I am mummy to one feisty toddler and wife to a wonderful man, living in the North of England, UK and making it a priority to enjoy life every second we get to spend together as a family.
You will usually find me writing, anything from lists to blog posts, and excited by stationery - show me your post-its!
Following my recent breakdown, I believe talking about our struggles is the key to recovery. I started the blog because I felt compelled to share my story & my main goal is to help other people.
We picked Coldstream Holiday Park as there was a great deal on Hoseasons. And we do love a quiet holiday park. We’ve taken my little one to the well-known caravan sites, and whilst the entertainment is amazing, it’s too overwhelming and overcrowded for us all. These days, we opt for a small caravan site, surrounded by nature, with a playground. Where we can feel relaxed, but also use this as a base for day trips. We are usually not too fussy about the bar or swimming pool – if a park has these, then great. But it isn’t a must for us!
As a family of three, we created a tradition of visiting castles and exploring local attractions, using our English Heritage membership. Therefore, any decision about the location of our staycation depends completely on our itinerary for the days we are there.
With this particular holiday at Coldstream Holiday Park, I am glad we opted for a caravan with a hot tub. The little one was quite unwell for the first few days we were there, and it was great to ditch the day out plans and actually relax in the hot tub and a quiet and peaceful location.
For this post, I want to do something a little different and tell you everything we got up to in the area, as well as my thoughts on the park and some pictures.
A walk to the town
From the holiday park, you can take a 10 -15-minute walk on the main road, to the local town. It’s mostly flat and safe to walk with a child. In the town, you will find a Coop, a charity shop, cafes, the best playground we’ve ever visited, and a few pubs. As well as lots of other shops, we didn’t get to experience.
We got some lovely bits at the charity shop and had some lunch and a few drinks in the local pub, where my little one became besties with a dachshund for an hour!
The walk back was a little difficult after the food and drink, and with a moaning six-year-old, but it was lovely to get dressed up and go out in the fresh air, without worrying about taking the car out.
The playgrounds
The caravan site has a playground, but it was very overcrowded at night, with older children. One night, my husband took her to the playground in the town centre, and we returned many times throughout the week, due to how amazing it was.
There were times when the on-site playground was quieter, and we still had a walk over to it on some evenings.
Berwick Upon Tweed
We visited Berwick upon Tweed expecting a seaside resort town, but what actually got was a bit of a small, run-down town. There are plenty of shops, but we were a little disappointed with the English Heritage site at the top of the hill. I probably wouldn’t return unless we needed something in particular from some shops.
Castles
We usually organise our holidays so that we can visit castles in the area. And this dictates everything we do during the course of our holiday.
Our English Heritage membership allows us to visit many sites and receive discounted rates at some National Trust sites as well. It’s exciting to see what events are upcoming!
There are some great Halloween events planned – check out the English Heritage website, and if you want to sign up for your own membership, click the button below.
The highlight of our week was definitely the stunning castles that every tourist wants to see when visiting the area.
Because we had a poorly little girl, we unfortunately couldn’t do two castles in one day. But as a slight consolation, we found a lookout point for Bamburgh Castle and took some lovely pictures.
We also drove through the town, which is wonderful in itself. Setting ourselves up for when we return. Weirdly, I am glad we didn’t see everything during our week in August, because we’ve booked to go back to the Scottish borders soon. With a full itinerary and plan for the week.
Bamburgh is number one on the list. Unfortunately, by the time we go back, Alnwick Castle will closed for the winter, as the family returns and uses it as their home.
However, there are a few attractions next to the castle that are open. Including Alnwick gardens.
Shall we take a look at the Alnwick activities?
QUICK NOTE ON PARKING – Basically, when we got to Alnwick, we were confused about the parking, but the whole village is taken over by the castle, its grounds and the other amenities. Everyone parks in a huge car park, which you pay £3.50 to park all day, so it definitely is worth the day out costs.
A large adventure village within The Alnwick Garden, featuring the world’s largest play structure and other magical attractions
When we visited Alnwick Castle, my little one wanted to go into the attraction, but unfortunately, we were too busy with the activities we had planned. Therefore, we have agreed to take her back. Tickets are slightly cheaper if you enter between 1 pm and 4 pm, which I think we will do.
If you wanted to park up and do the crazy golf only, you can. Head to The Golf Kiosk or Gift Shop to book! No Garden entry ticket required.
