Exploring somewhere new - Insole Court, Cardiff

We have driven past many times but have never gone down the long drive that leads you to this once iconic Manor house just a short walk from Llandaff in Cardiff that is Insole Court. The house itself is not open and is being restored by the National Lottery but what is open is the beautiful grounds and walled gardens that belong to this stunning period property.  We really didn't know what to expect the first time we walked down though the gates but it was like stepping into the secret garden with tumbling ivy covered walls, fountains, an array of wild flowers and a little stream running through with plenty of space for picnics in total peace and quiet. A real haven within the city centre.  To my understanding the main building once sympathetically renovated as it's a listed property will house a variety of different things including a community space and cafe and I cannot wait to see what is install for this fantastic place. It's a shame in one wa......

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Wild and Free lately

A few weeks ago we got sent an amazing Den Kit from Wild and Wonderfu l and Mr A was over the moon as he is counting down the days to when he will be old enough to join Beavers and start his Scouting journey, although over the past few weeks at one point or another at least two of us have been under the weather which has made our normal ventures a little bit trickier than usual. It seemed like we were all on the mend and enjoyed a short break in the countryside of Sussex but on our return it was clear both boys had bad coughs and I was coming down with something, luckily we are all remerging again fit and healthy. We plan to take this kit up the forest for a winter warming activity alongside a flask of hot chocolate and now that we are on the mend hopefully we can do this very soon. John and Mr A however have done a little dry run in the garden which they both really enjoyed especially as the kit includes camo face paint and a camping mug for a warming drink. We all ......

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Calming Autumn Adventure

So it's official, we have a new house, but we are taking our time to move in as we have another 2 weeks we can stay at our present home. To say it has been stressful is an understatement, especially with so much else going on in our lives with our car seemingly to take forever to be fixed, Mr A settling into kindergarten as well as work commitments has meant that our outdoor adventures feel like our little moments of sanity during the day. I don't know about you but being outside and connecting with natural and simple pleasures is such a great way to calm the mind, I wish everything was as simple and efficient as that in nature. I love the saying from wind in the willows - "The river is always changing yet always staying the same" - seasons come and go with so many changes yet everything does it's part at time it's meant too, wish life went to plan like that. We came across all these little snails huddling together on our adventure this week Wh......

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Stylish and Family Friendly festivals and Camping tips

I took these photos back in the day the The Workhouse festival, 2006 Before we had the little man we were both in our own ways festival goers, John going to Reading and me rocking out year on year at Glastonbury, Lovebox, Beach Break Live and Guilfest to name a few and why should having children stop the festival spirit and fun? Yes it will make things at times harder and it will change the experience but that doesn't mean it won't be as enjoyable and fulfilling. The key is in the planning, pick a festival that has family facilities and is keen for children to be involved and has some sort of entertainment for them. Another very important tip is to have good camping equipment, I will go into more detail about this later in the post. We are hoping to attend at least one overnight festival this year, with the little man in tow and we are really looking forward to it, come rain or shine. Me a few years back at a festival with my trusty two-man  tent. 5 UK Family Frien......

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