ABERDEEN CITY & SHIRE PATH TO PARIS P12 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD RSPB GARDEN BIRD WATCH P14 raring2go.co.uk WINTER 2023/2024 AFTER THE FESTIVITIES P26
2 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! 1. Voxblock boosts literacy skillsListening to stories helps develop a child's vocabulary, comprehension, and language skills. 2. Voxblock is ready-to-play as soon as it's unwrappedFree from Wifi and with no set-up - just press play! 3. Voxblock has hundreds of audiobooks Introduce children to a world of stories through a huge audiobook library. 4. Voxblock develops independence The player is easy-to-use and with no need for grown-ups, children can take control. 5. Voxblock is a gift that keeps giving Children enjoy Voxblock for years, not hours. This Christmas unwrap a Voxblock Starter Pack, it includes a Voxblock player, 3 audiobooks, and a protective bumper for £59.99. Buy at voxblock.co.uk reasons Voxblock makes the perfect Christmas gift Meet Voxblock: the easy-to-use screen-free audiobook player for children 3-12. Designed by parents, it empowers children to listen to audio stories independently. starter pack 99 £5 p £59. b aud the 00% connectivity free ong battery life build your child’s literacy as it's unwrapped ready-to-play as soon diobook player e screen-free voxblock.co.uk 1 lo a r
3 Raring2go! Copyright © 2023 Mojo Publishing Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage & retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the publishers. All information in this magazine is published in good faith and cannot be reproduced without prior written permission.The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the businesses which are featured in this magazine are of the highest quality, we do not guarantee the services and products from any businesses featured. Printed by Gemini Print Group. Website Member E-newsletter emailed monthly with latest offers and events Download vouchers and save £££’s Access all our online competitions with great prizes to be won Become a Join today by visiting www.raring2go.co.uk THIS? READ ARE Y every quarter… Dad and Mums local tho e tens of Well, so ar of ? DING YOU ds ousands arin R with business e tur a e to fe be sur ng2go! your Our favourite season of the year is here! We are big fans of the frosty starts and shorter days which means that crisp winter walks with the family are a must! In this issue we bring you lots of great content, things to make for Christmas, keeping pets safe over the festive period and so much more.Taking us into January, see the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch on page 14 for full details and also ‘The Path to Paris’ with Team GB & Paralympics GB, to get the children involved in the run up to the Olympics in 2024! We hope you enjoy getting involved with our Winter edition, please do share the magazine link with your friends and family too! We’ll be back in Spring 2024! Best wishes The Raring2go! Team
4 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Winter is here bringing lots of fun family times, events, awareness days and laughs. Here’s our top pick of things to do and get involved in this Winter. DECEMBER 4th- Tree Dressing Day- For those who haven’t put theirs up already, today’s the day! 7th Christmas Jumper DayA great reason to get those Colourful Christmassy jumpers out and stand proud in aid of Save the Children charity, learn more about it here, savethechildren.org.uk 9th-11th – Illumination Street Week- an annual event of celebration of festive lights, decorations and all things for the Christmas season to spread the festive cheer. 20th – Festival of Winter Walks- One for all the family that gets you out and about to enjoy the beauty of the Winter season. 24th-26th Christmas Time. All the build up to the big day, it’s time to celebrate the big man’s arrival… 31st New Years Eve/ Hogmanay. As we wave goodbye to 2023 and embrace the New year making resolutions and plans for the year ahead. Visit raring2go.co.uk for some suggestions for you and the family! JANUARY 2024 1st- Veganuary- The popular annual campaign and movement that encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle for the month of January… 4th – National Trivia DayDid you know that the fingerprints of koalas are so similar to humans that they can sometimes be mistaken for each other! Just like how humans have unique fingerprints, each koala’s fingerprints are also distinct… 17th Museum Selfie DayA great reason for a family day out, why not visit your local museum and whilst you are there, take a Museum Selfie!
