Ice-Cream Hunters!

Since it was such a lovely sunny afternoon, Freddie and I decided to take a little drive over to a local park to have a little walk around and get an ice-cream. I took along my camera and got a couple of cute shots that I thought I'd share on here with you all..

Sometimes days like this are much needed and it helps you to take a breather from the busy days and appreciate what truly matters.

 I've been trying to decide what I want to post on the blog recently, brainstorming for ideas however it's just ended up with me producing very little so after giving it some thought my posts may not be all adventures and cute pictures they might just be my ramblings and thoughts - I do hope thats ok with you guys!

What do you do to get away from the stress of everyday life?

<3

Nature Reserve Exploring!

For months now I've been wanting to visit a little nature reserve close to where I live called Brockholes but the weather just hasn't been on my side, however finally spring has sprung and I got to see for myself what the all fuss was all about on a little afternoon outing with my mum and Freddie. (I also just want to apologise now for far too many photos but they're all so cute and I couldn't resist!)

I love the use of rusting metal and wood for the welcome signs. Once my eyes set upon this view it took me, oh I don't know.. about 3 seconds to completely fall in love with this place.

The little buildings are somehow kind of magically floating on the lake, there is an information centre with little activities for children and adults, there is also a couple of cute shops and a even conference centre. 

How cute is that little birdy doorstop, I want one for my home! After exploring a little we stopped by the restaurant to get a coffee, cake and an ice-cream for Freddie. He obviously wanted the blue one, which was blue banana and absolutely delicious!

We sat outdoor by the lake since it was such a glorious spring day, but there is a cosy little log burner inside which we were also rather tempted by!

As we made our way over to the children's play area we found a telescope that Freddie had to try out, on our next visit I'm going to bring his binoculars!

I loved the contrast between the wood tiles on the roofs of the buildings against the blue sky, each building is so beautiful. The design and materials used seem to just fit in like as though they have been there for ever.

We truly did have such a lovely time, sadly we didn't have time to take one of the trail walks but even just looking into the lake for fish and watching the ducks was amazing.

Just in case anyone is remotely interested in what I wore, I basically stole my boyfriends wardrobe for the day, comfy and easy is my mantra!

(Hat - Superdry, Coat - TopShop, Hoody - Zara, Tee - TopMan, Jeans - TopShop, Shoes - Vans)

Not only can you watch the wildlife, browse the shops and take a trail walk but Brockholes boats a brilliant childrens play area, Freddie had so much fun here that we are going to return with a few of his friends, the wooden tractor was a firm favourite!

We found a couple of puddles to splash in and some little flowers as we headed back to the car, Freddie was ever so gentleman like and picked one for me (so cute).

You can read all about how Brockholes developed here.

I fell in love with Brockholes as soon as my eyes set upon it's tranquil waters and calm surroundings. I cannot wait to get back and explore some of the trails this summer, after just one visit it has become my favourite local attraction - again sorry for getting carried away with all the photos but as they say a picture can say a thousand words!

Do you have any local places like this? I'd love to hear about them!

<3

I promise that I've not disappeared forever!

Am I using a cute photo of Freddie to deflect away from the fact that I've not blogged in far too long? Uhm, YES of course I am, argh, my camera lead is still elusive, so I've finally given in and sorted a replacement which should arrive in the next couple of days! 

So do not worry, keep following, keep being lovely and nice because blog posts full of cute photos taken on my big girl camera are on the way.. I promise!

I also want to just say thanks and hello to all the new followers on from google and bloglovin' I appreciate and love every single one of you! 

<3

Starbucks study!

I don't know about you but sometimes I find it really hard to concentrate and get work done when I'm at home. 

Earlier this evening, after sitting down for the sixth time to get my work done, I decided to get out of the house and see if that helped my productivity, it's amazing what a flat white and some space can help you achieve, I think Starbucks may become my new office! 

Where do you go when you need to get work done?

Tonight I had planned on posting photos from a day out Freddie and I had earlier this week but I can't find my camera lead anywhere (yes I actually took my big girl camera out for once!) hopefully I'll get the post up this weekend!

<3

The greatest Tuesday of the year!

I'm currently sat typing this blog post feeling very full, very sickly and very ready to take on the next forty(or so) days with some healthy choices! 

Yes, whilst pancake day (also known as Shrove Tuesday here in the UK) is the day you can eat pancakes filled with chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner without fear of being judged, it also symbolises the start of Lent!

Many give up chocolate, meat, bread etc. for Lent however I've decided to give up unhealthy choices, be it chocolate, sweets or skipping a gym class. It's going to be tough but I'm hoping the spring-like weather that has arrived will help me feel inspired!

I'd love to know in the comments if you've given up anything for Lent?

<3

Friday night fun

Friday night a few years ago would mean meeting friends after a long week at work, drinking many cocktails and eventually leaving some club at 4 in the morning searching for a fix of carbs that I'd ultimately regret the next day (along with the copious amounts of cocktails) however, nowadays it consists of being snuggled up with Freddie and his daddy watching a Disney film, chatting about our week, eating treats (current obsession is homemade popcorn drizzled in hot fudge caramel) and making plans for the next couple of days.

It dawned on me tonight, when I received a message from some of my (childless) friends saying how much they missed our Friday nights together, that whilst I love my friends dearly and wouldn't trade them for anyone or anything in the world, I definitely didn't miss those nights and I'm so content with my life right now!

Happy Friday everyone!

<3

Lovely Little London Visit

As i've previously mentioned on my blog my two close friends live in London so whenever I manage to find a cheap train ticket I pop down to have a catch up - because no matter how often you Facetime or Skype someone there's nothing like a real life catch up!

I immediately made my way over to Covent Garden after arriving at Euston and met up with my friend Sarah at The Shake Shack, now if you have never heard of this place let me let you in on a little secret. I had my first Shake Shack experience over in New York City a few years ago and I instantly fell in love - when I found out they'd opened one in the UK I was beyond excited and it certainly didn't disappoint! I went for the classic Shack burger, cheese fries & a sticky toffee frozen custard, it was a gorgeous evening and a perfect way to spend an hour catching up under the heater lamps!

The next morning we headed over to the Columbia Road flower market, I could not get over the low prices and the huge variety of flowers that were on offer - It's now my mission to find something similar in the north west, if anyone knows of any then please do let me know!

After we'd fought our way through the market and browsed in the little boutique and vintage shops - where I managed to pick up a little present for Freddie - we took a short walk over to the V&A Museum of Childhood. Now I'm no museum or exhibition expert but my friend Sarah is, I knew little about this place but it's one of the favourite things I've done in London. The afternoon was full of nostalgia and insight into the past, I need to bring Freddie back here on my next visit - he will absolutely love it!

My friend Charlotte and I used to fight over this vacuum when we were young, it was almost surreal sharing the experience of seeing it in a museum with her and reminiscing over our toddler days!

Before I caught my train I paid a little visit to one my all time favourite coffee shops - Tap Coffee and said our goodbyes over a flat white..

Until next time London

<3