Home alone – pet parent tips

Now the world is opening up again, could you spot the signs of separation anxiety in your pets? Changes in behaviour are common indicators. These coping mechanisms can include excessive barking, destruction near doors and windows, accidents, pacing and decreased appetite. To see how they behave when alone set up an indoor camera from Argos.

Unpredictability stresses dogs but routines help them cope. If you know change is coming, slowly introduce your pet to the idea of alone time. Take short trips without your dog and leave out healthy dog treats from Holland and Barrett and toys from One Below.

Before leaving home, set up a cosy, inviting space where they can’t destroy items or try to escape. Prior to leaving, engage your pet with a walk, or do some trick training, they might just sleep while you’re out!

Wake up and smell the coffee

It’s the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning with Macmillan Cancer Support on 24th September. Hosting a fun coffee morning and support a great cause. Pick up coffee supplies from Costa.

Fika is the Swedish custom of enjoying a coffee and cake with others. Some companies have a Fika clause in their contracts because it’s therapeutic, promotes wellbeing and productivity. The properties and positive effects of caffeine on body and mind include:

• Physical wellbeing – Sitting for hours on computers isn’t healthy so if you’re homeworking break for coffee. Want to save money on those commuter coffees? Treat yourself to a coffee machine from Argos.
• Relieves irritability – Taking a break relieves stress and tension.
• Colleague collaboration – Take workplace coffee breaks to discuss work worries in a relaxed manner.

Coffee catch-ups are sociable so meet friends at Cafe Creme or Bistro Cafe for Fika. No washing-up afterwards!

Party like it’s your birthday

After cards hit the recycling, our tips will ensure the birthday person has memories to cherish.

Texting is nice but it just doesn’t hold a birthday candle to something special. We love this September birthday rainbow card from Card Factory. You can customise it online and get free first class delivery. While there pick up lettered or numbered helium balloons for that special touch and Card Factory inflate them for free (phew)!

Whether you’re planning a surprise, or your own celebrations, accessories makes things easy! Impress guests and make post-party cleaning simple with decorations and tableware.

Perfect Presents

 Girls love a pamper day – with Krishna Hair & Beauty, Golden Nails, The Stylers and Lashious all at the centre you can’t go wrong. Feeling creative? Get a gift box from The Works and fill with pamper products from Boots, Superdrug and Savers. For that special lady, diamonds are a girl’s best friend – visit F.Hinds and Warren James. A new aftershave from The Fragrance Shop is perfect for the hubbie.

What’s more fun than opening presents? Finding them! For a birthday scavenger just hide gifts and leave clues throughout the home. Don’t forget the cake from Sainsbury’s!

That’s All, Folks!

We hope we have given you some style ideas for September, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

The safety and comfort of our customers remains important. The rules have changed; face coverings are no longer mandatory in the shopping centre. However, we would still recommend the use of face coverings in the centre to protect yourself and others. #ThankYou

The post Stylish September appeared first on Pavilions Waltham Cross.

Don’t miss out on the free outdoor cinema at Queen Eleanor Square in Waltham Cross town centre. Bring your chairs and blankets and sit down to watch fils such as :

Saturday 18th September*

14:30 – Jumanji

18:30 – The Goonies

Sunday 19th September 

10:30 – Peter Rabbit

13:30 – The Greatest Showman

*The toilets in the centre will be accessible until 21.30 on the 18th.

The post Free Outdoor Cinema – 18th & 19th September appeared first on Pavilions Waltham Cross.

September is a time for new beginnings and if you’re looking to start a new creative hobby, why not try journaling? Think September means it’s time to pack away your secateurs for the year? Think again! If you’re green in the garden and not green fingered, we have some tips for the garden.

And if you’re heading off to university, how can you create a student room with style? From bedding to decorations, we’ve put together ideas for decking those halls!

A student room with style!

Let’s face it. Student rooms and shared houses aren’t pretty. The walls are plain, the curtains are in weird patterns and let’s not talk about the state of those carpets! Whether you’re a fresher, or a returning student renting a house, decorating your own space is easy.

