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With the May bank holiday just around the corner, now is a good time to start thinking about some fun family activities!

A trip to the beach.

It doesn’t matter if the sun is shining or not – get to the beach! Kids and adults alike love the beach. If it is sunny, paddle in the sea, have a picnic, build sandcastles and eat icecreams. If the sun doesn’t come out, pop on your wellies, splash in the puddles, go hunting for treasure in the rock pools and have some chips on the sea front. Perfect family fun for everyone.

Check out the National Trust.

The National Trust have sites all over the UK, and they are perfect for families. Head for one of their houses, gardens or parks and enjoy what they have to offer, or join in with one of their events – there are all sorts, ranging from crafts and bug hunts to music and nature trails. Find your local National Trust site and list of activities on offer here: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/whats-on/

Have a party in the park.

Gather up some friends and family and head for your local park. Take a picnic lunch, a ball or other outdoor toys and some bikes or scooters and make your own fun! Have a mini sports day with games and events, have scooter races, play on the swings and then relax with a gorgeous picnic. Fun for all ages!

Visit your local soft play centre.

If the weather isn’t playing ball, how about a visit to your local soft play centre? There are so many nowadays, and they offer a great, safe place for children to burn off some energy. They often have separate areas for babies and toddlers too, so your littlest ones can also join in the fun. Race around with your children if you are feeling energetic, or sit back with a cup of coffee and watch them have fun!

Make a splash!

Kids love to swim, and the bank holiday weekend is a great time to get down to your local swimming pool and splash about. Take some floats and bath toys (squirters and watering cans are always popular!) and have a blast! Many swimming pools have special events over holidays, such as fun splash sessions, or a chance to have a go at water polo, so it’s worth checking your local area for more information.

Read more from Kate on her blog, and follow Family Fever on twitter and facebook.

With the nice weather finally trying to make an appearance, it is time to start moving the activities we do with our children outdoors.

You can read Chantelle's blog here for more tips and follow her on twitter and Facebook.

Kate from Family Fever had a look at the New Petite Star Zia Evolve!

I recently heard about the new Zia Evolve travel system from Petite Star, and thought I would take a closer look.

Now, to me, this seems like the ideal product for parents who want a pushchair that will last them right from birth through to the point where a pushchair is no longer required.

To start with you can use the Zia Evolve as a cosy, padded pramette which allows your baby to be facing you – eye contact is so important in those first few months, and being able to chat and smile with your baby is wonderful. And with no separate carrycot to worry about, folding the pushchair is a breeze!

 It also comes with a car seat which can be attached to the frame, so if you are nipping in and out of the car you can simply click and go without disturbing your baby.

The Zia Evolve then transforms effortlessly into a lightweight pushchair when your baby is ready to face the world! This is often the point at which parents trade in their heavier, newborn pram for a stroller, but with this pushchair there is no need to do that! It is super light to push and compact when folded – everything you would need for an older child.

Not only that, it is also the complete package – coming with every accessory you need. The Zia Evolve package comes with a car seat, liner, footmuff, pushchair apron and raincover all included in the price, so you don’t need to worry about the extra expense of buying additional bits and pieces. All you need to add is baby!

The Petite Star Zia Evolve comes in a choice of 2 colours – Grey or Teal and is priced at £299.98 – great value when you know it will be the only pushchair you will ever need!

Read more from Kate on her blog, and follow Family Fever on twitter and facebook.

With summer apparently just around the corner, now is a good time to start thinking about how to make your pushchair summer-fun ready. A good way to do this is by researching useful accessories. I have compiled a list of things I think are great to have on summer standby.

1. Pushchair liner

A pushchair liner is simply an insert for your pushchair seat. I find these really useful in summer when you no longer need to use the footmuff, but still want to protect the fabric of your pushchair. They come in a huge range of materials and designs, so there is bound to be one to suit your tastes. It is always worth making sure the one you go for is machine washable so it’s easy to remove all those ice cream marks!

2. Pushchair carry bag

If you are going on holiday, or travelling on days out during the summer, a travel bag is a great investment. It is a ‘holdall’ for storing and transporting your pushchair in. Not only does it keep your pushchair and accessories all in one place, but it makes it easy to move around, and protects it from scratching and damage. This is especially useful if you are brave enough to be travelling on an aeroplane as damage can sometimes occur during transit.

