I say forgot, I kinda knew it was coming but they’ve only just gone back after the 37 zillion bank holidays and in my head Lil H had a week back after Center Parcs before breaking up.  I was wrong.   I turned my diary page over and there it was staring me in the face the ever so organised sticker saying “half term” – Oh to the eM to the Gee!  Clearly organised enough to put the terms in back but not organised enough to  read the diary!

Plans, I have none and I need some.  Plans and mates thats what I need.  Everyone seems to have gone away where as we’ve just come back.  Hoping to get a few playdates and blog/Tweetups Amy  I am looking at you sister!  Anyone else?  I am open to offers!

A quick run through my inbox and I have a list of possible day trips, events, activities and I can breathe again.  I thought I would share my list in case it helped anyone else needing some inspiration or maybe someone lovely reader will leave me a comment with your suggestions and favourite things to do at half term seeing as the L O N G Summer Holidays are just a matter of weeks away now *gulp*

At home & wet weather activities:
Baking Dr Oetker sent us some fabulous goodies cupcakes & brownies etc
Crafting – Maggy over at Red Ted Art is where I get all my craft inspirations
Sofa soft play – this involves removing all sofa cushions & turning a blind eye
Movie afternoon -  nothing I fancy at cinema so Tangled on DVD may be purchased!

Days out:
National Railway Museum a train trip to York could be on the cards, it’s open for longer over half term too
Chester Zoo
Trentham Gardens
Stockley Farm you can read about our visit earlier in the year with nutella here
Blue Planet 
Legoland Discovery Centre I reviewed this last year here

Garden & Farm Centres:
Ned Yates
Brookside
Woodford Park
Wheelock Hall (But shh! this is a well kept secret!)

Our faithful local parks:
The Carrs
Gravel Lane
Bruntwood Park
Bramhall Park
Stamford Park in Altrincham which has a fab scooter park!
The Edge, Alderley Edge

What are you up to?  Any top tips for half term, I’d love to hear what you’re up to?  Claire x

We’re back from Center Parcs, we had a great time. Lots of swimming, cycling, walking, laughing, little shopping trolleys & MAHOOSIVE desserts.   Good times!  Did you miss us?!  Claire x

Here’s our week at Center Parcs in pictures…

A list of things said or heard pre-departure & en route to Center Parcs:

Did you lock the house?
Are we at Center Parcs yet?
I thought you locked the house?
Are we at Center Parcs yet?
Do you know where we’re going?
Are we at Center Parcs yet?
*Sat nav says go right* They’re wrong, go left
Are we at Center Parcs yet?
We should have got off at the last exit
Are we at Center Parcs yet?
Are you going to be like this all holiday?

A normal happy family departure and journey to holiday, nothing like getting a good 30 plus irks and mini-rows out of the way!

We are now at Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest – the only way is up!  

I have a competition for you *whoops, applause & cheers* its from the lovely people from Matalan for a £50 voucher which can be for in store or online the choice is yours. 

Matalan have loads of great stuff on their site and more being added every day.  This Be Beau Patchwork Tiered Maxi Dress caught my eye then I gasped when I saw the price, just £18, yeah really!  So that £50 really would go far.  I can’t help but wander into Homewear at the moment, with our current and next home being now SOLD Subject to Contract I am, all be it cautiously, starting to think ahead and dream a little.  Check out these Union Jack cushions in silver, gold & pink for just £10 caught my eye. 

So I know you are all keen to enter, its really pretty easy simply head over to Matalan’s website www.matalan.co.uk have a browse and leave me a comment with your favourite thing or should I say things, as choosing is the difficult part, on the Matalan website.  Deadline for entries will be 9pm on Friday 27th May 2011, one entry/comment per email address please multiple entries will be deleted and the winner will be selected by random number draw and notified by email.

Matalan can be found on Facebook here and you can follow & tweet Matalan @Matalan and you can read their blog here