Exploring Newport Wetlands & Enjoying the Simple things

The last time we visited the Newport Wetlands we were a family of three so it was really fun to revisit this wonderful place with our youngest in tow as both boys are fascinated with nature, bird watching and exploring new places. The wetlands are around an hour from where we live (it would be quicker if it wasn't for the constant roadworks) and we visited just before the short heat wave and with a slight chill in the air it was the perfect weather to try out my lightweight waterproof windbreaker from Lighthouse Clothing . I have been looking for a jacket that will be perfect for all the festivals we will be heading too over the summer and with this being so light, easy to pack and stylish the Wren Jacket is perfect.  We are actually members of the RSPB and as our house is not too far from a river and has an abundance of trees surrounding it we get a lot of wildlife in our garden, including frogs, slow worms and an array of birds so naturally my eldest has a......

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Perfecting your Spring Style

My one favourite things about the changing of the seasons is putting together a go-to capsule wardrobe that allows me to mix and match a few different key items to create simple but stylish outfits. This time last year I could be excused for not being on top of things as my main priority was trying to get some sleep in-between feeding and changing a 2month old baby but a year on and I attempting to be more organised as when I dress well I feel good. I have also realised that I am in real need of some new clothes - I went on a spending ban when I found out I was pregnant with my second child so it's been a good two years since I have done a proper overhaul and I am loving all the soft a delicate castle tones in store at the moment and Coast capture that light and carefree style perfectly. So what are the key things you need this season to nail your spring summer look ? 1. Keep your essentials neutral and build on top of that, don't clash prints and keep t......

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A night in Cannes

If you read the blog you may already know that last year I turned 30 and we decided to go on a little road trip (well train trip) around France, taking in Paris and the South and enjoying a lovely week in the small hilly village of Valbonne in a beautiful James Villa property. We decided to spend our last full day in the South of France taking in the chic city of Cannes, world famous for the Film Festive and as we had an early train back up to Paris the following morning from Cannes train station so it only made sense to spend the night, which despite the extravagant location we managed to do on a very reasonable budget. The two boys taking in the Promenade de la Croisette After dropping off the Fiat 500 we hired for the week we booked into the small but stylish  Hotel Caroline which is perfectly located right in the centre on a lovely street filled with various bars, coffeeshops and restaurants and within easy walking distance of the beach. The room was nice ......

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Glamping with Cariad Canvas

At the beginning of the month we spent 2 nights glamping on the Welsh coast, while enjoying amazing stories at Beyond the Border International Story-Telling festival. We normally camp at festivals but since it was Johns birthday weekend we decided to treat ourselves to a more "luxury" experience of glamping in a lovely Bell tent with Cariad Canvas . Mr A loves nothing more than camping, seriously if he could he would live in a tent, we thought maybe he would be a little put out he didn't get to put up the tent which he has become rather good at but he was instantly taken by the bell tent, bunting and lovely interior.  So what are the Pro's and Con's of glamping rather than camping at a festival? Pro's 1. No setup or take down time 2. Packing less and in turn carrying less from the car to the campsite - major bonus 3. The tents are usually located on nice even pitches 4. Spacious interior with a small table, pillows and rug Con......

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Travel Adventures of Late...sneak peak

So last week we spent it down on the coast in Llantwit Major glamping it up in a lovely Bell Tent at Beyond the Border storytelling festival. It was magical to say the least, fresh sea air, a walk through the countryside to the festival, late night whimsical stories and array of tasty wholesome food, quite simply a lovely break away. These are just three taster photos of what we got up too, much longer post to come....

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Family Friendly things to do in Egypt

Think of a family holiday and Egypt might not be the first destination that springs to mind. But, Egypt holidays have a wealth of things to do for kids, and it doesn't all revolve around ancient sights. After all, as spectacular as they are, some kids don't appreciate history lessons while they're on holiday! So you'll be pleased to know that Egypt has plenty of other child-friendly tricks up its rather long sleeve, which will no doubt put family holidays to Egypt firmly on your radar… Beaches For the ultimate family beach break, head to the holiday resorts along Egypt's Red Sea coast. Sharm el Sheikh is the big one, which is full of daytime activities, gorgeous beaches and stacks of restaurants and family-friendly eateries. There are plenty of all-inclusive hotels in this part of the world too, so if you're after a laid-back escape that's fuss-free and cost-effective, make sure you check out some of the all-inclusive holidays on offer in Sha......

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John Lewis Blogger Challenge

On the weekend I had the amazing opportunity to take part in a John Lewis blogger challenge at the Cardiff St Davids Store with Charli from Charli dot dot dot . We were each given a budget for which to find a festive christmas outfit. My budget was £500 to find an outfit from top to toe that would be perfect for a festive night out. Whenever I think of christmas I think of gold and silvers and wanted to incorporate that element into my outfit. So with the run of the store I went out and looked for something I felt comfortable in and an outfit I could see myself wearing with hints of sparkle. I managed to put together my outfit just under the budget with it coming in at £458, I could of easily gone over as I spotted a lovely Ralph Lauren bag for £360 but that would not have left me very much for the rest of the outfit. John Lewis stocks so many amazing brands and I really wanted to showcase the diversity in the outfit with each piece being a different make but all working......

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St Davids Fashion Show

This Saturday was a day packed with fashion and blogger fun as St Davids 2 in Cardiff was putting on a catwalk show (part of Cardiff Fashion Week) of all the latest trends and also held a little blog meet up in Jamies. It was so great to meet and talk with other fashion and beauty bloggers, even though it was very cramped and we didnt get the chance to say hi to everyone the bubbly was flowing and it's not that often that John and I get the chance to go out that much. There were some lovely little nibbles on the tables and everyone looked amazing. After the blog meet up we all went outside to watch the last catwalk show of the day. The stage was lit up and there was a really great atmosphere. With labels such as Coast, River Island and CK underwear showing off their current collections there was something for everyone and I loved the incorporation of dance into the show, the models must of been professional dancers as it was fun, lively and very well choreographed. Here are so......

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Bristol Fashion Week is coming

So I can't wait for the Live Blogging event this friday at Bristol Fashion Week! There is going to be so much to see and do including the catwalk show presented by fashion stylist Mark Heyes and celebrity hairstylist Andrew Barton, which will be showing all the essentials for the season ahead and with so many brands and designers being apart of BFW including Coast, Dune, French Connection, Cecil Gee, Jigsaw, Monsoon, John Lewis and Radley to name a few it's surely going to be a great event. Also I love Bristol, the street style in the city is always amazing and I am constantly inspired when I am there. Besides the catwalk show there is also the pamper zone (which I will be visiting for sure!), a relaxing place were you can have mini manicures, make-overs and indian head massages. You can follow all the action from the live blog event by going to Mall Cribbs  and signing up for a reminder or I will be tweeting all day @laurasidestreet ...

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