Monday 30 November 2015

Me and Mine - November

You can probably guess by the fact this is a bad quality phone selfie that November has gone by too fast and we have left things until the very last minute.  This was just before we started getting the boys in their pyjamas tonight.  I didn't want to miss a month though, and I realised my camera battery was flat so this is us, this month.

I can't tell you much about what we did in November, but I know that it has been pretty busy.  November is always a bit of an awkward month, with the coldness of winter but not yet the sparkles of Christmas and we have had more illness in the house than ever before (evident in Finn's rather sorry looking eye) . I never seemed to get on top of anything this month (- blogging, the washing, the housework . . .) and there was more time spent on the sofa than any other month.  

This is us, a little blurry, stuck with terrible lighting as there barely seems to be any daylight left and all looking a little tired. 



This month Mummy is loving going on a photography course, watching Prison Break on Netflix, giant Warburtons Crumpets and hiring a cleaner.

Daddy is loving his new computer screen monitor (apparently he needs two), taking the boys to London, Fallout 4 and watching Dylan learning to read so well

Dylan is loving writing sentences for us to read, learning songs for his school Christmas play, playing advent calenders with his toys in preperation for next month and seeing his little brothers at the school gates.

Archie is loving dressing himself every morning (usually in shorts), snuggling under blankets on the sofa, Henry Hugglemonster and calling everyone Booboobutt (The book with no pictures).

Finn is loving raspberries and alpro yoghurts, being able to reach more things without falling over, being in his own bedroom and chewing Duplo bricks.

I can't wait for December although I am not even nearly ready to say goodbye to 2015 yet.
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A Weekend Away in London

We just love getting away and I will never get bored of visiting London.  There is always something new to see and we revisit the same places because they are just magical, especially as Christmas draws closer.  

We drove up to London last weekend after Dylan had finished school and the bloke had finished work and found the gorgeous converted coach-house that we were going to stay in.  Having three children means hotel rooms aren't always practical and Merino Hospitality offer serviced apartments in the very heart of London.

The boys were sleepy, but excited to be somewhere new so they ran around exploring before climbing into their bed.  The bloke and I weren't far behind as we were looking forward to an entire day exploring on the Saturday.


There was a basket of food waiting for us when we woke up alongside the fruit bowl that the boys couldn't leave alone.  One of my favourite things about staying in an apartment is having breakfast at your leisure, usually in your pjs.  We had a blogger event to go to first thing to celebrate the book I had helped create with HP and we so we headed across town.


The event was brilliant with the illustrator Tom Percival reading the book for all the children and little animals for them to see and pet. They loved colouring in and the inflatable lightsabers that they discovered and we all enjoyed some lunch.



After being inside for the morning, the boys were desperate to run around and the event was only metres away from the Diana Memorial Playground.  I have been meaning to visit for so long and it didn't disappoint.  A giant pirate ship set in the biggest sand pit and surrounded by climbing frames and little areas to discover, it was a dream park for the boys.  There was a cafe serving delicious hot chocolate and indoor toilets and changing facilities which made the visit easier too.  It was so much colder than we were expecting, but the boys didn't mind at all with so much to explore.


I love Covent Garden all year round, but there is something so special about Christmas there so we walked that way.  All three boys fell asleep on the journey over - something we don't get very often now so the bloke and I decided to sit down and enjoy some cheesy fries and shakes from Shake Shack.  I can't go to Covent Garden without having their fries and I love sitting in the very centre and watching the world go by.


We let them all have a good rest as we wandered.  I don't normally let Dylan nap for long, but as we only had one full day in London, a good sleep meant we could break the routine and stay out later, enjoying the wonderful sights by night.  We had a wander around a few shops and stalls, and then decided it was time to find somewhere to eat.

