Be ready for the outdoors with Simply Hike

Be ready for the outdoors with Simply Hike

27/11/2018

13 comments

I love getting outdoors, having always been active and one for an adventure I also know how important it is to make sure you have the right clothes for the occasion. Making sure your dress appropriately will mean enjoying what your doing that much more, no one likes being cold and wet on a hike or too hot for that matter so when it comes to outdoor pursuits investing in some decent clothing is key, also they tend to last much longer making it a much more economical choice long-term. I do think that outdoor clothing gets a bit of a bad wrap for not being cool, on trend or stylish and that simply isn't true! The people over at Simply Hike have asked me to put together an outdoor wish list of what looks great but will keep you outdoor ready this winter season so if you have some adventures planned to take a look.

One of the most important things if your planning on heading outdoors for a few hours during the colder months is a good jacket and fleece and opting for a decent jacket is an investment that will pay off. Here are 3 jackets and a fleece that I think are perfect for those who want to enjoy the fresh air but not the biting cold

1. Salomon Womens Icetown Jacket - If your looking for the Ultimate winter weather jacket then this down-insulated jacket that offers waterproof protection is great if your heading to the slopes or just hiking in the forest. Not only is it super cosy and comfy it's also pretty stylish too 

2. The North Face Womens Apex Jacket - This jacket offers you full protection from the elements with it's Gore-Tex shell which is both waterproof and breathable and the added bonus of a soft inner knit face that keeps you toasty.  

3. Roxy Womens Hoody - using Roxy Warmflight technology which helps keep body heat in and water out by replying water for a faster drying time. It also has an oversized hoody and cosy hand warmer pockets, perfect for under a winter jacket. 

4. Roxy Womens 3 in 1 Jacket - If your looking for something really versatile then this is it! This parker has an inner and outer jacket which can be worn separately depending on the weather. The outer is lightweight and waterproof while the inner is a warm fleece that will keep you warm in very cold weather.

Of course accessories are also very important and keeping ur extremities warm and dry so having a good set of gloves, scarf, hat and either warm hiking boots or Wellies with decent winter socks is key.
Here are a few accessories I am loving at the moment.

1. Evercreatures Wellies - I love the fun print on these waterproof and crack resistant wellies. They are durable with good outer grip and perfect for having fun outdoors.

2. Dakine Womens Beanie - really nice classic ribbed knit beanie to keep your head warm throughout winter. Fully lined with a soft warm fleece and finished with a cute faux fur pompom.

3. Womens Roxy Premiere Gloves - these are designed to be the best in waterproofing and warmth using Roxy's Hydrosmart Technology and they are also pretty good looking too!


So if your heading off on a city break to somewhere snowcapped or being more adventurous and hitting the slopes or even if your just exploring what is on your doorstep make sure your dress for the weather before heading out.

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Getting Party ready with JD Williams

Getting Party ready with JD Williams

23/11/2018

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Who else is starting to get really excited about the festive season and to many that means parties, events, seeing family and friends and socialising. Even for those who work from home like I do it's a time for meeting up with friends, enjoying good food and a time to step out of those day to day clothes and into something a little bit more special, I mean who doesn't love an excuse to dress up.

Long gone are my twenties however and I do sometimes struggle around this time of the year to find something that is fun, stylish and festive while still being a little bit more sophisticated and me. As I have aged my personal style and changes and developed with me so finding somewhere that captures my needs now is really important. JD Williams recently got in touch to see if I would like to work with them in the run-up to the Party Season and I have been extremely excited about this collaboration as their collections are so well curated and certainly tailor to the more refined woman who still wants to have fun and be on-trend but want clothes that are going to last more than one outing.

To many, the party season is all about dresses and sparkle although this year I have been channelling more of the feminine dinner jackets and a slight nod to the androgynous look but still with some pop of colour and fun. I do often struggle to find trousers that fit my petite frame as I am only 4ft11, it can be a struggle so I was really happy to see that JD Williams have a petit collection. I decided to go for these stylish chic deep red cigarette trousers and paired it up with a black sequin detail shirt which has that touch of glitter and glam that I want when heading out this time of the year but still feels smart and stylish. To finish the look off I am in love with the Boyfriend Tuxedo Blazer which fits like a dream and doesn't make me feel boxy and compliments my glitter lip clutch bag. Overall I am so happy with my outfit as it's exactly the look I am going for this festive season and I will be wearing out on the town this Christmas.

