Can't believe we are now well into autumn. This year is going so fast. I love the crisp but cooler days, with blue sunny skies and the amazing array of coloured leaves on the trees. But we just don't get enough of them though, do we? Nevermind. Later this month we have half-term holidays, Halloween and preparations for Bonfire Night and many of you may have already started your Christmas shopping too, but before all of that, here are 7 things that you can do, go, make, eat and listen to this month - whatever the weather ...
7 Things to do this month - October
What to See ... The Snowman at Christmas
I love Christmas. And one of my favourite things about Christmas Eve is sitting down to watch The Snowman, and its equally good sequel The Snowman and the Snowdog, with the boys. The Raymond Briggs classic animation was released 35 years ago, but it still has all of the charm, enchantment and magic for me that it had when I was little. The iconic tune ‘Walking in the Air’ will always evoke special Christmas memories for me. So imagine my delight when My Boys Club received an invitation to go and see The Snowman at Durham Cathedral this coming December, providing the perfect winter outing for all the family. See if you have a performance near you.
Where to Go ... Warwick Castle
We recently enjoyed a family day out at Warwick Castle with our boys, aged 8 & 10. As well as its own fascinating past it's also got Horrible Histories for the boys and hubby was very impressed to discover that Game of Thrones author George RR Martin, loosely based Lord Walder Frey on Richard Neville, also known as Warwick the Kingmaker. We had such a great time that we thought we'd share with you our top tips for visiting Warwick Castle.
Where to Dine Out ... Collage at Radisson Blu in Durham
The restaurant at Radisson Blu hotel in Durham is now called 'Collage'. It is inspired by Peter Blake - often called the "Godfather of British Pop Art." The English pop artist is best known for co-creating the sleeve design for the Beatles' album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band; the cover of the Band Aid single "Do They Know It's Christmas?"; the Live Aid concert poster; and he also designed the 2012 Brit Award statuette.
The décor is littered with quirky bric-a-brac, drawings, and paintings and there is also a silver moped and a bike in the middle of the restaurant, honestly, see pic below!. It’s quirky and not too dominant but you definitely do notice it. But best of all, the food is amazing!
What to Do ... Appreciate our Kids
Think about how much we love and appreciate our kids. What are the things that make you most proud of your children? When you really think about it, what are the attributes and characteristics of your kids that just amaze you? Make you smile. Your heart glow. And make you proud to be a parent.I giggle along at all the reasons that we are annoyed, frustrated by our children but at the end of the day, there are far more reasons why I love and admire them.
What to Make ... Easy Apple Recipes
October is National Apple Month and there are hundreds of different varieties of apples with different colours, shapes, textures and flavour, that are harvested this month. We were very kindly offered a bag of apples recently. We don’t have our own tree so apart from those we buy at the supermarket or market we don’t tend to get a glut of apples. However a big bag of apples is too many for the fruit bowl so instead, we decided to make scrumptious new foods using easy apple recipes to eat including Autumn Apple Jam, Apple Muffins and of course it had to be an Apple Crumble.
What to Win ... Driving Lessons and Trampolining
There are two giveaways running this month. You have until Friday 13 October to enter our competition to win a Driving Lesson for an Under 17 at one of 60 driving centres right across the UK.
And a few days more to win a free family ticket to a trampoline park in Newcastle, where you can be a Geordie Ninja Warrior.
What to Stream ...
Well, there are so many songs about October to choose from, but one of the best is the album from 1982 by U2. Songs from October are some of the first I ever heard from the iconic rock band such as Gloria, and on the deluxe version live versions of Party Girl and I will Follow - still two of mfavouritees U2 songs ever.
In addition thought here is also October Song by Amy Winehouse; or When October Goes by Barry Manilow, Late October by Harold Budd/Brian Eno; or The Calendar Song by Boney M.
Don't forget to check out our list of FREE family events and activities happening right across North East England this month too!
What are you planning for this month?
Deb x
1 Comments
The food at Collage looks amazing! Goingto have to give it a whirl!
ReplyDeleteL x