What we didn't think about was the fact central London on a Saturday night is pretty busy, and getting a table for five people wouldn't be easy!  We gave in at Pizza Express and decided we would just queue and thankfully it wasn't too long.  The big boys love their pizzas and Finn had some plain pasta to munch on, as having a dairy allergy in a Pizzeria isn't easy!  They were all so well behaved and we had wonderful comments from people on the tables around us.  Dylan spent most of the meal writing sentences for us to read and Finn spent a long time studying the menu!


As the boys had been asleep the entire time we were at Covent Gardens, we went back that way to show them the giant Christmas tree.  It really is spectacular and they were in awe of its size.  They were completely captivated by the street performers and whilst we would normally walk straight past, we stopped to watch two whole shows as they sat on the floor staring up.  



We went inside to look at the giant ivy lights on the roof and to watch more of the street performances and all three were smiling away.  Although it was already past their normal bedtimes, their naps had meant they were coping well and we went window shopping at the Disney Store and the Bear Factory.  Everywhere has such colourful displays and very few shops were still open which made it easier to walk past.



 When we were all getting a bit tired, we decided to head back to the apartment and it was amazing to see it was only a 20 minute walk away.  We could easily have gotten on the tube, but with a double buggy it is often easier to walk and the twenty minutes went fast admiring all the lights along the way.

We arrived back with three tired babies who went straight to bed and we stayed downstairs for a while.  The living area had a huge TV (with Netflix) and it was lovely being away from home and still able to keep the lights on and talk at a normal level even with the boys asleep!



We woke up for another leisurely breakfast on Sunday and the big boys loved playing Lego in the 'den' upstairs. There were no doors between our bed and the den despite them being on different levels and it meant we could lay in bed for an extra hour whilst they entertained themselves up there.

It was so lovely being able to explore London from the centre and we had a tube station only one minute walk from the house as well as a shopping centre practically on our doorstep.  We have never driven into Central London before but it only took around 2 hours to get home.

We are feeling ready to get into the Christmas spirit after all the wonderful lights and sights, although I am refusing to get too festive until at least December 1st.  Thank you to Merino Hospitality for our stay and to HP Instant Ink for putting on a great event.






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Friday 27 November 2015

What the Boys Wore - Rockin Baby

If you are looking for the perfect clothing based gift for a child this Christmas, then look no further than Rockin Baby.  Their colourful baby clothes are full of personality and with four different collections there is something for every taste, whether you like bright and colourful or something more subtle.  Rockin Baby is a company with a heart so what makes shopping with them even better, is knowing that for every item of clothing you buy, they will donate one to a mother or child who needs it.  At the end of each season they will donate the same quantity of clothes as they had sales to children that really need them in West Africa and China.

Rockin baby, circus baby clothes, ethical baby clothes

We chose to review some pieces from the Circus collection as I found it difficult to choose and we were sent a vest, trousers, top and romper for Finn.  The all in one is really sweet with a skinny fit all over.  I imagine it would be really practical for a crawling baby (although my little lazy one isn't quite there yet) as everything will stay in place.  I love the bright colours and the little star detail on the chest and we have been using this both as daywear and for sleeping in as it seems to nice to keep just for bed!  (This is size 9-12 months and I would suggest sizing up)

Rockin baby, Circus baby clothes, circus vest

This vest is probably my favourite and I want to get Finn a little top hat to go with it (and maybe a stick on moustache).  The printed on buttons down the front give it such character and I can imagine it looking smart with little trousers and braces. (size 6-9 months we find this quite true to size)

rockin baby, stripy crawlers

These trousers are a great fit, these are 9-12 on my long legged one, and the cuffs are folded over very far.  I love cuffed trousers like this as it means they grow with baby and fit well whatever their size.  The waistband is soft and stretchy and the red and white stripes are perfect for Christmas outfits too.

rockin baby, ciircus baby clothes

Finn's top has a stripy back and a Ringmaster picture on the front.  I love the outfit together as it is so playful and comfy and soft clothes make it easy to layer up with snowsuits as the weather gets cold.

