The Lane Family Adventures

Clacton-on-Sea

Hey everyone,

We have just got back from a short stay in Clacton-on-Sea. I had never been for was interested to see what it would be like.

We stayed right on the beach front by the pier which made for lovely views we spent two nights in the Premier Inn. It wasn’t anything spectacular but we just wanted somewhere where we could all get our heads done.

On the first day we just spent some time around the area and walking on the beach and tried to get an early night as we knew we would have a busy day and we didn’t want the kids to be tired and grumpy. It took them a while to settle though as we were all in the same room and they were excited about being somewhere new.

Saturday morning we went to the pier where they had soft play so we booked for the kids to spend a few hours. You got given a 2 hour time slot and that was just long enough for the kids towards the end they were getting very tired. It was a large soft play area so plenty for the children to play on. Felicity was a little small for some bits to do on her own but with the help from mummy or daddy she did great. They had two giant slides which the kids thought were great going down.

We then decided to spend some time in the town just to see what shop they had and to get some lunch.

For the afternoon we went back to the pier and spent the afternoon on the rides and arcades. The kids loved all the different games especially the 2p machines they thought it was great fun that they could win tickets as well as the prizes that would drop down.

To end the day we had fish and chips on the beach front at a little fish and chip shop before heading back to our hotel.

We were really hoping that the kids would fall asleep at a reasonable time. Unfortunately, felicity had a late nap and her teeth were hurting her so she didn’t fall asleep until gone midnight then was very restless through the night so left for one tired mummy come the morning.

We had a great time away though and got some amazing photos 📷

Healthy Weeknight Meals

Cooking can sometimes feel like a chore at the end of a busy day. It’s often tempting to throw a ready meal in the oven or call for take out. But preparing a simple and healthy family meal doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. Here are some quick wholesome dishes that you and your family will love. They can even be prepared in advance.

Better than Poutine

I know, what could be better that a steaming plate of fries, gravy and cheese curd? Fries, gravy, cheese curd and bacon, that’s what! Throw in some fresh shallots, chilli, and a splash of roasted bone marrow and duck gravy, and we turn this popular French-Canadian dish into a something sublime.

Breakfast at my House

During the week we’re often walking out the door with a coffee in one hand and slice of toast in the other, but on weekends breakfast is never rushed. It’s a late affair, sometimes spilling over to lunch, with lots of reading and chatter in between courses of fruits, poached eggs, honey and toast. One of our favorite things we like to serve when friends are visiting are buckwheat blueberry pancakes.

Roasted Pumpkin Soup

There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of pumpkin soup on a cold autumn day. Combine your roasted pumpkin with some onion, garlic, vegetable broth, and a few spices, and give it some time to simmer away. Pair it with a few slices of fresh bread to turn it into something sublime.