Why should kids have all the fun? Suzanne Baum explores the world of child?s play through the eyes of a 42-year-old adult!

Dressing up, wall climbing and soft play are all part of a kid?s life but now grown-ups can get a piece of the action too!

With trampoline parks opening up all over the UK offering adult-only sessions, it seems that other places are following suit-with soft play, climbing walls and other activities favoured by little ones trying to conquer the adult market!

To experience first-hand what was out there, I happily left my kids at home and ventured into their world to see what all the fuss was about. I mean, how much fun can it actually be to throw yourself head-first into a ball pond, balance on a high beam and dress up as an air hostess?..quite a lot it seems!

Having spent years taking my kids to soft play centres (and counted the minutes until we could leave them), it has baffled me why they have so much appeal. Age and a bit of OCD has obviously gotten the better of me as I?ve sat there wondering if there is a child?s poo at the bottom of a ball pit and imagining lice from a child?s head crawling inside one of the police hats my son is racing round in. These concerns-for obvious reasons-have never entered the minds of my children who would beam in excitement at the mere thought of going to a soft play activity. I get it-bouncing on a trampoline is fun- but not when forced to do it at the pace of a toddler whilst singing ring-a-ring-of roses for the millionth time!

So I was quite surprised to find myself jumping for joy at one of the new trampoline centres to open in the UK.

At the Oxygen Freejumping park that I visited in Acton  there is a vast 3000sq foot building made up of over 150 interconnecting trampolines- along with a dodge ball court, an obstacle course, balance beams, swing ropes and a soft play area. The last Friday of the month is all about the Oxygen Project where adults can take over without the fear of squashing a small child or being shown up by a pre-schooler doing flips! What?s more, the loud music gives it a real party vibe. I may not be the most graceful of people but it proved to be so much fun?and I even managed to convince myself I was losing weight exercising despite stuffing myself with pizza!

From one high to ?er, another. Climbing walls and kids go hand in hand but with a fear of heights, nothing was going to get me scaling the walls of Clip ?n? Climb in Chelsea. I get the fact that it can be a thrilling experience but even harnessed up by a hunky climbing instructor at my feet I failed to get even half way up. This funky family climbing establishment in SW6 offers adult-only sessions where you get the chance to test your resolve and determination across 22 climbing wall challenges ? climb commando style on the Jungle Gym, reach new heights on the Skyscraper, take the Speed Climbing challenge and light up the board on the Checkerplate. There is even a Vertical Drop Slide to get the adrenalin pumping! A high flier or not, this is great adult fun-with a viewing gallery for wusses like me!

Adult role play has definitely taken on new meaning and added an element of excitement into my 17- year-marriage, thanks to the children?s Kidzania attraction that is now holding adult evenings. Having always fancied bagging myself a pilot, I quite enjoyed hanging off the arm of my lawyer husband as he attempted to fly an aeroplane ? quite a mean feat when slightly drunk! For this amazing children?s concept in the heart of Westfied shopping centre -that offers kids the chance to try out different adult careers in a role playing environment-has opened its doors to grown-ups. A glass of bubbly on arrival helps dust away any inhibitions but I really did need my wits about me as I was taken through the health and safety instructions prior to making chocolate in the Dairy Milk factory and found myself crying with laughter! As well as working as cabin crew, I got a chance to practice my presenting skills in the Capital radio booth-and on slurring my words thought better of it!

Revisiting my youth was so much fun ? I kid you not- and if you are feeling nostalgic having read this, there?s so much more child?s play on offer-including a nightclub complete with bouncy castle, space hoppers and glitter artists. The Regressions Session organisers behind this clever concept offer a programme of club nights in London and around the country. As a mother of teenage kids and a six- year old am I too cool for school? No way??the club may have kicked off at 10pm when I?m usually on my way to bed but the excitement of bouncing on a space hopper made me act like a kid and gave me the perfect legal high!

For more details of adult-themed nights visit:

http://oxygenfreejumping.co.uk/

http://www.clipnclimbchelsea.co.uk/

http://london.kidzania.com/en-uk/

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The idea for this came after midnight on a very cold November evening. In my current home, I sleep on a sofa bed in a bay beneath a set of single-glazed louvre windows ? you know, the kind with the slats that overlap but don?t quite meet. Which means when the temperature drops, my goodness I know about it. I?m not complaining, though, as I love my small, beautiful, idiosyncratic home; it just means that one of the last things I do of an evening is curl into bed with the hottest drink imaginable and burrow under my duvet. And so, with no milk in the house of any kind, but half a block of coconut cream in the cupboard, this was born. I made a big batch, seeing the weather was only going to get colder, it?s good to be prepared for this sort of thing.

