Category: Carshalton

Allergies, Allergy Free, Blogging, Carshalton, Children, Dairy Free, Diet, Families, Family Life, Flowers, Food, Large Families, Memories, Outdoor Play, Parents, Summer, Surrey

Celebrating The Small Things:Week Thirty

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This week on ‘celebrating the small things’ this week as me thinking back on lavender field photoshoots, special allergy treats and Pimms in the sun.

Lavender Field Photoshoot – For someone who at the begining of the year always shied away from the camera terribly, I feel that although I’m certainly not confident in front of the camera but have started to fear it a lot less!

I had been chatting to the lovely Rachel Thornhill for a while now and whence asked me if I would like a photoshoot in the beautiful Mayfield Lavender fields I jumped at the chance.

Not only did I get some fabulous images of the day but I got to meet the lady inside my phone and was pleasantly surprised that she was as lovely as I had invisidged.

Treats For My Allergy Boy – Life with Frankie’s allergies can be a real mental challenge sometimes as the ability to give him what he wants is completely taken out of my hands and the ‘mum guilt’ is immense!

Recently we were out to eat pretty late and the selection of food was pretty limited. The others were all grabbing tasty treat whilst Frankie looked on. After nearly exhausting every option we stumbled across a place that served fries covered in vegan cheese. His face lit up and my heart my full over something so simple.

It’s Pimms O’Clock – This is probably one of the silliest small things I’ve written about but I can honestly say that being out in the sunshine, watching the kids play and having a Pimms in my hand is certainly one of my guilty pleasures…it also helps when the playful children start to argue!

Birthdays, Cakes, Carshalton, Children, Families, Family Life, Gifts, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Memories, Messy play, Parents, Presents, Reviews, Surrey, Toddlers

Cake Smash Time With Layrish Photography

by thejoyoffive2 Comments on Cake Smash Time With Layrish Photography

I actually can’t believe its been a year since we welcomed Isla into the world and I became a Grandmother. I have to say that this time has passed even quicker than it did with my own children and because of that capturing and celebrating milestones is something of great importance to me.

When I was asked by Layrish Photography if we would like to take Isla along to a cake smash photoshoot to celebrate her first birthday both Alice and myself were extremely happy to go along.

Layrish Photography offer a whole range of photography sessions from weddings to birthday parties, cake smashes to family photoshoots and so much more. They take place at locations of your choice or for from the comfort of your own home.

Cake smashes are a relatively new concept to me and certainly something I was very happy to experience with Isla as a first for us both.

We were all made to feel at ease as soon as the session began and Isla was eased into the whole process by playing with some toys and chatting before the photography started.

With pretty balloons, bunting and bubbles to distract her attention the first few photos in her pretty dress were taken effortlessly before she became a little restless.
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What better distraction could there be though than a quick change of clothes and the most beautiful cake being placed in front of you!

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A little hesitant a first she poked and prodded around for a while and then dived in…face first!

Isla (27)

I wasn’t long before she got a real taste and was well away digging in with her hands and trusty wooden spoon.

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Once she was sufficiently covered head to toe in cake it was time to wrap up the session and of course sample some of the cake ourselves…I mean it would be rude not to!

If you like the look of this session then I couldn’t recommend it enough for an experience that will stick in our mind for years to come and amazing image to look back over time and time again.

In fact the whole package is finished off beautifully as Layrish Photography send over a stunning case that comes with a handful of images all ready and printed out for you that are tied together with a pretty bow and covered with confetti along with the memory stick continuing all your photos that you can do exactly what you want with.

This was also accompanied with a slideshow that includes live footage of the cake smash that actually bought a tear to my eye when we received it, it was certainly a really lovely and unexpected addition.

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It will certainly be a day to remember for us and I couldn’t recommend it more.

*we were given this session in exchange for this review and they are all my own, honest opinions.

Allergies, Carshalton, Children, Families, Family Life, Food, Restaurants, Reviews, Reviews

Lunch With A View At The Greyhound Hotel

by thejoyoffive8 Comments on Lunch With A View At The Greyhound Hotel

For year and years I have driven past the Greyhound Hotel in Carshalton and never taken the time to stop by to see what they  had to offer.
When I was asked to come along and check out the newly renovated restaurant I was more than happy to take a visit and see what I had been missing for all these years.With the youngest two and my Dad in tow we went along to sample some dishes from their new menu.

I have to admit when we first entered the plush dining area with my two fidgety boys my heart sank a little and was really worried it was going to be a fraught experience but I couldn’t have been more wrong.I was welcomed warmly by the lovely owner who was genuinely more than happy to have little ones share the experience of dinning in his beautiful restaurant.


