A SUMMERS DAY OUT WITH THE ALL-NEW MAZDA3

Since watching Extraordinary Homes on Netflix, The Optical Glass House in Japan seems to have captured Felix’s imagination and left him wanting to learn more about Japanese architecture and design. Mix this with his love of cars, seeing his face light up when the All-New Mazda3 was delivered to our front door was nothing short of explosive excitement.

As a family we love travel and good design, and always jump at the chance of adventure, whether it’s local or further afield. So when we were asked take the All-New Mazda3 for a test drive to a Japanese twinned town of our choice, we couldn’t resist a fun summers day out.

Twinned with Beppu, Japan’s most spectacular ONSEN natural hot spring city nestled between the mountains and the sea, Bath made the ideal location for us to experience the engineering that goes into the sleek and sporty design of the All-New Mazda3. Loading the kiddos into the car, made easy with the ISOFIX anchorage as standard, we took the scenic route using the cruise control, while Felix excitedly navigated from the back seat and asking whether he could sit in the ‘cockpit’.

We headed into the historic city of Bath, a UNESCO heritage site known for its Roman Baths and honey coloured Georgian architecture and although there are many links between the popular tourist destinations of Beppo and Bath, including thermal springs, a love of rugby and Saki festivals, it is always the open spaces and parks that Felix and Romi make a beeline for.

More than a car and a simple need to get from A to B, I love learning the stories behind great design and every Mazda is designed around one thing, you. Each car isn’t just engineered to move you literally, but to do so emotionally. This is called Jinba Ittai, meaning a sense of oneness between car and driver. Inspired by Japanese tradition, it symbolises the oneness between horse and rider, something entirely natural, like a true extension of your being that brings pure driving pleasure. Pretty cool ay and to be honest it does feel like the car is designed with joy in mind.

We drove past the Bath Holborne Museum in the hopes of cheering out the new Lauren Child: The Art of Illustration exhibition as it was a staple book when Felix was little, but unfortunately they were filming that day so we made mental note to head back next week and drove a little further on to Royal Victoria park.

Apart from the epic playground, this holds a warm and fuzzy place in my heart as we often go Ice Skating here at Christmas and it’s become a bit of a family tradition with hot chocolate, Christmas Markets and looking for a Christmas Eve book for the stockings. Romi got straight into the drivers seat on the wooden toddler playhouse, while her and Felix squabbled over who would ‘drive’ especially as he was keen to pretend he was in the new car using the heads up display, projecting the speed limit, actual speed and next navigation instruction onto the window when driving.

After the kiddos had covered themselves in sand we headed for a quick coffee and nose in our fave two haunts, Toppings bookshop and Mr B’s Emporium. After Paul and I met in a bookshop in London we can’t help but wander around stacked shelves and reminisce with family in tow.

As a surprise addition to our day out, we were gifted a picnic hamper stacked with Japanese goodies from sushi and seaweed to Lychee soft drinks to really immerse ourselves in the experience, before driving up through the narrow streets for a stroll along the infamous the Royal Crescent. Being conscious of driving through the heritage site and trying to be a more eco-conscious I was pleased to learn about the All-New Mazda3 innovative Skyactiv-X engine and its low CO2 emissions, it burns less fuel than a conventional petrol engine but provides better performance. Plus I can confirm that the Petrol needle didn’t seem to move even after a full day out so it’s economical too!

We eventually headed to the perfect shaded picnic spot, as the weather was being temperamental, threatening rain and got stuck in! Sometimes relaxing together outside as a family is just what the doctor ordered and it was sweet to hear Felix’s giggles as Romi gave the sushi experience a suspicious stare!

I wondered whether the car would feel cramped with two children, a 6ft4 husband and pushchair all in a hatchback when we were used to our estate, but in all honesty it didn't feel like that, and even though the boot space is very different compared to an estate it was such a treat to drive the All-New Mazda3. As well as all the cool tech details such as Bose 12 speaker sound system, Apple play and best parking assist I’ve ever seen (I would so need this), it very much felt that this sleek car has been designed and engineered to the enjoyment of the drivers experience.

