Why the Norwegian fjords should be on your bucket list

Why the Norwegian fjords should be on your bucket list

30/06/2024

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It's hard to deny the allure and natural beauty of Scandinavia and it's a place I keep coming back to. Even if you are not someone who would normally consider a cruise, one down the Norwegian Fjord will never fail to be breathtaking as the fjords are truly a wonder of nature, especially in the Geirangerfjord which is over 60 miles and on the UNESCO World Heritage list for outstanding beautiful. 

What makes the Norwegian Fjords so special?

While fjords can be found in other countries such as New Zealand and Canada, it's Norway that comes in at the top of the list with over 1000 fjords and several of them are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The fjords were created by glaciers in Earth's last ice age, which created deep carved valleys like the ones in Norway, some of which are thousands of meters deep. 

What to see and do in the Fjords

1. Hiking

The Norwegian fjords are a playground to those who love the outdoors and provide a great base for hiking enthusiasts. Going on hike through the fjords allows you to experience this breathtaking landscape up close, with dramatic cliffs, crystal clear waters, waterfalls and coastal mountain trails.  

Of course, it is best to go with an experienced guide who can take you to the right viewpoints, also ensure you pack the right equipment and essentials like plenty of water and suncream and be aware of the local wildlife. 

2. SUP or Kayak the fjords

The fjords are the perfect place to get on the water, whether on the SUP or a kayak, it's guaranteed to be one of the more immersive and unique experiences you can have on the fjords. With the beauty of the towering landscape and stunning blue water, this is an experience that should go on everyone's bucket list.  There are plenty of kayaking and sup guides who will provide you with guidance and the equipment. 

3. Visit a historical site

The Fjords are perfect for history buffs as it's steeped in Viking and Norse history and folklore as well as the forjds being formed in the last ice age means there are many ancient ruins to explore as well as open-air museums, Viking-era sites and folklore museums. 

4. Spot the Northern Lights

With Norway being so close to the Arctic Circle, depending on what time of the year you visit you have a good chance of being able to enjoy the famous aurora borealis. The highest chance of seeing the northern lights is generally between September and April.  

Is a cruise the best way to explore the fjords?

For many reasons, a Norwegian fjords cruise holiday is the best way to see as much of the area in a fairly short time! Just imagine sailing between immense cliffs through deep blue waterways, soaking in majestic sunsets in a truly incredible landscape, it's one of the most special ways to experience the fjords.

Most fjord cruises are around 7-11 nights and offer an array of Port calls, a variety of destinations, taking in multiple fjords and providing plenty of opportunity for plenty of excursions from hikes, food tours, kayaking and museums and heritage site visits. 

A cruise can also often take you to remote small villages and communities and often you have the chance to explore on foot, depending on your ship's tender ports. Also, a cruise can take out some of the stress with the price including full board, entertainment,  port taxes, 

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8 Things to do in Pontypridd, South Wales

8 Things to do in Pontypridd, South Wales

25/06/2024

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Pontypridd Park

Pontypridd, a historical market town around 10 miles from Cardiff, with a direct train from the city, is seeing a resurgence in independent stores, food spots, music and arts, with the recent opening of the YMA and investment in the park, lido and local community ventures is making this town a great spot for a day out. 

So what is there to see and do in Pontypridd?

1. Ynysangharad War Memorial Park

Otherwise known as Ponty Park, this is definitely the central point of the town and has gorgeous green space with a fantastic adventure park, walks, wild gardens, dog park, bandstand, cafe and the perfect spot for a picnic. It is also home to the National Lido of Wales.

Ponty Lido

2. Lido Ponty

This historic lido is well worth a visit and is currently Wale's premier outdoor pool housed in a grade 11 listed building, having been restored to it's former glory. There are 3 heated pools, offering space for children, families, social swimmers and dedicated swimmers. Booking in advance if advised although they do have a few spaces for walk-in's.


3. Pontypridd Library

The Library is housed in a new, modern and eye-catching building just across the bridge from the park and is a great place for families to sit and page through some books in a calm space with a great children's section that provides nooks for them to sit and read. There is also plenty of space to bring your laptop of do a spot of work.

Pontypridd Museum 

4. Pontypridd Museum 

This small free museum offers fantastic insight into the town and the people who shaped it. While it could do with being updated, it's a welcoming space that's great for families and the large organ and stunning ceiling in this former Tabernacle are alone worth a visit. 

