Before children, Valentine’s Day was all about surprises, treats and romance. The day might be a little bit different now you’re a parent but you can still have a fun-filled, loved up Valentine’s as a family. If you’re looking for ideas on how to include your little ones with your Valentine’s Day celebrations, here are a few ways to make the day special for all of you.
Breakfast In Bed
Start the day with breakfast in bed. If you can, prepare as much as you can the night before then enjoy a lazy morning snuggled under the blankets.
Get creative by making homemade cards, gifts and decorations together. Check out our Pinterest board for Valentine’s craft inspiration https://pin.it/44y89yN
Get Your Bake On
Most kids seem to enjoy spending time in the kitchen and you can’t go wrong with cupcakes & biscuits – super easy to make with super sweet end results. The supermarket home baking aisles have a good range of Valentine’s themed icing and sprinkles in at the moment.
Take the time to tell your children what you admire about them. If you find it difficult to verbalise your feelings, leave little notes. Recognising and vocalising these can have a huge impact on your child’s confidence.
Thanks for reading. However you celebrate on February 14th, I hope your Valentine’s Day is filled with fun, love, and appreciation for those around you.
As 2021 continues to pass by in the midst of strict COVID restrictions, Evie & Harry have decided to compile their Lockdown Bucket List; a list of activities that can be achieved while following the current government guidelines.
We’ll be completing our list while out for our daily exercise. Current guidelines state that we should stay at home except when out for exercise. Exercise should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area. Stay local means stay in the village, town, or part of the city where you live.
I know we’re very lucky to have the beach on our doorstep but have a look at your local area and make your own bucket list, one that can be completed without breaking the guidelines.
Build A Rope Swing
A rope swing is an easily made, great source of fun for people of all ages.
Dam A Stream
Use twigs, stones, seaweed and anything else you can find to try and stop the flow of water.
Enjoy A Nighttime Nature Walk Through The Dunes
How many nocturnal animals can you see or hear?
Explore The WWII Artefacts Along The Coast
There are so many hidden treasures along our coastline – from tank traps to bunkers, gun posts to pillboxes, see what you can discover.
Find Frogspawn
The pond at South Newsham always has a good supply of frogspawn. I recommend visiting it regularly to see the tadpoles become frogs.
Fly A Kite Barefoot On The Sand
Do you enjoy the feeling of sand between your toes? Team that with trying to get a kite up in the sky and you have yourself a canny time.
Forage For Wild Food
There’s something very satisfying about picking your own food, just do your research so you know what’s safe and what’s not.
Go Fishing / Crabbing At The Harbour
Grab a net and some bait and see what you can catch.
Have A Picnic Under The Pier
One of our favourite parts of Blyth. Much quieter than the main stretch so easier to keep your distance.
Learn How To Body Board
All the gear and no idea? Try and master a water sport (if you can brave the North Sea).
1,400 trees were planted last February. Keep an eye on Northumberland County Councils social accounts to see if they’re planning another planting event.
Sleep In The Car
We had hoped to do this up at Kielder last Summer but we had to make do with the drive instead. It was surprisingly comfortable.
Watch The Sunrise…
Watching the sunrise on a clear, crisp morning down the beach is magical. Just remember to wrap up!
…And The Sunset
Seeing it set is just as beautiful.
I hope you enjoyed reading our list, let me know in the comments if you’ll be making your own “Lockdown Bucket List”.
When out and about remember to stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble. Stay safe everyone ☺️.
I’ve been a fan of podcasts for years. I listen to them in the car, when out walking, while cooking, during the weekly big shop, in the bath, before bed…you get the idea!
During lockdown, the number of podcasts available has exploded so, if you’re new to the world of podcasts, it can be difficult to figure out which ones to start listening to.
Below, are a list of my favourite parenting podcasts. If you’re looking for honest advice, relatable insights and humorous tales then this small selection can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.
Lockdown Parenting Hell
Lockdown Parenting Hell with Josh Widdicombe and Rob Beckett is aimed at bringing together fellow parents and asking them to share the highs and lows of what it’s like to be a parent during a global pandemic. During each episode Rob and Josh will chat with a guest to discuss the hilarious and harrowing trials and tribulations of parenthood in lockdown. It’s a funny, entertaining and insightful look at what it is really like to be a parent in the current climate – and the perfect antidote to the impossibly aspirational modern day social media depictions of parenting.
Dadcast
Parenting is tough. It’s also hilarious, annoying, brilliant craic, dangerous and soul destroying in equal measures. This podcast is for every Dad and Mum who knows this all too well, or indeed for anyone thinking of becoming a parent. Caked in snot and puke this is the unvarnished truth of being a Dad. Featuring the ramblings of Adrian Barry, Nathan Murphy, Dave McIntyre and Ger Gilroy, the Dadcast will examine the worst excesses of sleep deprivation, unruly toddlers, inopportune poohs all while trying to escape from the trap of middle age spread.