I have been really impressed with JD Williams range and there is something for everyone's taste and offers clothes that are both on-trend but have longevity and best of all everything is true to size and fits perfectly. The main thing when it comes to putting an outfit together is finding something that makes you feel good about yourself, makes you feel empowered and this outfit certainly does that for me.

JD Williams also have some fantastic Black Friday deals with 50% hundreds of lines so it's really worth check it out!

This is a paid collaboration with JD Williams. 

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Our Stylish Family Stay at Cotswold Grange Hotel, Cheltenham

Our Stylish Family Stay at Cotswold Grange Hotel, Cheltenham

22/11/2018

12 comments

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter you may have seen we headed off to the beautiful spa town of Cheltenham for a weekend break away. The last time I had been in Cheltenham was around 7yrs ago when I was shooting a wedding and it was as wonderful as I remembered. We took a slow drive from our home in Cardiff, first stopping off in Chepstow and visiting Chepstow Castle (which I highly recommend) and then driving up through the Wye Valley, along the Severn River to the historical town of Cheltenham on the edges of the Cotswolds.

While I know Cheltenham makes for a fantastic adult break away, with its boutique stores and stylish eateries, we were a little concerned there wouldn't be a lot for the kids to do but we needn't had worried as we had a great time from start to finish and I will be writing a separate post about family-friendly things to do there. For this post however I want to focus on our stay at The Cotswolds Grange Hotel as it was such positive experience and extremely accommodating when it came to travelling with two young children and is somewhere I would genuinely recommend for both single, couples and family getaway breaks.

As you drive up towards the building, which has plenty of free parking right outside the front door, you just know it's something special. It's perfectly located in the historic and tree-lined part of Cheltenham between the Town Centre and the Racecourse and only a short walk to Pittville Park which is a must-visit for families. The hotel itself is a large period property which oozes character and charm, especially The Drawing Room Restaurant with subtle wall murals and modern lighting that compliments the traditional features of the building.

There is also a small but stylish bar where we had some pre-drinks before heading into The Drawing Room for supper. There is a bar menu for more casual dining, which can too be taken in the main restaurant, or you can choose from the Alfresco menu with modern British Cuisine with a twist. As I wanted to keep things simple for the kids we opted for the burgers and I never know what to expect with a vegetarian burger but this one was fantastic! One of the best I've had out in a long time and was followed by some Creme Brûlée and Ice-cream for the kids. The atmosphere in the restaurant was welcoming and relaxed, with another family sitting next to us who gave us some tips on the best places to take kids, it's a great spot if you're in Cheltenham regardless if you're staying at the hotel and are looking for a stylish and friendly place to eat.

We stayed a Junior Suite which was large and spacious and perfect for the four of us with a super-king-sized bed which was bliss, alongside two single beds for the kids and a large sofa to relax on while letting the kids watch some cartoons. The bathroom however was the real highlight for me, soaked in natural light from a huge skylight and topped off with Orla Kiely toiletries this was the perfect place to soak away a long day of exploring.

After a peaceful night sleep we headed down for breakfast, which again was a culinary delight as the kids went for the buttermilk pancakes (of course) and I had the Eggs Florentine along with some freshly ground coffee, fruit and a cheeky pastry, but what makes breakfast really special is soaking in all that morning light from the huge floor to ceiling Georgian style window

We really couldn't fault any part of our stay and any worries we had about whether it was family-friendly were quickly put to ease but the welcoming and attentive staff. Also if like me you appreciate period properties and interiors then this is a real gem with so many small details dotted around the place. The Cotswolds Grange Hotel is small but perfectly formed and gets the thumbs up from all of us. If your thinking of visiting Cheltenham then do make sure to pop by Visit Cheltenham website for loads of inspiration.

We were invited by Visit Cheltenham to spend a weekend exploring the town & hotel. 

