The Stick Man Trail at Hamsterley Forest, Durham

Ahhhh I am so excited about this! Our family loves, loves, loves Stick Man. It is easily one of our favourite books. If you haven't read it yet - you NEED to add it to your child's stocking this year. We will definitely all be gathering around the tv at 4:45pm on Christmas Day to gather around the tv and tune into BBC1 to watch Stick Man's TV debut.

The Stick Man Trail at Hamsterley Forest

Following the success of the Superworm and Gruffalo trails in previous years, Hamsterley Forest in Durham has now been transformed to include a self-led stick man themed trail around the forest. Designed for young children and their families, enjoy trail panels and activities along the 1.5 mile route. The trail is completly free and open from 8am-6pm (car parking charges apply). 

Hamsterley Forest is very child friendly and there is a wonderful natural adventure playground half way along the trail. The forest is the perfect place and enjoy some outdoor time with your family.

There is a lovely little cafe at the beginning of the trail serving delicious homemade cakes and hot drinks (check opening times before visiting) but I would also recommend packing a flask of warm hot chocolate to enjoy and keep warm during your walk. 

Children are being encouraged to create their own Stick Man as they walk through the forest and add them to the forest's 'family tree' at the entrance which I think is a lovely idea and will certainly encourage creativity.

Stick Man Activity Pack

Stick Man activity packs are available for only £3 each from the Hamsterley Cafe or Visitor point. 

Filled with a trail leaflet, activity sheets, crayon, pencil and pipe cleaners to make your own stick man, they are a nice way to get more from your experience and particularly useful for slightly older children who can perhaps read the trail map and activities to the rest of the family.

Are you excited??? We can't wait to visit the Stick Man trail and hope to visit between Christmas and New Year or early January so look out for another post then.

The trail will continue until June 2016

Postcode, Parking and all you need to know

Postcode

DL13 3NL

The forest is signposted off the A68, north of West Auckland.

Parking

£1.50 per hour or £6 all day (free with a discovery pass)

Cafe Opening

Open from 10am to 5pm daily throughout the summer season (14 March- 30 September), the cafe serves soup, hot and cold sandwiches, and a range of drinks and home-baked cakes. Winter opening: October daily 11am to 4pm (5pm at weekends); November to February weekends only (plus daily between Christmas & New Year and February school half term week).

Pauls Private Dining - Dinner Party Catering in Northumberland - A Review

We spent my birthday in a gorgeous cottage from Sykes Cottages in Craster, Northumberland this year. I know we are lucky with babysitters and I'm sure Grannie or Grandma would have obliged if I'd asked, however I really wanted the kids to stay with us at the cottage as we had lots of adventures planned and I didn't want them to miss out. This left me with a dilemma - how should I celebrate my birthday? When I spotted that Paul's Private Dining were offering a festive package to cook a 3 course menu for you in your own home for only £25 per person, I knew this would be the perfect solution. A simple email to Paul and it was all booked. I chose to pay up front (via bank transfer) as it meant that all I needed to worry about was the wine!

A week or so before Paul was due to cook, we went through the menu and picked our dishes - the menu can be completely tailored to your needs and Paul is full of suggestions or happy to hear yours.

On the evening of our event, Paul arrived at our cottage in Craster just after 6:30 pm with everything he needed - there is no need to worry if you have the right equipment as he will take care of everything. He set to work straight away in our kitchen as we relaxed with a glass of wine in front of the fire. Steve would normally cook for us when it's a special occasion so it was so lovely to do this and a real treat. We played scrabble and chess (which had been provided by the cottage) with the kids before popping them up to bed at around 7:30pm when our first course was served.

The table setting was fabulous with Christmas crackers, candy canes, mulled wine sachet table favours and a wooden heart shaped bread board topped with the best Rosemary bread to accompany our starter.

To start we had chosen Parsnip and Ginger soup with Sourdough and Rosemary Croutons - it was the perfect soup for a winter's night. The best part was, Paul decanted the excess soup into a jug and popped us in the fridge to re-heat and enjoy after our walk the next day. I think it tasted even better after our coastal walk and was really appreciated. 

Our main was Cumin spiced Rump of Lamb, Kale, Pomegranate and Bulgarwheat Tabboulleh and minted yoghurt. We were informed that the lamb had been locally sourced from the fields around Craster and I have to say the dish was first class. We would easily have paid around £22 for this dish alone in a restaurant. The lamb was served perfectly pink to our liking and the portion was huge.

