A couple of hours in Bruges from Zeebrugge

A couple of weeks ago we enjoyed a last minute short cruise aboard the Disney Dream, travelling from Southampton with a day in Zeebrugge and a day at sea. Zeebrugge is just a busy port, but it's a great cruise stop if you want to visit Bruges or Brussels. We had a lovely day out in Bruges last year, and so we decided to go back and enjoy some sightseeing and a Belgian waffle.

We had an activity on the ship in the morning, so we only had a few hours to spend ashore. Luckily our ship departure time wasn't until very late at 10pm, so we had plenty of contingency for getting back onboard. Last year we took a taxi from the port which was very easy but also quite pricey, so this time we decided to do the journey by train at a fraction of the cost.

It was all very easy. Zeebrugge port offers free shuttle buses from the ship to both the main cruise terminal (where you can pick up a taxi) or to the nearby town of Blankenberge. We had a quick walk around Blankenberge and it was lovely, very busy with plenty of shops and bars and a sandy beach. If you are stopping in Zeebrugge on a cruise you could easily just take advantage of the free shuttle and enjoy yourself here.

The shuttle dropped us just outside the station, and we purchased our train tickets in advance online. It takes just over ten minutes to travel to Bruges, and the main reason that we wanted to take the train was so that we could travel on a double decker train which was very exciting!

Bruges station is central, and you can take a nice walk through the park to reach the centre, passing some beautiful bridges and canals on the way. The main streets of the city were very busy, but there were plenty of quiet streets with beautiful buildings to enjoy.

This year we decided not to do a canal boat tour again, but you can read about how we did it here - A canal tour in Bruges. It's all very well organised. Last year we arrived early to avoid the queues, but the lines didn't look too bad when we went past, and it it's a first trip to Bruges I would definitely recommend it.

We returned to a tried and tested favourite for our waffles - Chez Albert on Breidelstraat located just off the Market Square. It's a takeaway but there are places to sit nearby if you don't mind perching on a wall or in a doorway. The queue was short, the menu was simple, the Belgian flag is a nice touch, the sturdy cutlery very much appreciated, and of course it tasted delicious! 

Breidelstraat is a beautiful street filled with intriguing little shops, and so while the sugar hit from the waffles wore off we had a lovely walk up and down doing some window shopping. Then we made our way back to the station for a train back to Blankenberge, and a return to the Disney magic onboard.

Going on a Disney cruise - some Pixie Dust ideas

We were recently lucky enough to take a short weekend Disney cruise which we booked last minute at a fantastic rate. It was quite hectic, as many of our fellow cruisers were first time Disney cruisers and were keen to see and do everything!

One of the things that we love about a Disney cruise is that there are so many ways to add some magical extras to the trip, for example with organised gift exchanges, magnet swaps and door decorating.

Something that really took off in the Facebook and WhatsApp groups for this particular cruise was Pixie Dust. Pixie Dust is a small and inexpensive gift given without the expectation of receiving anything in return. It can be placed inside the Fish Extender of a stateroom that you like the look of, or handed out in person on the ship. Sometimes a cruise group will set up a list of people that want to give and receive Pixie Dust, and some people prefer to gift at random.

We've given out lots of Pixie Dust on previous cruises, and I've also shared some Pixie Dust ideas for a Halloween cruise. Based on the Pixie Dust that we received on this cruise, I thought I'd share some of the things that went down particularly well!

How to package Pixie Dust

I am still working through my fabric stash, so I made lots of very simple drawstring bags. You can also use plastic bags, paper bags, wrap in paper or tissue paper, or just give out unwrapped. Some people put a lot of thought into the presentation of their items, with glitter, sequins and stickers.

Most people put a small note or gift tag with their cabin number. You don't have to do this, but it is probably a good idea to at least label it as Pixie Dust so that new cruisers aren't confused and think they have received something by mistake. 

Homemade Pixie Dust ideas

Magnets - this could be a simple laminated picture. In the past I've designed magnets which are specific to the cruise with destinations, flags, or a picture that I've taken of the ship. I've also made Hama bead Disney magnets which are really simple and fun.

Bookmarks - If you have a laminator these are really easy to make, just print out your designs, laminate, then add a ribbon.

Bracelets - Homemade bracelets are really easy and inexpensive to make and people love wearing them to remind them of their cruise.

Pirate Night themed Pixie Dust

If you are lucky enough to be sailing on a cruise with a themed Pirate Night then pirate themed gifts are a great idea! Some ideas - chocolate coins, temporary tattoos, glow sticks or bubbles for the deck party, plastic jewellery, inflatable cutlasses, eye patches.

