CampBestival 2017

CampBestival 2017

Well, what an experience this was!!

On paper, this weekend was my idea of absolute hell. Six children (two babies), a tent, rain….lots of rain, mud….lots of mud and not a tiled roof in sight! Somehow, amongst the damp and filth, we dug deep into our British souls and managed to have a fantastic weekend (great friends and the Gin also helped).Due to my total lack of organisation we didnt manage to secure a motorhome this year .Instead, we opted for CB Boutique camping with a company called PodPads.

It was a six man bell tent that included a groundsheet, carpet and six campbeds with sheets.

There was enough room in our tent for our travel cot, double buggy and festival trolly.  Although, with all the paraphernalia that comes with two children under two, it was a squash in there and not much room to move around. If the weather had been better and we could have left our bits outside it would have been much roomier.

There is a fab ‘reception tent’ where they provided us with free tea and coffee facilities and you can charge your phone free of charge.

One of the best things about Boutique camping (beside avoiding divorce while trying to errect a 6 man tent) is having the car park at a reasonable distance from your tent and being a short walk from the actual festival.

Last year, at the campervan field, it felt like a Marine assult course getting us, the five kids and a buggy from the motorhome to the festival.

Thats not meant to discourage anyone, but for us, and the ages of our children, we prefered to be closer to everything.

Next year we will head for Boutique again.  I am going to start doing my research now into what we will stay in and ill post about that over the next couple of weeks.

I would be lying if i said the weather did not affect our weekend.
Although we all enjoyed ourselves, we didnt get to make the most of what Camp Bestival has to offer.

We tried to do as much as we could when the rain stopped, but there is so much to to do, we missed out on alot.

Having a couple of art-mad youngsters in our crowd, we headed to The Art Tent first.
The kids had a great time making dreamcatchers out of old vinyl records and cds.

Once the main acts started we headed over to Castle Field.

We rumaged for a spot like crazed fans to watch Justin Flethcher AKA Mr Tumble and then pitched up for my personal Camp Bestival highlight of the weekend…..Dick and Dom.  You’ve never know true exhilaration until you have screamed ‘BOGIES’ in the rain, like your eight year old self.

One thing that did help keep my spirits up while my Hunters were getting abused was The Alchemy Bar by Schweppes.

A Gin and Tonic cocktail bar where Special ingridiants mixed with the G&T’s added something a bit special to my already favourite drink.

So with a couple of bevvies inside us, we soldiered on.

We danced (in the rain) to All Saints, Mark Ronson, Madness, Louisa Johnson and the other amazing acts that made up the 2017 line up. 

The kids raved with Bflf in the Bollywood tent and threw some shapes at Sara Cox DJ set.

Now lets talk about the food…..oh the food!
Ive mentioned in previous posts about how much I love the Camp Bestival grub.

On the first night we had an obligitory crepe…one of the kids favourite things! Not cheap at £5 each, especially when you have as many mouths to feed as we do, but its becoming a tradition we cant resist.

The paad thai noodles are a huge hit with my little lot.  I can guarentee they will put away a portion each, no problem!!
And obvs, anything that does get left, Mike and I are ready and waiting to swoop in like seagulls on Brighton Pier!

The corn is another essential whilst at CB! I can guarentee, my instagram is always cluttered over CB weekend with gorgeous kiddies sinking their teeth into a golden, buttered corn on the cob in The Lower Kids Garden.

Then you have Mikes playground, The Feast Collective.
This is a tent/section of the festival dedicated to different cuisines and dishes from all over the place.  Whether you fancy fish and chips or a lamb curry, The Feast Collective will sell it.
Mainly with a street food vibe, This is where i know ill find Mike if we get split up.

We tried DJBBQ pulled pork burger, which was everything i had hoped for after salivating over his Instagram over the last few months.
We tried chips, cheese and gravy which i am convinced would make the best hangover food and was another winner with the kids .
The dish of the weekend for me had to be the Indonesian Coconut Curry and dumplings…..it was the BEST curry I have ever had!

Another great thing about Camp Bestival is that you can bring your own food and drink into the grounds.
So, as tempting as it is to just keep browsing the stalls, trying a dish ever hour, bringing your own bits will save your pennies.