The charm of the park – five things I love
How quiet it is
We’ve done the Haven and Parkdean thing, and honestly, all of us got overwhelmed with the noise level and how busy it is. It’s great if you can go whilst your children are under 5 years old, and we took advantage of this. But for our family, it’s just too much during school holidays.
The views
I know we were holidaying on the Scottish Borders, but the views were absolutely immense. So beautiful, and it felt peaceful and relaxing to wake up to that each day.
The hot tub
The hot tub was a massive bonus. Something we didn’t expect when we started looking for our holiday, but we managed to get a great deal! It was lovely and relaxing, but to get a look in with my toddler around, I had to be up early in the morning, and I made sure to have a dip late at night.
Because it was way too expensive to add the hot tub for the next holiday (£350 more for the hot tub caravan) we have settled for a basic caravan this time. For three of us, that’s fine. We may just have to find a local swimming pool to take the little one to!
The playground, kids around, but also relaxed vibe
Sometimes it’s difficult for a caravan park to find the right balance, where families and kids are involved, but some people also want a relaxing vibe. But Coldstream Holiday Park gets it spot on. There are loads of kids playing in the playground, but around your caravan is still peaceful and secluded.
Location
This is by far the best bonus. You get to be i the heart of the Scottish Borders but without the price tag. Within driving distance of Edinburgh and the coast. You can’t really put a price tag on this, which is why we are returning soon!
LOCATION 📍Welcome Break Abington Service Area J13, M74, Biggar ML12 6RG
Our stay at Abington Services ⬇️Staying at The Days Inn by Wyndham Abington M74
Who would have thought a motorway service station would be so full of charm!
Here are all my thoughts:
Parking
Parking is free all day & night (when staying at the hotel)- just add your car registration. You also get 2 hours free parking at the services, and you can pay for additional parking or to park a caravan overnight.
Ameneties
The hotel has amenities – like drinks & anything you might have forgotten, in the foyer – including alcohol. And we saw two lovely older couples having the time of their lives, chatting on a park bench for most of the evening ❤️
Our stay at Abington Services ⬇️ Days Inn by Wyndham Abington M74 Who would have thought a motorway services would be so full of charm! Here are all my thoughts: Parking is free all day & night (when staying at the hotel)- just add your car registration The hotel has amenities – like drinks & anything you might have forgotten, in the foyer – including alcohol. And we saw two lovely older couples having the time of their lives, chatting on a park bench for most of the evening ❤️ Next door at the services, there is a Burger King, Chopstix and other shops We loved having a walk around the services, following the dog walk, lovely views of birds flying overhead, amazing sunsets & spectacular views of the Trainline, with planes going over head & it just felt amazing to be out in the wild. In my PJ’s might I add – I felt comfortable to do this 😂 We slept so well! The rooms are dated & the shower wasn’t the best BUT it was a good night’s sleep & for £80 per night, compared with Edinburgh prices – you cannot complain! We stayed here to arrive early & get the drive out of the way – so we could enjoy our holiday at Coldstream Holiday Park – staying in a caravan with hot tub (3.5 hour drive without stops) I would definitely return. Or we’ve agreed to wave to the services if we ever take the train to Edinburgh! ❤️ (for clarity – we called in at other services. Notably, Scotch Corner on the way back home & some are just chaos, not fit for purpose & stressful) this one is the opposite ✅ #abington#mummyconqueringanxiety#family#familyholiday#scotland
We loved having a walk around the services, following the dog walk, lovely views of birds flying overhead, amazing sunsets and spectacular views of the Trainline, with planes going overhead, and it just felt amazing to be out in the wild. In my pyjamas, might I add – I felt comfortable doing this.
How well did we sleep
We slept so well! The rooms are dated and the shower wasn’t the best BUT it was a good night’s sleep and for £80 per night, compared with Edinburgh prices – you cannot complain!
Why did we choose a motorway services hotel?
We stayed here to arrive early and get the drive out of the way – so we could enjoy our holiday at Coldstream Holiday Park – staying in a caravan with a hot tub, which was a 3.5-hour drive away without stops.
Check out my TikTok video about Coldstream Holiday Park
The Welcome Break next door is advertised in the hotel for breakfast – The Good Breakfast is the brand. It’s basically a counter service, where you order breakfasts – a bit like fast food orders, but for fry-ups. It was £8.99 for a small breakfast, or £10.99 for a large, and you could get a breakfast sandwich.
