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This day I love.......

We received complimentary passes to both Lotherton Hall and Thwaite Watermill, words are my own opinion 

How have the February half term holidays been and gone aleady?

My children's sports clubs did not stop during half term so we spent our days juggling those whilst making the most of our time together. Having one of their sporting activities close to the cinema meant it would be rude not to go during half term and with the girls really wanting to see the LEGO movie that is exactly what we did. 

Little Man impressed me [kind of] whilst we were there, as he asked to go for a wee. It also meant he kept asking every 20 seconds to go for a wee so I actually didn't get to see much of the film but what I did see I enjoyed. I can confirm that the toilets are there given we seemed to see more of them than the film itself! 

My eldest daughter swam 800m, I played naughty Mummy and told her she had only done 8 [she had really done 16] so she swam more knowing she needed 16 lengths for her 400m badge. It meant she did 800m. I knew she could do it and wanted her to see that she was capable of it. I am incredibly proud of her. She even managed her swimming lessons again later that evening but was then very tired. As a treat we had a hot chocolate and a round of adventure golf.


Lotherton Hall is somewhere we have only ever visited at Christmas so we decided to head over for their Love birds themed sessions. We were very kindly gifted tickets to visit and it was really different visiting outside of Christmas and in daylight for a change. We had never seen the playgrounds that are there before and the girls spent hours playing in them. There is so much open space for kids to run around in and play and it was such a lovely day. We even took a picnic and had it in the winter sun!

Lotherton is also home to a great variety of birds. We never knew these were even here! Flamingos , parrots, peacocks and penguins to name a few. We watched the penguins at feeding time, and giggled as they swam past the windows. The girls even got to make bird feeders to take home with them. It was a beautiful day spent in the sunshine.


I still had to work during half term so had a few photo shoots booked in. The girls and Little Man were really good and even helped with a few of them. Training is tricky during half term but I did what I could, often leaving very early in the morning or going out once the kids were in bed.


We visited Thwaite Water Mills in Leeds for the first time too. The weather was beautiful and it was nice to stroll down the canal. The girls asked lots of questions about the canal boats and were surprised to find people lived on them! The mill has working wheels too, which were a little noisy for Little Man, I found them fascinating to look at. My youngest daughter was also really taken with them and loved learning how to make Putty!

On Thursdays Thwaite Water mills also has science sessions so the girls got to make and paint their very own fossils. They really enjoyed doing this and have taken them to school for show and tell. Thwaite is also dog friendly so it meant J could come along, which is also a welcome change for us. It was a really peaceful place to be and we loved exploring. We shall certainly be back to visit again.


I think it is safe to say we had a very fun and very busy half term, I cannot wait for the Easter holidays now


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When both girls were 6 weeks old I took them to swimming lessons. Both have had very different experiences. My youngest daughter has unbelievable confidence in the water, absolutely no fear and would happily jump in or dive underwater. My eldest daughter is confident in the water but up until very recently would not jump in or put her face in the water.

It goes to show that even with the same lessons every child is different but what both of my girls learnt from an early age was pool and water safety. They learnt what to do if they fell in the water, and how to be sensible and not run when it is wet. 

For a variety of reasons Little Man has never had formal swimming lessons, but I have taken him to the pool and shown him the same safety techniques his sisters learnt. It does make me a little sad that I wasn't able to take Little Man swimming lessons, but we have still spent the same quality time together in the water.

Olympic swimmer Rebecca Addlington has teamed up with Baby Annabell – the UK’s number one selling large doll brand – to launch the new Baby Annabell learn to swim doll and give her top tips for encouraging Little ones to swim

- Children can be initially nervous of the water, baby steps and lots of praise will help them overcome a lack of confidence. Try taking them alone to just watch for the first time, then toes in next time and so on, along with lots of positive praise to help encourage them to take that first dip. 

- Toys are a brilliant tool, they are such a good distraction for anyone who doesn’t normally like putting their face in the water or splashing. Toys such as the new Baby Annabell Learns to Swim doll are a great way to give children (and parents!) the courage to take those first steps towards swimming.

