When I found out I was pregnant, I spent weeks fantasizing over how perfect I was going to be when I became a Mother. How I would, “never do what my Mum did,” or “I hated when my Mum did that.” Embarrassingly, there was a sense of pride in my voice when I stated these grandiose ideas aloud. Little did I know how challenging, testing and isolating motherhood can be.
Category: BLOG
TEACHING DURING AN EPIDEMIC
Walking around the corridors there is a sense of uncertainty. The fear of the unknown is a powerful weapon that spreads like wildfire in a school environment. As mass gatherings are banned, sporting events postponed and drastic measures are enforced to disrupt congregations of more than 50 people, schools remain open.
HOW TO KEEP GRANDPARENTS INVOLVED WHEN YOU LIVE ABROAD
When we revealed we were expecting a baby to my now, Mother-in-law, she burst into tears. As the big 7-0 approached and both her children had flown the nest, she was ready to become a Grandma. Thank goodness for technology because we currently live in the UK and my fiancés…
REDBULL HANGAR 7 | SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
One of Austria’s most famous exports, the Redbull Brand has achieved global success and is involved in some of the biggest sports events on the planet. Hangar 7 is home to just some, of their many engineering success’ across the sporting world. From F1 cars, helicopters, motorbikes, and their starter project, ‘The Flying Bulls.’ And that isn’t even all of it!
18 PACKING HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Packing for a trip can be stressful, but these helpful, simple and cheap hacks should help you become better at packing! Since becoming a mother in November, we spent five months of my maternity leave travelling with our son George. This is a compilation of the best tips I’ve learnt along the way.
EIGHT TIPS FOR MAINTAINING A RELATIONSHIP WITH LONG DISTANCE GRAND PARENTS
With over 5 million UK nationals living abroad, many young families are coming up with creative ways to ensure their children have a relationship with their grandparents. Half our family is based in New Zealand and the other, much closer to home. In this post I’m sharing some ideas to help new parents bridge that gap.
THE EAGLE’S NEST | BERCHTESGADEN, GERMANY
We visited the famous landmark during our European Road trip with a then, 6 month old baby George. Accessible through long windy roads, with the stunning Alps as a back drop. It is situated atop the Obersalzberg mountains in one of the most beautiful parts of Bavaria, overlooking the small town of Berchtesgaden.
101ST AIRBORNE MUSEUM | BASTOGNE, BELGIUM
Located in the heart of Bastogne, The 101st Airborne Museum is a fitting tribute to the American outfit, whose courage and sacrifice helped the Allies win WW2. The museum itself features a rich collection of objects from the Second World War, from personal outfit guns to uniforms. Spread across three floors, from the outset it looks very modest, a testament to a humble generation. Many of the items are in excellent condition and members of staff are on hand to answer any questions.
NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE | SCHWANGAU, GERMANY
Few places on Earth look more like storybook illustrations than Neuschwanstein Castle. With its towers, turrets, frescoes, and throne hall, it looks like it was plucked straight from your favourite fairy tale. And it is. Walt Disney visited the castle with his wife, and was so inspired it became the castle in Cinderella, along with the castle that features in the title credits of every Disney movie.
LEGO HOUSE, DENMARK | TRAVEL GUIDE
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be inside a real Lego house? Then look no further than Lego House in Billund, Denmark. A safe haven for Lego lovers of all ages and nationalities to indulge their creative mind. Located less than a 10 minute drive from Billund airport, Lego House celebrates all things Lego, whilst encouraging visitors to become masters of the colourful brick.
WORLD OF COCA-COLA | ATLANTA, GEORGIA
The world of Coca-Cola is the perfect blend of cutting edge technology, history, interaction and of course an amazing coca-cola tasting room, which features every flavour of drink owned by the company from around the world. Piece together clues to the 132-year-old secret formula for everyone’s favourite drink. Get closer than ever before to the vault containing the secret recipe, view more than 1,200 never-before-displayed artefacts and get a behind-the-scenes look at the bottling process.
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING | NYC, USA
There’s no better place to start exploring NYC than the Empire State Building, and take in the legendary views of the Big Apple. Just like the City it lives in, the building also doesn’t sleep and is open from 8am to 2am, 365 days of the year regardless of the weather. A true New Yorker! Visitors can expect to learn about the history of the ambitious project, see pictures and digitally re-mastered video footage along with the impressive 360 degree view.
