Last week, I spent the best part of two days at one of the most wonderful blogging events I have ever been to. Baby and I had been invited to Optiwell’s end of summer party, with lots of our friends. Optiwell wanted to take the ‘mum-strain’ away from us for a while and boy did they do just that.
Optiwell make it easier for you to stick to a healthier lifestyle, by offering a tasty yoghurt drink to fill the hunger-gaps that snacking usually fills. We all know that when you’re busy, hunger can sometimes lead us to grabbing something quick, that’s often not very healthy. This is where Optiwell can be a healthy choice that’s quick too. It has no added sugar, contains just 64 calories per 200ml serving and is totally fat free.
Baby and I headed off to the beautiful luxury family hotel, The Elms, in Worcester where we met up with our blogging friends.
Once everyone had arrived we headed across the gardens to enjoy a wonderful afternoon tea. I must admit it was sheer bliss sitting in the beautiful gardens soaking up the sun, chatting with friends.
The other wonderful bloggers were Katie (Pouting in Heels), Katie (Mummy, Daddy, Me), Sarah (Taming Twins), Emma (Brummy Mummy of 2) and Alice (More Than Toast); obviously all with their gorgeous kids!
After the kids tucked into the afternoon tea and bottles of Optiwell, it wasn’t long before they wanted to burn off some energy. So they got busy playing in the gardens.
They found an orchard, spending hours collecting apples and just running around, enjoying their freedom. The photographer was super kid-friendly, which meant he entertained the kids a fair bit, while us mums put the world to rights. What a treat!
While the kids played and we chatted, we took it in turns to visit the spa! I opted for a neck and shoulder massage, while Baby had a mini facial. Bless her she was so happy with her ‘shiny’ face, she kept showing it off to everyone. My massage was so lovely and I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to have a few minutes of ‘me time’.
It was such a treat to be in the presence of these lovely ladies and to watch our kids getting to know each other too.
The children were treated like royalty and were thoroughly spoiled. They were so excited when it was time to make their own pizzas. Although I think Baby might have overdone the cheese!
With our children’s bellies full, we headed to our rooms to check in. Baby and I were in the coach house, over the landing from Sarah and her kids, which thrilled Baby. We got our kids into their PJs and took them to their slumber party, cue much excitement.
Then it was time to head to dinner ourselves, while the creche staff entertained the kids with glitter tattoos, musical games, dancing, followed by a movie and sweets! After indulging in lots of chat, we collected our delighted children and headed off to bed.
The next morning Baby woke up still absolutely on cloud nine. Recounting every second of her first slumber party, as we met the others for breakfast.
Unfortunately, the weather had turned and so the treasure hunt, which was planned for outside, was moved inside. After some relaxing time, when Baby got to hold Katie’s little boy; it was time for the treasure hunt to begin and again the creche staff took over care of the children.
While they were being entertained with the hunt and some crafts, we drank tea and shared our blogging stories with each other, which was such good fun. Around lunchtime the children came back with certificates, prizes and medals for completing the treasure hunt; their little faces were a picture, just so happy.
After lunch, it was time for a quick group photo, before weighed down by our wonderfully thoughtful gifts, we set off home. Excited to see daddy, but sad to be saying goodbye to our friends.
I made a video of our adventure if you fancy a peek.
Optiwell’s end of summer celebration
Optiwell certainly took the strain and gave us many #ThanksGoodness moments. We had such a wonderful time, thank you so much Optiwell.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.
Comments 207
Oh my goodness I can see why this was the best event ever- they took care of everything!! So lovely you got to have some me time and fab that Baby was able to have fun too, making friends. x
This looks amazing! What a real treat for you and looks like they got it spot on. Baby looked liked she loved it x
It was such a wonderful few days wasn’t it? Definitely one of the best events I have ever been too! It was so lovely to finally spend some quality time with you, I knew we would get on great! You are a lovely lady xx
It was SUCH a glorious time away! I HAD THE BEST NIGHT EVER! So lovely to spend time with you again and see you next week! xxx
Wow, what stunning photo’s and how wonderful does it all sound! Lucky peeps. Well done! Great prize too!
