The Great Summer Staycation is here!
Schools out for summer! And with the holidays in full swing, we want to inspire you with some ideas to enjoy the Great British Summer, right here at home. Yes, that’s right. From activities for the children, to date night for mum and dad. There’s a competition for the ultimate food lover, so something for everyone in our summer style guide.
No more mum/dad i’m bored
Let’s face it, it’s been a worrying time for children and young people. Take a break from homeschooling, classroom bubbles and exam result waits and focus on the #bestsummerever! Here’s three activities to keep the little, and bigger ones entertained this July.
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Make your own lollies
Who doesn’t love an ice lolly on a hot day? It’s a great way to help kids with their ‘5 a day’ too. Pick up some strawberries, bananas and blueberries from Sainsbury’s. If you’ve not got a lolly mould check out Poundland. We think these Real Fruit Ice Lollies by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall look delicious!
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Camping under the stars
Camping for a night at home has huge benefits. There’s no packing, no driving for miles to a crowded campsite, you can practically pick the weather, plus you have your own private bathroom nearby! A camp out is a fun activity for little ones and teens. Impress the kids with your outdoor skills (thank goodness the tool shed is nearby) and build something memorable. Pick up a tent from Argos and BBQ supplies from Iceland. Remember the marshmallows for an authentic campfire experience!
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Family Movie Marathon/Teen film night
It’s easier than you think – all you need to worry about is choosing the perfect summer flick! Get away from the tablet and get closer to nature…even if that nature is your neighbour’s birch tree! While you may have a Wi-Fi signal in your garden, don’t use it to load up Netflix on your iPad. Hang a sheet from a clothesline, and project a film with a projector from Argos. Sure, there is some financial investment but a projector can be recycled for those winter movie nights in the lounge. Now where’s that popcorn?
Finally, it’s always a good idea to get some ‘wet day’ staples. Get crafty with supplies from Hobby Craft. Their kids craft kits are fab for a rainy day – let’s hope there aren’t too many!
Love food ? You have to be in it to win it
As each month rolls by, we reveal a new competition! You lucky guys… *wink wink*
This month we’ve got not one, not two but three chances to win! Head over to our Facebook Page and tag a friend in the competition post that will love Gourmet 4 as much as you do. You will both automatically be entered to win a fantastic food voucher. Hurry comp closes 31/7/21.
Good luck! Also don’t forget, there’s 20% OFF your food bill at Gourmet 4 brewery Romford when you show your cinema ticket!
Date Night Ideas – First dates, anniversary dates, mates dates
July is the perfect time to put that all important date night in the diary.
There’s been little opportunity for date night. For a long-time pubs and restaurants were closed. Then we had outdoor dining in April which was often a little on the chilly side.
Create the ‘First Dates’ vibe with pre-drinks at Frankie & Benny’s and choose from a tempting selection of cocktails. Looking for a relaxed day date? What about coffee and cake at Patisserie Valerie? Nothing says date night like a film at Vue, if horror is your genre there’s a few hitting the screen soon. And for dessert head to Kaspers for those naughty but nice desserts you can share! *wink* Finally if you’re single and ready to mingle, catch up with your mates at FRIDAYS there is no other place for that ‘TGIF’ feeling! Don’t forget to book your tickets and tables! Gents remember Brewery Flowers for those special anniversary and birthday date surprises!
Destination : Home garden
Unfortunately, a holiday might not be financially affordable or feasible for you this year. So, this July why not bring a holiday vibe to your own back garden?
Remodel your garden with a deck, or just jazz it up with some stylish accessories for those holiday vibes! This doesn’t mean you need a big space either… you can decorate the smallest of areas with cute lanterns, wild flowers and fairy lights. Enhancing your garden assets will offer an instant wow-factor to your home and provide somewhere to sit with a homemade cocktail! Select a Tiki Bar Kit from Party Delights and pretend you’re in Marbella! Need inspiration? Visit Pinterest for ideas and YouTube for DIY tutorials!
Whether you are going all-out on DIY decking, or just adding some simple accessories, we suggest popping to Argos, The Range and Homesense. Nip to Poundland for some garden bargains and don’t forget to stock up on drink supplies and summer reads at Sainsbury’s! Add the hint of a beach for the little ones with a paddling pool or sandpit from Smyths toys.
We hope we have given you some style ideas for July and we look forward to seeing you soon. The safety and comfort of our customers remains important so we would like to remind our customers that the use of face coverings is recommended to protect yourself and others throughout the centre. #ShoppingSafe