So, to bed Stylish bedding is a great start to introduce colour to your room. Argos has a variety of stylish bed sets. We love their Habitat Coastline Spot Reversible Bedding Set – two looks in one! If you’re feeling fancy, dress your bed with a cosy, chunky throw.

Store while you snore You’ll want to make the most of your space by using storage solutions. Your desk will also need some form of organisation. We recommend coming prepared with a magazine rack and a pen pot from WHSmith.

Let there be light A lamp is essential not only to show off your taste, but for that late night studying. We love this selection from Argos! Fairy lights are a wonderful way to liven up a room. Plus, fairy light curtains look amazing over windows.

Added extras

You don’t need to be green fingered to manage a houseplant. Consider cacti, aloe vera and spider plants as they’re easy to look after. Not ready to become a plant-parent? Fake plants from New Look require zero care.

Sweet smell of success

Candles and diffusers can make a room look and smell put together. Have a look in One Below for budget-friendly candles. Perfect for your relaxing haven.

Finally, don’t forget to check out Sainsbury’s for cutlery and pans! Pop along to Savers to stock up on those essential cleaning products too!

Get organised, focused and creative with journaling

With those winter nights (sorry) looming, September is a great time to start a hobby and we recommend journaling. With mindfulness a focus in the UK, bullet journaling is growing in popularity, with searches for journals up 18% on craft websites.

Bullet Journaling uses a bullet points to keep on top of all your tasks. Your bullet journal is a diary, planner and a to-do list. It gives you a complete birds-eye view of your tasks, work and social commitments and goals. It’s quick, easy and creative!

You can splash out on a fancy journal from WHSmith or opt for a simple notebook from The Works. Stock up on highlighters, stickers and pens too.

Top tip: When adding tasks, split them out: Bullet point for tasks, circles for events and an asterisk for important!

What to sow and grow this September

September might be peak harvest time, but there’s still plenty to do to keep your garden ticking along:

Vegetables and herbs

Sow salad leaves now for quick crops and sow turnip seeds into well-prepared beds for small roots. If you have been growing herbs, now is the time to pot up mint and parsley for the kitchen windowsill.

Flower power

Continue to feed and deadhead hanging basket and containers. Sow geraniums outdoors as well as hardy annuals, such as cornflowers. This time of year, you are planting for spring flowering bulb displays with flowers like Crocus, Narcissi, Iris and Alliums.

From the sofa

Grab that journal and plan next year’s garden with a sketch of your borders. Start researching your spring-flowering bulbs and shrubs to plant this autumn.  When you’re ready ensure you have all the essential gardening tools from Argos.

The post September In Bloom appeared first on Pavilions Waltham Cross.

September will be here before you know it, and whether your child is starting school or returning for another year, it’s important that they’re well prepared for the new term. From uniforms to stationery supplies, we’ve rounded up the ‘back to school’ must-haves!

We’ve also put together a tonne of tips for people heading back to the office or continuing to work from home who are looking to build a simple (capsule) wardrobe.

And, because summer is nearly over, we’ve pulled together our favourite feel-good style hacks so you’ll be ready for anything Autumn throws at you!

Back to Skool School!

‘Back to school’ season is almost here, which means it’s time to stock up on essentials.

In all the chaos that comes with the new school year – it’s easy to miss something along the way. We’ve put together a basic checklist to ensure your child is properly prepared for the new school year.

Uniform: Check out the Tu clothing section at Sainsbury’s. From polo shirts, trousers and skirts, to new shoes made with a scuff-resistant coating to survive the playground, you can stock up on uniform basics.

Stationery: WHSmith has a collection of fun and colourful pencil cases. What’s a pencil case without pens and pencils? Remember to add those too! Visit The Works for any additional supplies.

Back to the office in style

If you’re heading back to the office soon, will you throw on those old clothes? If your workwear is in need of an update, a capsule wardrobe (a limited selection of interchangeable clothing pieces that complement each other) can be a great start to make you feel stylish and ready for anything!

Clothing priorities have changed in the past 18 months, so we suggest starting with a few key items to build your work capsule wardrobe:

An oversized blazer – A blazer elevates a simple outfit like a T-shirt and jeans, but can also be layered over skirts or midi dresses for office wear. If you like colours, a bright blazer can really lift the spirits. Visit Bonmarché.

