Stephanie Mulholland 5th March 2023 OYAP Trust, The Old St Edburg’s School, Cemetery Road, Bicester OX26 6BB

Interactive toddler dance with Second Hand Dance in Bicester, Oxfordshire

We Touch, We Play, We Dance, Second Hand Dance by Zoe Manders

Second Hand Dance are currently touring with their latest production. We Touch, We Play, We Dance is a celebratory dance performance for 0-3 year olds!

We went to see their performance at the OYAP Trust in Bicester via the The Mills Art Centre Banbury.

What happens in the We Touch, We Play, We Dance performance?

The four dancers made use of all the space within OYAP Trust. Moving around, the children are invited to join in throughout the interactive performance.

A live DJ plays music as the dancers respond to each child in turn. They gently encourage everyone to get involved, with big smiles, fluid dancing, high fives and direct interaction.

The show lasts 45-50 minutes with two performances. One for babies (0-12 months) and another for toddlers (1-3 years).

So, what did we think of We Touch, We Play, We Dance?

We absolutely adored our experience at We Touch, We Play, We Dance. We plan to see more Second Hand Dance performances if they tour within Oxfordshire or local counties.

The show was something truly special. It was wonderful to watch each child slowly come out of their shell. They quickly developed their confidence thanks to the gentle encouragement of the dancers.

The music featured changes in pace throughout, accompanied by beautiful choreography.

Our toddler adored the performance. It was quick to engage and the children are keen to get involved quickly.

It was a truly wonderful performance with lots of obvious thought and consideration in its production and execution. We’re very excited to see what Second Hand Dance do next.

Have you been to a performance at the Mills Art Centre?

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 7th May 2022 The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP

Discovering Small Worlds at The Story Museum, Oxford ?

Small Worlds at The Story Museum allows young children under five and their parents the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of Oxford for an hour.

This 60-minute structured storytelling and play session welcomes visitors to its magical patchwork world.

Inside Small Worlds, you’ll be greeted with a kind smile and introduction, an engaging song, and the featured traditional tale.

What can we expect?

Afterward, you can burn off some energy and explore five unique story zones at your leisure.

These beautifully themed areas allow you to:

Go on a bear hunt
Crawl into Traction Man’s under-sink world
Unwind in the soft glow of the Night Safe
Take a ride on the Story Bus
Get lost in stories in Winnie and Wilbur’s miniature theatre

There’s a thematic craft activity alongside a wealth of stories for you to read together and loads of interactive play opportunities.

Before it’s time to go, you gather around once more on the giant patchwork bed for a final story and goodbye song.

Is The Story Museum worth a visit?

It is indeed worth a visit and an amazing family day out! The gallery is designed for pre-school children and the storytelling is enchanting, engaging and interactive.

The free-play element of the session is invaluable for younger children and the gallery offers a vibrant and secure environment to explore.

The Story Museum is a truly immersive experience and one of the best things to do in Oxford with a baby or toddler!

There are numerous timed sessions throughout the day and tickets are £5. Under 1’s receive a complimentary ticket.

Book tickets for The Story Museum on their website.

Have you been to The Story Museum yet?

Stephanie xox

Discover other UK family days out

Stephanie Mulholland 9th September 2018 Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2PH

Spellbound exhibition, Ashmolean Museum ?

Spellbound exhibition, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

The Spellbound exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, features a quirky and eccentric collection of oddities, thwart in superstition. The exhibition illustrates over eight centuries of magic, ritual and witchcraft.

As a country, we have always been wary of magic. Spellbound illustrates this fear, showcasing many a mystical and fascinating object and artwork. It aims to entice discussion and reflection.

It looks at our ongoing and emotional relationship with magic, superstition and ritual. Have you ever avoided stepping under a ladder or putting new shoes on the table?

Within Spellbound, discover a collection of “spellbinding stories, fascinating objects… from crystal balls and magic mirrors to witch bottles and curse poppets.”

Spellbound: Magic, Ritual and Witchcraft exhibition

Exhibition highlights include a witch in a bottle, a heart in lead and silver casing and a copy of The Discovery of Witches by Matthew Hopkins, 1647.

You will explore the history of magic, ritual and witchcraft over 800 years. The objects and artwork on display highlight people’s superstition, witches practice and the tools used to eventually condemn them.