THINGS TO DO IN NYC WITH A BABY
The City that never sleeps, always lives up to its reputation. I’ve visited this concrete jungle four times and have a genuine love for the pace, attitude and claustrophobic feel, only NYC can deliver. I returned in April 2019 with my 16-week-old son in tow and I don’t know who loved it more! New York is at the vanguard of western art, entertainment, food trends, fashion and finance. There is plenty to see and do with a baby.
THINGS TO DO IN BILLUND WITH KIDS
Denmark is world famous for its bacon, pastries and Lego! Almost everyone who visits Billund for the first time exclaims: “Wow, it’s all so new!” And they are quite right. Billund is a young town, a very young town. And a very special town. Billund is one of the few examples in Denmark of a town that has grown up around, and largely because of, a single company: LEGO.
LITTLE FIVE POINTS
Just a 15 minute drive outside of Atlanta’s main hub, and you will find yourself in the cool neighbourhood of Little Five Points. Quirky restaurants, record shops and bars, it’s a blend of rock, hip hop and the fabulous 50s. Colourful graffiti is on every street corner, and there is a large number of independent shops. Plenty of outdoor seating for you to chill and soak in the weird atmosphere. And weird is the correct word. I’d go as far to say, wonderfully weird!
GRACELAND | MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
A rock ‘n’ roll landmark, millions of music lovers flock from all over the world to pay homage to the iconic Elvis Presley. Graceland has been expanded in the last few years to include, a whole new entertainment and exhibit complex, restaurants, shops and Elvis Presley’s Memphis. Learn more about the man, his family and his lavish lifestyle.
BEALE STREET, MEMPHIS WITH A BABY
In Memphis, you will find one of America’s most iconic streets, Beale Street. If you’re anyone in Rock ‘n’ Rock, then you’ve played in bars on the world famous Beale Street. Jerry Lee Lewis, BB King and Elvis, to name a few. Clean, wide streets full of character, live music and memories. Windows feature logos and signs from the swinging 60s. Friendly locals who wish you a good day and want nothing in return.
THINGS TO DO IN HO CHI MINH CITY WITH KIDS
Commonly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a bundle of chaos, tradition and modernism thrown together with no instructions. Ruled by motorbikes, you will be charmed by the friendliness of locals and satisfied with the variety and price of the street food. The City is changing rapidly and malls, design shops and international restaurant chains are lapping up prime time real estate. A family orientated country, whose welcoming smiles make you feel at home.
HOW TRAVEL CHANGES WHEN 2 BECOME 3
On our way to Memphis we stopped at a gas station to feed George. 28C (83F), vomit stains on our clothes, 3rd coffee of the day. Our eyes met and we burst out laughing, “how times have changed!” In this post I talk about how travelling changes when you bring…
VISITING VIETNAM WITH A BABY
There is plenty to see and do, buildings range from the traditional (in desperate need of a facelift), to staggering skyscrapers to iconic french architecture. Every turn down one of the thousand endless maze of side streets and will lead you to discover something new and different. Notre Dame Cathedral, the Post Office and Jade Emperor Pagoda just a few places that command attention.
VISITING SINGAPORE WITH A BABY
Singapore is a popular destination for stop overs, allowing you to break up the epic miles travellers clock up on route to their final destination. It is a City of the future. The landscape, technology, ethos – everything about it feels and looks like a Sci-Fi movie. You can not help but fall in love with the ideals it is trying to achieve.
WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE FLYING WITH A BABY
Probably. And if they don’t, you’re one of the lucky ones! We’ve all experienced the high pitched screams, rolled our eyes and sighed aloud before reaching for the volume button on the entertainment system. Now that I’ve been that parent and I am a parent, it’s a completely different experience.
10 TOP TIPS FOR FLYING WITH A BABY
We first flew with George when he was 12 weeks old and we didn’t hold back! We boarded a 12 hour flight to Singapore and then spent the next three weeks touring Vietnam, before ‘enjoying’ a 14.5 hour flight home. In this post I share my top tips for flying with a baby.