Category: Lifestyle

What we got up to at Center Parcs

Monday Monday afternoon we set off to Center Parcs, Sherwood Forest. On arrival at our lodge we were greeted by Squirrels and Geese. All to which Mole and Frankie found…

Mondaycenter parcs sherwood

Monday afternoon we set off to Center Parcs, Sherwood Forest. On arrival at our lodge we were greeted by Squirrels and Geese. All to which Mole and Frankie found to be very amusing.

We stayed in a beautiful 3 bedroom cabin that included a living room space, kitchen, dining area, patio and my favourite the outdoor sauna. Two of the bedrooms had a double bed and the third bedroom came with two single beds. Frankie has never slept in a bed before so he used the cot. If you plan to do this to make sure you bring your own cot linen.

center parcs cabin

Tuesday

I have never been so excited to wake up and see a difference in scenery. Oh it is beautiful there. You literally feel like you are camping right in the middle of the woods.

The first full day Mole had a horse ride booked. It was the first 15 minutes of her life where she has been completely silent haha. Mole took me by surprise actually. I was expecting her to be shy but she jumped straight on the horse with a smile like a cheshire cat.pony ride sherwood forest

Our cabin was a 45 minute walk away from the main shops. Obviously if it were just me and Jay it would be half of that time. We struggled to carry Frankie there and back after refusing to walk so off we went to get bikes.

Unfortunately, they were sold out of bikes for children and they gave us a double pram to use instead. This situation damped the mood a little as if you have been before you will know how much bikes are an essential. To cheer us all up we treated the kids in the gift shop with two teddies Mole has named “Suzie and Aquacabatic”.

Wednesdaycenter parcs sherwood

Today was Frankie’s turn to have all the fun. We had a messy play activity booked in early morning. Unusual for us, we were too early. We filled in the time by taking part in a pottery painting activity. We were so lucky to get on to. I have to say pottery painting was my personal favourite.

Mole was able to join in with messy play too. The whole morning was spent covered in paint and spaghetti and it could not have been any better.

I forgot to mention we did end up getting bikes in the end. We had to keep checking at the bike reception and finally got 2 with a trailer on the back. Wednesday weather was beautiful. We decided to make the most of it by going on a family bike ride and heading down to the nature park.

The afternoon was spent at the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. Mole and Frankie had the best time swimming. Their confidence in water since starting swimming lessons has completely changed. center parcs sherwood

Thursday

The weather took a turn but a little wind and rain did not stop us heading down to the beach, to build sandcastles and hire a paddle boat. Poor Jay was at the back of the paddle boat pushing us all around. We treated Mole and Frankie to pancakes at the Pancake House but the weather dropped in temperature and we were all absolutely freezing.

It was so cosy to go back to the lodge and have cuddles next to the fire. I even felt a little guilty when I had to leave for my spa appointment.

Jay treated me to a lovely full body exfoliation treatment and an Indian head massage. The perfect end to our trip.

center parcs sherwood

Friday

Our original plan was to hand around still after checking out and dine out. However, we were all content with setting off back home. We had such a special time together it was important to all leave on a good note.

center parcs sherwood

Have you ever been to Center Parcs before? What was your experience like?

Zoe

xx

1 Comment on What we got up to at Center Parcs

Frankie’s Sustainable First Birthday Presents

Birthday’s are my chance to spoil my kids with their favourite toys! I rarely buy them toys through out the year as I tend to take them out to places…

Birthday’s are my chance to spoil my kids with their favourite toys! I rarely buy them toys through out the year as I tend to take them out to places instead. So when Birthdays and Christmas comes along, I get stuck into gift hunting.

What is different this year?

In the past, when it has come to searching for presents, I have never given a second thought into what harm the gifts I am buying are doing to the planet.

Now my eyes are open to the damage plastic is doing to our planet, I can’t buy it.

It’s crazy because I remember seeing an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, when Kourtney was talking about how she only buys wooden toys and all I could think was “that’s snobby!”. At that time, wooden toys were expensive compared to the plastic ones I would tend to buy. I would have never seen myself a year on making a conscious decision like her, not to buy plastic.

Yes, the prices of wooden toys do tend to be higher. But the bigger cost is the damage we are doing not buying them.

Anyway, enough of my preaching, here are his toys:

Kids Concept Wooden Xylophone

Kids Concept - Xylophone - Multi Blue (1000430)

Anything that gives Frankie the option to make loud noise, he is instantly in love with! My sister got Mole a keyboard for her Birthday and Frankie always tries to take over and play his tunes.

This Xylophone is about the length on my laptop. For me, that is perfect as it is not too big to tidy away after it has been used but, I am aware that some reviews said they would have rather it been a lot bigger.

Little Dutch Toaster

Little Dutch Wooden Toaster

This brand is incredible. In terms of quality and price, I’d say they are very fair.

Frankie plays with Mole’s kitchen endlessly. This toaster set will be the perfect addition to their kitchen playroom. Imaginative play is something I love to encourage with my children.

Stacking Ring  Kids Concept: Neo Wooden Stacking Rings for kids to learn size & colour!

A mistake I made with Mole’s First Birthday presents was I thought too much into toys that she could grow into. I bought her too many that were a little old for her and she couldn’t understand how to play with them straight away.

A stacking ring is a perfect Birthday present for a 1st Birthday. I know Frankie will love the puzzle of the stacking ring or simply banging the rings together to make a loud noise.

Dinkum Doll

Dinkum Doll - Poppet

Frankie does pick up Mole’s dolls. It’s only fair he has his own too. The Dinkum dolls can be boys or girls. They are soft and cuddly too. You can stand them up or sit them down. I like how you can choose a doll that your little one can relate to.

Dinkum Doll Feeding Set

Dinkum Doll Feeding Set

I had to get Frankie accessories for his doll. The feeding set is just adorable! Again, I love the natural colour so it is suitable for boys or girls, meaning Frankie and Mole can play together.

Dinkum Doll BottleDinkum Doll Bottle

Another accessory for Frankie’s doll is this natural wood dolls bottle. This paired with the feeding set makes a lovely combination.

Dinkum Doll Changing Basket

Doll Nyla Basket

We don’t have a pram for the doll, I thought i’d see if he takes to the doll before I buy a pram. The changing basket can be for changing or a bed.

I purchased the sage mattress for a more masculine look.

 

VertiPlay Tree Top Adventure 

Oribel Vertplay Tree Top Adventure Wood Wall Toys

The best part about this toy is it sticks to the wall! Perfect toy to practice fine motor skills and the cars can be used alone too.

I’ve seen a few of these types of toys and I loved the different features of this one like the swinging squirrel.

Wooden Car Transporter

TOP BRIGHT Wooden Truck Toys for 2 Year Old Boys Gifts, Wooden Car Toy for Two Year Old Present, Childrens Transport Toy for Boys Age 2

To further Frankie’s love for cars, this car transporter will start off his car collection. The car transporter is great to help him practice his pushing technique too.

Does your little one love cars like Frankie?

 

 

 

No Comments on Frankie’s Sustainable First Birthday Presents

Type on the field below and hit Enter/Return to search