A chic skirt – There’s a reason a black pencil skirt is a classic office wardrobe staple. Style a pencil skirt with an on-trend shirt print to start the week in style. Why not take a look in Dilly Dally?

Trouser time – When the weather changes, play with different cuts to go to work. Take a look in Peacocks. From cigarette trousers to culottes, find what works for you. Wear with a T-shirt for a casual look, and add a blazer for that all-important meeting.

T-time – A basic T-shirt is one of the easiest and most versatile wardrobe staples, and is also a staple business-casual item. It works well with a statement jacket or trousers. Check out the selection of tops in Select.

Midi Wrap Dress – Plain or floral? Black or bright? Comfortable and easy to wear, picking a wrap dress is like after-work drinks – it’s hard to go for just one! Visit New Look to see their collection of stylish dresses.

For jewellery, look for pieces that can be worn daily, but cool enough that they stand out. F. Hinds, Warren James and Claire’s Accessories are all worth a visit.

When it comes to shoes, invest in a pair of flat ballet pumps, ankle boots or knee-high boots and coloured heels – these will go with all your capsule wardrobe staples. Toto Footwear and Shoe Zone have plenty of choice.

These tips should stop you stressing over your back to work outfits, and give yourself more time to pick up a Costa from The Pavilions on the way to work!

Home Office Inspiration – How to create your ideal desk

If you’re working from home it is time to say hello to the hot desk! There’s never been a better time to ditch the dining room table (or sofa / bed / kitchen worktop) and create a working space to call your own.

If space or budget is limited, take a look at stylish ladder desks in Argos. They also have a range of options, from corner units to ergonomic standing desks. Choose a comfy yet stylish office chair to match.

Once you have your dedicated working area, create a harmonious atmosphere with soothing scents and faux plants.

Don’t forget to add lighting from Argos to your desk space and a selection of colourful notebooks from WHSmith. Keep your desk tidy with folders and storage from One Below.

We hope we have given you some style ideas to get ready for September, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

The safety and comfort of our customers remains important. The rules have changed; face coverings are no longer mandatory in the shopping centre. However, we would still recommend the use of face coverings in the centre to protect yourself and others. #ThankYou

The post Back to school must-haves! appeared first on Pavilions Waltham Cross.

Afternoon Tea Week – tipsy afternoon tea with the ladies

Afternoon Tea Week celebrates the great British tradition of Afternoon Tea and it is just the excuse to catch up with loved ones over a cuppa and some treats. #AfternoonTeaWeek takes place from 9th – 15th August. Grab your bestie and head to The Bistro Cafe to be waited on or why not pay tribute to the nation’s favourite pastime and create your own tea party?

Throwing a tea party at home is a brilliant way to reconnect with loved ones, whether it’s taking the time to chat over a pot of freshly-brewed Earl Grey or getting your pinny on to bake homemade scones. To be the ‘hostess with the mostess’ you’ll need a teapot, teacups, cutlery and cake slicers for serving. Charity shops are a good source for reasonably priced Chinaware and accessories to get that authentic olde English tearoom look.

If you own a tiered cake stand, dust it off and use it for the centrepiece. Don’t have one. No problem just follow these three tips to get your tea party down to a, well, T!

1. Get ahead by prepping your sandwich fillings in advance, assemble just before guests arrive to avoid soggy sarnies. Simple classics include cucumber, smoked salmon and egg mayo!
2. Don’t forget the Tea! Offer a variety of teas, like Earl Grey and English Breakfast, and add to the mix some trendy options like chai, mint or jasmine green tea.
3. Let them eat cake! Throwing an afternoon tea party is all about having fun, so don’t feel that you have to bake all the cakes too!

With a bit of planning and preparation, it’s easy to recreate tea at home. For the essential ingredients we suggest:

• • Go vintage on the crockery. Marie Curie is a treasure trove full of vintage, retro, pre-loved items so you might find those ‘must-have’ china cups.  Don’t worry if the patterns are mismatched!
  • Grabbing your calligraphy pen using named place cards with supplies from WHSmith.
  • Adding special touches with lace-like doilies from Sainsbury’s, napkins and party pieces from One Below
  • Baking your own scones try this easy scone recipe. Make in advance and simply warm through before serving.