The quality is brilliant and I love the ethics behind Rockin Baby.    Their clothes are timeless and I am looking forward to seeing their spring summer collection in the new year, it is definitely somewhere I will shop for Finn again.





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Thursday 26 November 2015

Weaning Two Months In (Giveaway)

We have now been weaning for two months and Finn seems to be getting keener on food. He started off very tentatively, but I see his excitement now when I show him his dinner is ready. Those little eyes light up, his legs start kicking and he uses all his strength to propel himself towards the spoon.





We have worked out that he likes his food cold (out the fridge is preferable) and that with puree a slightly thicker consistency is best, although we haven't tried lumps yet. The vegetable puree that SMA® Nutrition had challenged us to make was a complete hit and the combination of sweet potato, parsnip and butternut squash worked really well.


Celebrity mum Sheree Murphy runs through the recipe that we tried in the video below.




Finn really liked this mix and ate it well. We gave him one portion and froze the others so that we could get them when we need them. He liked having the sticks of steamed veg to hold as well, although these didn't make it into his mouth so often (they did get bashed into the highchair and thrown all over the floor though!).




At the moment Finn's diet consists mostly of fruit, vegetables and of course formula milk, but over the coming months we will be introducing more meat and other flavours. Whilst we were away last month, he decided not to eat anything for a few days (I think the heat and jet lag meant he favoured the comfort of milk), so we haven't been progressing so fast as I thought we would, but knowing that he is getting so much nutrition from his formula milk at the moment is very comforting. I know he will get there in his own time and until then I am making meals perfectly suited to him.






I am running an amazing giveaway with SMA Nutrition, so for your chance to win £100 of fresh food vouchers, hop over to my facebook page and share a photo of your little one trying out one of these recipes or something else you have made for them. (Giveaway ends 6th Decmeber 2015 at 11:59pm, UK entrants only, one entry per person and all entrants must be over 18).




Disclaimer : In Collaboration with SMA Nutrition
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Tuesday 24 November 2015

Ready for Advent with Playmobil

If you are looking for an alternative to the chocolate advent calenders, then check out Playmobil.  They have a choice for older children  (recommended for age 4/5 upwards) as well as one in the '1,2,3' collection which is designed for children 1.5 - 5 years and therefore perfect for my little ones.  Everyday a new piece is uncovered which means by Christmas day you have a whole play set.

I sneaked open the back of the packaging to take a look at it all, and the boys got to 'test' the toys before they were put away ready for December 1st.  We know already how fantastic the quality of playmobil is, how well it endures, how it encourages imagination and how it is the perfect toy for me to leave Dylan and Archie with if I want to spend some time with Finn as they get lost in their play.

These pictures also contain another Christmas set that features a simple nativity, also from the 1,2,3 range.




Yes, Mary is riding on the reindeer, straight after Father Christmas had brought baby Jesus a dinosaur present.


We were sent these products as part of our role as Playologists.  Be quick if you want to get one before Christmas!
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Sunday 22 November 2015

What the Boys Wore - Bobux Shoes

Whilst I used to collect high heels as a teenager and display them on bookcases lining my bedroom, I now look for the perfect shoes for three little boys who like to have lots of adventures.  They don't have nearly as many as I had back then and I am far more fussy about how good for their feet they are than I was about looking after my own.


Bobux are a brand known for their barefoot designs.  Their shoes are made so that children walk more naturally, are more aware of what is going on under their feet and with the aim of promoting healthy foot development.  Archie is a runner and a climber and he is also pretty clumsy and after getting used to the new soles, he didn't seem to fall over quite so much.  It did take a couple of wears before he found his balance in them though, as they are different to what he was wearing before.

Bobux boots, bobux eskimo boots,winter boots

I chose him some beautiful blue 'eskimo' boots which are lined with wool on the inside and made from leather on the outside.  They fit well (definitely don't size up with Bobux) and they look great with pretty much everything he owns.  