- Swimming is huge bonding experience. The learning process is a lot to do with trust and really builds a closer relationship between and parent and child. For this reason, try not to use your phone during lessons to avoid distractions.

- The younger you start swimming lessons the better. I took Summer from 3 weeks old. It is all about building confidence and awareness of the water from a young age. Swimming also helps with a child’s muscular development and is fantastic for understanding their physical abilities. 

- Make good use of the equipment that’s there. Whether it’s armbands, noodles, or vests, use whatever your child is more comfortable with. I tend to do five minutes with flotation equipment and five without, this helps when they’re really young and still building confidence. 

- Mix up who takes the child swimming. Whether its Mum, Dad, Grandparents etc. It’s good to go with someone they trust whilst getting used to swimming with different people

Baby Annabell learns to swim moves her arms and legs in the water and even floats on her back. First though water safety is important and my youngest had to inflate Baby Annabell's arm bands!


Baby Annabell loved swimming in the bath, and even made friends with Little Man.


After her bath it was time to get dry with her very own fluffy towel. 


It is safe to say Baby Annabell is well looked after. The girls love that they finally have a doll they can take in the bath with them, and one that swims too!

Baby Annabell was sent for review. All words are my own opinion 
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Early this year I had a very exciting email land in my inbox, an invite to a festive mid week break at Bluestone Wales.  To say I was excited would be an understatement, a chance to go to Bluestone at Christmas was an opportunity I could not tun down.  The girls have been desperate to go to the Wales holiday again and Christmas was sure to be magical.

After a 7 hour journey in the rain we arrived at Bluestone.  Our lodge was of a different style to the previous visit  and was spread over two floors. 



The bedrooms were clean and modern and the girls wasted no time in choosing their room.  Grandma settled them into bed with a bed time story


Thing 3 and I were a little tired after the drive and we made the most of our modern double bedroom and went straight to bed.


The next morning it became clear the main advantage of having a lodge with the living area upstairs.  The views over Bluestone were fantastic, even if the weather was miserable.


The weather has never stopped us before, and we fully believe in free range fun regardless of the weather.  We got ourselves kitted up and headed to Blue lagoon.  


As with our last visit the girls would have quite happily spent all day in the swimming pool.  The water is like stepping into a nice bath, and even when you step out you feel warm.  The changing areas were kept clean and tidy and we saw several members of staff cleaning as we were there.  The pool was busier than last time but we still felt able to relax and have fun.

After swimming it was time for a hot drink before our festive fun began.  The girls remembered the village tea shop and were really surprised to see that Babycinos were now on the menu.  


This was the first in a new discovery at Bluestone since our last visit.  Our festive fun was to begin with the Bluestone Pantomime, Cinderella.  


The Pantomime took place in the Village Hall.  This was a new building to us and situated behind the spa.  The Oak beams and white walls gave it a real modern feel and was just the right size for the pantomime.  We took our seats and waited for the show to start.  

The girls were enthralled.  Cheering and booing and joining in with the chants.  A real proper pantomime, just as I remembered from my childhood.  It was full of laughs and traditional style jokes, just what was needed for a pantomime.  My Mum and I absolutely loved the ugly sisters, two very talented actors and I would highly recommend seeing the production just for them.  Although if you ask the girls they really loved Cinderella and Buttons.


Thing 3 was craving a pizza after the Pantomime but unfortunately the pizza takeaway was no longer available.  We decided therefore to visit The Oak Tree, which was our favourite from the previous visit.  Luckily for Thing 3 they did Pizza and even had a lemon desert which catered for another of Thing 3 cravings.  


The girls felt very festive sitting by the beautiful tree in the restaurant and it was certainly beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.


On our previous stay we had a beautiful walk in wet room and in this lodge we had both a shower and a bath.  The girls could not wait to get into the bath and have a good splash around.  The bathroom was clean and modern and had plenty of room for the girls.


