The family friendly guide to Stratford, London

Famed for hosting the London 2012 Olympics and the continuous regeneration that has happened in the area since the games make Stratford a very well-connected and exciting place to visit. I recently spent a weekend here with my kids to fully soak in all that this East London destination has to offer and I cannot sing its praise enough.  I have always been one to stay in central London when visiting the caption, especially with my kids as convenience is key but Stratford definitely won me over, not only is it very quick and easy ( you can get to central London in under 10mins) to reach but it also offers more space to relax and explore after a busy day in the city while being spoilt for choice when it comes to activities, attractions and places to eat.  I've put together a list of things we personally tried and would recommend as well as additional things you can do in Stratford with your kids Things to do (our personal recommendations) 1. Lee Valley Velodrome Mountain Biking Wh......

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Why Booking a Hotel With a Restaurant and Bar Makes Complete Sense

Picture this: you just landed in Japan after a very long flight. Of course, you expect to be jetlagged for the next few days, but you still want to make the most of this dream trip. Now, you wake up in the middle of the night craving food. Unfortunately, you can’t find any nearby restaurants, and you don’t want to go out on your own. How frustrating is that? Luckily, you don’t need to experience that when you book a hotel with its own restaurant and bar. Here’s why it’s a must and not just an option: * You get to eat when you want Convenience is definitely the biggest benefit of booking a hotel with, let’s say, the best Pullman restaurants in Tokyo . With a restaurant right inside your hotel, you don’t have to worry about being late to your reservation or not having anything to eat in the middle of the night. Whenever you’re hungry, you can just go down and enjoy good food without leaving your accommodation. This is also extra convenient if you’re traveling with a big group such as yo......

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Tips on mental wellness and stress reduction for professionals

We all know how important it is to stay on top of our mental health and try to create a life that isn't constantly filled with stress, whether we do this through lifestyle changes, exercise, and mental wellness activities in the aim to help balance our highly active and depleting lifestyles. In my experience, society as it stands doesn’t seem to care too much about improving mental health in a proactive way, only identifying it when it is considered toxic.  So we often have to take things into our own hands and ensure to find a balance that works and which includes making sure we take a break every now and then. I am not talking about a working vacation or brief getaway that is too short to be anything but symbolic but a proper break from it all when finances allow. We need real time to decompress and let the world wash out of our thoughts. To remain resilient in the workplace, in public, at home and when parenting, we need time away from the constant pressure of life.  Discon......

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The Ultimate Guide to Travelling with Teens

Travelling with teenagers can be an adventure and an adjustment and requires some extra planning and patience. Being a parent to a teen, I am definitely learning on the job as we love to travel and felt it was a good time to share what I've learnt so far. As a parent, grandparent or foster carer, you want your teen to have fun and stay safe on family trips. Here are some actionable tips to make your next holiday a success when bringing along teens.   Involve Your Teens in the Planning Stages Get your teens excited about an upcoming trip by involving them early on, I've personally found this to be an essential step as it helps shape a holiday that suits everyone's needs. Ask for their input on potential destinations and activities. Giving them a voice will get them invested. Have a family meeting to discuss the itinerary and ground rules. Teens will be more likely to cooperate if they feel heard. If you are fostering in Hertfordshire , remember to ask if there are any restri......

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The Best kind of Nature inspired Escapes

A week or two spent in nature can be a great antidote for the stress that comes with life in a big city. Being surrounded by awesome scenery, plants, and animals can make a holiday truly memorable. But there are many different kinds of holidays that offer exactly this – and it might not be obvious which of them makes the best match for your needs. Coastal Retreats: Luxury Villas by the Sea Of course, it’s difficult to beat the allure of the sea especially as many of us feel a sense of calm and relaxation when spending time along the coastline. Pick the right coastal location, and you’ll be able to enjoy opportunities for watersports, the freshest possible seafood, and the constant sound of waves lapping at the shore. There are plenty of European destinations that offer all of these things, from the Amalfi Coast in Italy to the Balearic Islands in Spain. For best results, you’ll want to pick the right accommodation. This is where beachfront villas in Spain tend to be so appealing. Pick......

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Top safety tips for children’s furniture choices

When it comes to choosing furniture for your little ones, we know safety is always at the forefront of your mind. From the excitement of picking out their first bed to the challenges of child-proofing every corner, you want your home to be a safe and welcoming space for your entire family. Choose age-appropriate furniture When you choose your children’s bedroom, consider what feels right for their age, from small children to teens, their needs and safety concerns differ greatly. While a single bed or small double bed can be great for older children and teenagers, bunk beds are also a great option for kids sharing a space above the age of six or for making room to add a desk under your children’s bed while shaving space. Just make sure your children’s bunk bed has sturdy guardrails on both sides and check that the ladder is securely fixed to prevent slips and trips. Always read the manufacturer’s guidelines to understand any age restrictions and weight limits. Secure heavy furniture to......

