The Cookes

Is it old fashioned to believe that children should help around the house?  Some might argue, but the truth is, teaching children responsibility through household tasks is a foundation for raising independent, well rounded individuals, as it helps them develop essential life skills and a strong work ethic. 

Christmas is a time for magic, family, and creating unforgettable memories.  Each year we spend Christmas morning, just the 4 of us and the living room transforms into a festive explosion of wrapping paper.  As the boys tear into their gifts, the air is filled with happy squeals, shouts of surprise and precious moments. Once the initial flurry of present opening subsides and a mountain of discarded wrapping paper lies scattered around us, we tidy up and prepare for the next wave of Christmas cheer.  Our families then begin to arrive, bringing with them more gifts to share.

Today was a big day in our household! Our little superstar, Louie, celebrated his very first football presentation, marking the end of his journey with  his Under 5's training team.  It's hard to believe how quickly the time has flown since he first laced up his boots.

The football dream starts young, but for our five year old Louie, it just got a little closer to reality!  We are absolutely delighted to share the incredible news that Louie has been invited to join the LFC Foundation Player Development Programme (PDP).

Today's Lancashire Cup game  wasn't just another fixture; it marked Charlie's 150th career appearance at Latchford Giants, a milestone made even more special by sharing it with his best friend and teammate, Joe.

The countdown is now on until Louie kicks off his football journey and our little whirlwind of energy is so ready to hit the pitch. 

Charlie recently asked for a new headguard, something more than just the generic kit and that's when we discovered Impact Rugby, the UK's only bespoke headguard manufacturer.  Today, we're taking you through the exciting world of designing your very own personalised headguard.  Forget boring, plain headgear, with Impact Rugby UK, you can unleash your inner artist and create a headguard that reflects your unique personality (or your team's spirit!).

In the world of youth sports, the importance of proper nutrition cannot be overstated.  As young athletes engage in rigorous training and competition, their bodies require a balanced intake of nutrients to perform at their best, recover quickly, and support healthy growth and development.  This is where YSN Nutri-teen shakes come into play, offering a convenient and effective way to meet the dietary needs of our budding sports stars.

Water features are a great way to add beauty, tranquility and interest to your garden or home. They can also attract wildlife, improve air quality and reduce stress, but installing a water feature can be expensive, complicated and time-consuming which is why we didn't have one. 

Over the years we've grown loads of different fruit and vegetables, we're often asked for tips on where to start.

We dug a huge 10ft hole on our garden to sink our trampoline,, check out below to see how and why we did it.  

We were recently introduced to Wine52 by a friend.  They had a discount code which meant that we got a free case of wine if we subscribed and we could cancel at any time so wouldn't be tied in.  We tried the first free box and enjoyed it so much that we stayed subscribed.  You can choose cases of 3, 4 or 6 wines in either red, white or mixed.  We chose just red wines each time and loved the quality and selection that we receive.

Beast Lab is a new toy line from Moose Toys, the makers of Magic Mixies. It is designed for kids who love experiments, action, and adventure. In this blog, we review the Beast Lab Shark Beast Creator Set, one of the products in the Beast Lab series.

Are you or your kids collecting the latest Topps Premier League trading cards, like our Louie?  Let's be honest, opening up new packs can be addictive, and keeping up with the latest sets, tins, and booster packs can quickly add up.  As a parent, you want to support your children's hobby, whether they're seasoned collectors or just starting out, but you also want to save money!

Ever wonder why so many adults struggle with money?  The truth is, many of us never got a proper financial education.  We’re left to figure out complex concepts like interest rates and taxes all on our own, often through trial and error.  But it doesn't have to be this way.  By teaching children about money from a young age, we can equip them with the tools they need to build a secure and successful future.

Are you ready for an action-packed, adrenaline-fueled family day out?  The Hot Wheels Stunt Show is coming to the UK, and for a limited time, you can get a massive 50% off tickets!  Get ready to witness jaw-dropping stunts, high-octane performances, and epic car action.  This incredible discount is available exclusively through AXS.com for select dates in Aberdeen, Newcastle, and London.

Are you tired of hearing "I'm bored" during school holidays?  Do the costs of family outings feel like they're spiralling out of control?  If you're nodding along, then it's time to discover a secret that thousands of parents already know: Kids Pass.  Kids Pass isn't just another discount app, it's a game-changer for family life.  It's a membership that opens the door to a huge range of activities, from cinema trips and theme parks to bowling and dining out, all at a fraction of the regular price.

In today's digital age, where online shopping has become the norm, savvy consumers are constantly seeking ways to make their money go further.  While discount codes and sales are well-known, there's a powerful, often overlooked tool that can put hundreds of pounds back in your pocket: cashback sites. 

Car insurance renewals can be a minefield, can't they?  Especially when you've been a loyal customer, you expect to be rewarded, not penalised!  If you're due for your car insurance renewal soon, or just want to make sure you're getting the best deal, then you NEED to read this.