Note to Father Christmas, Felix is now wondering how he can wangle one of these on his Christmas list or at least visit Japan for the architecture AND the cars. What can I say the kids knows good design!

*This is a collaborative paid post with Mazda. 

We test drove the All-New Mazda3 for five days to get a true feel for the car as part of this review. 

All words and opinions are my own. 

A SPECIAL STAY AT THE BEDRUTHAN HOTEL & SPA CORNWALL

Just over a week ago I waved goodbye to Bristol and the kiddos, for a much needed night away and headed to the beautiful Bedruthen Hotel & Spa Cornwall. It’s not often us mamas take time to recuperate, let alone use the bathroom alone (*toddler alert! if you know, you know) so when I was invited to enjoy the Sensory Spa Garden experience sans children, I jumped at the chance to treat my mam to the beautiful beach views and the outdoor hot tubs Bedruthen Hotel & Spa has to offer.

FONDUE NIGHTS AT TWO BELLY CHEESE & BEER SHOP

It's not often I rave about food on here but when it's oh so right it's hard not to share! Now we're firmly past Veganary and cheese is back on the menu, I can't wait to tell you about Two Belly Cheese & Beer shop in Bristol. A few weeks back I went along to a fondue night full of all the deliciousness that follows to sample the evening events hosted at Two Belly, a new on the scene shop/eateries/event space ran by wife and husband duo, Lara and Dominic, who are on a mission to empower people with exciting cheeses and beers from around the world. I mean who could say no to that right?

Upping sticks from London, this dynamic pair have followed their passion and turned their vision into reality, serving up carefully curated pairings of cheese and beer to the vibrant city of Bristol and it hasn't gone unnoticed.

The minimalist Two Belly shop has gone beyond the normal store set up with its fun taster evening events challenging you to explore your taste buds. The long shared table transformed to an evening dining experience introducing the Beer & Cheese Flight £10.50 pp followed by Fondue with accompanying UK cured meats, sourdough bread and fermented pickles amongst a few of treats for dipping. 

The opening Cheese & Beer flight took me by surprise, the delicate pairing was nothing short of genius and me, who is normally not a beer drinker, was very pleasantly surprised at the tasty combinations:

Mad Hatter Brewing, Tzatziki Sour - Kirkham's Lancashire cheese, a raw Cow's Milk Hard cheese

Braybrooke, Session Lager - Innes Log, a Raw Goat's Milk cheese. 

Moor, Dark alliance, Coffee Stout paired with Beenleigh Blue, a Sheep's Blue cheese. 

The whole evening was an absolute delight, and dining in the shop after trading hours allows you to feel like you are in the midst of a personal dining experience with the 'chefs' themselves. Lara and Dominic were on hand to answer any and all questions about the cheese and beer, as well as their passion and background before launching Two Belly.

I love any meal that brings people together over a table and the Two Belly Fondue Nights are a far cry from the nostalgic scenes of the '70s, intead they have created an almost fine dining experience where you can bond over a melting pot of delicious cheese. 

*Two Belly invited me to attend their Fondue Night without any obligation to review the event. However I'm very happy to share my thoughts from the evening as the food and whole experience was delightful and hope you enjoy it too. 

WALLACE & GROMIT'S MUSICAL MARVELS TOUR

I’m always on the look out for a grand day out with the kiddos, something to excite their imagination, nurture their creativity and generally inject a bit of wow factor into their lives. So when I heard that Carrot Productions will tour Wallace & Gromit’s Musical Marvels across the UK, I was very excited for Felix and his love of the iconic Aardman duo.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, HAPPY NEW ME?

Happy New Year, Happy New Me?

I’m two weeks late to the party, shouting those  celebratory welcomes to 2019 and presenting my goals, but sometimes it’s OK to rock up fashionably late, hell I can even go far as to say it’s my party so why not?

