Monday 13 February 2017

The Train Journey from Zurich to St. Moritz

As transfers go, the train journey between Zurich and St. Moritz is pretty spectacular, with picturesque views a plenty and stunning scenery at every turn. The large windows allow you to fully take in the beautiful backdrop of your journey and as the train ride takes you higher into the mountains, the landscape and surroundings become quite breathtaking.


The transfer to St. Moritz began in Zurich Flughafen airport, where my husband and children caught a double decker train to the main Zurich Station. Once there, they made a quick change of trains and departed on the 90 minute adventure to Chur. It wasn't long before the children started to spot signs of snow, and as they travelled further, the snow levels began to increase quite rapidly.




The seats were comfortable, and after a short period of travelling, a catering trolley came round where foods and drinks could be purchased. Drinks are very expensive in Switzerland averaging around CHF 6 each which is roughly £4.50.

On arrival in Chur there was a short wait for the next train which would carry my family into St. Moritz station. This was the longest part of the journey, but again the views were amazing and there was always something to see out of the windows which helped time to pass quickly. This train was much busier than the previous train, however with the St. Moritz World Ski Championships 2017 taking place, it was expected for it to be very busy and crowded, and so this was no surprise.

As they continued on their adventure, my husband and children watched as the snow fell outside, and the sky began to darken with snow clouds. The last time my children had experienced snow fall where we live in Wales was back in 2013, and so they were very excited, and eagerly waited with anticipation for the moment where they could depart from the train and jump straight into the waiting piles of snow.



My son Ben has a dislike of heights, and so he was tempted to look away at times as the track ascended, but struggled to draw his eyes away from the beautiful sights of the snow capped mountains.




The total journey time was 3 hours and 40 minutes, although it didn't feel that long as there was always plenty to see and talk about which made the experience seem a lot quicker.

The fare was CHF 162.00 (approximately £129) for an adult return and CHF 81.00 (approximately £64) for a child, though prices may be cheaper dependent on time, day or class of travel. The tickets my family had also allowed them to take any route back to Zurich, and so my husband chose to travel via Landquart on the way back a few days later, which took a slightly shorter time of 3 hours 26 minutes.



Overall it was a fantastic experience travelling from Zurich to St. Moritz. Not only did it help my children to create many picturesque family memories, but it also gave them the opportunity to see some breathtaking scenery.

Sunday 12 February 2017

Muddy Puddles Clothing - A Review

My family recently had the opportunity to travel to Switzerland to enjoy a short skiing holiday and experience the snow, slopes and atmosphere of St Moritz. Of course in minus temperatures, suitable clothing is vital, and I was therefore delighted when we were given the chance to try out some of the Muddy Puddles clothing range to review it and put it to the test.

As I have mentioned previously in other posts, I strongly believe that children (and parents) can enjoy the outdoors whatever the weather as long as they have suitable clothing, and Muddy Puddles seem to share the same opinion. The company has created a fantastic range of waterproofs, wellies and ski-wear that are not only affordable and great quality, but also stylish.

We were provided with a Snowstorm Ski Jacket, a Drift Base Layer Top & Bottoms, and Arctic Ski Gloves to review. My kids were immediately impressed when they arrived, and my son couldn't wait to try on his new jacket on (much to the envy of his sister).


Snowstorm Ski Jacket

This jacket is just fabulous, with a striking star print design which looks great, and certainly stands out from the crowd. I am a huge fan of bold prints and bright colours, especially with my little explorers as it makes them easy to spot from afar whilst having fun on the slopes and when playing with their friends.

The Snowstorm Ski Jacket is insulated and warm, with a bright yellow micro fleece lining, which has a lovely soft comfortable feel to it. This not only makes it lovely and warm for out on the snow, but also great when bracing the UK's wind and rain weather systems too!


The coat has been tested to a 5000mm hydrostatic head.which is a measurement of how water resistant the fabric is. The higher the value is, then the more capable it is of withstanding more water pressure before leaking. As this measurement is over 1000mm then the garment is classed as being fully waterproof, so you can be sure of keeping dry when out in the snow or rain. Not only is the item waterproof but is also fully breathable.



The added benefits of taped seams and a storm flap, help to make it windproof and protect from blustery winds and cold breezes which makes it an excellent all round winter jacket.

