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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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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Parenting Through Allergies: Creating a Safe Environment for Children

My son recently ended up in A&E after having a nasty allergic reaction to medication, while he was fine it was still a scary experience for both him and me. Watching your child have a reaction to something is unpleasant to say the least, esepically as parents we want to keep them safe.  Allergies are extremely common in children, with food allergies alone estimated to affect up to 8% of children in the UK. Living with allergies can be frightening and stressful for both children and their parents or caregivers. However, with care and planning, it is possible to create a safe environment for children with allergies, allowing them to thrive. Of course, it goes without saying that if your child has a serious allergy then you need to regularly be seen by your GP and local allergy team.  Understanding Your Child’s Condition The first step in creating a safe environment for children is understanding their condition and the severity of it. All families are unique and it can take t......

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A budget friendly guide to Greenwich, London

Situated on the banks of the River Thames, Greenwich is known for its maritime history and the iconic Cutty Sark. It is well worth exploring and has its own unique atmosphere and village feel compared to that of bustling central London.  While London can be an expensive city a day trip around Greenwich doesn't have to be as there is so much to see and do that is both free and family friendly. I recently visited with my two children and we enjoyed all the sights but with hardly any of the costs and I thought I would share with you my budget-friendly day guide to Greenwich.    Firstly there are a variety of ways to reach Greenwich, as we were staying in Stratford we opted for the DLR, with a quick change at Canary Wharf, it was an easy and quick way to reach Greenwich and able to see out of the front of the DLR while travelling under the Thames is an experience in itself.  We disembarked at Cutty Sark station which brings you to the heart of Greenwich and as soon as yo......

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5 Reasons Why a Cruise is the Perfect Family Holiday for All Ages

Looking to take a family holiday? There’s no shortage of options to consider and it all comes down to personal preference but many families will find it difficult to argue with the appeal of a good cruise ship. According to the Cruise Lines International Association , more than thirty million passengers opt for this kind type holiday each year and many of these are travelling on a ship that’s built for families. But exactly what is it that’s so appealing about this form of holiday? There are a number of definite upsides. Entertainment for All Ages: Fun for the Whole Family When you’re travelling on the right cruise ship, you won’t have to worry about seeking family-friendly entertainment. There will be plenty of on-board options. These might include kid’s clubs and other activities in the daytime, to family-friendly stage shows in the evening. Family-Friendly Shore Excursions The entertainment, in many cases, won’t just be on board the ship. You’ll also get the chance to disembark at a......

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Why Family Trips to Bangkok Deserve a Five-Star Hotel Stay

Although family vacations to Thailand might be exciting as the country is packed with things to see and do, they can also present some logistical difficulties. Managing all the details and keeping the kids entertained might often feel like too much to handle. But have you ever wondered how a luxurious stay could turn your trip around? Wouldn't it be nice to have a place where you can truly unwind after a busy day? Choosing a five-star hotel adds a touch of luxury and provides a reliable retreat to recharge after a busy day or to begin each morning feeling refreshed. Here’s how staying at a five-star hotel can elevate your family trip to Bangkok and make it truly memorable. Unmatched Comfort A family holiday can be stressful without the right accommodation. Staying at the best five star hotel in Bangkok ensures your family has all the space and comfort needed for a relaxing trip. Imagine being able to relax with the kids in roomy family suites that have separate sleeping rooms. Tha......

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How to Navigate the early days of being an Expat

I moved from South Africa to Europe in my twenties and it wasn't always plain sailing. I am now based in Wales but I also spent time living in the Netherlands, France and Scotland before settling in Wales because as with anything it can all be about trial and error and I've certainly learnt a lot along the way. So I thought I would share a few key tips to making Expat life in the early days a little easier. Expatriation can be an exciting opportunity to embrace new cultures, advance your career or provide a fresh start for your family. However, moving to a different country isn’t without its challenges. The process can feel very overwhelming, and you may worry about finding your footing in an unfamiliar environment or navigating legal complexities without making costly mistakes. Here are hopefully a few tips that will be helpful in your expat journey Understand the Requirements Every country has unique immigration laws and understanding them can be tricky. Whether you’re applyi......

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Share Your Passion: Teach a Skill or Hobby

If you’ve got a passion or in-depth knowledge for a particular skill or hobby, why not spread the joy by creating either a book, leaflets, workshops or course to share your knowledge? Whether you're an expert or a skilled enthusiast this is a great way to engage others and spark new interests. Here's how to turn your passion into something that educates and inspires! 1. Choose Your Skill or Hobby First things first, you’ll need to decide on what skill or hobby you want to share as you may have more than one. Just think about what excites you most and what you feel confident teaching others. Choose something you're passionate about—it’ll show through in your work and make your content more engaging. 2. Decide on how you want to share your passion Now that you’ve picked your topic or skill, think about how you want to encourage others to learn more or what platform you want to use to share your knowledge. You may be doing this to create a new stream of income or perhaps you w......

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