I turned 28weeks pregnant with Thing 3 and so had to take a bump shot.  I do feel like I have stuffed a bowling ball up my t shirt


Our plan was to return to Camp Smokey for lunch as it was one of our favourite places, however it was closed for the winter.  Instead we headed over to the activity centre for some indoor play and some fun out of the rain.

The girls loved that they were greeted by reindeer and trees, it certainly felt very festive.


The girls did not know but we were actually here for a secret mission.  An elf mission to be precise.  The girls were about to enter the Kingdom of the elves and were given maps outlining their secret mission.  Our elf guide explained what we had to do to graduate as elves and gave each of the girls a uniform, before shrinking us so we could fit through the key hole.


It was time for our mission to begin.  Each room had different tasks that an elf must undertake from ensuring pets stay asleep, to helping children have magical dreams.  The favourite room of all was the chocolate room.  In here the girls had to make the chocolate for the advent calendar.


Whilst the girls ensured the chocolates were up to scratch, Mum and I posed for an Elfie Selfie.


The girls completed all of their missions and graduated from Elf school.  As events go the Elf Academy was by far one of my favourite.  It was pure interactive festive fun and if we could we would have done it again.  All of the Elves were fantastic and interacted with all of the children.  This interaction made it what it was, as it simply flowed and was fun rather than scripted.  Crackers the elf needs a special mention, pure comical genius!


After visiting the Kingdom of the Elves the girls were in a real festive mood.  Neither of them wanted to take off their elf uniforms and both asked to take them to show and tell the following week.  

Perhaps the only way to celebrate becoming Elves is with Peter Pan and Jinglebelle.


Jinglebelle is a fun interactive dinner show which is a very memorable way to spend an evening.  The girls had to help Peter Pan find his shadow, who did keep running away during our Christmas dinner.  There were jokes and activities to do to help Peter Pan and Jinglebelle.  Certainly a fun evening and a perfect way to celebrate their success at elf academy.


Oh and I forgot to add the festive tunes which made it perfect for dancing around the Christmas tree.


Our last full day at Bluestone was fast upon us.  It had been a truly festive week so far and the festive fun continued.  After a morning swimming, as this was the girls request on their final day, we headed for a festive Hot chocolate before our afternoon activities.  



The girls love crafting and making things at home and with all the excitement of Christmas we thought it would be great to have an hour crafting with the Bluestone team.  It gave the girls chance to refresh after a busy few days and they actually got really creative.  We made Christmas cards, present boxes, baubles for the tree and character spoons.  Rather productive for an hour crafting!


They were both starting to get very excited and also seemed to have picked up the Bluestone Christmas song which they have been singing non stop on repeat.  


I had lined up a special treat for the girls after crafting.  They were headed to the spa for an hour with Grandma to have their nails and hair done, whilst I went for a relaxing pregnancy massage.


Thing 3 seemed very happy with the massage.  I met the girls downstairs afterwards, we finished almost at the same time, and they had lovely sparkly nails and feathers in their hair.  Both ready for the Festive season, pampered and relaxed.

There was only one way to end our day and that was of course with a Christmas dinner


After dinner we were all transformed back into elves, which lead the girls to wonder what was happening next.


For our final evening the girls got to meet Father Christmas himself.  They even got to listen as he told them a wonderful Christmas story featuring Ruddie the reindeer.  


Our time at Bluestone was almost to an end.  The girls spotted the cast of Cinderella and my Mum attempted to take a photo of us all together.


After which it was time to say goodbye, but not without watching the spectacular festive light show in the village.  



Our time spent at Bluestone Wales really got us all into the festive spirit and was the perfect way to start the holiday season.  I can only imagine how amazing Bluestone is over Christmas.


Thank you Bluestone for inviting us to stay.  Our accommodation was provided free of charge but we paid for all activities. 

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We have recently returned for an amazing holiday in the Algarve.  Whilst there we stayed in a James Villa and although we could have spent the entire week by the poolside in the villa we opted to explore and make the most of our time in Portugal.  I have to admit that Portugal has stolen a little bit of my heart and I would love to go back there. 

I wanted to capture a few of the activities we did whilst we were there that the kids enjoyed.

