Petworth and The Three Crowns, Wisborough Green

Petworth and The Three Crowns, Wisborough Green

​I am really lucky when it comes to my relationship with Mike. Being self employed he is at home alot of the time. This would drive most wives to murder! But, as it happens,  I quite like it! He often joins me for a coffee with the girls in the morning, listens to us moan about shit we find to moan about and then lightens the mood with one of his cocky comments. I’m completely going of the subject of my post! What I’m getting at is that he often suggests a random trip out after I’ve dropped the kids off to school. It might be that he has a job to price up or check on so we could be off anywhere (I’m writing this blog from the car on our way to Clapham) Just before Xmas we took a trip out to a place called Petworth. Petworth is a beautiful, small town in West Sussex, about 30 minutes from Horsham. A town made up of cobbled streets, antique markets and beautiful boutiques. We didn’t have much time there as we were restricted by the school pick up but there is a national trust property there which I will save for my next visit. Obviously I managed to find enough time to check all the shops out! I was so pleased with a bunch of real mistletoe I treated myself to 😘 The indoor antique Market is fantastic. If you like quirky bits for your house that add character or you just love a mooch around, looking at vintage gems it is definatly worth visiting. Some of the items we looked at I’m certain would be ten times the price on Kings Road! After We left Petworth we stopped for lunch at a lovely pub on our way home in a little place called Wisborough Green. It is a beautiful, quirky village pub set on a picturesque green. On arriving our welcome was perfectly fitting! It was like popping to your favourite aunties who you haven’t seen in years. The owner greeted us,  she was over the moon to see George (if you have kids you know how reassuring it is to know kids are welcome, Lots of pubs have an over 50’s only attitude). After seating us she went through the menu and explained that all locally their meat and seasonal veg are locally produced on nearby farms. She then offered her preference on the dishes, which I loved! We were introduced to the two family shit-tzus who wander around the pub and greet all the visiting dogs at the door. They did the perfect job of cleaning the floor around George, not that my son tends to waste any of his food! We are usually lucky if he comes away from lunch with his fingers in tact! Unfortunately, after a coffee and cake at Petworth neither of us were hungry enough to order a full lunch so we opted for a starter each. Mike went for The seafood chowder, which he thoroughly enjoyed and dispite it being a starter, hit the spot perfectly and was washed down with a recommended pint of Ale. I opted for the sticky pigs cheek with black pudding. Again,  it was absolutely delicious.  Thanks to baby number six, mine was washed down with a lemonade and lime but then someone had to drive us back 😉 George had a lovely sausage and mash, unfortunately it was so good that the dogs went hungry. All of this accompanied by a friendly banter with the owner /hostess and the impeccably mannered staff. Whether it’s a family lunch out in the country,  a dog walk followed by a drink and a bite to eat or a romantic dinner I massivly recommend this wonderful pub! http://mobile.dudasite.com/site/thethreecrownsinncom?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thethreecrownsinn.com%2F&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.co.uk%2F#2943

Saint Nick popped in for a cuppa!

Saint nick popped in for a cuppa

​Deck the halls! We have had a really special,  festive weekend full of friends,  wine,  mince pies, sausage rolls, tinsel, The Pogues and Santa Claus! Back in November I looked into which Santa to take the kids to visit. I looked into local garden centres, National trust venues and shopping centres. I know most of them are great experiences but when you have 5 children they are also really expensive. It got me thinking,  how much would it cost to bring the big guy to us!? I hit Google and found a company called Hiresanta. They sent me a few videos of different Santa auditions and the relevant price for each Santa. Obviously, the best,  most realistic was the most expensive….. And typically the one I set my heart on. The price tag for our Santa came at a wopping £300, but,  considering I was going to spend £100 for 2 minutes with a half decent Santa at the local garden centre, I thought I’d give it a go. He didn’t disappoint! The children were absolutely blown away (and so were the adults). Turns out our Santa was a professional actor with credits such as Eastenders, The Bill, Frost, Londons Burning and Casualty just to name a few. He spent two hours talking to the children,  listening to each of their presie lists and told them a lovely Christmas story. We are definatly going to book again for next year. Some of the older kids were suspicious but he was pretty convincing and left even the most defiant believers wondering….. Could he be!? So I can confirm we are now officially in the Christmas spirit! If you can get a few friends together and split the cost it is a great experience and a chance to make special memories that last forever. It’s also a great excuse for the parents to get together with a few bottles of wine and let a jolly man in a suit entertain the children for a couple of hours. Only one problem, Santa left his belt on my bed!…. Try explaining that one too the kids 😆🙊🎅 HO HO HO!!!! 🎅 http://www.hiresanta.co.uk