Summary
I would definitely return. Or we’ve agreed to wave to the services if we ever take the train to Edinburgh!
I chose to write all about this stay because I know some motorway services can be rubbish and stressful! (for clarity – we called in at other services. Notably, Scotch Corner on the way back home is often chaotic, not fit for purpose and stressful. Abington is the opposite.
Other reviews are available on my blog
Over the summer holidays, we visited Craven Leisure Centre, and we had the best time ever. I wanted to share all the details with you, should you decide to visit.
I want to talk to you about our new favourite day out! Because there is so much to do, all in one place, and you can literally spend all day there.
Over the summer holidays, we visited Craven Leisure Centre, and we had the best time ever. I wanted to share all the details with you, should you decide to visit.
Park the car and enjoy the day
Parking is chargeable, but you can redeem any cost you pay against items in the cafe, which is great. Every parent needs a coffee after a long day of swimming with a child.
The Revive Cafe
The Revive Cafe is great. Good coffee, enough snacks to keep you going. Sandwiches, ice creams, Indoor and outdoor seating, and they will take your parking voucher.
Set behind the play area, tennis courts and the leisure centre is 177 acres of landscaped parkland with activities for runners, cyclists, walkers, golfers.
And the views do not disappoint. There is plenty of space to lay down a picnic blanket, play some ball games and still not get in anyone’s way.
The amazing playground
The playground is huge and all the play equipment is great for kids.
On the few occasions we have visited, the little one made some friends, and I was able to sit on one of the many benches to enjoy my coffee.
The Two Skate Parks
There are two skate parks available. Some older children were playing, and with my little being six years old, she is inexperienced and therefore needs the smaller skatepark.
She enjoyed learning to skate down the hills. We have visited other skate parks where the older children basically take over, and she doesn’t get a turn. This skatepark has been the best!
Summary
In summary, we had the best time ever, and we plan to return on a Sunday and during the school holidays.
We had a lovely, FREE day out! What more can I ask for when most activities or meals out in the summer holidays cost a lot of money these days?
My favourite attraction, or item within the museum
There is so much to see & do! My absolute favourite was the huge jacket, which was worked out by groups of students over a period of time.
An array of things to do for the kids
For me, it’s the small touches – like the craft table, toys for the kids & hiding places!
There was also a great dressing up box and a huge area for kids to play and totally be themselves.
Thumbs up for the facilities
The toilet facilities were great, as was the gift shop.
Parking is completely free, and you can spend a good 1-2 hours here!
Interested in more day out reviews? I cover lots of local attractions, in addition to day out reviews, when we go on our travels as a family. I am also reviewing staycations – want to work with me?
Here is my review of Cineworld at the White Rose Centre, Leeds:
The £1 family showings are 10.10am and when we went, the cinema was full of families. It was generally was a nice vibe.
Cineworld at the White Rose is made for families – from great toilet facilities to enough room and sofas for kids to run around outside the cinemas, if they get bored! The person checking us in had even switched cinemas so we had enough room – which was thoughtful.
We also loved their munch boxes, and the seats have enough leg room for my little one to fidget around! Which is a huge bonus!
Why did we make the trip to the cinema as part of our school holiday activities?
I’ve explained in my recent TikTok video that my little one struggles with sitting down to watch a full film at the cinema, and we are testing out a lot of options for accommodating how fidgety and bored she gets. Paying £1 per ticket is ideal for this. And she managed to stay for a full hour this time, with a few breaks outside on the sofas!
What film did we see?
We watched Wild Robot and it was really good – we are currently waiting to watch the hole film together as a family when it comes out on Disney.
Here are the bits I loved the most about visiting White Rose Centre, Leeds…
free parking – you can stay all day if you want to!
White Rose has many carparks and it is adequately signposted when you drive up as to which bit you want to park in. For the cinema, there was a choice of two carparks, so we were just round the corner from the main cinema complex and the terrace you see in my recent TikTok review video.
The toilets & baby changing facilities
The toilet facilities for your children and baby changing are second to none. The best rooms I’ve ever seen, catering to mums & babies (everywhere should be like that). But unfortunately, as mums, we know not everyone has toilet facilities. One thing that really used to irk me when we had a small baby was the lack of changing facilities in men’s toilets, or a disabled facility, which meant any parent could change the baby. Like, why should it ALWAYS have to be the mum, even on a day out shopping?