Makes around 8-10 portions: at 9p each
100g dark chocolate
, 35p (Sainsburys Basics)

100g coconut cream
, 45p (Sainsburys, 200g/90p)

First take the smallest saucepan you have, and fill with barely two inches of water. Pop a mixing bowl over the top, and bring it to the boil.

Break up your chocolate and add to the bowl, and reduce the heat to medium. Stir as the chocolate melts. If it starts to split (usually because water has touched the bottom of the bowl and scorched your poor choccy), simply add a splash of water and mix vigorously to bring it back together.

When the chocolate has all melted, add your coconut cream, and around 150ml water. 100g of coconut cream is around half a standard carton, but if you like your chcolate sweet and creamy, add the lot. Give it a good stir to combine.

And then, portion into an ice cube tray for anytime-ready hot chocolate. To use, simply pop one out and melt on a low-medium heat for a minute in the microwave. Add a splash of boiling water and stir well to loosen to a thick paste, repeat, and then top your mug up. For big mugs you may want to use two cubes, and if you really fancy a treat, top up with warm milk of your choice, but then it?s a 3-ingredient hot chocolate. But I?ll forgive you. 
I?m on Twitter and Instagram @MxJackMonroe, and there?s a couple of cookbooks kicking around too (those that can afford to buy a book, means I have a little income, which means I can keep this blog free for those that can?t afford to buy a book ? and that?s kind of what I?m about?) http://www.hive.co.uk/book/a-girl-called-jack-100-delicious-budget-recipes/18105011/ 

We all have problems shopping for a certain someone at some point, it?s not necessarily they have oodles of money kicking about, they just seem to already have every possible gift idea you can fathom up. So today we, as always, take the hard work out of it for you, by giving you the ULTIMATE in inspiration for presents for the Man who has EVERYTHING. Ohhhh and don?t forget the corker of a short film today.

A timeless favourite for all the family, this Scrabble Set from Aspinal of London has been luxuriously handmade with the finest leather and features sumptuous backed letters, bound letter racks and a clever storage tray. Perfect for keeping brains active and expanding one?s vocabulary this Yuletide and you can bet that this board game will last for generation after generation.

Enjoy a spot of  Johnnie Walker?s whisky wherever you are with this refined tasting kit from Tumi. Designed for global travellers who covet custom-made quality and meticulous attention to detail, the limited-edition case has been handmade in Italy from premium saffiano leather and opens to reveal two glasses, leather coasters, stainless steel tongs and an ice bucket. Ideal for whisky enthusiasts, the kit also includes a 750ml bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

TOM FORD puts a luxury spin on the classic plimsoll sneaker with his version in polished leather. Designed with a streamlined silhouette, with the subtlest of embossed logo and chunky contrast sole, it will lend designer finesse to off-duty looks.

Live like Bong with the Globe Trotter ?Spectre? briefcase, inspired by the 24th James Bond film, faultlessly crafted from navy vulcanised fibreboard and trimmed in black leather. In a nod to the series? iconic opening sequence, the interior is lined in gun-barrel patterned grey cotton-canvas. It also comes with a detachable leather divider for easy organisation.

Apples are not the only fruit or Smartwatch, the Huawei watch is the ultimate in smart watch technology, it?s powered by Android technology and compatible with both Android and iOS devices. . You can also swap the straps around as well, so you can have the silver watch with either the leather, link or mesh straps.

What possible tree could be complete without an Hermès Christmas bauble in fibreglass and hand-painted palladium leaf, buffalo horn ring and silk tie, who needs a fairy or star, when you have this.

Whatever the weather, you?ll be dry as a bone with this umbrella by Alexander McQueen which boasts the brand?s signature skull logo in the form of mini gold-tone charms along the rim of the canopy. Stay dry and stylish or double it up as a designer walking stick when the rains clears away.

Who?s life, not just the man who has everything, could be complete without this beautiful decorative compass a perfect statement piece for any home. A perfect gift for a loved one who is passionate about travelling.

The collection comprises three of the greatest vintages ever produced at Château Haut-Brion, with one bottle from each of the renowned years 1961, 1982 and 1989. All six pieces are accompanied by a signed letter from Prince Robert of Luxembourg himself!  These prized bottles are presented in a bespoke, walnut-wood luxury case that has been hand produced in a Swiss workshop.

The weather outside might well be frightful but inside this shawl-collar cardigan by Brunello Cucinelli its it well and truly delightful. It?s unique blend of rakish style and comfort has won it a legion of fans that includes Messrs Daniel Craig, Steve McQueen and Paul Newman. This thickly knitted version has been crafted in Italy from sumptuous cashmere.