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Little Freddie paving the way with Recyclable Food Pouches

Little Freddie paving the way with Recyclable Food Pouches

20/11/2018

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As you already may know I am working with a fantastic small family driven organic food company called Little Freddie. It's a dream partnership for me as I am passionate about providing my kids with healthy and nutritious food and being really busy and on the go Little Freddies Food pouches are just a great option for me as they are packed with the best ingredient with no preservatives, additives or any hidden nasties at all. I also feel reassured by their passion as a small company who have researched every flavour combination, have visited the growers of the fruit and vegetable included and have poured their hearts and souls into making the best pouches on the market. I have also been lucky enough to have attended a focus group earlier this year, try out some of their products right at the early stages and meet the founders and be able to put a face to a name and I am over the moon that they have been taking on board feedback from their customers, especially with regards to green and more sustainable options and making real changes because of it, which I will go into more detail about now.

When I first started working with Little Freddie one of the first comments I had on my instagram after posting some photos about their organic pouches was from a mother who loved the concept but didn't like the idea of single use plastic. I like many other parents are waking up to the issues our world is facing and are trying to reduce our plastic use at every opportunity so I completely empathised with this concern. However again like many mothers today I work, I juggle school runs, parenting groups, outdoor adventures on top of cooking and life admin and pouches can be a real lifeline to keep those hangry moments at bay but still the idea of single use plastic is something that doesn't sit easy with many today including myself. So saying that I am extremely excited to announce that Little Freddie are rolling out the first innovative pouch recycling scheme where nothing and I mean NOTHING ends up in landfill as part of their Big Green Plan! A UK Game changer I know!!

So to sum it up in a nutshell, when you order online a box of Little Freddies organic pouches you automatically get sent a recycling bag with pre-paid postage. Once you finish all of your pouches you simply put the lid in your normal recycling, pop the pouches into the recycling bag and send them for free in the post then each component of the pouch is recycled so the aluminium is reused into materials such as pouches and the plastic is recycled into oil. So easy so doable and just the kind of modern forward thinking we need to see in the baby market today

It just goes to show that smaller companies really can put plans in place to make a difference, be more sustainable and listen to the needs of their customers which is what Little Freddie are doing and because of this are now the first baby food brand to offer a sustainable and zero waste recycling scheme and a brand I am proud to be associated with.

You can also find more way on how this company is working towards being as sustainable as possible over on their website.

I work as an Little Freddie Ambassador 

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5 Meaningful Gifts for Mothers this Christmas

5 Meaningful Gifts for Mothers this Christmas

16/11/2018

7 comments

Gender roles aside, Mother's or those who assume a mothering role,  are often the glue that is holding things together plays while we are often balancing work life, home life, family admin, school runs and everything in between. Personally, I know there are many times when we prioritise everything else before ourselves as long as our family is happy and healthy and it's true what they say I know appreciate my own mother a hundred times over seeing how many balls she had juggling in the air at all times. I think that it's really important for every role in the household to be celebrated although acknowledging everything a mother does really goes a long way, especially when parenting comes with so many highs and lows, even if it's just treating her to a cup of coffee & baked treat. Here are a few meaningful ways to show the woman in your life that you car.

1. Never underestimate the power of a homemade Card

It may be a little cliche and perhaps I'm just a sucker for anything my kids make but my mother still has all the homemade Birthday and Christmas cards I made her and they are just really lovely and meaningful keepsakes. Cards as simple as they may be are also the perfect way for both adults and children to express how they feel, plus is a great little activity for a rainy day. 

2. Share captured memories in Printed Photos

We live in such a digital world these days that we hardly ever get physical printed photos anymore yes they are some of the best ways to relieve memories, milestones and holidays away. Photobooks take a little bit of time and effort to put together which is why I would love my kids to do it for me! Even if you don't fancy making a big photo book then a few of your favourite family shots framed it equally special or you can even get photo boxes which keeps loose photos safe. 

3. Style that gives back

This Giovanna Fletcher collaboration with Selfish Mother is fair wear certified and made from 100% organic cotton and best of all is 50% of the retail price is donated to MOTHERS2MOTHERS a charity that empowers mothers to help break the cycle of paediatric aids. This is such a cool way to celebrate motherhood in a fun and stylish way but also give back, feel good vibes all round.

