Where mama meets cool
As you know we are huge Festival goers and there's nothing we love more than relaxing outdoors, listening to music and hanging out with friends, plus it's so much fun seeing the kiddo run wild and free. You might remember our family adventures at End of the Road Festival, Just So and Wilderness Festival *good times all round*. So when Regatta Outdoors asked if I would like to travel down to Kent with a few other bloggers to get camping ready and style my site, I was totally game for some fun. 
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. 
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. 
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*.
F has started choosing his own clothes when we go into stores and it's interesting to see his style start to emerge without any input from us. He chose this zip up top from H&M and looks like such a dude in this pic!
As much as I love the outdoors I've been really feeling the need to bunker down and hibernate, to be close to home with slow walks for coffee, sit round friends dining tables and share good food, cosy sofa afternoons and general cuddles with my little one. In all honestly I've lost my mojo and been feeling a little down, like baby blues without the baby. I've been taking my time to just be and get all the busy out my head, so apologies that it's been so sporadic over here. For now I'm going to carve pumpkins, drink hot coco, take long walks, watch films, listen to music, get a bit crafty and enjoy the rest of the week before I have to hand F back over to the school timetable.
As with all festivals one of my favourite pastimes is the food and there was no shortage here! I've never seen such a variety in one place, from F's favourite Mac 'n' Cheese – let's take a minute to acknowledge his cuteness in the below pic – to gluten free specialists, burritos, Bhangra vegan American school bus cafes, fresh lobster street food, multi-coloured candyfloss carts, grilled and smoked meats, breakfast clubs, organic ice lollies and that's just the food stalls. If you fancy something a little more upmarket you can book a meal at one of the many banqueting tents, where fine dining and candlelit suppers are available. The Laurent-Perrier Champagne bar was certainly a big hit with me and I would loved to have tried an evening enjoying food prepared by one of the many award winning chefs but with a wriggly four year old we stuck to lounging on hay bales to enjoy our bites. 
Situated on a larger site than we're normally used to it still felt quite small and not too busy and it was quite easy to navigate once you'd got your bearings. You can buy a guide when you arrive, which I would say is an absolute must as there is soooooo much to see and do and you can find all the timings and listing for everything over the weekend such as: music and live performances, theatre, talks and debates, workshops, shops, bars, cinema, disco tents, the hilarious sports area and the best commentator in town, well being fields and holistic tents, food stalls and restaurants and so much more. 
How cute does F look in his cosy limited edition knitted cardigan c/o Mamas & Papas
We had such a fab time and it's such a great family friendly festival that I'm know we'll be back again next year with friends. I mean it's not often you get to see a giant performing puppet with an opera singer attached at a spectacular nght light show is it? This is where magical memories are made! 
Do you attend any festivals? I'd love to hear your favourite kid friendly weekend away.