One thing my son particularly liked about the jacket, was the hidden pull out ski pass pocket, which meant he didn't have to go routing through his pockets when searching for his pass or tickets. He simply pulled on the little yellow tab at the bottom of the jacket and he could stretch it out. Since returning from skiing, he has since made this is library card pocket when going to school, which is equally as useful and could be used for a variety of other passes.




The zips are of good quality and were capable of withstanding my sons constant tugging on them when trying to get his money out of his pockets, or to put his gloves in when going indoors for a rest. Another element that I liked was the adjustable cuffs on the arm which meant that these could be adjusted to size to accommodate fitting over gloves comfortably and without being too tight.

Inside the jacket is a removable snow gaitor for added protection whilst on the mountains. This can be removed by simply zipping  it out when need be, and can be just as easily re-added when required again. The hood is also removable, which is ideal for those sunnier days on the slopes, and the reflective logos help to assist with visibility.



On arrival in St Moritz, my son felt warm and comfortable, and immediately received several compliments on his jacket. There was no concern of the biting cold winds affecting him in anyway, as when asked if he was warm enough, he said that he was really warm and cosy and couldn't feel the cold at all. He enjoyed sitting out on the balcony and watching the snow fall, and looked forward to wearing his jacket out on the slopes the following day.



One thing that I had been concerned about was the flexibility of movement and whether he would be able to move freely and easily without any stretch in the usual areas such as the shoulders or waist. However, I needn't have worried as my son had no issue carrying his skis, or moving around whilst wearing the jacket and remained comfortable at all times. It even passed the snow angel test for movement!



Whilst out on the slopes, my son really looked the part, and even when the wind picked up and the snow began to fall, he didn't once feel the chill, which left me satisfied that the jacket was exactly as described and definitely fit for purpose.


As with any holiday, the return home often means a huge pile of washing, and much to my relief I found that the jacket is machine washable on a 30 degree wash, making it much easier to be rid of any dirt or marks. After its first wash the jacket came out good as new, and once dry the fleece inner was just as soft and comfy, which definitely gets a big thumbs up from me.

In terms of sizing, my son is aged 9 and 136cm tall and the size age 9 to 10 fitted him perfectly. However, if your child is taller or planning on wearing multiple layers underneath, then you may wish to consider the next size up.

This jacket is available to purchase here and has an RRP of £75, however until Monday 13th February this is actually on offer for an amazing price of only £37.50 which I can only describe as being an absolute bargain.

Drift Base Layer Top & Bottoms

Base layers are really important as these help to regulate the body temperature and make sure you stay well insulated. Muddy Puddles Drift Base Layer Top & Bottoms come in 3 different colours which are pink, midnight navy, and a lovely navy cloud print design. They ensure that your child stays warm and will keep any moisture out, which helps children to remain comfortable and cosy whilst out on the mountains.




I was really impressed with how soft the fabric was, which also had a really lovely feel to it. This combined with the ribbed hems and cuffs ensured that my daughter was really comfortable whilst wearing them. The great addition of thumb holes on the top, made sure that cuff remained pulled down, so that when wearing gloves no cold or moisture could get in, which is a fabulous idea.


The Drift Base Layer Bottoms were also extremely cosy and fully breathable. They had an elasticated waist as well as elasticated ankles to help keep the cold out, and were supported with flat stitching for added comfort.


Since returning from skiing, my daughter has also chosen to wear the bottoms under jeans whilst on a cold day out, which fitted fine. She has also worn them to keep warm under joggers whilst participating on a high ropes adventure course, and these base layers have kept her warm on all occasions. The fabric composition is made up from 65% polyester and 35% viscose on both the top and bottoms, and much to my delight, these are also machine washable at 30 degrees.

In relation to sizing, my daughter is 141cm in height and the size age 9 to 10 fitted her perfectly, and she was able to move freely and easily at all times whilst wearing them. I would recommend these not only for skiing, but for wearing during any cold weather for that added layer protection, to help keep your children warm.

My daughter has really enjoyed testing these base layers out and said that she would definitely recommend to others.

This Drift Base Layer Top is available to purchase here and has an RRP of £16, however until Monday 13th February this is actually on offer for an amazing price of only £8.

The Drift Base Layer Bottoms are available to purchase here and have an RRP of £16 but again are on offer until Monday 13th February for only £8.

Arctic Ski Gloves

In all honesty, I am actually quite jealous of the fact that my children have these gloves, and I am guilty of trying to fit them onto my own hands whilst doing the school run on Friday when it was absolutely freezing! They are so soft and warm inside and the adjustable strap helps to make them fit snugly over the wrist.


