mrs roomtobreathe

Damien Hirst at Houghton Hall, Norfolk

2018-06-25T16:15:00.000+01:00

There's so much I'd like to share with you all since my last post but being aware of time I wanted to quickly let you know about this amazing exhibition going on in deepest Norfolk that's not to be missed..

I've been a fan of the work of Damien Hirst since the late 80s - early 90s. The enfant terrible of British Art he brought modern art to the attention of the general public with his extraordinary dead cow sculptures preserved in formaldahyde. championed by Charles Saatchi he went on to gain celebrity status in an exciting period in British culture which extended to fashion, music and the arts. Known for being a part of a group of Young British Artists who challenged not only the establishment but the concept of Art.

On Fathers Day we too the opportunity to visit the beautiful Houghton Hall where Hirst Is currently exhibiting some of his works until the 15th July so get there quickly! The House and the gardens are spectacular, the views reach out for miles. Sadly we didn't get much time in the house as we had booked tickets for the 3.30pm slot unaware the house actually closes at 4pm promptly. We were late as the postcode provided on the confirmation email is incorrect so a word of advice if you visit do use the postcode on the website and beware that signal is pretty poor in the area.

It was a real pity as the house, built by Britain's first Prime Minster Sir Robert Walpole, has much to see and take in currently occupied by the Marques of Cholmondeley and his familyThe juxtaposition of Hirst's work against the magnificent Baroque backdrop of this Eighteenth century house works effortlessly, enhancing the luxurious. As you walk around each room the result is breath taking. However nothing matches the excitement happening in the grounds...

You can buy tickets here but don't hang about for too long, only 3 weeks left! There is a lovely looking cafe onsite and the obligatory gift shop neither of which we had time to visit but I'd suggest take a picnic and make the most of the stunning grounds!

Coming out of blogging retirement...

2018-06-18T11:25:00.000+01:00

I cannot believe how long this draft has sat in my box... My little space on the internet has been much neglected over the last couple of years, since we moved into our little cottage on the Suffolk/Cambridgeshire border.

Life has been a rollercoaster with the usual daily routine of running a small business as well as undertaking the renovations on our house. Most of last year was taken up with the bathroom renovation and kitchen renovation, if you follow me on Instagram you would have seen the progress in my stories. We've now completed the bathroom and kitchen, stripped floors, painted the whole house but we're a little way off finishing our project...it seems neverending just when you think you're done you notice something else that could be different. I've always been a bit of a perfectionist and my love of vintage doesn't help. Where a lot of people will just fly into Ikea to furnish their homes I take months even years to find the perfect piece. I frustrate myself sometimes!

We nevertheless managed a few adventures along the way last year and I want to begin by sharing our wonderful few days in Yorkshire over last Easter as well as a wonderful week revisiting Marrakech.

Since our last trip up to the Lake District and the Dales pre Matilda, Glen and I had been plotting our return to Yorkshire. With the promise of glorious weather in the week leading up to Easter we fell upon a beautiful Airbnb cottage a few minutes drive from Castle Howard which I couldn't recommend highly enough. The attention to detail including a breakfast supplies, a full cream tea upon arrival and a decanter filled with sherry, was a lovely surprise and much appreciated. Views stretched across the Yorkshire countryside whilst their flock of sheep and chickens provide endless entertainment for young children.

We packed in a lot to our 3 days in Yorkshire...we visited Mother Shipton's Cave, the impressive Castle Howard where I dreamt of being on the Brideshead Revisited set, Whitby by the North Yorkshire steam train and a quick wander around York though with enough time to mooch around the lovely vintage shops of course!

We loved taking Matilda back to a place that both Glen and I fell in love with many years ago. It was a different experience taking a child but it was wonderful to see her face light up as we were chased through the medina by a shopkeeper determined we should buy her some slippers. We relented and she came home with her bejewelled red slippers. We took a trip into the Atlas mountains where we visited a 'Berber' family home and rode on camels, but mostly Matilda was just happy in the hotel pool making friends with a French girl. Amazing how they managed to communicate without speaking eachother's language - with just me as the occasional translator. That is the beauty of childhood I guess...

