What do you have planned this week?

Why is it that every half term we always seem to spend a fortune on activities? Whether it's a trip to the cinema, zoo or swimming we're always looking for a way to entertain the children.

Well, we have a few tips that might come in handy. 

Go to the local park… if the children are under 10 years old then this isn't a problem, however, if they are over 10, they seem to go through the stage where being seen with your parents "totally isn't cool". But if they are under 10 then this is perfect, take some outdoor toys with you i.e. ball, or even a blanket with a flask of hot chocolate, take advantage of the fact that it's not to cold.

Bake, bake and bake some more. Wether it's flapjacks or homemade ice cream, for some reason kids can't get enough of baking. Maybe it's the anticipation of licking the bowl or just making the biggest  mess imaginable, who knows? 

A movie marathon. So people say that it's not healthy for children to watch endless amounts of television, movies or play on computer games for hours on end, but surely a Disney marathon doesn't count in this? or Dreamworks? Who doesn't love Sherk? 

Team up, why not invite another parent and their child or children over for the afternoon? You can sit and relax whilst the children entrain themselves, although we do advise to maybe check on them every once in a while, you don't want their bedroom to turn into some sort of toy jungle. Don't fancy inviting them over? Then why not take a picnic to the park?

If you've tried all these and still find yourself spending endless amount on day trips, be thankful that this half term is one week and not two, your little angles will return to school in now time! 

Spook-Tacular Tips

October holds cold nights and the one thing that adults look forward to more than the kids... Halloween!

So we thought we'd give you a few of our favourite top tips for all-out Halloween fun!

1. Here at Hopper HQ we live by the rule "You are never to old to go trick-or-treating" 

What do you have to lose? 

2. Make sure you buy an extra bag of sweets to give to all the trick-or-treaters, the more that's left, the more you have all to yourself! 

3. Don't throw away your seeds - If you are a regular pumpkin carver that throws away their pumpkin seeds but keeps the flesh then you need to STOP! 

Pumpkin seeds are packed with protein and fiber and not to mention that they are very tasty, you can gently toast them in a frying pan or even in the oven and you have a healthy salad topping or even a light snack. 

We'd love to know if you have any other spook-tacular tips...

A few ideas to keep you occupied...

We are in for another week of glorious weather, and we have come up with a few penny saving ideas....

1. With the Commonwealth Games fast approaching, why not take advantage of this. You and your friends could form your own "teams"or even with your children. The only things you really need is space and room to perform these activities, and of course a medal for the wining team! If you are feeling really adventurous you could make your own tally board, and let your competitive side come through.... who knows.... you may be the next athletic representing Wales or England... it could be a possibility!

2. Let your creative side flow... here at Hopper HQ every time we go on a adventure we always make sure that we have our camera in hand to take advantage of every selfie opportunity. Take a trip down to your local sculpture park and get creative... this is the best way to take the pictures. Don't worry about looking daft or silly, everyone has jumped onto the selfie bandwagon... I'm sure you have secretly!

3. Let your kitchen goddess flow, even if you are a man. There is no excuse, put your apron on and get your grasshopper oats out. This recipe will blow your mind.... and I'm sure you have these hiding in the back of your cupboards!!

Its flapjack time!!!!

All you need is:
250g of Grasshopper cane sugar oats
125g of Butter
125g of Brown suagr
3 tsps of golden syrup

You could even add a few cheeky chocolate pieces if you have a sweet tooth.

The method:

1. Place all of the ingredients into a food processor and pulse them until they are fully mixed, but make sure you don't over mix them as the oats will lose there texture and become a mushy mess.

2. Lightly grease a medium sized baking tray with butter, and then place all of the mixture into the tray.

3. Use the back of a spoon to press the mixture evenly into the corners, then section them up to how you would like... big pieces or little its your choice. Personally, the bigger the better!!

4. Finally place your yummy flapjacks into a pre-heated oven at 180 and bake until golden brown. This is usually between 15 to 20 minutes.

So..... there you go 3 easy cost effect ideas that can fill your weekend or even your week!!