Bobux boots, Bobux eskimo boots, trendy toddler

Whilst Finn has been happy either barefoot or with some socks, the time has come to think about his little feet over winter, and so his first pair of shoes are these soft sole Bobux boots.  Until he is confidentally walking around outside (which I hope to have at least a few months until this happens), he doesn't need anything solid under his feet and these soft sole 'winter boots' allow his feet to develop naturally whilst keeping them toasty warm with a fleece lining and leather outer.

Bobux baby shoes, Bobux boots

They go perfectly over his leggings or under some of his wider legged clothing and the stretch makes them easy to put on and easy to keep on.

Bobux boots, Bobux shoes, soft sole feet

Bobux shoes are a great investment, in quality shoes and in your child's feet and I love the way their choices are set out in stages so you can buy the ideal support for your child's development.   Archie's shoes are from the 'i-walk' section for confident walkers and retail at £48 and Finn's are from the soft sole collection for developing feet and cost £30.  


Thank you for Bobux for sending us these gorgeous boots that I know will last both boys all winter.





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Tuesday 17 November 2015

Ski vs Snowboard : Team Ski

I was always told that Skiing was one of those things that you either love or just don't get.  That first trip will either be the first and last time you jet off to the alps, or the reason you go back as often as you can and for us it was definitely a case of Love.

Our first ski trip was last year and we set off having never even been on the dry slopes before.  My Aunty owns a ski and snowboard shop and she had helped kit us out, describing the different layers we may need and showing us those handy sun-cream tubes with a lip-balm attached.  We arrived in France looking the part but with no idea what we were doing.  

I had spoken to family and friends that have skied about whether we should try skiing or snowboarding, and the overwhelming majority suggested skiing was the best way to start out on the snow so we signed up for daily lessons.


I think that the moment you become a parent, a cautiousness appears that may never have existed before.  I have jumped out of planes and gone white water rafting down class 4 drops without a second thought, but stepping onto the snow after leaving my two boys in the creche was terrifying.  Skiing is so different to anything I had done before and I was nervous about how I would manage and made a goal to confidently handle the nursery slopes by the end of the week.


It turns out skiing was hard work physically, but amazing fun.  It only took a couple of days before we attempted the easiest runs and by day 5 the bloke and I were zooming down the green and blue runs without any assistance.  Our tuition was fantastic and with two skis to balance on we felt like we had mastered the slopes.  Being 26 I worried that I was too old to learn, but after our week I don't believe there is a 'too old' to try something new.  We are heading back out to the Alps in January and I can't wait to see my biggest two little ones don some skis and have a go too.

I think there is definitely something appealing about snowboarding.  Much as a teenager on a skateboard looks more cool than one on roller blades, snowboarding seems to be seen as the trendier version of skiing.  Having never been the 'cool kid', I am more than happy to stick to having both feet working independently (so that I can snowplow down anything that scares me).  As a nervous adult learner, I felt secure on skis and I knew how to control my speed.  I can't imagine it being as easy on a snowboard and most of the snowboarders we saw were zooming past us at quite a speed!  


I never had an interest in watching the winter Olympics but after our experiences on the snow, I love watching competitive skiing.  I think because it is something I can relate to (the bloke and I are more than a little competitive too) I would always watch the skiing over the snowboarding.  Being nervous on the snow means I wasn't keen to try anything that meant my feet came off the ground, but the bloke had a couple of rather disastrous attempts at the mini jumps.  Watching the professional skiers zoom through the air is terrifying and exciting in equal measures and I can't look away.


 I would definitely recommend skiing as the best way to start on the slopes.   It was so much easier to learn than I expected and if you have good tuition then it is really easy to pick up.  Most companies offer private lessons and Neilson have Mountain Experts that offer free top up sessions to help you get the most out of your time too.  I can't wait to see my big two little ones try it out and we have started looking for salopettes and goggles that will fit them.  After everything I have heard and seen I think skiing is the better of the two to learn and hopefully easier for children as well as adults.

