There is lots to do and you can expect plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Stroll around the scenic garden at your leisure before heading into the surrounding parkland to discover its secrets.
You’ll see lakes, temples and plenty of monuments, alongside beautiful flora and fauna. If you choose to go off-the-beaten-track and explore further, you’ll be spoilt.
You could easily spend an entire day wandering around discovering new sights and sounds throughout the parkland.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, feel free to grab a bite to eat in the cafe, browse second-hand books at the Old Dairy Book Shop or treat yourself to local produce at the gift shop – all located at New Inn on the way out.
Is National Trust Stowe family-friendly?
It is indeed! There are buggy-friendly routes around the garden and surrounding parkland and you’ll also find baby-changing, breastfeeding, and toilet facilities available at the New Inn entrance.
The onsite cafe offers a children’s menu and high chairs are available also.
How much does it cost?
National Trust Stowe offers free entry for National Trust members. If you are not a member, please see the entrance prices below:
Adult – £13.00
Child – £6.50
Family – £32.50
Family One Adult – £19.50
Children under five are free.
Please note, if you would also like to visit Stowe House, this is charged separately.
Whether it’s your first time reading comics online or you’re already a die-hard fan, there’s always something new and exciting to read on Webtoon.
Firstly, if you’re looking to read an impressive variety of webcomics for free, Webtoon is definitely the place to start!
What is Webtoon?
In short, Webtoon allows users to read comics online from thousands of talented creators. Whether these be written by newbies or celebrated comic artists.
Straightaway, you’ll find yourself lost for hours in their stories with every genre imaginable. Whether you’re a fan of horror, romance or drama, there’s something for everyone.
Then, you can subscribe to your favourite comics before downloading them to read on the go!
Unless completed, you can catch up with one episode for free each week. Otherwise, there is the option to pay to unlock further chapters on some webcomics.
What’s the difference between Originals and Canvas?
By and large, Originals tends to be for established comic artists who have created popular series. For that reason, their webcomics are licensed from Webtoon.
In short, Originals creators get additional support. Such as an editor, marketing, and a structured publishing schedule. Finally, they are paid directly by Webtoon for their content.
On the other hand, Canvas tends to be for newer artists. Straightaway, they have the independence to publish content on their own schedule. For that reason, they may even feature on other webcomic websites.
Once they meet a threshold, they may apply to Webtoon’s ad revenue sharing program and earn money and other rewards.
My favourite Webtoon comics
Finally, onto the fun stuff! I am simply addicted to Webtoon. Whenever I have a moment, I find myself logging into their app to catch up on all of my favourite comics.
The following webcomics tend to follow strong female leads. Specifically, women who find themselves in a variety of exciting, magical, creepy, and sometimes downright bizarre scenarios.
As a result, it makes for very interesting reading.
To conclude, if you haven’t already tried Webtoon, you must! Without a doubt, you will soon discover your favourite genres, allowing yourself to lose a few hours in the meantime!
Most importantly, I find Webtoon so therapeutic as it also allows some precious ‘me time’ after a hectic day.
Have you read anything on Webtoon before? What is your favourite comic?
I decided to treat myself this festive season with a little Glossier beauty haul gift from me, to me.
I have been tempted by these products for a while now and with Christmas around the corner, here’s what I decided to get:
Glossier You
I’ve wanted Glossier You for ages now. What drew me in was the idea that it seems to adapt depending on the wearer.
Firstly, its top note is a spicy pink pepper. Secondly, we have the heart of the perfume, woodsy and warm ambrette seeds, and ambery ambrox. Finally, a floral iris to complete the scent.
I really like it on. On me, Glossier You smells floral and very fresh. It’s an extremely complimentary perfume, especially in the daytime.
Futuredew
Futuredew is an oil-serum hybrid that leaves you with an enviable natural dewy glow. Packaged within a gorgeous holographic bottle, it’s used as the last step of your normal skincare routine and promises to last up to 12 hours.
Futuredew is full of nourishing oils and plant-based extracts to keep your skin moisturised and bright.
I have noticed an immediate difference and a bit of product goes a long way. My skin looks brighter and happier!
