We were gifted free entry to Lap of Lights, I  have not been asked to write about our visit. All words are my own opinion. 

I was incredibly excited to receive an email inviting my children and I to Silverstone and the lap of lights. It has been a dream of mine for many years to visit Silverstone and more so to drive on the track. The Friday before our visit we had very heavy snow and I was getting nervous we might not be able to make it. Luckily the snow held long enough, but it did take us an extra 2 hours to arrive.

The kids began looking for Father Christmas in each of the different zones. They were treated to an extravaganza of lights and light shows. Each zone in the track had a different theme to it and in each area there was a Father Christmas hiding. There was lots of laughter and squeals of delight from the kids as we drove around the track

After our lap of lights we headed to the lodge to explore more of the indoor activities and to have some dinner.

We had a hot chocolate and something to eat before heading to the pit lane for ice skating. 

For my details please visit Silverstone

 We were kindly gifted our tickets to the experience, all words expressed are my true honest opinion

We were incredibly grateful to be invited to the Lotherton Christmas Experience this year, last year we unfortunately could not attend due to COVID. We immediately knew things had changed from previous years as when we pulled into the car park we were no longer provided with tokens and we parked sin a different spot. The excitement in the car grew. The older girls knowing were we where and my son knowing Father Christmas was somewhere near by. After wrapping up warm we braved the cold wind and ventured into Lotherton.

The Twinkling lights guided us to the hall as with previous years, and we were greeted warmly outside the hall. We looked round the market stalls situated in front of the hall. Amazed by the creativity of some of the stall holders and stocking up on last minute gifts for Christmas. The girls persuaded me into buying quite a lot of cheese, but in their defense it was rather delicious. Now carrying a bag full of cheese. We headed for the festive hot chocolates before locating Father Christmas

Now feeling warmer we headed into the grounds to find Father Christmas. We spotted two elves and decided to follow those, they lead us into the winter wonderland and the wishing tree. The children all stopped to make wishes

Our journey continued through the winter wonderland. We found more elves, the posting room and we even found some elves who helped us make some reindeer food. 

The magic continued through the forest until at last we found a cabin. The elves greeted us outside and took us in. Father Christmas was waiting for us inside. He spoke about kindness and the importance of looking after each other. He asked the children what they thought others might like for Christmas, which really got them thinking and it was nice to hear them talk about what they thought I might like for Christmas. In case you want to know they said sleep and for us to stop arguing. 

The children were now buzzing with excitement again, but the wintry weather was starting to pick up so to warm ourselves up we headed into the Hall for a look at the Christmas displays. The tree in the hall is always stunning, and the hand made decorations by children from local schools was worth a look, some very creative children.

Now feeling warmer we went in search of Mrs Claus. She was in the kitchen baking gingerbread and asked if the children wanted to help. The most certainly did.

I think this was one of my favourite activities of the evening. Such a nice addition to Lotherton and something the children will remember doing. We always finish our Christmas Experience with a walk, this year the Christmas walk was slightly different as it was no longer the 12 days of Christmas. The girls in particular were very familiar with this and kept pointing out where things used to be. They loved the changes, but did miss the 5 golden rings to run through.

Whilst we have been for many years this year felt extra special. Maybe it was due to missing last year with COVID or perhaps it was all the wonderful new additions and subtle changes. Either way the children all had a magical Christmas Experience.

Thank you to Lotherton Hall for inviting us, for more information please visit the dedicated Christmas Experience page

There are a great array of speakers lined up from Olympic gold medal winners to globe trekking extraordinaire. We tend to pop in and out of the talks, I like how they inspire my daughter to achieve more in running. I am a big believer in if she sees sporty role models she will want to be more sporty and so having such a great variety of speakers provides a wealth of inspiration for her.

As well as the fantastic line up of speakers there is also a host of amazing brands to visit. In fact there are over 250 exhibitors! I will be sure to be visiting Active root as my daughter loves their drink all most as much as I do. Big Bobble hats, because I can never have enough hats! Of course I will be stopping by Worry Less Design. As one of their ambassadors I love all of their products so am looking forward to seeing the team in person.

If you would like to visit the show please head over and use code LBROOKE for free tickets! I look forward to seeing you there.

I am an ambassador for the National Running Show but have not been paid or asked to write this post 

 We have been invited to the press night to the Christmas Experience at Lotherton Hall. 

A few weeks ago my youngest daughter asked if we could visit Father Christmas at the place with the 12 days of Christmas walk. I asked her to explain a little more even though I knew where she meant, I wanted to see what she remembered. She proceeded to tell me how she walked through a winter wonderland where they met elves in a toy workshop. In the workshop they made toys and food the reindeers with the help of the elves before writing cards for Santa. The winter wonderland continued and she recalls the snow on the trees as she talks about walking through the magical lights to find Father Christmas.

Father Christmas is waiting for them in his log cabin with toys and fire place. They shyly approach to tell them what they want for Christmas. She tells me she remembers sitting on the sleigh afterwards for pictures before grabbing a hot chocolate and some cake in the cafe. 

I can't wait to see her face and her siblings when I surprise them with a visit to Lotherton Hall this Christmas. I love making these memories with them. This year there are even more surprises as I have heard Mrs Claus is going to be there, and she might even be hosting some gingerbread decorating in the Hall!

Tickets for this years Christmas Experience are available to buy now, but be fast they are selling fast!

I was provided with the first two lessons on the course free of charge in exchange for a review

I started this blog back in 2012 as a way to combat Postnatal Depression. I was really struggling to see the positive moments and found myself struggling mentally. Having two children under two was hard work and life seemed to engulf me in such a way I couldn't think or see clearly. This blog in a way saved me, it gave me a chance to see just one positive in each day and from that start on a positive mindset.

It isn't always easy, there are days when adopting a positive mindset is hard work. The world feels and seems against you and nothing seems to go right. I am however working on it. A few years ago I started the hashtag #capturemypositive on Instagram and that in someways gives a refocus to the positive mindset.

Recently I have been taking part in the course The positive mind training course by chartered psychologist Graham W Price. Graham has recently developed an online version of the Positive Mind Training, which can be completed in six illustrated webinars of 20 minutes each and has benefits of which include enhanced motivation, confidence, resilience, ‘work and life’ satisfaction, improved relationships and eliminating stress, conflict, regret, worry, self-blame and other limiting thoughts and feelings, including dealing with Covid-19.

I found the length of the course just right to give you enough information to think about and retain so that you could apply the outcomes in the real world. The course uses illustrations and video to further highlight important aspects of the course at the perfect pace, and with the tone of the instructor pitched that you want to listen to more. I found the graphics really useful and the course seemed to pass by quickly.

The course is ideal for those wanting to focus more on positive thinking or for those looking to adopt a more positive mindset in every day life. After one of the courses I felt confident enough to apply for a job I wouldn't have previously had the courage to do and am pleased to say was successful at securing it. Sometimes it is amazing what the power of a positive mindset can do, i'd thoroughly recommend the course which can be found here , please make sure to select individuals.