4. Get baking

I love to bake with the kids but what makes it even sweeter is someone else baking for me (and tidying up the mess in the process)! Again another great rainy day activity and also a very budget friendly one. Nothing tastes better than a homemade cake!

5. Let her choose

As a parent, my free time is precious to me and I am a big believer in self-care so having the opportunity to treat myself in my own time with or without my partner is perfect, which is why I love the idea of vouchers such as One4All which is great for retail therapy or a nice meal out at a variety of restaurants. Another option is Virgin Experience Days, in fact a few years back just after having my youngest, I headed to a Babylon rooftop restaurant in Kensington for a delicious day out and was the perfect post-having a baby treat. 

I always find the most special presents are the ones of sentimental value and that create lasting memories, it doesn't really matter about cost as many of these are free or budget-friendly, it's all about celebrating the ones you love and making them feel special and acknowledged.

This is NOT a sponsored post

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7 essential Family Travel hacks to reduce stress

7 essential Family Travel hacks to reduce stress

15/11/2018

15 comments

Before I had kids I did a lot of solo travel, working in a variety of hotels, bars and backpackers across Europe, I could come and go as I pleased and when I felt like a change of scenery or simply wanted to move onto another city I could. I did learn a lot about making budgets stretch, staying safe while travelling, packing minimally as well as picking up a few hacks on saving money and making travel less stressful, these hacks I apply to our family adventures, even though they are vastly different experiences. While we all have the dream of picking a destination on a whim it is a little tricker (although not impossible) with kids bit if you don't do some preparation and research beforehand it could end up being costly.

1. Research your destination

Yes this is an obvious one but you would be surprised how many people don't do the basic research of what there is to see and do as a family. Now we don't particularly go to "family" focused destinations as even the most bustling of cities or rural retreats will offer something for all ages but knowing what those things are can be very useful especially if your short on time. Besides that having a clear idea of things like how long your transfer from the airport or train station will be, time differences, local climate, facilities at your hotel, local emergency numbers are all very useful.

2. Pack Practically & ahead of time

When you have young kids with you the last thing you want on top of that is lugging around really heavy bags so don't be tempted to take things your not going to use and be ruthless with what you do decided to pack. Make a clear plan of what you need and style your outfits before you leave, also allow for one pair of extra clothes for your kids incase of accidents. I always find that packing the bag, then going back through my items and seeing if there is anything I can leave behind and then re-packing means not only do I check I have everything but also allows me to eliminate non-essential items. Top tip - using vacuum storage travel bags will also save you so much suitcase space.

3. Be on top of Vaccinations and Official Documents

It's not only Exotic destinations you need vaccinations for but also parts of Europe such as Central and Eastern countries so do your research and give yourself enough time to sort this out as vaccinations often need to be given a few weeks in advance. Another key preparation you need to do is make sure your travel documents are all up to date, nothing is worst than having to cancel or postpone a trip because of an out of date passport.


4. Make copies and pack Birth Certificates

It's always worth having copies of your passport and insurance details just in case, you never know when you might need them. I once had my passport stolen while in South Africa, a week before having to return to the UK and having a copy on hand made it easier to obtain a temporary passport. Another big tip is carrying your child's birth certificate especially if you and your children have different surnames, which mine do and I was caught unawares before boarding a ferry in Holland as I didn't have proof my son was mine! Don't get caught out like I did, luckily it was resolved but still a stressful situation that could easily be avoided.

5. Sign up for a Free EHIC Health insurance card

While you should always take out travel insurance with every trip, I do highly recommend signing up for a EHIC card which is a free health insurance card for European citizens and allows you to have access to the same free or low-cost health care as local residents. While this card isn't a substitute for travel insurance is a good backup to have and costs you nothing. A few years ago I was working in Amsterdam for a couple of months I needed to see the doctor twice and because of this card I had free access to that so I know how handy it can be first hand.

