Time to be completely honest

Sea78

Will do thanks - want to avoid a huge weight gain too but won't let this dominate my hol! The kids will be swimming lots so I will too so that'll be good. I think picnics are a great idea - OH and I will investigate local places to buy from. Cheap and cheerful is what I want lol!

Lucy1982_2

try local markets as well. It'll give you a chance to practice yoru French and you should be able to get some bargins!

Sea78

oooh I just found the flylady packing control journal :DFantastic. I'm emailing it to OH to print out at work so I can get list writing and sorting tonight! I'm trying to get the house completely sorted so we can come back to a sparkling house when we're shattered after the holiday! Also want to be sure I take enough stuff to avoid having to buy anything unnecessary when we're out there... not sure if we have enough room for hte buckets and spade though lol!

Am off to the PO soon and the library. Trying to use up all the food in the house that might spoil as well - although I'll get some milk and bread for the freezer tonight as off to Tesco to get the nappy offer.

Sea xx

taxi73

Hi Sea ...glad little man had a lovely birthday and lot of lovely pressies....thats what us grandmas do ...we love our littlies...if your mum is anything like me...she'll worship the ground they walk on....its cos being grandma is easy and you can have them and give them back when you want without all the stress of 24 hour care...and of course...they are always better behaved for us!!!!
Enjoy story time...sounds fun!!!...haven't got any tips for your holiday except have a fantastic time....

Verbatim

I always pack paper coffee filters as the self catering places usually provide a jug and plastic thing or machine to make coffee and they both take those, but I have some anyway left over from when we had a filter machine. Or if you have a cafetiere you cld take that. Also take a couple of torches for returning in the dark and some citronella candles for sitting out at night. If you intend to bring anything back I'd suggest cheese, coffee, mustard, dried saucisson, garlic, olive oil, and a few large cans of coq au vin and or cassoulet for meals later in the year , rather slty so best diluted, anda few small cans of pate for a treat later, all a lot cheaper in French supermarkets than here. If you buy cheese take some tupperware boxes and a cool bag with freezy things for the journey home. Also good for picnics on days out.

I'm envious and hope you have a lovely time.

Seaxwyn

Sea, I am so jealous, I would LOVE to be going camping in France.

No tips really, except shop in the local markets and supermarkets rather than the campsite shop.

Just hanging out in the campsite and going for walks will be fun, you dont need to go on any expensive day-trips.

Oh - and have a fantastic time.

in_debt_again_but_dealing_with_it

I know its tricky when you're with people that are spending freely. We've often been in that position in the past and mastered the art of a nonchalant "no we've eaten" or "no we've got food in for lunch/dinner - but you go ahead we can meet up later". Regardless of how you do it, just make sure you have a lovely time!
love and hugs
IDA
x

Sea78

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'll def use them! I am having a nightmare with the passport -it's processed, but not printed yet - grrr. We are going to London thurs night but might have to postpone this if the passport doesn't come on Thurs morn. I have a number to ring tomorrow to see if there is a way of getting them to deliver it quickly, or maybe I might have to drive to Liverpool to pick it up. ARGHH.

Anyhoo, the library was great - will upload photos now.

Sea xx

hypno06

My top tips for anyone self catering in france are:

- take your own coffee/tea mugs - the ones in France tend to be tiny. No good to man nor beast first thing in the morning!!

- bakery stuff is good value there, eg bread/pain au chocolat etc but if your kids like cereals take them with you as they are far cheaper here than in the shops there.

- def take squash. The French don't quite grasp that concept!

- if you are intending having packed lunches/treats don't buy mars bars etc over there. £2 for a bar of chocolate is a rip off! Instead take a bag of mini/fun size bars from home. Get own brand and you have loads for the same £2! Same goes for crisps if you are likely to use them - the french only do ready salted!!

- Enjoy!!! nothing better than French food and a glass of wine. Or two....

Sea78

ooh Thanks for that Hypno - some good suggestions and I do need a big cuppa tea in the morning!

Here are the photos -




The top one is Soph holding a starfish at the library. Then she's eating fruit salad on toast - chosen by her - v strange! And the final one is William on his bday with his Ninky Nonk.

Sea xx