5. Pontypridd Common

The common, a short upward walk from the town offers great views across the valleys as well as an interesting heritage walk through the meadows and well-established woodland. Here you will find the iconic Rocking Stones, a stone formation made up fo a 10,000-year-old glacial boulder and surrounded by Gorsedd Stones.  

The Rockingstone on Pontypridd Common

6. Pontypridd Market

Pontypridd's indoor market has been trading since 1805 and is home to unique independent stores along with an array of fantastic foodie shops including the well-known Welsh Cake Shop. The bookstore here is also something of a wonder with books stacked up higher than any person and it's like a treasure trove. 

7. Foodie spots

Over the past few years Pontypridd has really started to make it's mark on the foodie movement here in South Wales. There is a variety of places to try from coffee shops and casual eating to more formal dining. So of my favourite places are Zucco Cafe,  Janets, The Princes, Casa Bianca and The Bunch of Grapes. 

8. Barry Sidings Country Park

Only a short drive (and within walking distance) of Pontypridd, you will find Barry Sidings Country Park which is a fantastic outdoor space for families, with plenty of walking trails, mountain bike paths, has an adventure play park, cafe and is dog friendly with free parking. 

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Healthy Hair and styling - What You Need to Know

Healthy Hair and styling - What You Need to Know

23/06/2024

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We all love to style our hair! From sleek, straight strands to bouncy curls, hair products help us achieve the look we desire. But have you ever stopped to think about what's in those products and how they might affect your health?

This blog aims to inform you about the ingredients commonly found in hair styling products. We will also share the potential health risks associated with them and some easy tips for using them safely.

If you regularly use hair styling products, this post is a must-read! Let’s get started!

 

Common Hair Styling Products

Let's take a closer look at some popular hair styling products and their ingredients:

Chemical Hair Relaxers: These products straighten curly hair by breaking down the hair bonds. A common ingredient is ammonium thioglycolate, which can irritate the scalp and eyes.

Hair Gels: Used for hold and definition, hair gels often contain alcohol, which can dry out your hair and scalp. Other ingredients include polymers for hold and thickening agents.

Hair Sprays: Offering hold and manageability, hair sprays typically contain aerosol propellants, resins for hold, and film-forming agents to coat the hair.

Hair Waxes and Pomades: These styling products provide texture and shine. Waxes often contain petroleum or beeswax, while pomades may have oil-based ingredients.

Health Issues Associated with Hair Styling Products

While hair styling products make our hair look great, some ingredients can pose health risks. Here's a breakdown of some potential concerns:

Potential Cancer

Long-term use of chemical hair relaxers can expose individuals to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and lye. These substances can penetrate the scalp, leading to potential health risks, including cancer. Recent studies have shown a significant link between the use of chemical hair relaxers and an increased risk of uterine cancer. The research indicates that these products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that interfere with hormonal balance, which can lead to the development of cancer over time.

As awareness of these risks grows, lawsuits are underway against manufacturers of chemical hair relaxers. Victims are seeking justice for the health issues caused by these products. If you've been affected, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance. So that you can win your hair relaxer lawsuit with expert help and ensure you receive the compensation and support you deserve. The legal professionals have the required knowledge to deal with such cases successfully! They will calculate the right compensation amount, including your medical bills, extra expenses, and even loss of pay (if any). In addition, they also factor in non-punitive damages to maximize the amount.

Skin Irritation and Allergies

Certain ingredients in hair products can irritate the scalp, causing itching, redness, and flaking. Fragrances, preservatives, and some alcohols are common culprits.

Skin irritation occurs when these chemicals penetrate the scalp's protective barrier, leading to inflammation and allergic reactions. Prolonged use of products containing these irritants can worsen symptoms, resulting in chronic discomfort and damage to the scalp. In addition, individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, are particularly susceptible to these effects.

Respiratory Problems

Have you ever wondered why hairspray sometimes makes you cough? It's those tiny particles in the air! Many styling products, especially aerosols, release chemicals called VOCs (volatile organic compounds) when you use them.

These VOCs float around and irritate your lungs, making breathing difficult. This can be especially troublesome for people with asthma or allergies. So, if you ever feel a cough or shortness of breath after using hairspray or other styling products, take a deep breath of fresh air by opening a window or stepping outside. It can help clear those lung irritants and make breathing easier.

Easy Tips for Safe Use of Hair Styling Products

Now that you're aware of the potential health risks, here are some simple tips for using hair styling products safely:

1. Read the label! Ingredients are listed in descending order of quantity on the product label. Learn about the ingredients you're putting in your hair and choose products with fewer harsh chemicals.