Finally, if you’re feeling especially fancy, treat guests to a glass of prosecco with their afternoon tea. It’s National Prosecco Day on a Friday 13th August so why not make tea tipsy and raise a glass (or two)?

BBQ Brilliance

Nothing beats the aroma of something sizzling and succulent on the grill, mellow tunes playing in the background, a cool drink in hand. We’ve cooked up a three-step guide just for you. Follow these tips to ensure that your summer BBQ goes off without a hitch.

1 – Get Prepping

A wise man once said, a very long time ago, ‘He who is best prepared can best serve his moment of inspiration.’ We don’t think he was talking about BBQ’s, but the concept definitely applies here! One of the key aspects of a brilliant BBQ is preparation. Of course, you’ll need to set a date and get your invites out, why not send a traditional paper invite from Card Factory? And, if you need a new BBQ, visit Argos!

There’s still a lot of things to get ready. From setting your menu to organising ingredients, you’ll want to make sure you’re on top of every part of your BBQ. We suggest stocking up at Sainsbury’s, great for BBQ packs! Find out if you are catering for any fish eaters, vegetarians or vegans. Wrap veggies in foil parcels and grill them on the barbecue to cater for all your guests. Nowadays there are some fantastic non meat BBQ recipes.

2 – Theme setting

When you’re getting ready for your BBQ, it’s a good idea to set out the general theme and atmosphere that you’re aiming for. For example, are you looking to create a casual ‘Aussie Style’ event with a relaxed feel, or a chic ‘white theme’ BBQ party? After all, if you can’t get to Ibiza or Santorini, why not let the white isles come to you? New Look or Bonmarche might have the perfect outfit!

3 – Sip something

While you can ask guests to bring a bottle, it’s also a good idea to offer some refreshments to complement your menu and create the right atmosphere. A pre-mixed non-alcoholic fruit punch or an alcoholic Pimm’s and lemonade go far and cater for everyone too. Nip to Savers for supplies.

Finally fake it until you make it

When it comes to the traditional BBQ it is all about the host having as much fun as the guests so keep it simple. So, let us share, our secret hacks include (ssshh just don’t tell everyone)

Say goodbye to dry burgers – place an ice cube in the centre of your burger patty and your burgers will be cooked through without being dry.
Five a day – Remember a simple and quick Greek side salad is a good accompaniment to meat – simply mix onion, cucumber, feta cheese in a bowl. Add some olive oil and a sprinkling of dry herbs!
No more washing up – use disposable plates to save on your washing up and avoid a next day headache, so head to One Below.

The safety and comfort of our customers remains important. The rules have changed; face coverings are no longer mandatory in the shopping centre. However, we would still recommend the use of face coverings in the centre to protect yourself and others. #ThankYou

The post Swinging Summer appeared first on Pavilions Waltham Cross.

In order to achieve this certification we have pledged to :

• Undertake ongoing monitoring of COVID-19 controls
• Use expert advice for COVID-19 controls
• Review and implement changes based on customer and employee feedback
• Retrain staff when required
• Review the risk assessment when significant changes are made

We have already :

• Completed a comprehensive COVID-19 risk assessment and implement all control measures.
• Completed COVID-19 workplace training
• Passed the Safe to Trade audit.

Download the certificate here

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No more Mum/Dad I’m bored

Let’s face it, it’s been a worrying time for children and young people. Take a break from homeschooling, classroom bubbles and exam result waits and focus on the #bestsummerever! Here’s three activities to keep the little, and bigger ones entertained this July.

1. 1. Make your own lollies
      

      Who doesn’t love an ice lolly on a hot day? It’s a great way to help kids with their ‘5 a day’ too. Pick up some strawberries, bananas and blueberries from Sainsbury’s. Grab a lolly mould check out and you are ready to go! We think these Real Fruit Ice Lollies by  Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall look delicious!

   2. Camping under the stars
      

      Camping for a night at home has huge benefits. There’s no packing, no driving for miles to a crowded campsite, you can practically pick the weather, plus you have your own private bathroom nearby! A camp out is a fun activity for little ones and teens. Impress the kids with your outdoor skills (thank goodness the tool shed is nearby) and build something memorable. Pick up a tent from Argos. Remember the marshmallows from Handersons for an authentic campfire experience!
      

