world? This is it – it’s definitely age-appropriate and is something H will continue to learn from as she progresses through the book. She’s definitely more of a reader than someone who does activities in books, but has already come out with several facts she has picked up.

Human Body Factivity Box Set Hiccups page

There are hundreds of facts in The Amazing Human Body too – so plenty!

It is also the first book we own which covers hiccups. Whenever H laughs too much she gets them, and hates it – she’s had this since she was a baby. It drives her mad – so reading what it all means was fascinating for her.

The Human Body Factivity Box Set is available now – including from Amazon (affiliate link) and comes highly recommended by us!

We were sent the book for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.