Hi! I’m Kip Hakes, I’m a 42-year-old Blogger, Vlogger and Designer. I’m married to Vicki and I’ve got two children, and a Cavachon called Duggee. We live in the Essex countryside just outside of Colchester.

I’ve blogged since 2008, and my blogging subjects include – Parenting, Technology, Reviews, Photography, Rants and Raves and more. I’m Designer of stuff by day, and a total nerd at night.

Kip Hakes

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Blog

Do I STILL need surgery on my back? How the NHS has failed me

Something very interesting happened before Christmas.. I got a text from the NHS telling me [...]

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When will Nemesis Reborn at Alton Towers Open?

Today, Alton Towers Resort have announced that their classic Bolliger & Mabillard roller coaster formally [...]

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Festival Fever – Revisiting the 1999 Vibe and Considering a Comeback in 2024

Alright, my fellow festival aficionados! Grab a cuppa and settle in as we delve into [...]

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How we had our Nectar Points stolen, and this is how yours will be too..

I woke up on the 9th June 2023 to find Vicki quite upset.. She’d been [...]

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Looking Back..

It’s very nearly a year since I had the surgery on my spine – it’s [...]

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Alton Towers Scarefest 2023 – Line-Up Announced – A Daz Games Maze?!

The press release has hit my inbox – the Alton Towers Scarefest 2023 Line Up [...]

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Thorpe Park 2023 – A trip with My Mate Vince – Trip Report 4/7/23

Once again, instead of making a vlog, I’ve written a little trip report of a [...]

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Chessington World of Adventures Resort 2023 – Trip Report – 26/06/23

I thought when I haven’t vlogged a day out, I’d do a little trip report [...]

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Alton Towers reveal new Nemesis track ! What will be the new name for Nemesis ?

So, you may or may not be aware, that the iconic, world renowned rollercoaster, Nemesis [...]

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The NickWatch – a smart watch designed for kids

When you’re a technology blogger / vlogger with children, I quite often get press releases [...]

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The Curse at Alton Manor – Finding ALL the Easter Eggs

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few months – you’ll know [...]

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Eighty Four

It’s Sunday! Which has recently seen a new routine added to it – sorting out [...]

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Recipes

Mushroom Pie

This Mushroom Pie is AMAZING! It’s fantastic for veggies and packed full of flavour, carnivores [...]

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Vegetarian Chicken Tikka Masala with Coriander and Lime Rice

This is a favourite of mine, it’s got a bit of a kick to it, [...]

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Super Simple Katsu Curry

This super simple Katsu Curry is a regular on the Hakes family meal roster. With [...]

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Paneer, Tomato and Spinach Curry

This is a great curry. I really do love Paneer, and I’ve tried a few [...]

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Alleppy Quorn Curry – Vegan Friendly

This started life as an Alleppy Prawn Curry, and it looked amazing. I pondered how [...]

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Creamy Cheese and Pea Pasta with Vivera Veggie Bacon Pieces

As a vegetarian, something I get asked a lot is.. “Do you miss bacon?”. The [...]

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Reviews

Review – Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress

You might remember, we’ve been happy Simba Hybrid mattress customers for while now. However, when [...]

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Testing out SmartBuyGlasses.co.uk

Smartbuyglasses.co.uk Ease of Use Product Selection 5 Summary I got the sunglasses I wanted, at [...]

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Review – Glamp at The Priory

As an adult, I’ve never been a fan of camping – why stay in a [...]

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Review – Tulleys Christmas Experience 2019

Tulleys Christmas Experience Overall 5 Summary I cannot recommend Tulleys Christmas Experience enough. We had [...]

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Review – Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019

Chessington Howl'o'ween 2019 Atmosphere Mazes 5 Summary I was utterly charmed by Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019. [...]

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Review – Horror at Hinchingbrooke House 2019

Horror at Hinchingbrooke House 2019 5 Summary It’s really hard not to love Horror at [...]

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Travel

8 Best New York Bars to Visit this Summer

No matter your reason for visiting New York City this summer, you are sure to [...]

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The Best Family-Friendly Heritage Sites in York-shire

Planning a family staycation? Many families have discovered the many benefits of a staycation and [...]

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Top Unique Holiday Ideas Travelers Will Love

Everyone wants to go on holiday every once in a while. When they do, they [...]

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5 Beginners Tips For Adventure Travel

If you’re the type of person who gazes in awe and wonder at Instagram pictures [...]

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How to Run an Eco-friendly Caravan Park

From reducing carbon footprints to actively supporting local ecosystems, it’s fantastic that caravan park owners [...]

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Review – Glamp at The Priory

As an adult, I’ve never been a fan of camping – why stay in a [...]

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