A MINI CELEBRATION WITH RAMEN AT WAGAMAMA

Hanging out as a family in Bristol is ace as the city has so much to offer, with beautiful parks, cool kid hang outs and places to eat, it's no wonder F loves spending his time exploring with us at the weekends. We tend to have our weekday routines down to a T, what with F being at school, but last week we decided to break the rules and head out for a mini celebration with Ramen at Wagamamas as a treat.

F has settled into school brilliantly, and although there have been a few hiccups, we are so proud of him and how happy he seems. So when he received a certificate and award in school assembly, follwoed by a glowing parents evening, I wanted to take him out for a special dinner date and show him how proud we are of him. Just like me, F loves noodles and rice, if you ask him what he wants for tea it tends to be these dishes so when I realised that Wagamama was celebrating 20 years of Ramen, I knew it would be the perfect spot for dinner and he was thrilled when he realised where we heading.

F was bowled over that he got to have dinner out on a week night and excitedly got changed out of his school uniform for 'grown up dinner' and chatted all the way there. I tend to prefer the layout of a wagamama compared to normal restaurants, it feels cosy, friendly and a I like sharing long tables as I think it sets a good example to children, plus F love the special chopsticks!

We got cosy and ordered some dishes while F coloured in the kids activity menu, he decided to have the Chicken Katsu curry while I opted for the Chilli Chicken Ramen a.k.a full nutrition in a bowl and Paul tried a gluten free dish. It was delicious as always and I'm excited to see they've added two new Ramen dishes on to their menu, especially the seafood ramen!

After we filled our tummies with delicious food and admired F's paperwork, he tucked into ice cream and told us all about his day at school, while we sat back and looked on at this little wonder. It's so easy for life to rush by and miss how extraordinary it is, these little people learning and growing, and thinking what it might be like sitting at a table with him at eight or twelve, or perhaps meeting him for lunch at 22 *gulp*.  I always wonder what he might be like when he grows up, but on nights like this I'm just feel grateful to watch his little face at five, content and happy, and excited by his special night out. 

For anyone wanting to have a fun and easy dinner with little ones, I would definitely recommend heading to Wagamamas, not only do I love their dishes but it's great knowing the food comes out as soon as it's ready, so hungry tummies get fed quick!

*We were invited to dinner c/o Wagamama's but would happily eat there any night of the week as we truly love the food. All words and opinions are 100% my own. 

A EUROPEAN CITY BREAK // TRAVEL

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This week has flown by so quickly that I'd almost forgotten to share our exciting news! On Saturday morning I'll be setting our alarm super early and heading on a mini adventure to spend three days in Brussels with my boy and mum, to celebrate all things good and explore the fab city as invited by Accor Hotels.

We'll be travelling on the Eurostar, much to F's excitement, who can't wait to 'speed under the sea' and explore a new European city. While he's practising his train sounds I've jotted down some must see places and coffee hang outs to feed my addiction.

Image via I Love Yeti

I can't wait to head over to the cosy eclectic interior of I Love Yeti and taste their homemade flat naans and bowl breakfasts. Also I've been dying to lounge in the ultra chic Living Room, which oozes design, ceramics and beautifully presented teas *swoon*. Not to mention the infamous Change Your Lifestyle, otherwise know as CHYL. This cafe, meets beauty, meets shop is an oasis of green in the city and a hot spot for the cool and health conscious. My mum is already excited about the prospect of pampering and a potential reflexology session, while I'll happily hang out with F under their green draped ceiling.

Image via Living Room

I must admit I've visited Brussels once in my long gone university youth, but the city was a blur from  hazy nights out, hangovers and a slim student wallet. So I'm thrilled to be returning to this beautiful metropolis and rediscovering its style and charm!

If you have any recommendations then I will be using Instagram and Snapchat #wildandgrizzly during my stay and would love to hear your top travel tips of places to explore. 

Have a great weekend. 

x

A FESTIVE WEEKEND IN BRISTOL WITH KIDS

Are you feeling festive yet? It's been a little quiet over here as December proves to be a busy month for us, and with clashing schedules I've been determined to make the run up to Christmas as special as possible for the kiddo. So on Saturday we decided to stay local and enjoy a festive weekend in Bristol with the boy. 