3. Parasol

When the sun does shine, you will want a way of keeping it out of your baby’s face. This is where a parasol comes in handy. They attach to the frame of your pushchair and can be adjusted to the correct position to shade your little one. There are many universal styles, as well as specific branded ones, but remember to check the attachments as some may need adaptors to fit your pushchair frame.

4. Changing bag

You may already have a changing bag, but it is most definetley a summer essential, so if you are due to become a mum this summer, make sure this is on your must have list! In the summer months, there always seems to be lots to carry – spare clothes, sun hats, suncream, picnics, drinks for you and baby as well as all the usual paraphernalia having a baby with you requires! So make sure you invest in a good sized changing bag that can carry everything you need. Some also have insulated pockets which can be great for keeping food and drinks cold on a hot summer day.

5. Raincover

Ok, not strictly a typical summer accessory, but we do live in the UK, so at some point during the summer it is likely you will need a raincover for your pushchair. Again, there are universal styles, and branded styles so make sure you get one which fits your pushchair securely to kepp out the summer showers! Some raincovers also have a window flap in the front which allows you to reach in and access baby without removing the whole raincover – consider whether this is something which would be useful for you.

I am hoping that summer is on the way to us very shortly so we can all get out and enjoy the sunshine!

Read more from Kate on her blog, and follow Family Fever on twitter and facebook.

Chantelle Hazelden, from Mama Mummy Mum, shows us some crafty ideas for entertaining children during the holidays.

During the school holidays I sometimes struggle to think of things to keep the children occupied that don't cost an arm and a leg. I found one of the best things to keep my kids entertained is to do some sort of art & crafts with them, it doesn't have to be expensive as a lot of things you will normally have around the house anyway. 

1:  Musical Shakers

2: Pasta Jewellery

3: Potato Printing

4: Magic Mud

5: Paper Fans

You can read Chantelle's blog here for more tips and follow her on twitter and Facebook.

Kate from Family Fever gives us 5 ways to keep the kids entertained during the holidays through baking!

One of our favourite activities, especially during the school holidays, is baking. The children enjoy making all sorts of treats, both sweet and savoury – and of course, they enjoy sampling them too!

Below I have listed my Top 5 ‘Baking with children recipes’

DOUBLE BERRY MUFFINS

Ingredients: 

300g plain flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

125g caster sugar

50g butter

3 eggs

4 tablespoons sunflower oil

1 teaspooon vanilla essence

150g natural yogurt

100g blueberries and 100g raspberries

 

Method

Preheat oven to 200*C/Gas mark 6. Mix together the flour, baking powder and sugar. Melt the butter, and then add this to the flour mixture. Add the eggs, oil, vanilla essence and yogurt and blend with a fork until just mixed. Stir in the berries.

Divide the mixture between 12 muffin cases and bake for 15 minutes.

APPLE SCONES

Ingredients:

1 apple

75g butter

375g self raising flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

75g caster sugar

1 egg

150ml milk

 

Method

Preheat the oven to 200*C/Gas Mark 6. Peel and dice the apple. Heat 25g of the butter in a saucepan and add the apple – cook gently for 5 minutes until the apple is soft.  Put the flour, cinnamon and 50g of the sugar into a bowl. Cut the remaining butter into small pieces and add to the flour mix, then rub together with your fingers to make crumbs.

Add the apple and the egg and stir to make a dough, adding the milk slowly to make the right consistency. Roll out and cut with cookie cutters. Place on a greased baking tray, brush with milk and sprinkle with the remaining sugar.

Bake for 12-15 minutes.

ANIMAL COOKIES

Ingredients:

175g butter

75g caster sugar

275g plain flour

 

Method

Preheat oven to 180*C/Gas mark 4. Cut the butter into small pieces, then put in a bowl with the flour and sugar. Rub between your fingers to make tiny crumbs. Squeeze the mixture together to make a dough.  Place the mixture between 2 sheets of non-stick baking paper then roll out thinly. Peel off the top piece of paper, and cut animal shapes with cookie cutters.

