8 gifts for kids that inspire a love of travel & the outdoors

* AD sponsored Post When it comes to Christmas I always try and find gifts for my children that are fun but also encourage learning about the world around us, near and far, as well as inspire time outdoors away from screens. Of course, the main criteria is fun, if they sense it's too educational they sometimes turn off but there are plenty of really original and interactive toys and gifts out there that will spark a love for travel, nature and provide lots of screen-free time as well as time together as a family. So here is a list of 8 brilliant children's presents for those who love learning about the world around them Here are 8 gifts that your kids will love 1.  GeoSafari Talking Globe  This interactive high-tech globe that brings a world of travel, learning and culture to your fingertips will definitely be a hit with kids who love learning about the world around them. With the use of the interactive smart-pen, you can learn about continents, countries, nature, animals and ......

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How to bring that European-style into your home

*This post contains affiliate links  Many of us have not been able to travel or visit friends and family as much as we normally would over the past year or so and I know I've been missing that European city feel that is far more prominent on the continent and who wouldn't want to bring a touch of the French Riviera or Italian countryside into their home? I know I do and it doesn't need to be big or drastic changes but small subtle interior design additional can create that laid back stylish European look into your home.  Wall Art One of the easiest ways to create a sense of wanderlust and capture that European feel is to display your travel photography from your favourite destinations and why not opt for larger black and white prints of places like Paris, Berlin and Rome. If you don't have any photographs of your own there are some fantastic prints on places like Etsy .  Wood flooring The majority of European homes have either wooden or stone tile flooring and adds to ......

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Gifts to keep that wanderlust going

* Disclosure - This Post is unpaid & 100% my personal views. I was sent PR samples from Sussex Candles, Junior Reader and Gibsons  While we are on the right track and things are slowly opening back up, with many of us in the UK venturing out on staycations and exploring this amazing island we live on, for many overseas travel is still tricky and comes with possible quarantines, restrictions, extra paperwork and extra cost so for now many are still staying put, which can be hard when you are a avid traveller.  So I thought I would put together a few fun things that are helping to inspire that wanderlust feeling for both adults and children, while we still navigate this new normal.  Wild Swimming Guide Wild swimming has seen a massive boom in the past 18months, everyone is trying it out, which is fantastic! I was given this beautifully illustrated Wild Swimming guide from a friend for Christmas and while it's not very big it has all the essential information you need t......

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How to feed your wanderlust during lockdown

I grew up with an expat mother and a father who loved to travel, especially off the beaten path, so between the two, it meant that travel was a priority to us and we went without so we could great memories over material things. That ethos and way of life is something I have been trying to do with my own kids and because of this, it meant having to cancel a few trips before and during this lockdown period. Don't get me wrong we put the health and priority of our community and country first, we are fully acceptant of the situation and are not dwelling on the travels that have had but that doesn't mean we can't still embrace the wanderlust way of life even when we are restricted to our homes all day except for our 1hr exercise allowance. The great thing about life in 2020 is how digitally accessible so much is, if you fancy a walk post the Colluiseum all you have to do is pop over google street maps and you're there. Also unlike the days of having to visit the v......

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Small Gifts for the Modern Millennial

Millennials, we cover a pretty wide age range, even though I have kids I still fit into the Millennial generation and while I cannot talk for everyone the way we navigate this digital world is far different to our parents era and therefore our needs are different. Many of us live life on the go, we live more for today and like to enjoy the things we can afford like brunch and coffee (as cliches as that is), as a generation many of us are also thinking more ethically, we want to support local business, be more sustainable and travel a little more. Also personally I find when it comes to gifts I want them to be meaningful or practical and here is a little gift guide for the digital millennial. 1. In a world where we are trying to cut out plastic as much as possible these two gifts are perfect for eating and drinking on the go as well as look stylish and dear I say Instagrammable. I am loving the stainless steel Black + Blum thermal food flask which keeps lunch both hot o......