Camp Bestival 2016

Camp Bestival 2016

My friend has been to every Camp Bestival since it started and every year she has tries to convince me to come with her. Now, here is the problem,  i don’t camp! My experience of tents is that they are damp and freezing when the weather is cold and like a sweat box when it’s warm.  They smell and don’t even get me started on putting the bloody tent up and taking it down! I have nothing but respect for anyone who can embrace camping,  especially with children! But it’s not for me. When you have five children in tow the aim of the game is to always plan ahead. Avoid anything that could cause Unnecessary stress! Over the last year the kids have really started getting into music and what’s hot in the charts. I looked into tickets to capitals jingle bell ball, party in the park,  Justin Bieber and more,  but tickets always seem to be a minimum of £100 each. When you want to take four kids it’s starts getting ridiculous! So my thoughts turned to Camp bestival,  where the tickets for children are approx £150 but you have three days of various artists plus so much more. Another friend had mentioned she was going but had hired a campervan….bingo!!! After the drama of trying to find a six berth campervan to rent for the first weekend of the summer holidays with two weeks notice we hit jackpot in Hayling Island. At the cost of £650 for the weekend,  to take the kids away for four nights, we thought is was a bargain! It is so much easier packing a campervan for a little holiday than a car.  Food i had brought went straight into the fridge,  I made the beds up and put the cases away in the wardrobe. The campsite opens on the Thursday,  there is not a huge amount happening that day but food stalls are open and the Slow Motion area (pampering section where you can have your hair done,  spa treatments,  yoga etc). We drove down Wednesday night and pulled up at a lay-by close to The festival ready to drive straight in on Thursday to get a prime spot and avoid heavy traffic. Camp Bestival is set in the grounds of Lulworth Castle in Devon. It took about  two and a half hours from where we live in Warlingham. It is an absolutely beautiful setting that’s adds to the magic of the festival. Knowing Thursday was more of an orienteering day to gauge where everything is, I decided it would be the perfect day to book a relaxing massage in the Slow Motion area. Mike and I both had a shiatsu massage which really set us up for the weekend. I have never had a massage on the ground in a teepee before but don’t knock it till you try it,  it was fantastic! The campervan was equipt with a toilet,  shower and a kitchen but unfortunately the field don’t provide electric so we couldn’t use our shower. However,  the ‘posh showers’ they provide are really nice and as long as you pick your time right (we showered late afternoon)  there were no ques. I can’t go through everything that the festival has to offer,  mainly because I don’t feel like we did even half of it but I’m ready to go hardcore at this festival next year!! The main stage is where the big acts perform.  From about 3pm the music acts are continuous. Our favourites are Reggie and Bollie, Jamie Lawson, fat boy slim and Katy B. Dick and Dom from Cbbc really for the crowd going and Mike and I were crying with laughter at some of their antics! Unlike other festival,  the main stage area never felt rammed. There was plenty of room to set up a picnic blanket, buggy and bags and have a dance without bumping into anyone. The Big Top tent is where we watched a beautiful West End Kids show featuring songs from all the Disney movies, We Will Rock You and to Mikeys delight, a bit of  Arianna Grande. The children all took part in the Brit School Workshop where they learnt dance routines. We spent a few hours in the art tent making all sorts of models with the outerspace theme that the festival was based on, Mikey, Charlie and Libby particularly enjoyed that. Harri spent his time outside the tent perfecting his spinning wheel tricks! The kids were mesmorized by the