For Crying Out Loud
TV executive Lynette Carolla along with comedy writer and best-selling parenting author of Sippy Cups are Not For Chardonnay – Stefanie Wilder-Taylor are two mothers of twins breaking down their parenting styles. In this raucous hour of conversations they cover a range of topics. The format is informative, loose and most of all entertaining. Lynette and Stefanie are honest, silly and sometimes vulnerable as they discuss their own experiences as wife and parent.
Happy Mum, Happy Baby
In the Happy Mum, Happy Baby Podcast, Giovanna Fletcher continues the conversation about motherhood she began in her bestselling book of the same title. In a series of frank and warm conversations with other high-profile mums and dads, Gi discusses all aspects of parenthood – the highs, the lows, the challenges and rewards. There is no such thing as the perfect parent, and we’re all simply doing our best, something Giovanna fully encourages. It’s time to stop comparing ourselves and champion each other instead. Each episode is truly unique yet unifying. No topic is out of bounds, therefore this podcast is essential listening for any parent seeking solidarity and support.
No Holes Barred
Completely unfiltered conversations between two potty mouthed mums trying to find light in the lesser spoken realities of womanhood. If easily embarrassed, I’d recommended probably giving this one a miss.
Not Another Mummy Podcast
Not Another Mummy Podcast is one of the UK’s top parenting podcasts. Host Alison Perry chats to a different guest each episode about parenting and family issues.
Sh*gged, Married, Annoyed
The only way Rosie and Chris Ramsey can have a conversation without being interrupted by a toddler or ending up staring at their phones is by doing a podcast. They’ll be chatting all about life, relationships, arguments, annoyances, parenting, growing up and everything else in between.
The Scummy Mummies Podcast
A comedy chat show for less-than-perfect parents. Hosted by comedians Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn and featuring guest parenting experts, comedians and authors. The podcast covers the big issues affecting modern parents – from fish fingers to farting, to play-dates and pelvic floors. Expect frank and funny chat as well as wine, laughter and sophisticated boob jokes.
These are my recommendations but let me know if you’re a podcast fan and who’s been tickling the laughing stimulus inside your head recently.
Raising your own little Master Chef? Develop your child’s love for cooking with these family friendly kits which help budding culinary masters learn kitchen skills and tricks.
Luigi Basso Pizza Pie Making Kits
Luigi Basso was born and breed in Napoli (although he now lives in Swalwell, Newcastle) and we loved his step by step guide on how to make a simple pizza, Luigi style.
The kits come in two sizes; either enough for 2 or enough for 4 pizzas. They are extremely good value for money priced at £6 and £12 respectively. The kits include fresh dough balls, house tomato sauce, pepperoni, chorizo, mozzarella cheese, onions and peppers.
The instructions are really clear and there’s very little prep work needed. The finished pizzas were delicious!
If you’re a Meat:Stack fan, you can now recreate their banging burgers at home with #StackAtHome a concept which was born through lockdown. Now restrictions are easing, it will no longer be available weekly but will be making a reappearance every so often.
The kits come with everything you’ll need for 4 burgers. We ordered the West Coast Classic which contained 8 patties, bacon, cheese, stack sauce, seasoning, tomato sauce, mustard and buns. It even included Meat:Stack paper bags for added authenticity which the kids really enjoyed.
I was on burger cooking duties (because that part can get hot and smoky) but Evie, 10, and Harry, 9, managed to grill the bacon and assemble the burgers while following the instruction card. It’s a brilliant way to get everyone involved in the meal making.
The #StackAtHome kits have proved to be hugely popular so you have to be quick to grab one. Keep an eye on their socials for details about the next drop and order at https://www.meat-stack.com
My Delhi – Cook At Home Spice Kits
Cook authentic Indian curries at home with these DIY Recipe Kits from My Delhi, Newcastle.
These are a little more challenging and are definitely suited for older children. The spice mixes, which are hand picked, roasted and freshly ground by My Delhi’s chef, are available in Butter Masala and Chettinad Madras. The Butter Masala is the milder of the two and is our favourite. The kits do take time but the finished dish is amazing!
If you’re a family of Bao Bun fans, then this is the kit for.
The kits are priced at £10 and you get everything you need to make 3 Baos. You choose from chicken cutlet, fried fish, prawns, pulled beef, char Sui pork or fried tofu. Sauce wise, you can have sweet chilli, Japanese mayo, sweet & sour, tangy BBQ, teriyaki or sriracha mayo.
Super easy to follow instructions that even tell you how to make a steamer if you don’t have one. We had great fun making these and the finished Baos were amazing!
Now, these aren’t kits but cook-a-long lessons over Zoom.
You get the ingredients list prior to the session then the kids join Sarah Lou on the scheduled Zoom call. The recipes require very little input from adults so the children pretty much make the meal completely independently.
Evie and Harry both really enjoy spending time in the kitchen so I’m always on the look out for Cook-At-Home kits, if you see any around, let me know in the comments.
The way to the heart is through the stomach, right? Well, that’s certainly true for me! Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day as part of a loved up couple or embracing your singledom, below are a list of places offering tasty treats to see you through on February 14th.
I’ve tried to include something for everyone, click the links I’ve added for prices and collection/delivery areas.