Honestly don’t know which of the hotels we’d pick to stay at — they all look great. The ones near Bath or Southampton would be the easiest for us to get to, but we might also decide to make a bigger treat of it and go a bit furthe afield. In particular the one in Dorset sounds appealing. Hmm, something to think about.
all sounds great – maybe a pin in a map to decide
I would pick New Park Manor, New Park Manor Hotel in the New Forest
Thornbury Castle – its not that far from us but we’ve never been there :o)
I would pick Polurrian Bay as I adore Cornwall and would love to take our baby.
New park manor
This looks like it was a fantastic little break for you all, very jealous! They definitely thought of everything didn’t they? We’ve looked at having a mini break away at the Elms before and never got round to it. Optiwells sounds like what we need in our house too! x
A hotel in the New Forest would be perfect
The elms looks beautiful and probably nearest us
Bath is lovely!
This looks amazing! Baby looks like she’s having so much fun in all the pictures. I used to love staying at hotels so much before we had kids but hardly ever get to these days.
a luxury break would be amazing
Beautiful photos! I’d love to visit New Park Manor!
I’d plump for Bath
They all look amazing but I would probably choose the New park Manor
Woolley Grange near Bath
Would love to try the Ickworth Hotel although they all look fabulous
New Park Manor
Woolley Grange in Wiltshire
I would probably choose the New park Manor 🙂
moonfleet manor looks stunning!
I think I would choose New Park Manor Hotel, thank you
I would choose the Dorset Hotel, this is a fantastic prize 🙂
I would love to visit the Elms – such a fab giveaway
I’d like to go to New Park Manor. I love the New Forest.
ANY 5 STAR HOTEL IN LONDON
Moonfleet Manor looks and sounds amazing, what a treat!
I think we’d go for Woolley Grange near Bath.
I would love to stay in Thornbury Castle – not too far from us and looks amazing.
I would love to go to The Elms it looks amazing
I think if I was lucky enough to win I’d choose the Ickworth.
Thornbury castle looks lovely I’d like to go there.
I would probarly choose the elms in worchestershire it has a spa 🙂
i think it would be the elms
So difficult to decide but lovely fantasising about where to choose! I think Woolley Grange (such a sweet name!) as we have family in Wiltshire and would be a wonderful excuse to visit!
Definitely the Elms in Worcester 🙂
anywhere without kids please!
I would choose The Ickworth
Definitely thornbury castle – my LO would be beside herself about staying in a castle!
oh I would love to stay in Thornbury Castle
The Ickworth looks lovely
i would love to stay in Southampton 🙂 looks amazing and fun
Moonfleet Manor looks lovely. I love the Dorset coastline and I’m sure the hotel being that close the views would be something special
Definitely Thornbury Castle, because it’s a castle! But also because it’s in the Cotswolds, which is beautiful and the easiest for us to get to. My son loves castles 🙂
They all look amazing but I would choose New Park Manor in the New Forest 🙂
I’d love to stay at Woolley Grange, it looks awesome!
Thornbury Castle would be my choice 🙂
The Elms (and the delightful tea!) looks wonderful.
The Elms or Thornbury Castle.
thornbury castle- because what 6 year old boy wouldn’t want to stay in a castle !
Always wanted to visit The New Forest so i think New Park Manor Hotel in the New Forest
It’s difficult to choose one, but I’m thinking Polurrian Bay would make a great break.
Thornbury Castle x
New Park Manor Hotel in the New Forest looks amazing
Would love to Visit Bath xx
The New Park Manor in the New Forest appeals. I love the area and it is not too far from the Isle of Wight where I live or, at least, I thought I did. It seems to have been wiped off your map!
I would choose Fowey Hall, we have always wanted to visit there!
I’ve never been to a Hilton hotel so would probably choose a destination and pick a Hilton x
The Ickworth would be FAB-U-LUSH!! x
Looks like you had a great time
I’d love to go to Moonfleet manor in Dorset – a part of the country that I have visited before and loved
New Park Manor
Thornbury Castle – looks awesome!
all great destinations, family in Wiltshire so maybe Woolley Grange, but live in Cornwall, so maybe Fowey Hall!!
the elms for me i thing
Thornbury Castle because it’s closest and I think my kids would love to stay in a real castle.
