The 6 best board games for 5-8 year olds

Hey readers, 

1. Hungry Hippos.

A game that will get everyone excited is hungry hypo where each player will have a hypo which they will have to press the button to open and close the mouth. The idea is for you to get as many balls as you can once they are placed on the board.  My boys can spend actual time on this game because it is easy to master and then bang the competitive strikes appear. 

2. Shopping List. 

Orchard Toys have got a brilliant game for kids called shopping List. The aim of the game is to get a shopping trolley (cardboard cutout) and then one shopping list (which has a list of food items) then you get all the item cards and turn them over and each player calls out the card. Once the person has got the item they then can place it into their shopping. Once the person has all the items off their shopping list they win. 

3. Pass the pigs. 

Pass the pigs is a fairly simple idea. It involves two pigs that you put in the container roll like dice and once on the floor depending on the position of the pig will get a set score, e.g. if both pigs are on the back they score 5 points. You have a score pad and pen to write the score down. You can go write the page or do a set amount until people get bored. That is the beauty of the game, fairly simple once you get going and it makes my boys laugh because of the way the pigs land. Don't worry if you don't remember what score is for what position as their guide book to help you understand. 

4. Snakes and Ladders. 

Now that my son is 5 years old he can manage this classic game of snakes and ladders. You have to roll the dice and move your counter alone the board, which square is numbered. You have to be careful as if you reach the snake you go down the board but on a brighter note if you come to a ladder you can go up further along the board. Once you reach the square with 100 on it you win. 

5. Operation.

The operation game is a body on board and cuts holes to where the organs are in which the player needs to retrieve. You have to use your coordination skills to use the tweezers to get the body parts out of the body without touching the body. If you do touch the body it buzzes and then you do not get that body part.  

6. Bunny Jump. 

The aim of the game is to get as many carrots out of the burrow before the rabbit jumps out of the whole. Be careful mind as the rabbit jumps in the air so make sure you are on your guard to catch him.  The game comes with four baskets for each player and a spinner which indicts what you can do as a player - whether that take two carrots, miss a go or forfeit a carrot. 

What kind of board games do you like to play with your children? 

Have you played with any of these games I have mentioned above?

Cheers for reading X  

7 Places to go to get a free hot drink.

Hey readers,

Who doesn't love a freebie? Well today I bring you 7 places where you can get your hands on a free hot drink how amazing is that?!

1. Ikea. 

If you haven't already then I would recommend you get an Ikea family card. It is really easy to do just pick up a form online or in store and register your details. In the next few days, you will receive an Ikea family card. It gives you benefits such as 10% of sale items, free product insurance, food offers and of course free tea or coffee during weekdays if that isn't enough of incentive I don't know what is. 

2. Waitrose. 

If you have joined up with MyWaitrose loyalty scheme you can get free coffee, however, Waitrose last year have stopped using disposable cups you do need to bring your own reusable cup to access this free offer of tea or coffee at the self-service machine. 

3. Greggs. 

This next opportunity is a one-off offer where you can get a hot drink (regular size tea, latte, coffee etc) when you sign up to Greggs reward app. The app is available on Apple and Andriod. Once you have signed up you have 31 days to go in the store and claim your free reward. 

4. O2 Rewards. 

If you have an O2 sim then you can every week on a Tuesday or Wednesday get a free drink at Cafe Nero (plus you can add the stamps on the Cafe Nero app and when you get 6 stamps you can get another free drink anytime you want from Cafe Nero). 

You do need to scan the barcode from the O2 rewards app and the free drink is only available after 12 pm.

5. My John  Lewis.

You can sign up to the free John Lewis card where you can get a free cake and hot drink this month. 

6. My Gatwick. 

If you are travelling ar Gatwick sign up to My Gatwick and then you are entitled to free coffee amongst other offers. 

7. Booths. 

If you live up north then you probably have heard of Booths which is a food, wine and a grocery store. Sign up to the Booths loyalty card and when you take in your reusable cup it entitles you to a free hot drink. 

Are there any other places that I have missed off the list where you can get free hot drinks?

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday photo 17/03/2018

My eldest made my hubby a Welsh flag 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 for the rugby yesterday. He was so happy 😊

10 reasons to love Ikea.

Hey readers,

Did I ever tell you that I love Ikea....No? Well, let me tell you why!

1. First off to love Ikea you will need an Ikea family card as it allows you to have items at a reduced rate, result.

2. With the Ikea family card you can get free coffee or tea during the week, Monday - Friday. I like this as it gives me the motivation to leave home when I am skint. Going to the Ikea cafe I can drink my tea whilst looking out of the window at the view of the city, which I find rather relaxing.

3. If a drink isn't enough to wet your appetite then having breakfast for £1.75 (need Ikea family card again) will definitely cheer you up. Especially on these dark and drizzly days.

4. I know some people don't like looking around Ikea. I really like looking at the different rooms, I find it rather refreshing to see a different way to lay out items.

5. As parents entertaining children can be expensive, even going to the cinema on a Saturday costs extraordinary amounts. That is why if something is free I celebrate it and faithful Ikea does not let you down in regards to free stuff. Ikea regularly has free kids days where you can do some craft. Near Christmas, they have free Santa to make your kids beyond happy.

6. Let’s not forget the dream that is a free soft play area called Smalland for kids, whoop for parents to shop in peace. It has everything in there for your little ones to get excited about, from ball bits, loads of toys, Kids film played in the background and even a build den. Not to mention it is free for a whole HOUR plus if you have the Ikea family card you can get an extra 30 minutes.

