Wahaca Oxford Circus - Family review

When it comes to travel and eating out with kids, you want to go somewhere that is within a reasonable budget (which isn't always easy in London) and you know there will be something for everyone and balances dishes with depth for adults and fun favourites for kids. This is where Wahaca comes in, it offers up a delicious and creative take on Mexican food along with great choices for younger diners and it's one of our go-to places in Cardiff so we decided to try out the Oxford Circus location on a recent trip to the capital.  Close to Oxford Street and Oxford Circus Station, its central location is perfect after a long day of adventuring and offers a relaxed and cool place to recharge and refuel. I would advise especially in the summertime to book in advance although in the quieter months, you can usually find a table, which is what we did and the staff were really friendly throughout the meal.  What I love about Wahaca is the array of nibbles and small plates, making it a bit......

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10 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Life Right Now

Many of us as focused on making small improvements, to help both our mental and physical well-being and recognise that small, intentional actions can significantly impact our overall health. Each step, no matter how minor it might seem, propels us forward to a more fulfilled and happier existence. I'm hoping this guide will help to cut through the noise, offering clear, actionable steps we can all make to help improve our lives in tangible ways. Whether you're looking to bolster your health, deepen your relationships, or find more joy in your daily routine, the key is to start small. As we grow older we all start to realise the importance of setting achievable goals, prioritising mental health and nurturing relationships. It's something I am constantly working on, even if it's a bit of trial and error, we learn and grow which is always a positive so let's embark on this journey together, with the understanding that every step forward is a step towards a better versi......

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A budget family guide to Turin, Italy

Standing in front of the Roman gates The first overnight stop on our Interrail trip , leaving London was Turin in Italy as we wanted to make as much ground travel-wise on the first day as possible and felt London to Turin via Paris was more than doable. We had a rather eventful journey after leaving Paris with a train in front of us breaking down inside one of Europe's longest tunnels, the Fréjus Rail Tunnel, which left us stuck at Modane train station in the Alps, for over 3 hrs, while they rescued the train inside the tunnel. Despite the delay, the staff were excellent throughout and we were given food and drink while we waited although this did result in getting into Turin at around midnight with two overtired children but we were safe and quickly caught a taxi the travel hostel.  Waking up in Turin the next day is really when our European adventure began, we had arrived at our first destination, ready to explore. We would be heading to the coast the next day so wanted to make a......

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The Benefits Of Upcycling

In the hustle and bustle of refreshing our living spaces, old furniture often finds itself on the less glamorous end of change. But wait, don't be too quick to say goodbye to those trusty old pieces! Keeping and storing old furniture, rather than discarding it, can be a surprisingly savvy move. Let's explore why holding onto those pieces might just be a stroke of genius. A Nod to Nostalgia First off, old furniture is a treasure trove of memories. That coffee table isn't just a coffee table; it's a silent witness to countless family gatherings, late-night chats, and lazy Sunday afternoons. Each scratch and dent tells a story, adding a layer of warmth and history to your home that simply can't be bought off the shelf. By storing these pieces, with the help of secure and convenient personal storage options like Safestore , you're essentially keeping a tangible piece of your history alive, ready to tell its tales to future generations. Quality That Stands the Test o......

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3 products that never fail to get your kids outdoors

It's getting harder and harder to pull kids' attention away from screens these days but here are 3 things that are guaranteed to do that and are well worth the small investment (they also make great birthday gifts). While screens can be very educational as well as fun, we all know that children need a balance of both indoor and outdoor play. Here are 3 things I have tried and tested with my boys, so I know they work and in all honesty, they are fun for all ages so even adults can relive their childhood days as well.  1. Den Kit Who doesn't love building a den? It taps into that real sense of adventure, building and independence and kids love it. My boys have used their den kit so much over the past few years and it's still going strong. What is great about these kits is that it brings people together, siblings can have a go at putting up their own den or parents can lend a hand as well. Once it's up it's great on a summer day, my boys each have their lunch and ......

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Diving Into Style - Essential Picks for Spring 2024

When it comes to new trends, firstly I try to make my existing wardrobe work and if not any new purchases need to be practical and long-wearing while still having some seasonal flair. With the Spring 2024 collections unwrapping, it's clear that designers are blurring the lines between classic elegance and bold, contemporary aesthetics. This season, it's all about embracing versatility, with swimwear, suits and sandals stealing the spotlight.  Spring 2024 Fashion Essentials Black and Bold Swimwear  As the mercury rises, the call of the beach becomes undeniable. This season's swimwear is a nod to both the bold and the beautiful, with designs that promise to make waves. Think high-cut one-pieces and bikinis adorned with unexpected details like ruffles and ties. These pieces aren't just for a dip in the ocean—they're crafted to double as statement tops under sheer blouses or open knitwear. For those seeking inspiration, look no further than the vibrant selections from ......

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7 Free things to do in Cardiff Bay, Wales

If you are heading to the Welsh capital, then you need to make time to visit Cardiff Bay. This fantastic waterfront development is only a short train or bus ride away and has plenty to see and do, you can easily spend a whole day here.  There is always a great atmosphere in the bay, all year round, with the old docks lined with buzzing foodie spots, bars and independent shops as well as intertwined with historical buildings and heritage and while there are a lot of activities that are well worth the admission fee, there is plenty to see and do for free and here are 7 of our favourites. 1. The Pierhead Building   This Iconic red brick Grade 1 building which looks out across the Bay is well worth a visit and is completely free to wander around and take in the stunning interior and architecture along with its informative exhibition and gallery space which tells the story of the building. 2. The Senedd   The main public building of the Welsh government and Centre for Democrac......

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