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How to plan a two-day trip to Jersey

A few years ago I took both of the kids to Guernsey in the Channel Islands and it was one the best family trips we have done together with it being an easy destination to reach from the UK. We took the ferry to Guernsey as it meant we could explore the whole of the island easily but you can also fly to the Channel Islands which also makes it a great weekend break option.  We are now planning to go back but this time we are heading to Jersey, I have been putting together an itinerary and travel plans and wanted to share this as the Channel Islands is a great option for a variety of reasons. So do you want to book a weekend break that’s close to home but offers beautiful beaches, historic sites and great food? Then I hope this post will inspire you  book a trip to Jersey . As mentioned, it’s part of the Channel Islands and sits between England and France, making it a great choice if you’re keen to book a break without travelling far from the UK and also if you are looking for a......

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Exploring Early Pregnancy Symptoms and How to Handle Them

Having had two of my own children and now we are out of the toddler stage, I feel more reflective on my experience and there is something powerful about parents sharing what they have learnt or what to expect, with others. Pregnancy is an exciting and life-altering experience, but it is often coupled with numerous early symptoms that may be quite the ride. Many of those expecting experience an array of physical and mental symptoms during the first trimester as the body makes adjustments to pregnancy. Staying informed about changeable symptoms and their management may empower you to feel ready for this incredible journey. This article is meant as a gentle guide on some early pregnancy symptoms and their management. Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms Several initial physical changes occur in the early stages of pregnancy as your body adjusts to the growing baby. Let us look at pregnancy's most common early signs and symptoms. 1. Morning Sickness Morning sickness is probably one of the......

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The Modern Family Home: Finding a Space That Grows With You

For a family, there is no place more important than the home. You need to choose or design a home that suits your family’s preferences and needs both now and in the future, but this is easier said than done. With this in mind, this post will show you how to find a space that grows with your family over time. Interested? Keep reading to find out more. Embracing Flexible Layouts First, you want to embrace flexible layouts. Open-plan designs and multipurpose spaces can easily be reconfigured, which allows you to adjust your home as your kids grow up and your needs change. New build homes are ideal for this , as you can benefit from flexible layouts that allow you to change your space, such as turning a playroom into a home office as your kids get older. Prioritising Energy Efficiency Energy-efficiency is another important consideration when it comes to choosing a new home. This is so that you can make long-term savings while also reducing your impact on the planet. Energy efficient featu......

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Hyatt Regency London Stratford Hotel Review

Stratford, the perfect base for a weekend family break in London. This East London town which has been transformed from a once industrial area is now packed with bars, shops and parks and is one of London's most vibrant and well-connected areas.  I've travelled to London many times with my boys and there are a few things that always ensure a calmer and less stressful break in the big smoke, one main one being the location of the hotel and despite Hyatt Regency London Stratford not being in zone 1 it makes for the perfect location for families.  Arriving in to Paddington it's a quick 18mins direct underground trip along the Elizabeth to Stratford and even less from Stratford to Tottencourt Rd in the heart of central London. Stratford is not only well connected to central London via underground, train and bus but also to Canary Wharf and Greenwich via the DLR and we found Stratford an easier location to reach than more obvious ones in the city. The Hyatt Regency is only a sh......

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Try a Different Holiday & Book at a Family Wellness Spa in Thailand

If you are looking for a family-friendly holiday with a difference, I think I’ve found the perfect solution, a family-friendly holiday in a tropical paradise at a premium wellness spa. Yes that's right, a wellness spa that caters for families, which means you get to have the best of both worlds, a holiday that everyone can enjoy but also with elements of relaxation and time to focus on your wellbeing.  Amatara in Phuket, Thailand has it all and here's why Holistic treatments Holistic medicine kickstarts the body’s immune system, with treatments for stress management, insomnia and rebalancing energy to name a few. When you book your stay, a team of holistic health professionals are at hand to help you plan the perfect stay; you are assigned a mentor whose job it is to liaise with you to plan your stay at the wellness resort. Sporting activities and Physiotherapy The whole family can enjoy working with a top physio when you stay at the best family wellness spa in the world , alon......

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How to decorate a living room like an interior designer

I n my experience, there’s nothing quite like the feeling that comes with carving out a space that is truly your own. By taking your surroundings and injecting a bit of yourself into them, happiness and belonging are never too far away. And the living room seems like a good place as any to put that into practice. So today, I’m going to be sharing how to (re)decorate a living room on a budget that feels professional yet authentic. You’ll get that editorial, put-together edge, whilst not straying too far from your roots, budget or your morals. Yes, modifying your living room need not be expensive, character-depleting and can be environmentally sustainable and I will be sharing some tips on how to help make that happen. Defining your purpose & limitations I think the biggest hurdle we face as homeowners is the sheer number of options. Open to us are so many choices: keeping on top of home repairs DIY or calling in the professionals; deciding whether to redecorate the living room with......

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