Whether it?s Bangkok to Venice, whether you prefer digital or traditional Louis Vuitton have a comprehensive guide to any city worth it?s salt or status. Catering for any need you may have no matter business or pleasure your travels may call upon you.

Perfect for walking off all that Turkey, Stuffing, Roast Potatoes, Tifle, mmmmmm, these great Balmoral Sovereign with new commando sole by Hunter are great for rough terrains.

Hey there?s no way you?d find the man who has everything playing with any common or garden board game. Stick your snakes and ladders back where the sun don?t shine, yeah the bottom draw of the cupboard in the living room. Whereas as this is your Rolls Royce of Board games Backgammon Dunhill style.

Crafted by hand and woven in intricate 100% wool needlepoint, the ?London Skyline? wallhanging uses urban greys and browns, mixed with vibrant red, bring to life London?s eclectic mix of traditional and modern architecture and available from none other than Paul Smith.

Be the envy of all your Sporty pals down the gym when this appears, most men have a water bottle with them during their workout few can say their water bottle is Gucci though.

This luxury calf leather desk set from Graf von Faber-Castell features a letter opener, notelet box, pen tray, pen holder, 6 guilloche pencils and a desk pad. An exquisite gift that?s sure to get the pulse racing of an OCD CEO.

Bastion of British luxury Leather goods Mulberry have teamed up with the Legends of British Cycling Pashley to produced this feat of Beauitful British Engineering. You Chic aswell as Green on the busy streets this Yuletide.

This thing of beauty from Hasselblad ? the ?Stellar II?, features Wi-Fi and NFC technology allowing images to be sent wirelessly from your camera. The hi-resolution screen can be tilted and the special coating reduces glare for a precise, not to mention enjoyable, shooting experience. Complete with a dense walnut wood grip, this compact piece is a sterling choice for any aficionado.

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One afternoon in the all-hours flail-and-flurry that was this-glorious-top-secret-for-now-project, I emerged from my writing corner (apologies to Virginia Woolf for not managing an entire ?room of my own in which to write? but, recession, gentrification and a dislike of cleaning mean I basically live in a nook. Anyway, when there is a small child around all rooms are rightfully theirs and filled with plastic horror and there is no fighting it). I digress. I emerged from my corner (hungry) and hulked to my fridge (empty). Rummaged in the cupboard. So many of my favourite recipes begin this way. To cut a slightly rubbish story short, five minutes later I was photographing this for my blog before swiftly devouring it. Enjoy. And always keep a can of chickpeas in your cupboard and a bag of something green and leafy in your freezer.
 

Serves 2 at 60p each, as ever prices are based on my most recent Sainsburys shop because it?s near me, but similar products are available at most supermarkets. I use Sun Pat peanut butter as it?s the cheapest one I have found that is free from palm oil, I don?t generally buy into heebie jeebie food scares but I feel deeply uneasy about palm oil. There are cheaper peanut butters available for those on tighter budgets, Sainsburys Basics do a jar for around 62p.

For the dressing:
2 tbsp peanut butter (or other nut or seed butter), 18p (£1.89/340g)
60ml oil, 6p (£3/3l)
a pinch of salt and a good grind of pepper, <1p (Basics: 25p/750g)
scant ¼ tsp any kind of mustard, <1p (Basics 30p/jar)
1 tbsp bottled lemon juice or zest and juice of half a small one, 3p (50p/250ml)
a pinch of chilli flakes or cayenne pepper, <1p (£1/32g)

And the rest:

Half an onion of any colour, we are not onion-fascists round here, 6p (Basics 1.5kg/90p)
6 fat cloves of garlic, 10p (Basics 2 bulbs/35p)
1 x 400g can of chickpeas or other legume, 39p (KTC)
100g frozen spinach, 13p (£2.50/2x1kg)
a large tomato or two, 22p (Basics 65p/450g)

Grab a jar with a good lid. Put the dressing ingredients in it and screw on said lid. Shake it all about like you?re Tom Cruise, either in Cocktail or leaping up and down on the Oprah sofa, your shout. Remove lid. Dip a finger in. Yummy isn?t it? If you disagree, add some more of something to balance it to your liking. Set to one side.

Pop the frozen spinach in a small bowl. Top and tail the garlic (chop the gnarly end off the bottom of the clove and the pointy bit off the top) and stab all the way through with the tip of your knife. Put in another small bowl. Pop both in the microwave for 3 x 20 second bursts. Your garlic should resemble roasted garlic, one of my favourite lazy cooking tricks, and the spinach mostly defrosted. Fling the spinach back in for a minute, and pop the garlic out of it?s skins.