A cycling First!

2016-11-30T00:48:00.000+00:00

Sunday the 2nd of October started gently but turned out to be a rather momentous day for my little family. Matilda finally at the age of 6 and three quarters finally got to ride her bike without any help or support.

A determined young Matilda adamantly refused any help from us, I think she'd secretly made it her goal to ride alone on that particular Sunday. In the run up to the weekend she continually paid attention to the weather reports on the news whilst asking me if the weather stayed good, could we go to the park to practice her cycling.

The weather obliged so we headed up to Thetford Forest with a picnic ready for a day in the great outdoors. Little did we know what a special day it would be. As the husband and I sat with our coffees our help having been rejected by Matilda, we suddenly spotted her cycling off unaided. We let out a gasp, jumped to our feet but she was off and absolutely ecstatic with her new found skill!

Here she is having a ball on her bike!

Our Summer in Crete...

2016-09-28T21:35:00.002+01:00

As we head deeper into Autumn my thoughts drift back to the Summer which now in the whirlwind of school runs, work, chores seems like a million miles away.

For the first time in three years we went on a proper family holiday abroad. Don't get me wrong I've loved our holidays in our beloved Cornwall but there's something about feeling the hot sun beating upon your face and the still Mediterreanean sea cooling you down that our beautiful British shores cannot compete.

Forced into booking a last minute holiday due to a certain someone having broken her wrist we plumped for 10 days in Crete. This year has been particularly difficult with the loss of my Mother, our business taking off and the general pressures of life I was in desperate need of a break to recharge. For the first time in my life I booked an all inclusive holiday...not sure I'll be doing it again but it certainly served it's purpose. No cooking, cleaning or even thinking for 10 days suited me fine. We were a minute's walk to the local beach where Matilda relished playing in the sea for days on end. I even managed to read a couple of books as she played in the sand happy in her own company, making games, inventing sea stories whilst searching for fish.

It was a perfect holiday where we spent time engaging as a family without distractions...We relaxed, we laughed, invented characters and stories, ate delicious food, had lots of early nights, lazed on the beach, explored ancient sites feeding Matilda's ongoing obsession with being a 'Science Archaelogist'. What wonderful memories we created for this little girl...

This image sums up our playful holiday!

The Summer so far...

2016-08-02T22:17:00.001+01:00

The warm weather of last week allowed for a few outdoor adventures, simple walks, splashing about in paddling pools and crafting provided by the wonderful National Trust at Ickworth. At the weekend we visited Melford Hall which has a lovely exhibition of drawings by Beatrix Potter, a regular visitor to the estate. This week Matilda is at tennis club, 5 hours of running about left her pleasantly exhausted yesterday, she slept soundly and was ready for more this morning undeterred by the rain...Yes British Summertime is back!

How are your holidays going?

Hello Summer Holidays...

2016-07-23T08:46:00.001+01:00

Yesterday marked the first day of the Summer holidays, the long awaited time of the year when you can slow right down, not feel guilty about taking a few hours off to enjoy family time.

This week is also a momentous time for us as after 4 weeks in being in a cast it is finally off just in time for her to enjoy her last swimming lesson at school yesterday. If you follow me on Instagram you'll know that just over 4 weeks ago Matilda broke her wrist in two places. It happened one sunny day on a what should have been brief visit to the park. A few minutes after arriving Matilda had slipped off the monkey bars landing on her right hand, screaming in pain. A crazy dash to the GP followed ending up in A&E at the local hospital. Thank god for NHS, despite the constraints and their working conditions each person we saw was patient, kind with a big smile on their face.

We came away with Matilda in a cast in pain and distraught. I was horrified that my little girl had not only one but two broken bones, it happened in a matter of seconds and there would have been nothing I could have done but I couldn't help feeling a failure as a Mother. Our natural instinct as a Parent is to protect our children from any harm so when I saw the clear break on the Xray I was devastated. Thankfully we have a very cheery little girl who was the best Patient, understanding and careful she only had a couple of wobbles over the last month when she couldn't do the same physical activities as her friends.

Now it's off and the holidays are here so plenty of opportunity to make up for lost time though still no climbing for the next 2 weeks...