   3. Family Movie Marathon/Teen film night
      

      It’s easier than you think – all you need to worry about is choosing the perfect summer flick! Get away from the tablet and get closer to nature…even if that nature is your neighbour’s birch tree! While you may have a Wi-Fi signal in your garden, don’t use it to load up Netflix on your iPad. Hang a sheet from a clothesline, and project a film with a projector from Argos. Sure, there is some financial investment but a projector can be recycled for those winter movie nights in the lounge. Now where’s that popcorn?

       

Finally, it’s always a good idea to get some ‘wet day’ staples. Get crafty with supplies from The Works. Their craft kits are fab for a rainy day – let’s hope there aren’t too many! 

Love coffee ? you could strike it lucky

Carried away by this summer of sport? Costa Coffee has given away millions of prizes already and are now going a marathon distance further and extending this offer until 8 August. Just scan your app in store and you could win a car, £1,000 or a 32” TV. Make sure to check the app home screen after you’ve scanned and tap on the athlete to see if you’re a winner!

Date Day Ideas – First dates, anniversary dates, mates dates

July is the perfect time to put that all important date day in the diary.

There’s been little opportunity for date day. For a long-time shops, salons and eateries were closed. Then we had outdoor dining in April too which was often a little on the chilly side.

Create the ‘First Dates’ vibe with a relaxed chat, coffee and cake at Costa Coffee. Nothing says BBF date day like an afternoon of pampering. Lashious for eyebrows, Golden Nails for those perfect for summer nails, The Stylers for your summer locks and at Krishna hair & beauty the girls get you glammed up and ready for anything! If you are single and ready to mingle you will be set for a night on the town.

Anniversary date? wink Grab a spot of lunch at Café Crème, check out The Fragrance Shop for his and hers romantic summer fragrances and visit Warren James and H. Hinds for that special anniversary gift!

Destination : Home Garden

Unfortunately, a holiday might not be financially affordable or feasible for you this year. So, this July why not bring a holiday vibe to your own back garden?

Remodel your garden with a deck, or just jazz it up with some stylish accessories for those holiday vibes! This doesn’t mean you need a big space either… you can decorate the smallest of areas with cute lanterns, wild flowers and fairy lights. Enhancing your garden assets will offer an instant wow-factor to your home and provide somewhere to sit with a homemade cocktail! Make your own Tiki Bar and pretend you’re in Marbella!  Need inspiration? Visit Pinterest for ideas and YouTube for DIY tutorials!

Whether you are going all-out on DIY decking, or just adding some simple accessories, we suggest popping to Argos. Nip to One Below for some garden bargains and don’t forget to stock up on drink supplies and summer reads at Sainsbury’s! Add the hint of a beach for the little ones with a paddling pool or sandpit.

Shop safe

The safety and comfort of our customers remains important. The rules have changed; face coverings are no longer mandatory in the shopping centre. However, we would still recommend the use of face coverings in the centre to protect yourself and others. #ThankYou

The post The Great Summer Staycation is here! appeared first on Pavilions Waltham Cross.

Along with dreamy destinations, we’ll be letting you know where to get all the essentials from. We’re talking sunscreen, travel pillows and clothes to stay cosy in…

DESTINATION: UK

We have a few options for you to choose from…

• Lundy Island, Devon
• Snowdonia, Wales
• Dedham, Essex
• Shropshire Hills, Shropshire
• Lake District, Cumbria

These locations are dotted with history, totally picturesque and are perfect for the family that want to spend quality time relaxing with nature, on beaches or near stunning cliff sides.

Be sure to grab all the essentials you’ll need for your UK vacay – if you’re unsure on what you should be taking with you, we’re here to break it down for you. Keep reading!

KEEP IT COSY

Now, you’ll probably be doing quite a lot of walking if you’re hiking up green mountains or travelling to historical buildings from one part of a town to another, so comfy clothes and shoes are a MUST.

We’d suggest popping to Dilly Dally, Bon Marché and Peacocks for stretchy leggings and hoodies, plus breathable and comfortable shoes from Shoe Zone.