Anyway Happy New Year Everyone! Even though we’re a few weeks in I do wish everyone the best year they could possibly dream of, because whats a life without dreams right and you know, kindness is kinda my jam. But as the clock struck midnight and we emerged on the other side, I sat and wondered what the year would have in store for me, what resolutions would I put in place, what spring clean and good habits would I install. Like Lori v2.0, except I’m getting on a bit so actually it’s more like Lori v38.0

So it’s a Happy New Year but will it be a Happy New Me? I found 2018 was the year of being present, you might have noticed as this little corner of the Internet was mainly quiet and I dipped in and out of instagram, instead swapping the online time for cuddle time, soaking up the first year with Romi, all consumed and drunk on love. I didn’t focus on myself, and if I tried it didn’t last long. But on reflection this last year of standing still has done me wonders, it has taught me patience that I couldn't quite grasp the first time round, to be humble and just enjoy our time learning about each other. I let my body rest and didn’t worry about what I ate as long as it nourished me. As they say time flies when you’re having fun/getting on with stuff and it’s hard to believe in a few weeks my baby will turn the big one!

This blog has acted like a raft for me, something to cling to during stormy waters, a place to while away the time, taking me on wonderful crazy adventures and always teaching me new skills, like a castaway getting to grips with the ropes. Normally I set a word for the year, something to reflect upon, but this year I’m switching things up, if this space has been my raft then this year I am setting up the sail. I shall drive myself forward, compass in hand with the shore in sight. Not just on here but in all areas of life.

Generally I struggle with consistency and maintaining my vision, but this time is different. I feel a change is near and I am using different methods to set a clear path, so I thought I would share my strategy here with you:

MANIFESTING
I am such a strong believer of the law of attraction and manifesting good stuff. Sounds a bit woo woo but throughout my life if I needed something, then within a few days or weeks I would be presented with it or an opportunity to get it. At first I just considered this to be extremely Lucky but now I understand it’s more than that.

In a nutshell you need to have a clear vision of what you want, believe that you not only want this but you whole heatedly deserve to have this, be open to opportunity and then live the best those desires and vision. If you’re interested in learning more then there is great easy breakdown here.

PLUS I have been loving Sarah Akwisombe and the Money Medium 3 Day Money Mindset Accelerator, it’s a must if you want to manifest money.


SMART GOALS
It oh so easy to say this year I’m going to be super healthy, loose the excess Christmas pounds, grow the business, go out more etc etc. But there is a reason why most New Years resolutions fail. Because a goal without a path to achieving it, is just a dream said out loud. Instead I’ve been focusing on creating SMART goals

S - Specific. What is it that I want to achieve? what is the desired end result?
M - Measurable. How can you measure the progress of achieving your goal?
A - Achievable. What steps can you take to achieve it? Break it down into smaller tasks.
R - Relevant. Is you goal relevant to you? Do you need to learn new skills to achieve it?
T - Time. Have you set a realistic deadline? Create a realistic flexible deadlines that work for you.

I’ve invested in a MiPlanner which I picked up at Papersmiths to help me get my goals organised and you can learn more about SMART goals here.


SELF CARE
This year I am going to nourish myself and feel strong again, regain ownership of my body and mind. I’m starting slowly with exercise and good foods, sticking to a more vegetarian based diet, using short online courses to develop my parenting skills, healing any old emotional wounds and focusing my energy on good nourishing people.The grass always grow where you water it! So it’s time to let go of any drama and toxic relationships. And finally travel, because this is what makes me happy.

So these are my main techniques I’m using, plus creating as much work time around two kiddos as possible. The hustle continues!

I would love to hear if you have any intentions for the year?

NEW OFFICE CHAIR AND CREATING A SMALL WORKSPACE AT HOME

It's back to school and back to work I go! Even though I took a bit of a break from the blog to enjoy every minute of this little girl of mine, I didn't officially take any maternity leave/pay so I've been juggling the side hustle. Now we're on the flip side of six months and the purse strings are feeling a bit tight, I'm trying to get myself organised and put in a strategy in place for the next six to twelve months. What better way to get your work on then creating a small workspace with a new office chair.