The rain finally eased off on Sunday afternoon so thats when we headed to The Dingly Dell.

This is an area in the woods with a childrens park, farm animals and outdoor activities like zip wires, childrens building sites and Lizzies Way.
Now, im not going to lie, I haven’t made it to Lizzies Way.
I have been told by my other blogging friends that this is a highlight of Camp Bestival.
All i needed to hear was, in the middle of the woods, she has a mud cafe and you can make potions!!…this is enough to make sure it is our first stop on the list for next year!

Over the next couple of weeks I will publish more posts on Camp Bestival.
I will cover more about the accomodation options, what to see, saving money and travelling there etc.

For now, the purpose of my post is to say, despite the weather, Camp Bestival 2017 was brilliant weekend, making more unforgettable memories with the kids, which, afterall, is what its all about.

The tickets for 2018 have just been released and ticketline offer a paymentplan.

You can book your tickets and pay them off weekly which I have done for last two years and it works so well.

Boutique options are not available yet but if you secure your weekend tickets, they include standard camping pitches.

If I have managed to convince any of you to go, please let me know and we can keep in touch over the next few months and maybe even hook up over a G&T  in the Magic Meadow next year 😉

If you have enjoyed this post, please share it on your social media.

Love Kate x

Easy SMX Kids Headphones

Easy SMX Kids Headphones

I was recently asked to review a pair of childrens headphones.
I can put my hand on my heart and tell you that despite being asked asked to do this, my review (or the kids review) is entirely unbiased.
Luckily however, we were really pleased with this product.

The headphones arrived, beautifully packaged in a smart box which looked great.  I opted for the blue and yellow pair (given libby is more likely to wear blue and yellow as the boys are to wear pink!)

The colour and design is great, ideal for a young children but also trendy looking enough for the twins (10) to use/wear.
According to Charlie, my eight year old, the headphones are very comfortable and the sound is great.
This point was proven when I called him five times from next to him and he blissfully ignored me, happily watching Toy Story on my laptop.

Libby (6) was next to give them a go, once she put them on no one else got a look in!
This is when I realised they really are worth the money.  You see, Libby is addicted to Youtube videos, the ones where adults are dressed up as mermaids or princesses and badly act through scenes from their kitchen table (they really are as annoying as they sound).
The point is, Mike and I spend 90% of our time telling her to turn it down or off as it is like listening to fingernails being scratched down a chalk board.

I have tried different headphones but she never keeps them on, complaining the are uncomfortable or she cant hear propertly.
I havent heard that annoying youtube drivvle since she put EasySMX headphones on.
At a cost of £21.99, I would recommend them, however, at the moment they are being sold on Amazon for £11.99 which is incredibly good value.  For a family as large as ours, means I can justify buyng a pair for each of the kids.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/EasySMX-Comfortable-Friendly-Protecting-Headphones/dp/B01KLXSNPE/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1484227162&sr=8-3-fkmr1&keywords=kids+easy+smx+headphones
I am putting an order in for another four pairs!
We are hoping to book a couple of holidays this year and i think they will be perfect aeroplane headphones.  Now the twins (10) have Iphones and Libby and Charlie have tablets, they will also be great for car trips and holidays.

Holiday Anxieties

Holiday Anxieties

The anxiety is beginning to set in.
I have never felt like I need a holiday as badly as I do now and feel blessed we have an amazing trip coming up.
However,  before I can slip into my bikini, order a daiquiri and lay down by the pool, I have the slightly massive hurdle of getting there!!
Two and a half weeks of beautiful Florida Sunshine….. Which means two and a half weeks worth of clothes for seven people to pack !
This year the Trunkies have been shelved.  Last time Mike had to drag four trunkies through Miami Airport it nearly ended in divorce.
Obviously it was my fault (even though I asked his opinion,  he did not want to offer any input into packing and our luggage arrangements).
This year I have strategically bought the four older children backpacks which they have already been instructed will stay with THEM the whole trip.
The suitcases is where the real anxiety begins.
We have an allowance of one stored case each.  That’s seven cases! We won’t be able to manover seven cases.
That is logistically impossible!
So,  one for me, one for Mike and two for all the kids?  three for all the kids?  That’s five suitcases!! JESUS!
Then there is the flight.
The four older children travel really well.  Give them a movie or some music and a book and they will be fine on the eight hour flight.
George, my seven month old however is a different story.   He is at that age now where he doesn’t want to be held and  he fights sleep. Any tips on how to keep your head when on a eight hour flights with a baby!?
Once we arrive we have a four hour drive to our final destination…. Key West.