2. Go natural! Whenever possible, look for products with natural and organic ingredients. These are generally gentler on your hair and scalp.

3. Protect your scalp! Apply a leave-in conditioner or scalp oil before using styling products, especially heat styling tools, to create a barrier and minimize damage.

4. Less is more! Try to limit the frequency of using styling products. Give your hair a break and embrace your natural texture whenever possible.

5. Patch test! Before using a new product, always patch-test a small area of your skin behind your ear to check for allergic reactions.

By being mindful of the ingredients in your hair styling products and following these easy tips, you can enjoy beautiful hair while minimizing potential health risks. Remember, your health is always the priority! Do your research, choose products wisely, and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

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How we enjoyed Oxford on a budget

How we enjoyed Oxford on a budget

14/06/2024

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While Oxford is known for being an affluent city with world-renowned Universities, you may have the impression that it's an expensive place to visit, but this simply isn't the case, with an array of amazing free to visit museums, outdoor spaces and historical sites. There is also plenty of cafes, street food and the covered market is a great place to find a family-friendly bite to eat. This walkable city is a great place for a budget day out, in fact one day isn't enough to see everything. 

I visited Oxford for the day with my two children, while staying at Mollies, 25mins from Oxford and this is how we made the most of this fantastic city on a small budget 

The History of Science Museum

This free museum houses a variety of collections and displays to do with science and also has a children's trail but it's real pulling power is Einsteins' blackboard from when he gave a lecture at the University in the 1930's which is impressive and appreciated by all ages.

The Natural History Museum, Oxford

The Natural History Museum 

Housed in a beautiful and rather breathtaking building, this free museum is packed with Dinosaur bones, fossils and interactive displays. Both kids and adults will love this place, there is plenty of see and do and lots of interactive elements and was one of the highlights of our day. 

Pitt Rivers Museum  

Connected and accessed via the Natural History Museum, this is another free museum that is well worth a visit and houses a large collection of rare archaeological and anthropological finds from all over the world. Between these two museums alone you could easily spend 2hrs or more taking it all in. 

The Bridge of Sighs, Oxford

Bridge of Sighs and Radcliffe Square

The Bridge of Sighs with its beautiful and iconic design and popular with tourists so expect it to be busy but it's beautiful and worth a visit. Only a short walk from the bridge will bring you to Radcliffe Square, the famous central cobblestone square surrounded by historic University buildings, this is a great place to take in the atmosphere of Oxford and perfect for photos. Just to the side of the square, you will also find St Mary's passage and the Narnia door.

Florist in The Covered Market

The Covered Market

This historic market has been open and in use since 1774 and is buzzing with activity from cheese shops to cocktail bars inside bookstores to antique toy shops and free art installations on the walls and ceiling. We spent a good half an hour wandering around taking in the atmosphere and may have enjoyed a fresh donut or two.

The Plough Inn - Budget-friendly lunch 

When it comes to family travel, food can really shoot up the budget so when we stumbled across The Plough Inn on Cornmarket Street and noticed that they make a large sharing pizza for £14.50 which is perfect for 3/4 people, that was lunch sorted. Delicious pizza with pesto in a beautiful location was a winner and I wish more pubs would offer substantial sharing pizzas like this one.

The Saxon Tower

Opposite the Plough Inn is the distinctive Saxon Tower, more than 100-yrs old making it one of the oldest buildings in Oxford. For a small charge, you can walk up the 97 steps to the top of the tower which offers up some fantastic views across the city as well as an interesting insight into the building and its uses over the past thousand years. This was the only "attraction" we paid with adult tickets £3.5, kids £2 or there is a family ticket for £9.

We had also planned to visit The Ashmolean Museum and Modern Art Museum, both of which are free, however, we ran out of time, but it just goes to show you can easily spend a budget-friendly day or weekend in Oxford, taking in all the history and fantastic museums as a family. 

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What to do if you lose your Driving Licence on Medical Grounds

What to do if you lose your Driving Licence on Medical Grounds

13/06/2024

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*This post contains affiliate links 

Losing your driving licence can be a real nightmare, especially if it's because of a medical condition. Having a medical condition myself, which luckily doesn't currently affect my ability to drive, does make me think about these things more often, especially as I live in a small town with limited public transport. 

The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) has to make sure everyone on the road is safe, so if they think your health might make driving risky, they can revoke your licence. If you've found yourself in this situation, don't panic. Let's break down what you can do.

Why would a Licence be Revoked?