Don’t forget your family matching facemasks from Claire’s or One Below. wink wink

ON-THE-GO SNACKS

It’s always a good option to have good train or car snacks for the journey, plus – going somewhere where you’re not 100% on the food in the local area is a bit risky. Packing crisps, pot noodles and other fun foodie options will potentially help when you need a midnight snack.

We ALWAYS take Pringles, nuts and breakfast bars when we go away… Don’t forget to head to Holland and Barrett  and Sainsbury’s when you’re next visiting the centre to grab lots of yummy options.

THE HANDBAG ESSENTIALS

You know the essentials we’re talking about:

• • Sunscreen

• • Mini first aid kit

• • Tablets to help headaches, tummy upsets and more.

• • Hand sanitisers

• • Mini deodorants

• • Hairbrush

• • Makeup bag

And the list goes on, of course!

If you need to stock up on these must-have items, pop into Boots, Superdrug and Savers.

EXTRA ACTIVITIES

Sometimes it’s a good idea to pack a few extra activities for the kids (and yourself) to enjoy while you’re away from home luxuries.

We think a pack of cards as well as smaller toys and jigsaws from The Works will keep all parties occupied. If you want to go ALL OUT, you could grab a few bits from Argos too – whether it’s a badminton set, football or water guns if you know the sun will be shining.

For the parents, we think a sophisticated colouring book from WHSmith would be a fabulous idea to gain a little ‘zen’ in the evenings. Don’t forget to pick up a colourful pack of pencils too.

Now, if you’re staying within (or near) the UK, we hope we’ve given you a few ideas to work with. We look forward to seeing you at the centre, picking up all the essentials you may need from The Pavilions. Don’t forget to continue #ShoppingSafe too – keep that facemask on and a 2-metre distance where possible.

The post Summer Holiday Fun appeared first on Pavilions Waltham Cross.

Being your local shopping centre, we think it’s important that all our loyal customers trust and feel safe when visiting the centre for a little R&R.

We understand that restrictions are easing and there is (fingers crossed) more to come with how we can celebrate special events or milestone occasions with our nearest and dearest. However, we’d like shoppers to remember that your safety is our priority…

Want to know what we’re doing to ensure optimum protection? Keep reading.

Walk This Way…

When you come to visit us at The Pavilions, you’ll notice that there are arrows in the shops and around the centre letting you know which side is best for you to follow. Plus, you’ll notice signs that allow you to keep a 2-metre distance when ordering your favourite drink or sweet treats from Costa Coffee or Bistro Café for example. #ShopSafe

Don’t forget, there’s still a one-way system operating at The Pavilions. This is to provide a smooth stream of traffic, with arrows displayed on the floor.

Sanitise, Sanitise!

In every store, from The Works to WHSmith or Savers, you’ll find a bottle of sanitiser that you’ll be able to use before browsing through the aisles.

By keeping your hands clean with antibacterial gel, or even by popping t the centre’s toilets and giving them a quick wash, means that you’ll be killing pesky germs and protecting yourself and others from catching anything nasty. You know the drill!

Although, if you’d rather purchase your own little bottle to keep in your bag or pocket, pop to Boots, Superdrug or Sainsbury’s to pick one up.

Face Masks Are a Must…

We think that facemasks will stick around for the foreseeable… Even if the government says that all is ‘back to normal’, we think many individuals will keep facemasks a part of their capsule wardrobe. And of course, if you’re exempt from wearing a facemask, we understand.

So, if you’re part of the ‘Masks to Remain’ crowd, then be sure to stock up on a few more to get you through the rest of the year. If you didn’t know, you can actually buy facemasks to match your little one from the One Below, plainer (but award-winning!) styles from Superdrug and even more fashionable styles from Dilly Dally or Claire’s. #FacemaskForEveryDay

Book or be Booted!

We’re only kidding, you probably won’t be booted away if you haven’t secured a booking for a local restaurant or cinema trip. BUT, it is best to book if you can do. For example, we’d suggest making a booking to get your eye test in at Crystal Eyecare – just so you don’t miss out on a time that works best for you! ?

