5 lesser know waterfalls in South Wales

5 lesser know waterfalls in South Wales

10/10/2024

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If you love the outdoors and are travelling to Wales you may have already heard of Waterfall Country on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park where you will find the famous Four Falls trail. While the Four falls trail is famous for a reason and very beautiful it's also extremely popular and busy, especially in summer. There are however 5 other equally beautiful lesser known waterfalls, some fairly close by, that offer stunning views without the crowds and I thought I would share them with you.

1. Pen Pych Waterfall

Located near the small village of Blaencwm in the Rhonnda Valley, Pen Pych is one of my favourite walks and while there are some steep areas that you will need to take care navigating, it's a walk my kids have done since they were young. There is a free and well-marked forestry car park with the path leading up from there. You will find picnic benches at the halfway point and some fantastic viewpoints across the Valley along the way. Do take proper hiking boots as the trail can become wet and slippery in some areas. Read more about this hike here. 

Pen Pych Waterfall

2. Clydach Vale Countrypark, Tonypandy, Top Lake

You can start this walk at either the lower car park for a longer circular trail or head up to the upper lake for a short wander to this somewhat hidden fall. As you make your way around the lake, on the left hand side, you will see a path heading up and this will take you to the larger fall which is best seen after rain. There is also a monument to the mine  that once stood near here. 

Clydach Vale Counrypark Waterfall

3. Melincourt Waterfall

A really impressive waterfall that is a short 10 min walk from the free carpark. There are some steep areas along the one side of the path so do take care when walking with young children, besides that it's an easy walk that is well rewarded with a stunning waterfall. What I love about this place is everytime we have gone we are the only people there. You can read more about this waterfall here.

4. Pistyll-Goleu, Llanwanno

There is a lovely circular walk through the beautiful and ancient St Gwynno Forest in Llanwonno that takes you past the hidden gem that Pistyll-Goleu waterfall. You can also find a small cafe in the woods, which is run by volunteers. Again this place is very quite and it's usually locals and dog walkers who explore the trails here. 

5. The Witches pool at Pwll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve

Near the small village of Talgarth you will find the Pwll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve, set in a narrow valley, this place feels magical. As you make your way through the reserve you will come across a few small waterfalls before coming across a much larger and rather spectacular one that has a deep pool below it known as the "Witches Pool" from which the reserve gets its name. It can get quite muddy and skippy here so best to take a good pair of walking boots.

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Is Singapore a family friendly destination?

Is Singapore a family friendly destination?

09/10/2024

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Is Singapore a family-friendly destination? With the travel and tourism market set to grow even more in Singapore in the coming years and with more families travelling further afield and broadening their horizons, it's a good question and the answer, simply, is YES. 

So what makes Singapore a family-friendly destination and why should it be on your bucket list?

1. Well firstly it was ranked first in Asia for family life in the Expat Insider 2019 Family Life index, of course living somewhere and travelling to it for a holiday are two different experiences but I think it gives a good insight that it's a family-focused city.  

2. Transportation and ease of getting around - Singapore has a very reliable MRT system which is cheap and easy to use, as well as an efficient public bus network that again is a cheap option for getting around. The city is also pretty small and well known for it's brilliant urban planning that makes a lot of the city walkable with a network of pedestrian walkways and lush green spaces to explore. 

3. Family-friendly places to eat - there is an array of family-friendly spots to grab a bite to eat, from the local dishes at hawker centres across the city to themed cafes, hangouts and restaurants offering tasty treats for all diets. 

 4. Family-friendly places to stay - the city offers fantastic hotel options that are not only suitable for families but also offer parents space to relax. When looking to make a Singapore hotel booking you will be spoilt for choice as many welcome families while also offering spa facilities, casual dining spaces you can all enjoy, having a nice glass of wine on a terrace while the kids enjoy views across the city. 

5. An array of family-friendly attractions - there are some incredible days out to be had in Singapore that are perfect for families. From interactive museums to Gardens by the Bay, Nature reserves, Aquariums, Zip-line adventures, it's has it all. I've previous written a blog post on the top 5 things to do in Singapore so do check it out. 

6. Lots of outdoor green spaces

Singapore is filled with natural green and lush spaces wiaitn to be explored, from tropical mangroves to beautiful coasts, there is plenty of places for the children to run off some energy as well as getting out there and enjoying the sunshine that bit beautiful city has to offer. 

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3 Tips for Sharing Wardrobe Space with Family or Significant Other

3 Tips for Sharing Wardrobe Space with Family or Significant Other

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As a child, you were taught to share with others, a good life skill that is needed into adulthood. As an adult, there should be nobody easier to share with than our significant other, child or family member. Yet when it comes to something like wardrobe space, which for most of our lives has been ours and ours alone, suddenly having to share it can come as a shock.