insect circus, loved the punch and judy puppet show and although we didn’t make it to the biggest bouncy castle,  we are saving that for next year. We all enjoyed watching the BMX and stunt shows but, again,  we missed a few opportunities that we are looking forward to catching next year such as the wall of death and the kids climbing wall/ gymnastics. The atmosphere feels very relaxed and safe with regards to the kids. I lost a couple of the kids one evening (not on purpose i promise)  and kids welfare tent called me within 10 minutes to say they were safe and with them. All children are given wrist bands with parents numbers written on them. One of the managers that I spoke to when I picked Mikey up proudly told me that in all the years Camp Bestival has been running they have never lost a child for more than 15 minutes!  That is quite an accomplishment given number of families that attend. Now let’s talk about my favourite subject…..food! The food choices are out off this world! With a family of seven it can work out expensive to feed them all day at the festival. I would suggest packing lots of food so that you can cook breakie and take snacks etc. But with all the best intentions to save money, when your faced with the choices there,  it’s hard to resist! Chicken katsu curries, fish and chips, Dj Bbq, French crepes, Indian, Burgers (not just any burgers,  those posh burgers made from any meat you want!) Lobsters and shellfish,  pasta, pizza, milkshaka made with any chocolate you want, I’ve cream,  Vietnamese, Jerk, Cakes, Mike had a Ox Cheek wrap that was out of this world. The list goes on,  honestly,  anything you could possible want,  they catered for. Mike was particularly enjoyed when he saw a few of the foodies he follows on Instagram there. On the recommendation of our veteran camp bestival guru Katie, we made a point of going into the kids field and getting them some corn…… That went down a treat with them all and is now going to be a regular snack in our house! As you can probably tell, we really had the time of our lives! Now I’m going to dissapoint you by telling you we left early. We packed up on Sunday afternoon,  missing a few acts, losing out on seeing some of the other treats the festival had to offer and most importantly, the complete highlight (so I have been told) THE FIREWORKS 🎆 Mikey had already missed a couple of rehearsals for the production be was in due to our weekend away and missing any more could have meant losing a place in the show. This is just another thing I will look forward to next year. We spent such a magical weekend together.   The children loved it and Mike and I both agreed it was better than taking them to Disney world! Needless to say we have already booked for next year and can’t wait! FYI,  Camp Bestival provide a payment plan for tickets so that you can spread the cost a bit. For us to go (2 adults, for children and a baby) for four nights,  including pitch and tickets was approx £750. If you decided to give this a go next year here are a few tips: -The campsites are up and down some pretty beastly hills. We must about managed with the buggy but watching some of the campers drag trollies of tenting equipment back and forth from the car park (up another hill) made me want to pour them a vodka. If you can afford it, look into the glamping, backstage and boutique camping.  If you have young children it would be well worth it. -Take plenty of supplies (milk,  bread,  crisps,  baby wipes) I ran out of a few bits and popped to the very limited camping shop. I paid £2 for a tiny pack of baby wipes (the pack I usually get free in my baby show goody bag) You get my point! -Don’t rush to the front of the main arena, it’s calmer and easier for the kids to dance about towards the back and you still have great views of the stage. -Don’t pre judge the acts!  we were so excited about Fat Boy Slim and Jess Glynne that We were not fussed on Mr Tumble,  Dick and Dom or Reggie and Bollie yet they were our highlight! Hopefully I’ll see you there next year…. http://www.campbestival.net