First things first, you need to understand why the DVLA took your licence away. They usually revoke licences for conditions like epilepsy, heart issues, vision problems, and mental health concerns. Here’s what you should do.

Steps to Take After Your Licence Has Been Revoked

Read the DVLA Letter: The letter from the DVLA will explain their reasons. Make sure you understand what it says.

Talk to Your Doctor: Discuss the DVLA's decision with your GP or specialist. They can give you more details about your condition and how it affects your driving.

Get a Second Opinion: If you think the decision was unfair, consider getting a second opinion from another medical professional.

How to Get Your Licence Back

If you have managed to get your medical issues under control you can start the process of reapplying for your licence. Here's how:

Collect Medical Reports: Get all the necessary reports showing that your condition is under control or has improved.

Fill Out the D1 Application Form: You can find this form on the DVLA website.

Send in Your Application: Include your medical reports with the D1 form and send them to the DVLA.

The DVLA might ask you to have a medical examination with one of their appointed doctors.

Getting Legal Advice

If you are feeling unsure about any part of this process then it might be a good idea to consult with a solicitor. They can offer expert advice tailored to your specific situation and help you navigate the steps to get your licence back.

Staying Safe and Legal

While it’s incredibly frustrating to lose your licence, remember that these rules are there to keep you and others safe. Driving with a revoked licence can lead to serious legal trouble, including fines and a longer disqualification.

Alternative Transport Options

During this time, you’ll need to explore other transport options:

Public Transport: Depending on where you live, buses, trains, and taxis can be good alternatives.


Family and Friends: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from those close to you.


Community Services: Some areas offer transport services for people who can’t drive due to medical reasons.

Preventing Future Issues

Once you’ve got your licence back, you’ll want to make sure you don’t end up in the same situation again:

Regular Check-ups: Keep up with your medical appointments.

Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle to manage your condition.

Medication: Take any prescribed medication as directed by your doctor.
Appealing the Decision

If you believe your licence was unfairly revoked, you have the right to appeal. 

Here’s what to do:

Write to the DVLA: Explain why you think the decision was wrong, and include any supporting medical evidence.

Magistrates’ Court: If the DVLA doesn’t change their decision, you can appeal to the Magistrates’ Court.
Dealing with the Emotional Impact

Having your driving licence revoked can be a significant emotional blow. It's not just about the inconvenience; it can also feel like a loss of independence. 

Here are some tips for dealing with the emotional impact:

Talk About It: Sharing your feelings with family and friends can help. They can offer support and understanding.

Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling to cope, talking to a counsellor or therapist might be beneficial.

Stay Active: Keeping busy with hobbies and activities can take your mind off things and help you feel more positive.

Coping Without a Licence

Living without a driving licence can be challenging, but it’s manageable with some adjustments:

Plan Ahead: If you need to get somewhere, plan your journey in advance. Check public transport schedules or arrange a lift.

Use Technology: Apps like Uber and Lyft make it easier to get around without a car. You can also use delivery services for groceries and other essentials.

Explore Local Options: Many communities have local transport services for people who can’t drive. Look into what’s available in your area.

The Importance of Compliance

It might be tempting to continue driving even after your licence has been revoked, but this is not a risk worth taking. Here’s why:

Legal Consequences: Driving without a valid licence can result in heavy fines, penalty points, and even imprisonment.

Insurance Issues: If you drive without a licence and get into an accident, your insurance won’t cover you. This could leave you with huge financial liabilities.

Safety Concerns: If the DVLA has revoked your licence for medical reasons, driving could be dangerous for you and others on the road.

Rebuilding Confidence

Getting back on the road after your licence has been reinstated can be daunting. Here are some tips to rebuild your confidence:

Start Slowly: Take short trips to familiar places before you venture further afield.

Refresher Lessons: Consider taking a few driving lessons to brush up on your skills and regain confidence.

Stay Informed: Keep up to date with any changes in driving regulations and ensure you’re always driving legally.

Final Thoughts

Having your driving licence revoked on medical grounds is a major inconvenience, but it’s important to stay calm and take the right steps. Understanding the reason for the revocation, reapplying with the correct documents, and seeking legal advice if needed are key actions. 

Remember, these rules are in place to ensure safety. By following the proper steps, you can work towards getting back on the road.

Ultimately, staying proactive about your health and following the DVLA’s guidelines can help you regain your independence and drive safely.

 Keep in mind that maintaining your health is not just about keeping your licence, but also about ensuring a better quality of life overall.

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