A ticket to ride

Mr A has become a real action man of late, he loves exploring, jumping, climbing and taking measured risks. He enjoys nothing more than whizzing around the park on his bike and even though he is not quite of his training wheels yet, when we came across this BMX park he was over the moon and couldn't wait to try it out. We spent a few hours here, watching him race up and down the bike mounds and it made me think about what sport he may do in the future. I always did a lot of sport in my youth, mainly swimming, Judo and diving as well as hockey and netball and I want to pass that enthusiasm to my sons. We have already enrolled him in some swimming lessons and have made sure to get the proper sporting equipment . Back to the BMX track and I was really surprised at how brave he was and he very quickly took to going over the smaller bumps and down around the paved ramp. We encourage any sporting interests he has and have since returned to the park and with each time he ......

Read more »

Stylish Gifts for Him, Her and the Home

The women's Bixby bike which I am in love with  First of all how beautiful is this bike above...oh how I would love to have this standing in our hallway waiting to be taken out each day on adventures along the riverside. Is there really anything better than when aesthetics, design and practicality come together in seamless harmony - I think not! This is the running theme of the small but perfectly formed collection of products from the high end Detroit based retailer Shinola who opened up a London store in 2013. Instead of out-sourcing their goods to be made in cheaper countries nearly everything is handcrafted in America which to be honest is a bit of a rarity so it's pretty exciting to see it pop up in the UK, including being able to buy all their products online. Large hard linen journal £17.50 Shinola started life out as a shoe polish company which saw some investment a few years ago and with an initial focus on handcrafted watches made in Detroit, it th......

Read more »

Gifts to get kids outdoors

Let’s try to steer clear of only electrical games and gadgets this year. Get your kids active, outdoors and inspired with gifts that encourage new or budding interests and come with a healthy dose of fresh air. Binoculars There are some good quality smaller-sized binoculars suitable for children on the market, and alongside an inexpensive book on wildlife - they make a lovely present. Whether it’s just in the garden or on a trip into the countryside, they’ll have fun identifying birds and other animals. You never know, you may have the next David Attenborough on your hands. Don't know about you but I would love a pair of antique binoculars for myself ( image ) Bike Nothing beats a bike for Christmas. A ticket to independence, the great outdoors and a whole lot of released excess energy; a bike ticks all the boxes and will never go unappreciated. Telescope Introduce your kids early to the mystery and beauty of space. You can opt for a basic teles......

Read more »

Some fun in the sun - 5 activities to get the whole family outdoors

Me and Mr A enjoying a walk in the countryside It doesn’t matter if the weather is hot or mild, we all need to spend some time in the sun. Not only do the rays of the sun provide us with much needed vitamin D, medical studies show that being outdoors can have an extremely positive affect on both our mental and physical health. The problem is, in this age of television, video games and computers, it is not always easy to get the family outdoors for a bit of healthy fun. Here are a few ideas that might make your family more willing to get off the couch and into the sun. Surf or turf BBQ This isn’t necessarily about whether you eat steak or seafood; this is more about where you take the family for a Sunday lunch. Go to the local beach, if you’re lucky enough to live near one, or bush picnic area for a good old family barbecue. Take everyone’s favourite food, some games and anything else that will encourage some exercise. If the amenities don’t have public barbecue’s you might......

Read more »

Three things for the home and Fathers day

Octopus Print £15.89 It's that time of the year again where we celebrate the men in our lives and how important they are to us. Fathers Day in our house usually starts with homemade pancakes and giving our little DIY card plus a few little bits and bobs that we know John likes. We always try and make something as well as pick up something a little bit unique and different, in reality I would love to have time to trawl some local markets but with the recent surgery and work that has not been possible which is why I love Etsy so much as you can find some many inspiring and quirky pieces and there is so much more than just socks and cards which is why I wanted to combine cool home-ware with Fathers Day ideas and gifts and here are three things I am loving at the moment - the Octopus Print, some cool retro coasters and a a hipsters dream of a bike wine rack, I know my other half would love all of these things. Retro Trailer Coasters £9.78 Bicycle wine rack £19 ...

Read more »