As long as we make it there without losing any kids and without the help of Vallium we will have a great holiday.
In the meantime, wish me luck!!!!!

Packing and Travelling with a large family

Packing and Travelling with a large family

I have made packing for a large family an art form.
Organising five children and a husband can be daunting especially for a big holiday.
I find I get most anxious the first couple of hours of the trip,  checking in and getting through security with everyone.
I have learned over the years how to keep this as easy and hassle free as possible.

Packing
The kids will spend 70% of their time on holiday in their swimming costumes.
Packing loads of clothes for them is totally pointless.
For the boys I keep it to 3 smart shorts each for the evenings and a couple of shirts, 5 or 6 t shirts and I get them to travel in a tracksuit so that they have a hoodie or light jacket over there.  I also pack three shorts that can be worn out during the day that double up as swimming shorts.
Microfiber towels are super absorbant but weigh hardly anything and pack into the size of a small sock.  They take no space or weight up and they work better than normal towels.
One pair of flip flips and one pair of trainers or loafers and that’s the boys done!
For Libby, I packed 4 or 5 swimming cosies,  4 or five summer dresses, a couple of shorts and a couple of little t shirts.
Again,  she has one pair of flip flops and a pair of evening sandals.
We usually stay self catering so I can always wash clothes as and when they need it.
All suncreams, shampoos I buy when I’m away.
I packed George mainly vests.  I did pack a couple of cute shirts and shorts for the evenings.
I take one box of baby formula and bag of nappies in my check in luggage.  Anything else I buy when I’m away.

Travelling with a baby
George is eight months and he is still on formula milk.
I took 3 empty, clean bottles with me to the airport, one bottle with milk in it and one ready mix bottle for the journey to the airport.
The aim is to have no Liquids at all when u go through security.
If I do have any creams, gels etc for the baby I keep them in a clear bag in my handbag so it’s easy to get to when I need it.
https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/overview
Once I’m getting ready to go through security I empty whatever is left in the bottle of milk.

First stop once I’m through to airside is Boots or a chemist to buy all my babymilk and food depending on how long the flight is going to be.
When we boarded the plane,  because we have George and a buggy we are clssed a needing special assistance so we were first to board…… Love these perks.

I tried to hold off George sleeping the few hours before the flight.
This worked out just as I planned, during take off I gave him his bottle.   With the sound of the aeroplane taking off and the rumble of the engine he was asleep before we got to 3000ft and slept the first two hours of the flight! Happy Days!
FYI we made it!  9.5 hour flight, no more grey hairs and no divorce papers in sight.

First week of our holiday

First week of our holiday

Sorry I haven’t been keeping up with my blog. Holidaying with five children doesn’t allow me much free time. Between applying suncream, feeding them and getting in and out of the pool one hundred times a day I just about have time to take a pi#@! We are one week into our three week holiday in Florida.  Our first week had been in Key West. I am going to do a separate blog on Key West but I would sum the Island up as the American Caribbean, laid back and boozy. I saw a sign in a shop window that said Key West emergency plan:  GRAB BEER AND RUN LIKE FUCK! That’s pretty much sums it up.

We have met some really interesting people and watched Sarah (my  sister in law) and John get married which was beautiful and a complete honour. The kids have been on top form this week.  Enjoying every minute of the weather,  pool and the relaxed atmosphere. They have always loved the States and, like Mike and I, feel completely at home here.  Mikey has even been speaking in an American accent since he landed… Slightly embarrassing when ordering food or speaking to a native! They have been a bunch of comedians aswell, I’ve been making notes of some of the sh€t this lot have come out with. Harrison on the toilet ‘Don’t talk to me while I’m pooing, I can talk,  but you can’t…. I mean….I need to concentrate’ Libby whilst trying on my wedges ‘so when you are in heaven I can wear all your clothes and shoes can’t I!?’ Mikey ‘ Mum you look like Megan Traynor, mainly because you both have ginger hair and a big booty ‘ Harrison ‘ how long is this wedding going to go on for?  I’m starving and I want some cake! ‘ Charlie ‘Sarah looks beautiful….. John looks bald but Sarah looks beautiful! ‘

We have had a great first week to our holiday. It’s sad to say goodbye to our family and friends but we are looking forward to our next week of holiday adventures in Fort Lauderdale and Miami!