TRIED & TESTED GLUTEN FREE GUIDE TO PARIS

It's feels like an age since we were last in Paris, exploring the city and getting our fill of our favourite hang outs. Ah the beautiful City of Lights, this time I was on a mission to not only to live like a local but to find the best gluten free eats in Paris. Like most things, when the French decide to do something, they do it right! There are soooooo many great places to eat and oh the Gluten free bread was just dreamy, as it can be hard to find gluten free places abroad I thought I would share our gluten free guide to Paris and a few snaps from our last visit.

MY RAINBOW BABY BIRTH STORY

I can’t believe it’s been three months of Romi in our lives, and somehow that short time feels like forever. I was hoping to get her birth story on the blog pretty soon after the big event but I got lost in the baby bubble of cuteness so apologies for the absence on here!

So what have I been up to in the last few months? Well apart from spending hours staring at her sweet cheeks, chilling at home with my boob out and squeezing in a few pelvic floor exercises here and there, I’ve been mainly getting to know this little human of mine…and oh what a sweetheart she is. But more on that another time, for now let me catch you up on how it all went down with our rainbow baby. This ones a long one so maybe get yourself a cuppa and get comfortable…

COOL KIDS GUIDE TO CARDIFF // 24 HOUR CITY GUIDE

Do you love making last minute travel plans plans? I’ve never been one to book in advance, which can be expensive when it comes to travel! Since Romi’s birth, Felix has been craving some one on one time with me *oh so tricky with a newborn in the house,* so being able to book a last minute day trip with National Express really gave us some much needed quality time.

A LOT OF LOVE AND OUR FAMILY OF FOUR

I always wondered what it would be like living as a family of four. How I would be able to divide my love between two children and how the new family dynamics would work? Well as it turns out this little maths puzzle was quickly resolved when our new daughter, Romi, came along and I realised – probably as most parents do – that it's a simple multiplication rather than division sum.

MOTIVATIONS AND INTENTIONS // MOODBOARD AND MUSES 6

While on baby countdown as she's now officially late to the party *definitely my child*  I thought it would be good to share some of my motivations and intentions for 2018 and what has inspired me so far! Embracing Motherhood a second time round has made me really think about how I want to connect, not only to my little family, but also to myself. Seven years ago I totally lost myself in motherhood and change, and it was haaaard, coupled with PND it seems like a lifetime ago! This time round I feel like a totally different person, one I can hopefully hold onto.

So let's take a peek at what has got the grey matter going this month:

Things I'm loving:

// SELF DEVELOPMENT. I have always been a big one for investing in yourself and practising self development as there's always room to grow. It's also a super healthy trait to pass onto your kiddos, that learning doesn't stop at the school gates. This year we have concentrated on doing a review of 2017 and where we want to be in 2018. For this I have been using two resources: First, the lovely Hannah from Seeds & Stitched January Book! I love this free downloadable resource and definitely has given us room to evaluate the year. Second is the a more detailed approach to a personal end of year review. Both are great and really help you focus on the year ahead! 

// BOOKS. While I'm on the self development train of thought, here are a list of books for both personal and business growth that I'm stock piling for all those night feeds:

Mindfulness for Mums & Dads - I've already read the first two chapters and love it. Definitely going to use techniques to calm my brain when I'm feeling frazzled. 

In the Company of Women - Written by Grace Bonny, this book focuses on women across the globe embracing their entrepreneurial spirits and starting creative businesses. YAAAS!

Brand Brilliance - I've been hearing good things about this and can't wait to dive in. It's all about elevating your brand, enchanting your audience and creating a business that really works for you. 

Playing Big - Also available both as an audio book, has been recommended to me by sooooo many people as a 'life changer'. Focusing on being a successful woman, this has got me thinking 2018 is the way forward!

Braving the Wilderness - Another one that has been on my list for a while now. Renowned author Brene Brown challenges everything we think we know about cultivating true belonging in our communities, organisations, and culture.