Anyway, this won’t be a worry on your day out at The White Rose centre.
For your bigger kids with little legs, these ride-on cars are amazing and will save them from getting tired. And of course, we all want somewhere to put the shopping (something I missed when we reached the no pushchair stage with my little one).
We tried to hire a car for our cinema trip day out, but because we were playing on the amazing playground and fun fair, we couldn’t get one, as the few that were available had just been placed on charge. To avoid disappointment, I would advise going early to collect them if you’re staying all day.
In doing my research for this post, I have also just found out about sensory bags available from guest services.
Also, food-wise, you can spend as little or as much as you want. The playground has benches outside, so bring a picnic! My mama’s out there with a constant snack bag on hand, know what I’m talking about!
We had Frankie & Benny’s booked, but we just weren’t that hungry after popcorn, so I cancelled the booking and we opted for Wetherspoons instead!
There is also a huge food court inside the shopping centre, where you can order from multiple outlets to suit the whole family and sit down. We got some yummy iced coffees as a little treat and went for a toilet break before we left for the journey home.
The shops
I had to save the best until last – the shops. My absolute favourite is Flying Tiger. We love it.
Hey everyone – want to hear about Our Top 15 Summer Holiday Activity Plans?
It has taken me a lot of time to plan time off work, create a detailed plan for the childcare arrangements each day, and secure our tickets for the visits and places to eat out. It is time to share my research with you all.
This year, we also have a lot of time off work as a family, and I have some time with the little one by myself. I’m trying to make it as enjoyable as possible.
English Heritage Sites
We have an English Heritage membership, and we will be getting full use of it this summer holiday. Want a membership? sign up here. Use code EPIC23 for 25% off annual memberships – hurry offer is for this summer only.
Benefits of the membership:
unlimited playtime at over 400 incredible sites
up to six children under the age of 18 can go free with each adult
members’ kids eat free this summer
free or reduced-price entry to hundreds of special events throughout the year (exclusive members’ events that offer unique behind-the-scenes access and workshops). THE BEST OFFER IN THE YORKSHIRE AREA IS ENTRY INTO FOUNTAINS ABBEY = completely free!!
free parking at most English Heritage car parks – a fantastic money saver
free or half price admission to hundreds more historic places cared for by National Trust, Cadw, Historic Scotland, OPW, Manx National Heritage and Heritage New Zealand
a membership pack with a free English Heritage handbook (worth £10.95) to help you plan your trips
a free exclusive magazine for members, as well as a members’ rewards page on their website, where you’ll find a range of shopping discounts (everything from Laithwaites Wines and Bloom & Wild to Europcar).
I was having a little look on Google and came across this. My little one is very outdoorsy and would love the vibes on the trail. It is definitely something I will be booking for the summer holidays. Given the opening times below, we will be visiting on a weekday throughout summer.
Admission charges
Standard Admission
Adults: £8.50 Concessions: £7.50 Children aged 5 – 17: £7.50 Children aged 2 to 4: £6.50 Children under 2: Free Family ticket for two adults and two children: £30.00
Opening times
Summer: Saturday 19th July – Sunday 31st August 2025
In addition to the school holiday dates, we are also open on the following dates:
Every Saturday and Sunday from Saturday 10th May until Sunday 13th July 2025
Every Saturday and Sunday from Saturday 6th September until Saturday 20th September 2025
Cineworld £1 family films
We have already booked one family cinema trip and it literally cost us £3.00 entry! The showings are early in a morning, around 10am, but are hoping to get up and go then grab some lunch.
So far, we have The Wild Robot booked and we also want to see the Minecraft Movie again, after watching it about 100 times at home.
With the current temperatures in the UK, we definitely want to visit an open-air swimming pool. This one looks amazing and I cannot wait to visit and splash around.
I wanted to share the great deal on at the moment to get free tickets for a day trip to a National Trust site. We applied for this last week, but I can’t see any more currently available.
Location 📌 – East Witton, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 4SY
You can visit this site with the Explorer Pass.
A 17th-century tenanted farmhouse in Coverdale. The hall, sitting room and carved staircase are open to visitors in June, July and August (by arrangement in advance with the tenant). Please phone or email to arrange your visit.