Cookie Butter Balm Dotcom
I was so psyched to try the limited edition Cookie Butter Balm Dotcom. This golden buttery lip balm offers a speculoos taste alongside a sparkling caramel shimmer.
Balm Dotcom hydrates your lips due to its formulation of antioxidants and natural emollients, such as castor oil, beeswax, and lanolin.
It’s sweet, spicy, and ultimately, delicious.
Boy Brow
I’ve bought Bow Brow in shade brown a few times now and I love it. It’s the perfect daytime eyebrow pomade. It ensures fluffy and defined brows with a buildable formula.
The brushable pomade is a creamy way that holds your eyebrow hairs in place delicately without clumping.
This conditioning formula contains oleic acid, lecithin, and soluble collagen.
But, how do you navigate the magic and madness of Winter Wonderland with a baby? Let’s find out.
Arriving on a Tuesday at 11am, buggy in tow, we went to explore. Our first stop? Santa Land.
Exploring Santa Land
Santa Land is perfect with a young baby. Visually, there’s so much to see and plenty to do!
Santa’s Grotto is free so do not miss the opportunity to get that perfect first Santa meet snap. You even get a little present to take with you!
There’s even a Santa Land Family Chill Space that you can escape to for quiet feeding or soothing if necessary. There’s also plenty of baby changing facilities around.
Are there many baby suitable activities?
As far as baby suitable activities, there are a fair few! Theo got to meet Santa, had a ride on the carousel, and could have enjoyed a go on the big wheel!
We were tempted by The Magical Kingdom but at -10 degrees, it didn’t seem too wise.
Do note, there are no places to store buggies. So, if you’re planning on visiting with a baby in tow, I’d advise doing so with a few people so there’s always someone who can keep an eye on it.
Is Winter Wonderland good with a baby?
So, is Winter Wonderland good with a baby? I have to be honest, we had an amazing time.
If you go midweek and during the day, it should be a breeze. It’s not too busy and far easier to navigate with a buggy.
Although you may have to avoid some festivities while you’re there, such as ice sculptures and drinking mulled wine in excess, there’s still plenty to keep everyone entertained!
Finally, if you’re looking to make your baby’s first Christmas truly magical, look no further than Winter Wonderland – and don’t forget to go and see Santa!
Are you planning to visit Winter Wonderland in 2021?
Looking to spend a day in the Cotswolds? We visited places in our home county Oxfordshire before heading onto some of the best Cotswolds towns and villages in Gloucestershire with our seven-month-old son, Theo, in tow.
Wrapped up snug on a chilly November day, here’s where we visited on our day out in the Cotswolds:
Our first stop was St Oswald’s Church. Slightly off the beaten track, St Oswald’s Church is a beautiful minuscule English Gothic church nestled amongst lush countryside in the Windrush Valley.
The church’s main construction is said to be from the 13th century but it also has 11th-century remnants. To our surprise, the church was open and you can wander inside and see its wonderful interior.
Nearby, you can find the outlined remains of the deserted medieval village of Widford in crop marks.
Burford, West Oxfordshire
Next, we visited the town of Burford, often referred to as ‘the gateway to the Cotswolds.’ It’s a charming place with a rich history of wool production.
Visitors can see its beautiful church, medieval bridge, the Tolsey Museum, and thriving town centre.
Church of St John the Baptist, Burford
The impressive St John the Baptist Church was the first thing to catch our eye as we arrived in Burford. This Grade I listed church has gone through many restorations, with building starting in the 12th century.
Inside, you can view memorials of Burford’s great families, a 100AD carving said to depict the Celtic goddess, Epona, the tomb of Sir Lawrence and Lady Tanfield, and a memorial tablet of Burford mason, Christopher Kempster.
Burford town centre
Along a hill sloping toward the River Windrush, Burford’s High Street is booming with quaint old stone cottages, independent clothing, gift, and antique shops, as well as numerous old pubs and places to eat.
Bibury, Gloucestershire
Our next stop, the picturesque village of Bibury. Famed for its quaint Cotswold stone houses, Arlington Row, Rack Isle, The Church of St Mary’s, Bibury Trout Farm, and Arlington Mill.