5 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 20th National Cheese Lovers Day- A cheesy day for all you cheese lovers out there! 25th Burns Night- A celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, the author of many Scots poems. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet’s birthday, 25 January. 27th National Chocolate Cake Day - We all love Chocolate Cake am I right? Need a chocolate cake recipe visit here, raring2go.co.uk or want to learn what other National Chocolate Days there are, visit here… www.chocolatier.co.uk FEBRUARY 4th British Yorkshire Pudding Day- who’s recipe is best? Mums, Grandmas or Chef James Martin… The answer is they all are, enjoy the celebration of the great old Yorkshire Pud! 13th Pancake Day- One of the nation’s favourite traditions making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. If you need a recipe visit https://raring2go.co.uk/ activities/basic-pancakespancake-day/. 17th Radom Acts of Kindness day - Well this is just a day, we should all be kind every day of the year. Visit an elderly neighbour, donate to charity, post positive messages, whatever it is be kind… 17th Real Bread Week- you can’t beat home made bread and to celebrate Real Bread Week, why not try your own. For a great bread recipe, visit raring2go.co.uk.
6 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CHRISTMAS Make Sleeping Beauty the pantomime of your dreams! Once upon a time in a land far away, Princess Aurora is given a twenty-first birthday present by her evil aunt Carabosse. By pricking her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel she is placed under a cruel curse and forced to sleep for 100 years. Starring award-winning comedy actor and writer Gary:Tank Commander who will be joining returning panto favourites Alan McHugh as Nurse Nellie Macduff, Paul J Corrigan as Slimeball, Julie Coombe as Carabosse and Aberdonians Danielle Jam as The Spirit of Pantomime and Michael Karl-Lewis as the Prince. Can true love survive and Prince Charming break the spell? Who will outwit the evil Enchantress and foil her wicked plans? All will be revealed in this spectacular panto packed with magic, music, comedy and special effects. Don’t get caught snoozing, book your tickets now!
8 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CHRISTMAS Avoiding Christmas Crises for your Pets CHRISTMASis a happy time, but some dangers may arise causing potential problems for your pets. Here are some safety tips to ensure you can all enjoy a stress free (ish) Christmas! • CHOCOLATE– Not a myth, and fortunately much more recognised these days, chocolate contains Theobromine, which at best can make your dog very sick, and at worst can unfortunately kill them. The higher the cocoa content or the smaller the dog, the higher the risk, and any dog that eats chocolate MUST be taken to a vet as soon as possible. • OTHER TOXIC ITEMS– Onions, garlic, grapes and raisins (and mistletoe and poinsettias) are all around at Christmas, and are toxic to pets; do not feed them to your pets, even in small quantities, and seek veterinary advice if they get hold of them. • TURKEY BONES – Take care when storing and disposing of turkey carcasses and other bones, as if eaten they can cause severe damage to teeth and gums, or even worse to the internal digestive tract. • TINSEL – Tinsel and other decorations can prove very interesting to inquisitive pets, especially cats and young kittens and puppies, and can cause choking or internal blockages. • ANTIFREEZE – Antifreeze tastes sweet and is tempting for cats to drink. It is TOXIC and will KILL a cat that has ingested it. Take care with storage and mop any spillages immediately. Call the vet immediately if you suspect your pet has drunk Antifreeze. • SALT/GRIT ON PAWS – It is a good idea to wash your dogs paws after walks in the winter, as the frozen ground and grit can cause soreness and irritation. • FOREIGN BODIES– Small toys and batteries are often left lying around and can be very dangerous if chewed or swallowed. They can cause obstructions, or in the case of batteries, chemical burns, so ensure everything is picked up off the floor. • DIARRHOEA – Remember when you are tempted to give your pet their ‘Christmas dinner’ or treats, they are not used to such rich food, so may have some vomiting or diarrhoea as a consequence. • STRESS – There are many potential causes of stress for your pets at Christmas, such as lack of routine, crowds and fireworks. They may may just want to hide away from it all so make them a den in a safe area where they can escape if need be. Hopefully these tips will help towards a happy Christmas for all. Anna Tilley RVN
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10 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! FEATURE Black Friday alone is estimated to be responsible for the release of around 400,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, according to research by Leeds University. But around 80% of items bought on Black Friday are thrown away after a few uses, some without being used at all. Buying high volumes of stuff we don’t need is causing enormous harm to our planet. From manufacturing and packaging to shipping and delivery, every stage of the production cycle emits huge volumes of carbon which is heating up Earth to unsustainable levels. Keep Britain Tidy, which recently published its manifesto highlighting how the planet is drowning in plastic and waste, has issued a plea to people across England to save their pennies - and the planet - this Black Friday. From November 24 people will