Magic and the unknown has always historically caused people to be fearful, and when married with religious views, it was linked closely to devil worship and ultimate despair.

Once inside, you will discover Medieval texts, binding jewellery and crystal balls, as well as magical objects aplenty alongside contemporary art installations. If you are a fan of magic, the supernatural, the cosmos and the occult, this enchanting exhibition is for you.

To book tickets for the magical Spellbound exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum, please take a look here. The exhibition runs until January 6, 2019.

Are you fascinated by magic? Which exhibition highlight would you be most intrigued by?

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 19th June 2018 The Weston Library, Broad Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3BG

Library Lates: Tolkien exhibition, Oxford ⛰️

Library Lates: Tolkein exhibition, Oxford

Library Lates: Tolkien exhibition

This weekend gone, the Bodleian Libraries held a very special evening, a Library Lates: Tolkien exhibition. As the largest J.R.R Tolkien archive in the world, they certainly know a thing or two about Tolkien.

Curator of Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth, Catherine McIlwaine, held the first talk of the exclusive evening. Detailing her journey, she told the audience how it took 5 years to plan the exhibition, which included travel across to the US on more than one occassion and the approval of the Tolkien estate.

Her expert knowledge was simply astounding, and Catherine wrote two publications to compliment the exhibition itself. It was originally meant to be an exhibition solely on hobbits, to tie in with Peter Jackson’s films.

After visiting Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, she decided that this exhibition needed to be bigger and better. It needed to present more than just hobbits and it must delve deeper into Tolkien’s world – it was to be a never before seen event.

The Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth exhibition itself, all stems from the creative genius of its curator and the dedicated work of many within Oxford University.

Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth exhibition review

When planning, Catherine sought to borrow Tolkien’s manuscripts and visual items which had been sold to Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the sum of £1,500 in the 1950’s.

Tolkien had been informed by his publishers that Lord of the Rings would not sell well, so he agreed to the selling of his manuscripts after two years of no revenue. The Tolkien archive is highly prized to Marquette and includes plot notes and visual items which are now on loan to the exhibition.

These include interesting things such as character name changes, plot amendments and alternative endings. Catherine said that she “was looking for items that would shed new light on Tolkien’s work” and that each item had to speak strongly for itself. “I chose items that would surprise the visitor,” she added.

Tolkien’s attention to detail was phenomenal. So much so that not only did he map the realistic distance a hobbit could walk but also invented his own Elvish script for the books. As Tolkien said, “mythology is language and language is mythology.”

He agonised over numerous elements of the book, frequently changing his mind back and forth as shown is his rapidly written plot notes within the exhibition. He finished Lord of the Rings in 1949 and it was meant to be one text but proved far too long for the publishers, eventually being split into three.

Discover Tolkien’s family, educational and literary history in a city which proved a massive influence in the creation of Middle-earth, right in the heart of Oxford. You can book tickets here until the 28 October, 2018.

Are you going to attend the Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth exhibition? Who is your favourite Lord of the Rings character?

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 28th February 2018 John Lewis Oxford, 101 The Westgate, Queen Street, Oxford, OX1 1PB

Explore Wonderland at John Lewis Oxford ?

John Lewis Oxford review

If you are an Oxford local, the news of a new John Lewis store opening has probably had you excited for many years now. Well, now it is here, along with the shiny new Westgate and it is time to spend galore. I was lucky enough to be invited to the new store to get a feel for what they were offering and to tour the services it provides.

The most incredible thing about the John Lewis store in Oxford is its rather subtle Alice in Wonderland theme, a nod to Oxford’s beloved literary history. All around the beautiful interior of the store are hidden secrets of Alice and her time in Wonderland. The main seating area on the ground floor presents an open book, adorned with towering roses telling the story of Alice within printed petals. Each week, this area acts as a storybook museum for children and as an event space when needed.

As you continue around the store you will find teeny tiny secret doors (great for keeping young minds busy), the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole and even an Alice mannequin with a very Rapunzel-esque blonde wig – encouraging you to leave no corner untouched.

So, what do I think of John Lewis Oxford?

Once you get over the sheer genius of the theme you discover a store that satisfies every whim and sense. Within the store, you will discover a gargantuan beauty, homeware, clothing, famed haberdashery, technology, and leisure department.