They soon settled in their seats and were more than happy to spot the ducks from the window that offered fabulous view of Carshalton Ponds.

The menu offered a good range of hearty ‘pub grub’ with a difference. There is a twist on the usual favourites with a few different dishes in there to which makes the menu that little bit special.

I chose the roasted garlic kiev with truffled mash, treacle bacon and summer greens whist my Dad opted for the signature Greyhound cheeseburger with ale onions, shredded lettuce, pickles and fries.

My chicken was beautifully moist and was complimented perfectly with the smooth truffle mash.

My Dad thoroughly enjoyed his juicy burger with lashing of flavour that had been added with the use of different pickles and sauces.

The boys chose sausage and chips and fish and chips from the children’s menu.

Their plates were completely cleared which is a rarity and number four was super impressed with his ‘snail’ shaped sausage!

Pudding was going to be struggle but it would have been rude not to try!

I opted for the sticky toffee pudding with ice cream which was everything you could want from a warm, indulgent pudding.

Number four always struggles with pudding as he has so many allergies, but the waitress was more than accommodating and he was very happy with his huge bowl of meringue and strawberries.

Our first visit was one to remember and the beautiful food and faultless service will certainly be bringing us back again in the near future.

*we were gifted this meal for the purpose of the review and they are all my own, honest opinions.

Cafes, Cakes, Carshalton, Children, Chocolate, Families, Family Life, Food, Gifts, Reviews, Reviews

An Unplanned Trip To Dotty’s Teahouse

by thejoyoffive2 Comments on An Unplanned Trip To Dotty’s Teahouse

Today after the school drop offs number five and I made our way to meet friends for a morning of soft play.

Due to arriving on the wrong day we had four upset little ones to pacify after we had let them down!

I had spoken to my friend about the recently opened Dotty’s Teahouse in Carshalton and we decided to pop in and bribe the children with cake!

We apprehensively found a table beautifully set up with cute mismatched china and wondered how this was going to pan out with so many inquisitive little fingers with us.

A lovely lady in a spectacular 50’s style uniform, complete with headscarf came over to inform us there was in fact a great children’s area at the back of the shop that they all immediately took to so we could get on with the important task of choosing from the delicious homemade cakes they have to offer.

You can’t have a slice of cake without a good cup of tea and with their extensive range of loose leaf teas to chose from there really is something for everyone.

With a slice of moist, lime sponge for me and a scrumptious chocolate tiffin for number five we spent well over an hour filling our tummies in the beaufiful surroundings.

There is not only food and drink on offer in this tea house.  There is also a great selection of gifts and cards to chose from that would make really special gifts.
I am so pleased that our original plans were scuppered and we got the chance to experience everything this teahouse has to offer.

It makes a welcome change to be able to visit a tearoom as quaint and beautifully decorated as this and feel completely at ease with having little ones with you.  There is plenty of space to manuve buggies and plenty to keep them occupied.

I would highly recommend popping along to see for yourself everything they have to offer and I know they we will be in very soon to sample some more delicious cake!

Carshalton, Children, Christmas, Families, Family Life, Kids Days Out, Reviews, Reviews

The Little Match Girl Review

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A Christmassy twist on the classic children’s tale The Little Match Girl has taken to the stage of the Charles Cryer theatre in Carshalton for the festive period.

When we were asked to come along and review this show I was a little sceptical as to how they were going to turn this dark tale into something suitable for a younger audience.

Upon entering the cosy and relaxed environment of the theatre with my screaming toddler I was immediately put at ease by one of the wonderful actresses spotting us and catching the attention of number five who immediately stopped crying with a sneak preview of the match girl  herself.


The story of the little match girl who finds herself out in the cold all alone on Christmas Eve was shown to us through the use of puppetry, dance, singing and some super cute props.

The children loved being able to join in with the songs and answering the panto type questions that were thrown to the audience.

There was a super relaxed feel to the whole performance with the option to come in and out as and when you needed to.  There was even a table with some colouring set up for little ones that needed a break.  From what I could see this wasn’t needed for any of the little ones in this audience as they all seemed to enjoy every minute of the wonderful performance by the actresses of Moon On A Stick.

I would highly recommend getting yourselves along to the Charles Cryer theatre to experience this beautiful adaptation of this heart wrenching story.


We were gifted the tickets to. This performance for the purpose of this review and they are all my own honest opinions.

