MY FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO IN BRISTOL // CITY GUIDE

It seems like a lifetime ago now that we left the dizzy heights of London for a different pace of life in the South West but oh Bristol you are a city that captured my heart and now the longest place I've lived! *eek* There are so many things to do in Bristol that it never really feels like ten years have passed.

From the twinkling harbourside and maritime history to the rows of candy coloured houses, vibrant creative quarters and wealth of foodie delights to discover, there is so much this city has to offer! I was super excited to be asked to collaborate on a mini film with the lovely Victoria from Bridges and Balloons and Expedia to showcase some of my favourite things to do in Bristol and give you an insight as to why we chose to make this our home.

THINGS TO DO IN BRISTOL

SLOW DAYS, EMU AUSTRALIA BOOTS AND MAMA STYLE

Over the last few weekends we've really been enjoying slow days pottering around the city, hanging out with friends, trying out new places to eat and generally having fun. As the weather is still proving to be quite unpredictable I've been switching between trainers and these spring boot c/o Emu Australia – totally crushing on these – and maybe the occasional sandal and naked toes! The silvery metallic finish looks really cool with a pair of skinnies and because they are so lightweight and breathable, they make for a perfect boot that can be enjoyed all year round. So when we headed down to North Street I decided to team them up with my leopard print jacket and sunnies for a bit of fun mama style.

The other week we decided to check out the new-top-us, Pizza Workshop, and a new coffee pit stop for me. Both Paul and F are huge pizza fan's so we thought it would be fun to sit out on the street front channelling some Brooklyn vibes in this small but perfectly formed restaurant/pizza bar, which oozes cool with its striking geometric stools, minimalist interior, delicious sourdough pizza and gluten free bases *win*.  

Typically we didn't manage to snap many pics inside as we were to busy enjoying our slices! They were delicious and it's definitely a place I'd recommend for families, as F loved the colouring in menu and the service was super friendly and quick. Afterwards I grabbed a quick flat white from Tincan Coffee and wandered around taking in some pretty blossoms before heading back up to our neck of the woods. We even took a blanket on the Downs for a bit of R&R. 

The kiddo, as per usual, had boundless energy and was very excited to try out his new Cheetah Sneakers c/o Emu Australia, which of course can make him run faster ;) They are so super cute with the little face on the front and I even caught him chatting to them about a race. It makes me feel quite nostalgic seeing him wear such a iconic Australian brand as I spent the first few years of my life growing up in Perth, and even though this is a far cry from Oz, it feels like I'm somehow giving him a little connection to my childhood.

This boy surprises me everyday with his kind nature, inquisitive mind and boundless energy, he really makes my heart swell with pride. As the weather has been so unpredictable I've been carrying around this Pac-a-mac c/o Muddy Puddles for any sudden downpours, plus he looks super cute in this raindrop jacket.



This weekend is going to be filled with more slow days, a school friends birthday party for F and a Eurovision party for us big kids ;) and fingers crossed there might even be sun!

What are you up to this weekend? 

ONE CLASSIC SHIRT TWO WAYS WITH GANT // MAMA STYLE

I love mixing up styles and using clothes as an extension of how I feel – oh and not to mention my growing coat collection, you can't have too many coats right? – and now the we've officially stepped into autumn I've started packing up my summer wardrobe and making room for those chunky knits and cosy clothes. There are some colours that are a staple in my wardrobe whatever the weather, and those tend to be black, blue and grey as I find them easy to style up.

There's one thing I love when it comes to fashion and that's clothes that never go out of style.  When I saw this Striped Chambray shirt c/o Gant I knew that I'd found just that; a timeless shirt, classic tailoring with a modern twist, the perfect hue of blue and bold graphic lines. I was excited to try this classic shirt two ways, showing how this well loved brand can rock any look.

At first I picked a style I would tend to wear around town, running to meetings and generally being busy by teaming it with a classic mac – a must for autumn – dress down denim jeans, some colourful brogues and a black hat. I love how easy this look is to pull together, it's comfortable while staying stylish. 

The second style I went for is a bit more fun and something I'd probably wear if popping to a bar or late night cafe haunt. By teaming the shirt over a black crop top with leather skinnies and flat pumps it creates a more edgy look, and I love how you can easily tweak the outfit by wearing the shirt open or tying it up to show the midriff.

