To Butlins or Not to Butlins?

Forgetting for a moment that it is actually closer to Christmas than it is to anything else, I want to talk about our next holiday which hopefully will be February half term. Our last holiday was in Staffordshire and included a Travelodge, Thomasland / Drayton Manor and assorted day trips. It was great fun however I’m looking for something a little more this time around.

Camping is a no go. I have done my stint and anything that involves hand sized spiders in the shower block, mud in my bed or having to walk a mile to go to the loo during the night (which post-children could mean at least twice) is not my idea of a fun or relaxing holiday. In fact, camping with kids is right up there on my list of horrors next to hosting a birthday party in a soft play centre.

Clearly we need an alternative. We’ve considered going abroad however to be completely honest as Taylor is only two we’d rather wait another year or so and take them both when they are old enough to appreciate it. We considered getting a holiday cottage by the sea, an idea that is still a contender, however there is then the worry about the weather and what day trips and what not you can enjoy whether it is throwing it down or not.

We are now considering Butlins. There are a lot of bloggers who have been to Butlins, have tweeted or posted about their experiences and I’m intrigued. These are not reviews from random people on a holiday website but real experiences from people whom I have got to know via their blogs as they have with me through mine.

I love the historical aspect of Butlins too. Clearly the fact that they have been offering family holidays for so many years (and continue to do so) has to be a testament to them getting something right? The apartments look fabulous, and we could get away with a two bed (brothers can share!) and that gives us a lounge and what not to relax in. There are loads of sport and activities on every day and by February I should be able to get into a swimming costume without a shoe horn so the indoor  Waterworld sound fantastic. There are also live shows that we’ll all love and of course won’t get rained off, and simply loads for the boys (including Pingu and Mike the Knight. Who doesn’t love Pingu?!).

On paper it sounds absolutely perfect. Something for everyone, long hot showers with no beasties and no extra driving for Roy searching for museums, parks and what not. What I want is your opinion… to Butlins or not to Butlins? (And please, do not try and convince me that I should give camping another go! *shudders*).

 

 

Back To School with VoseneFamilies

A little while ago we received this:

I asked people what they thought was in it, well what an unimaginative bunch! Vosene shampoo was the top guess but there is much more besides. VoseneFamilies have really put their thinking caps on and collected up some goodies to help us through the last few weeks and days of the holiday and through the Back To School period. And they hit the nail on the head!

 

An alarm clock, keeping Kieran in bed or getting him up at the right time – this is already in use getting us back into a routine so there is less stress next week.

Art materials and magazines – these have been whipped out at the first hint of “I’m bored” on the all too frequent wet days and obviously can be used time and time again.

Games, stickers and a space-hopper have been great for fun with friends and keeping amused – and also for blowing off steam (obviously I use the space hopper more than anyone else!).

All this and more aimed at making life easier, and it works. Of course there is Vosene shampoos, gels and more and these are great – more so (pause to itch) as they are head lice repellent. We’ve avoided them so far and with a little vosene help plan to continue doing! And again my skin is crawling – gah!

Thank you Vosene, you’ve sent everything we could need and more (and I am also most thrilled with the re-useable and lidded box – I’m easily pleased!).

Vosene have a  new competition on the website at the moment where each week one lucky winner will be picked to win a personalised back to school prize worth up to £150. All you have to do is upload a Mums little secret tip for easing the load.

Why not pop over and enter? Be as imaginative and creative as you can. The prize is well worth it!

Don’t forget that for more information, news and offers you can say hello to Vosene Families on Twitter!