Art Galleries, Cafes, Cakes, Carshalton, Children, Crafts, Education, Families, Family Life, Food, Holidays, Honeywood Museum, Imagination Play, Kids Days Out, Large Families, Memories, Parents, Surrey

Rainy Summer Holiday Trips In Surrey

by thejoyoffive18 Comments on Rainy Summer Holiday Trips In Surrey

I knew that my post on outdoor summer days in Surrey was tempting fate, and I was right!  A few days later we  have horrendous torrential rain.

For me a bit of rain never puts me off getting outside and to be honest all the places such as farms are empty which I love!  Unfortunately though even I have to give in sometimes and settle for indoor activities instead.

I’ve listed a few of my favourites for you here:

Mother Kitty’s

  

If you have under fives, nestled at the top of Rickman Hill in Coulsdon is a wonderful little softplay and vintage tea rooms called Mother Kitty’s perfect to relax and have a cup of tea whilst you watch the little ones play.

   
 

The soft play is only sutiable for under 5’s but I bring my older ones along as they are more than happy to sit and have a drink whist making use of the free wifi!!

  
If the weather holds out then there is a large park and playground that is great to have a run around in too.

Airhop

  

If you want your older ones to let off some steam and get away from their games consoles, Airhop is a fantastic place to visit.

Over 4’s can bounce around to their hearts content on the many trampolines, foam pits and basketball areas.

  
You need to book your hours session online and they do get full very quickly, so make sure you book well before your intended visit.

Little Street

I have only visited this fantastic place once, and it completely blew me away.  

The name says it all and once inside Little Street really is a mini town for your little ones to play to their hearts content.

   
 

They can do their shopping in the supermarket, go to the hairdressers, visit the doctors, pop to the cafe, drive up and down the street, work on the construction site and lots more.

   
   

This is a refreshing change to your run of the mill soft play area which I loved playing in as much as the kids.

   
 

You book your hours slot online as numbers are restricted to ensure your child can play in the best environment.

I couldn’t recommend this place more.  Really is a fantastic trip.

Honeywood Museum

We came across the Honeywood Museum last year after years of visiting Carshalton and were pleasantly surprised.

The entry is free and they simply ask for a donation as you leave.  The house is fasinating to explore and you can pick up question sheets from the front desk that the children can fill in as you walk around.

   
 
They put on regular craft sessions for the children that mine really loved taking part in.

I would suggest checking out their Facebook page to see what events they have going on before taking a visit.

  
Kidspace

Kidspace is a mega softplay area along the Purley Way in Croydon.

With a large age range in children places like this can sometimes be tricky for me, but this cover all ages for me.

There is a smaller area with a sensory play section, mini trampolines, climbing areas and slides that is sutiable for the little ones.

  
  
The main area homes a huge area that they can climb and slide around, a big ball shooting area, go carts and climbing walls.

   
   

It is more expensive than most soft plays, but it is worth the money.  

They have a lovely cafe serving hot and cold food that is a great addition to a great soft play.

The Lightbox

I love art and love to find places that the children can explore the arts in a fun yet educating way.

The Lightbox in Woking, Surrey is a small gallery perfect for children.  They  regularly change their exhibitions and always have something to capture the thoughts of little minds.

   

They have a craft room where they can get hands on and create their own masterpieces with the help of the lovely staff.

   
 

There is a all cafe serving a small selection of snacks and some wonderful homemade cakes.  Theses can be enjoyed in the beautiful garden to the front of the gallery of the weather is good.
I hope you have found something here that your children would love to visit; I would love to hear what you think.

  

  

  

Arts And Crafts, Cafes, Carshalton, Honeywood Museum, Kids Days Out, Museums, Parks

Carshalton Ponds And The Honeywood Museum

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I have been going to Carshalton Ponds for longer than I can remember.  I love the wooded walkways leading to the beautiful ponds where we have had many a happy day picnicking and feeding the ducks.  The playground is great for all ages and there is plenty of open space for kicking a ball around.

   

           

Thanks to the wonders of social media, today I stumbled upon the Honeywood Museum that is set to the far side of the ponds.  I’ve had always seen this building but had never ventured over, and was really glad that today we did.

From the outside the building just looks like a pretty Edwardian house, but once inside there was a wonderfully converted museum showing off it’s grand billiards room, drawing room and bathroom.  Once you have climbed a beautiful winding staircase there are several interactive rooms that also house some fantastic period pieces that are great for the little ones to experience.

   

 

   

 

There was also a a large room with several different craft tables where we spent a good while creating some masterpieces!

   

     

There was no entrance fee to the museum but donations are asked for, and are defiantly worth it as we had a really good few hours exploring what the museum had to offer.

Attached to the museum is a quaint little tea rooms that is due to reopen in April.  We will certainly be making a return trip to check out what the tea rooms has to offer and to have another look around the beautiful house.