Adventure Awaits: Beautiful destinations for action sport lovers

A holiday isn’t just about relaxation. Many travellers seek a balanced mix of R&R and the thrill of new experiences. Engaging in active pursuits offers numerous benefits, from boosting physical health to enriching your sense of well-being. Family activity holidays can rejuvenate both body and mind , leaving you with unforgettable memories and, quite possibly, a new hobby. Whether you are surfing the waves or navigating rugged terrains on a mountain bike, adventure awaits at every turn. Surfing For those drawn to the sea, surfing offers an exhilarating way to enjoy beautiful coastal locations while building strength and balance. As you ride the waves, you engage your core muscles and improve your agility, making surfing both a physical and mental workout. Learning to surf may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s an accessible and rewarding skill to acquire. Start with lessons from a qualified instructor who can guide you through the basics, from paddling to standing on t......

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Tips for Planning a Teenager Birthday Party

My eldest is turning 14 later this month and organising a teen birthday party is definitely different to that of a young child and in some ways it's a little more pressure to get it right. Teens have ever-changing needs and sometimes it can feel hard to keep up, but like many things less can be more, asking them to focus on their core group of friends and putting together something special for a smaller number of young people can take some of the pressure away. In this short article, we offer a few tips for parents who are planning a birthday get-together for their teenager.  Embrace the event – Involve your teen in the planning stages and aim to be inclusive without being too authoritative, if that makes sense, try to see things from your teen's perspective even when you don't agree work to find a middle ground.  Discuss do’s and don’t s - Make sure you sit down together and come up with a few do’s and don’ts, which will help to avoid any issues as clear communication is ......

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Top 5 Attractions to See When You Visit Singapore

Singapore is known as the jewel of Southeast Asia and is a popular travel destination for good reasons so if you are planning a visit in 2024, there are some amazing local attractions to add to your itinerary. In this short post, I share 5 attractions in Singapore that are well worth putting on your must-visit list.  Marina Bay Sands – regarded as one of the top attractions of this vibrant island state and who are we to argue? Aside from the luxurious 5-star hotel, the complex includes a high-end shopping mall and a great observation deck to view the Singapore skyline. Let’s not forget the Art Science Museum, which is also within this attraction. This is the venue that is home to the largest infinity pool in the world. If you’re staying at the plush Pullman Singapore Orchard , you are only a few minutes walk from Marina Bay Sands Merlion Park – Another iconic venue, this waterfront park is home to the lion statue that we all identify with the bay. This park is always full of loca......

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How to Upgrade Your Outdoor Space in 5 Simple Steps

Now more than ever, people are looking for savvy and budget-friendly ways to increase the value of their property. It's something that I'm working on, slowly and with a very small budget but we all have to start somewhere. Improving the garden is a great place to start. With some redecoration and landscaping projects, you can transform your outdoor space into a stylish and functional area, perfect for entertaining and relaxing and this can often be done frugally. Outdoor improvements help you to make the most of your garden while adding more value, too. Here are five of the best ways to upgrade your outdoor space and boost the value of your home in the process. Define the space Firstly, having a clear vision and plan for your garden will help you to start your project efficiently. Working with direction means you can prioritise tasks accordingly and focus on the areas that require the most of your attention. Try to decide whether you’d like a dining space, a lounging area, or a......

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Why Chiang Mai is on my bucket list

While my bucket list seems to be ever-increasing, Chiang Mai in Thailand has long been near the top of it for a variety of reasons. While many immediately think of Bangkok when they hear Thailand, Chiang Mai offers the perfect alternative to the chaos of the capital city while still being very vibrant, crammed with history and culture but more laid back and easier to navigate.  When it comes to travel, planning and researching a destination is one of my favourite things to do (check out my post about planning a safe family adventure ) which is also part of the reason why I find Chiang Mai so appealing. I know I wouldn't cope with the constant traffic and chaos of the Capital city and while yes I would definitely spend time slowing down at a beach spot, Chiang Mai offers so much in terms of heritage and culture.  Here are my 5 reasons why Chiang Mai is on my bucket list 1. Cooler Weather than Bangkok As Chiang Mai is located in the north of the country and is sur......

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How to Cut Down On Family Spending

The cost of living has been hard, for so many people, and many families are looking to cut down on family spending. This is certainly something I have been doing in recent times to help combat rising costs but this can be hard to balance with still wanting to be able to provide a comfortable life for your family and memories with your kids.  Here are a few strategies that can help you cut back without sacrificing too much. Create a Family Budget First, to get a clear picture of your finances, you should try and create a monthly budget as this can help you control your spending.  Write down your incoming and outgoing cash flow, totalling your household take-home pay and dedicating a percentage to different categories, such as rent/mortgage, bills, food, and entertainment. If you find that you are spending all of your money each month, you need to go through your expenses and find ways to cut back and make savings. If possible you should also have a small percentage of your inco......

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How to be prepared when visiting a show home

Show homes and open property viewings often look great, they are designed to impress and have been dressed up to show the property in a picture-perfect way. With their stylish décor and impeccable presentation, it’s easy to get swept away by the allure of a potential new home. However potential homeowners need to look beyond the surface and ask the right questions, in fact taking a pen and paper with you on your viewing and making notes of anything you need more information on, can be really handy. Surprisingly, many buyers are unsure what to inquire about , leaving them vulnerable to making hasty decisions. A show home is just a showcase, and you don’t want to find any unfortunate surprises after you’ve moved in. Here are some things you should keep in mind when going on an open house or show home viewing. Always Do Your Research There are so many nice places to live in the UK , but appearances are sometimes just skin-deep. Before you get your heart set on a property, it’s essential t......