I live in a very small home, space is limited, so at the moment I'm sharing my larger wardrobe with one of my children and yes we make it work but it did take time to adjust, in the same way it would if your sharing yours with a partner for the first time. 

It also brings challenges with it. It is almost certain that one of you will have more things than the other. Then, there will likely be disagreements over how things should be stored. You might also have different needs, for example, if one of you just wants to find what you need quickly, sling it on and get out the door, while the other likes to take time getting dressed.

Rather than each person just doing their own thing, which can be a recipe for resentment, it is better to discuss how your wardrobe space will work when you first move in together. This quick guide offers some pointers to follow for pain-free sharing.

1. Declutter before you begin

If you already have a wardrobe that you are going to share, empty it out first and start donating or binning items which you haven’t worn in forever or which are damaged. Your partner should do the same. If you are both moving to somewhere where you will be sharing a wardrobe, doing this first will also make moving easier.

Removing clutter will help prevent any pointless disagreements over wardrobe space.

2. Organise around your habits

It is worth discussing things such as your morning routines and which items you wear regularly to help you figure out where to best store particular items. For example, if you both need to get dressed for work at the same time, it might be best to each have your own side of the wardrobe so that you are not constantly getting in each other’s way.

Clothes you do not wear regularly may be best stored in harder-to-reach spots, or if it is the wrong season you might want to store them somewhere else entirely. For example, your winter jackets and sweaters could be stored under the bed during spring and summer.

3. Make the most of the space

The shelves, racks, and drawers that the wardrobe manufacturer has supplied you with are only a starting point. There are plenty of ways you use your wardrobe space more efficiently. If there are too few drawers, buy some dividers and you can share the space while keeping things like men’s and womens underwear separate.

If your wardrobe has doors that swing rather than slide open, put some hooks on the inside. To make better use of shelves, put stackable containers on them. In fact, containers or even shoe boxes can be good places to store accessories like scarves, belts, and hats when you’re low on space. Labelling them can make it easier to find what you need in a rush.


Sharing space is a necessity for most couples, and there is no reason that it needs to cause trouble. By following these tips you can build a harmonious wardrobe and ensure that your partner’s wishes and yours are respected.

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Indoor Activities to Help You Relax in Colder Seasons

Indoor Activities to Help You Relax in Colder Seasons

07/10/2024

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The crisp autumn air and chilly winter winds can make it tempting to hibernate away from the world indoors. But staying at home doesn't have to mean being bored.

There are plenty of enjoyable and relaxing indoor activities to keep you entertained and content during the colder months. In this guide, we’ll share some of our top tips for fun things you can do indoors while you hide away from the cold weather and dark evenings.

Cosy up with a good book or film

One of the most classic ways to spend a winter’s day is to curl up on the sofa with a good book or film.

Whether you prefer a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance or a thought-provoking sci-fi novel, there's something out there to suit every taste. You don’t have to enjoy this activity alone either. Invite some of your friends or loved ones around for a movie marathon to share the enjoyment.

If you're feeling particularly indulgent, why not treat yourself to a cosy blanket, a cup of hot chocolate, and a bowl of popcorn?

Get creative with DIY projects

Another great way to pass the time indoors is to get creative with DIY projects.

There are countless possibilities, from upcycling old furniture to making your own decorations in preparation for the Christmas holidays. If you have a flair for the arts, you could try your hand at painting, sketching or pottery.

Not only is crafting a fun and rewarding activity, but it can also help you to relax and de-stress.

Enjoy digital entertainment and games

In today's digital age, there's no shortage of ways to entertain yourself from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're a fan of gaming, streaming TV shows or listening to podcasts, there's something for everyone.

And if you're looking for a fun and social way to spend your time, consider playing online casino games with friends or family. Just be sure to gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose.

Treat yourself to an at-home spa day

Sometimes, all you need is a little self-care to help you relax and recharge. With that in mind, why not treat yourself to an at-home spa day?

You can create a soothing atmosphere by lighting candles, playing soft music and filling the bathtub with warm water. Then, indulge in a face mask, a manicure or an at-home hair treatment. This could be a lovely activity to share with your best friend or partner on a quiet Saturday evening, followed by a tasty takeaway on the sofa.

There are countless ways to enjoy yourself indoors during the colder months. Whether you're looking to relax, be creative or have fun, there's something for everyone.

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Why SUVs are the perfect family car

Why SUVs are the perfect family car

06/10/2024

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When I first became a parent I drove a 1970's Austin mini, which I loved and cherished but it really wasn't a practical car for a young family, especially as it didn't have airbags and I couldn't safely fit a car seat due to such old seatbelts. Once the radiator gave way I knew it was time to let go and find a more practical solution (although I do hope to have an old mini again in the future at some point). 

