TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD AND A TASTE OF THE DEEP SOUTH

There are certain books that really stick with you growing up, ones that impact you profoundly, shaping your view of the world. For me one of those books was Harper Lee's classic To Kill A Mockingbird, set in deep south Alabama this compelling Pulitzer Prize winner has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and tells the coming of age tale of young girl named Scout and her brother Jem, as they navigate the dusty southern town during the depression and the trial of local black man who is wrongly accused of rape. The novel is written from the Scout's point of view, giving an interesting perspective to adults attitudes to race and class in the deep south during the late 30's, and my first real eye opener into the historical racial and political struggles across the pond.

To celebrate the release of Go Set a Watchman, Harper Lee's second novel, which has taken the literary world by storm seeing the largest number of sales since JK Rowling's Harry Potter, I was invited to Bristol's own Mockingbird Cafe to attend a fab book group discussion of the classic novel while enjoying some of the Deep South Culinary delights. 

As we gathered to discuss our fond memories of the book and how we felt after revisiting it as an adult, we had the opportunity to tuck into chunks of rich delicious Lane Cake and buttery Southern Tea cakes noted in novel, as well as Devilled eggs, Buttermilk Biscuits, Molasses Baked Ham, Pickles and Pimento Cheese, giving us a true flavour of a the Deep South, I mean what better way to spend a morning and lift the words of a page than by sharing a brunch and a bygone era with friends?  

I remember the teacher who handed me my first copy of this book and being asked to read the first chapter as homework, after taking in the first few pages I became engrossed and spent the next three nights with a flash light under my duvet, pouring over the words until falling asleep exhausted. I loved how it described the decay and corruption of small town and the infamous line of beloved character Atticus Finch: 

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

Picking up this classic has made me want to revisit some more of my old favourites or those that help shaped me growing up. On my thirteenth birthday my dad tasked me with completing the beast that is Papillon, another fab read if you fancy it. For those who haven't read To Kill A Mockingbird I can't recommend it enough and I know that I can't wait to get my hand on the sequel.

What was your favourite book growing up?

A GOOD BOOK // ATLAS OF ADVENTURE

Recently we were lucky enough to head over to Amsterdam for a fun adventure, for those of you who follow me on Instagram or twitter you probably saw a few snapshots of our trip away. So on our return I was eager to get F a good book, and couldn't help falling in love with this Atlas of Adventure.

From the same authors of Maps, this book is perfect for any mini intrepid explorer, opening up a collection of natural wonders, exciting experiences and fun festivities from the four corners of the globe. Beautifully illustrated, this fantastic book celebrates the diversity of our planet with fab adventures to explore as you travel through its pages.

Each continent is mapped out at the beginning of the chapter for a fun overview, before diving into a double page spread full of quirky detailed illustration and fun facts. Ever wondered what it would be like to Dog sled with huskies in Alaska or Dance the Samba at the Rio Carnival? Well now your little ones can glimpse other cultures and use their imagination to bring the world to their living room.

This book is a fantastic read and should be on every child's bookshelf, plus it looks great on a coffee table. So when F asks what it's like for Daddy in Moscow, I'll simply turn to page 25 and Discover a Masterpiece on the Moscow Metro and bring him a little closer to home.

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!!**