A unique feature is the Experience Desk, which enables guests to visit and see the daily events on offer within the store and ask any questions that they may have. The John Lewis Oxford store also offers appointments on home decor, beauty, nursery advice, travel, personal style and lingerie fittings – they even have an onsite optician!

Surprisingly, John Lewis Oxford has more services available than any other John Lewis store in the country and are paving the way when it comes to the success of the stores.

It is music to my ears to discover that the beauty and skincare events are very popular in my hometown, with near-daily events and a first-of-its-kind nail and brow bar, ensuring quick and flawless fixes. Dining is also covered with The Café Bar by Benugo, The Place to Eat restaurant and the highly-recommended KuPP.

It is no surprise that people are so excited to come and shop. Finally, if you do visit, be sure to pop up to the Experience Desk on the first floor for the latest and greatest from John Lewis Oxford!

Have you been to John Lewis in Oxford yet? Do you like the Alice in Wonderland theme?

Stephanie xox

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This review was produced after an exclusive blogger tour

Stephanie Mulholland 12th February 2018 Junkyard Golf Club, Westgate Oxford, Castle St, Oxford OX1 1NU

Take a swing at Junkyard Golf Club Oxford ?️‍♀️

Junkyard Golf Club Oxford review

I have to admit, when we discovered Junkyard Golf Club Oxford while exploring the shiny new Westgate one day, I knew I had to go. I’m a sucker for a unique experience.

The whole concept is a little bit fabulous, play crazy golf in central Oxford and have a few quirky cocktails in some American-esque red party cups on route – quite simply, what’s not to love?

Myself and my partner made our way to the venue where we were greeted with a photo oppurtunity pink golf cart, boothed seating and the main Bunker bar. Once checked in, we sauntered over to Bunker with two of my lovely girl friends now in tow and fussed over what to order.

I treated myself to a Hotline Ting – mainly because it had bubblegum flavours and I am a giant child. I must admit, these cocktails kind of remind me of all your favourite childhood flavours, garnished with beloved sweets and dashed with alcohol. It’s almost slightly unethical when I think about it but who cares, it was delicious.

Cocktails aside, Junkyard Golf Club Oxford presents three crazy golf courses to play, each with nine pretty peculiar holes. Expect bright lights, great music and some creative décor. You will either discover Pablo, Gary or Bozo when you go to play – or all three if you are super committed!

Pablo has a pretty consistent jungle theme with animals galore and some oddities thrown into the mix, whereas Gary is a car fanatics junkyard with enough scrap to create a shelter. Finally, Bozo takes you to a circus almost as creepy and downright strange as the one in Silent Hill 2. So, a nice variety is certainly on offer.

So, what do we think?

We decided on the jungle themed Pablo, informed it was the slightly longer of the three courses. Each course operates on a one way system with each group going in turn. Even though it was busy, we never had to wait too long for the next hole, if at all.

Saying this, when you do visit, it is probably far better to go as a slightly larger team, as you will find the game lasts that little bit longer. There’s even a pit stop bar for cocktails if you fancy another sweet and satisfying drink along the way.

All in all, the entire experience is great, it is truly something different and much needed on the often traditional Oxford scene. Junkyard Golf Club Oxford is super fun and well-themed – even if that theme is animals-meets-industrial-meets-circus madness.

I had a great time, even though I lost as per. Although saying this, I was the only one to get a hole-in-one. Better luck next time eh? I think I fancy a go on Bozo when I next visit…

Have you been to Junkyard Golf Club Oxford yet? Which course or cocktail do you fancy the most?

Stephanie xox

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This experience was exchanged for an honest review

Stephanie Mulholland 2nd February 2018 Rooftop, John Lewis, Westgate Oxford, Oxford, OX1 1PB

Scandinavian dining at KuPP Oxford ?

KuPP Oxford review

KuPP Oxford is a beautiful new Nordic-inspired dining venue atop the top floor of John Lewis, Oxford in the new and shiny (and very much improved) Westgate Shopping centre. You can also access it via a lift just to the left of the John Lewis store entrance.

KuPP Oxford is bright and bold, with an edgy design and a gorgeous rooftop location. It has a quirky nature-meets-industrial feel, with revealed copper pipes, cosy faux fur lined or floral print seating, tree trunk features, potted plants and roped lighting decorating the interior.

The optional outdoor seating presents the perfect summertime dining opportunity. Alas, on the final day of January, we were much better off in the warm interior of this beautiful restaurant.