Self Care for the Real World - New to me, this book comes with a lot of praise from celebrities, book critics and a few friends, so I'll be checking this one out soon.

Don't Read This Book - I LOVED this book! If you are a creative person with terrible time management then this beauty is for you! 

// CREATIVITY. I think this year I really want to spend more time with my actual camera in hand rather than my iPhone. Distraction seems to be the thief of time for me, that and procrastination! 

Things I'm Not:

// FASHION. Well not fashion per say but the lack of it in my life at the moment. It is a wonderful thing to watch your body bloom and grow but I've been living the last two months in the same four outfits on rotation to house my pregnant belly and I CAN NOT WAIT to fit back into my wardrobe!  

Other Things:

// Did I mention I was having a baby?! 

Instagram Inspo:

//Top left: Words_of_women daily snippets of wisdom totally make me smile. // Top right: Darling feed is another empowering women goodness all over the internet // Bottom left: Loving the illustrations be Margotinmargate // Bottom right: Because BiancaCash has all the right words! 

So there we go, a little look at my motivation and inspiration for the year ahead, while waiting on this little one to arrive! hopefully my next post will be introducing you to our newest member of the family! 

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

** So this one is a bit of a special one, as it's the first post that Paul has written for Wild & Grizzly! It certainly has been a journey so it's nice to hear his side of this whole crazy pregnancy journey and his thoughts on choosing a baby girl name. **

What’s in a name? Well, it seems like quite a lot!

So here we are, nearing the end of pregnancy, about to welcome a new baby into the world, a new daughter, a new sister. It’s been a long journey. I’ve always wanted two children, I’m not sure why, but two seems right for us, though Lori would argue for three or four, or maybe even more. Though for those of you who read the blog know, to get to this stage, well, it hasn’t been easy. We’re incredibly lucky to be expecting at all, it’s crazy and wonderful and unbelievable and amazing…we’re incredibly lucky.

So what do you do with all of that luck, how do you turn that into a name? When we had our first child we just knew (well, Lori did) straight from the 20 week scan, the name was sorted, in place, it fitted, it was perfect and has been perfect ever since. We love our little free-spirited boy, he is wild like his mummy and sometimes grizzly like his daddy (though never as much, that would be impossible). So, we need another perfect name, out of all the names in the world, that shouldn’t be too hard, right?

HELLO 2018!

Happy New year you lovely lot and hello 2018! I ended up taking a big chunk of time off at Christmas, which wasn't intentional but was definitely needed so apologies for the radio silence and slow return to this little corner of the Internet.

Going into Christmas I was 35/36 weeks and exhausted, so it was nice to switch off and let everything take a back seat while I watched the kiddo get excited about presents, board games, festive films and woodland walks, as well as cope with my nan going into hospital.

I've been spending some time nesting and reflecting on the past year, writing down intentions and trying to focus on a word that will be leading 2018. Obviously there is going to be a huge change with a new baby on the way *Less than two weeks to go until D-Day eek!* but aside from the new routines and sleepless nights, I want to be sure to take some time to reflect on myself and allow myself not to be lost in the process of new motherhood again.

So what word? I've been toying with Brave and Embrace but haven't quite settled on which is best, it might be that I use both. Brave for all the new challenges and change ahead and Embrace so I can move with them rather than against them, while looking after my mental and physical health.

2017 gave me a miracle, a new life that I was told I couldn't have and with it bubbled up all of the loss and grief of the last five years that also needed to be waded through, so I have definitely felt challenged. Now I am looking forward to a positive year full of firsts and laughter.

I am planning on taking a small amount of maternity leave once she arrives - although that could be any day now - I want to take the time to soak up those newborn baby days and snuggles. Hopefully I'll have a few post scheduled to keep me going over here and I will still be sharing over on my Instagram as I slowly emerge from hibernation.

For now though I just want to say thank you all for following Wild & Grizzly and this little journey of mine and here is to a year of positivity and adventure.

Are you making intentions for the 2018? Or coming up with your own word?