Now I had clearly had far too much wine at this point as I forgot to take a photograph of our dessert! Oooops! We ended our dinner with Chambord soaked winter berry cheesecake which was served in a teacup with two delicious layers. Homemade cheesecake is just the best and this one didn't let us down.

Paul left as we were finishing our desserts - the majority of our kitchen and dishes had been cleaned and he had even bagged his own rubbish up and taken it out to our bin - such a professional service and there is no way you would have guessed a three course feast had just been prepared! Thank you so much Paul - our evening certainly exceeded our expectations. It was such a treat to be catered for yet stay relaxed and informal at the same time. 

You can read more about Paul's Private Dining who offer bespoke dinner party catering for 2-8 people and a range of personal cookery tuition. Gift vouchers are available too. If you are looking for a last minute Christmas gift for a couple who don't have babysitters, I am sure a private dining experience for two (from £64) would be VERY well received. 

Photo courtesy of Paul's Private Dining

Our Family Christmas Traditions

Our family joins in with A LOT of Christmas traditions. We enjoy so many that I created a piece of word art featuring them all a few years ago. We hang this on our wall every year now and it's a lovely reminder of our special Christmas traditions that we will hopefully enjoy for years to come and pass along to future generations.

Image courtesy of A Piece of Heart

Our Top 10 Family Christmas Traditions

• New Christmas PJ's on Christmas Eve
• Bucks Fizz and Bacon Sandwiches for breakfast on Christmas Day
• Sprinking reindeer dust on our lawn
• Making our own Mulled Wine
• Visiting Fenwicks Window display in Newcastle
• Watch a Pantomime
• Watch a family Christmas movie together
• Buy Roasted Chestnuts from our local Christmas market
• Enjoy a bottle of Champagne and chocolates on Christmas Eve (Grown ups only!)
• Buy one new tree decoration every year

These are our core traditions that I don't think will ever change. Some of them were started during my own childhood - for example I remember Christmas day being the only time we would be allowed bacon sandwiches and a special drink of orange juice and lemonade and it was such a treat being taken into town after school to view Fenwicks window. The excitement I would feel walking along holding hands with my mum in the dark and trying to guess the window's theme for the year is something I still feel when I visit Fenwick's window now as an adult. I really hope my own children have fond memories of our Christmas traditions when they grow up too.

Starting New Traditions

I realise that a lot of our traditions are quite materialistic and this isn't how I want to raise our children. Whilst I doubt I will start any of these unusual Christmas traditions from around the world or stop the traditions we already have, I do think it's important to encourage traditions that promote the true meaning of Christmas and more specifically promote kindness and think of those less fortunate than us. 

This year we have decided to start a couple of new traditions and will be helping our community instead of sending Christmas cards. We will be providing an extra gift for a child in need, donating to a food bank and spending time with the elderly in our community. Another idea we have been thinking about is to carry out a daily random act of kindness throughout advent. I have been inspired by this video from Christmas 24 and in the last 12 days of advent our family will endeavour to complete a random act of kindness every day. Whether this be helping our neighbour with their shopping or asking our friends if they need a babysitter for the night, it really is the thought that counts.

Isn't the sentiment in the video lovely? I think it definitely captures the true meaning of Christmas well.

Do you have any Christmas traditions that have continued from your own childhood or have you started your own traditions? Perhaps like us, it's a mix of both. Either way, I'd love to hear what they are in the comments below, especially if they are slightly unusual or quirky. 

Heidi's Style - Craster Harbour, Northumberland

Heidi (aged 6) was sent a few bits and bobs for our winter stay at Craster Reach Cottage in Northumberland this week. Despite a lot of the North being destroyed by Storm Desmond, our little hideaway in Craster seemed to stay sheltered from the worst of it so what better way to start your Sunday morning than with a stroll around the harbour with your daughter. We walked past the famous smokehouse towards the sea and watched a few people catching crabs on the wall. It was a bit chilly for us to join in at this time of year but we'll definitely be back to give it a go in the summer time.

Heidi's main outfit is from a selection at No Ordinary Label which is a brand new website for girls fashion. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the shorts and sweatshirt styled with tights and trainer boots and think this outfit it so versatile as Heidi will be wearing it next spring with bare legs and sandals or plimsols too. Heidi couldn't stop stroking the material and commented it was so soft and just like going outside in your PJ's! I like how the outfit is pretty and feminine with it's floral design and lace trim whilst remaining practical and comfortable too - perfect for a girl who likes a bit of outdoor adventure. 