Rumbled! 

Rumbled

​So this weekend something happened that will change my sex life for the next 20 years. After telling the kids to ‘shhhhhhh’ for the 58th time in the six berth camper we had hired for the weekend, finally silence fell. …..until Harrison asked loudly, in a disgusted tone: ‘urgh, are you two having  S….E……X!? Because of you are having  S…..E……X. You need to stop.  It’s just gross, with your kids here,  close those curtains,  this is grossing me out!’ 😱😰😳😩😫😭 What the fu#k!? Firstly we actually were not having sex, any grunting noises had come as a result of me clambering up the shit#ing ladder to get into the coffin style bed above the drivers seats. Secondly, the space from our bed to the ceiling was about half a foot, i could barely turn over let alone anything else!! Thirdly…..I was too tired 😜 So the next morning I questioned harri on what is S….E…..X? His answer…. ‘its when a man and lady are naked in bed, kissing and making noises’ Day three he wake up and he asks: ‘ who was rocking the caravan last night?’ I had to think on my feet. ‘oh,  i thought you were asleep (true!)  there were some naughty boys outside pushing our caravan.  Did you hear dad go out and shout at them?’ ‘no, but thank God for that,  I thought it was you two having S….E….X.  i hope those boys don’t come back tonight! ‘ No fear of that son…they have well and truley got the message😒 So we are now looking for locks to put on our bedroom door and I’m trying to work out how to approach the proper birds and bee’s talk with them …..wish me luck!

An idea for the summer holidays – Reigate, Surrey

An idea for the summer holidays - Reigate, Surrey

​Mikey has had rehursals for his summer show in Reigate over the last 5 weeks so I feel like I’m really getting to know the town well. I worked in Reigate years ago but never appreciated what it had to offer, but then  I did spend all my free time in the pubs! We have spent a few lovely evenings at Priory Park, enjoying the warm summer nights while the kids play in the fabulous playground. Libby didn’t leave the zip wire, Charlie was king of the pirate ship and the twins were having a water fight (when they weren’t hunting for pokamons). The park is so beautifully kept with perfectly manicured flowers, paths perfect for bike riding, a lake, tennis courts and skateboarding ramp. It’s has the feel of a Royal garden but without the hassle and bustle of London. We have also given some of the restaurants a go….. It’s hardwork but there has been no time to cook! 😜 Charlies favourite place to eat is The Giggling Squid, a Thai restaurant with a modern feel. The food is stunning and I recommend the Green Thai Curry, Thai Beef Salad and Pad Thai noodles. Charlies favourites are the pork dumplings and the paid Thai are a guaranteed win for my lot. www.gigglingsquid.com We have also taken the kids to Bills which has a fabulous little courtyard garden. The menu has something for everyone from Seabass, Burgers, Grilled paprika chicken and Salads. The kids menu is very reasonable and the decor is great. https://bills-website.co.uk Reigate also has Pizza Express, Cafe Rouge, Carluccios, Cotes and lots more lovely places to eat…. I’m working my way round! So if you find yourself at a loose end over the summer,  take a visit to Reigate,you won’t be disappointed.

Imperial War Museum

Imperial War Museum

​Thanks to the teachers strike (with you all the way!) I got an extra day of quality time with the twins. They are studying World War 2 this year and, as it is also my favourite period in history we decided to take a trip to the Imperial War Museum near Waterloo. A nice day out without spending too much money (entry into the museum is free) I find it easier when I have George with me to drive up to London. It just means after a long day the kids can lay back and relax in the way home. The only problem I ever have with driving to town is the parking…… Not anymore! The last couple of trips I have used www.justpark.com Before I leave I put into the website the destination postcode and it throws up the nearest car park.  You pre pay on the website and just turn up! On this trip I parked 10 minutes from the museum and it cost £11 all day! The museum was as fantastic now as I remember from when I was their age. We learnt about what it was like to live through WW2 through the eyes of a South London family. The boys found it really helped them to relate to the Allpress’,  comparing members of their family to ours (they also had a big family!) Looking at rationing, evacuation, the blitz  and all the propaganda, we took it all in and enjoyed every minute. It gave the three of us an overwhelming feeling of pride and patriotism that our previous generations went through this for us. ‘ we gave up our today’s for your tomorrow’s’ Harrison wouldnt even have his picture taken with a swastika in the background. As for the haulacaust exhibition, I could hardly bare it. Explaining it to the boys and hearing some of the stories was truly horrific. It is the first time I feel like my children really felt grateful for what they have and their life. The museum facilities are great to,  plenty of lifts to access the diffetent exhibitions, toilets, baby changing,  coffee shops etc. I was gutted we had a big breakfast before we got there. The restaurant food looked absolutely amazing, pizzas, seabass, salads, marinated chicken aswell as a huge range of pastries and cakes! I’ll save that for my next visit!