They are fully waterproof and feature an extra thick lining to help keep your fingers warm, as well as reflective logos which help to increase visibility. My daughter's fitted well so she was able to grip both large and small items well, however they were slightly too big on my 9 year old son, so he struggled a little to pick up smaller items such as coins etc, but for carrying his gear and keeping warm whilst skiing they were perfect.


The rubber palms make gripping securely really easy (and are also perfect for creating a good snowball!). Not only were they suitable for their intended purpose, but I am sure you will agree they also looked great on too, and complimented Ben's jacket well.


The gloves are made of 100% polyester and like the previous items, they are also machine washable. During the trip, both our children's hands remained warm and dry, despite many a snowball making exercise and numerous falls in the snow, so it was very reassuring to know that both Emma and Ben would not suffer from cold hands during any part of the ski holiday.


The gloves are available in three different sizes which are 2-5 years, 5-8 years and 9-12 years, and cost £18. These can be purchased here: Arctic Ski Gloves


Overall, we have been left extremely impressed with Muddy Puddles, and highly recommend all the products we have reviewed. The jacket is my ultimate favourite and I will definitely be purchasing one of these for my younger son too. Whilst this review focuses on some of their ski wear products, they also have a wide range of clothing including waterproofs, wellies, snow boots, socks and hats, so there is a good choice of great quality clothing for all weather conditions.

To view their latest stock of Ski Wear and Waterproofs, please visit Muddy Puddles


Disclaimer: We were provided with the clothing items mentioned on a complimentary basis for the purpose of providing an honest and impartial review. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are my own.

Saturday 11 February 2017

Planning a Family Ski Holiday? - 5 Things to Consider

1) Budget

Ski holidays can be purse friendly or extremely expensive depending on the location, the currency, the facilities, and the resort. It is therefore really important to work out your budget beforehand and not only consider the cost of the flights/ferry and accommodation, but all the other extras such as clothing, meals, lift passes, equipment hire, drinks, transport costs, entry prices to attractions, insurance, and also any local taxes.

A cheap hotel and bargain flights doesn't necessarily mean a low cost holiday, as the costs can quickly mount up in many ski resorts and so it is important to budget for all expenses to make sure that you can have an enjoyable and affordable holiday. If you know your spending limit and work out a rough figure of how much you will have to work with, then it will help you to find a location that is more suited to your pocket. It will also prevent you having to reach for the credit card half way through your trip to fund the remainder of your stay.

If you like to be organised and have everything paid up front, then look for a resort that offers all inclusive ski options that will cover all of the above, and even childcare in some places too. If you like variation in your meals, then consider a half board or bed and breakfast option, and check that there are plenty of alternative restaurants nearby within your price range.



2) Destination

There is such a wide choice, it can be quite time consuming having to take a good look through all the options, so ask friends for recommendations, or check out some reviews online. This should help whittle your destinations down to a few places that you can then look more closely at.

Remember to also consider who you are travelling with and transfer times from the airport or port, along with driving distances if you are going for a self drive option. For example if you are travelling with very young children you may want to consider somewhere with a short transfer time from the airport as opposed to somewhere that will take 4 hours on 2 buses, 3 trains and a taxi, after already sitting through a 3 hour flight!

If flying then also check the flight time, as if this is your first ski trip, you may want to consider somewhere in Europe within a couple of hours, as opposed to heading on a long haul trip to Canada or the USA. Check which airlines fly to your chosen destination and whether they are child friendly. Most airlines will allow you to take a small pushchair to the gate with you, offer a children's meal option, or provide some activities to keep your child entertained onboard, but it is best to double check exactly what is available, especially when flying long haul, as entertainment options can be very limited on some airlines.



3) Research

Check reviews, read recommendations and research your chosen destination. Find out what restaurants, cafes, or attractions are nearby so that you know what other options you have if wanting to get out and explore. If you find some restaurants you like the look of, then see if they have a website and whether you can view the menu as this will then give you an idea of how much you should set aside for meals, and also enable you to see that they have meal choices to your liking.

Skiing can be very tiring, so it might be nice to have a day out somewhere else a couple of days into your trip, so find out what other things there are to do in the area, and whether they are within easy reach.

If relying on public transport, then research your travel options and check whether there are trains or buses within a short distance from your accommodation and how regularly they run. Print out a timetable prior to your trip so that you have a record with you of all the bus or train times to help you along the way.