This handsome townhouse dates back to the 14th century and sits within a peaceful green oasis of gardens in the heart of Grantham. Operated by the National Trust, it is free for everyone to enjoy and is also home to a café and a second-hand bookshop. – Tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited Eureka on a school trip, and I was a parent who tagged along to look after the kids on the day. The museum is packed with so much fun, especially for little ones. To literally play and explore, and find out more about science if they want to.
opening times during the school holidays
ticket prices
The BEST thing about Eureka is the 12-month pass when you pay one entry fee. Which is amazing if you live locally, or intend to take the children back there again.
You can check out all the summer activities at Eureka here.
Calypso Cove Waterpark is part of the Metrodome Leisure Complex and boasts a variety of slides and pools, an interactive splash zone, wave machine, diving boards, and even mini slides and mini pool, all under one roof! Visit the waterpark and experience all the thrills and spills we have on offer –
Admission prices
When booking, you need to select a certain day, and it will show how many tickets are available at the specified time.
Craven has a 25-metre, 6-lane swimming pool, alongside a teaching pool which boasts a movable floor. We offer a varied range of activities every day of the week.
Location 📌 – Kilnsey Park, Kilnsey, Skipton BD23 5PS
Kilnsey Park is a beautiful outdoor attraction near Grassington in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Relax and recharge amidst the green space and breathtaking views of Upper Wharfedale, Great Whernside and the towering Crag that inspired painter Turner.
Admission prices
Discovery Trail
Look closer and discover more as you wander round our Discovery Trail. Friendly animals, a fun geocache trail, red squirrels, a honeybee hive and rare wildflowers and some spectacular views of Upper Wharfedale lead you up to the Holy Spring.
Location 📌 – Off Smithies Ln, Liversedge, Heckmondwike WF16 0PN
A unique, family-friendly destination in the heart of West Yorkshire, we’re proud to be home to over 100 animals, from reindeer and lemurs to tortoises and lizards, all lovingly cared for by our dedicated team of experts.
Whether you’re thinking of visiting us for a family day out, a school trip, or to discover more about some of the world’s most amazing animals, we guarantee a memorable experience for everyone.
Opening Times
Description
Times
Gift Shop
10am – 4pm
Coffee Shop
10am – 5pm
Pizza Shed
12pm – 3pm, unless sold out (opening times may vary – closed during winter)
Lakeside Restaurant
12.30pm – 3pm with last food orders at 2.45pm (Sundays only, opening times may vary)
Stockeld Park is the perfect place to play, explore and take in the beauty of our beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re looking for a family day out during half-term or somewhere to escape the rain, Stockeld Park is your dream escape.
Summer offer
There is a range of ticket options , and you can view them all here.
Location 📌 – The Forbidden Corner, Middleham, Leyburn DL8 4TJ
A UNIQUE
LABYRINTH
OF TUNNELS, CHAMBERS, FOLLIES AND SURPRISES!
We have wanted to visit for a while now, and the place comes highly recommended. I also know my little one will love it!
Admission Prices:
• Adults: £18.00 • Senior Citizens (age 60+): £17.00 • Children aged 4 – 15: £16.00 • Children under 4 enter for free. • Family (2 adults + 2 children): £62.50
These tickets are limited and sold strictly on a first come first served basis. If our website is showing no availability or limited spaces then we are full for that time slot.
April 1st – October 31st Weekdays / Saturdays open from 12 pm Sundays / Bank Holidays open from 10 am
November 1st – December 21st Open Saturdays and Sundays only
Kids eat free offers
Every year I see people leaving negative comments on these posts on social media. However, if you are going out for the day, you will likely want or need lunch. And you might just want to give the kids a little treat. In my mind, if you can do this for a discounted price, then everyone is a winner.
Here is a summary of the offers I have checked out and will be using, below:
Asda – Kids can eat for £1 at Asda cafes all year round, according to multiple sources. This offer is available without any requirement to purchase an adult meal or meet a minimum spend
Ask Italian, kids can eat for free this summer when you download the ASK Perks Rewards app. The offer allows for two free kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult meal. This offer is valid from July 18th to August 31st
Beefeater offers a “Kids Eat Free” promotion during school holidays, including the summer holidays. Specifically, two children under 16 can eat breakfast for free with a paying adult. Additionally, Beefeater has a 2-for-1 mains offer on weekends until August 31st.
