Embracing Autumn adventures with Ecco

We love getting outdoors all year round but as we move through Autumn into Winter there is something particularly wonderful about this time of the year, the light, the fallen leaves, the biting freshness that makes you feel awake. The thing is as it starts to get colder more preparation is needed for outdoor adventures so that you are comfortable and cosy and don't have to retreat back indoors simply due to being under dressed.  Over this half term we decided to head to one of our favourite National Trust Properties, Dyffryn Gardens to enjoy all the Autumn activities such as scare-crow making and pumpkin carving. We love this place as it also allows for all those simple pleasures such as climbing trees, getting muddy and walking through acres of woodland and I often struggle to get the boys to leave even when it's late afternoon.   We easily spend a couple of hours here as there is always something new to discover, even on weekends it feels quiet and......

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Tips for planning a family Ski Break

For some winter sunshine is their destination of choice but for others taking a week or two off during the winter to head to the mountains and hit the slopes is an essential part of the year and something I was lucky enough to do before having kids and with my family which has made me think how easy is it to go skiing with a family? Well it turns out very easy, if you do plenty of planning and choose a suitable destination and accommodation. Ski holidays are enjoyable for people of all ages and are a great way to spend quality time with family and friends and is one of my best childhood memories. Here are some of our top tips to make you family ski trip go swimmingly. Best Resorts As with any family trip choosing the right resort for your family ski trip is crucial. All ski resorts are unique in their own right and with so much choice it can be difficult to know which ones to go for. For families you want to ensure that the resort has good nursery slope area not only for the ......

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A Hertfordshire Mini break with F&F

There is nothing we love more than heading out on a little road trip and exploring a part of the UK we haven't been to before and Autumn is the perfect time to do that as the air slowly turns fresher but not being too biting, nights drawing in nearer and beautiful evenings for which to be outside having fun. Earlier this month we headed to Hertfordshire for a little countryside break with F&F clothing who kitted out the boys with everything they needed for an autumnal weekend. Our drive there was pretty straight forward and around 3hrs, we headed into Hertford for a bite to eat at Pizza Express before heading to the Hanbury Manor , a stunning Jacobean country manor which my youngest was convinced was a castle to much delight and to be fair it did look like one. The Hanbury Manor has the most stunning reception and drawing room area where you could take in all the natural light from the huge floor to ceiling windows while indulging in an afternoon tea or s......

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Dealing with the loss of a family Pet

If you have ever loved a pet, then you probably already know that unfortunately they don’t tend live as long as we do, although my Aunts tortoise is still going strong after 35yrs. We lost our beloved family dog last year as well as our two goldfish (which my son loved) and it was a real learning experience for us all as it was the first time my son had had to deal with such things. For us as adults we do to a degree understand and deal with these things better but it can hit children pretty hard and there for as a family can be a difficult time to deal with. I thought I would just talk from our recent experience on what its like. When the time does come however and your dog or cat passes away, well-meaning family and friends may recommend that you adopt a ‘replacement pet’ right away, or try to lift your spirits by remind you that you have only lost a pet which just doesn't really work with kids and rather than helping, this can make the process of grieving all the harde......

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Change Your Wardrobe Change Your Life? Clothes Can Make A Difference

Can dressing better improve your life? Personally when I feel good in the clothes I am wearing whether it's just casual attire or a little bit more dressed up for an evening out I do feel better. The way you dress influences perceptions, and in certain situations that count, like work, it may create a more positive impression. Often, dressing well also changes how you feel about yourself and make you feel empowered, for example if you go to work  dressed in a sharp and stylish way it can make you feel more confident, which can translate into more productivity, especially when it comes to speaking up at a meeting, or negotiating a contract. The same can be said during the school run or in social circumstances. Of course this isn't always possible if your a busy parent, things do slip, I know they do for me anyway so decluttering your wardrobe and developing a capsule wardrobe is key for being able to put outfits together quickly and on the go that you know are goi......

