I’d like to make it clear that it’s not until the very, very end of next year, almost 2 years away … but as my nearest and dearest [ or as Ive started referring to them ‘the chuffs’ ] keep reminding me I am the big 5-0 next year.
Of course I intend to celebrate in style and after a chat with my friend Sue over the weekend it got me thinking of where I’d like to hold my celebrations . I envisage lots of partying with different groups of people but a weekend away with the girls is most definitely on the cards.
I ended the year doing something I absolutely love. On an adventure exploring a place I had not visited before.
Warwick Castle.
I Love Castles.
I love Exploring.
#Perfect.
Here is the official line:
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle developed from a wooden fort, originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Warwick is the county town of Warwickshire, England, situated on a bend of the River Avon. The original wooden motte-and-bailey castle was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. During the Hundred Years War, the facade opposite the town was refortified, resulting in one of the most recognisable examples of 14th-century military architecture. It was used as a stronghold until the early 17th century, when it was granted to Sir Fulke Greville by James I in 1604. Greville converted it to a country house and it was owned by the Greville family, who became Earls of Warwick in 1759, until 1978 when it was bought by the Tussauds Group.
I’m back … this time it’s to talk about the fun and cultural stuff to do in Malaga city centre . There’s so much I kinda guess we only touched the surface …
We called at a few roof-top bars but I’m going to start with my favourite Atico which is situated on the 15th floor of the AC Hotel by Marriott Málaga Palacio. It came highly recommended by a few people and I can see why.
Entry will set you back 8 euros ; for this you get your first drink free which conveniently costs 8 euros . We had a large Gin & Tonic each which was so good we had a couple more!
As your aware , or maybe your not – I shouldn’t make such assumptions – I’ve just returned from a fabulous long weekend in Malaga with 4 of my best friends. We try and have a few days away every year .. and apart from the ‘wedding and baby years’ we’ve managed to achieve this!
We have experienced an amazing few days which flew by far too quickly. I’m missing those ladies already. I don’t think I’ve laughed so much in ages and it’s just what I needed ! Roll on next year.
There’s so much to tell you I thought I’d split the blog into a few posts starting with accommodation . Lots of you messaged me for details after seeing my posts over on Instagram stories … so here goes.
It’s on days like today when [ I’m a little hungover] it’s cold and dark outside, I’ve got my candles lit and I’m snacking on mince pies. When I have a Christmas movie playing on repeat and I’m making present lists that my mind starts drifting towards holidays.
Planning and reminiscing.
Reminiscing and planning…
Thoughts of visiting and exploring far off places with the sun beating down on my back , sand between my toes and a cocktail to hand spring to mind. They excite and lift my spirits.
One place basking in glorious sunshine all year round and a place I’ve visited on a couple of occasions in the past is the wonderful island of Lanzarote.
Making up part of the Canary Islands, it is often said to resemble the surface of the moon [ not that I’ve even been to the moon! ] thanks to the fact it was once an active volcanic island. It is extremely scenic in places with beautiful views in each and every direction; a photographers dream.
Now I have to hold my hands up and admit that although it is breathtaking ; on my very first visit I was slightly unimpressed by the journey from the airport to our hotel . All I can say is please don’t be disheartened the resorts are beautiful !
Lanzarote holds such fond memories. I’ve just been looking through my photos and stumbled across some proper corkers.
Take this for one.
Meet Kevin !! Boy did we laugh …he goes on a lot of girls holidays with us. [ though it’s not always the same Kevin, we tend to puncture him a lot!]
It’s me again … twice in one week bloody hell wonders will never seize !
Today I’m going to be introducing you to a fabulous , intimate little day spa just outside Penistone. [Hollin Lane, Millhouse Green, Sheffield S36 9NH] It’s only 20 minutes from my house.
Oh oh I have a feeling this could be dangerous.
Smallshaw Cottages & Spa is A- mazing and if you don’t already know about it then you really should.
There are 4 beautiful cottages available to rent, complete with landscaped gardens and tennis courts . Today however I am concentrating and going to take you on a tour of the Spa.
Before I go any further I just need to clarify something with you – I don’t love everything.
You probably think I do and the reason for this would be because I only accept and feature on the blog things / places / experiences that interest me; that I would do or buy myself.
I turn down a lot of opportunities [ mobile phone covers , bingo nights, clothing ] or product reviews because they simply aren’t my bag.
If you make it this far … you are loved. I have enjoyed you.
“The deeper blue ocean, the paler blue sky. The call of the seagulls all soaring on high.
Weherever I travel , wherever I roam, one day I will live here, and call Cornwall home”
If you’ve been following my ‘stories‘ on Instagram you’ll have no doubt noted that I’ve been staying down in Cornwall for the past week with my dad, boyfriend and our dog Mollie. I’ve become a ‘Cornwall bore’ although I can assure you there is nothing boring about Cornwall at all.
We choose Cornwall for numerous reasons.
My dad’s brother lives in Coombe [ near St Austell] and due to sickness couldn’t get up to Sheffield for mums funeral. Dad was keen to see him …as you can imagine.
It was a special place for mum and dad. They’ve spent a few holidays there in the past, the last one being in October last year. Not even a year ago – life … it’s so unpredictable, so preciousness .
So dad mentioned that he wanted to go back, I think in a ‘weird’ way it brings him comfort. It holds precious memories.
Who were we to say no?
We stayed in the beautiful area of Carbis Bay just outside St Ives which is around a 6 hour drive [ traffic willing ] from Sheffield .Yes you could get to Spain quicker!
I never intended to blog about my time spent in Cornwall … but after being there a few days I’d basically fallen in love.
The aqua blue seas drew me in, the tropical plants that surrounded the house made me feel like I was abroad. I just grew to ignore the biting wind . It had a magical feel to it. The view I woke up to every morning was delicious. Beautiful sunrises with multi-coloured skies. I honestly sat in bed every morning and pinched myself.
Basically I decided it was too good not to share with you all.
“We live in Sheffield, we write about things we see here. What else is there to write about“ – Alex Turner, Arctic Monkeys
It may seem strange to anybody looking in that I got invited to spend the night at St Paul’s, Mecure Hotel and Spa in Sheffield.
Why you may ask ?…
Well basically because I live in the steel city. Apart from a 2 year stint in Lincoln it’s always been home.
I did question why I’d been invited myself but as I often get asked where to stay in Sheffield AND as I am a massive advocate of the beautiful city I thought it was an ideal opportunity.
What better way to recommend a hotel than to have stayed there yourself .
What better way to promote a city than to see it through ‘first timers’ eyes…
So I said yes … if it was still ok with them then I’d love to take up their generous offer.
So that’s what I did last Friday night along with a group of bloggers from around the country. Continue reading →