Jet Lag

Jet Lag

And so it has arrived…. Jet lag day! George has been sleeping on and off all day and this evening I’ve started to check for the 666. It’s like my front door is the gates to Hell.

Libby has been asleep all day and just woken up (11.25pm) and she is now in the most aggravating mood. So far I have been followed around the house half crying,  half winging, nagging at me about the most ridiculous things ‘ I’m not sleeping on my own! ‘ (feet stamping) ‘ where is my candy floss?! ‘
‘ I’ll get my TV and put it in your room ‘

‘ you didn’t even get all my friends at school a present from America’

‘I hate America’

‘ where is my candy floss!? ‘

‘ Why did we have to come home!? ‘

‘I love my house’

‘I hate my house ‘

‘ Where is my candy floss?’

‘Im not sleeping,  ever! ‘

‘I want your phone ‘

‘I want dad’s phone ‘

‘I don’t know know where to sleep,my room is scary ‘

‘ when am I having a sleepover with my friends?’

‘ you promised me we could make fairy cakes’ (I didn’t)

‘I’m so starving, do you even care!? ‘ then continues to say no to everything I offer her…..
YOUR NOT HAVING THE FU@KING CANDYFLOSS
I’ve just agreed to something either genius or seriously bloody stupid. Seeings as my two youngest are driving me mad,  ive let Libby sleep with George so they can keep eachother amused and aggravate eachother.

Meanwhile, the the older boys have been asleep since 3pm this afternoon.   Will they sleep through? our can I expect them awake in a couple of hours????
It’s not all bad,  I get to look forward to the school run in the morning 😣

Travel hack – Flying to Florida

Travel hack - Flying to Florida

As seasoned travellers to Florida I like to think i am experienced at organising a great holiday there.

Given that i am usually booking for eight or more people i am particularly good at making sure we stick to a reasonable budget.

I have just booked our flights to Florida 2018 and I’ve got to share this little gem with you.

Usually, if you fly from the South East of England to Florida you would either fly from Gatwick or Heathrow to Orlando, or Heathrow to Miami.

Unless you have air miles or you are booking a package holiday, flights are really expensive. 

Especially, lf like us you have to work around school holidays, even worse when you are paying for eight people!

So, here is my secret…….Norwegian Airlines!

They now fly direct from London Gatwick to Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale airport is about 30 minutes north of Miami and about a 2 1/2 hour drive to Orlando.

Fort Lauderdale itself is our favourite holiday destination.
The beaches are stunning, restaurants are amazing and there is always loads going on.

If however, you are heading to Orlando, the price of flights will make the drive worth while.

So….

Drum roll please…….

Return flights for the Easter holiday 2018 £450 per adult and £350 per child.
This is for the Economy Lowfare plus ticket which includes In flight meals, 20kg check in baggage allowance and seat reservation.

Gatwick is so much more convenient than Heathrow for those of us that are South of London.

Now let’s talk about the airline.

Norwegian is classed as a ‘budget’ airline, But there really isn’t anything budget about them.

We travelled to Florida with them last year for my sister in laws wedding in Key West.

The check in service was excellent (but when flying with five children you tend to get treated like VIP….mainly to move you on as quickly as possible).

The Dreamliner plane is a new aircraft. It offers good legroom (lowfare plus) and hi-tech facilities.

The touch screen media kit means you can order and pay for your duty free, food and drink using your tv and the cabin crew bring it straight to you.

The kids and I were fascinated by the ‘magic’ windows that are made of smart glass and tint at the touch of a button!

The service on board was great and the cabin crew were very attentive and patient with the kids.  As all of us parents know, that can make a big difference to a nine hour flight.

If you are considering a holiday to Florida, check them out.  I’ll be sharing more posts on holidays in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Miami soon.

www.norwegian.com/uk/

Let me know if you have any travel hacks when holidaying in Florida.