Every year, outdoor ice skating is high up on F's wish list – skating wobbling around the rink holding hands while squealing with delight – making it a perfect excuse to visit Bristol Harbourside for a Christmassy outdoor adventure and to check out the local Christmas Market.

As we wandered around the stalls before lunch, F took the time to enjoy the live music and show us his moves much to our entertainment. I love local markets, independent artisans selling their wares and a mix of fragrent spices and homemade mince pies, the sound of Christmas cheer. I was even able to pick up a few stocking fillers *yay*.

OUR STAY AT THE MERINO APARTMENTS IN LONDON

With the Christmas countdown now on I've been planning fun adventures and family festivities for the kiddo to enjoy and even though we've just stepped into December, the weekends are flying by. So with a sparkly weekend of magic planned, last Friday evening we headed to our home away from home, with a stay at the Merino Apartments in London.

Now when I say home away from home, I'm not kidding, as the word apartment doesn't quite cover this luxury boutique serviced three floor house. Yep these 5 star luxury serviced stays are nestled down a small cobbled mews in the heart of Bloomsbury, where every detail is designed to make your stay as relaxed as possible.

After sat nav successfully directed us through central London *high five all round* we were greeted by Andres from the Merino Hospitality team, who happily guided us through the amenities while F squealed with delight on finding a special surprise room on the top mezzanine level.

POSTCARDS FROM BERLIN

Last weekend I was super excted to be travel to Berlin for work with my blogging pal Fritha, and if you follow me on IG you would certainly have seen a few snapshots of us as we explored the city and filled our bellies with delicious bites. Our job was to find the best the city had to offer and review cool eats for LovinBerlin, 16 places over 3 days, which is a lot of eating!  

We stayed over at the wonderful Linnen Hotel and Apartments (anthother post on that to come) and I can't wait to come back and stay, with a park on almost every corner I couldn't help thinking how much F would love it here, plus Paul would love the food.

Apart from my love of street art and urban landscapes, one of my main reasons for wanting to visit was to see the Berlin Wall. On the evening of November 9th 1989, my dad woke me from my sleep and lead me into the lounge to watch the evening news. My nine year old self sat in front of the TV crossed legged, watching strangers desperately reaching through a concrete wall with tears of happiness while people celebrated in the street. I remember sitting on the floor with my teddy and crying, it was so overwhelming and I didn't really understand it at the time, but I knew it was a poignant moment that my dad had wanted me to witness, and it's a memory that stuck with me through adulthood.

So as I approached the Berlin Wall Memorial and felt the cold concrete under my hands as I looked through the gap, it was no surprise that 25 years on nostalgia ran high and the emotional flood gates opened.

I loved exploring Berlin, getting used to the U-bhan and feeling like a native city dweller. There is street art and graffiti on every corner, puncuated with green patches and cool coffee shops which spill out onto the street. People watching here is amazing with so many styles to take in, and the creative buzz feels like electricity in the air.

We stayed in East Berlin which gives me a perfect excuse to return so I can explore the rest of the city and see what else it has to offer, and as I wandered down Graefestrabbe in Kreuzberg I think the city stole a bit of my heart.

So here are a few snapshots of our work weekend, I can't wait to share our cool bolthole with you too.

ROME // THE ETERNAL CITY

Today we celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary and each year I remember the city break in Rome which led to our engagement. We had initially been travelling along the Sardinian Coast with its sparkly blue seas, white powdery sands bordered by nestling pine trees and fallen needles, until Paul decided we ditch the Island for some city fun. After a turbulent flight we thankfully landed in the eternal city as dusk was settling in, we headed to the old quater and using some pigeon Italian I managed to secure us a private flat near the Pantheon. After a quick refresh we stepped out into the glow of the fading sun, walking along cobbled stones through narrow passages and out into a piazza, where the locals sat on benches deep in conversation, their hands punctuating each point. As the stars came out, the street lights lit up the many fountains and bars, music filled the air and the excited buzz of couples exploring the city brought the night to life.