Arlington Row
Arlington Row is a beautiful row of weavers’ cottages of honey-coloured Cotswold stone on one side of the River Coln. It is one of the Cotswolds and England’s most photographed sights.
You may have even seen Arlington Row featured in films such as Stardust and Bridget Jones’s Diary!
Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire
On to, Bourton-on-the-Water, dubbed ‘the Venice of the Cotswolds.’ Bourton-on-the-Water is a charming village, centered around the tranquil River Windrush, crossable by five stone arch bridges.
Bourton-on-the-Water offers a wealth of things to do. From tea rooms, shops, and restaurants, to attractions such as The Model Village, Birdland, Dragonfly Maze, and the Cotswold Motoring Museum.
The Model Village
The Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water is a must-see. It’s the only Grade II listed model village in the country.
It offers A one-ninth scale model of Bourton-on-the-Water in intricate Cotswold-stone, allowing you to navigate it in its entirety.
There’s a lot of fun to be had pointing out the storefronts and buildings you may have seen earlier in the day, as well as wandering the city like a giant. Interestingly, there’s even a model village within the model!
Visitors can learn about the history of the mill and bread making and see the inner workings of its machinery.
Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire
Finally, Stow-on-the-Wold, a bustling and charming market town. It offers a lively Market Square, brimming with independent shops, delicious tea rooms, and fine British pubs, alongside a beautiful church.
As it was getting late in the day, we grabbed some pastries to go from Huffkins before heading to St Edward’s Church.
St Edward’s Church
St Edward’s Church is famed for its mythical tree-framed doorway, dominated by two ancient yew trees.
The door is said by locals to be the inspiration for Tolkein’s Doors of Durin, who was supposedly inspired during his many visits to the Cotswolds.
When Mini Ravers popped up on my TikTok feed, I had to know more. Clubbing with a baby? Surely not!
I immediately found their website and realised they were hosting a daytime event only 45 minutes away.
After checking out their frequently asked questions, I discovered their events are suitable for babies, are quieter than your standard club and full of colour and fun. Plus, they even have character appearances!
Taking your baby clubbing
On arrival, we were greeted and headed upstairs with our family exclusive wristband.
Grabbing a coke, the club welcomed us with bright lights, confetti cannons and many happy faces toddling about. Mini Ravers events are suitable from age 0-12 years, alongside the watchful eye of parents and guardians at all times, of course!
We’d decided to bring along some baby ear defenders for Theo despite the quieter music as we didn’t want him getting overwhelmed – he didn’t.
To get the party started, I pleaded with my partner that he needed a light-up flashing stick, which he absolutely loved chewing on to the beat.
What is Mini Ravers like with a baby?
I thoroughly recommend Mini Ravers with a baby in tow! We had a great time bopping along to many a 90s and noughties classic during the day.
It was the perfect event for parents who are looking to do something different with their children. To make some truly unique memories!
Theo got to say hi to Woody from Toy Story and even enjoyed some dancing under a giant parachute during the festivities.
We left sweaty and happy, much like your usual nightclub. I agree with my partner who said, “I think it’s important to say the parents enjoy it as much as the kids.”
We cannot wait to attend another event when Mini Ravers next comes to the South East!
Squid Game has taken the world by storm. This gripping Korean drama has become a pop-culture hit, with critics and viewers celebrating it in their masses.
For those who haven’t seen it, Squid Game invites hundreds of cash-strapped contestants to compete in a series of children’s games for a life-changing cash prize, with some deadly stakes.
So, if survival and/or post-apocalyptic TV series and films take your fancy, you’ve come to the right place.
Why are we so obsessed with survival as a genre?
Portrayals of survivalism and its themes have been heavily influenced by wartime, nuclear weapons races and political discord. The genre highlights the moral panic of societal collapse and offers social commentary on important issues.
It is so gripping in many cases because it is believable. Outside of fantasy themes such as zombies etc.
With the Coronavirus pandemic testing the world’s resolve, the appeal for dystopian survival shows has sky-rocketed.
