Going Back To Blackpool

This August will see us returning to Blackpool for a second year running. We went on a short 2 night break last August and enjoyed ourselves so much we decided to return. We will be staying a little longer this time and enjoying a 4 day midweek break at the end of August. Last year the weather was glorious on everyday of our trip so lets hope this year will be the same.

With so many different attractions to visit in Blackpool, you really are spoiled for choice on how to spend your day and its no wonder we were so eager to return. We enjoyed many of the popular activities when we were there such as the piers, the arcades and of course the world famous Pleasure Beach. This year we are hoping to visit Blackpool Zoo as well as rent some bicycles and go cycling along the seafront. I think we will have to get up super early this time as every morning we went to check the bike hire racks they were already gone! Talk about early birds.

Another attraction we are keen to visit is Blackpool Tower. We had tickets last year which I accidentally left at home and seen as half of the tower was closed off when we got there due to high winds we thought we would wait until next time. I am really looking forward to this in particular. I am not great with heights but I am keen to push aside my fears and make it to the top.

There are so many other wonderful things to do in Blackpool and it seems no matter how long you stay, you will always need just a few extra days. Aside from all the great, fun things to do there are also plenty of wonderful places to eat. Most are family friendly and welcome children. One of are favorite places to chow down on some great grub is Captain Jacks. Its one of the most chilled out, cool restaurant I've been to and the food is delicious. If you find yourself in Blackpool then it is well worth a visit.

Where are you planning on going in the summer holidays? I haven't got much time off work over the school holidays, so for us it will be plenty of day trips. Would love some inspiration from you guys on what to do and where to go.

The Gallery - Detail

Ok, So this is not necessarily a new photograph, but it's one that I love so decided to share. I just love the rippled effect that the waves had on the sand. It felt like soft cobblestone underneath.

I am linking this post up with "The Gallery" whose theme this week is "Detail"

The Great Outdoors

There are many things that both myself and Aalliyah love to do, but our most favorite past time has to be enjoying the great outdoors. Whether its a trip to the park, a nature reserve, a stroll through the woods or even walking to my weekly Weight Watchers meeting! (Don't worry, we do pass some beautiful scenery, even a river and some horses too!) 

There is just something magnificent about being outside. Its healing, it's therapeutic, it's the perfect way to let off steam after a hard day at work and the guaranteed way tire out the kids and let them go wild when they are bursting with energy (Which lets face it is pretty much 24/7) But my all time favorite thing about the great outdoors?..

It doesn't cost a thing! All you need is your imagination and you can let that take you to far away lands when you are outdoors. Lets face it, there are not many things in life that are free anymore, but this is something that will always be available to us. So get out there and enjoy it! There are literally thousands of beautiful places around, so get the family, get your shoes on and go explore!

We recently visited a local park called Salcey Forest. It was wonderful. There were tree top walks, nature trails, adventure playgrounds plenty of beautiful picnicking areas. We had so much fun being outdoors. Whatever the weather we always make sure we have a fun filled day. Planet earth is our playground and come rain or shine we will always find new wonderful places to explore.

This is my entry to the Center Parcs and Tots100 May challenge and if I am chosen I would like to visit Sherwood Forest.

Where will your outdoor adventures take you?

U-Build Connect 4 - Review

We love our board games, and I can think of no better way to spend some quality time with Aalliyah when its wet and cold outside, than playing some great games. U-Build Connect 4 instantly caught my attention as you not only play the game but have to construct it before hand so I knew Aalliyah would have fun doing that.

 I was a little worried when opening the box and seeing all the different lego pieces that it would be a nightmare to put together, but the instructions are fairly easy to understand and if you take your time you can build it right the first time. Aalliyah had lots of fun being the leader of construction from sorting all the individual pieces into their correct pile through to placing them correctly on the board. You start by making the columns where you drop your counters into, in the hope of achieving a Connect 4, then you move onto to making the bumpers. The bumpers are a great twist on the original game play. Moving the bumpers around makes it harder to place your counters in the correct slot and make for a much more interesting game.

This game really does appeal to all ages and there is lots of fun to be had not only playing it but making it beforehand. After playing it folds down easy and slots nicely into the box so you do not have to destroy all your hard work.

U-Build have other games in the range and I am looking forward to getting my hands on the Battleship game :) If you are looking for something slightly different than your average board game then definitely look out for the U-Build games in your local retailers.