Gardening with garlic

I love gardening, it's a natural mood booster and a hugely rewarding activity. I only have a small garden but every year I plant veggies and herbs to eat and make the most of the small space, I love being out in the fresh air and connecting with nature. Gardening has been a learning process of what does and doesn't work, of trial and error. Last year I had a bounty of onions and garlic so thought I would share five fascinating facts about garlic in the garden. Plant Garlic for a Spring/Summer Harvest In terms of timing, autumn planting garlic for the spring/summertime is best. It is important to plant your garlic before the ground freezes so that cloves can establish roots and then go dormant over the winter months, resulting in bigger, more flavourful bulbs in the spring/summer. Garlic is also an easy crop that requires minimal maintenance over the cold period. Extend Your Growing Season Winter gardening allows you to extend your growing season with cold-hardy plants. Along w......

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5 family friendly ski resorts for all budgets

I love to snowboard & have been lucky to snowboard at some fantastic resorts such as Val d'Isère and Kitzbühel, but besides a few dry slope sessions here and there, I haven't gone since having kids. While hitting the slopes is great for any age, even when they are toddlers, I felt they would benefit from being a little older to get the most out of it as it's not something I would be able to budget for regularly.  But now that both boys are older I am looking more seriously into a snowboarding trip at some point and thought I would share 5 resorts perfect for families in different budgets that are great ski and snowboard destinations for families in mind.  1. Poiana-Brasov, Romania While Romania may not be well known for its slopes it may come as a welcome surprise to find out that they offer fantastic mountain resorts at one of the most budget-friendly prices in Europe. Poiana Brasov is the largest resort with more than 24km of ski runs with blue, red and black, ......

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How to Plan an Autumn Wedding

Are you dreaming of a wedding surrounded by warm-coloured landscapes and filled with a cosy atmosphere? An autumn event could be the perfect option for you. Blend the charm of classical autumnal décor with seasonal modern trends to make the day feel both stylish and personal. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, the guide offers ideas and advice to make your nuptials truly memorable. Choose a Venue and a Date Immerse yourself and your guests in the autumnal landscape by selecting the right venue. This could be outdoor spaces like woodlands or rustic barns where seasonal elements can be easily incorporated into the décor. Autumn in the UK is known for cool and sometimes wet weather, so a flexible setup with indoor options is essential. Embrace a Bold Colour Palette Merge traditional earthy tones with vibrant accents to create the perfect autumnal colour palette for your wedding. Opt for colours like burnt orange, rich gold, and maroon to reflect the hue......

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What to do in Switzerland for a Weekend Getaway

I've been lucky enough to visit Switzerland three times and I still have a yearning to go back and see more as it's a land of towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes and charming villages and you can see why it's a popular destination for weekend getaways no matter what time of year you choose to visit. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation or cultural immersion, Switzerland has it all. In this post we we'll explore some of the best things to do and places to visit during your weekend break. Hike the Swiss Alps One of the most iconic experiences in Switzerland is hiking through the breathtaking Swiss Alps. With thousands of kilometres of well-maintained trails, there's something for all ages and abilities to enjoy. From easy strolls to challenging treks, there's a hike to suit your fitness and interests. Some of the most popular hiking destinations include Zermatt, Interlaken and Grindelwald – it’s advisable to plan a hiking trip during the warmer mon......

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Looking After Your Home As A Frequent Traveller

I feel very lucky that I am able to travel fairly frequently and I know before you even leave your front door you have to do a lot of preparation, not only for the trip itself but also in making sure to keep your home safe while your away.  Travel is, as many might say, food for the soul and can have a real positive effect on our overwell wellbeing and there are a host of  mental health benefits associated with travel . Whether you travel regularly for work or for leisure, chances are you value your time away just as much as you value your time at home. Although as important as travel may be to you, it’s easy to lose sight of the risks that come with it. While we often plan for potential travel delays, one less-considered risk relates to the safety and condition of your home while you’re away. Your home doesn’t just freeze in place after you jet off and failure to properly prepare for being away so often can to costly consequences. So, with this in mind, what are some essentia......

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5 Easy Ways to Stay Active Without the Gym

Are you looking for ways to stay active without going to the gym? The gym is not for everyone, but there are many other ways that you can stay active to boost your physical and mental well-being. Keep reading to discover five great gym alternatives that will help you get enough exercise and achieve your goals. 1. Take Daily Walks in Nature Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise. Additionally, as a low-impact activity, it is suitable for all ages and can help you be more active without risk of injuring yourself and we all know the benefits of being outdoors in nature. Walking can improve cardiovascular health, boost mental well-being, and fit easily into your routine, whether it's a short stroll around your local park or a weekend hike. A sturdy pair of walking boots can make outdoor walks more comfortable, especially on rough or uneven terrain. 2. Get Active at Home with Bodyweight Exercises You don’t even have to leave the home to get a good workout in. There are......