We squeezed into a pizzeria, sharing our table with strangers and watched the men, who'd turned white from the flying flour, spin the dough into the air before smashing it down onto marble surfaces and creating a taste of Italy. We ate gelato's by day and drank mojitio's by night as the city unfolded its treasures to us. As much as I was thrilled to see the iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, I was even more excited to drink espresso amongst the locals and watch the bustle of the city pass by.

On our last night we wandered through the streets after a cocktail or two and hugged the wall, taking  shelter at the edge of a small piazza as the heavens opened up in a flash storm. I turned to find Paul drenched and on one knee, waiting for my answer. I was so surprised that I asked three times if he was serious before saying yes. What can I say I'm a sucker for romance.

I always said that I would like to take F there to eat ice cream and wander through the old streets, until we find a little piazza to watch the world go by.

I've set up this Pinterest board full of inspiration do follow along. I'd love to know what romantic destination holds your heart?




Images via Unsplash

DAMN STRAIGHT

Image via Pinterest

Friday! Whoop whoop. I'm definitely pleased to see the back of this week and now I can focus on the fun weekend ahead. Me and F are heading down to London today for an exciting meet up with the wonderfully amazing Flannery O'Kafka, my lips are sealed for now but I can't wait to share the excitement with you. Then after a fun night in the big city we'll be back for some chocolatey Easter fun and I'll be heading out for a cocktail or two. Have a great weekend and enjoy those extra days. x

LONDON CALLING

Last week we packed up the car and headed for the big city, our aim to see family and get our fill of the bright lights of London. I was excited to show F some sights and I planned some treats for me and the husband too. After spending the day with our beautiful new niece we headed to our freebie hotel room in Hammersmith and ordered in a surprisingly delicious Indian take-away while F crashed out on the sofa bed.

Awoken in the early hours by a bouncing F, we headed out into the morning bustle of London somewhat bleary eyed and made our way to the tube. It was still a nice surprise for me to find my Oyster card hidden in the depths of my purse from when I lived in Highbury several years ago. Needless to say F was beyond thrilled to be riding the underground and even managed to nab his own seat, getting that 'riding the tube' stare down to perfection. We arrived at Liverpool St and crossed over the road to the Duck & Waffle restaurant for breakfast with a view. And what a view, situated on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower with panoramic views over the city we sat down to a full english, banana and waffles and various pastries for F. We spotted different landmarks down the Thames and watched the morning mist lift from the city, bathing it in sunlight. As the restaurant is open 24/7, I'd love to book a late night meal and view the city twinkling at night.

This post is quite a long one so click to read more.

A CITY TO CELEBRATE

 

IMAGE SOURCE NEVER KNOW DEFEAT

The city is alive in celebration as Pride Week comes to a climax on Saturday with a Parade through the city, supporting the equality and diversity that makes Bristol great. Not only is it a super place to raise kids with an abundance of beautiful parks, playgroups, cafes and the usual mama haunts, but there is a rich cultural/design/music scene right on our doorstep. It is these elements: exhibitions, designers, musicians, festivals, carnivals, pop-up shops, secret supper clubs, out door cinema, underground style bars and interesting people that keep me sane in this journey of motherhood. Just as the city has its own unique identity, so do I. Not one that is defined by the existence of my child, but by me. He is my love, my heart, my soul but I am more. 

To celebrate the city, I recently purchased this print by Bristol based designers, Never Know Defeat. The illustration captures the city's iconic landmarks and personality beautifully, allowing me to take a piece of Bristol with me wherever I go. 

A GOOD BOOK // A Walk in London

 

It has been six years since we left the bright lights of London and headed to the West Country, and although we love Bristol there's nothing more fun than catching up with friends in the big city. We normally hang out with family in Ealing when travelling with F, but as he is getting older we are growing more adventurous with our stays. We have a few sightseeing spots under our belt and we can't wait to introduce him to more. 

With another weekend away pencilled in the diary, I wanted something that would allow him to visualise the delights of the capital and help piece it together. A Walk in London does just that. It is beautifully illustrated with lots of fun details, such as jugglers in Covent Garden or the pelicans in St Jame's Park, and the story is enriched with additional facts that older kids can enjoy too. 

After living in London for five years, it's important to me that  F has an understanding of the city and its iconic landmarks. He's already excited about meeting the lions in Trafalgar Square (and to be honest I am too).