How to Create a DIY S'mores Station

The links in this post are affiliate links

Grazing tables are all the rage at the moment and I spotted a few versions on offer over Bonfire night which looked brilliant. I know a lot of effort goes into these and I don't begrudge their pricing but for me personally, I can't bring myself to pay circa £40 for something I could create myself (not exactly on the same scale) for a fraction of the price. 

A S'mores station is a brilliant idea for a winter's evening when you fancy doing something a little different. The kids love it, they taste great and it is a good alternative to another night in front of the TV.

Lost Found and Told : Modern Fairy Tales for Northumberland

 This is an advertisement 

You may remember that last year, we watched November Club perform 'A Night of New Fairytales' in a community centre in Blyth. It was a brilliant evening with traditional fairy tales being given a modern (and Northumberland) twist. It was nice to watch a theatrical performance and recognise the places mentioned, the accents spoken and to have the North East at the very centre of the story (you can read my full review from that evening here). 

Times have been tough for local theatre during the pandemic and November Club are no different. They are a registered charity with their prime purpose being to engage local communities and create original performances about people and places. 

They really are fantastic and have won awards for their work so I am delighted that they have been able to pivot (apologies for using the cliché word of the moment) and have been able bring their work and creativity into our homes instead. 

30+ FREE & Fun Walking Trails for Kids across North East England

Walking with kids is always easier with an incentive or something for them to do along the way so today I thought I would share 30+ free and fun walking trails across North East England. They all involve sculptures to find / a route to follow with things to find and are completely free. 

How to make your own hot chocolate stirrers

Today I am sharing a super easy gift idea or treat you can prepare in advance or get the kids involved with making.

We love a warm mug of Hot Chocolate and in recent years have bought hot chocolate stirrers as a special treat. They are lovely but they are usually priced around the £2-£3.50 mark each so with 5 of us, it can work out expensive. I decided to try making my own at a fraction of the cost. 

North East Boiler Cover with Gas Angel Heating : Our Honest Review

 This is an advertisement. Prices quoted are correct as of November 2020

We have spent more time at home in 2020 than ever before. Usually we are travelling all over but this year, our priorities have been forced to change. Spending more time at home has meant we have had the time and inclination to complete those niggling jobs and actually take better care of our home. I have never been a homebird but I do think this has changed this year and for the first time in my life, I am proud of our home and actually love spending time here. 

10 Outdoor Winter Evening Walks with Lighting Across North East England

 
A reader asked me for suggestions for places to visit for a walk in the winter evenings which are well-lit. I didn't really have many ideas so posed the question to my Facebook followers instead. Below are their suggestions, please let me know if you have any other ideas to add to the list. 

Walking in the evening is likely to be a lot less busy than during the day and is a good time to exercise and grab some fresh air if you are worried about crowded places but please do take care. 

7 Outdoor Spaces to Enjoy in Newcastle Upon Tyne

This is an advertisement. 

Newcastle Upon Tyne is a vibrant city with lots to offer both visitors and locals. When restrictions allow, it is a wonderful place to visit for families, couples and friends with lots to see and do and a lovely Northern welcome is guaranteed. 

Jesmond Dene Waterfall