I've been 'Safari Parking' since before you where born

Showing my age with that Simpson parody title.

But this week we visited Port Lympne Reserve

And O-M-Goodness it was such an amazing day out.

It's set in some lovely grounds and there is so much space, the little one could really get a head of speed up running about and exploring.

They have such a wide array of animal we started in the part with the big cats. I was a tiny bit unsure of about the cages as there was only one wire mesh guard between them and us. 

I am sure it is sturdy and secure, but when you see such a big and powerful animal pacing. Looking for a way out as he might be a bit peckish and fancy's a bit of Human Rump, a little voice in the back of your head is saying are you sure that's secure enough lol...

But the area it is set in is beautiful and we had such a nice day for it, and as it is set at different elevations at the top you could see all the way to Romney Marsh and the sea, pretty... 

You also get to go on these great Safari Trucks a lot bigger than the one I went on Safari in when I was in Nairobi back in 2010.

Although I would not recommend if you have back problems is was a bit bumpy and the seats were very hard - thanks goodness for all the cooking and eating I do,  as I have a bit of extra padding lol

So lots and lots of animal - Ostriches

   

Fantastical Amazing Rhinos, these are such beautiful creatures, still can't believe they are killing them in the wild.

It 2016 people, magic Rhino horn potion do not work, just get to the proper doctor ask for the little blue pills and it will all be okay. 

Can't remember what these animal were call some kind of antelope - I am probably so, so wrong and as someone is reading this they are shouting at the screen..

Giraffes, I love these animals, think they are cool, like how nature solves problems. 

"The food we like to eat it up high?" 

"hmm tricky"

"I've got it long necks" 

As well as having the huge reserve where the animal roam free, they've also got some lovely habitats for the other animals.

They have meerkats, now as I big Disney Fan I alway think of Timon, out of Timon and Pumba - I'm sorry I will never see them as the advert ones - "Simples" eh.. 

Although he did throw me some shades as you can see from the picture above lol.

As I am such a mega geek I found the enclosure with the Fossa in them and because of "Madagascar" the animated movie I started shouting "FOSSA, FOSSA" and pretending to run away, much to the bemusement of my son and the un-amusement of my Husband. 

Yes there was other people about but I don't care. 

They also have a Gorilla enclosure it actually really nice, but as I think it was such a hot afternoon they preferred it inside. They had this amazing area which had slides and rope swing for them.

I know there is nothing better than the wild, but seeing as their natural habitat is being eroded and they are being killed. I find, if they are in captivity, but it's done in a great way like this is, I think that it can sometime be the best thing. To make sure that they are around in years to come. 

Oh and I saw a monkey with a beard, no really story just thought it was cool. 

Oh wise old monkey tell me your secrets - he said nothing, kept all his secrets to himself lol. 

So fantastic time seeing all the different animals 

The Lions 

The Tigers 

The Bears - OH MY!!

Sorry had to do that!!


Along with the Animal they have a fab Dinosaur forest.

Where they have proper size (well I can only assume they are proper size I admit I am not very knowledgble about the Dinos so big apologies to any paleontologists if I'm wrong) Models of a lot of Dinosaurs.

They are split into different time periods and there is a lot of information dotted around the place.  Although seeing I had a toddler who likes to run about it was hard enough getting pics, I had no time to read anything.

Oh they also have them up in the trees to so make sure you look up.

I though it was a really cool idea and something a bit different to come across.

I think the little one was a bit unsure of them to start off with. 

But he soon came round and decided to make a few friends. 

My verdict on the day - aabsolutelybrilliant.

Now I have a fussy toddler who get board very easily and normally if I can spend up to 2 hours anywhere I consider it a win (At the cinema we lasted 5 minutes it was a nightmare) at this place we arrived at 10.30am and the little one was still going strong when we left at 4pm (well strong in spirit, he slept all the way home).

The only slight thing, and the reason there is no picture was the food, we brought a packed lunch for the little man and we had some of their fast food, Burger and Chips. Have to say I wasn't impressed but to give them a bad food review, I think would be to do them a dis-service.

I wouldn't rate what I had, but going around the park and seeing all the signs it looks like they do amazing food. They have a hotel onsite that does by the looks of it a fantastic afternoon tea as well as having a full service restaurant.

They even have Africa lodges you can hire with a personal chef to cook you dinner.

Both those offering sound amazing, so I'm just going to say I had an off meal and next time I go I will make sure I try one of the nicer places or get a night at a lodge before I properly judge.

So my advice is go and have a great day out.

A None Post -Post

So yeah this week...

Well I've none hardly any cooking, well if you consider heating up Ramen noodles cooking - Well I've done that and threw some chips in the oven.

Don't worry the little ones been eating better than I have.

The reason two major events have happened - we are moving we have sold our and had an offer accepted on the place we want so hurrah!!!

Although that did mean I spent most of the week on lawyers, the bank sorting out budgets and all the oh so fun stuff you need to do before you can even think about moving. YAWN central.