I would go to Bath, I used to live there as a child and would love to go back
This would be such a welcome treat
I’d probably choose The Elms in Worcestershire as it’s the nearest to us, about 2hrs so baba can’t get to wound up on the journey & it’s also an area none of us have visited before.
Fowey Hall would be fab!
I would love to stay at The Elms it looks amazing so peaceful in a lovely setting.
A hotel in the New Forest xx
Woolley Grange – haven’t been to bath for ages and ages….
I’d love to try Thornbury Castle. I’ve always wanted to spend a night in a castle, and this would be my best chance.
I would love to visit the Elms
Looks an amazing experience
The Ickworth 🙂 x
Thornbury Castle… wow, wow and wow!
The Elms looks amazing!
I think we would choose the The Elms Hotel possibly.
I’d love to stay at Polurrian Bay i’ve never been to Cornwall before and it looks amazing x
I love Cornwall so for me Fowey Hall would be amazing.
I love the look of The Ickworth, so that’d be my choice, x
I would like to stay at Moonfleet Hotel in Weymouth.
I would stay at the Ickworth in Suffolk
New Park Manor in the New Forest looks lovely! xx
I would pick the Elms in Worcester x
I’d love a stay at the Moonfleet Manor in Weymouth
Has to be Thornbury castle as its close to me in Bristol
I think the Moonfleet manor in Weymouth
The Elms in Worcester I think.
Thornbury Castle looks amazing
Difficult to choose but I think Woolley Grange at Bradford on Avon
I would love to stay at The Fowey Hotel in Cornwall with my husband and son.So much to do with boat trips,beaches and some lovely shops and then the fantastic hotel itself.It would be an amazing break.
Woolley Grange looks lovely
The Ickworth hotel would be lovely
The Elms Hotel looks lovely and is the nearest to us here in North Wales!
Moonfleet Manor, Weymouth would probably be my choice
The Elms in Worcester
So much choice !
Stunning pics!
I’d love to stay at the Elms
Love the look of Thornbury Castle
I would love to visit The Elms! Your pictures look amazing & everyone looks like they had so much fun!
All of them look so lovely – it’s hard to choose… But I think I’m going to go for Moonfleet Manor. A beautiful part of the country!
I’d love to stay at the Woolley Grange in Wiltshire! Wiltshire is meant to be beautiful!
What a fabulous prize, thank you for sharing. Your photos are beautiful.
Looks like you all had a fab time! I don’t know which one I’d choose yet would need to collaborate with my sister who would be coming with me.
New park Manor for me!
New Park Manor Hotel in The New Forest looks just beautiful!
Thornbury Castle looks fantastic
I would choose New Park Manor
I think I would choose New Park Manor
Thorn bury castle- love the Cotswolds
Oh love it was such a wonderful two days and such a joy to hang out with you! I wish we could do it again RIGHT NOW! xx
I would love to go to The Ickworth in Bury St Edmunds – looks really unusual.
I would love to go to the Ickworth as it is such a beautiful part of England
Would love to take my family to visit The Elms in Worcestershire
Oooh maybe the Bath one – not been there for years
Thornberry Castle does look amazing!
i am happy anywhere as long as i am not at home!!
Fowey Hall in Cornwall.
Polurrian Bay Hotel 🙂
Love to stay at the Elms if lucky enough to win x
Woolley Grange near Bath
Moonfleet Manor looks nice, love dorset xxxx
Such fab hotels i would have to go with Elms if i won
I’d like to take my daughter and grandchildren to the Ickworth.
All look fabulous but think I’d choose Park Manor to tie in with a trip to Peppa Pig World!
i would go to The Elms
I think fowey hall in cornwall, as i’d love to visit cornwall again. your trip looks lovely!