Finely dice the onion, roughly chop the tomato and fling into a bowl. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and add ?em. Stir in the spinach and garlic. Throw the dressing over the lot. Give it a good mix, season to taste, and enjoy. I like mine coolish, but it?s lovely hot as well. And even better the next day when it has been lolling around in the fridge, so make double and eat it for a couple of days ? it?s a great quick lunch and as the title suggests, I seriously cannot get enough of it.

If you like this, I?m also on Twitter and Instagram @MxJackMonroe, and there?s a couple of cookbooks out too ? available to buy from Hive, supporting local independent bookshops: http://www.hive.co.uk/book/a-girl-called-jack-100-delicious-budget-recipes/18105011/

Well, I don?t know about you, but Star Wars Mania has hit our house! My kids are only 6 and 8yrs old but already they are Star Wars mad. Star Wars is everywhere and almost inescapable.. so I say: EMBRACE STAR WARS, do not try and hide! If you can?t beat them, join them. Anyway, I digress once again. Today, my lovely friend the SUGARCODER has another FABULOUS DIY How To Treat to share with you and today they are these fantastic edible lightsabers. What I like about them, is that you can use breadsticks for the centre ? avoiding making these too ?sweet? a treat, if that makes sense. So if you are going to see the Star Wars movie and want to take along some Star Wars treats or if you are having a Star Wars party, you HAVE to make some of these edible lightsaber treats for sure!

So.. over to the Sugarcoder and her fabulous Lightsaber Tutorial (be sure to follow her fantastic channel, for lots of fantastic baking ideas):

Tags: recipes, movies, treats, vlogs, videos, Star Wars, how tos, lightsabers

Category: How To’s, Recipes, vlogs

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Hello and welcome to the brand new Family Days Out round-up.

My name is Kara and I blog over at Chelseamamma. I love to find new places to take my family and our motto is ?Collect Moments, Not Things? as I am a big believer that kids remember the adventures they have with family and friends and not the things they receive.

As we launch in December the only possible theme we could pick is Festive Days out and here you will find a pick of some for the best from all around the country.

We have already done a few festive days out but by far my favourite ever has to be LaplandUK and it seems a few of my fellow bloggers felt the same way. Dear Mummy Blog tells the story of her day there through the eyes of her two year old and Elizabeth from Tired Mummy of Two said that it was the best day ever and LaplandUK was much better than the real Lapland ? high praise indeed.

Possibly the highlight of Christmas for many families is taking their child to see Father Christmas in one of his grotto?s around the country and I always find it a struggle knowing which ones are good and which to avoid. Messed Up Mum took her little one to St Georges Hall, Liverpool and apparently came face to face with the real Santa whilst Charliemoos took her family to see him arrive by horse and sleigh at Broom Hill in Dorset.

The National Trust do some amazing Christmas events and our local one once told me they take two weeks just to put all the decorations up. Bubba Blue and Me headed off to see the glorious displays at Waddlestone Manor, Pod Cast Dove headed off to the Devil?s Punchbowl to get some much-needed fresh air, Mini Travellers enjoyed a Victorian Christmas at Speke Hall and You Baby Me Mummy did the Mottisfont Christmas Carol Trail.

Carrying on the outdoor theme, We are going on an Adventure blog headed to Stockeld Park for some winter fun, Stopping at Two headed to Clearwell Caves in the Forest of Dean, Tin Box Traveller explored the ruins at Titchfield Abbey and Travel Loving Family enjoyed the festivities at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.

I always find theme parks go all out at Christmas and this year is no exception. Olivers Mad House visited Drayton Manor and got to see Thomas Land in all its festive glory whilst we headed to Christmas Wonderland at Peppa Pig World for the third year running.

Breakfast with Santa at Wyevale Garden Centres are very popular and Mrs Shilts tells of her morning at Shenstone, Emmy?s Mummy went to their Enfield branch, You Baby Me Mummy headed to Andover, Mummy of 2 + 1 to Louth and My Monkey?s Don?t Sit Still went to Ongar to have the most important meal of the day with the big man himself.

One of my favourite family days out is the Warner Bros Studios and the Harry Potter tour and Global Mouse visited during their Hogwarts in the Snow event which looked magical. Following on the film theme Mini Travellers hopped on the Polar Express at Weardale for some bell jingling, hot chocolate drinking, singing fun.

If you fancy something a little more educational Helpful Mum took the kids to see Father Christmas at Eureka Hall in Halifax which is an Interactive museum where the kids can get stuck into experiments themselves and JuggleMum got to learn all about where chocolate comes from as well as sampling the delicious treats at Cadbury World.

