A Ten Year Anniversary

Last week it was my birthday. Not a special birthday, just your every day mid-thirties acknowledgement. But my birthday also marks another special event - our wedding anniversary. Ten years ago, on my 23rd birthday, Mr and H and I said I do. Ten whole years. A decade. So much time has passed and so much has happened, yet in many ways it feels like only yesterday.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

When we were thinking about what holiday to go on for 2016 we were back and forth about whether to go on an all-inclusive trip like we did last year, or whether the time had come to return to a destination that meant a lot more. From being the age of eight until eighteen my family and I visited a quiet fishing village on the Costa Blanca every year, sometimes more than once, and my parents eventually bought a place out there. It was where we spent time with our dad, who worked long hours, and wiled many an hour away splashing in the pool and running on the beach. I spent six weeks out there after my A Level's and met my first boyfriend out there. I have hundreds of fond memories of different places in that small village, yet before this year it had been thirteen years since I stepped foot out there.

My sister and I some years ago

Our Travel Plans for 2016

I've always loved to travel and I was very fortunate to visit places all over the world as I was growing up. It's only when you're an adult, though, that you realise how much travelling costs so apart from our honeymoon, Mr H and I have mostly travelled around Europe. We are making long-term plan for bigger holidays but this year will see us remaining in the EU, but I am really excited and the trips we have planned, so I thought I'd share them with you!

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My Next Summer Wishlist For Young Girls

Recently I visited our local Next store and was bowled over by their new Spring/Summer range. we are gong away in just eight weeks and I am already on the lookout for some outfits for both children. I was particularly taken by the young girls' range so thought I would put together my picks for Little H's holiday wardrobe.

What Makes Our Perfect Holiday

When I was growing up I was fortunate to go on holiday almost every year. We mostly visited Spain where my parents fell in love with a small fishing village there and eventually bought their own villa. But we also visited far-off destinations such as America, Australia and Singapore. We even travelled to Pakistan for a wedding when I was fifteen.

Mr H and I love to travel, and have also holidayed most years. However since the children were born this has more often been in the UK, usually to his parents' caravan in Wales. We've been abroad a couple of times with the children and it has been a joy to spend quality time together and watch our two enjoy the sunshine and make the most of the experiences you can only have abroad.

So what makes a perfect family holiday for us? I have put together a video which will tell you in the best way we know how - by showing you!


*This is our application to become a Mark Warner Ambassador.

Review: Sun Jellies Shoes

When I came across Sun Jellies across several feeds on Instagram I adored them. I had a pair when I was a child, along with the Jelly bag, and it really took me back to times of splashing in the sea and exploring rock pools on holiday. So when we were offered two pairs to try I couldn't say no. The timing was also perfect as we were due to go away to Cornwall.

Activities for Long Car Journeys With Children

Last month we visited Cornwall with friends for our summer holiday and so braved the seven hour drive down to St Ives with Miss H (3 1/2), Little J (2) and their four friends (aged from two to four). It was interesting to say the least, but I had been researching a few weeks beforehand for lots of ideas of how to keep them quiet on the journey down there. Here are what we did:

Summer In Cornwall

Soon after last year's holiday to Fuerteventura, my friends and Mr H and I decided to spend our summer holidays all together. With all of us having children under four we understand the ups and down of these young years and are there to give each other a hand, or a time out, as it is needed. When my friend came across St Ives Bay Holiday Park in Cornwall, it was quickly booked and anticipated in our calendar for 2014. I have to admit I was anxious about the 6-7 hour car journey down there, but looking forward to spending some time with friends, and some much-needed time as a family.

From North To South

In July our little family along with some friends will be travelling the six hour journey from Manchester to St Ives in Cornwall. I have to say, it is a journey I am quite daunted by as we have never driven so far with the children and I just hope we can keep them entertained.

The Great British Summer with Joules

I absolutely love supporting UK brands and country clothing brand Joules are definitely one of those that spring to mind. Having been around for over 30 years they certainly know their stuff, and are a brand that are consistently producing new and exciting products that keep their customers returning for more.

Summer Holidays

It is that time of year where we are all thinking of our 2014 UK holiday breaks - the weather is dreary and in some places snowy and we crave long, sunny days laid out doing very little.