When you think you have found some accommodation that you like, then enter the address on google street view and find out what else there is in the location. Some hotels and resorts look amazing in their own pictures, only for you to turn up and find out there is a nightclub next door open til the early hours, Google street view will also help you be able to see if there are any shops or cafes within walking distance which again will help with destination planning.

4) Clothing and Equipment

If this is your first ski trip, then don't rush out to spend hundreds of pounds on equipment and all the latest gear. The majority of this can be hired at reasonable prices, and it's best to make sure you actually enjoy skiing and winter sports prior to actually purchasing boots, skis and poles.

Warm clothing is obviously vital though. but this needn't cost the earth with plenty of high street shops and online stores selling great quality clothing at reasonable prices. A particular favourite of mine for children is Muddy Puddles who sell a fantastic range of ski wear for kids. This coat is currently available on their website and not only was it suitable for skiing but it also makes a fabulous all round winter coat for school and general day wear, therefore offering versatility and making it great value for money. It can be purchased here: Snowstorm Ski Jacket


If your funds are limited however, then consider borrowing from friends or family or checking out the local selling sites on facebook or alternatively Ebay. I managed to purchase my daughter some salopettes and a lovely matching ski jacket in excellent condition for only £12, and I managed to bag some snow boots for my son for only £3!

5) Children's facilities

When travelling with children, consider what child friendly facilities are available. A childcare option will allow you some me time, or the opportunity to spend quality time with your partner enabling you to have the perfect mix of a family holiday but also giving you the chance for a little break yourself.
If there is a kids club, then this also gives your children a chance to make new friends or learn new skills.

In terms of dining, find out whether there is a children's menu and highchairs available for use in the restaurants, as some places don't offer these facilities which could cause you some inconvenience.

Make sure you check the room options as some rooms listed as being suitable for families of 4 may only consist of a double bed and a sofa bed which could actually end up being quite compact and uncomfortable especially if staying for a week or two. If travelling with a baby or toddler then ask beforehand whether there is a fridge available in the room, bottle warming facilities, cots or even sterilisers for hire. Some family friendly hotels will provide these free of charge, others may levy a cost so it is best to check beforehand to avoid any unexpected charges.


Disclaimer: All opinions and photographs are my own.

Friday 10 February 2017

What's On in Liverpool this February Half Term?

If you are a regular visitor to the blog, you will know that Liverpool is one of my favourite cities, as you can always be sure that there is plenty to do to keep the children occupied during the school holidays and this February half term is no exception.

Here is a round up of some attractions and shows that are available to visit during the February Half Term:

The Narnia Experience


The Narnia Experience has returned to St George's Hall following its sell-out run back in 2013. The critically acclaimed walk-through experience is open from the 10th February to the 25th February and tickets are now on sale for this fabulous event.

Visitors will be invited to step through the enchanted wardrobe where they will discover a wintery forest scene and whisked off to the magical land of Narnia.

The Great Hall will be beautifully transformed as visitors go on a journey through the White Forest, and across the land of Narnia, in this large-scale, immersive and interactive trail. There will also be the opportunity to meet your favourite characters along the way including Mr Tumnus, Mrs Beaver and The White Witch.

St George's Hall General Manager Alan Smith said: “We are delighted to welcome back the team at In Another Place, their previous productions of Narnia and Alice Experience were incredibly well received by the public. The creativity and vision in their set designs and the characters they bring to life are always astounding. I would definitely recommend booking fast as I imagine this to be another sell-out!”

Tickets are available to purchase online through Ticketquarter and are available at various prices which are:

Mondays/Tuesdays - Adults £8 and Children £6
Wednesdays/Thursday - Adults £10 and Children £7
Fridays/Saturdays - Adults £13 and Children £10
Friday 10th February - Adults £8 and Children £6
Tuesday 21st February from 6pm - Adults £8 and Children £6

There will also be 4 Autism friendly performances on Tuesday 21st February between 6:15pm - 7pm which have been specifically designed to welcome visitors who will benefit from a more relaxed performance environment. A BSL performance will also be available at 7:30pm on Saturday 19th February.

This event is ideal for families, though is not recommended for under 3's. The experience should last approximately 90 minutes.


Superbooty at The Epstein Theatre


SuperBooty is a fun-filled show for all the family which tells the story of a brand-new superhero we can all relate to - an ordinary girl with an extraordinary gift. It is a brand new musical comedy brought to you by The Epstein Theatre's very own panto dame, Michael Chapman.