Place these on a greased baking tray. Bake for 10 minutes. You can then decorate with icing pens, sweets, sprinkles etc.

FRUIT SALAD PIZZA

Ingredients:

300g strong white flour

Pinch of salt

2 tablespoons caster sugar

1 teaspoon fast-action dried yeast

25g butter

1 egg

125ml warm water

Jam and fruit of your choice for topping

 

Method

Brush a flan tin with some oil. Put the flour, salt, sugar and yeast in a bowl. Melt the butter, and add to the flour mix along with the egg. Slowly mix in the water until you have a soft but not sticky dough. Knead the dough for 5 minutes (kids love this bit!). Place the dough in the flan tin and press over the base. Spread the dough with jam (approx. 4 tablespoons).

Top with the chopped and peeled fruit – we like to use apples, plums and peaches but you can use whatever you fancy.

Leave in a warm place for about half an hour to allow dough to rise, then brush the top of the flan with some melted butter and sprinkle with some sugar. Bake for 15 minutes at 180*C/Gas mark 4 for 25 minutes.

CHEESY MUFFINS

Ingredients:

100g cheddar cheese

125g cornmeal (if you don’t have cornmeal, use the same quantity of plain flour instead)

175g self raising flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

150ml milk

2 eggs

2 teaspoonsDijonmustard

4 tablespoons sunflower oil

Salt and pepper

 

Method

Preheat oven to 200*C/Gas mark 6. Grate the cheese, and mix with the cornmeal, flour and baking powder. Add the milk, eggs, mustard and oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir together until just mixed.

Spoon into 12 muffin cases and bake for 15 minutes.

 

These are our all time family favourite baking recipes, and we make them over and over again. The only problem is, that they never last very long!

Hope you enjoy giving these a try, and let me know which is your favourite!

Read more from Kate on her blog, and follow Family Fever on twitter and facebook.

Chantelle Hazelden, from Mama Mummy Mum, gives us some great ideas for entertaining children this Easter.

You must have seen all the chocolate eggs on the shelves of shops, I'm quite sure they have been there since Christmas time. I bet your kids are getting excited for a visit from the Easter Bunny now, I know mine are. 

Here are 5 ideas of things to do when Easter finally arrives.

You can read Chantelle's blog here for more tips and follow her on twitter and Facebook.

Kate from Family Fever takes us through the tricky task of picking the perfect pushchair!

Choosing a pushchair is a major decision when you are pregnant or a new mum, and one of the biggest expenses, so you want to make sure you get it right! I have put together my 5 top tips to help you decide which type of pushchair will suit you and your family.

1.      HOW MAY CHILDREN? Are you buying a single pushchair, a double for twins, or a double for a baby and an older toddler? There are so many different types on the market. If this is your first baby, also think about whether you are likely to have another in the near future – if you think you might then consider a single pushchair that can be adapted to make a double pushchair when required. Also think about whether you want a side by side double, or a tandem where one child sits behind the other.

2.      TRAVEL SYSTEM, PUSHCHAIR, PRAM? There are many different terms for pushchairs now, and each one does something slightly different. A travel system is an all in one option that can be used from newborn right through to toddler, sometimes with the addition of a carrycot or car seat which attaches to the frame, so is great for busy parents who want a ‘one size fits all’ model. A pram usually offers a lie flat position for newborns via a carrycot, and can often be changed into a traditional pushchair as baby grows. A pushchair or buggy is usually for slightly older children who can sit up, and these are often smaller, lighter and more compact, so may suit you if you need something small for the car, or if you travel by bus.

 

3.      HOW WILL YOU USE YOUR PUSHCHAIR? This is an important one to think about. If you spend a lot of time nipping round the shops, then a small, compact and lightweight model might be for you. If you spend more time walking the dog in the countryside then a sturdier 3 wheeler with air tyres might suit you better. If you travel a lot, then look at something with a very small and simple fold – some models will even fit in aeroplane overhead lockers now!