Skiing holidays for us are about more than just the slopes though.  It is a chance to get away with our family, to enjoy something different - hot chocolate around the fire, beautiful accomodation with breathtaking views out of every window, shared experiences and new skills.  It is watching Archie make snowballs, marvelling at Dylan gaining physical confidence and this coming winter we will be giving Finn his first experience of snow. Neilson offer a great variety of family friendly packages for people of all abilities.

Where do you stand on the Ski vs Snowboard debate?  Has anyone tried both? I stand firmly in the team ski camp.


Disclaimer:  Collaborative Post
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Monday 16 November 2015

No Big Adventure

After all the fun and change and travel that September and October saw, November is looking a lot less adventurous.  Four trips away, the beginning of school and the change to full time, the leaves falling as Autumn begins, the adventures were then.  November is a month of quiet for us (although life with three children is never all that quiet).  There are more days where we do very little, days where our biggest outing is a walk through the park after the school run.  Noses are running, chests are producing coughs and small people are feeling tired from it all.

We are a family who won't let rain or wind put us off enjoying the outdoors, but we are a family who need some time together after all the changes.  Five days apart feels like a lifetime when you are four and two and my big boys need time to reconnect at the weekend.  They need to be pirates, or ninja turtles, or school teachers or mummys and play the way they love to.  They need to cuddle and fight and wind each other up and forgive the way only siblings can.  This has shaped our month more than anything as we respect the bond they have and what they need for it to continue.


November is the month my little sister and the boys' Aunty Nat Nat is around after a long summer away and an upcoming winter season in France.  They love having her around, even though most of the time we aren't doing anything exciting at all.  She is a different face to play dominos with, or to tell all about their day at school.  She is a different lap for cuddles at the end of a long day when some quiet time and TV are about all they can cope with.

This past weekend, our biggest adventure was washing the car.  We drove over to Nanny's as there is off-road parking, dressed the boys in their rain gear and let them loose with a bucket and some sponges.  It really doesn't sound exciting to me, but when you are four and two, anything can be an adventure and they loved getting stuck in. They were both sent a pair of Goretex boots which were perfect as they are completely waterproof whilst still being breathable and they did the job of wellies without us having to pack extra into the boot.

More adventures are coming and Christmas is next month but for now our week is quiet, full of cuddles on the sofa, connect 4, sharing books and kicking leaves in the park whilst these boys recover.







These viking boots go with most of their wardrobe and are so practical for little boys who love to run and jump and splash and explore.
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Sunday 15 November 2015

Beaches - Negril


During our recent trip to Jamaica with Beaches we managed to visit both of their family friendly resorts.  I wrote recently about my thoughts on Beaches Ocho Rios - a beautiful private slice of paradise on the North coast and our transfer across to the island took us to the west coast Beaches Negril



Beaches Negril has the same outstanding hospitality that I had already come to expect after our three days in Ocho Rios but it is more spread out and sits along the famous seven mile beach.  The sand is still as bright, the sea still as clear and the atmosphere still as friendly, but the layout was different and much more accessible in my opinion.  Whilst Ocho Rios had lifts meaning nowhere was out of bounds, Negril doesn't need them.  My room had a ramp leading in making it perfect when I had a sleeping little one in the pushchair and the main pool was right outside our door, the beach only a few extra steps away.

Negril seemed much bigger and like its sister site had three pools, a water park, a kids camp and X-box room and a huge variety of places to eat and drink.  My room here was more compact than in the last resort, but it was perfect for the two of us and still had a living space alongside where we would sleep.  The fridge came fully stocked, and whilst there aren't kettles provided as standard in these rooms (there are coffee machines instead), the staff were more than happy to find one for me and it was delivered almost as soon as I had asked for it.  I was delighted to see how imaginative the staff were with their towel art in Negril and we often came back of an evening to find one of Finn's toys had joined in the fun.  I think this would have been a real hit with my big boys, finding out what their belongings had been up to whilst we were out.