6. Carry water bottles to refill after check-in & plenty of snacks

If you have read any of my other family travel posts you will know I often mention making sure kids are well fed and hydrated is key to low-stress travel and there is a reason for that - hangry! Kids can become very emotional, irritable and less flexible when hungry and it can cause so much extra stress you just dont need. Do check what food you are allowed to carry with you to another country and always have water bottles on hand which you can fill in after you have gone through security, thus avoiding expensive single use water bottles.

7. Pack some home comforts

Some children can experience moments of anxiety and home sickness on both short and long holidays so having one or two home comforts with you is a really good idea. This can help to reassure them and help settle them into their new environment, it could be something obvious like their favourite stuffed toy or something more obscure like their favourite mug or spoon, whatever you think will help.

Staying on top of the practical things in advance frees you up for more fun on your actually holidays. As much as we want to jump into a car and drive into the sunset some things do need to be sorted out and planned before heading off and these 7 essential hacks will help make sure you have got everything you need.

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8 Ways to naturally combat stress in the Modern world

8 Ways to naturally combat stress in the Modern world

07/11/2018

9 comments

National Stress Awareness Day took place this week and it's something I feel it's important to talk about as stress is something I have certainly struggled with over the past few years and it can cause real havoc for both your physical and mental wellbeing. I think we are more aware than ever that more and more of us suffer from things like stress and anxiety and it's easy to see why life has become increasingly manic and busy as well as more expensive with longer working hours and less free time. Living in today's world is massively different to our parent's generation and even when I was younger, it wasn't really until I was in my teens that mobile phones were even accessible to the masses (anyone remembers beepers?). In today's busy times we find ourselves having to navigate real life, online life, social media, heavy workloads, lack of support, kids, family and everything in-between and it's exhausting

I find it's really important to know and recognise the first signs of stress so you can tackle them straight away and they include irritability, feeling tense, difficulty sleeping, lack of concentration and anxiety. The one positive thing about stress is it is manageable but you do need to get on top of as soon as you feel it creeping in rather than waiting to the point when you feel totally overwhelmed.

Like many people, I prefer to seek out natural ways to improve my well-being and there are some really simple tips to help reduce your stress levels, especially in the run-up to Christmas. I thought I would share what has helped the most and gets me through those times when I feel stretched and off-balance, this can range from easy tasks such as aiming to get outdoors more, meditating, drinking more herbal tea or even an uptake in sleep vitamins to help you get a good night sleep. and therefore reducing stress. 

1. Talk about it - a problem shared is a problem halved as they say. There is real power in talking through things, it gives you a platform to share your fears and put them out into the Universe and let friends and family know how you feel. You will also be surprised at how much support you may get back in return, even if it's just a shoulder to lean on of a family member who offers to watch the kids for an hour so you can have a hot bath, the little things can really help.

2. Devise a clear and doable plan of action. I often feel stress creeps in when I have so many things to do and no clear plan of getting them all done especially when I am time short. By making a clear list of the most important tasks that need to be done first can give you a real plan of how to proceed and get those tasks that are hanging over you ticked off. You may feel that you also need to integrate some supplements and want to be clear that it will aid the rest of your plan, things like cbd and cannabis tinctures can help. 

3. Get outdoors for some fresh air - nature has that fantastic ability to put things into perspective especially if you work from home. A change of scenery when you're feeling a bit off of things are getting on top of you is really good because those issues giving you problems at home or your office don't have to follow you outside. Switch your phone off and just go for a walk, it can really do wonders.

4. Have a hobby you really enjoy that is completely detached from work or home life. If you love swimming, painting or in my case skateboarding then do it! Doing things that make you feel good help release endorphins and those feel-good chemicals in your brain help you feel calmer, happier and less stressed.

5. Drink herbal Tea - Both Peppermint and Chamomile teas have been used to help relieve tension and stress for years and are both caffeine-free and great just before bed. I personally find Chamomile very calming and helps me to sleep when I am feeling particularly overwhelmed and insomnia starts to keep in, making things worse. There are also a lot of positive early studies that microdosing on things like mushrooms (which can also be drunk as a tea), can help to enhance your mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Of course, a lot of research needs to be done and you need to know all the risks, pros and cons when it comes to first trying something like that (at your own risk). A reputable mushroom dispensary should be able to offer more insight into this as well as stock high-quality products to try.