Happy Holidays!

A Postcard from Gothenburg's Archipelago

2016-07-18T14:20:00.001+01:00

It's not surprising that come Spring-Summer the residents of Gothenburg vacate the city life for the serenity of the islands that surround the mainland. Communing with nature, outdoor living without the constraints of modern life, slowing right down to enjoy time with family and friends is what these islands are all about.

In these times of great uncertainty we're having to go through right now I wish we too had the option of jumping on a ferry to a nearby island to escape the turmoil...

What really struck me was the stillness and quiet of these islands without traffic or the usual noises we're so accustomed to. Living in the country now I do often go a whole day where I only hear the bird song or the occasion horse trotting up the road, but even I noticed the silence.

There's one thing I'll say about the Swedes they really are a stylish lot, the wooden chalets on the islands are stunning, in fact I'd be happy to live in one all year round!

We took a tour around several of the islands but got off at Branno where we spent a calm couple of hours exploring, I say exploring I spent a lot of the time straining my neck peeking through people's windows! Branno is one of the larger islands with over 800 inhabitants that have lived from farming and fishing. In Summer there are folk music and traditional dance festivals to entertain visitors and residents whilst the beach proves very popular with all visitors.

Switching off at the weekends and holidays appeals more and more to me as we are surrounded by the pressures of technology. Sometimes it'd be lovely to drop off the airwaves and I really couldn't think of any where more fitting to do that than here...

A first city Break with Matilda: Gothenburg Part One

2016-06-16T20:38:00.002+01:00

City breaks weighed down by all the paraphernalia required when travelling with a young child did not seem terribly appealing to me. Weekend breaks tend to be exhausting at the best of times as you cram in as much sightseeing as is humanly possible in those 3-4 days that you've allowed yourself. Add a grumpy, tired child to the equation...it really is not the best combo in my book.

The husband and I went on quite a few wonderful mini breaks in our early days. There was nothing more exciting than jumping on a plane arriving a couple of hours later in a foreign city. These little jaunts came to an abrupt end once Matilda arrived. Prams, bottles, nappies were never all going to fit into a small cabin bag...

Now that Matilda is 6 years old and pretty portable we decided to take the plunge picking an easy going city without too much sightseeing so we didn't feel shortchanged should her little legs collapse from all the walking. So we picked Gothenburg, I'd yearned to visit Sweden for years, but had been put off by it's reputation for being prohibitively expensive. The husband treated us to very reasonably priced flights with the delectable Ryanair (do not the hint of irony in that sentence) and we were lucky to stumble upon a lovely Airbnb apartment hosted by the delightful Johanna, without whose recommendations we would have been lost!

Gothenburg is a truly inspiring city, small enough to walk everywhere though it's super efficient tram system makes light work of travelling with a child. We stayed in the hip area of Majorna, a short hop and skip on the tram into the centre of town and the rather more attractive Haga with it's gorgeous interior shops, cafes and restaurants. Also home to a lovely park and playground where we whiled away a couple of hours whilst Matilda made new Swedish friends who astonishingly spoke perfect English at the age of six! We spent a day happily mooching around a number of record shops that thankfully double up as cafes so whilst the husband searched through thousands of records I topped up the caffeine levels and Matilda indulged in the Swedish Fika (the art of stopping for cake, coffee and chatting with friends)...

Our favourite day was spent on a boat touring around the archipelago we stopped off at the largest Island where we spent a delightful couple of hours nosing through people's windows. The Swedes really are a stylish lot, even the tiniest of wooden shack was beautifully decorated. More about that next time as our trip deserves a post of its own.

As for Matilda she had a great weekend, she was shattered at the end of it but loved discovering a new city where she got to eat as many meatballs as she liked! Facilitating the opening of her eyes to other cultures and customs we regard as one of the most crucial jobs as her parents, the success of this weekend proved to us she is eager to travel and explore. As long as the sightseeing is interspersed with a play in the park or a rest in a cool cafe then travelling with children should be good fun. Roll on more city breaks!