Boasting a fantastic cast including Jordan 'Weekender' Davies, Boogie Storm's Lewis Pryor, Liverpool Singing Sensation Hayley Hampson, BBC's 'Young Dancer of the Year' finalist, and the award winning Anamal Dance Company from Hoylake, this is a show that promises to kick some serious booty!

The audience can look forward to watching crazy characters literally flying across the stage, lots of daft jokes and world class dancing provided by Harry Popper and Anamal Dance Company! There is also some very funky music courtesy of Michael and Danny Smith, the musical director.

To book tickets call 0844 888 4411, visit www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk or book in person at the theatre box office (open 2-6pm Mon-Thu, 12-6 Fri-Sat).

The show runs from Friday 17th February - Sunday 19th February, and performance times are as follows:
Friday 17th February 7pm
Saturday 18th February 2pm and 7pm
Sunday 19th February 2pm and 6pm

Tickets cost £17 with concessions at £15.
*All prices include a £1 per ticket venue restoration levy.



Monstersaurus


Bring your little monsters to the Epstein Theatre for an afternoon of magic and mayhem on Tuesday 21st February when Big Wooden Horse present...Monstersaurus!

This brand new show from the creators of Aliens Love Underpants is monstrously good! Follow the young inventor Monty as he creates a whole world of wacky inventions and incredible monsters, but now he has made them all, how is he going to get rid of them?

This energetic show full of thrills and spills, magic and mayhem will delight the whole family - with original music and plenty of audience participation.

The show runs for 50 minutes and is suitable for children aged 3 and over. Ticket details are as follows:

Tuesday 21st February 2017 - £13.50* per ticket or a family ticket is available for £43*.

To book tickets please call 0844 888 4411 or go online to www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk. Alternatively you can purchase tickets in person at The Epstein Theatre box office from 2pm-6pm Monday to Thursday, and 12pm-6pm Friday to Saturday.

*Subject to booking fee. All prices include a £1 per ticket venue restoration levy.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice



This brand-new adaptation of the timeless tale The Sorcerer's Apprentice will be staged at The Epstein Theatre on Wednesday 22nd February.

Brought to life by the brilliant Blunderbus Theatre Company, the show tells the story of Charlie Hubble, a little boy with a very big dream - he wants to be a world class magician. So, he saves up all his pocket money to buy The Big Book of Magic for Trainee Magicians.

He set's off to Mr Zacoor's Toy Shop to buy his spellbook. But Mr Zacoor is no ordinary shopkeeper, he is a real-life sorcerer! And he has a very special job for Charlie....

Little people aged three to seven will love this delightful new show which comes to life with an irresistable blend of music, puppetry and storytelling. There's also an enchanting toy shop setting filled with all sorts of magical surprises.

Ticket details are as follows:

Wednesday 22nd February 2017 with two shows available at 11:30am and 2pm - £11* per ticket or a family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) is available for £40*.

To book tickets please call 0844 888 4411 or go online to www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk. Alternatively you can purchase tickets in person at The Epstein Theatre box office from 2pm-6pm Monday to Thursday, and 12pm-6pm Friday to Saturday.

*Subject to booking fee. All prices include a £1 per ticket venue restoration levy.

The World Museum



If you are thinking of attending one of the above shows or attractions, then why not make it a full day out by also visiting the fabulous World Museum located on William Brown street which is only a short walk away from Liverpool's Lime Street station.

This is my favourite place to visit whilst in Liverpool,with an extensive array of exhibits and hands on activities to fascinate the whole family. My children absolutely love visiting The World Museum and always manage to find something new to see and learn about.

Admission is free which makes it a low cost enjoyable day out, which will also provide you with a fantastic learning experience.

It is also extremely baby & child friendly with baby changing facilities on levels 2, 3, 4 and 5, a pram storage area, lifts, an indoor picnic room, a cafe with staff that will be happy to warm bottles, highchairs which are available on request, and a children's menu. The World Museum also encourages and supports breast feeding.

The World Museum is open between the hours of 10am to 5pm Monday to Sunday and at present there is also a fascinating exhibit which explores Ancient Egyptian animal mummies! This exhibit is available until the 26th February.

If you would like to find out more then please visit their website here: World Museum Liverpool



Disclaimer - Dates and ticket prices correct at time of writing.