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Great Weekend Reads for Home or On Your Travels

I found last year I just didn't make enough time to read and I think there is something very relaxing, calming and positive about picking up a book and being immersed into a story and with this ever increasing manic world we live in taking a moment to just step back and detach yourself from the now and get lost in a book is very important. I have put together a small reading list which I feel is doable even around working from home, travel and running after two small children. I have included a mix of fiction and non-fiction as well as one or two books to help keep me inspired and help with different areas of my life. So I thought I would share my reading list for 2018 with you and perhaps encourage you to take some time out and enjoy reading. 1. The Old Man and the Sea - Ernest Hemingway This is such a fantastic pocket sized book perfect for when your travelling, it's lightweight and less than 100 pages long and great if your taking a train across country or just goi......

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5 reasons why Iceland is at the top of our Bucket list

Iceland is one of those countries I have been very eager to visit for the past few years, it has everything you want in a destination with dramatic landscapes, a vibrant music scene, a fascinating history, local delicacies and who can forget the Aurora borealis aka Northern Lights?  Did. you know Iceland has been voted the safest country in the world ten times over and I have been very inspired by family travel blogger My Travel Monkey who encourages people to visit this Nordic country with kids. My kids and I love getting outdoors and being active and Iceland captures this lifestyle to the full with pursuits such as hiking, skiing and whale watching being very popular. With so much to see and do I thought I would share my top 5 things to do in Iceland that are on my bucket list 1. The Northern Lights Not only is this at the top of my list of things to do in Iceland but it's also has a firm place on my list of 40 things to do before I'm forty as I can o......

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Classic swimwear that never goes out of fashion

We all love summer, the heat, the outdoor barbecues, the 9pm sunsets. But one thing that’s a little trickier is trying to find the perfect swimsuit. With so many styles, cuts, colours and prices and to choose from, it can be completely overwhelming – especially if you want to be on-trend. Luckily, there are some classic swimwear options out there that are truly timeless and will look great on all body shapes. So let’s get back to the basics and this year find ourselves a classic bathing suit that we can feel confident wearing year after year. The one piece Yes I said it, the one piece is in. It’s timeless and classic and is sure to look good on a variety of body shapes. If you’re worried about all those extra calories you consumed during the winter months you can rest easy, as wearing a well-made, well-fitting one piece can accentuate your curves, down-play your trouble areas and make you look fantastic. If it’s good enough for Marilyn it’s good enough for me. After all......

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Wanderlust interiors for kids

Map bunting from Peony & Thistle We are currently in the process of updating Mr A's room as he will be turning 5 next week and has long out-grown his toddler bed. We have felt this has also marked the time that now he has really started his journey of boyhood and is no longer the baby of the family but rather an adventurous, confident and spirited young boy, who needs a space that reflects his interests and passions such as travel and his love of the outdoors. Here are a few things that we are loving at the moment and would work perfectly in a travel inspired kids room. Steamer travel trunk from Notonthehighstreet I love this handmade Steamer travel trunk which would work perfectly as a kids toys storage box. The vintage travel stamps add a lovely retro feel to the box and its so well made it should it could be passed down from child to child or even work well in a living room. We are also trying to encourage Mr A to make notes, start writing and drawing more as......

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Wanderlust wish - Koh Samui

Stunning Koh Samui It's Monday and that means my mind is usually wandering off to far flung places and this week I am dreaming of crystal water and white beaches f Thailand and Koh Samui. This island is located off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus, Thailand. It has two basic seasons including rainy and sunny, but there can be rain during the sunny season and plenty of sun during the rainy season. Most people consider February, March and April the best months because they are the driest, but others have visited during the rainy season and had good weather and enjoyed greatly reduced hotel rates. Kids playing in Koh Samui The rainy season is when even the luxury hotels offer budget rates. The rates are as low as 50 percent less. Even though many people know this and plan their travel during September to November, there are still fewer people on the beach, in the nightclubs, restaurants and shopping centers. If you can avoid visiting Koh Samui during the Christmas a......

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Friday vibes - interiors

Would love a window like this ( image ) Its Friday and it's been a long week, the wifi has been playing up and a backlog created but in my heart and soul it's all about the summer relaxed vibes even if life is hectic. I am dreaming of floor to ceiling windows, natural light flooding in, slow breakfasts and fresh flowers, handwoven rugs and small adventures - what are you dreaming of this Friday? How beautiful is this boho interior ( image ) I need a hammock in my life ( image ) ...

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