be able to sign up to take part in its upcoming waste reduction campaign, Buy Nothing New Month, which will run throughout January.You can sign up at: www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/supportour-campaigns/buy-nothing-new-month The campaign challenges people to buy nothing new - apart from essentials like food or medicine - for a whole month and to turn to environmentally friendly alternatives like upcycling, repairing, borrowing or buying preloved. The charity's research shows many people mistakenly believe recycling is a form of waste prevention, and it is now highlighting how the “waste hierarchy” - a framework that ranks how we manage our waste according to what is best for the environment - prioritises preventing waste in the first place, ahead of reuse and recycling. Small changes to our buying habits can help protect our future - in fact last year 65% of people who took part managed to buy nothing new! Those who sign up will receive tips to use throughout January and beyond on how to live more sustainably and will join thousands of others making a difference. Buy Nothing NewMonth Leading environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy is urging spenders to resist the lure of Black Friday and Cyber Monday to reduce the amount of waste we produce.
11 Raring2go! MAKE Raring2make! FUN IDEAS FOR MAKING THINGS TOGETHER ‘Cakes are healthy too, you just eat a small slice’ Mary Berry www.raring2go.co.uk Christmas Pudding Recipe Ingredients •225g/8oz golden caster sugar •225g/8oz vegetarian suet •120g/4oz, plain flour •340g/12oz sultanas •340g/12oz raisins •225g/8oz currants •60g/2oz flaked almonds •120g/4oz chopped candied peel •120g/4oz fresh white breadcrumbs •Zest of 1 lemon •1level tsp ground cinnamon •5 eggs beaten•1level tsp mixed spice •1 level tsp freshly grated nutmeg •Pinch of salt •150ml/5fl oz brandy or rum Method Mix together all the dry ingredients. Stir in the eggs and brandy and mix through well.Turn the mix into 4x1pint or 2x2 pint lightly-greased pudding basins. Put a circle of baking parchment and foil over the top of each basin and tie securely with string. Make a string handle from one side of the basin to the other so it's easier to pick the basin out of the pan after cooking. Put the basins in a large steamer of boiling water and cover with a lid. Boil for 5-6 hours, topping the boiling water up from time to time if necessary. If you don't have a steamer, put the basins in a large pan on inverted saucers on the base. Pour in boiling water to come a third of the way up the sides of the pudding bowls. Cover and steam as before. Cool. Change the baking parchment and foil covers for fresh ones and tie up as before. Store in a cool cupboard until Christmas Day. To serve the pudding on Christmas Day, steam for 2 hours and serve with brandy butter, rum sauce, cream or home-made custard. For more great recipe ideas please visit our website: www.raring2go.co.uk
12 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! ACTIVITY In just under a year, the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place in Paris. To mark this occasion, Get Set (the official youth engagement programme from Team GB and ParalympicsGB), is on a mission to get children aged 5-11 and their families more active with their new virtual challenge – Path to Paris. Schools, community groups or families can set up teams for children to take part – and everyone can join in with the fun alongside them, completely for free! We all know how important it is to get children more active. Research has shown clear links between how active children are and the state of their mental wellbeing, even down to how much they are able to concentrate and their levels of selfesteem. Path to Paris provides a fantastic opportunity to bring positive change into all aspects of children’s lives, all while bringing families, school communities, and wider communities together. The challenge begins in Athens, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. From there, children will embark on a virtual journey around the world in a team bus, completing fun activities as they explore different places on their way to the Paris Games. Every physical activity logged will earn kilometres to power their virtual team bus to its final destination.Whether it’s jumping on the trampoline in the garden, playing wheelchair basketball, attending a weekly judo club, or dancing around the living room as a family, it all counts, so everyone can get involved and get their hearts racing doing something they enjoy. As well as getting active, children will learn about athletes and their sports, the history of the Games, and can also win incredible prizes as they complete the Path to Paris.The prizes range from sports equipment to support them to get and stay active, posters and stickers to help them track their progress, and even exclusive school visits from Olympic and Paralympic athletes! Team members might also get shout outs on social media from athletes, or win awards for their outstanding achievements, whether individually or as a family. Path to Paris uses a gamified approach designed to inspire and excite children to take part and keep moving.There are lots of motivational activities and videos to encourage them to stay active and build healthy habits, and in doing so, power their virtual team bus to Paris before the start of the Games. For more details and to get involved, visit our website, raring2go.co.uk… Join ‘Path to Paris’ from Team GB and Paralympics GB and inspire children to live more active lifestyles!