But I think I'm there in sorting it - well the first bit anyway - can see it being a long process lol.

Second big event we took the little one off the bottle. Now I know he's two (just gone) and we should have done this a while back (okay judgy-mac-judgington) although in our defense we already got him using a straw cup for water so this was just the milk and as he wasn't on a dummy this was definitely a comforter.

This is all joined up with him not being the best talker and considering how much I talk probably can't get a word in. The early years practitioner recommended taking him off it, so we did.

Anyone will tell you with a toddler you take away its comforter and you're in for a few days of stress, like with everything the first day was the worst lost of crying, sad faces and heart wrenching looks. Which make you so so so so so so (x a million) want to give in.

But you can't give in as then you're back to square one. So all the time I have then Mantra of "It for his own good, I am a good parent by doing this".

Also doesn't help if you got to be the strong one with Husband unit, although he wasn't as bad and the grandparents on both side trying to find loop holes of when he could have one. So you had me being the bad guy saying No, No and No again, we going cold turkey.

This gave me a glimpse at my future, me having to be the bad guy in situations just to keep him healthy and safe, oh well I suppose that's one of the curse of being a mother.

As I predicted to my Husband and my family in a few days he would be fine and yesterday and this morning calm has return to the land and the little one as he is fantastic and such a star has taken it in his stride and is fine.

Not sure who told me this but I always employ the 72 hour rule. With kids, honestly if you can get through the first 72 hours they will be fine with and change. I can't promise the 72 hours wont be horrid and feel like 72 years but I found it really does work.

So now we have a happier home environment, I will get my pans out do something nice over the weekend.
As I picked up a fantastic cooking book - Slimming World Christmas cook book. So excited about the festive season 7 weeks today yay.

Have been watching the John Lewis Christmas Ad and yes I did cry. If you're not based in the UK John Lewis is one of our Big department stores and their Adverts have become a bit of a tradition her in the UK. There always make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. This year it about a Lonely Old Man that lives in the Moon and a kid on earth see him and tries her hardest to get in touch to bring a smile to his face for Christmas. Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww

I do so love christmas and have already started getting my Decorations sorted (I like to stress not up just pre-planning)  this year considering I got some Christmas Hedgehogs, a Christmas Squirrel, a Christmas Field Mouse and a Christmas Fox I have decided my theme this year will be Woodland Creatures.

Planing for the festivities can never start early enough so get you idea hats on for your festive fun.

I'll be back next week with a bit of cooking and then next weekend I'm going (again) to the Netherlands for fun with the girlies so there will be a lot of food and drink to talk about then.

North of the Boarder so Food is in Order :)

I'm back from Scotland and it was an amazing week.

It did start out with a bit of a long car journey of 8 hours - I know if you're reading this in America that nothing but in the UK we covered nearly the whole country.

But the little one was amazing through out the trip 

The foodie part of the trip started early we stopped at Westmorelands service station which is an independent service station serving local produce. It's so yum, much better than the chain stuff you get by the side of the road.

We got to Scotland around 9pm. So put the little one to bed and got ready for the next day.

We awoke to a bit of a chilly morning but raring to go. As we were staying at the in-law house right near Loch Lomond we decided to take a jaunt to the shore.

In the afternoon we went to visit with my husband nana, she was actually in fine form she'a nearly 90 and isn't very well

but she was laughing and joking and got a kick out of meeting the little lad. So We have 4 generations of one family having a nice afternoon tea.

Well I had Irn Bru which is a truly Scottish drink and it is really if a slightly acquired tasted

We Got back to the house and started to plan for the next day as the main reason for being up there it was our Son's 2nd birthday, we have reached the terrible twos lol..

We had a great day started in the morning with a room full of gifts as usual we all went (especially the Nana) over board

As at that age sometimes they prefer playing with the box rather than the toys.  

He did like all his gift but I think he liked the balloon best (thanks nana). 

His Nan also got him his amazing car cake. 

It was a lovely sponge filled with butter cream and jam 

Only had a couple of slices, the sponge was so light and fluffy and the filling was so rich.. I would tag the bakery but the Mother in Law arranged it all so I don't have the details which is a shame as I would highly recommend it.

So for his birthday we spent the morning in Pirate soft play on Loch Lomond shores.

Then we went to Lunch we stopped at The Queen of the Loch for a small lunch lol - the portion sizes were amazing I had a medium the other half had a large.

A fantastic, generous portions and very filling Carvary.

 To wash it down the MIL and I had a glass of fizz, well it was a celebration.

Then in the afternoon a return trip to the Loch 

To take him to the Sealife Centre it's not a very big aquarium but it is fun.

We saw Otters 

We saw Sharks 

We touched Star Fish 

And saw loads of weird and wonderful creatures.