Adapting to family life does requires changes in a number of areas, one of the biggest of which is usually the vehicle you drive. Whether you’re welcoming the first addition or adding another, having the right car can make going about family life that little bit easier. Having gone through a range of cars over the past decade including compact car to a bongo van, I have found that SUVs are the most in terms of safety and practicality and here is why

Spacious and comfortable interiors

Perhaps the main draw to SUVs is the space you can benefit from inside. If you’re used to driving hatchbacks and other smaller cars, the metaphorical and literal step up to an SUV will make quite the difference.

Spacious interiors mean the driver, front passenger and back passengers can all enjoy longer journeys in comfort. Even shorter journeys and cruising around town will feel more premium. Options with 5 and even 7 seats are available for added practicality.

More space in the car will be useful if you’re already taking on taxi duties for your kids or if you’re planning on expanding the family down the line.

Extra boot space

Family life comes with lots of ‘things’ such as pushchairs, car seats, carrycots, nappies and emergency supplies – you need a vehicle that can accommodate everything. Even as kids get older, you’ll still need room for holiday luggage, activity equipment and lots more.

Unless you’re willing to upgrade to a van (which has many pro's but also con's), SUVs have the most boot space on offer. For example, the Skoda Kodiaq boasts a whopping 835 litres if you’re using five seats. Smaller crossover SUVs like the new DS3 offer around 350 litres with a standard model.

If you’re tired of playing Tetris with your boot space, upgrade to an SUV.

Advanced safety features

Safety is likely high on your priority list when looking for a family car, and modern SUVs excel in this department. The elevated driving position in these cars provides improved visibility, allowing you to anticipate road hazards sooner.

Innovative airbag systems, advanced braking systems, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are other features often integrated into modern SUVs. These all help you to avoid collisions and accidents on the road.

Bigger, more solid builds can also prove more durable in crash tests. But we hope it will never need to be tested in a real-life scenario.

Versatility and practicality

Finally, SUVs provide excellent versatility and practicality. They can handle the varied demands of family life, from tackling the school run in an urban environment to heading out into the countryside for a quick getaway.

Four-wheel drive options are particularly useful in the UK’s unpredictable weather. Added grip and stability can make all the difference in ice, rain and heavy wind, keeping you and your family safe.

 

*This post contains affiliate links

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The Joys Of Eating Street food!

The Joys Of Eating Street food!

02/10/2024

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I'm going to put it straight out there: I love street food, especially when travelling and exploring a new city or destination. Street food offers a budget-friendly way to eat local delicacies and try new dishes and great for when you. are hungry and on the go. 

With the growing trend of street food around the globe, making it more accessible, you can find a street food venue almost anywhere these days. You can enjoy a fresh and spicy Mexican taco, a plate of delicious pad Thai, or a hot Cuban sandwich just by walking down a busy street! 

As I've mentioned not only are these street food options extremely tasty, they are also great value for your money! You can enjoy a lovely breakfast roll, or a quick beef kebab lunch just by strolling down to your local food market's street food stands, or mobile food trucks when you happen on them! The search can be part of the fun, but you never need to look too far to find great street food, that's how popular a movement it's become!

Street food has become so popular worldwide that you can even purchase a street food franchise that allows you to set up shop wherever you happen to be with an authentic menu that's guaranteed to please!

As much as I love home cooking, there is something special about eating food that has been made for us by a highly experienced cook who specializes in their menu's set of dishes. There is a professional quality to it that lends it a touch of class, even when enjoyed standing on a sidewalk! There is also the fact that eating out in a restaurant can be expensive, and not something people can always afford to do or your keeping to a small budget while travelling, making street food a very financially attractive option- plus it usually tastes fantastic!

There is also what could be called the 'picnic factor' the added allure of eating food outdoors in open space al fresco. If there is a public park nearby it's easy enough to carry your street food to it and have a real, urban picnic under the trees or by the fountain! Street food provides an avenue for releasing food and its makers from the kitchen's confines out into the plain view of the public eye. It's fun to see your meal being made for you right in front of you, and feeling like you are somehow a part of the process instead of waiting for the food to emerge from the secretive realm of a restaurant kitchen, then eating it while sitting at a table for an extended period of time with a napkin in your lap. Street food frees the cooks and the customers from the dull waiting game of table service and lets you enjoy some fresh air along with terrific tastes!

When you eat street food you have the opportunity to actually talk with the chef, to ask questions and see how it’s done right in front of you, a live show that is a delight for more of your senses than just taste! Street food vendors all agree that cooking outdoors for a customer they can interact with is far more satisfying than working alone in a restaurant kitchen hidden from view!

Street food is fun, now go eat some!

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