Other Pixie Dust ideas

Sweets - This was probably the most popular Pixie Dust received by our family! Small packs of Haribo, Maoam bars or similar. Also small chocolates like chocolate coins or fun size bars. Just make sure that they are all individually wrapped.

Stickers - You can buy large packs of Disney or ocean themed stickers and add a few to each package.

Pens - There are lots of Disney themed pens available in multipacks that can be broken down for individual gifts. I always appreciate a nice pen!

Magnets - We received some lovely tiny Disney themed magnets, they were so sweet! You can often buy these in bulk and separate out.

Ducks - People love to hide ducks when cruising (that's a whole other topic!) and we were thrilled to receive a full size Belle duck and also some cute tiny plastic ducks.

Bubbles - There will probably be some kind of deck party on your cruise, for example a Pirate or Frozen themed party. Blowing bubbles is a great way to keep little ones entertained while you wait for the party to start. Just make sure to pack them securely!

Clothes pegs - This might sound an odd one, but one year we received a couple of Mickey Mouse clothes pegs and I love them, they always make me smile when I hang out the washing! I assume that they were part of a large set and given out a couple at a time.

Jewellery - I love any kind of inexpensive jewellery that I can wear on the cruise, on future cruises, and when I'm back home. I received a lovely mermaid ring and necklace which I wore on Pirate Night.

Patches - These can be sewn onto bags or hats as a reminder of the trip.

Pins - Official Disney pins would be an expensive and generous Pixie Dust gift, but you can also buy cheaper pins with a nautical or ocean theme which would make a lovely gift.

Temporary tattoos - These are always fun to apply and wear around the ship.

Reusable straws - I saw someone on our cruise giving these out and thought that this was a great idea as the paper straws supplied on board can be a little flimsy.

Keyrings - Again something that you can buy in bulk, we received some lovely glitter Mickey head keyrings in different colours.

Many of these items can be purchased in bulk from places like Amazon, AliExpress or Temu and can be very reasonable in terms of cost. And or course not everything has to be Disney themed - you could look for a nautical theme, an ocean theme, pirates and mermaids and so on.

I hope that you find some ideas to inspire you, and have fun joining in with Pixie Dust gifts on your next Disney cruise!

Review - Santorini jigsaw puzzle from Cloudberries

I received this puzzle in exchange for a review

Recently I was contacted by Cloudberries and asked if I would be interested in reviewing a jigsaw puzzle from their beautiful range of puzzles. Of course I was! I chose a puzzle from the Small Batch series - random cut 1000 piece puzzles with designs featuring irregular shaped pieces. I was drawn to Santorini (affiliate link) which is inspired by an idyllic Greek island with traditional blue and white buildings, dark blue tiles and colourful yellow birds sitting in a beautiful potted fig tree. 

The image on the front of the box is only a part of the full illustration, so when browsing the puzzles be sure to look at the back for the full picture. Each puzzle comes with a full size poster of the design.

I bought some sorting trays back when I was tackling my 3000 piece jigsaw puzzle and I've found them invaluable for completing puzzles every since. The ones I have are no longer available but there are some very similar ones here - Becko Stackable Puzzle Sorting Trays (affiliate link). This puzzle was quite easy to sort as there are large blocks of similar colours which are fairly distinct. 

I soon realised that this wasn't a puzzle to start with the edges as there were just too many yellow edge pieces. Instead I worked on the large blocks of colour and quickly completed the blue tiles and the yellow pot. Then I was able to sort out the background pieces into sections of white and pink and put together the birds sitting against the white moon.

Next I decided it was time to tackle the rest of the edge. It wasn't easy! Although the pieces are randomly cut there is some repetition across the puzzle as a whole, so I did have a few false fits. This isn't a problem on a patterned part of the puzzle but it did affect some of the yellow border pieces, although it didn't take me too long to sort out. Then it was time to tackle the last area, the main background part of the puzzle, and I suspected that this would be more challenging.

It did take me quite a time to get to grips with the remaining part of the puzzle. This is where the shapes of the pieces were really helpful, as they are all so unique it's not too difficult to find the piece that you need. It's difficult to shape sort though, and you really have to work your puzzling muscles hard to remember the shape and colours of the piece that you are hunting for! It was very satisfying to finally find a piece that I'd been searching for and to slot it into place.

I really enjoyed completing this puzzle. The colours are so vibrant and I love the design. It wasn't an easy puzzle but there was a good balance between the easier and more difficult sections, and I really enjoyed the challenge. 