Finn and I were still in an early rising, early to bed habit and it was ideal as the sunrises were just as stunning this side of the island.  Whilst there is plenty to do in the evenings, including the Liquid nightclub, bars and restaurants, the resort quietens down quite early, making it perfect for young families.  We went along to the weekly beach party one evening and by 9pm it had moved away from the accomodation so that we could all sleep peacefully.



The beach is stunning and kept mostly private.  Security patrol both ends meaning you still feel relatively secure although you do find people trying to sell you stuff on the odd ocassion.  I loved the private beach of Ocho Rios but it was great to enjoy such a large beach too and have the option for a proper morning walk with your feet in the already warm sea.  Negril had some beautiful Cabana beds that could be hired for an extra cost, but came with towel art and rose petals and a private butler to bring your drinks.  Finn and I used to lay on them first thing in the morning as he drank his milk and we watched the sunrise and they felt so completely luxurious.  




There are three pools around the resort and our favourite was the main pool situated right outside our front door.  There was a bridge to walk over it or swim under and of course a very well stocked swim up bar.   The pool was never too busy that you couldn't grab one of the floating sunbeds and soak up the sun with the water still cooling your back and there was plenty of seating and sunbeds in every direction.  


The water park had a couple of great slides as well as a lazy river which was an ideal way to cool off and relax.  Finn and I made sure to test out the mini toddler pool which was always deserted, possibly because it was situated away from most of the action.  It was really sweet, more like a giant paddling pool than a swimming pool and with little kids sunchairs around the water as well as in it.  For children getting used to water for the first time it was ideal as it was so quiet and shallow that they could splash in peace before joining the bigger pools.



The choice of restaurant was rather similar to Ocho Rios with a few extras.  The main restaurant served a buffet every meal and was open for a continental breakfast from 3am - perfect for those struggling with the jetlag.  I had two favourites that I would highly recommend bringing to the top of your list to try, Kimonos which was Japanese but in the most theatrical manner. The chef stood by a hot table in the middle of the guests and cooked up noodles and a variety of fish, meat and vegetables whilst singing, dancing and juggling utensils and ingredients.  I left Finn sleeping in the kids club when we visited Kimonos as there is more of a party atmosphere, however there were plenty of young children.  The food could be kept plain for the fussy eaters and it tasted even more delicious after you had watched it all cooked freshly in front of you.


Stewfish not only served a great variety of tasty meals, but located right on the sand, the views were spectacular.  Everything on the menu sounded fantastic and the Actually Mummy family ate there most days, persuading us that it was the best lunch venue on the resort.  I didn't make it down there for breakfast, but I can only imagine it to be a stunning way to start the day.


Cafe de Paris was the sweet treat equivelant of the Creperie in Ocho Rios and opened from early in the morning until around 10:30pm.  Serving pastries, proper coffees and a selection of ice creams, for some reason it felt more indulgent visiting here than anywhere else.  I could get used to the all inclusive with my food and drinks but to visit a little boutique coffee shop I felt like I should be paying extra.  As the weather stays warm day and night, an after dinner trip to Cafe de Paris for some ice cream felt indulgent and the perfect way to end a day of sunshine too.


Whilst both resorts are on my list of places I am desperate to get back to, Negril has the edge when I think about visiting with my four and two year olds.  Alongside the sea and pools, Beaches Negril has a playpark and miniature golf which I know they would really enjoy as an alternative.  As part of their commitment to conservation, many of the trees that have died around the resorts have been left where they are and transformed through carving and paint into magnificent statues that add even more colour and fun and spotting them would be a great activity for toddlers.  The parrot one below is one of my favourites.