I love Gant's new campaign ‘They changed the world. Not the shirt’ featuring five Ivy League “modern-day pioneers” including Pulitzer Prize poet Tracy Smith, painter Navtar Bhavsar and Amazon rainforest conservationist Mark Plotkin, showing how these classic shirts have been worn by some of the most passionate, innovative and authentic visionaries as they try to make their mark in the world and how we see things, just like Bernard Gantmacher did in 1949 with his passion for shirt making.

Here's my style list in case you wanted to know:

Mackintosh - Atterley Road
Shirt c/o Gant
Yellow Brogues - Clarks Shoes S/S15
Satchel - John Lewis
Hat - H&M

Leather Skinnies - River Island
Shirt c/o Gant
Crop Top - H&M
White Pumps - Clarks Shoes S/S15

I'd love to hear how you would want to change the world?

A FUN DAY OUT IN BRISTOL FOR KIDS

One of the great things about Bristol is there is always something to do with little ones, whether they're teeny tiny and you're looking for that all important coffee pit stop, signing up to baby classes – such as Music with Mummy, Gymboree and Baby French which were some of F's favourites –  hanging out at the many parks and playgrounds the city has to offer or checking out some of the fab visitor attractions. The options are endless and it's certainly a city that provides fun at every stage of family life.

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A PERFECT HABOURSIDE PICNIC

As we're on Chicken Pox lock down I thought it would be nice to look back at last week when we decided to make the most of the morning sun and head out for an impromptu harbourside picnic. F loves the water and watching the boats go by, and I'm always up for eating alfresco, plus there's some picturesque walks down through Clifon Wood to the floating harbour. I hastily packed up some things from the fridge and headed out with Paul and an excited F in tow. 

Loaded down with an over sized scarf, baguette, cheese, strawberries and olives as well as some little cakes and a cheeky bottle of Lindemans Rose, we made our way to the end Bellevue Crescent and down the 106 steps past Worlds End Cottage. I love this little narrow passageway, it's full of charm with crumbling stone walls and overgrown wild flowers pushing their way through the brickwork.

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MOTHERHOOD MEETS COOL BARS AND HIP HIDEAWAYS

Before the days of evening lock down – a.k.a F's bedtime  – one of my favourite pastimes was meeting up with friends and heading out into the night for an evening of carefree fun and a lie in the next day. When I lived in London I was a social butterfly and could be found out most nights sipping cocktails, out dancing, attending art openings or meeting friends for tasty bites to eat.

When I moved to Bristol I was a little worried that it wouldn't live up to my London night life and all the exciting venues the capital had to offer but I was soon proved wrong. There are so many things going on whether it's a music gig, pop up restaurant, art exhibition opening, outdoor cinema, secret dinner club, outdoor ski discos, underground bars or even hanging out by the harbour side as the sun goes down.

Long gone are the days I can head out at the drop of a hat and I often miss the spontaneous meet ups with friends, nowadays there's a minimum of five days planning and organising childcare before I can step outside, I think we're the only parents I know that don't use a paid babysitter, relying on my folks coming over from Wales or the kindness of good friends to step in. It's really made me appreciate the little things, like walking to meet friends when the sun is low and the light lingers in a certain way, where I suddenly feel a buzz of excitement in the air.

Some of my favourite underground haunts in Bristol are Hausbar, Milk Thistle and the Red Light. There's something quite exciting about seeking a secret sign or symbol to an entrance way, ringing a doorbell and hoping you've got the right place, only to have a thick curtain pulled back and someone lead the way to cool interiors and cocktails.

The next few weeks are looking pretty busy and I'll be spending quite a bit of time in London over the next month, I'm really looking forward to catching up with friends and discovering some cool places, like this amazing pink dining room, this fun detective agency or eating blind folded.

How often do you get to go out on an evening? Do you use a babysitter? I'd love to hear how you balance your social life with motherhood, and if you know any cool places to try in London then please send me some tips! x

*Images 1/3/4
*This is a collaborative post.