6. Consider trying a traditional herbal remedy - if you are really starting to feel like it's becoming all too much and it's affecting things like sleep. Of course, it's important to discuss taking any remedies with your doctor ao please do this first! Many people have found some success with herbal remedies such as Passionflower and Valerian Root. Furthermore, Kava is a popular herbal remedy, with many people seeing it as a valuable medicine that helps to combat stress. Kava helps to lift the mood which automatically makes the brain feel less stressed. Another natural plant-based remedy is Kratom, which comes from Southeast Asia, and can provide stress relief, among other benefits, when taken at the correct dose. There is a range of brands of kratom out there, and not all deliver a good product, so you should make sure that you buy from an approved vendor to make sure you are getting the best quality kratom possible. When it comes to stress relief, CBD is commonly used for this purpose, too. CBD can often come in the form of oil, gummies, tablets, Organic CBD Nugs (which you smoke), and can even be added to water. It doesn't really matter which form you take, there may be some trial and error to start with to see what works for you best. I would always advise getting it from a well-known & high-quality store such as Gold Bee as the concentration of CBD is often purer than cheaper brands.

7. Eat healthily and top up on B Vitamins - we are all aware that food plays a big part in our well-being and often when we are stressed we tend to not eat the right things which can sometimes only make it worse. Making sure you are nourishing yourself with healthy and balanced meals is only a positive move. Also cutting down on Caffeine and Alcohol is also important as both of these can increase anxiety and stress in the long term. B Vitamins are also known to promote the proper functioning of the nervous system and can naturally help to make you feel more relaxed and fight fatigue.

8. Sleep - personally I find that when I start to get very stressed I struggle to get a good night's sleep but it's just so important to make sure your body rests so you can face the day as a good night's sleep is one of the biggest natural stress reducers. Lack of sleep can cause irritability and make you feel less able to cope with things. Getting into a good sleep routine is really important to make sure to put down the phone or avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime and take a nice hot bath.

It's really important to address your stress levels if it's starting to affect your life as stress can affect many areas of our lives in a negative way as well as physical and mental health so should not be overlooked. Remember to give yourself time, space and share what you're going through with family and friends. I also have a blog post on reducing stress while travelling overseas and 5 simple ways to bring calm into the home

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Glamping in Cwmcarn Forest

Glamping in Cwmcarn Forest

06/11/2018

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Over the half term I decided to take my boys on a last minute glamping trip to Cwmcarn Forest as I had come across their stylish pods on local instagrammer Hayley's feed and was inspired to check the Pods out and see what they were all about. If you read my blog you will know we have done a fair bit of glamping from vintage caravans, tipi's, medieval tents to even a horse box we have pretty much done it all except these wooden style pods.

Cwmcarn Forest itself is only around a 35 min drive from where we live which made it a great base as I was doing this solo parenting and with little phone reception as the pods are located at the base of a forest meant we felt secluded but not isolated.

There are a few options when it comes to these Pods as you can go very basic where you bring your own airbeds or mats and sleeping bags and use them simply as "wooden tents" or you can opt for a few more luxuries and go for the furnished option which is what we did. The furnished pods come with a double bed (bunks can also be placed inside to accommodate families) and a wall heater, as well as a comfy seat and coffee making station with kettle, mugs and a mini fridge. There is also picnic style seating outside each pod and an area to bbq and in addition to that there are of course toilets, hot showers, a laundry room and small kitchen room.

We happened to stay over on the coldest night of the Autumn season with temperatures dropping down to freezing, so obviously I took that into consideration when packing for our trip but felt confident we could keep warm inside the pod and I was right. Having the small heater was a major bonus as this kept our pod nice and cosy and along with our season 3 sleeping bags and a few extra blankets I brought along meant we stayed warm through the night.

Once we got settled in I was really keen to explore the local forest area and I had read reviews prior to arriving that it was a great family friendly destination as well very popular with mountain bikers. The Visitors centre where you check-in is only a couple of minutes walk from the pods and has an excellent little Cafe, the perfect stop to warm your self up before heading on a hike. We stopped in for a quick coffee and cake and then made our way along the Nant Carn Walk along little river up to a beautiful lake and this circular route is perfect for young children and toddlers.