Whilst luxury is well and truly included on a Beaches resort holiday, there are ways to spend any extra money you may have brought with you and at Negril I tried out three of the options, all of which I would thoroughly recommend.

I don't know how much convincing you need to book a spa treatment, but with the Red Lane Spa being on resort and after having had a taste of their products as they supply the in-room toileteries, it didn't take much for me.  I walked in not really sure what I wanted, but after a warm greeting and a short chat with the friendly guy behind reception I had a deep tissue massage booked in for the next day.  Travelling with children can be stressful but the moment you walk into the spa there is a real sense of calm.  The luxury extends to every area and after spending an hour fighting to stay awake as the massage was so relaxing I left feeling refreshed and pampered.



If you really want to see how crystal clear the water is, then the catamaran trip with Island Routes is a great way to explore.  Our boat came ready to party with its own DJ and the bar was still all inclusive.  I loved lying on the boat soaking up the sun, and Finn took the opportunity to have a super long snooze below deck.  You can't bring a buggy on board but the cruise is completely suitable for children.  The staff were great with Finn and more than happy to keep an eye on him whilst I stood on top and watched the dolphin swimming along side us.


We stopped midway to go snorkelling and the waters are still as clear as near the shore.  The guides found us 'sand dollars' to explore and we saw amazing reef and sea creatures.  

We carried on to Margaritaville, a party place around the coast where we stopped to play in the sea, grab some drinks from the bar and enjoy somewhere a bit different.  the back of the catamaran had a slide into the water and floating in the sea in front of Margaritaville was a giant inflatable that you could climb up and dive into the sea from.  Getting on wasn't easy, but it was certainly a workout and diving into the crystal clear waters from several feet up was exciting.

I would really recommend the catamaran cruise as a great excursion.  Every member of staff was fantastic and we loved seeing a little more of Jamaica.  (I say we, but Finn literally slept the entire morning!) 



One of the most interested parts of our trip was the Reading Road Trip organised by the Sandals Foundation.  Beaches is only one side of Jamaica, and getting out of the tourist area and into the 'real' Jamaica was an eye opener.  Poverty is incredibly real and illiteracy a widespread problem.  We visited Mount Airy Primary School, a school built for just over 200 which currently has well over 500 students.  We saw teachers that were responsible for educating over 60 pupils without help and it made me realise how lucky we are in the UK where Dylan's teacher has two TAs to help out in her class of 29.



The staff and students were making the best of what they had and relying on the kindness of the foundation and visitors to stock their library, provide suitable desks for the children and to offer early reading help.  In such big classes, small groups aren't easy and with many parents unable to read, children are not getting help outside the classroom.  I had a group of three grade 1 pupils who were around 6/7 years old and I read with them and did activities.  They were so eager to learn and I wish I could have done more.  


Sandals and Beaches are one of the biggest employers in Jamaica, but they are making a difference all over with their charity and visiting is a great way to  give back whilst you are there.  I would love to take Dylan on a trip like this, open his eyes to how different children learn and education in other countries.


Our trip to Jamaica with Beaches was simply amazing.  Every single detail was well thought out, every member of staff went above and beyond and every meal was just delicious.  Their motto of 'luxury included' couldn't be more true and I would love to visit with the whole family in the future.



Seven nights staying at Beaches Negril Resort & Spa costs from £1,989 per adult and £899 per child. Price includes Luxury Included® (all-inclusive) accommodation in a Negril Deluxe Room, return economy flights from London and resort transfers. Valid for travel dates 2nd May – 24th June 2016.
Island Routes Reggae Family Catarmaran Cruise is available through Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours. Prices from $95 per adult and $66 per child. For more information visit www.islandroutes.co.uk.
Sandals Foundation Reading Road Trip costs $25pp. For more information visit www.sandalsfoundation.org.


We were guests of Beaches for the week to try out their Luxury Included resorts.  
All thoughts and photos are completely my own.
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