Remote Learning with Tweens & Teens in 2021 - Our Routine

 

I wanted to write a post which documents our experience of remote learning in 2021. Last year, H, H and J had from March - September off school. It was all new to us then and I feel like we muddled through as best we could, focussing more on life skills like cooking and gardening and more holistic subjects such as Yoga, reading and art. 

After Christmas, it was announced that most children (my own included) would not be returning to their school buildings to learn and would be returning to remote education. At time of writing this, it has been over a month since my children last saw their friends in person or stepped foot in school and who knows how long it is going to go on for. February Half Term was initially used as a goalpost but increasingly, it is looking more like Easter or even beyond. Who knows though? Anything could happen over the next few months and we just need to wait and see. 

Things to look forward to in February

I am SO pleased to see the back of January. What a long and boring month! There are a few things to look forward to this February including Chinese New Year, Pancake Day and Valentine's Day. We've got to take these small pieces of pleasure where we can right not I think. 

The Running Fox Delivery Information

Please note, prices and information correct as of 15/1/21. Things can change so please double check information with The Running Fox before placing an order.  

The Running Fox is one of my favourite places to stop for a foodie treat in Northumberland. We have been visiting for years and I have fond memories of taking the kids to feed the ducks in Felton after breakfast here and splashing out on Afternoon Tea with various friends and family over the years. Their style is homemade, plentiful and delicious more than refined and anything I buy from The Running Fox always feels like such good value and like an indulgent treat. 

40+ lunch ideas for kids at home

Most people get a little bored of the same sandwiches for lunch every day and one of the best things about the kids being at home is that we can mix it up a little with their lunches. I thought I would share some of the sandwich alternatives we love alongside a few reader recommendations too. I hope it provides a little inspiration for when you are next in a lunchtime rut. Let me know your favourites too. 

20+ Free Burns Night Activities & Recipe Ideas

 
Burns Night falls on Monday 25 January this year. Steve always likes to cook Haggis and have a dram of Whisky on this night and as we will be at home this year, I thought we might make it more of an event.

This post includes a few ideas for getting starting.  As a good starting place, I recommended downloading this fantastic, free Burns Night toolkit from Visit Scotland which includes poems, recipes, a quiz and more. 

Valentine's Day Food Delivery & Gift Guide (North East England Lockdown Edition)

Steve and I are a pretty romantic couple but we don't really celebrate Valentine's Day. We don't buy cards/gifts and sitting in a restaurant with a set menu with lots of loved-up couples just feels forced and isn't usually the best value night out. As we do like our food, we do usually use it as an excuse to cook a nice meal at home. 

This year though, I have decided we will be celebrating. It is an opportunity to support our local businesses and something to look forward to. I have put together a few ideas for those wanting to do the same. Please note, I have not been compensated to write this post. 

Thanks to those on FB and Instagram who have helped so far. Please note that some gifts may sell out so if you see something you like, order sooner rather than later. I have not personally checked/verified every business but they have been recommended to me. I will be updating this post with new info and ideas as they are announced so do pop back. 

Life Lately : January 2021

 

Staying in is the new going out 

How are we all doing? I thought I would check in with a new life lately post. I like writing these posts as it is a chance to get a few things off my chest and record normal, every-day family life which is just as important as the exciting bits.