4.      WHO WILL USE THE PUSHCHAIR? Again, an important point to consider. Is it likely to be just you using the pushchair or will your partner want to push too – if so then something with an adjustable handle height may be a good investment. If grandparents will be using it, then look out models on which the wheels can be swivel OR fixed, as I have found many grandparents prefer fixed wheels, whereas I most definetley prefer swivel! If your pushchair will be used regularly by a childminder or nanny, then involve them in the decision making, so you are both happy with what you choose.

 

5.      ADDITIONAL EXTRAS. It’s important to remember that pushchairs come with a variety of ‘extras’ such as raincovers, footmuffs, liners, parasols, sunshades and even changing bags. Some packages will include all or some of these, while some brands do not. Decide what extras are important to you, and what you will actually use.

The most important thing of all is REASEARCH and BUDGET.  Do a LOT of research before you buy, otherwise you may end up choosing the wrong pushchair, and end up spending a lot more money buying more as your child grows. Also decide on a BUDGET before you go pushchair shopping, and be realistic about what you can afford.

Happy pushchair shopping!

Read more from Kate on her blog, and follow Family Fever on twitter here. 

Guest Blog by Kate from http://familyfeverk.blogspot.co.uk/
Join Kate on Facebook and/or twitter

Mother’s Day is a great time to spend some time with your little one, and what better way to spend a spring day then with some mummy and toddler activities? Here are a few ideas for some fun things to do, whatever the weather.

    1. FLOWER PRESSING. This is a great activity, loved by mums and children alike. Get outside in the garden, the park or the local countryside and find some gorgeous spring flowers. There are lots to choose from just now – snowdrops, daffodils, primroses and many more. Collect anything that catches your eye, take them home and press them. You don’t need a fancy flower press – simply lay some newspaper and a sheet of tissue paper on top of a piece of card and place your flowers on top. Add another layer of tissue paper, newspaper and card and weigh it down with a heavy book or a brick.

 

   2. HOME BAKING. Always a family favourite, if the weather is bad then get in the kitchen and cook! There are so many simple, toddler friendly recipes you can choose from – cakes, biscuits, cookies, scones, bread and pies to name but a few! One of our all time favourites are these apple scones – perfect for a mothers day afternoon tea!

 

Ingredients

Serves: 12

250g plain flour

4 tablespoons caster sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

50g butter, chilled

1 apple - peeled, cored and grated

125ml milk

2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons caster sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 

Preparation method

Prep: 15 mins  | Cook: 15 mins

1. Preheat oven to 220 degrees C.

2. Measure flour, sugar, baking powder, bicarb and salt into a large bowl. Rub in butter until crumbly. Add grated apple and milk. Stir to form a soft dough.

3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently 8 to 10 times. Pat into two 15cm (6-inch) circles. Place on greased baking tray. Brush tops with milk, and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Score each into 6 wedges or stamp out into round scones.

4. Bake for 15 minutes, or until browned and risen. Serve warm with butter.

 

    3. HAND PRINT PAINTING. Another really popular one, again great for wet weather days. These also make great gifts for family and friends. Let your children use coloured paints and make 2 handprints next to each other, joining at the base of the thumbs. This makes a lovely butterfly shape which your child can then decorate – draw in a butterfly body, get crafty with stickers, glue, glitter and pens and you have a lovely keepsake or present for someone special!

    4. NATURE TRAIL/TREASURE HUNT. If the weather is favourable, there is nothing children like better than a treasure hunt! Either set one up with some clues for your child to follow, with a small prize at the end, or just get out in the fresh air and see what you can find! There are so many interesting things to find at this time of year – flowers, leaves, pine cones, footprints, and even some mini beasts! You could even take some of your home made apple scones from earlier with you and round things off with a picnic!

 

< 5. TISSUE PAPER FLOWERS. Another really simple and effective activity, and one my daughter really enjoys. Cut a few pieces (about 4-6) of tissue paper about 8 x 10 inches (the exact size doesn't matter). Tie the centre of the folded paper with a pipe cleaner, or just twist tightly. Gently pull each piece of paper towards the top centre of the flower, separating each sheet of paper from the others (forming the petals of the flower). You can make 1 or 2, or a whole bunch! My daughter likes making them for her nanny, or pops them in a vase in her bedroom.

 

I hope you enjoy trying some of these activities, and a Happy Mother’s Day to all the mummy’s out there!