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5 lesser know waterfalls in South Wales

If you love the outdoors and are travelling to Wales you may have already heard of Waterfall Country on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park where you will find the famous Four Falls trail. While the Four falls trail is famous for a reason and very beautiful it's also extremely popular and busy, especially in summer. There are however 5 other equally beautiful lesser known waterfalls, some fairly close by, that offer stunning views without the crowds and I thought I would share them with you. 1. Pen Pych Waterfall Located near the small village of Blaencwm in the Rhonnda Valley, Pen Pych is one of my favourite walks and while there are some steep areas that you will need to take care navigating, it's a walk my kids have done since they were young. There is a free and well-marked forestry car park with the path leading up from there. You will find picnic benches at the halfway point and some fantastic viewpoints across the Valley along the way. Do take proper hiking......

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Is Singapore a family friendly destination?

Is Singapore a family-friendly destination? With the travel and tourism market set to grow even more in Singapore in the coming years and with more families travelling further afield and broadening their horizons, it's a good question and the answer, simply, is YES .  So what makes Singapore a family-friendly destination and why should it be on your bucket list? 1. Well firstly it was ranked first in Asia for family life in the Expat Insider 2019 Family Life index, of course living somewhere and travelling to it for a holiday are two different experiences but I think it gives a good insight that it's a family-focused city.   2. Transportation and ease of getting around - Singapore has a very reliable MRT system which is cheap and easy to use, as well as an efficient public bus network that again is a cheap option for getting around. The city is also pretty small and well known for it's brilliant urban planning that makes a lot of the city walkable with a network of pedest......

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Best dogs for active families: Finding the perfect fit

Dogs are such a special addition to any family. Furry balls of fun running around can enhance family life, get everyone outside for exercise, and provide lots of laughter and love. Finding the right fit for your family can be challenging, though. You want a breed that can match the activity levels of your family whilst still creating companionship. Here are ten of the best breeds for active families. Labrador Retriever One of the most popular breeds in the UK, Labradors are all-around winners. Their versatility and friendly nature mean they are perfect for families with children. If you are a group that likes hiking, running, and outdoor play, then expect a labrador to join you on your adventures happily! Border Collie Border Collies are known for being highly intelligent animals with incredible stamina. As such, they are an ideal match for families who enjoy being outdoors for long periods. You could even start a new family activity of agility training, which Border Collies absolutel......

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3 Tips for Sharing Wardrobe Space with Family or Significant Other

As a child, you were taught to share with others, a good life skill that is needed into adulthood. As an adult, there should be nobody easier to share with than our significant other, child or family member. Yet when it comes to something like wardrobe space, which for most of our lives has been ours and ours alone, suddenly having to share it can come as a shock. I live in a very small home, space is limited, so at the moment I'm sharing my larger wardrobe with one of my children and yes we make it work but it did take time to adjust, in the same way it would if your sharing yours with a partner for the first time.  It also brings challenges with it. It is almost certain that one of you will have more things than the other. Then, there will likely be disagreements over how things should be stored. You might also have different needs, for example, if one of you just wants to find what you need quickly, sling it on and get out the door, while the other likes to take time getting dre......

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The Emotional Impact of Divorce on Parents

*Guest post There can be many reasons why a couple decide to end their marriage and often its for the best of everyone involved, however that doesn't mean it's easy by any measure. Whatever it is that triggers divorce proceedings, it can be a particularly emotional time – even when parting ways amicably. After all, this is the end of a huge chapter in their life. Things can become particularly emotive if there are children too. If you’re a parent who is considering divorce or if you’re already in the middle of divorce proceedings, you might find that there’s an added mental toll. Your children’s wellbeing At this time, it’s likely that you’ll be trying to juggle your own feelings as well as those of your children. This is, understandably, a huge change for them, so you’ll need to consider their emotions too. Back in 2019, there was a significant study by the Institute of Education which revealed that parental separation is more likely to affect the mental health of children ag......

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Indoor Activities to Help You Relax in Colder Seasons

The crisp autumn air and chilly winter winds can make it tempting to hibernate away from the world indoors. But staying at home doesn't have to mean being bored. There are plenty of enjoyable and relaxing indoor activities to keep you entertained and content during the colder months. In this guide, we’ll share some of our top tips for fun things you can do indoors while you hide away from the cold weather and dark evenings. Cosy up with a good book or film One of the most classic ways to spend a winter’s day is to curl up on the sofa with a good book or film. Whether you prefer a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance or a thought-provoking sci-fi novel, there's something out there to suit every taste. You don’t have to enjoy this activity alone either. Invite some of your friends or loved ones around for a movie marathon to share the enjoyment. If you're feeling particularly indulgent, why not treat yourself to a cosy blanket, a cup of hot chocolate , and a bowl of popc......

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Why SUVs are the perfect family car

When I first became a parent I drove a 1970's Austin mini, which I loved and cherished but it really wasn't a practical car for a young family, especially as it didn't have airbags and I couldn't safely fit a car seat due to such old seatbelts. Once the radiator gave way I knew it was time to let go and find a more practical solution (although I do hope to have an old mini again in the future at some point).  Adapting to family life does requires changes in a number of areas, one of the biggest of which is usually the vehicle you drive. Whether you’re welcoming the first addition or adding another, having the right car can make going about family life that little bit easier. Having gone through a range of cars over the past decade including compact car to a bongo van, I have found that SUVs are the most in terms of safety and practicality and here is why Spacious and comfortable interiors Perhaps the main draw to SUVs is the space you can benefit from inside. If you’re ......

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