7. If you are looking to buy something and need to discuss details with staff in the area of enquiries there are kid’s activity stations to keep little ones amused.  I also like the fact that the toilets have small toilets and have hop ups for little ones. These small little details make all the difference in your shopping experience when you have a child with you as well. There are free pencils and paper tape you can get in Ikea. This is great fun to take around Ikea if you want to entertain your child. Who doesn't love free stuff?

8. The best bit about Ikea? Free WiFi of course :p

9. Let's not forget the lovely scrumptious iconic Swedish meatballs that everyone loves from Ikea. There is something about meatballs in the sauce that just fills your heart with joy when you go into the restaurant.

10. If restaurant food doesn't tickle your pickle you can cheap chips and a hot dog for under a couple of quid, great way of taking your kids out for a treat. You can even get ice cream for 50p, so super budget friendly.

Overall, going to Ikea is awesome for a cheap day out and it is inside so you can stay try too, dream come true for parents.

Cheers for reading X

Mother's Day guide 2019

Hey readers 

It is March which can only mean one thing... Spring  Mother's Day on the 31st of March. So there is still some time to get some ideas together for the mum in your life. 

If like me you are sick to death of the sickly sweet Mother's Day stuff that is everywhere in shops then check out my guide below of funny Mother's Day gifts. 

1. F*ck off. 

Check out this brilliant Fuck off pineapple eye mask from Prezzy Box for £6.00. Because let's face it we could all feel like saying this at times but sometimes it is much better to have a nap instead ;)

2.  Milk it. 

This milk jug is so cute and funny all rolled into one. It is not only a milk jug but also a personalised Don't cry over spilled milk jug, can't beat a play on words. The jug is from Prezzy Box  for £11.00.

3. #Mumlife. 

I love this next item as it a great way to colour your stress away and so relatable in this digital world that we parent in. It is the #mumlife a snarky mum colouring in book for £5.99 on Amazon . It consists of relatable pictures to laugh and colour in such as, 'bra off, hair up, sweats on, pop cork'. 

4. Winging it. 

Next is this slogan jumper with the ever so relatable winging it catchphrase, where I am sure a lot of mum have felt like this from time to time to time. You can purchase this lovely jumper from Etsy for £19.00. 

5. Crap! 

When I spotted this tote bag with the funny slogan on, 'My crap bag' I know this would be a hit with parents. If you look inside a mum bag you will found a lot of crap so this is very apt. It is £5.99 from Gaga kids. 

What is your favourite item on the list? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Cheers for reading X

10 things to do in Coventry with children.

Hey readers,

I live in Coventry so felt inspired to do a post all about things to do in Coventry. There is a mixture of free or paid, outdoor or indoors that make perfect family days out.

1.War Memorial Park. 

The War Memorial Park is a large and beautiful park in Coventry that showcases formal gardens. The children will love it as it has a sand park plus in the summer has a water park. 

2. The Odean cinema. 

If you're looking for something to do with children indoors then Odean maybe the one. They have a kids club where a film shows once a day where it is discounted at the weekends and every day during the summer holiday.

3. Coventry Transport Museum. 

This is a motor museum for all and it is perfectly situated in the city centre. It showcases a collection of British road transport from bikes, cars, cars and cycles for you to explore and learn about the history of British transport. It is free entry for all and is open every day from 10am till 5pm. Also, check out the website as they do have activity sessions however they do charge you for them.

4. Coombe Abbey Park. 

Situated on the outskirts of Coventry is a beautiful park that has over 500 beautiful gardens, woodlands, lakes etc. Perfect for a family day out and even has picnic benches to eat al fresco. 

5. Herbert Art Gallery.

This is ideally located in the city centre where it has a wide selection of art displays from the natural world to the Old Masters and even interactive pieces to your little ones interested. It is free as well so makes a cheap day out for the family. 

6. Lady Herbert's Gardens.

Just a little further up the road from Coventry Transport Museum is Lady Herberts Gardens. Great if you want to have a sit down as plenty of benches, also lots of lovely flowers and greeny to see if you want a wander around. Also, in the summer great for having a picnic outdoors. 

7. Coventry central library.

Has plenty of books to loan out, free events such as open mic poetry and book tours, plus there is also rhyme time and coding club to take the children too. In the summer you can participate in the reading challenge where every other week you get a stamp for reading books and at the end if you read six books you get a certificate and medal. A great way of getting children into reading and doing some free over the summer holidays. 

8. Coventry cathedral.

Opposite Coventry Herbert art gallery is the Coventry cathedral with the old ruins that are still intact after the wall. Also, there is the new cathedral that is build to represent the old cathedral.  you can view the beautiful architecture and the history of Coventry. 

9. Coventry spy mission treasure trial.

Pick up the spy mission themed walking treasure trail around Coventry. Then why not explore Coventry on this self-guided Spy Mission themed Treasure Trail. As you follow the Trail route, can you solve the sneaky clues set on existing buildings, permanent features and monuments to crack the code and complete the mission just like a true secret agent?

10. Coventry Canal Basin. 

Coventry Canal Basin is in the heart of Coventry (Bishop Street) there are shops, boat hires, small businesses and a range of historical canal artefacts for you to explore.  on the canal trail are 15 artwork commissions and it makes a great walk for the family to check them out. 

Cheers for reading X