Bella Itallia – From Monday to Thursday, between 22 July and 28 August 2025, children can have a meal free with the purchase of any adult main.
Brewers Fayre is offering a couple of summer deals in 2025: Kids eat free all summer and a 2 for 1 mains offer on Saturdays
Brewdog – This offer is valid when an adult purchases a meal and is available from July 19th to August 31st.
Want even more offers?
Burger King – Kids can enjoy a King Jr.® Meal for FREE between 28th July – 31st August 2025.Simply order a qualifying Adult Meal* at a participating restaurant via the Burger King App at a participating restaurant to claim a free King Jr. Meal. Offer available at selected sites.
Chiquito is offering a “Kids Eat Free” deal this summer, from July 14th to August 31st, where kids can enjoy a free main, side, drink, and dessert with the purchase of an adult main meal
Dobbies Garden Centresoffers a “kids eat free” deal where one child can eat free with a paying adult during the summer of 2025. This offer applies to the purchase of a main course lunch or traditional/vegetarian breakfast for the adult. The deal is available every day from 12 noon to 3pm, with breakfast available until 11:30am
Harvester has a Kids Eat for £1 offer during school holidays. This offer allows children 12 and under to get a main meal from the kids’ menu for £1 when an adult purchases a main meal.
Hungry Horse pubs will continue their “Kids Eat for £1” deal on Mondays. This offer allows children to choose from selected kids’ meals for just £1, with larger meals available for £1.50. Up to two children can eat for this price with each full-paying adult.
Both Premier Inn and Travelodge offer deals where kids eat free during the summer holidays when dining with a paying adult. Premier Inn allows up to two children under 16 to eat breakfast for free with a full-paying adult. Similarly, Travelodge offers the same deal, where up to two children aged 15 and under can eat for free with a paying adult.
More offers incoming…
Sizzling Pubs offers a “Kids Eat for £1” deal during the summer of 2025, where one child’s main meal costs £1 with the purchase of an adult’s main meal. This offer is available Monday to Friday from 3pm, and during school holidays, it’s available from 12pm
Toby Carvery – Make core memories this summer with a trip to Toby Carvery! From Monday 30th June to Friday 29th August, bring the whole family along for a delicious treat and the kids can eat for just £1. All you need to do is order an adult main or all-you-can-eat breakfast.
Whitbread Inns is offering a “kids eat free” deal during the summer of 2025 where two children under 16 can eat breakfast for free with each purchased adult breakfast.
YO! Sushi is offering a “Kids Eat Free” deal during the school holidays in the summer of 2025, including the summer holidays. The deal allows one child to eat free with each paying adult who spends a minimum of £10
Zizzi is offering a Kids Eat Free deal from Sunday to Friday between 21st July and 5th September 2025 at most of its UK restaurants, allowing children under 12 to enjoy a free Bambini Meal with the purchase of any adult main.
Slug & Lettuce – Kids eat for just £1 with every adult main, every Sunday. It’s just £1 to keep the little foodies happy while you enjoy your faves (and maybe a cheeky cocktail too 🍹).
Cafe Rouge – Clean plates, happy faces! Kids Eat FREE 12-4pm every day of the week!Treat the family to a French-inspired lunch or dinner and a child dines for free with every adult main purchased.
Do you have any more eating out offers to share? Let me know in the comments below
A Heartwarming Story About Friendship, Second Chances and Finding Your Wings!
Trainee angel Phoebe Speedwell is determined to ace her first top-secret mission
Buy the book
Book review
The book features an engaging plot, relatable characters, and a narrative that keeps readers wanting to read more. A fun, hilarious, heartwarming fantasy story – about friendship, second chances, and finding your wings. must-have addition to any bookshelf.
Ideal age for reading the book
The ideal reading age is 9-12 year olds.
Meet the Author: Lisa J. Allen
Lisa J. Allen makes her debut with Undercover Angel: Crash Landing. Lisa lives in Liverpool with her husband, her two children, and a perpetually hungry black cat.
Lisa has always written and has previously worked as a business journalist. More recently, she enjoyed a brief stint as a college librarian. She’s a big fan of baked goods, comedy, and mythical magical mayhem — you can expect to find these things in any of her middle-grade stories or poetry.
Why You’ll Love Undercover Angel: Crash Landing
A Unique Fantasy Twist – Angels and demons collide in a thrilling middle-grade adventure.