Wow, this looks amazing!!! I would love to go to the Elms
The Elms, I think
Beautiful photos of the kids! The place looks wonderful x
The Elms Hotel looks lovely.
Somewhere in Lincolnshire
New Park Manor
I would go to The elms
I am going to go with The Elms please. this all looks so amazing.
I would love to stay at Moonfleet Manor 🙂
Looks like you had a fab time, what an amazing event!
would love to go to bath
YES PLEASE!! Awesome Prize!!
St Michael’s Hotel and Spa, Cornwall
I think I would choose New Park Manor then I could take the little ones to Peppa Pig world whilst we are there
New Park Manor
id pick thornebury in gloustershire thank u
New Park Manor looks amazing! It looks like a great day was had by all 🙂
Thornbury Castle because well, it’s a castle!
I would opt to stay at Moonfleet Manor which looks looks lovely. A luxurious stay in Dorset would be just the ticket!
Thornbury Castle looks idyllic! I think I’d go there, but I like the look of The Elms too. Tough decision!
Looks like you had a really great time. I would be happy with a break anywhere at the moment.
Im not sure. But maybe one near Loch Lomond
Fowey Hall in Fowey, Cornwall
The Ickworth so we can see some old friends in that part of the country.
The ickworth would love to see Suffolk
Fowey Hall looks amazing
Well, The Elms looks amazing in your pictures, but I think we’d probably choose Moonfleet Manor. Just love Dorset!
For me it would be Thornbury Castle. It looks beautiful and I do love history.
New Park Manor looks great.
would love to stay at all of the hotels but would start with Thornbury castle
oooooh, I would choose The Elms hotel
Wow!!! I’d love to whisk my family away for a mini break. We’d choose The Elms is we were lucky enough to win!
Thornbury Castle looks fab.
Thornbury Castle looks great, I would love to go there!
Thornbury Castle in the beautiful Cotswolds
I would choose New Park Manor in the New Forest
I think Thornbury Castle looks wonderful. Thanks for the chance.
Moon fleet manor sounds amazing
The Elms would be nice.
I’d like to go a city centre hotel in Liverpool. Maybe by the docks?
I’d like to visit the Woolley Grange Hotel in Bradford on Avon x
I would love this as I could use this to take my family away for a bit and spoil them! Because I’m in the Army, I don’t see them often 🙁 they mean the world to me, so I’d love to use this to spend time with them! 🙂
Would like to win this for me my granddaughter and daughter . She’s been really poorly with ME and fibromyalgia. I would like to treat her X
Would love to try thornier castle with my son and husband ready for a weekend away
I would pick ick worth castle for me and my family, looks stunning xx
I’d go to the New Park in the New Forest.
the elms because we have relatives living inthat area who we would love to visit x
I would like to spoil my parents as they have been poorly and send them to the peak district. The beautiful countryside always put life in perspective and cheer us up.
I think i’d choose New Park Manor
New park in the new forest xx
I would love to take my little family to Fowey Hall because it looks lovely there x
Fowey Hall looks very nice. Thank you for the lovely giveaway xxx
Woolley Grange in Bradford-on-Avon ☺️
Fowey Hall, looks lovely
The Elms looks nice.
Moonfleet Manor would def be my pick of a wonderful bunch!
Thornbury Castle looks great.
New Park Manor in the New Forest is the nearest and looks amazing
Thornbury castle is where I’d love to go
I’d love to visit Polurrian Bay, it looks wonderful!
You’ve definitely inspired me to plan in a break like this next year!
Thornbury castle looks lovely
I’d love to go to Woolley Grange, it looks so lovely! (and I need a break!)
Polurrian Bay would be my choice as we so love Cornwall.
Thornbury Castle I think
Moonfleet Manor – I love Dorset!
The ickworth – looks perfect for my 1 year old and 8 year old
Yes please! Great prize
Would love to win to go on a baby ion!
Thornbury Castle looks so ace and fantastic
I would pick New Park Manor, New Park Manor Hote
Polurrian Bay – heaven on earth!!
Thornbury Castle looks amazing. Thanks for the chance x
The Elms. Worcester.