Perhaps we’re empathetic with the loss of control we’ve had recently in our own lives. Perhaps shows like Squid Game temporarily make us feel that little bit better.
Alice in Borderland
Alice in Borderland is a Japanese sci-fi drama TV series that focuses on troubled gamer, Ryōhei Arisu.
Stumbling through life, Arisu and his two friends find themselves in an abandoned and unknown Tokyo.
To survive in this new world, the trio is forced to compete in a series of sadistic and lethal games.
The MVP of the survival-horror genre. This 2000 Japanese cult classic film paved the way for many survival films and TV series that followed.
Battle Royale sees a class of children sent to a deserted island by the Japanese government. Tired of the societal discord among youths, the group is forced to brutally fight to the death. The last one standing is free to leave.
Given essentials and various weapons, they must battle their way to victory. Meanwhile, an explosive collar is fitted around their neck to ensure no rules are broken and control is maintained.
3% is a Brazilian thriller TV series detailing a fascinating tale of elitism in a dystopian world. Candidates from the impoverished ‘inland’ face a process of elimination to gain access to the utopian ‘offshore’ island – those who succeed, are the lucky and worthy 3%.
The story follows protagonist Michele Satana as she makes her way through ‘the process’. She believes its head has murdered her brother. Working alongside the revolutionary party ‘the cause’, she aims to destroy the unfair and immoral process from within in vengeance.
Japan Sinks: 2020 is a dark Japanese anime TV series a family’s humanity and resolve is tested after a series of devastating earthquakes ravage Japan.
This heartwrenching story follows them as they use their wits and determination to survive the sinking archipelago and regain a sense of humanity in the madness.
Snowpiercer is a US sci-fi TV series that explores social inequality in a post-apocalyptic world.
The Earth is frozen and the last surviving humans live aboard a giant train that circles the world. However, with classism thrown into the mix, the struggle to coexist worsens with some harrowing consequences.
For their Halloween ‘spook-tacular’, Millets Farm Centre welcomes visitors to pick-your-own pumpkins in Oxfordshire!
Be sure to wrap up snug and get into Autumn vibes with your nearest and dearest. At £1 to enter (and free for under 2’s), you pay for what you pick.
Pick-your-own pumpkins
You can grab a wheelbarrow on entry or come armed with your own carrier bags. Let’s face it though, the wheelbarrow’s more fun.
Be warned, the pumpkin match is muddy and can be awkward to navigate – so be sure to wear some old shoes!
Pumpkin prices vary depending on size, starting at £2/£3 for a small, £4 for a medium and £6 for a beastly large pumpkin!
Cool Autumnal pictures at Millets Farm Centre
On route, there are lots of cute and spooky Autumnal photo opportunities so feel free to get snap-happy.
Once you’re done, grab a pumpkin carving kit at the Pumpkin Patch or within the Farm Shop. Then, when you get home, you can perfect your Jack-o-lanterns!
You can enjoy this fun family day out until October 31! Millets Farm Centre hosts pick-your-own pumpkins each year, as well as seasonal produce year-round.
A fun family day out in Oxfordshire
Whatever the season or reason, Millets Farm Centre is a fantastic family day out. It offers an expansive playground, soft play, farmyard animals in the animal walkway, falconry and even woods to explore!
Plus, there are lots of different unique attractions across the year, so plenty of reasons to revisit!
Make sure to grab a few treats from the Farm Shop as you leave, you won’t regret it.
Looking for a fab family-friendly day out? Then look no further than Crocodiles of the World.
The UK’s only crocodile zoo is certainly an exciting place to visit. This unique conservation centre welcomes over 100 crocodiles (housing 19 of the 24 different species worldwide).
This includes crocodiles, alligators and caimans, alongside other fascinating reptiles, mammals and birds.
Feed crocodiles in the UK
As you enter the Crocodile House, you’ll enjoy unique underwater and aerial viewing via their decked walkway above. Be sure to double check when feeding times are to see the crocs in action!
If you choose, you can experience a variety of hands-on experiences and encounters. Under the guidance of a zoo keeper, you can even feed the 35 Nile crocodiles within the Crocodile House!
