Our favourite hotels perfect for accessibility travel

Relaxing at Park Plaza in Cardiff We have been lucky enough to stay at a fair few hotels across the UK over the past few years, some have been in historical listed buildings with small narrow hallways and no elevator which is fine when you don't have any mobility issues or small children dependent on a pushchair (we avoided the later by using a sling with both our kids). Other times we have been in very modern, bright and spacious buildings as well as rustic farms and converted barns, all with their own sets of pros and cons. As soon as you start to look around and through the eyes of those guest who may have additional needs you can quickly see how many places are simply not geared up to accommodating them. Saying that there are some fantastic hotels that do go the extra mile from independent, boutique and chain hotels, some put accessibility high on the level of importance and inclusion of all is key. I have always been very active and out-going and like most ha......

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Simplicity and Style

I feel like 2017 is going to be a year dedicated to simplifying my life, to going back to basics of less is more and quality over quantity as well as a more ethical approach to purchases and how we decided to live as a family unit. Like most I love fashion but I want to get rid of the clutter in my wardrobe, I have way to many pieces of clothing that I simply don't wear and as with most people my style has changed and developed over the years and is nearly at a point I feel happy with my style choices. Saying that in the coming year I aim to streamline my closet and create a real "go-to" capsule wardrobe full of my favourite things that all work well together and will provide me with 7 fail safe outfits for the week. Pairing up my Fred Perry Winter jumper with a White Company Shirt. Image by Sarahlou   I love the small details, little pops of colour or subtle prints that add that something special to an outfit, also with kids running around I like things th......

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Weekend:In at the Chickenshed

At the end of last month I was lucky enough to be invited to come along to Weekend:In at a converted building called the Chicken Shed ,  situated among the rolling hills of Monmouthshire. I was really excited about going to this as I loved the idea behind this event which was all about bringing together a small number of influencers and local independent brands in a unique and intimate way over creative weekend full of activities, styling and workshops.  The event spanned two days with a few people staying the whole weekend but with many going to just either the Sat or Sun meaning. I had been following it on social media and had seen the Saturday involved a wreath making workshop which looked lovely and I wandered what we would be doing on the Sunday.  First I picked up fellow welsh blogger and friend Laura from Cardboard Cities and we made our way up through the Monmouthshire countryside to the most idyllic location. We arrived just in time ......

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Staying in control when it comes to kids and screens

Earlier this month I shared my initial thoughts of Kidslox , a parenting control app for android and iOS devices that allows you to set the limits when it comes to screen time as well as content, apps and online safety. If you are regular reader of my blog you will probably already know I am wary when it comes to my kids and having any kind of access to the online world. It may at times seem quite contradictory since my job revolves around myself using social media daily but that doesn't mean my kids need access to. I grew up in a very active and outgoing family, I have always loved being outdoors and living in South Africa for 19yrs allowed me to spend hours on end running around the garden, climbing trees and being a typical child but that typical child model is now being lost to hours and hours of easily accessible screen time and for many reasons. I don't think it's hard to dispute that even from a very young age screen time is addictive whether it be in the form......

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Retro inspired trends for 2017

As we move forward into the New Year for many that means changes, motivation, goals and possibly a new you? Its also a time we start to spring clean, get rid of the old and bring in the new, we look forward to the new trends and the long-lasting ones too and one of those trends that is staying around is embracing all that is retro with a modern twist. Simple stylish Scandi-inspired interiors mixed with a touch of mad men and minimalism and this is also reflected in the clothes we are wearing with more and more people upcycling and recapturing that sense of the 90's but today. I thought I would put together a fun little post of all that is retro but still on trend for 2017 including interiors and clothing. Firstly I know I am planning to update our dinning room tables and my love for Eames has never faded and year on year their simple and retro design have become both iconic and timeless. Another big trend in the coming year is focusing on lighting. Creating rooms that ......

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Fire and Ice at Dewsall Court

There is nothing more I love doing than spending a day in beautiful surrounds in the Welsh countryside with all the chaos of the city left far behind me while gathering around a perfectly laid table with wine, good company and excellent food and that was exactly what my day exploring Dewsall Court in Hereford was like.  As soon as you turn up the driveway towards Dewsall and you get a glimpse of the Manor House you know your in for a treat. Firstly the setting is breathtaking with the property being set among formal and informal gardens, converted out buildings and barns as well as a 12th century church set at the bottom of the garden which is perfect if your looking for somewhere special to tie the knot.  Heading up towards the front door with it's wreath decorated with pheasant feathers you step straight into a rustic open plan kitchen space with flagstones and an Aga and you straight away you get that homely feel which runs throughout the property. I then ......

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How I Got My Kids To Love Food From Around The World

As I have said many times before “when it comes to food both John and I love trying something new, fresh, colourful and full of flavour and we are lovers of world dishes ”. That’s nothing out of the ordinary, it’s something that the majority of adult couples enjoy, however, kids quickly change that. When they’re really young, you can carry on enjoying your favourite foods with no problems, it’s when they get to their toddler years that things get interesting, or so they say. Proudly, we managed to combat the fussy stage by introducing a variety of foods and worldly cuisines early on in our children’s lives. We wanted our kids to be open minded about all new experiences, especially food, because experiencing new food is one of life’s great pleasures and it’s healthy too. I recently read an article suggesting that children who are fussy eaters have often become so because they’ve picked up the idea from adults. This is something that, scientifically, I can’t comment on......

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Ladies and Kids Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide

So the countdown is truly on for the big day and now is the time to pick up those last minute gifts but with anything last minute you can often draw a blank when it comes to inspiration, which is why I have put together this last minute Christmas Gift guide for the special lady in your life wether that be your partner, mother, sister, daughter there is something for everyone with all budgets catered for.  First up is an item that is rather special and a more substantial gift, the  Krug Baümen Diamond Ladies Rose Gold Chronograph Watch which is actually on sale from £199 down to £97.50. These watches are absolutely beautiful and on trend in rose gold and come with a 2 years warranty. If your looking to impress then this is it. If your looking for a few some fun and quirky last minute ideas then check out my little gift guide below filled with small to large size presents, stocking fillers and ethical choices.  1. Irals jewel accessor......

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Ultimate Men's Christmas Gift Guide & Giveaway

If your looking for long-wearing, practical but also stylish gets then look no further. I have included something for everyone's budget from stocking fillers to more luxurious items and a few you may not have thought of. If you have a keen cyclist there is the amazing Litelok or perhaps your other half is a keen traveller and would appreciate a City guide or paging through original photos of climbers in Yosemite from the sixties then check out my Ultimate men's Gift Guide.  If your looking for long-wearing, practical but also stylish gets then look no further. I have included something for everyone's budget from stocking fillers to more luxurious items and a few you may not have thought of. If you have a keen cyclist there is the amazing Litelok or perhaps your other half is a keen traveller and would appreciate a City guide or paging through original photos of climbers in Yosemite from the sixties. 1. Bluebeard Revenge Eau de Toilette Shower Gel £24.99 2. Patagon......

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