STYLE IN YOUR CITY // COLOUR LOVERS

It's that time again for another Style In Your City post, which showcases your life and creates a community celebrating all the things you love about where you live. Over the last few weeks in the midst of chaos, I've been finding moments of calm by taking time to hang out with F and go slow. One of the best things about this city is how vibrant and colourful it is, you can really feel the energy as you wander and explore, and even though I love all the street art, I really love the colourful houses that make up Bristol's cityscape.

I really love how uplifting a bit of sun and colour can be, there's nothing like a morning stroll with the light shining down and a cup of coffee in hand to bring a smile to my face. It makes me wonder what colour I would have my house, would it be yellow and bright like the sun, dusky terracotta peaches, channelling Greek island vibes with brilliant blue hues or maybe softer pastel tones. Click to read more

STYLE IN YOUR CITY // YELLOW BERLIN

It's been another fortnight since our last series of Style In Your City, which showcases your life and creates a community celebrating all the things you love about where you live. I think this is definitely my favourite image from Instagram from the last fortnight due to the sentiment of live vibrantly from Xanthe. My post pick was by These Four Walls, as I have a taste for travel at the moment and it was great to get a glimpse of Lisbon through this link up.

As you can see my #StyleInYourCity post is not in Bristol but rather Berlin, I have so many cool pics that I wanted to share with you and I love the pops of yellow I found on my travels. When you think of Berlin, most people think of the words: grey, industrial, cold and concrete, and while the last one might be true, I couldn't have found it more different. Yes there is graffiti and areas that are unloved, but there is also colour and curiosities waiting to be discovered and that is why I love seeing places through others eyes as there is always a new perspective to see.

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STYLE IN YOUR CITY // AN URBAN STORE

It's been another fortnight since our last series of Style In Your City, which showcases your life and creates a community celebrating all the things you love about where you live. I loved reading your posts and all your stylish photos over on Instagram, I think this is definitely my favourite colourful coffee capture. My pick from the last fortnight was by Not Another Mummy Blog, I loved discovering a new city and how friendly a local neighbourhood cafe can be.


This fortnight I focused on stylish interiors, I'm slightly cheating as this is a store I found in Amsterdam but totally loved this urban feel and wanted to share it with you, plus I'm hoping that city might adopt me ;)

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STYLE IN YOUR CITY // A NEW SERIES

It's no secret that I love Bristol, not only has it just been awarded European Green Capital 2015, but it's such a vibrant city and a great place to raise kids. Whether it's the creative quarter and street art of Stokes Croft, the beautiful Georgian architecture and tree lined streets of Clifton, the buzzing harbourside, the galleries, art house cinema, eclectic shops and huge coffee culture – which I swear I personally fund! – there's something for everyone.For me it holds a piece of my heart, it's the place I made great friends, made our home, gave birth to my boy, and the surroundings in which I watch him grow. I love exploring the city with F and even though I've lived here for almost seven years, it seems there is always something new to discover.I really enjoy sharing the places that inspire me both here and on Instagram and Twitter – I'm big on over sharing in case you hadn't noticed – and in a bid to discover new places I've teamed up with Fritha from Tigerlilly Quinn to start a new linky and see where you live and love.

So how does it work? 

We want you to #StyleYourCity, to showcase the places you love, the coffee you drink, the fashion you wear, the street art you see, the people you meet, your finds for the home. We want to see your City/town/village through your eyes, we want to make a community which shares inspiration and creativity from all around and in turn, creates a cool directory of places to see and do.

We will be running a linky every two weeks and choosing a theme to inspire your finds. Don't worry you don't have to have a blog to join in or live in a bustling city for that matter, simply use the hashtag #styleinyourcity on twitter and/or IG with a photo and tag @wildandgrizzly and @tigerlillyquinn and we'll pick our favourites to showcase on our blogs.

You can find me on Instagram here and twitter here.
You can find Frith on Instagram here and twitter here.

This first theme is The Place I Call Home, tell us where you are and what it means to you. I can't wait to learn more and be inspired by you!

An InLinkz Link-up

WHY I HEART COPENHAGEN // THE TALE OF THREE CITIES

Travel to Copenhagen
As much as I love Bristol – and I do – there are other places that hold my heart and make me weak at the knees. You know, the ones that make you swoon. Well I thought it would be fun to share one of my favourite travel destinations with you, have you guessed it? Yes that's right, Copenhagen and yes I am wearing double denim *shhhh*.

