Silent Sunday

Fridge shopping and a day out in Newcastle!

Last Friday we had a man out to fix the fridge/freezer.....The fridge was freezing up at the back and we needed a couple of the freezer draws replaced....We have the 'Whatever Happens' policy from Currys on the fridge which covers it for accidental damage and if it breaks they fix it and even replace it!! So he fixed it or so we thought....Saturday evening we went in the freezer for something and the food was slightly soft....Not quite frozen & not defrosted.....

Sunday we got back on the phone & someone came out Tuesday....It took the guy two minutes to decide it could not be repaired and would write his report and someone would be in touch about getting a replacement!! He said Beko fridge/freezers only last 4 to 5 years....

Wednesday we got a phone call basically saying a voucher would be available in store to redeem for a new fridge/freezer....

Friday we set off to Newcastle to out nearest Currys store and ordered our new fridge.....It's coming sometime today!! 

What get's me....I'm not complaining about is the fact the repair man says Beko fridge/freezers only last 4 to 5 years and if like us you buy the Whatever Happens Care Plan you'll never have to buy a new fridge again....Just pay the £99 for the care plan to cover it for five years!!

I even got £10 off delivery because I was cheeky enough to say we've already paid for delivery once....Was nearly 5 years ago but it was paid and he never asked that...hehehe So that's coming tomorrow....Hopefully before the Asda shop comes to fill it up!!

We had a lovely day in Newcastle too....I don't think we've ever been without at least one of the girls and usually when we do go it's just to pass through to go to hospital appointments for ears, eyes or hearts....lol

We had a good look around the shops....It's so different shopping without the kids....We didn't have to have one eye on them and could pay full attention to what the shops had to offer!!

I visited the Yankee Doodle Candy American Sweet shop while we were there and couldn't believe they had no Reeses peanut butter cups or Root Beer.....It's like going to Mcdonalds and them having no Hamburgers....lol

We found a fab gadget shop with loads of gadgety toys which we loved....Was called RED5....They have an online shop which I will be using to get Stu something when it's his birthday!! We spent a good half hour in there looking at everything!! The Love heart tea lights, Water Dancing Speakers & Doctor Who Mug particularly caught my eye!! They didn't seem too expensive like some shops which sell the sort of stuff are!!

I even managed to drag Stu in the Lush shop for the first time....You know the smelly soap shop as he called it....He was not impressed....He said if someone gave him some of the soap and didn't tell him it was soap he would of probably eat it....He said it all looks like sweets.....Fudge I think he was thinking of...lol I could of quite easily spent a fortune in there....

Stu and I even sneaked in lunch out.....Was only in a Weatherspoons pub which now sell 'Brothers Toffee Apple Cider by the way!! YUM! We had a lovely time....

I love my girls to bits but it was nice to get out without them....Not having to stress they weren't getting lost, touching things they shouldn't, finding toilets at short notice, telling them no when they want every toy they see and getting grumpy at looking boring shops Stu & I want to look in....

We didn't own an Ipad!

We didn't own an Ipad....For the people born in the 70's/80's!

I thought this was so good and just wanted to share...

Ahh the memories....

20 adventures to do before they're 16!!

 Child-development experts say adventures with their parents are crucial. Children who share outdoor adventures with their parents are better socialised, less stressed, and better problem-solvers....I agree!!

Outdoor adventures are a great way to bond with your kids!!

Here are the 20 adventures the experts recommend every child should share with their parents before they are 16....

1 Make a natural shelter — and sleep in it - make a den from wood and leaves and sleep under the stars. I did it as a child but don't think I would with my two....Nowhere I can think of near me that would be safe enough...

2 Cook on an open fire - toast marshmallows, bake potatoes and enjoy an outdoor bonfire feast. My two have done this!!

3 Make a go-kart - and then test drive it! Becky has Ellie has yet to do it...

 
4 Use a sharp knife - teach children how to handle a sharp knife carefully and safely. Teach them how to handle it correctly. No, no, no....Not yet....I like my kids with fingers...lol

5 Climb a tree - something we all used to do as a child but our children perhaps do less often. My two have and loved it...

 
6 Make a mud pit - all kids LOVE mud - make a muddy corner of the garden for them to squelch, squish and play in. Yep...Both mine have...Ellie made her own mudpit when I left the hosepipe outside...lol

 
7 Get soaked to the skin - obviously not in freezing weather! But it feels so fab to really get soaked to the skin. Yes...A hot day at the beach there was a summer thunder storm...Got soaked but soon dried out!

 
8 Dam a stream - pick stones and pebbles and sticks and mud to dam a stream. Becky has...I'm sure Ellie will by the time she's 16!

 
9 Read a map - whether it's orienteering, a road map or a simple drawn map - let them find their way. Ellie is a bit young yet but Becky has before....

 
10 Track a wild animal - Early morning and early evening are the best times to try to follow animal tracks. Nope! Not many wild animals near us unless rats count!

11 Climb a mountain Nope...Not many mountains near us...

 
12 Skinny-dipping/ wild swimming If in the sea counts...Yes both my girls have! 

 
13 A bonding weekend with one parent Nope

 
14 Learn basic first aid Becky has really basic idea about first aid....Ellie thinks everything can be fixed with a plaster...lol

 
15 Learn to sail Not yet..

 
16 Build something out of wood Becky has....Time yet for Ellie...

 
17 Grow your own dinner - start with herbs and easy things like tomatoes and cucumber. Grow carrots, potatoes and berries...We're planning on growing things over the next few months...

 
18 A night picnic - Darkness can make the most otherwise mundane activities exciting Sounds like fun..May have to give this one a try!!

19 Learn to walk a tightrope - start with a kerb then try a low rope Ellie would love to do this....She is always balancing on the kerb...

 
20 Make a Mentos and Coke rocket - unleash the scientist in your children The girls will do this even if it's only for my amusement...

Have you done any of these with your children?