If you have been on any fabulous Christmas Family Days please add them to the linky below.

Next months round-up will be ?Winter Fun?, please tweet me your links to @chelseamamma, but in the meantime I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

See you in 2016!!

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Aided by an interpreter Trevor Hogg had an opportunity to chat with He Ping about the challenges of making a contemporary film about life in China called The Promised Land?

A new cinematic offering from He Ping is not regular occurrence as the Chinese filmmaker has produced six movies over a period of 28 years.   The native of Beijing began his career making documentaries and directing plays before helming epics such as The Swordsman in Double Flag Town and Warriors of Heaven and Earth.  ?With documentaries things just happen so you have to go with it.  My historical films are very theatrical.  These two different experiences have absolutely helped me.?  The Promised Land which was lauded with an Honorary Award as part of inaugural Platform competition at the 40th Toronto International Film Festival marks the first time Ping has dealt with a contemporary setting.   ?I?ve wanted to do a contemporary film for a long time but hadn?t found anything of interest or value until the past couple of years when I realized how many young people are leaving the small towns for the city and what this meant for the future of the country because this isn?t going to stop any time soon.?

The Promised Land revolves around a ballet dancer returning to her rural home upon the death of her fiancé whom she met while living in Beijing.  Principal photography was conducted over a period of 56 days and took place in Beijing as well as in a small town located in Southwest China.  ?I did not storyboard the opening shot,? reveals He Ping.  ?We had 50 hours of footage to get through and it came out of the process of editing.?  There was also no script for the cast which features Wang Jiajia, Zhang Yi, and Wang Zhiwen.  ?I gave them direction and the ideas of what they were talking about and said how much time we had.?  We practised.  Through rehearsals we would come up with what they were saying and would listen back to figure out what needed to be changed.  Then we would go to shoot the actual scene.?

?The idea for the long tracking shot with the dinner was to get everybody in it and also to represent the passage of time because they hadn?t seen each other for such a long time,? explains He Ping.  ?Everybody had to get their dishes and then sit down all within a period of 10 seconds.  That was a big task.?  Even more complicated to orchestrate was a six minute tracking shot when Wang Jiajia and Zhang Yi get off a bus and walk through five different city streets.  ?I had a total of 40 minutes to do that shot five times.  Best of all, it had to be at dusk because I needed the light off of the businesses they were walking by as I wasn?t going to light the five streets. It started to rain and we couldn?t seal off those streets.  Everybody Wang Jiajia and Zhang Yi walk past were not supposed to look at the camera.  The biggest problem was that all of the shopkeepers wanted to come out and check what was going on.  We had to station a person at every shop with money ready so that the second the camera came near they started to buy something from the shopkeeper.    If anything happened with the actors we would have to do it from the beginning again.  We did four great takes, the plan was for five.  The Wang Jiajia and Zhang Yi were amazing.?

A courtship scene takes place with Wang Jiajia and Zhang Yi knocking on opposites sides of a wall.  ?First we filmed the male half, then the female half and then filmed them at the same time,? reveals He Ping.  ?When Zhang Yi was performing there was nothing to reacting to so he improvised the knocking part.  Once I had his part I had Wang Jiajia listen to the recording and react back to what the Zhang Yi had improvised in the first place.?  Another cinematic moment involves a wide shot of Wang Jiajia playing a piano and Zhang Yi dancing on a bed with a sheet draped over him.  ?It was an improvised operation with the camera on top.  We didn?t plan too much of it.  I told them they were going to be having a great time together.  When it came to the music Zhang Yi did not see the notes until she arrived on the set.  What I wanted was a natural and unplanned experience for that scene which we got.?

Warm and cool colours are contrasted against each other.   ?I wanted to contrast Beijing with the small town such as pollution versus clean environment,? remarks He Ping.  In Beijing, the idea was these kids who come from the small towns see their lives moving forward as if they are on a stage.?  No score was composed for the drama with 23 minutes of music coming from the piano tunes played during the ballet practises.  ?There are a lot of difficulties filming in China because I would like to shoot in a particular building and a local authority would say no.  There?s a lot of that.  We weren?t allowed to film the part of the canal we wanted so had to come up with somewhere else.?  When asked whether he would adopt the Akira Kurosawa approach of altering between epic and small movies, Ping states, ?Not necessarily in that way but I like the idea.?  The story dictates the cinematic approach.    ?I also like the idea of doing small films.  Things are simpler and there?s more control.  But the important thing is to find the subject to be able to tell a good story in that way.?

Many thanks to He Ping for taking the time to be interviewed.

Trevor Hogg is a freelance video editor and writer who currently resides in Canada; he can be found at LinkedIn.

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