Laugh-Out-Loud Moments – Phoebe’s struggles to fit into human life will have readers giggling.
Heartfelt Themes – Friendship, courage, and self-discovery take centre stage.
Yoga has been around for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a simple way to build strength, increase flexibility, and find some calm in a busy world. Yoga isn’t about fancy moves or being super bendy, it’s about feeling good in your body and mind.
If you’re looking to lower your stress, improve focus, or just move a little more gently, yoga is the perfect go-to. If you’re new or getting back to the basics, knowing the right poses makes all the difference. And if you find yourself loving it, OriGym’s accredited yoga teacher training course is a great way to turn that passion into a career.
Here are ten simple yoga poses to help you build confidence, connect with your breathing, and get comfortable on the mat.
1) Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
It might look simple, but the Mountain Pose is the foundation of all standing poses. It teaches posture, balance and groundedness.
➡️ How to do it: Stand tall with your feet together, shoulders relaxed, and arms by your sides. Engage your thighs and lift your chest. Breathe deeply and feel rooted through your feet.
➡️ Benefits of Mountain Pose: Mountain Pose helps with alignment and improves your posture both on and off the mat.
2) Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
This classic pose appears in nearly every yoga class. It’s a great full-body stretch and resting position.
➡️How to do it: From hands and knees, lift your hips towards the ceiling, straighten your legs and form an inverted V-shape. Press your palms into the mat and let your head relax.
➡️Benefits of Downward-Facing Dog: It strengthens your arms and shoulders while stretching your back, hamstrings and calves.
3) Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
The cat-cow pose is often used as a warm-up as the gentle flow between two poses wakes up the spine and introduces breath-to-movement coordination.
➡️ How to do it: On your hands and knees, inhale to arch your back (Cow), lifting your tailbone and head. Exhale to round your spine (Cat), tucking your chin and tailbone.
➡️ Benefits of Cat-Cow Pose: It increases your spinal flexibility and relieves any tension that you may have in your back and neck.
4) Child’s Pose (Balasana)
The child’s pose is a restful pose that’s perfect for beginners as it allows you to relax and reset between more challenging postures.
➡️ How to do it: Kneel on the mat, sit back on your heels and stretch your arms forward as you lower your forehead to the ground.
➡️Benefits of Child’s Pose: It calms your mind, relieves fatigue, and gently stretches your hips and thighs.
5) Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I)
Warrior poses help build strength and stamina. Warrior I also challenges your balance and focus.
➡️ How to do it: Step one foot back and bend the front knee, keeping your back foot turned slightly outwards. Raise your arms overhead and gaze forward.
➡️ Benefits of Warrior I: Warrior I strengthens your legs, opens your hips and chest, and builds confidence.
6) Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
Warrior II is a powerful pose that encourages inner strength and determination.
➡️ How to do it: From Warrior I, open your hips and arms to face sideways, keeping the front knee bent and back leg straight. Gaze over your front hand.
➡️ Benefits of Warrior II: Warrior II strengthens your legs, tones your core, and improves focus.
7) Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
Balancing poses like the tree pose encourage concentration and a calm, steady mind.
➡️ How to do it: Stand on one leg and place the sole of the other foot against the inner thigh or calf (avoid the knee). Bring your hands together at your heart or raise them overhead.
➡️ Benefits of Tree Pose: It improves balance and stability while strengthening your legs and ankles.
The seated forward bend pose allows for a gentle stretch of the back and hamstrings while encouraging introspection.
➡️ How to do it: Sit with your legs extended and reach forward, hinging from the hips. Keep your spine long and avoid rounding the back.
➡️ Benefits of Seated Forward Bend: It soothes your nervous system and helps relieve stress.
9) Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)
The bridge pose is a beginner-friendly backbend that opens the chest and strengthens the back and body.
➡️ How to do it: Lie on your back, bend your knees and place your feet hip-width apart. Press into your feet and lift your hips while keeping your arms by your sides.
➡️ Benefits of Bridge Pose: Bridge Pose energises your body, improves posture and strengthens the glutes and lower back.
10) Corpse Pose (Savasana)
It may be the easiest pose physically, but the corpse pose is one of the most important for your mind.
➡️ How to do it: Lie flat on your back, arms and legs relaxed. Close your eyes and focus on your breath.