As you make your way through the zoo, you’ll also get to see Galapagos tortoises, meerkats and the cutest otters, among other animals.
See meetkats and otters up close
In addition to cute critters, there’s a play area, cafe and gift shop to enjoy on-site.
I have to admit, I was a little disappointed with the on-site Croc Cafe. If you’re going, I’d probably grab some chips and avoid the lacklustre burgers.
On the other hand, the gift shop is lovely, with a host of crocodile-themed items. Be sure to grab a crocodile plush on your way out to commemorate the day!
Dodgy veggie burger aside, Crocodiles of the World was a fantastic experience that I’d recommend for people of all ages.
You can enjoy this accessible experience within two to three hours and it makes a lovely and stress-free family day out with a buggy in tow.
Whether you’re a parent-to-be or looking to get someone special a thoughtful baby shower gift, here are some newborn essentials needed before baby’s big arrival.
The best newborn essentials:
Nosefrida Baby Nasal Aspirator
The Nosefrida Baby Nasal Aspirator is brilliant for congested newborn’s. There’s nothing scarier than thinking little one can’t breathe properly and unfortunately, babies make a lot of weird noises!
However, when you’re convinced baby needs some help to clean their nose, grab some nasal saline spray to soften blockages and use the Nosefrida to gently suck them out! Gross, yes. Effective, totally.
The Babymoov Cosydream has been an absolute lifesaver. This soft jersey cot insert offers ergonomic support. It’s a cosy and breathable sleep saver which guarantees your little one feels reassured and snug.
The headrest prevents flat head syndrome with its anatomical inverted dome cutout, allowing baby to freely move throughout the night.
The leg support roll is easily adjusted as baby grows, secured with velcro. In addition, It also raises baby’s legs to aid digestion.
You’ll get solid use out of the Babymoov Cosydream till baby starts rolling at around 4 months.
The best thing? This newborn essential is machine washable. So, no worries when it comes to night time spit up.
Dubbed a ‘sleep miracle’ and rightly so, we could not live without the Baby Shusher. This sleep soother uses a real human voice that shhh’s your little one to sleep! It has a 15 minute and 30 minute timer setting alongside volume control at its base.
This white noise device not only keeps baby asleep, it will also help you lull into a deep sleep! Use it at bedtime, as well as when baby stirs throughout the night.
This cot allows for bedside sleeping, either for side sleeping or as a standalone crib. One side features a breathable mesh panel which lowers via a drop rail. This allows you to easily see and access your little one for night feeds.
The cot comes with a foam mattress. Its height is easily adjusted and it has an incline feature if required.
It folds flat in 30 seconds to allow for easy travel. It comes with a handy travel bag, allowing you to take it wherever you go!
Not only is it super affordable compared to other pumps, this double breast pump is super effective. It has four modes and nine different levels of suction. Its silicone covers on the pumps flanges also ensure pain-free pumping.
Its electric component has a built in battery that is easily charged via USB and offers a long battery life.
The Bellababy Breast Pump is easily assembled and taken apart for sterilisation.
If you’re looking for good quality affordable breast pump, look no further than the Bellababy Breast Pump.
Made from soft cotton, this fully adjustable bra has a front zip to easily put it on and take it off. It features a thick band and secures firmly with velcro to fit most bra sizes.
It features overlapping layers of fabric to securely hold the pump flanges in place as you move about the house. Also, you can leave it on to easily switch to breastfeeding.
This touch sensitive night light features a warm glow that will not disturb baby at night. It offers reassurance and is easily dimmable with a long touch.
Simply double tap to illuminate during the evening or night time feeds. It offers a long-lasting battery of up to 100 hours in a single charge and features a one hour timer to save energy.
The best part? Its soft glow won’t disturb you either!
Okay, so this one’s for the postpartum mumma! The Badedas Indulgent Bath Gelee was recommended to me to aid recovery and it’s blissful.
Although it turns the bath bright green, this gel smells great and leaves skin feeling soft and rejuvenated. Horse chestnut is one of its main ingredients, known to be support and improve circulation.
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