The new Samsung Galaxy S7

2016-06-08T22:25:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago I was asked by Three Mobile if I'd like to road test the new, much publicised Samsung Galaxy S7. I'll admit I'm not terribly into an all singing all dancing phone, I pretty much only use my phone for taking photos, social media, calling, emailing and texting. Endless streams of apps just don't do it for me I'm afraid (probably showing my age). However, a decent phone camera does. The camera on this phone is really very good indeed and I'm sure is giving the iPhone camera a hard run for its money,

From the moment you switch it on, the picture on the screen is so crisp and pure. It has a wealth of features, more of which you can read about here including a number of pre installed filters. When I'm out and about I tend to keep my settings on auto so I don't have to faff around if a photo needs to be taken straight away. However if you'd like to use your own settings it's very straight forward to adjust the ISO for example, you can also shoot square so if you're an instagram addict like myself and we all know this is the best way to capture the best image. Something I can't do on my current Sony Experia.

The Samsung Galaxy went with me on a little day trip to Southwold where you can see what can be achieved with it. Take a look at the wonderful clarity of these photos. I've purposely not edited them so you can see the quality of the camera, the level of detail and colour it is able to pick up is really impressive...I'll leave you with these but I'll be back soon with more photos I took with it during our trip to Sweden.

A Street Party celebrating the Queen's 90th Birthday

2016-04-28T14:17:00.001+01:00

Determined not to be outdone by the celebrations up and down the country over the last few days I joined our village's Street Party Committee at the end of last year.The memories of the 1977 Jubilee always fresh in my mind despite it having been decades ago whenever these momentous Royal occasions occur I'm determined that Matilda will also have equally clear memories stored in her mind.

Our committee set to work raising monies so that the day could be free for everyone. We started off with a generous donation from the Parish Council which then seemed to encourage all the other local businesses to contribute. We were flattered and so excited to have received such warm support. It meant that other than bringing a plate of food to share the children could go on all the inflatables and the go carts for free all afternoon.

The weather was kind to us after the morning hailstorm, the sun popped out on a few occasions to break up the bitter cold. The children however didn't appear to feel it! The village pooled their resources volunteering to help on the day to make it a memorable occasion for our children! This community spirit played a big part in our decision to leave London, we're so lucky to have found one of the friendliest villages around.

Let this be the first of many community events!

Easter Adventures...

2016-04-19T14:04:00.000+01:00

This comes a little late as seems to be the norm with my blog at the moment...We had a good Easter break. A stunning start and finish to the Bank Holiday weekend. In between left a lot to be desired with rain lashing down, high winds and lowering temperatures but we made the most of it and got outside wellies and water proofs at the ready.

Ickworth, a stunning National Trust property just down the road from us in Bury St Edmunds was our day trip of choice on Bank Holiday Friday. The National Trust really have pitched it right for families. There were Easter Craft activities, games laid out on the lawn and over 4500 people to scrabble past to the heaving cafe. It was a lovely afternoon out, sat in the warm sun looking out over the beautiful gardens.

Easter Sunday after the annual village Easter Egg Hunt organised by my lovely neighbour Liz who also runs our local vegetable box delivery company Cheveley Fruit and veg., we headed up to our favourite escape Norfolk. The husband had treated us to a stay at the amazing Gunton Arms. A former coaching inn owned by the Chelsea Art Dealer Ivor Braka it has been transformed into the perfect escape from everyday life. Set in a beautiful deer park, only the deer and ancient trees obstruct the far reaching views. Walls are covered in modern art including Gilbert and George, Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst, there are little touches of humour popping out from every corner. The Gunton Arms deserves a post of it's own so more will be revealed at a later date.

Matilda and I then flew off to Portugal for a week to see my Father and to visit family. We managed a few lovely days out exploring Lisbon with my niece, we ate far too much and basked in the heavenly hot sun and clear blue skies typical of Portugal.

The two weeks went all too quickly and the return to work seemed a little harder than normal. The promise of warmer days to come and the reawakening of nature is encouraging though, I'm enjoying working in our conservatory looking out onto the garden whilst the office gets a makeover! Hope you all had a good Easter break.