STYLISH STOCKING FILLERS WITH HOMESENSE

The countdown is on with only a few days left to go until Christmas! Eek! If you're like me then you're probably squeezing your budget to find some last minute Christmas stocking fillers and make them look good. I love giving presents, but if there's one thing I love more, it's all the loving little touches that go into the wrapping to give them the wow factor. I headed to my local HomeSense store to pick up last minute affordable gifts, after all it's the thought that counts not the cost, and thought I'd share some of my wrapping style tips with you to get you ready for the big day.

*Family look away now as you might be in for a few spoilers ;)*

FOODIE LOVERS GIFT GUIDE

OK so you've got you got your plant loving buddies covered and now it's time to pick up a few Christmas pressies for all the foodie lovers in your life! I sometimes find buying these gifts tricky as there are just sooooo many things to choose from! I've pulled together a little gift list to spread some Christmas cheer and get your taste buds tingling from a visual feast. Which ones your favourite?

1. the Roasting Simple Dish Dinners: £11.84 Amazon.

2. Gold Grid Wine Rack: £45 Oliver Bonas.

3. Ceramic French Press: £92 Yield Design via Etsy 

4. Ferm Living Ripple Glass Set of 4: £36 Amara Living.

5. Cheese Society Monthly Subscription: From £38 per month Cheese Society. 

6. Sipsmith Gin: £28 Waitrose..

7. Copper Marble Cheese Knives Set: From £27.50. West Elm.

8. Halo Plate: From £9  Denby Pottery. 

DOES MY BUMP LOOK BIG IN THIS?

It's funny how many changes you go through when you're pregnant, and how much I'd forgotten it does! Especially when it seems so different this time round. I know with Felix I was lucky enough to scrape through the first 12 weeks with little sickness and my only real cravings were for meat (which is weird as I don't eat that much meat at all), and so the slow weight gain and strong stomach muscles meant I sported a tidy bump. In fact from behind you couldn't really tell I was pregnant even up to my due date.

PLANT LOVERS GIFT GUIDE

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? If like me, you're totally a little behind on the whole Santa prep then I'm here to give you a hand with a few gift list over the next few days, starting with gifts for plant lovers. Yep here are some beauties for all your green fingered loved ones and all at a reasonable price point! Which ones your favourite?

1. Letter Plant Premium Poster (from A-Z): £9.90 Juniqe.

2. Prick: Cacti and Succulents. Choosing, Styling, Caring Book £10.50 Amazon.

3. Maple Leaf Sweater: £79 French Disorder. 

4. Scandi Style Watering Can: £6 Ikea. 

5. Enamel Pin Badge Monstera Leaf: £7.50 OHNORachio. 

6. Longwood Scissors: £24 Antropologie.

7. Geo-Fleur Plant Post Club Subscription: From £24. Geo-Fleur.

8. Green Ceramic Cactus Vase: £10  Not On the High Street. 

PASTEL PERFECTION GIFT GUIDE WITH WEEKEND:IN

Oh hey pastel colour perfection! It doesn't take more than stylish design and dreamy interiors to get me swooning and that's exactly what I did when I entered the Leman Locke Hotel a few weeks back, for another fabulous brand event by Weekend:IN.

This space has been on my must visit list for soooo long now as the interior is total dream goals, and such a great place to host a day of networking and discovering 'new to me' brands!

I mean just look at this interior!

A LITTLE PREGNANCY UPDATE!

So it turns out I haven't quite been keeping track of my pregnancy on here, or elsewhere for that matter! No weekly bump shot, no dear diary journal, no weekly Instagram updates. In fact I'm wondering if this little girl might look back and feel a little disappointed at the lack of evidence of her growing in my belly? 

FORAGING IN THE FOREST OF DEAN

The closest I've been to foraging was picking blackberries as a child with my grandad and trying to eat them before I got back home. So when I was invited to experience a six course taster menu and stay at the award winning Tudor Farmhouse Hotel with the bounty of my finds from Foraging in the Forest of Dean, I was up for the challenge!