I posted only last week about our thoughts for this year's summer holiday and the fact we had decided to stay in the UK. At the time we had decided to make the most of my in-laws caravan in Wales. However since then we have decided to go away with friends to Cornwall. I'm exactly looking forward to the long drive down there, but we are really excited to go away as a group with the children, and hopefully the weather will treat us well!

There are a few options we have considered of what type of accommodation to stay in and they all have their positives and negatives.

Caravan

And by this I mean a static, I'm afraid a touring caravan is not for me! We are familiar with static vans with my in-laws owning one in Wales. These are great as they aren't too expensive and often on sites filled with amenities and activities for the children right on your doorstep. The downside of these is they can be cramped when filled with children and their belongings, so space is at a minimum.

A cottage

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There are so many beautiful cottages in the UK, finding one to suit your needs isn't difficult. They come in all shapes and sizes so you can choose one to suit your needs and many are beautifully restored or converted from old buildings. we have stayed in a few cottages over the years and always felt they were cosy and homely - the type of place you want to curl up in front of the fire in. The only problem with these is they can be more on the expensive side and sometimes far away from anything, meaning a car is a necessity.

A lodge or chalet

Many holiday parks now have lodges or chalets on site, some are even dedicated to this type of accommodation. We visited a park like this last year in Derbyshire and had a lovely time - the accommodation was enough for what we needed and the grounds were well maintained. There was also plenty to do on our doorstep. With these types of accommodation you get the beauty of a cottage-style residence on a site filled with things to keep you occupied. Of course the lodges aren't quite as luxurious as a cottage can be, however many are of a high standard you may be surprised. These can also sometimes be expensive, though, and do make sure you take into consideration any extra activities when adding up what spending money to take.

Hostel

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Apparently the new concept that is becoming popular is 'poshtels' - upgraded hostels. Last year The Youth Hostel Association spent £10million on refurbishments and even added bridal suites! many of these are set in beautiful locations, such as the Lake District, offering you the chance to see somewhere you wouldn't normally. If you are looking for accommodation with a difference, but have a low budget these maybe the places to look out for.

So there are a few ideas for your UK break this year, let's just hope the weather is kind to us! Where are you planning on getting away this year?

*This is a featured post

Our Holiday: Vlog

After a lovely week in Fuerteventura, here is a little vlog!

Winter Holidays

Last week myself, Mr H, Little H and Baby J embarked on a week long holiday with some friends of ours. We decided to head to Fuerteventura, supposedly a winter resort, and opted for a private villa so our little ones could run around to their hearts' content. With five children under four, between four adults we knew it would be hectic, but were greatly looking forward to it and it did not disappoint.

The kids were great on the plane - as we clambered on with babies swinging around our necks and boisterous toddlers running off ahead I'm sure the plane groaned in unison, but after the 4.5 hour flight most passengers commented on how good they all were, which was a huge relief. Once we had collected our luggage and buggies our destination was only a short 15 minute taxi ride away.

The lovely villa we stayed at was in the area of Caleta and overlooked a golf course, with sea views beyond. There was a private pool, which was fenced off, which was a great idea as it meant we didn't have to dive after the toddlers every two minutes, particularly J who has no fears and a skill of finding the most dangerous activity he can.

The weather was up and down, fortunately we didn't have any rain, but most days were a mixture of sun and cloud. We didn't let that put us off though and enjoyed the beach, pool and a spot of sunbathing when the little ones had a nap.

The mummies and daddies even managed a cheeky night out each and naughtily rolled in at 4am slightly worse for wear! We mainly BBQ'd, but did manage a lovely meal out on our last night and the older children loved staying up late and having a dance.

I have to say, it was strange to come home to Christmas just around the corner, it's a good job I got organised with my present buying beforehand! Overall we had a lovely week away, although I think the adults all need another holiday to recover!

Fairies, Frolics and Family: Our Holiday in Derbyshire

We have spent the last week in the magical world of Derbyshire. We have searched out the Gruffalo, held guinea pigs, explored an old train line, found a fairy door, popped bubbles, said hello to a squirrel and laughed. A lot.

We decided after a difficult holiday abroad last year that we would remain in England. There are many beautiful places to explore in our own country and although you can't rely on the weather, I want our children to know our heritage and be proud of it.

Hollybobbs' Holibobs

Well we are home from our holidays, slightly browner, a little rested and met by rain! Here are a few snapshots from our lovely two weeks in Spain, just for you!

Adios mis amigos!