At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Christmas was not regarded as a significant event. However, in 1848, the Illustrated London News published a drawing of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert celebrating around a decorated Christmas tree. The trend was adopted by the British people and by the end of the nineteenth century Christmas in …
The Snowman at Manchester Opera House
This week Robot and his friend went along to Manchester Opera House to see a classic Christmas tale brought to life on stage. The Snowman is a much-loved festive tradition. Based on the book by Raymond Briggs, the film directed by Dianne Jackson, and produced by John Coates, this stage show has now transported generations of children and their families into the wintery world of a boy …
Christmas in South Africa
I love family Christmasses, but why does it have to be so cold! I think one day, when the boys are older, we might head out to somewhere beautiful and sunny for Christmas. My husband has family in Cape Town, South Africa and they sometimes have a braai on the beach for dinner on Christmas …
How To Encourage Your Child To Play Sports
As a mum, it’s worrying when I turn on the news or look online and see all these reports about child obesity. They say our kids aren’t eating properly and that they’re not getting enough exercise, which is causing a major health problem in the nation. It gets me to make even more of an …
Christmas theatre in Lancashire
Since yesterday’s post on Christmas Theatre in Manchester was so well received, I thought it only fair to do another for Lancashire. I get lots of press releases for shows, especially at this time of year, so I’ve bundled them all together here for your reference. You’re welcome! If you are a Lancashire theatre running …
Christmas Theatre in Manchester
There is always a great show to see in and around Manchester, no matter what time of year it is. In the run up to Christmas though we are really spoiled for choice! Here’s a round up of shows I’ve got noted down, and I will add to the list as I find more. Manchester …
Spooktacular! with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Last week we went to see the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with the boys. Having never taken the children to see an orchestra before I really wasn’t sure how much they would enjoy it. The performance was advertised as being 60 minutes long and I thought that would probably be enough really. It’s a long time …
5 things to be cautious of during a family holiday
It’s easy for a family holiday to become more stressful and difficult than it needs to be, especially when you’re a worrier. However, there’s no need to get worked up – so long as you remain vigilant, careful and sensible, your holiday is almost guaranteed to be fun. Here are just five things to be …
Five Winter Hobby Ideas
The arrival of winter always makes me want to stay indoors with the fire on, doing not very much at all. Throughout the warmer months we take family walks, work on nature projects with the boys and do a fair bit of camping but once the chilly weather sets in I’m always more enthusiastic about …
The Benagil Caves and other beautiful things
We have just returned from a weeks holiday in the Algarve with some friends. I’ve never been to Portugal before and I really wanted to love the country, its people, the attractions, the food… I wanted to love everything about it. Alvor was the nearest town to where we stayed at Vitor’s Plaza. Walkable in …