You can see all the puzzles in the range here - Cloudberries Small Batch jigsaw puzzles.

Summer crafting - finishing up some unfinished craft kits

At the beginning of the holidays we had a huge declutter in both children's bedrooms. It has made such a difference! We filled up bin bags of rubbish, took many bags to the charity shop, passed things on to others and I have a pile of stuff to put on eBay when I get the chance. In Mia's room she had a whole draw of craft kits which she's collected over the last couple of years, and so the summer holidays seemed a good opportunity to get on and get them finished.

Here are the projects that we've completed:

First up was some air drying clay which Mia received as a prize at school for winning an art competition. We made some sweet little Sanrio figures, and also a small bowl each.

She had a lot of half finished diamond painting kits. This sparkly flower set which we bought as a sleepover craft was a bargain from The Range. It didn't take her long to finish, and it even comes with a frame so it can go straight out on display. The sparkles are lovely!

I was a bit daunted by this candle making kit, but it was much easier than I was expecting and we made two really nice candles!

There were lots of other small diamond painting sticker sets so we finished them off. This is my grumpy owl! Now I have a tin full of leftover diamond dots which I'm not sure what to do with, although I have a few ideas here - left over diamond dots crafts.

The final craft was a stone painting set. It was supposed to be neon paints but unfortunately they had dried up, luckily I have plenty of acrylic paints that we could use! We went with a dotty theme and made some colourful painted stones.

Now she has plenty of space in her room, and we had fun together working on the crafts.

Capture the Canadian spirit: Nine films to watch before you go

This is a collaborative post

Canada has always been a favourite spot for filmmakers and TV producers. Many movies and TV shows we love for their stunning "New England in the fall" scenes or charming "European city" vibes were actually filmed in Canada! Watching these films is a fun way to get travel inspiration for your next family holiday to Canada.

Before you start browsing Netflix or your DVD collection, read on to discover the famous TV movies filmed in Canada that will spark ideas for your family trip.

9 Top Movies About Canada

Going The Distance (2004)

Teen film fans will enjoy watching this fun comedy directed by Mark Griffiths. The film tells the story of Nick (Christopher Jacot), whose seemingly perfect life in Tofino is turned upside down when his girlfriend Trish (Katheryn Winnick) leaves him to work for big-time producer Lenny Swackhammer (Jason Priestly) in Toronto. Nick plans to fly to Toronto to win her back, but his friends Tyler (Shawn Roberts) and Dime (Ryan Belleville) take him on a road trip in his motorhome instead, hoping to cheer him up.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Although Annie Proulx's novel is set in ‘Riverton’, Wyoming, the film "Brokeback Mountain" was actually shot in the beautiful Canadian Rockies of Alberta. The breath taking scenery in the movie includes the Kananaskis Range near Canmore, with distinct landmarks like Windtower, Three Sisters, and Moose Mountain.

"Brokeback Mountain" stars Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and Michelle Williams. It won the BAFTA for Best Film in 2006.

Inspired by these stunning landscapes? Consider a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer train for unbeatable views and top-notch service, making it a perfect family adventure!

Photo credit Louis Paulin via Unsplash

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

In "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," Michael Cera's character faces off against his girlfriend's evil exes, all while showcasing Toronto's famous landmarks. You'll spot the CN Tower, Distillery District, Casa Loma, Baldwin Steps, and more. This 2010 film, based on Bryan Lee O'Malley's graphic novels, blends humour and action as our hero, a quirky musician, battles to win his dream girl.

Are you already in Canada and want to better feel the spirit through Canadian movies? You are one step away from the goal. All you need is to find the movie and play it. The first task is completed, but you may see the message HBO Max isn't available in your region. At the same time, you could hear that Canadians watch HBO Max. How to watch HBO Max in Canada? To watch HBO Max in Canada, you only need to fake your location. VPN will help you with this. Detailed instructions are available at the link above.

C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005)

C.R.A.Z.Y. is a beloved Canadian film that follows 15-year-old Zac from Montreal who was born on Christmas Day in 1960, making him the fourth of five brothers. Despite being expected to blend in, Zac stands out with his unique tastes in fashion and music, particularly Glam Rock. The film features an amazing soundtrack and even includes a travel segment where Zac visits Jerusalem. This fun and heart warming movie is perfect for families and offers touching stories of self-discovery and acceptance. Highly recommended for all!

