Moonlit Canoeing on Windermere
Following our brilliant afternoon ghyll scrambling in the Lake District we grabbed a bite to eat in Keswick (amazing burgers – and one ‘mac & 4 cheese’ – from Bar Metro – TOTALLY recommended, they were brilliant) and headed down to the National Trust’s Low Wray campsite on the shores of Windermere to meet up again with Phil – we had plans for moonlight canoeing. I had been excited about...
100% Recommended. Total Peace of Mind with a Pacsafe V17 BackPack
More than a few years ago we were planning our very first trip abroad post-children (to be fair, it was our first trip abroad since our honeymoon. What? We LOVED camping!) While we were sorting all the packing lists we had a small ‘debate’. We had to carry passports and cash and bank cards and all the other important paraphernalia you take when you travel. I, of course, would carry it in my bag. But the husband rather...
When your firstborn goes to Reading Festival – Mum’s side of the story.
Reading Festival. I’ve known it was coming for a few years. There’s been begging and pleading and wheedling and outright huffing and door slamming. Last year we deflected with a ‘next year. You’ll be 17 then. Old enough to go’.Oh foolish parents. Be careful what you promise. Because before I could sit through four new 21 Pilots videos he WAS 17. And booking his own train ticket to Reading.We stuck with...
First Time at Reading Festival – One 17yr Old’s Story
This year no.1 son was finally deemed old enough at the grand age of 17 to do his own thing; and so the August Bank Holiday found him making his way for his first time at Reading Festival – really there was no other choice for a big pile of firsts; first ‘proper’ festival (except Camp Bestival & Larmer Tree, along with his aged parents and irritating siblings, so they don’t count). First trip away with no...
Looking for good childcare in London
Thankfully I’m now past the stage where I need to worry about childcare. But Seventeen years ago it was pretty much all I could think about. I had a 7mth old baby at home – I had used up my three months maternity leave, I’d had a month off sick with post natal depression (caused by going back to work too soon) and now I was back at work full time. And i hated it. Oh, I didn’t hate my job – I...
Win A Bumper Ladybird & Penguin Bundle | Back To School #ByBook
To celebrate a summer spent #ByBook we’ve been excited to offer you the chance to win not one but FOUR different Penguin Summer Reading #ByBook bumper bundles this August. Sadly it’s the last week this week – but we’re finishing on a good one! Week Four is an acknowledgement that summer is gradually coming to an end, and in households up and down the land thoughts are turning to school. In some houses...