1. Visit the Marina at Lagos

It may not seem an obvious place to take children but there was so much to see and do.  The girls would have happily watched the boats in the marina.  We had a walk around the marina and opposite the marina is a lovely shopping area with plenty of restaurants and shops to visit.  

Lagos Marina

2. Zoomarine

We spent one day at Zoomarine but it was not enough.  The park has two very distinct areas the first is animals.  Here there are dolphin shows, seal shows, parrot shows and a 3D animated movie.  We didn't have time for the movie.  There is also an aquarium and mini funfair.  There were plenty of rides for the girls to go on at 3 and 4, and they thoroughly enjoyed the shows.  

The second part of Zoomarine is the beach and water park.  If we had known we would have taken swimming things.  The beach area was fantastic and the girls spent a good hour playing in the sand.  There were only a few slides but more than enough to keep the girls entertained and a few for older children too.  If we had had more time we would have certainly gone back and it was worth the visit. 

Beach at ZoomarineDolphin at Zoomarine


rides at ZoomarineZoomarine Portugal







3. Slide and Splash

When we visited in May/June the water was a little chilly.  It was also very quiet.  There is a large grassed area that we could put our towels on to sit, however we could imagine during peak season it could get busy.  The park was easily laid out with plenty to keep any age occupied.  The children's area had lots of slides and adventure equipment to play on and although they were too small to go on most of the slides they could go on the odd one or two.  We spent a full day and could have easily gone back for a second visit. 

Slide and splashexploring the pool

4. Ice cream at Praia da Luz

The ice cream factory is in a little shop on your right as you walk down the road towards the beach.  The staff were so friendly and welcoming and spoke to us in English.  We went past later and heard them speaking French, German and Spanish.  The staff clearly make their customers feel welcome.  Serving a wide variety of home made ice creams, we could not believe the choice.  Delicious and refreshing.  Perfect for sitting on the beach with.

The ice cream factory

5. Beach

Portugal has lots of amazing beaches and we spent a whole day there.  Our favourite was the one at Praia da Luz as it appeared to be very family friendly.  Toilets near by and lots of places to eat.  The girls loved it and there were plenty of rock pools to explore too

girls running in the sea

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Did you know that 57% of children aged 7-11 in the UK cannot swim?

With the summer holidays just around the corner most children will be wanting to go to the pool or beach and take a dip in the water.

On our recent holiday to Portugal all my girls wanted to was swim.  Although at first my youngest was not too sure, her confidence grew as the holiday progressed.  I think the confidence was there due to her feeling safe with her armbands, ring and float

swimming

The Swim Shop are launching a learn to swim campaign and have some great ideas for helping kids confidence in the water.  They are offering two of this day I love readers the chance to win armbands and a float to help with water confidence.

To be in with a chance of winning following the instructions on the widget below, where full terms and conditions can be found.



Learn to Swim
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Both my girls love water and I knew that they would want to spend as much time as possible in the water whilst on holiday.  We were staying in a James Villa which had its own pool and therefore most of our holiday would be spent in the water.

What I had not accounted for was just how much my kids love water.  It was a good job Konfidence had sent everything we needed to keep the girls skin safe whilst they played in the water.  Hats with extra protection for the back of their necks, shorts and long sleeved vests, all protect against UV rays and help keep the girls safe in the sun.

The girls loved exploring outside the villa and playing in the pool, the Konfidence suit certainly did not hinder their fun in anyway




Made from soft lycra there are certainly very comfortable for the girls to wear who would happily have kept them on all day.  They were highly durable as the girls kept jumping in and out the pool and we had no staining of skin meaning the colours stayed too.

Konfidence have certainly helped my girls grow in water confidence and gave me confidence to allow the girls to play out in the sun.
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About me

About Me

Welcome to This Day I love.

My name is Leyla, also known as Mum to my 3 humans and dog Mum to J. I have a passion for the outdoors and love to run. I can often be found off road exploring the trails and fells and covering distances all the way up to 50 miles. As a family we love travelling and discovering new adventures, as I try and run around the world!

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