Five Things To Do With Your Family This Weekend

EVENT, MAKE LAST-MINUTE BOOKING

Yeah! It’s World Book Day! Eek! It’s World Book Day costume panic time! Find inspiration for last minute outfits here (including some cunning ideas for kids who aren’t keen on dressing up). All UK school children will receive a voucher to exchange for exclusive books – which one will you choose? There are some excellent lesson plans and family resources for all ages

Or check out our site for Ways To Share Stories using stories to help heal anxiety and ways to get writing with your kids.



RECIPE, MAKE, DO HELLO DAVE

Today, it’s all about Wales. St David’s Day is an excuse to bake up a batch of warm Welsh cakes (find a vegan version here), make junk model dragons or go for a long daffodil-spotting walk (find our favourite early spring gardens here) . Alternatively, find out more about the myths and legends of the country at this fantastic site.

EVENT, RECIPE TO THE POWER OF PIE
We love a good pie, so give three cheers for British Pie Week! This year, why not venture further afield and try pies from around the world; boat-shaped bakes from Finland, custard-and-coconut buko pie from the Philippines, or garlicky onion soparniks from Croatia.
Alternatively, explore Britain via the medium of pies. Here are our favourite recipes for hearty and delicious vegan pot pie, herby tarragon pie, inspired by a Georgian recipe and mini pumpkin pies.

MAKE AND DO CRYSTAL CLEAR
Making crystal gardens is a fascinating way to explore chemistry, and even young children can help set up and track the formation of the dazzlingly beautiful formations. You can buy kits online from the Science Museum and crystal trees are enormous fun, but it’s also easy to create your own versions. This is an easy method for younger children, while there’s a huge variety of ideas for different types of crystals here (the giant ones looks spectuacular) Find out about the science behind the gorgeousness here.

DO AND RECIPE FIND YOUR OWN
Taking a stroll in the countryside this weekend? Why not take the opportunity to forage for the earliest, most tender spring leaves. Chickweed should be starting to peep through; use it to make these tasty River Cottage pakoras, or as a powerful, herbal ingredient in a soothing salve. Nettles are starting to appear; their new leaves taste fresh and are full of vital minerals and vitamins. But you can do more with them than make soup – although this River Cottage recipe is quite delicious – we love these 20 great ideas for using stingers from chips to hair rinses! Find more of our nettle love here and our ideas for how to use them for health here.

HEADS UP TIME! The Big Bang Science Fair takes place at Birmingham NEC in June. It’s inspiring, fun, HUGE and free, but you must book your tickets in advance. Here’s your reminder to do just that…

WHAT WE’RE EATING: Cashew and Vegetable Stir Fry This is a complete and rather satisfying meal without that can be enjoyed by paleo lovers, veggies and health conscious people of all kinds. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fats – this is the perfect pick me up for that end of winter droopy feeling. Shake off your knitted socks, spring is coming! Find the recipes here

WHAT WE’RE READING ‘I did not expect motherhood to legitimise me’: parenting with a disability​​​​ “For people with a disability, becoming a parent means battling against prejudice and even outright disapproval. Here, four families share their eye-opening stories of love and joy” Read more here