Heidi's hat is from a selection at John Lewis and is versatile for both her walk to school and to wear on our weekend adventures. The ear covers keep her nice and warm too.

Heidi's shoes are from a range at Gore-tex and I think they match her outfit perfectly - it's as if they were designed with each other in mind! Gore-tex shoes are perfect for active kids. They are insulated, waterproof and mega comfortable which means you can jump extra high!

Craster harbour is such a lovely spot for taking photos - in fact it is one of my favourite spots full stop! We love it!

Do you have any favourite places to shop for girls clothing?

Christmas lunch at The Rising Sun Countryside Centre - A review

After our fantastic trip to The Rising Sun traditional Christmas grotto with the kids last year we were delighted to be asked back to sample their Christmas lunch this week. I had already planned a day of Christmas shopping with my mam and a Christmas lunch break was definitely something we were looking forward to.

Priced at £17.75 for 2 courses or £20.75 for 3 courses (with under 8's being charged £10 for 2 courses), the food is locally sourced, perfectly cooked and piping hot. 

The setting in the Rising Sun Countryside Centre is beautiful with real Christmas trees, twinkling lights, decorations and Christmas music. The restaurant isn't licensed to sell alcohol however most of the other groups dining were prepared and had brought their own bottles of wine from home to share between friends - if you fancy a tipple, bring your own and glasses can be provided. 

We got well into the Christmas spirit and pulled our crackers as we waited for our starters to arrive. Service throughout our meal was of the proper old fashioned variety - warm, genuine and friendly. There were obviously a lot of regular customers there who were greeted by staff as old friends. Newbies like us felt very at home too. It was lovely. Most of the other people dining were groups of friends or family and the atmosphere was nice and relaxed. 

Starter - Crispy Deep Fried Brie with a Pineapple and Sweet Chilli Salsa 

Roast Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup served with a Kielder Cheese Crouton

Our starters were wonderful and just the ticket on a crisp, cold day. The Kielder Crouton was definitely my favourite part - delicious!

Main - Traditional Fresh Roast Turkey with all the trimmings

Side of vegetables and potatoes

Poached Supreme of Fresh Salmon with Asparagus Spears, Dill and Cream sauce and a puff pastry galette

I wouldn't normally order salmon however I have so many Christmas meals booked in December than I am starting to worry I may end up a little sick of the sight of turkey! When I booked the Salmon was recommended to me so I decided to go for it. I'm really pleased I did as it was perfectly cooked and served with a delicious sauce. My mam's Turkey was equally as good. It was lovely and moist and the portion was huge. We loved that she was given a jug of fresh turkey gravy all to herself! 

For dessert we both had to order Christmas pudding (you can NEVER have too many in my eyes) which was full of booze and served with brandy sauce, ice cream and cream! Very indulgent. As if we weren't already full to the brim, we were then offered coffee with mince pies and chocolate. Well it would be rude not to wouldn't it!

Our lunch lasted around 90 minutes however some of the tables around us stayed longer for a few extra coffee and drinks with their friends. If you are looking for a pretty Christmas venue with real Christmas trees, delicious homemade locally sourced food and a place you can relax and catch up with friends, The Rising Sun Countryside Centre is for you. Next year, we will definitely get someone to drop us off so we can bring a bottle of wine too.  

After lunch, we needed to burn off some of our calories and enjoyed a stroll around the park and lake. If you're lucky, you may even spot the Rising Sun Stag in the fields. 

There are LOTS of events going on throughout December with North Tyneside Parks from Carol Services to Christmas lunches, Grottos and workshops. 

If you would like to enquire about booking lunch at The Rising Sun Countryside Centre, please call 0191 643 2242. Must be pre-booked. Weekdays only. 

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - A spectacular performance for older children, teens and adults at Newcastle Northern Stage this Christmas

I really don't know where to start with this post so I guess I'll begin with Heidi as she follows the yellow brick road........

Get Santa at Northern Stage last year is something we have talked about ever since. In fact one of our family's favourite catchphrases is now "Meeeeaaaaattttt" which we hijacked from the show to keep as our own. So this year's Northern Stage production (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz) for older children had a lot to live up to and I am so pleased to say it certainly excelled our expectations.