By making your bookings in advance, it ensures that store managers know how many people to expect for the day and can process the required safety measures, as necessary.

We hope that this Style article has reassured you of the centre’s safety, and we look forward to seeing you again soon. #TimeToShop #SafetyFirst

The post Trust Us, Your Local Shopping Centre. appeared first on Pavilions Waltham Cross.

We’ve seen April 12^th roll by, then May 17^th came around quicker than we could say ‘dining indoors, and now June is on our doorsteps and we’re awaiting the news from good ol’ Boris come the 21^st.

But we’ve noticed a lot of chatter around staying home for the summer holidays (again), or whether individuals will brave the current climate and hop on a plane to somewhere sunnier… Are you in two minds? Same here!

As your local shopping centre, we’re here to inspire readers with whatever decision they make. We’ll be going through activities you can enjoy during June and beyond if you’re not jetting off – plus, ideas on what to prepare if you are planning on having some fun in the sun.

Staying in the UK?

If you’ve opted to stay in the country this summer, there’s still plenty for you and your kiddies to enjoy! All the activities highlighted in the link here are ones hosted in our beloved Waltham Cross.

The link above offers a super simple guide to what’s on for children and families over the next few months. From water rafting to wildlife animal visits and local museums, you’ll be spoilt for choice, and we know the kids will LOVE spending time with their parents and besties alike.

We particularly like the idea of a day of petting (and watching) our favourite animals at Paradise Wildlife Park, finished with a ‘relaxing’ evening at the Enfield Jump In Trampoline Park. Be sure to scroll through the entire list, there’s so much on offer! #TimeToHaveFun

If we’ve tempted you to stay in the UK for your summer hols, click the link to find out more and book your trips out today! Don’t forget to grab cosy clothes and even comfier shoes to complete these activities from Peacocks and ShoeZone. Remember, it’s best to be prepared!

And not just this, we think it’s a fabulous idea to pop to Argos and The Works to grab fun activities that you can set up to do at home. From water slides to swings and even inflatable bouncy castles, the kids will feel like they’re on holiday either way – as long as the UK weather holds up!

Treats at the Centre!

Look, everyone LOVES going on holiday, but the pandemic has put a couple of bumps in the road to say the least!).

So, if you want to save a few pennies, or don’t feel 100% to travel abroad yet, then there’s still LOADS of fun things to do when you next visit the centre. Here are just a few:

• Enjoy with friends, or family to an evening at the flicks. Be sure to choose a good movie to watch and grab those essential snacks from Sainsbury’s and Holland and Barrett! (We adore the dark chocolate coated cranberries *licks lips*).
• Enjoy takeaway treats from one of our many cafes. Whether ice-creams to go from Bistro Café Plaza to indulgent brownies from Costa Coffee or sweetie bags from One Below. A sugary pit-stop, once you’ve finished shopping at the centre, is just what’s needed for a fun evening ahead.
• For the kiddies, we’ve got activities and toys galore. The Works has plenty of offers on at the mo, so you’ll be able to find something to take home for them to enjoy!

‘Seas the Day’

If you and your loved ones are going to ‘seize the day’ by swanning off on your holi-bobs, then we’re here to inspire you with all the essentials you’ll need to pack.

Suitcase essentials MUST include:
– The right clothing, from undies to tank tops! We’d recommend popping to Sainsbury’s, New Look and Dilly Dally.
– The toiletries. Get your toothbrush, moisturisers, and makeup at the ready. Here are where you can grab the goods: Superdrug and Boots for us.
– SUN CREAM. Grab a bottle (or three) from Savers.
– Mini first aid kit, you know, just in case! We’d recommend getting stocked up on allergy medicines from Niti pharmacy too.
– And lastly, all your electronics, from chargers to protective cases. We think Top Gift is your best bet. ?

Plus, if you need a suitcase, because that’s quite an important factor too, pop into Argos if you want something a little fancier. It’s time for you to tick everything off of your list! high five

Now we’ll await more information on the 21^st June and whether or not more holidays abroad become a popular theme for 2021. Whatever you plan on doing this Summer, we hope we’ve helped inspire you! Remember to #ShopSafe when visiting the centre – we look forward to seeing you soon.

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