Cardiff goes Pop with Bricks at Home and Ushi's

I love pop-up shops and I love that Cardiff is finally embracing them so much. It means that smaller independent stores that are usually only found online or outside the city centre get a chance to be more accessible to a larger audience for a short period of time as well as adding something new to the more established shops in the city centre.  Recently St Davids Cardiff got in touch to let me know about two Pop Up Shops currently making themselves at home in the centre and I made sure to check them out. The first shop I stopped off at was Bricks At Home - a art and interior design concept store based on Pop Art and Lego. I loved it! In my mind Cardiff does not have enough diversity when it comes to accessible art in comparisons to larger cities like Bristol and London.  I got to spend some time talking to the owner Andy Morris who believes in bringing playful design to modern life and Bricks at Home was the perfect combination of a gallery space to hel......

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Taking a Serve with Tennis for Kids

Tennis is one of those fantastic sports that offers those life skills that help develop not only hand, eye, ball coordination but also camaraderie, sportsmanship and helps boost a child's self esteem. Having learnt how to play tennis when I was younger it is something I have been keen to get my own children involved with, even if it was to just have a taster (and hopefully be taken) by this sport. When it comes to sports and kids it can be overwhelming as where to start, which sport to pick and will they enjoy it enough to make it worthwhile as it takes time to get to grips with things. I am sure we are not alone here when I say we have paid up front for a term for something my eldest has simply not got on with when it came down to the reality of learning a certain sport which is why the Tennis for Kids program is fantastic. The Lawn Tennis Association contacted me and about its great programme which offers a 6 week taster course to help kids get to grips with the ......

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A Mini Break at The Vale Hotel, Wales

Whether it be near or far a mini break as a family is always something we look forward too especially when its in such a beautiful location of that of The Vale Hotel which has so much greenery surrounding it. The Vale Hotel and Resort is only around a 20 minute drive from Cardiff city centre yet you instantly leave that busy city life behind you for a far more tranquil spot. This hotel is very popular spot with Golfers and those looking for somewhere that is stylish and relaxing but with easy access to both the city, coastline and beautiful boutique towns such as Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan. We have actually been to the Vale Hotel a few times before as wedding guests or to use their amazing gym and spa facilities but we have never actually stayed the night so I was really interested to see what it was like having a little bit longer here instead of our previous flying visits. This time of course we also had the kids with us and as they actively encourage families to vis......

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Milestone Birthday ideas - How to throw a Bond themed party

I had a really nice, intimate 21st birthday with my closest friends in Cape Town where I hired a small Italian restaurant bar for some good food, cocktails and fairly civil socialising. For my 30th two years ago I decided to head down to the South of France and celebrate with family in the sunshine. With John's 40th looming closer, okay so it's still more than 2yrs away but these things sneak up on you quickly, I have started to think of a few fun ideas of how to celebrate that milestone. The thing I have never really thrown a proper themed party before although I have attended a few and they have always been a lot and what could be better than the glamour and intrigue of a James Bond themed party or ball? Check out our top tips on a Bond-themed bash that will go with a real bang! Dress code The glamour of Bond is a fun dress code to adhere to - and it’s not too tricky to adhere to. Sharp suits for the gentlemen and eveningwear or tailored suits for the ladies i......

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