So, what did I think of KuPP Oxford?

The restaurant offers Scandinavian cuisine morning, noon and night with a healthy and wholesome menu embellished with classic Nordic dishes and incredible cocktails infused with a variety of homemade syrups.

We were lucky enough to sample a variety of different starters, their famed smörgåsbords and indulgent mini deserts – order the cheesecake. I repeat, order the cheesecake!

What I love about KuPP is that it encourages you to share and try new and interesting foods you may not otherwise have thought to. The smörgåsbords are simply so much fun, with a variety of nibbles to drag you in.

As someone who is far too fussy with food, it really made me step out of my comfort zone, as I sampled an array of chicken and vegetarian dishes. The västerbotten cheese and pickled vegetables are simply to die for.

KuPP is perfect at any time of the day, be it breakfast, a simple coffee stop, brunch, evening meals or a quick cocktail. They even have a store onsite where you can purchase their delicious coffee, jams and even some Nordic home decor!

Everything on their menu is fresh and bursting with flavour. It’s truly refreshing and you can see the chefs, bartenders and waiters whizzing about hard at work perfecting the dishes and experience.

I will be returning to KuPP within the next week for brunch with my mother – I am fighting between the smoothie bowl and pancakes currently.

I am sure I will have many more visits in the near future. It is simple, if you are looking for incredible dining in the heart of Oxford, look no further than the oh so welcoming KuPP!

Have you been to KuPP Oxford yet? How about visiting the Westgate Oxford for a spot of shopping?

Stephanie xox

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This dining experience was exchanged for an honest review

Stephanie Mulholland 10th September 2017 Franco Manca, 12 George St, Oxford, OX1 2AF

Enjoying sourdough pizza at Franco Manca Oxford ?

Franco Manca Oxford REVIEW

Oxford is the latest city to be blessed with a shiny new Franco Manca restaurant. If you’ve not heard of Franco Manca yet, then you’re in for a treat. If you’ve already been lucky enough to dine there, I know you’re head-over-heels anyway.

Franca Manca appeals for two reasons. Firstly, it’s affordable. Most importantly, it’s delicious. The menu offers a choice of seven sourdough pizzas. As well as a selection of starters, organic drinks and tempting desserts. Have no fear though, the seven pizzas are customisable with a selection of additional ingredients and a specials board for meat eaters and vegetarians.

These sourdough pizzas are made in store, in a smoking wood burning oven. This allows for a soft and fluffy crust (known as the cornicione) which can be accompanied with a selection of dips. We had the stilton. it was a wonderfully tangy experience.

My initial thoughts when entering Franco Manca Oxford was how welcoming, friendly and attentive the staff were. It’s truly refreshing and had a lovely atmosphere.

The restaurant interior is beautifully decorated, with a rustic yet stylish edge. Expect mirrored back walls, mosaic floors, lights in pendant holders, marble-esque topped tables and 1950-60’s classroom-inspired chairs to compliment. The wood burning oven is placed lovingly in the right-hand corner.

So, what did I think?

We took our seat knowing full well what we would be having. A number three for myself (courgettes, basil, mozzarella, buffalo ricotta, franco and cantarelli grana – without tomato) and a number seven for my partner (spicy lamb sausage, mozzarella, buffalo ricotta, yellow piennolo tomato and fresh basil – he added the tomato sauce as an extra).

The pizzas are simply delicious, with super fresh ingredients, a smoked and blistered base, and the fluffiest of crusts – it’s so fluffy, I’m gonna die. Franco Manca is sublime, the pizzas are ginormous (I am yet to finish one yet) and the delivery is super speedy.

It is the perfect place for a lunchtime treat, a more affordable date night or to head to with friends. Even my sceptic Italian friend was delighted – and she is a difficult little lady to please when it comes to ‘Italian’ dining.

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian pizza experience in the UK, Franco Manca’s the place to be. Expect quality and affordability at this wonderful chain restaurant.

Unfortunately, we were far too full to comment on the desserts. They look delicious but you will have to sample these yourself and revert back to me!

Take a peek at the Franco Manca menu. In addition, they offer a takeaway service for those on the go – you can even order online!

Have you been to Franco Manca? Which pizza takes your fancy?

Stephanie xox

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This meal was exchanged for an honest review