13 Raring2go! ACTIVITY Eden Project Communities, the people behind the annual Big Lunch campaign that brings neighbours and communities together in June, have launched a new ‘Winter Warmers’ initiative to help people connect over the colder months. From getting together to share mince pies, to creating advent windows and hosting Big Lunch at Christmas events, there are lots of ways for communities to keep cosy this winter, and fun ways for schools and families to take part too. All of the ideas are tailored for schools and education settings, making it easy to get involved and connect the wider school community this winter. Their ‘Wild Winter Creations’ lesson plan for EYFS and KS1, crafted by the Eden Education team, will get children out into nature to create eco-decorations and garlands ready for festive events, and pupils can also celebrate someone special in their school or home community, with the Chairs for Champions lesson for KS1 and KS2 – putting their creativity, recycled materials and decorations to good use by creating a throne fit for a Champion! Find out more and get the free resources by searching ‘teaching resources’ at: www.edenprojectcommunities.com/freeteaching-resources Winter Warmers: free Eden Project resources for schools
Together, let’s make it count The RSPB is a registered charity in Eng and and Wales 207076, in Scot and SC037654. Robin by Mark Sisson (rspb-images.com) Every birdwatch ma ers Join hundreds of thousands of others and take part in Big Garden Birdwatch - the UK’s argest citizen science wildlife survey. Sign up, connect with nature and make your birdwatch count. P ay your part at www.rspb.org.uk Big Garden Birdwatch 26-28 January 2024
16 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! MAKE Ingredients: 900 grams of stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 litre of Beef stock ¼ litre red wine (optional) 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 2 celery stalks, chopped 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried rosemary Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening) Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Instructions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over mediumhigh heat. Add the cubed beef and brown it on all sides.You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté them until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. If you're using red wine, pour it into the pot and deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly. Return the browned beef to the pot and add the beef stock. Stir to combine. Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.You can also cook it in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. If you want a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of allpurpose flour with a little water to make a paste and stir it into the stew. Cook for an additional 1015 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve your delicious beef stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. It's perfect with some crusty bread or over cooked rice or mashed potatoes. Enjoy your homemade beef stew! Raring2make! FUN IDEAS FOR MAKING THINGS TOGETHER ‘Cakes are healthy too, you just eat a small slice’ Mary Berry www.raring2go.co.uk Here's a classic recipe for beef stew: For more great recipe ideas please visit our website: www.raring2go.co.uk
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Materials need for finger knitting a beanie: Super Chunky Wool (works best to make the beanie nice and chunky) Pair of scissors Your fingers Step 1 : How to Finger Knit Hold the wool comfortably with your thumb. Wrap the wool behind your index finger and in front of your middle finger, then behind your wedding finger and around your pinky.Then bring the wool in front of your wedding finger, behind your middle finger and around your index finger. You need to do it again.Wrap the wool in front of your middle finger, behind your index finger, and around your pinky. Continue bringing the wool in front of your wedding finger, behind your middle finger and then around your index finger, so that you will have two loops on each finger. Now you need to pull the bottom loop up and over the top loop. Do this with each finger in turn, so that you are left with one loop on each finger.Then start again, starting in front of your middle finger, making the loops, and pulling the wool over. Keep repeating these steps until you have a long enough piece that will fit around your head. Step 2 : How