Cool Norwich

2016-03-24T13:46:00.000+00:00

Don't know about you but when I used to think about Norwich I'd assume drab, grey, uneventful. Perhaps because I had a friend who spent her degree years at Norwich University complaining about it and trying to leave. This was *hiccup* over 20 years ago now...

Wow how wrong could I have been! Norwich is a cool, funky city with plenty to do and see.

Its pretty intricate web of lanes leading off the main Market Square filled with independent shops, restaurants and cafes full of much temptation reminded me of the Brighton Lanes. A creative, arty vibe fills each corner of this picturesque city centre. The vibrant market is packed with beautiful flowers and all manner of fruit and veg. The cheese stall in particular caught my eye with its wonderful local cheeses as well as the more exotic. There are a couple of great Oriental stalls and a great haberdashers.

There is a vast array of small independent shops ranging from traditional record shops to interiors boutiques to a number of great charity shops. My favourite discovery was the magnificent St Gregorys Antiques occupying a beautiful church that had previously laid empty. A veritable treasure trove of vintage homewares, clothes and music you could lose hours in here...

A great weekend destination, don't overlook Norwich when you're making your way to the North Coast, this city is definitely worth a peek.

First day of Spring?

2016-03-13T20:22:00.000+00:00

It certainly feels like we may have turned a corner today. Thick fog this morning gave way to a beautiful perfect blue sky with a warm sun sending it's powerful rays down upon us.

The husband went off to Shanghai this morning for work so we were left with a girlie day ahead. A quick trip to Waitrose for supplies we then returned to sling on our wellies for a two hour walk in the sunshine. We went through a field of sheep and their babies, played with ladybirds we paddled in the Ford with ducks and a frog happily swimming past us! We chatted with dog walkers and their two lovely dogs Chloe and Delilah, made friends with a beautiful horse. Spring was all around us, nature woke up encouraged by the warm temperatures of this afternoon. Can't wait for more days like this spent along lolling beside the water with a good book and a picnic...

My first Mothers Day as just a Mother...

2016-03-11T20:30:00.002+00:00

My first Mothers Day without my own Mother was always going to be painful. Her absence stayed with me throughout the day, it felt disorientating not to call her to wish her a lovely day whilst having a good old gossip at the same time. She was a proud Grandmother and often said that her Granddaughters were extra special because they were her daughters twice over if that makes sense? For her the day was equally about her as Mother as well as us being Mothers.

Matilda and Glen made every attempt to still make it a special day for me. I was thoroughly spoilt including gifts made by Matilda, flowers, books and the bread machine I'd been dreaming about for months! Breakfast of smoked salmon and eggs was served by my little waitress Matilda who went to great lengths to dress the part.

The morning was spent with my feet up reading the latest issue of my favourite magazine The Simple Things until it was time to go to lunch at a local village pub the The Three Blackbirds in Wooditton. If you're ever this way it's worth dropping in as the food was sublime with excellent service to boot as well as a welcoming open fire. It's recently been taken over by a local Farmer so a big deal is made of sourcing local seasonal produce which is served with great flair.

As Matilda had gone to great effort we treated her to a trip to the cinema to see her favourite Kung Fu Panda 3, we then collapsed in front of Countryfile and the last episode of Call the Midwife.

A lovely day tinged with sadness though I appreciated all the love showed to me by my little family. Made me feel special. Hope you all had a beautiful Mothers Day last Sunday?

The arrival of March

2016-03-04T09:48:00.003+00:00

As you know this year so far has not been kind to me or my family. March brings with it yet more reminders of our huge loss. Today would have been my Parents 65th Wedding Anniversary with what would have been my Mother's 88th Birthday tomorrow. Mothers Day on Sunday will also be difficult to get through though Matilda is plotting and planning to give me a wonderful day. My Mother will be with me in my heart whilst looking down on me continuing to guide me.

Meanwhile Matilda, always providing a burst of positivity has been in secret talks with Daddy and announced the itinerary yesterday on our drive home. We will have breakfast at home which her and Daddy will make, she'll be the waitress. Then we'll go to the Red Lion (our local pub) for lunch followed by a walk in the woods then she'll serve dinner. Not sure who'll be making dinner...