When we got to the lake the boys made a few boats out of the huge Autumn leaves that were everywhere, we also spotted some fish, ducks and what appeared to be a Red Kite or Buzzard flying high above. Despite the drop in temperature we had prepared ourselves well with thermals and jackets meaning we could make the most of the outdoor time before it got dark.

When we returned to the pods there was a lovely atmosphere as two other families were staying as well as a group of friends who had come for the mountain bike trails. As it was starting to get dark I quickly rustled up some camp food in the form of scrambled eggs and baked beans followed by the boys roasting marshmallows and a cup of hot chocolate. We then decided to retreat into our warm pod and hunker down and watch a Disney film on the tablet the boys share. 

The next day we woke up and enjoyed some warm porridge and hot tea before the boys played in the morning frost which had covered all the grass outside our pod. As we decided we enjoyed the lake so much we decided we would head up there again after we had packed everything up. We really enjoyed our stay and would recommend it and I think we will probably come again either over winter or the spring as it offers that nature element but still means you can stay warm. 

*I paid and booked for this myself, this is not a sponsored post. 

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Small changes that make a big difference

Small changes that make a big difference

01/11/2018

11 comments

Think about it, you walk into a major store or supermarket for your weekly grocery trip for you and your family. You walk around, pick out all of the items that you need for the month and head to check out and let's be honest most of us at this point are giving more consideration to the amount of money that it is going to cost you, than paying attention to the amount of plastic being used to wrap the items you have picked and on top of that you may have forgotten your reusable bags (it's an easy mistake to make).

The thing is we really do need to implement some changes as most people will be aware that now more than ever we are seeing first hand the impact our disposable ways are having on planet earth, our only home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency in 2015, 34.5 million tons of plastic were land-filled in the US alone. Of that, 100 billion plastic bags are tossed away each year by and it takes 300 years for each one of those little bags to go away!

We say we can't make a difference. But in reality, we can! We need to start making sustainable habits, those small changes that are easy to implement but can have a bigger impact longterm. Here are 5 extremely easy ways to make a difference, that don't cost any more and in reality very few people have an excuse not to do!

1. Firstly make sure you have some good quality reusable bags, pack a few of these into the boot of your car, or backpack or even your smart work bag as much roll down to a very small size. You can even get custom printed tote bags made if you want to pair up both style and sustainability.

2. Water Bottle - carrying your own water bottle not only means you stay hydrated throughout the day but there is no need to buy a plastic bottle of water and save some money in the process - again such an easy change and a beneficial one for both the planet and your pocket. They also make great gifts and do check out my millennial gift guide with more ethical ideas

3. Reusable Coffee Cups - Ive mentioned this a few times both on my blog and instagram and just like the water bottle, it's so easy to pop one in your bag and never use a single use coffee cup again. Also most retailers including independent coffee stores offer a discount for those that use their own cup, so you also save money!

4. Bring back packed lunches - picking up a lunch on the go can be mean a lot of additional plastic but by packing your own lunch in a reusable lunch box, preferably with bees wax wraps and pop your own knife an fork in instead of those flimsy single use ones.

5. Bamboo toothbrush - I made this switch a while back and again it's so easy to do and eliminates plastic toothbrushes and replaces them with bamboo ones that are also naturally biodegradable. You can even have a subscription sent to you every 6 weeks so you don't forget to replace them and most bamboo toothbrushes come in at under £3 making them the same price as plastic ones - win.

We say we can't make a difference, but in reality, we can. We can make a real difference longterm and with very simple swaps. The only way to stop the insanity of consumption is to start today and also sent an example for our children and future generations and did you know if your baby is raised on using a tote bag for their purchases, over the course of their life, if they never use a single plastic bag, and only use a reusable shopping bag, they could save 22,000 bags from going into the landfill. Talk about a difference! Don't ever say that one individual cannot make a difference.

I've also done a vlog on 10 ways to reduce plastic...do take a minute to watch it.

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