to connect strands of your beanie hat Now we are going to connect the two ends together. Run your thumb through the ridge on the back.The ridge is the back and the reverse side is the front. Face the ridged side in towards the centre, making sure you don’t twist it. Connect the two together by hooking your little finger first into the bottom loop, and then into the top loop of the end of the knitted piece.You will have three loops on your little finger. Then start knitting again as normal, wrapping the wool around your fingers.When you start to pull loops off your finger, just one thing... On Make a beanie hat with Red Ted Art Finger knitting is a great way to get kids interested in knitting and yarn crafts and is something they can easily progress from as they learn… Raring2go! ACTIVITY 18 raring2go.co.uk
19 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! ACTIVITY your pinky finger, pull each loop up and over individually, starting from the bottom, leaving one loop on each finger again. Leaving one loop. Give it a tighten by pulling on the wool. Step 3 : How to add a row to your finger knitted beanie hat DIY This time we only need to hook into one loop on the knitted piece. Find your next loop and hook your little finger into it.Then knit another row. Once again, on the little finger pull each loop off individually. Pull to tighten. Find your next loop and hook into it. Knit another row across. Keep knitting until the hat covers your head. Remember to keep trying on the hat for measurements. Step 4 : How to decrease Next stage is to make the top of your hat.We need to start decreasing.This time you need to pick up two loops from the knitted piece, so you have three loops on your little finger. Then start to knit another row. Keep repeating these steps until the top of your hat is almost closed. Leaving a small gap. Step 5: How to decrease and finish your beanie Start casting off your fingers. Pull the first loop off and onto your next finger. And pull the bottom loop up and over the top. Do this on all your fingers, until you have one left.Then pull the wool through the last loop. Get scissors and cut the loop.To close off the top I laced through each loop across the top keeping it nice and tight, closing the top off completely. Make sure you keep pulling tight.You then just need to tie a knot in the wool to finish. If you’d like to see a video , here’s the full tutorial here… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4IoOa_S MUE Many thanks to RedTedArt for sharing this fabulous Beanie creative. If you’d like to see so much more on crafting, visit redtedart.com
Raring2go! MAKE 20 raring2go.co.uk
22 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! ACTIVITY Family Cook-Off Night: Host a weekly or monthly family cook-off night where each member takes turns selecting a theme or cuisine. Everyone can work together to plan, shop for ingredients, and then prepare their chosen dishes.This not only promotes teamwork but also allows everyone to explore different culinary traditions. Outdoor Adventure Challenges: Plan a series of outdoor adventures or challenges like hiking to a scenic spot, geocaching, or orienteering. Create a "Family Adventure Passport" to track completed challenges and encourage friendly competition.This activity promotes physical activity and bonding in nature. Family Book Club: Start a family book club where you pick a book to read together and then have regular discussions about it. Choose a diverse range of genres and themes to cater to different interests within the family.You can even create a mini-library at home to keep all your family book club selections. DIY Home Improvement Projects: Undertake DIY home improvement or decoration projects as a family. Decide on a room or area to renovate or redecorate and involve each family member in the planning and execution. It's a productive way to improve your living space while learning new skills together. Language Learning Night: Dedicate one evening a week to learning a new language as a family.You can use language-learning apps, online resources or enrol in a course together. This not only enhances communication skills but also opens doors to exploring different cultures and travel opportunities in the future. Remember that the key to introducing something new for the family is to ensure that it's engaging, inclusive, and adaptable to everyone's interests and abilities. These activities can help strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. Something New for You and the family… Things can get very samey once the festive season is over, so we have put together a few creative ideas to introduce something new for your family to do together:
CLUBS & CLASSES Clubs and classes are a valuable resource in building your children’s confi dence, growing their social skills and so much more. To get them thinking which kind of club they would be interested in joining, here’s a bit of fun with suggestions included… Here are 10 quiz questions for your kids to answer… 1. What type of kids’ class focuses on teaching children how to paint using various artistic techniques? a) football i t u i g v i titi t ch iqu ? )f tbll b) Dance c) Painting d) Maths 2. Which of the following is a popular coding l d language often taught in kids’ coding clubs? a) French b) Python c) Spanish d) Guitar 3. In a drama club for kids, what do participants d m lbf kid whtd ti i t typically do to improve their acting skills? a) Solve math problems b) Sing songs p g g c) Perform scenes and plays d) Play video games d l d l d 4. Which of the following is a science-based club that allows kids to explore and conduct experiments? a) Cooking Club b) Science Club c) Gardening Club d) Music Club Clb )G d i Clbd)M i Clb 5. What is the primary goal of a kids’ sports club? a) Learning to cook p y g p g b) Developing athletic skills and teamwork c) Building robots d) Writing poetry 6. Which type of kids’ club often involves learning and practicing martial arts techniques? a) Chess Club b) Science Club c) Karate Club d) Cooking Club 7. In a kids’ astronomy club, what do children study and observe? a) The behaviour of ants b) The stars, planets, and celestial objects in the night sky ) p j g y c) How to make paper airplanes d) Geography 8. hat type of kids’ club might involve learning to play musical instruments the piano or guitar? a) Gardening Club b) Coding Club c) Music Club d) ketball Club 9. Which club encourages kids to explore and appreciate nature through g p pp g tdoor activities? a) Video Game Club b) Outdoor Adventure Club Chess Club d) History Club 10. What is the main focus of a kids’ language club? a) Learning to juggle b) earning a new programming language c) Learning and practicing a foreign i i l ) L i d ii fi anguage d) Playing board games QUICK QUIZ Answers at the bottom of the page. No cheating! C Clubs and classes hildren’s con de h ANSWERS: c) Painting, b) Python, c) Perform scenes and plays b) Science Club, b) Developing athletic skills and teamwork, c) Karate Club b) The stars, planets, and celestial objects in the night sky c) Music Club, b) Outdoor Adventure Club c) Learning and practicing a foreign language a c) Wh like t Bask W out c) C 10 Le la
24 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! PLACES TO GO The Festival of Winter Walks The Festival of Winter Walks in the UK is a cherished annual tradition that invites people to embrace the beauty of the winter season. Held during the festive period, typically from late December to early January, this event encourages individuals to don their warmest attire and explore the country's stunning landscapes. It celebrates the crisp air, frosty landscapes, and the tranquillity of winter. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through snowdusted forests, a coastal walk with breathtaking views, or an urban exploration of historic streets adorned with holiday lights, Winter Walks foster a sense of togetherness and appreciation for the natural world during the colder months. 2023-24
25 Raring2go! ACTIVITY Set Clear Goals: Define your fitness objectives, whether it's losing weight, building muscle, improving endurance, or just staying active. Having specific goals will keep you motivated. Create a Workout Routine: Develop a structured exercise plan that includes a mix of cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Consistency is key, so aim for at least 3-5 days of exercise per week. Find an Accountability Partner: Team up with a friend or family member who shares your fitness goals. Having someone to exercise with and hold you accountable can make a big difference. Try New Activities: Make fitness fun by exploring different activities like hiking, dancing, swimming, or martial arts. Experimenting with new workouts can keep things exciting. Join a Gym or Fitness Class: If you prefer a structured environment, consider signing up for a gym membership or fitness classes like yoga, spinning, or HIIT. Use Technology: Download fitness apps or invest in wearable fitness trackers to monitor your progress, set reminders, and stay motivated. Prioritise Nutrition: A healthy diet is crucial for achieving your fitness goals. Focus on balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Get Adequate Rest: Rest and recovery are essential for muscle growth and overall wellbeing. Ensure you're getting enough quality sleep each night. Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting your workouts. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Track Your Progress: Keep a fitness diary or use a fitness app to track your workouts, nutrition, and how you're feeling. Celebrate your achievements along the way to stay motivated. Remember that getting fit is a journey, and it's important to be patient with yourself. Start small, gradually increase the intensity of your workouts, and stay consistent. Consistency is key to long-term success in achieving and maintaining your fitness goals. Get Fit for 2024 Getting fit for the New Year is a great goal, and there are many ways to achieve it. Here are 10 ideas to help you get started on your fitness journey:
26 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! ACTIVITY Winter Nature Hike: Take a leisurely hike in a nearby nature reserve or park. Look for signs of winter wildlife and enjoy the crisp, fresh air. Board Game Night: Gather around the table for a night of board games or card games. It's a great way to bond and have some friendly competition. Movie Marathon: Choose a series of familyfriendly movies or a theme (classic Disney films, Harry Potter movies etc) and have a ‘movie marathon’ with popcorn and snacks. Baking Extravaganza: Spend a day baking cookies, cakes, or other treats together.You can even have a mini-baking competition with different teams or family members. Volunteer Together: Give back to your community by volunteering at a local shelter, food bank, or charity. It's a wonderful way to teach your kids the value of helping others. DIY Craft Day: Get creative with a DIY craft day. You can make homemade decorations, scrapbooks, or other crafts that you can cherish as keepsakes. Indoor Mini-Olympics: Create a series of miniOlympic games in your living room or back garden (weather permitting of course!).You can have events like a sock sliding race, minibasketball, and even a family dance-off. Visit a museum or Aquarium: Explore a local museum, science centre, or aquarium. It's both fun and educational for the whole family. Cook a Family Dinner: Have each family member choose a dish and cook it together for a special family dinner. It's a great way to share family recipes and traditions. Scavenger Hunt: Organise a scavenger hunt in your garden or at a nearby park. Create a list of items to find or clues to solve and see who can complete the hunt first. Remember to tailor these activities to your family's interests and the weather in your area. Whether you choose indoor or outdoor activities, the key is to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. After the Festivities are over… Christmas and New Year are such a busy time and once over, things can feel a tad flat, so we have come up with a few suggestions to keep the family busy for January and beyond… Here are 10 ideas for family activities to enjoy once Christmas is over:
From ideas for fun family time together to some great awareness days. CLICK HERE to find a selection of ideas that are happening all in your area and across the country this winter. www.raring2go.co.uk/whats-on
28 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! FEATURE What is Veganuary? 1 Veganuary is a popular annual campaign and movement that encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle for the month of January. The name "Veganuary" is a combination of "vegan" and "January." The goal of Veganuary is to raise awareness about the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. During Veganuary, participants pledge to abstain from consuming any animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey, for the entire month of January. The campaign provides resources, recipes, and support to help people make the transition to a vegan diet and to discover the variety and deliciousness of plant-based foods. Veganuary has gained widespread popularity and has inspired many individuals to adopt a more plant-based diet, or even become vegan permanently after trying it for a month. It has also contributed to increased awareness of the impact of food choices on animal welfare and the environment.