For Matilda I'll be brave, I'll garner strength from her energy and enthusiasm to face the next few days.

Finding comfort in nature

2016-02-26T15:51:00.001+00:00

A couple of weeks ago I came across this article encouraging us all to get outside in the great outdoors, it struck a chord with me as one of the reasons for our leaving London was to enable Matilda to enjoy a childhood more steeped in nature. More green space to play in and to explore was top of our wishlist. We live in village surrounded by beautiful country walks which as the weather improves we'll no doubt benefit even more as exploring after school on our way home will be possible as days grow longer.

I've always found comfort in a walk in the country, taking time to absorb mother nature where the change in seasons is so much more prevalent than the city where we all rush around not taking time to admire our environment. My escape when I was living in London would be to the Cotswolds, an easy drive but a world away from my woes.

Living in the countryside has never been so important to me as in the last few days when I've gone from being both a mother and a daughter to only being a Mother. I lost my Mother last week, she gave up the fight surrendering to death and most certainly finding peace without pain. I'm not entirely certain of my feelings right now, I guess the grieving process will take various forms and creep up on me when I'm least expecting it. I relied on her for a lot and despite the distance that kept us apart she was always the first person I turned to for advice or to share news. Her absence will take some getting used to, not being able to pick up the phone to have a chat or a moan, my heart aches for her presence. She was my Mum, my best friend and my inspiration, she leaves a huge hole in my life, one I'm not sure I'll ever be able to fill. We always need our Mothers no matter how old we are...

Over the coming weeks, months and years she'll remain alive in my head and in my heart through our shared memories. She was a country girl so now when I need to be near her I'll take a stroll along the footpath deep into the fields where her spirit will undoubtedly guide me. I'll hear her voice and see her face at every minute of the day following me on my daily routine. I shall keep grasping onto her memory and keep it alive in my heart so it will never fade.

Sleep tight Mamin. Until we meet again.

I would like to say a huge thank you to all of you for all your messages of support which have been of great comfort to my family and I. Apologies to those friends I'm yet to call back, it's taking a while for me to be able to speak. You know who you are. I'm taking it each day at a time.

A postcard from Lisbon

2016-02-11T21:48:00.001+00:00

Lisbon has been close to my heart ever since I can remember. My parents live nearby, I spent many of my childhood Summer holidays exploring it's magical alleyways whilst gorging on creamy Pasteis de Nata.

Whilst I love this city it's not terribly pram friendly so since Matilda's birth we'd tended to stick to the coast near my parents on visits, but this year we decided to venture into the hidden streets of the city with her.

The city for me resembles a Fellini set with it's faded grandeur, narrow alleyways with washing hung above the heads of passersby, the air thick with the smell of strong black coffee and cigarettes. A city that belongs to its residents there is a slight nod to tourists but this is not a place that panders to the foreigner. You take the city as you find it and mostly visitors are captivated by its old fashioned charm.

These days Lisbon is fast becoming the city of cool. Cheaper than it's European counterparts, artists are flocking to its shores in search of inspiration. They're not being disappointed either with pretty scenes crying out to be discovered all over the city, there is a renewed vigour to the city that I delighted in when we were there over Christmas. Bloggers such as the wonderful Frolic Blog who recently settled in Lisbon have rekindled my love affair with Lisbon through their beautiful photography and passion for it.

With stunning independent artisans occupying beautiful old rambling palaces such as the hip Embaixada artists taking over abandoned buildings and an injection of creativity in restoring old markets such as Mercado da Ribeira into buzzing, contemporary foodie heavens.

If there is one city you should visit this year it's got to be Lisbon.

A day at Thetford Forest

2016-02-05T14:18:00.000+00:00

I've been meaning to write this post for months, it's sat there in my drafts gathering dust but as the promise of Spring seems imminent with the arrival of unseasonably early daffodils, writing about a potential day in the outdoors appeared to be more appropriate.

One of the best days of last Summer was spent discovering Thetford Forest. We'd only ever driven along the edge of it on our way up to the North Norfolk coast but now only living 20 minutes away there was no excuse.