Les Boys (1997)

Les Boys is a 1997 comedy set in Québec that tells the story of an amateur hockey team trying to save their coach's tavern. The team must defeat a Mob team in an intense ice hockey match to keep the bar. Les Boys also explores Québecois masculine stereotypes in a humorous way. With three sequels, it stands as Canada's most successful film series to date. Perfect for family movie nights, this film series is a delightful blend of sportsmanship, humour, and Canadian pride.

One Week (2008)

Experience Canada’s most iconic landmarks from the comfort of your RV with this heart warming film. Directed by Michael McGowan, the movie turns Canada’s breath taking scenery into a star of its own. Follow Ben Tyler (Joshua Jackson) on his cross-country motorcycle adventure after a cancer diagnosis. From Toronto to Vancouver Island, you'll see stunning sights like the Big Nickel in Sudbury and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The film captures the beauty of Manitoba and Ontario, making it a perfect watch for anyone who loves travel and adventure.

The Revenant (2015)

"The Revenant" is an adventure film starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a frontiersman on a fur trading expedition in the 1820s. His character faces a fight for survival after disaster strikes in the rugged wilderness.

The movie also features well-known actors like Tom Hardy, Will Poulter, and Domhnall Gleeson. It was filmed in the stunning landscapes of Alberta, Canada. When DiCaprio won the Oscar for Best Actor in 2016, he praised Alberta’s natural beauty in his acceptance speech.

Photo credit Tim Woolliscroft via Unsplash

Pirates of the Caribbean (2006)

Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s most popular attractions and a gem in Ontario’s crown. This colossal waterfall, among the largest in the world, is also a favourite with Hollywood filmmakers. In 2006, the epic Disney film "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End" featured scenes shot at the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Instead of relying on digital effects, the producers chose this stunning location to depict the dramatic, apocalyptic waterfall needed for the movie. A perfect spot for both nature lovers and film buffs!

The Shipping News (2001)

When Kevin Spacey wasn’t playing iconic roles like Frank Underwood or Lester Burnham, he starred in The Shipping News. This heart warming 2001 film, directed by Lasse Hallström and based on Annie Proulx’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, also features Judi Dench, Julianne Moore, and Cate Blanchett. The film beautifully captures the cliffs, coves, and unique accents of New Bonaventure, making it a love letter to Canada’s easternmost province. Perfect for a family movie night!

Conclusion

Canada is a popular filming location for many movies and TV shows, and there are so many that we can't list them all. However, here are a few more family-friendly films that didn't make it onto our main list:

Night at the Museum – This fun film is set in New York, but many scenes were actually shot in Vancouver.

Jumanji – The thrilling adventure movie features breath taking scenes filmed in British Columbia.

Cheaper by the Dozen 2 – This family favourite was filmed around Ontario, showcasing some beautiful Canadian landscapes.

While our main list covers many great titles, these additional picks are also worth a watch!

Weekend Vibes: Women's casual outfits featuring Camo Jeans

This is a collaborative post

Weekends are all about relaxation, rejuvenation, and the freedom to express oneself through fashion. Finding the perfect weekend outfit can often be a delightful blend of style and comfort, and camo jeans are emerging as a key player in this mix. They've made a significant comeback, appearing in many women's wardrobes due to their versatility and edgy aesthetic. Let's explore some fabulous ways to incorporate camo jeans into your weekend attire, blending the latest trends with classic pieces for a casual-yet-chic look.

Embrace the Camo Trend

We all know that trends come and go. But did you know that camo pants for women have been making waves in the fashion world for a while now, offering a unique twist on casual wear. Traditionally associated with military attire, camo has been reinvented into various fashion items, with camo jeans standing out due to their adaptability and comfort. Their muted colours and rugged design provide the perfect backdrop for countless outfit combinations, whether you're going for a casual lunch with friends or running errands around town.

Pairing with Basics

One of the simplest ways to style camo jeans is by pairing them with basic, solid-coloured tops. A simple white tee can create a crisp, clean look, letting the bold pattern of the jeans be the primary focus. This classic combination not only looks effortlessly chic but also feels comfortable, making it ideal for relaxed weekends. Adding a denim jacket or a leather biker jacket can add another layer of interest and edge, perfect for those unpredictable spring or fall temperatures.

Photo credit Jesse Ballantyne via Unsplash

Casual Meets Chic

To elevate camo jeans into chic territory, consider teaming them with a tailored blazer and a pair of heeled boots. The structured lines of the blazer can provide a polished finish to the laid-back vibe of the jeans, creating an inspiring blend of casual and sophisticated styles. Accessorize with delicate jewellery and a crossbody bag to tie the look together without overpowering the camo print.