Bake For The Soul
I love this piñata heart from Bake For The Soul! Smash open the chocolate to reveal the goodies inside. Fancy one? https://m.facebook.com/Bakeforthesoul/
Beth Bakes
Beth Bakes have put together a few different options for Valentines Day but this giant brownie caught my eye. Full details can be found at https://www.facebook.com/bethbakes16/
Cake Bod
Cake Bod are offering these super pretty treat boxes which include cakesicles and biscuits. For more details check out https://instagram.com/cakebodx
Catling Bakery
I think these are ideal for sharing with the kids, there’s a little bit of everything in Catling Bakery’s Valentine Boxes. Details on how to order can be found at https://www.facebook.com/CBltddesserts/
Start your Valentine’s Day with this Breakfast In Bed Box from Graze On The Tyne. These can be ordered through https://m.facebook.com/itsmevivb/
Keel Row
Super cute idea for celebrating with children. The Keel Row are also offering an adults version Afternoon Tea. Full details about both can be found at https://www.facebook.com/keelrow.seatondelaval/
La Chocolatrice
La Chocolatrice have a few bars available for Valentines Day. I’m loving the sound of “I’m Nuts About You!” and “Bee My Valentine?”. To order, click https://www.lachocolatrice.co.uk
Nibbles & Graze
How cute is this chocolate dipping box from Nibbles & Graze? To see what else Nibbles & Graze are offering for Valentine’s Day, have a look at https://m.facebook.com/nibblesandgraze/
North East Cake Supplies
When it comes to hot chocolate bombs, do you prefer milk or white? North East Cake Supplies are offering both. Their Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/northeastcakesupplies/
This Geordie Pie Tea includes gammon & peas pudding, pie & mash with peas, sticky toffee pudding, fruit scone and apple pie. To view the full menu, check out https://www.blindpigtynemouth.co.uk
Truffles Galore
Truffles, truffle slice trays and truffle hearts in loads of flavours, Truffles Galore have really upped the truffle game! https://instagram.com/truffles_galore
The Rib Room At Home
The ultimate indulgence! This 4 course menu, from Ramside Hall’s Rib Room, sounds fabulous. It includes canapés, starters, mains, desserts and wine! You can even add on a cheese board. Place your order using this link http://bit.ly/RibRoomatHome
Thanks for reading, I hope I’ve given you some ideas. Let me know if you’ve spotted anything you like the look of and if you’ll be ordering for someone or keeping it for yourself.
For me, the best marshmallow is a burnt marshmallow – well, maybe not burnt but definitely toasted. Heating a marshmallow caramelises the sugar and gives the marshmallow that delicious roasted flavour. It’s not exactly outdoorsy weather at the minute but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this family favourite sweet treat indoors.
You might have seen these little gel burners online – they’re odourless, smokeless and non-toxic so perfect for indoor use. The metal pots contain bio-ethanol (or chafing gel) and you can pick up a tin for a couple of pound. They have a burn time of 2-3 hours. To extinguish the flame, ready to use again, simply pop the lid back on.
Obviously, you’re dealing with fire here so adult supervision is always required. Never leave an open flame unattended and keep long hair and clothing well away.
So, bring the family together, grab a skewer and reminisce about warm summer nights in the garden while kicking back in front of the TV in the comfort and warmth of your front room. Enjoy!
Burn’s Night this year falls on Wednesday, 25th January 2023
Burn’s Night is a pretty big celebration in any Scots calendar, and for good reason. The annual festivities are a welcome excuse for fine food, music, dancing, and boasting about Scotland’s cultural contribution to the world.
What Is Burn’s Night?
Burn’s Night is celebrated on or around January 25th. It commemorates the life of poet Robert Burns, who was born on January 25th, 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland.
The centrepiece of any Burn’s Night celebration is the traditional supper, where Burns’ famous verses are matched with Scotland’s most famed food and drink.
Celebrating Burn’s Night
Below, I’m sharing the recipes for the food we’ll be eating on Burn’s Night.
This chicken dish is stuffed with haggis and served with lashings of creamy whisky sauce. It’s a perfect main for a Burns Night supper alongside a dram of your favourite scotch.
INGREDIENTS (serves 2)
– 2 Chicken Breasts
– 80g Haggis
– 6-8 Rashers of Back Bacon
– 100ml Chicken Stock
– 100ml Double Cream
– Splash of Whiskey
– Drizzle of Oil
METHOD
Heat the oven to Gas 4 or equivalent.
Cut each chicken breast horizontally to form a pocket.
Lightly break up the haggis with a fork, divide it in to two then stuff the breasts with the haggis.
Wrap each stuffed breast with the bacon.
Heat a drizzle of oil in a frying pan on a medium-high heat. Sear the chicken, about 5 mins on each side or until golden brown.
Transfer the chicken breasts in to an oven dish and roast for 35-40 mins until cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.
Using the pan you seared the chicken in, pop it on a low-medium heat, add the chicken stock and whiskey and allow to thicken.
Once reduced, add the double cream and season with salt and black pepper.
Serve the Chicken Balmoral with neeps and tatties and a drizzle of the whiskey sauce.
North East Eats and Kids 