Love

Kate

 

LVL LASHES

LVL LASHES

So I’ve already explained my love for any treatments that enhance your eyes. The latest treatment i have discovered are Lvl lashes. I have had eyelash extensions and they really aren’t for me. I don’t have the time or patience to maintain them so I end up looking like I have mangled spider legs growing out of my eyes followed by bald patched where they pull my lashes out. The other downside for me is that to have them on holiday limits your fun in the swimming pool,  constantly feeling like u have to keep your head above water and splash free (totally boring and useless with five kids) Lvl stands for length, volume,  lift. A setting serum is used to straighten your natural lashes at the root (making them look curled up), and then your lashes are tinted, creating the appearance of mascara. The results last for 6-8 weeks and if you re tint after 4 weeks it will re-vamp them as though you have just had them done. I had mine done by Claire in Caterham Clairec25@yahoo.com. The treatment took approx 40 minutes and I am absolutely thrilled with the results especially with a holiday coming up. My eyelashes contstantly look like they have mascara on. The treatment usually costs approx £75 which includes the tint. Claire (mentioned above) is offering a very generous discount for anyone who mentions Modernmum blog. I can not recommend this treatment enough,  something else to make life easier!

Shopping for a large family

Shopping for a large family

I think the key to shopping for a large family is bulk and planning! I tend to split my shopping into various trips. I pay a yearly membership to Costco so that I can buy alot of our shop in bulk. I buy toilet rolls, washing powder, fabric conditionor, cleaning products, nappies and baby wipes. I also buy things like ketchup, seasonings, tea bags, coffee and rice. Costco also have really nice meat, their pork belly in particular and I find it hard to resist their caremilsed onion sausages! On average my shop at Costco comes to £80-£100 and that would last me at least 6 weeks. The problem with costco is that they always have loads of other stuff that I want to buy but shouldn’t.  You know, the sort of stuff that makes Mike sweat when I start browsing,  pillows, candles, coffee machines, throws (you can never have enough throws),  books and home decorations. can guarentee that regardless of how quickly Mike wants to get around and tries to steer me away from anything that is not on my list, if there is a bar b que, tool set or ‘boys toy’ on offer it will add an extra hour to our trip! I find taking a list always helps me stick to what I really need and also means I don’t come away forgetting any essentials. Once I left without nappies and loo roll but instead had two paddling pools and a football goal! Next stop is Aldi where  I stock up on all our cupboard essentials like crisps, biscuits, cereals, squash, tins and pasta etc. I also buy their prosecco, wines,  cheeses and ham. This leaves my regular ‘pop in’ to Co-op or sainsburys for milk,  bread, fruit and veg much less of a burden. I can preach this, but I really need to stick to it myself. As much as I know I should do it and on an organised month I am religious, I also have months where I spend £200 more than I need to because I leave it all to the last minute and run into sainsburys, hungry and with no plan of action! There are also weeks/months where I can get my a#?e to the supermarket which is when sainsburys delivery gets used. Speaking of the continence of delivery, I am really tempted to try one of these fruit and veg delivery services where they deliver you a box once a week….does anyone have this?  What are your thoughts? I have mentioned in previous blogs I tend to cook alot of big pot dishes such as Curries, pasta, shepherds pies, lasagne, chilli, stews, they all work out cheaper than buying ready prepered food for us as a big family.

Recipe for perfect kids

Recipe for perfect kids

​I totally won my kids over today! Today I have been honoured with ‘ the best mum in the world ‘ and ‘absolutly amazing ‘ They have hung all their clean washing up and put it away for me, Cleaned their rooms and fed George. They had a shower without asking them,  and now as i type this we are cuddling on the sofa. The secret?  Well it was so simple I can’t believe it is taken me so long…… OREO COOKIE MILKSHAKE 2 x packs of oreos Half a tub of vanilla ice cream Milk added depending on how thick you like it. (just half that If you don’t have a mini tribe like me!) All wacked in the blender (sorry I didn’t get a chance to take a photo before my angels inhaled two glasses each!) Anyway….. Viola! Happy kids!!! YOUR WELCOME (she takes a bow)