Sweater Weather Style

As the seasons change and temperatures dip, you can keep camo jeans on rotation by teaming them with cosy knitwear. Think oversized sweaters or turtlenecks in neutral tones like beige, tan, or grey. These colours complement the earthy tones in camo patterns and create a unified ensemble. Finish off with ankle boots or sneakers for an outfit that's as warm as it is stylish, perfect for a day spent wandering markets or enjoying a coffee shop retreat.

Athleisure Appeal

For those weekends dedicated to leisure activities or adventurous outings, camo jeans can serve as the foundation for an athleisure-inspired ensemble. Pair them with sporty elements like a vibrant hoodie or a fitted athletic top and trendy sneakers. This look is about championing comfort while staying effortlessly on-trend. It's the perfect balance for a casual hike or a brunch post-workout.

Experimenting with Patterns

For the bold and the brave, mixing patterns with camo jeans can yield a fashion-forward result. Stripes and polka dots, when carefully selected, can create striking contrasts that catch the eye. The trick is to keep the patterns within a similar colour palette to ensure they complement, rather than clash. Striped tops in black and white or subtle polka dots can introduce a dynamic element to your weekend wear.

Accessories Matter

No weekend outfit is complete without the right accessories, and with camo jeans, the possibilities are endless. Statement belts or chunky jewellery can add flair and personality to the ensemble, while hats or scarves can provide additional texture and layers. Don't forget about bags; a sleek tote or a funky backpack can make all the difference.

Footwear Fun

Shoes can make or break an outfit, and with camo jeans, you have a wide range of choices. From sleek sneakers for a laid-back look to knee-high boots for a bold statement, your footwear can alter the tone of the entire ensemble. Experiment with different styles to see what pairs best with your camo jeans and the weekend vibe you’re aiming for.

Incorporating camo jeans into your weekend wardrobe opens the door to a myriad of stylish possibilities. Whether you’re aiming for comfort, sophistication, or a bold statement, these versatile pants can be the cornerstone of your casual outfits. As the weekend rolls around, embrace the opportunity to showcase your unique style and personality, starting with the bold choice of camo jeans.

Exploring Luton: A one-day trip through unique attractions

This is a collaborative post

London, Oxford, Brighton, Bristol, and Bath are just some of the top cities in the south of England that people from all across the United Kingdom and the world visit religiously. If you want to see and explore the hidden and underrated side of England while staying close to the popular spots, exploring Luton is the answer to your authentic travel dreams. A one-day trip through the unique attractions in and around Luton will elevate your English holidays. If this sounds fun, this is the ideal guide to plan your trip.

Luton Airport Parking

The town of Luton may be a small place, but there is a well-equipped airport in the area, serving the grand capital city. The complex offers parking services which are utilised by both travellers and people living nearby. This is due to the fact that various parking needs are happily met. You can get a detailed breakdown of the available Luton Airport parking options for both premium and budget-friendly services at amazing prices on bookfhr.com. This is important as you have all the necessary information to evaluate and compare all these deals and confidently book the one that checks all your boxes online. Luton Airport adapts to the times, offering all kinds of modern privileges, such as online pre-bookings and electric charging stations.

Means of Transport for Exploring Luton

It is advisable to leave your car at Luton Airport and use the various means of transport available in the complex to explore the surrounding areas. Buses are the most popular option, as not only are they cheap, but they also offer routes to the most travelled spots and cities in the region. You can even take a bus to Luton train station, which is located near the airport. This is another fast and affordable way to get to Luton town centre, London, and other destinations. People who want to travel at their own pace have the alternative of a taxi or car hire.

Exploring Luton

The fact that Luton is a small town means that a one-day trip through unique attractions suffices to The fact that Luton is a small town means that a one-day trip through unique attractions suffices to get to know this trendy and authentic part of England. Some of the attractions that you mustn’t miss are:

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

In a fairy tale location and housed in a Victorian mansion, Wardown House, Museum and Gallery is an awesome place to not only learn about local Bedfordshire history but also have fun in the exquisite park.

Stockwood Park

Another destination that is worth visiting if you have kids or just want to have fun outside is Stockwood Park. It’s a large public park with a golf course, athletics track, children’s play areas, and beautiful green spaces.

Photo credit Gordie Jackson via Unsplash

Luton Market

Travellers who are interested in the everyday life in Luton will fall in love with the city’s market. Fresh produce, clothing, household goods, and a variety of street food options are offered by locals in this bustling part of the city.

Exploring Luton is super fun if you know where to go. If you want even more ideas and suggestions, the Luton Airport website can help you organise the best one-day trip there.