➡️ Benefits of Corpse Pose: Savasana allows your body to rest and the mind to absorb the benefits of your practice.
Enjoy The Benefits Of Yoga
Yoga poses might seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of them, they become second nature. These foundational moves help build strength, improve flexibility, and deepen your connection with your body and breath. The more you practise, the more confident and comfortable you’ll feel (both on and off the mat).
Remember, every expert was once a beginner. So take your time, enjoy the process, and soon these poses will feel easy and natural. Roll out your mat, breathe deeply, and have fun with your yoga journey.
As parents, we always want to ensure that our children grow up to be the best that they can be. Yet, that doesn’t always feel like the easiest task. We can be sick with worry and feel like we’re always striving to do the best by them. However, you can also look to strip it back and keep things as cool and relaxed as possible. Ultimately, you want them to grow up happy, healthy, and ready to take on the world. This can certainly be done when you’re able to focus on nurturing their development from the very beginning. Remember, it doesn’t always have to feel like this big, huge task. So, if you know that you’d like to be able to help your children get off to a good start, here are five ways you can look to do it.
1. Take it One Day at a Time
First of all, it’s key that you understand this is a buildable thing. It’s not just something that you do once that goes on to change everything. Instead, it’s all about being consistent with the work that you’re putting in and seeing how it all pays off over time.
2. Work With Specialists
When it comes to making sure that you’re on the right track with what you’re doing, bringing in experts can really make a difference. When you’re working with neurodiversity, making sure that you have somewhere like The ADHD and Autism Clinic to hand can make a huge difference. That way, you know that you’re getting the support that you need. But alongside that, you can also work with the right schools and preschool centres that foster the same education and development beliefs as you do.
3. Support and Encourage Their Learning
You will also want to make sure that you’re supporting their learning and development in an educational sense too. This is very much something that you can begin as early as you like. But it also goes beyond reading, writing, and numerical skills. It’s all about supporting their education inside and outside the classroom, as well as with everything from music, to language, to arts, to sports.
4. Foster Their Creativity
From here, you may also want to think about the ways you can look to foster and nurture their creativity. As much as growth, development, and education are key, creativity is also important. It helps to advance their cognitive development and aids in problem-solving too. Plus, it can help to nurture calm and relaxation in them too.
5. Let Them Shine Through
Finally, you also need to make sure that you’re allowing their true selves and true personalities to shine through. Ultimately, as much as you want them to become the best they can be, it needs to be based on who they are as people. It can’t always reflect the version of them that you wish for them to be! So here, as long as you’re supporting them in tapping into their likes, interests, passions, and tastes, you know that you’ll be on the right track.
Get ready for a thrilling new middle-grade adventure with Corey Crumbly and the Lost Amulet. The debut middle-grade novel by American actor and author Donn Swaby will be published on May 29th 2025. Perfect for young readers who love heroic tales and fast-paced mysteries with a touch of the paranormal.
A Story of Adventure, Mystery, and Heritage
All Corey Crumbly wants is to win a classic arcade game tournament in honour of his late father. However, a family reunion in Jamaica leads him to an incredible discovery beneath the island’s coral reef. It’s here that Corey’s life takes an unexpected turn when he finds an ancient amulet that grants him great power. Could this be something that might be useful against the school bullies back home in New York? However, the amulet holds a dark secret. Haunted by a mysterious force, Corey must uncover the truth before the artefact’s power takes control of his life.
Meet the Author: Donn Swaby
Donn Swaby is no stranger to storytelling. A native of Queens, New York, he is an educator, author, and TV and film actor. As a first-generation American with Jamaican roots, Donn’s passion for adventure and mythology shines through in his writing. His love for novels like The Lord of the Rings and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as well as movies like Indiana Jones and Star Wars, inspired his lifelong fascination with science fiction, fantasy, and ancient civilizations. Now, he brings that same excitement to young readers with his debut middle-grade novel.
A Thrilling Read for Young Adventurers
Corey Crumbly and the Lost Amulet offers a thrilling mix of mystery, humour, and heart. It would make a fantastic addition to any young reader’s bookshelf. It’s got a relatable young lead, an intriguing supernatural element, and a fast-moving plot. It’s the kind of story that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Plus, it explores themes of resilience, friendship, and heritage, making it as meaningful as it is entertaining.
Buy the book
If you are new around here, below is a list of my previous book reviews:
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