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The Benefits of Choosing an Active Holiday

Planning your next holiday? Whether you’re going solo or you’ve been saving up for a family retreat, an active holiday could be more rewarding than you’d expect. From cycling through peaceful vineyards, kayaking down rivers or getting fiercely competitive on the tennis courts, there are so many reasons to ditch the sun loungers. Personally, I really struggle to sit still, even on holiday, being active brings me a lot of joy and is has positive impacts physically and mentally as well as the social benefits of keeping active on holiday as it opens up opportunities to meet like-minded people. Physical health benefits When you’re taking a break, it’s important to spend time relaxing and stepping away from things that cause you stress in your daily life, however, this doesn’t have to mean lounging by the pool all day, as nice as that is the novelty can wear off and you can also strike a good balance by both chilling out and getting active. Swimming, hiking, and cycling are usually easy to ......

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Exploring Little Venice with Go Boat

On a recent trip to London we stayed at the Permier Inn in Paddington Basin, an ever growing area which has been regenerated in the last two decades to create a creative and vibrant place to explore, that runs along the canals near Paddington Station. A short walk from the basin you will find Little Venice, this popular spot is worth the hype, with canal boats, waterside cafes and tree line streets, this is an area we have always enjoyed visiting. For the first time however we got the chance to explore Little Venice and Regents canal from the water with GoBoat , offering a whole new perspective and experience of one of our favourite spots in the capital city.  GoBoat Paddington offers self-drive boat hire on their eco-friendly electric boats that have room for up to 8 people, which makes it very reasonable when you split the cost between so many for such a unique experience. You don't need a boat licence and they teach you everything you need to know to be able to enjoy the waterw......

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How you should decorate according to your star sign

Astrology isn’t just about predicting your future, it's about understanding yourself on a deeper level. Your sun, moon and rising signs represent different parts of your personality and can even offer insights into what makes you you, your relationships, your personality traits and your interior design preferences. Research from fitted furniture specialists Hammonds highlights what your décor should look like according to your Zodiac sign. If you’re looking for a new way to update your home’s design, here’s what you need to know. Aries Choose bold yet minimalistic designs. Opt for a black and white base with a red or pink statement wall. Combining mood lighting with industrial textures like metal and concrete can also suit their passionate spirit. Taurus Try luxurious, nature-inspired décor for this comfort-loving sign. Soft throws, velvet cushions and pale wood furniture can help create a comfortable and indulgent space. Pastel shades and large windows are essential for blending......

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Why you should consider a wedding abroad

If you are in the planning stage of your wedding then why not consider a wedding abroad? There are many fantastic reasons for going down this route and if you are someone who is looking for something unique and has a passion for travel, this could be the perfect option.  Here are a few reasons why a wedding overseas is a great idea.  1. Perfect for couples looking for less fuss Many people don't want a big wedding and rather have a smaller more intimate affair. Getting married abroad will make it much easier to reduce numbers (you have the perfect excuse to not invite "that one cousin") and help keep things simple.  2. Guaranteed Sunshine  While no destination is sunny 100% of the time, many are far more reliable than the UK. If you are especially keen on a beach or outdoor wedding, then opt for warmer climates with consistently good weather such as Spain, Greece or even further afield like South Africa are all good choices.  3. Combine a wedding and honeymoon H......

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Jewellery tips for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can affect many areas of your life. One area that is often overlooked is jewellery - many people like to accessorise and add personal style with jewellery, but some jewellery can cause irritation and discomfort. This is why anyone with sensitive skin needs to understand how to choose jewellery that will be comfortable to wear and allow you to enjoy wearing different pieces. Read on to find out more. Understanding Materials that Are Safe for Sensitive Skin First, you need to know what materials are safe for those with sensitive skin. The best option is to choose hypoallergenic metals, which are designed to minimise reactions. These metals include sterling silver, platinum, titanium, and high-karat gold. Some metals, meanwhile, are known to cause irritation - these include metals like nickel and can result in redness, itching, and rashes. Therefore, you should always read the label or online information about jewellery to find nickel-free jewellery.   Tips for Caring ......

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A journey through Italy's renaissance heritage

Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is one of the most popular tourist destinations for travellers worldwide, especially for those who love history, like myself. If you’re heading to Europe this year, whether on your own or with family and are looking for somewhere beautiful but also packed with places that are educational, historical and culturally significant then Italy should be on your list. When I t ook my boys Interrailing in 2022 we were lucky enough to spend time in the Turin, Levanto, Pisa Florence and Rome and prior to having kids I was also lucky enough to visit Venice and Milan, however, there are still many places I would like to visit, especially for the art, ancient ruins and stunning landscapes.   Touching back on Italy’s Renaissance heritage, I thought I would share more about it and give a little insight into it.  What is the Renaissance era? The period spanning the 14th to the 17th centuries marked a profound transformation in European history an......

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What to wear while you train

Worried that you will feel out of place at the gym? Does it put you off going?  You wouldn’t be alone – many who opt against exercise do so because they worry that they don’t look like the typical gym-goer . Feeling good about yourself and comfortable in what you're wearing can really help boost your confidence to work out more proactively and effectively.    Choosing the right activewear Firstly what is activewear and why is it important? Yes in theory you can wear anything to they gym, however, activewear does serve a purpose as it is specifically designed for exercise and is often more breathable, supportive and durable. High-waisted leggings are suitable for all body shapes as they provide support and allow for movement and flexibility. Seamless leggings and tops are also popular for their ability to move with your body while preventing chafing. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics that keep you cool and dry during intense workouts. Practical accessories When visiting th......

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