So after all that fun when we got home we had one very happy but a tired little solider. Even though last year we were at Disney I think this was a fantastic birthday perfect for him he got to do all hid favourite things. Running about like a crazy at soft play then an afternoon of discovery. Hope my next birthday is a fun :)

With all the important things out of the way visiting great Nana and the birthday we wanted to get out into the countryside so the following morning we headed further north to explore.

We drove up to Glen Coe a stunning part of Scotland if you ever visit you need to add this to your list of places to stop off and have a look and just breath it in. with working in London being out in Nature is very good for your soul sometimes.

After the "Coe" we drove up to Fort William 

where we stopped for Lunch at  a love restuarant called Cobbs it had a lovely working fire place as even though it was very Sunny (which is a bit strange for Scotland - honestly if you visit pack a mac) there was a chill in the air.

I ordered Haggis Lasange well I was in Scotland.

I actually like Haggis and tend not to really think what in it but it proper traditional food which I think is all was great in the country of origin.


The little one even enjoyed a few fork fulls - must be the Scottish blood coming out lol.

On the way back to the car even though it was cold we stopped for Ice-Cream at a lovely little store called Henry's,  I had "Fruit Salad", They had loads of weird and wonderful flavours, mine was so sweet but so yummy.

after we had been replenished by the stop - also have a cheeky Vodka and coke bought for me. I think it was more a way to make sure I could drive as the roads were very twisty and I kept offering.

We took a trip up to the Glenfinnan Viaduct  it the train bridge that they used in the Harry Potter movies - Especially the "Chamber of Secrets".

I could just imagine the Hogwart's Express thundering by taking the kids back to School. Probably a very popular sight on the 1st September.

Also if you look behind you from the viaduct is a beautiful Loch - Loch Shiel. With the sun dancing on the water and the tree all changing colour to their autumn hews it was a magical place to be.

So quiet so peaceful well until my Son wanted to find the biggest rocks he could pick up and throw them into the loch and looking very pleased with himself when he did :).

As it was a bit of a trip back when we got in we feed the little man and decided to grab a take away for the rest of us a lovely Kebab and chips - might not seem a great food choice but after a long day getting something a bit naught but filling and with the little one in bed accompanying it with a beer help to wind-down

The next morning after the little one's poor Nana had to climb over the garden fence retirive his ball, ah the joys of children. Not only did make her immaculate house like a bomb site with the toys everywhere, his favouite thing to do would be to tip up the ball pit, he make the poor woman clime into brambles as well. I of course was in a supervisory  position and was taken the photo for H&S reasons lol

My husband and I while the little one played with his nan took a walk out to get some Fritters.

You get these from most Fish and Chip shops in Scotland and a must try if you go to Scotland looking for Food.

They are huge slices of potato deep fried in batter, okay not the healthiest but put on some salt and vinegar leave for a few minutes to let it soak in and honestly you are in for a really nice treat.

To work of that treat we took to the pool at the local hotel Cameron House we go there every time we visit as that where we had our Wedding Rececption after being married in Lush (which is also on the Shores of Loch Lomond) it such a nice hotel and if you want a great place to stay with fantastic Loch views and very comfy beds and beautiful decor it the place to be.

The pool and spa is wonderful too and I've been informed they have a great Golf course but as that not my thing can't really give an opinion.

We had fun though and the little one was a bit of a daredevil and insisted on going on the slide at least 10 times (with his daddy of course).

The next day our final day (Sad Face) we took a trip down to the Loch Lomond Farmers Market - As you know from previous post I am a sucker for a farmers market as I love fresh local produce and I also like process stuff to, who am I kidding I just like food ;).

It wasn't a massive market but in a great location and did have a couple of interesting stalls.

I got some lovely Scones from Erincroft Bakery 4 fruit and 2 chocolate and banana.

Some stuffed peppers

and even a Aberdeen Angus beef burger which was scrummy

On the way home we took a detour to the loch to get another bit of Loch Lomond greatness it was such a beautiful day and the loch was almost glass still

The little one and my other half enjoyed throwing rocks again into the stillness and laughing at every splash.

We dropped the stuff off and head out to go and see an Highland Cow.

I love these cows, they are so big and fluffy and their hair is exactly like mine when I get up in the morning.

The little one as they are a bit big and imposing was a bit unsure to start up with but soon warmed to their cute faces.

When we got back i dived into one of the scones i bought it was Banana and Chocolate - 30 seconds in the microwave and it was utterly delicious so need to get the recipe and make them with a bit of butter smeared on top you are in for a delectable dining experience.

The last thing on my Culinary trip which is a must for Scotland is a Scots Pie

Just a mince pie from the looks but with the pasty being a bit crunch around the pie but softer on top it a really luscious tasty again back to good traditional food but if it cold and you've been out in the element it a perfect thing to get your strength back up.

So all in all a great trip, it was so nice to get away and have some family time and was nice for the little one to spend time with his Scottish Nana. With all the open space and outdoor things to do with him can tell it going to be a firm favourite for him over the coming years and next time I go I want to make it all the way up to Loch Ness and see if I can find a monster.