Yorkshire Dales delight

My childhood holidays were numerous and wholesome, filled with blustery mountainsides and cycle paths and campsites, and now I find myself repeating the pattern with my own little badgers. This last weekend we had the most lovely stay in the Yorkshire Dales, where many a childhood half term was spent – I was reminded of…

Ten minute salmon pasta.

Despondent in the lashing rain after the loveliest French vacances, we needed a very quick tea. This salmon pasta is my go-to when I need something on the table in 10 mins, and the pantry is bare.

Wallace and Gromit’s Musical Marvels – a review

We had a blast watching Wallace and Gromit and their musical pals on tour last night. Have a peep to find out more!

The Museum of Liverpool and May Day hypothermia.

The weather was abysmal but our trip to the new Museum of Liverpool was a highlight of our Bank Hols daytrip.

Best books for summer holiday reading – 7 suggestions… and a few bonuses.

I’ve always been a bookworm – you might say ‘spoddy’. In recognition of this, one of my dearest friends put in a request – rather like at a school disco – but for a blogpost about some good books to read over the summer, rather than for a second spin of Gangnam Style. I really…

The Clowance Estate, Cornwall – a review

This is just going to be a quick post – but after struggling to find much information about The Clowance Estate before our holiday there last week, it struck me that a review might be of use to other holidaymakers. (Just to be clear, we paid in full for our holiday and I have received…

Keeping the masses happy – best buys for holiday harmony.

Mid-Summer holidays, I have compiled a list of books and other activities that I have bought over the last year or two which may be of use in keeping your troops entertained and out of mischief during idle moments or rainy days.
All have been rigorously tested and approved by my little badgers.

Easy peasy birthday cake.

I am writing this from our holiday. I meant to write it before we set off, but birthday demands, end of term shenanigans and holiday packing left spare time in short supply. Apols, therefore for formatting of a poorer standard than usual – there are a number of things I am struggling to work out…

French escapades: 5 brilliant things to do in Picardy.

After a lovely week in France, I have been boring anyone who will listen with a litany of Picardy’s virtues. For anyone else thinking of visiting (and it’s lovely, you really should) I’ve compiled a list of brilliant things to do with kids.

Camping for the clueless: my 5 top tips for beginners.

My husband has been promising our firstborn a camping trip for several years. Last summer, in a bid to lend credibility to his promises we bought a tent, but busy lives, disappointing weather – and perhaps a faint undercurrent of reluctance – meant it has lain dormant. Until this last gloriously sunny Bank holiday weekend……

Podcast obsession

I am mad on podcasts. My coolest friend introduced me to them a couple of years ago and I am totally obsessed with them. She is obvs much cooler than me now as a journalist living in Dublin; she goes to gigs on school nights and jets round the world at weekends, whilst I’m in…

Staying sane in the hols.

School here has just broken up. I think parental emotions were mixed. Some seemed merely relieved to be avoiding the tyranny of 8:55 registration and acceptable packed lunches for two weeks, others focused on the 24/7 x 2 nature of the upcoming interaction with their progeny. Holidays without plans can  be hard-going. I am not…

Are we nearly there yet? Ideas for keeping kids entertained on long car journeys.

Much of the time, as I force feed vegetables and limit tv hours I feel as though I may be the sole adult in this house. However, when it comes to car journeys the tables turn and really, I may as well be in the back squabbling over legroom. I hate long car journeys. Loathe…

Ode to Cornwall.

After three nights in Cornwall I am consumed with thoughts of bracing sea air and cliff top walks and clotted cream.