October half term is all about spending time with your family, but what activities can you get stuck into without breaking the bank and relying heavily on dry weather? If you’re racking your brain for things to do, we’ve rounded up a few pastimes to keep the whole family entertained!
Green Door Bakery
To keep parents and children alike busy this October half term, Rhian Jones, owner of Green Door Bakery, has shared her delicious cookie secrets. Get your aprons and whisks at the ready!
To make a batch of 10 cookies, you’ll need:
● 100g light brown sugar
● 75g caster sugar
● 125g unsalted butter (melted)
● 1 whole egg
● 300g plain flour
● 1 tablespoon baking powder
● Chocolate chips (or desired filling)
Method:
1. Add your butter and sugars to a bowl and mix until creamy
2. Add your egg in and mix again!
3. Add in the plain flour and baking powder until a dough is formed
4. Add your chocolate chips and beat until distributed well
5. Weigh your mixture and split into equal dough balls
6. Leave to chill for 30 mins whilst preheating your oven to 175°
7. Pop the dough on a lined baking tray and bake for 16 minutes
Leave to cool and enjoy!
If you happen to come down with a severe case of cabin fever this half term and want to nibble on some sweet treats that you haven’t had to bake, head down to Green Door Bakery in Cyncoed Village.
To keep up with the latest bakes: @greendoor_bakery
Credit: @greendoor_bakery
Matsudai Ramen Meal Kits
Fancy trying a new cuisine from the comfort of your own home? Matsudai offers you the chance to try ramen, the famous Japanese adaption of Chinese noodle soup, seated at your very own dining table. Matsudai provides meal kits that are so quick and easy to follow that even your little ones can get involved. The only difficult decision of the evening will be picking out a movie that everyone agrees on!
Cooking ramen at home from scratch can take a lot of time. Matsudai simplifies the process for you, “taking the hard work out of it so you get to enjoy the delicious bit at the end”, James Chant, founder of Matsudai, notes. Scan the QR code of your kit and follow simple step-by-step instructions. By the time your ramen is warmed through, your family will still be arguing over what film to watch, so it’s probably best to stick on a Disney classic for the hundredth time!
While you’re enjoying your meal, James recommends pairing it with “a nice cold glass of beer or a great cocktail.” You don’t have to tell us twice! Perhaps your little ones could even make their very own mocktails. You’re spoilt for choice by Matsudai, as they have eleven different kits with the option to customise each one, shaping it into your perfect ramen. With so many choices, it can be hard to pick but fear not, James divulged his favourites; the rich ‘Sapporo Miso’ packed with umami and the ‘Signature Shoyu’, which is loosely based on the new wave Tokyo style. Other best-sellers are ‘Classic Tonkotsu’ and ‘Sunset Red Tonkotsu’ which are both “super rich and decadent”.
Sounds great, right? We think so too. To ensure you’re fully prepared for a night in with the family, order your ramen kits a week or more in advance to avoid disappointment.
To view their range of ramen: www.matsudai.co.uk
Upcycling
Out of the many things your little ones could get stuck into this October half term, why not let them play fashion designer by upcycling clothes? It’s a perfect way to spark some sustainable creativity as well as keep them busy for the day. There has been a resurgence of sustainable and affordable shopping. Whether it be thrift shopping, upcycling pre-loved clothes or paying more for sustainable clothing, we’re here for it!
The Thrift is “an independent, Cardiff-born business that offers a sustainable and affordable alternative to fast fashion and expensive brands”. With their warehouse split into multiple sections, the shop is easy to navigate. You can easily find anything from well-known designers to pre-loved kid’s clothes. The Thrift also holds a £10 kilo sale seven days a week. The endless options of clothes and bargains make for a perfect place to go on a shopping spree.
Make your way down to Splott, the home of ‘The Thrift’, set your budget and you’re good to go. Be on the lookout for some clothing that looks like it needs some bejewelling or jazzing up, then head home to set up for a day of creativity. To start any upcycling project, you’ll mostly need to start with basic mending, whether it’s adding a patch over a hole or sewing together a hole in a seam. Next, it’s time to look for inspiration. Ask your kids what vibe they’re going for, or maybe show them a few Pinterest pictures to prompt their imagination. Bring out some iron-on patches, fabric dye and some jewels, buttons or lace that you can glue on and you’re good to go. With these accessories, there’s no need to be an expert in fashion or design, just stick wherever feels right. You’re now the proud owner of a completely unique item of clothing.
Not only is upcycling clothes fun, but it also reduces the amount of discarded materials heading towards the landfill. TikTok is flooded with people choosing to upcycle their clothes, however, it’s not only individuals that are hopping on the trend, big names in luxury fashion have started upcycling, like Miu Miu. So, who knows, maybe your little one will be the next Donatella Versace.
Check out their website for more information: www.the-thrift.co