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Stress-Free Luxury Travel with Kids is Possible

I am pretty easy going when it comes to where, how and who we travel with whether it be inter-railing across Europe, enjoying a chic city break or getting muddy in the countryside, from family friendly glamping to high end hotels as long as you do your research nothing should have to be off limits. John however prefers the comforts of a good hotel with excellent amenities and I really like being able to cook my own meals which is why I often lean towards self catering so we tend do a mixture of both. If you are one who likes the finer things in life you really don't have to worry or feel that because you have children your travel preferences have to change, of course, you may now be more open-minded in your approach but a luxury holiday shouldn't be off the cards especially as travel is such a great opportunity for kids to learn about different countries and cultures. There are also plenty of luxury glamping options such as a private luxury lodge that   give the feeling......

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Tips on moving with Children

Besides all the travel we do we are also gearing up to move home in the New Year, some thing which is stressful on it's own but with kids it can be pretty hard work. This will be our eldest sons forth move so we have certainly learnt a few things along the way and thought I would share that with people who are going through the same thing. It's well known that children often do better with routine and familiar surroundings, this however shouldn't put you off moving though but rather just something to be aware of and making sure your child has the stability they need to feel secure. As long as they feel secure children are really adaptable and will adjust quickly no matter if the move is near or far, for a job transfer, a bigger home or renovation project keep things transparent. Involved in the Move Regardless of what situation precipitates the move, children should be involved in the moving process. Children benefit from having a timeline and a role ......

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Womanhood, Thirties and Why ageing is a Positive thing

This is not a post about suddenly waking up when your thirty and having everything in place, a wonderful home, successful career, model kids and the perfect relationship because at no age is that realistic or guaranteed. You don't just suddenly work everything out overnight, with each year you are still the same person but life experience does make you grow and give you insights you simple didn't have when you were younger. As I got closer to the big 3 0 I actually didn't feel like I was letting go of anything, instead I was saying hello to a newer more reassured me. Yes it's true I don't have that dewy wrinkle-free skin you have when you turn twenty, my eyes are tired, areas of my body are not as firm as they use to be due to it gifting me with two amazing children but this body is mine and for the first time I am starting to own that. Having turned 33 a month ago I honestly feel in many respects now is the best time of my life, its by no means p......

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4 Small Changes That Have A Big Impact On Our Health

Our health is a fairly big deal. No one really wants to feel bad or have health problems. Unfortunately, plenty of us are running around after children or trying to get s good work life balance in a world that is increasingly becoming more hectic and stressful, all of which can take it's toll on our health. Many of us know we are not running at our best or most efficient but it can feel like we have to make huge changes to our lifestyle in order to be healthy which is simply not true. It's often actually the small changes that can have a big impact and help boost your health in big ways without you even noticing. Sleep is Extra Important This is something I really need to work on and can be harder said than done when you have a toddler who seems to think sleep is optional. Saying that it's very much a propriety for myself an should be for everyone as sleep has an incredible impact on our health and it is also one of those things we sacrifice easily. The avera......

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3 Budget Friendly Ski Resorts to take the Family

I have been lucky enough to have done both a skiing holiday as a child and then a snowboarding trip with friends in University, having grown up surfing in South Africa I picked it up pretty quickly and enjoyed every moment of it and it's the kind of experience I would love to share with the kids, the only thing that has stopped up so far is the price. The thing is skiing and snowboarding doesn't come cheap especially if you are looking to hit some of the world famous slopes such as Kitzbuhel in Austria of Whistler in Canada but that is starting to change and the skiing industry is becoming a whole lot more competitive which is a good thing. With Europe opening up, plenty of budget friendly airlines and being able to research for trips at the drop of a hat online,  people looking to some of the lesser know (and often more interesting) destinations you will be pleasantly surprised. Personally I love nothing more than having the change to explore a new destination so even t......

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