When I was studying my design degree at university, it made sense that I hopped over to visit our Scandinavian friends and use Copenhagen as place to inspire my dissertation. That seems a lifetime ago now, but I still have fond memories of exploring the different neighbourhoods with their beautifully coloured buildings and houseboats along the canals. Obviously back then I was (very) young and pre-child so the adventures are laced with hazy memories of late nights out and long lie ins. 

I've always wanted a reason to go back and visit the city with fresh eyes, so when we took F on his first holiday abroad I knew it had to be Copenhagen. 

So if I had to share three things I love about about Copenhagen, what would they be?

Yep that's right! Pastries as big as your head. If you're a fan of food (like me) and love eating out then Copenhagen is the place to be. What better way to start your day than with some freshly brewed coffee and a warm pastry, and not just any old flaky pastry, but a Danish pasty made with all the tasty goodness that makes you go mmmmmmm for all to hear. We stayed in a small well designed apartment right in the heart of Nørrebro and our street was eclectic by day and bustling by night, with people eating al fresco or drinking a glass of wine tucked under a blanket.

Every morning we would walk over the river to the most amazing farmers food market – a must if visiting the city – which houses over 60 stalls selling everything from fresh coffees to olive oil, sweets and even organic skin care products. We'd sit on the stools with our pasties and coffees in hand, and watch the locals drop in on their way to work.

We found some great bars and eclectic cafes, like the Laundromat where you can watch people doing their washing while enjoying some tasty food, or Granola situated in the coolest street and Halifax where the burgers are delicious!

The second reason I love this city is the design. The architecture, the products, the graphics, the art all just oozes cool. I am a huge fan of Scandinavian design and what better place to see it than the capital which houses some fab finds of the home. We loved checking out the Dora design store, not to mention Hay which sell these cool colourful trays.

There are two museums that should be on everyones to do list, especially if you have kids. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and SMK are both architecturally wonderful, house beautiful art and even the lunch is served on brilliantly designed plates Now let's just take a minute to coo and ahh over little F....

Bikes. Bikes. Bikes. Yep the whole city is full of them and it's great. In fact it makes getting round the city a breeze and there are so many cool designs to look out for. If you have a little one you can get around with them tucked up in a cargo bike and if bikes don't take your fancy then the city is super easy to explore on foot. 

So yep that us, we love Copenhagen! There's probably so much more that I could share about this wonderful city: the beaches, the parks, the flowers, the friendly people, meeting Father Christmas... the list goes on. I hope I've inspired you to visit and if you're looking for a fun scandi adventure then this is the city for you.

This post is my entry in the 'tale of three cities' competition ran by Accor hotels. You can see some of the other entires by checking out the #3cities hashtag on twitter. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I get to see my 35th Birthday abroad rather than at home on solo parenting duty.

**I'm so excited to find that we are a finalist in the #3cities competition. If you are able to RT this link it counts as a vote for us to win and we'd be super grateful!!**

1/52

F: Pretending to be a pineapple.

So here it is, the first portrait of 2015 and although I didn't end up posting the last four of 2014, I have them ready to share with you in the next week or two. Normally I wouldn't take on a project like this but I love looking back over the year, seeing F's face change and his personality shine through in these pictures, so here I am ready to go again and join in with Jodi's The 52 Project. 

You may have noticed I had taken a little time away from the blog to make the most of the Christmas and the New Year, and while spending time with family has been blissful, I can't keep away for long and as of tomorrow I'm officially back in work mode.

So here's goodbye to the end of the holidays and hello to reality, let's make it a good one.

ALONG THE WATERS EDGE // A DAY IN PICTURES

Oh to be on the water, the slow soft motion to and fro, dappled light licks the surface as the murky world lies beneath. We spent an afternoon wandering along the harbour, stopping to take in the views and laze about in the warming sun, noticing the small and forgotten things. F wanted to be a pirate and how could I refuse, so we boarded our trusty vessel and escaped to a place where paths can't reach, an untread line along the waters edge.