The show is definitely aimed at children aged 7 and over and adults. Heidi is 6 and 3/4 and was a little scared in parts (The Wicked Witch REALLY gets into character at times and there are a few scary and loud creatures in the woods plus references to bombs and guns). I know it would have been too long/too much for my 4 year old and I'm pleased he spent the night being spoilt at grandma's house instead. There were a couple of toddlers in the audience who were getting restless towards the end (try Up and Out Christmas Sprout if your children are under 6 years old). 

A lot of the jokes in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz are aimed exclusively at adults and will go over even the most streetwise of kids' heads.  However saying this, Harry (9) and Heidi (6) were both mesmerised by the 2 1/2 hour performance as was I. 

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is an original adaption of the story for Northern Stage. With beautiful and imaginative staging, quick changing characters and live music it really is the definition of a feast for all your senses.

Every performance from the cast was exceptional but if I really had to pinpoint a couple of favourites it would be Zoe Lambert as The Wicked Witch and Alice Blundell as Glinda. The Wicked Witch really held the stage and was just a picture of pure evil - in fact she scared me a little at times! Zoe was simply wonderful to watch. Equally, every time that Glinda took to the stage the audience were hanging on her every word. Sickly sweet and with hints of that annoyingly perfect personality we can all probably see in someone we know, she had the audience laughing on more than one occasion.

With Maria Crocker convincingly playing the part of the loveable & scatterbrain Scarecrow, Carl Kennedy playing the over-emotional Tin Man and Michael Blair as the cowardly lion, the all-star cast at the heart of the show really portrayed the message of love, friendship and acceptance well.

The supporting cast are weird and wonderful and take you on a bizarre and surreal journey around Oz. Expect to find Munchkin dancers, 'Mouses' that form an army, trees that act as border security and plant weapons on Dorothy and her pals and of course Toto the dog who is brought to life in sock puppet form.

 Heidi adored Tessa Parr as Dorothy and craned her neck every time the ruby red slippers were on stage. As a parent, I personally loved that Dorothy was a bit of a tomboy who wasn't scared to challenge and stand up to those she needed to in difficult situations and promoted helping others and the importance of friendship. This Dorothy is actually a fantastic role model for kids and I would far rather they watched her on stage than a helpless Princess in a pantomine.

Harry on the other hand was a big fan of Winkie Slave (also played by Alice Blundell) and the kids in the audience will love the creative puppetry and his never ending tongue! Harry also commented that he enjoyed feeling as if he was actually part of the show - the lion and monkeys come out into the audience at a few points throughout and the cast often stop to talk to 'the watchers'.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz continues at Northern Stage (often with two performances daily) until 2nd January and tickets are available from just £12. The Northern Stage is a wonderful inclusive theatre and there are a range of accessible performances available too.

I would like to finish this post to say that this show isn't just for older kids. If you are grown up who loves the story or the magic or theatre, you won't regret going along and really don't need the excuse of not having a child to take along to enjoy the performance. I could quite easily have seen myself sitting there on a date with my husband as well watching with the kids. 

My only worry with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is how on earth are Northern Stage going to top it next year????

Photo credits: Topher McGrillis

Scooter buying guide and a step-by-step tricks and stunts tutorial your kids will love this Christmas in association with Halfords

Harry and Heidi LOVE their scooters (Jack not so much) and enjoy going for a scoot whenever they can. We normally just take them along the cycle path or the sea front at Whitley Bay however every time we do, they always eye up the skate park and I know it's not long before they'll be asking to visit here with the older boys and girls. The thought of this honestly terrifies me however I am a strong believer in not wrapping kids up in cotton wool which is why I'm glad that Halfords have put together this fantastic informative guide featuring scooter tips and tricks so I can at least help them to be as prepared as possible. 

The guide features tips and tricks for all ages and abilities from the easy hippy jump to the more complex 180. With 3 easy steps I'm sure H&H will master a few of these in no time.

The guide also contains lots of easy to read information such as where is safe to ride and which protective gear you should be wearing to stay safe.

There is also a fantastic scooter buying guide with tips of what to look for (I can't believe how many types of scooter are out there) to help you choose the right model for your child this Christmas. 

If a new scooter is top of your child's Christmas list this year, you would be mad not to read Halford's Scooter tips and tricks guide first and make sure you check out Halfords full range of scooters on sale from only £8.

I'm going to bookmark Halford's guide for our next scoot along the coast and get the kids to try some of the stunts themselves. Who knows, the grown ups might get in on the action too!

I'd love to hear which scooters you recommend and if your kids have tried any of these stunts?