29 Raring2go! We work with many household names and we’ve got some amazing prizes up for grabs for you. All our competitions are 100% FREE to enter! Entering our competitions is quick and easy! Head over to raring2go.co.uk and click the Save & Win tab! Image is for illustration purposes only and may differ from actual prizes currently available. Raring2go! Competitions
30 British Science Week 5th - 14th March Read, Scream, Repeat A collection of stories curated by Jennifer Killick, published by Farshore. Raring2Read! BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FAMILIES Does your family enjoy reading? Then join our Facebook group, to share ideas, tips and recommendations. www.facebook.com/groups/raring2read Raring2go! would like to thank LoveReading4Kids, for this wonderful review. LoveReading4Kids, the UK’s leading children’s book recommendation website, is now a bookstore with social purpose, where 25% of the cover price can be donated to a school to buy books. Because books change lives. Buy a Book. Support a School. Make a Difference. Click anywhere on this page to buy this book or visit: www.lovereading4kids.co.uk Poppy, aged 11 from London is one of their book reviewers. Thirteen is unlucky for some but this spinechilling bunch of short stories written by thirteen different authors is such a great book. Read, Scream, Repeat features various writing styles that all have one thing in common: they make you shiver. My favourites are the stories by Jennifer Killick, Aisha Bushby and Elle McNicol. They are about creepy things like zombies hunting you down, a monster in the depths of a lake and a pond that forever sucks you down down down. I would totally recommend this to people who like scary stories. Raring2go! FEATURE
chasing either a new Have you ever dreamed of taking control of your working OLIH WŘ W DURXQG \RXU IDPLO\" We’re looking for a special person to join our network by pur w, or existing, magazine franchise &RXOG \RX EH WKH QH 5DULQJ JR (GLWRU" ed, with hing [W g g area. You really can have a rewarding career and bring up your family! Raring2go! The role of Editor is vari everything from research Ƃ attend sports days, and take time of I decide my working hours, so Raring2go! has allowed me the yiÝLÌÞÌ`Ì iÃV ÀÕ] ff in the school holidays. Þv>ÞE >ÛiLii«ÀÛi}i` to try so many new activities and days out. We’ve reviewed after hours events at Marwell and attended opening events at Paultons. Most of all, I love working with Ãi v>Ì>ÃÌV V> LÕÃiÃÃià E organisations. Sometimes, as I’m sat chatting with them over a hot V V>Ìi] V>½ÌLiiÛi ÜÕVÞ >Ì >ÌÌ Ãë>ÀÌvÞLt everything from researching what’s on, social media, design, `ÃÌÀLÕÌ >` Ã>ið -Õ««ÀÌ ÃƂ 7Ƃ9->Û>>LivÀÌ i Raring2go! Franchise. No previous iÝ«iÀiViÃiViÃÃ>ÀÞ>Ì Õ} an interest in the local area is helpful. *i>ÃiÌiÌ >ÌÌ iÀiÃ>w>V> investment required to get started. v ÞÕ½Ài «>ÃÃ>Ìi >LÕÌ V> families having fun and you’re i>}iÀ Ì Li ÞÕÀ Ü LÃÃ] Üi½` love to talk to you. Don’t miss out on this rewarding career and family-friendly lifestyle – apply for details now! Don’t miss out on this rewarding career and family friendly lifestyle. Ask for more details by calling 01273 447101 or by email to info@raring2go.co.uk Have you ever dreamed of taking control of your working life to fit around your family? We’re looking for a special person to join our network by purchasing either a new, or existing, magazine franchise area. Could you be the next Raring2go Editor? Local Franchises Available! Here’s what one of our franchisees says about Raring2go! You really can have a rewarding career and bring up your family! I decide my working hours. Raring2go! has allowed me the flexibility to do the school run, attend sports days, and take time off in the school holidays. My family & I have been privileged to try so many new activities and days out. We’ve reviewed after hours events at Marwell Zoo and attended opening events at Paultons Park. Most of all, I love working with some fantastic local businesses and amazing organisations. Sometimes, as I’m sat chatting with them over a hot chocolate, I can’t believe how lucky I am that this is part of my job! Being a Raring2go! Editor The role of Editor is very varied, with everything from researching local what’s on info, social media, design, distribution and sales. Support is ALWAYS available from the Raring2go! Franchise. No previous experience is necessary although an interest in the local area is helpful. Please note that a financial investment is required to get started. But, if you’re passionate about local families having fun and you’re eager to be your own boss, we’d love to talk to you. Don’t miss out on this rewarding career and family friendly lifestyle. Ask for more details by calling 01273 447101 or by email to info@raring2go.co.uk
32 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! PLACES TO GO Heading Subheading Intro Text Advertise with Raring2go! and make a splash! email: info@raring2go.co.uk Telephone: 01273 447101 Raring2go!
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