Thetford is vast. It covers an area spanning 18730 hectares making it the UK's largest man made lowland forest. There are countless walks, cycle paths and winding footpaths to follow if you'd rather be left to your own devices. However the play area right alongside Go Ape is marvellous. I couldn't quite believe there was no entrance fee levied such was the standard. With plenty of climbing and play equipment mostly constructed from natural materials found lying in the forest, it provides a cheap day out for all the family. Accompanied Pony rides are also offered, which Matilda thoroughly enjoyed, It was her first time on a Pony but I'm guessing it won't be her last. There are plenty of activities such as Archery or canoeing as well as special events to keep the family entertained. Check the website before you set off so you can plan your day.

There is a lovely well stocked cafe and shop if you decide not to take a picnic but with so many lovely spots to lay your picnic blanket I'd reserve the cafe for an ice cream run. Matilda loves nothing more than sitting on the long grass with her lunch in hand, internally debating which piece of climbing apparatus she should try next...

The imposing forest majestic in it's reach is simply breathtaking and worth a day if not more to explore it's full potential. Ancient trees sway in the light winds providing shelter from the weather. The forest is awe inspiring having been born way before our life time and lasting long after. One gets the real sense here that despite our human attempts to preside over planet earth we really so little influence on Mother Nature.

Find out how you can support the work of the Forestry Commission here so we can all keep on enjoying our countryside.

The Tooth Fairy's been...

2016-02-01T16:50:00.003+00:00

This happened last weekend...

Yup Matilda's first tooth dropped out without any warning or build up. No it fell out last Saturday afternoon whilst she was watching a film with Daddy. Just like that. In fact it was amazingly the very same first tooth that arrived when she was just 7 months old. We had gone away for a few days to a friend's place the New Forest. We awoke one morning to find it had popped up. First in, first out...

So while I was mooching around Bury St Edmunds, my baby's tooth was no longer. My heart sank when I read the husband's message. For this is the real start of waving good bye to being my baby. As the adult teeth come in and as she grows longer limbs there'll be nothing left to visually remind us that once she was a tiny dependent baby. I'm in no rush to see her grown up, I enjoy far too much spending time talking nonsense, playing her made up, games soaking up every charming moment. What I'd really like is for time to stand still, this is such a gorgeous time in childhood where the world is yet to be discovered, innocence prevails. It's wonderful to revisit this with my own child, I'd rather not move on to the next stroppy teenage stage please.

I just couldn't help myself that day, I cried. In the middle of a busy market Saturday I cried. For the loss of the tooth but also for the loss of innocence.

There was undoubtedly a part of me that was sad I wasn't there to witness the event though at the same time I was happy her Daddy had been around for this momentous occasion. We've been inseparable since the day she was born so I've been witness to a lot of firsts which her Daddy sadly hasn't. This was a precious moment for him to share with her.

January 2016 has been a weird old month, I'm looking forward to being one step closer to Spring and finally ridding our family of viruses and illness. Having said that I'm home today with a poorly little girl who is willing her next tooth to fall out by asking for endless rounds of apple. Not chopped up so the chance of it falling out is maximised! I've just made her favourite Lemon Drizzle Cake with this foolproof recipe from Tana Ramsey though I would recommend using the zest of two lemons if you'd like more of a lemony zing to it. One of my New Year's resolutions was to bake more so we're not consuming any shop bought cakes or biscuits. Each weekend we bake cookies and one cake which lasts us through the week, something I always did when I was a child. Saturday was always a big cooking day in our family, Matilda enjoys being in the kitchen though I daresay it is more for the end game of licking that spoon.

January slow living...

2016-01-27T22:00:00.002+00:00

With my tax return filed and bill paid up I sat for a few moments this afternoon listening to the thrashing rain and wind beating against the roof of the conservatory where I've taken up office. Our office renovation is just around the corner but until then I;ll enjoy the wonderful view over the garden.

Whilst watching the big old chestnut tree sway in the wind my mind began to wander away to sunnier times when days are longer and warmer inspiring all kinds of adventures. Beautiful bright Winter days also have a place in my heart. Wrapped up warm to face the bitter bleak, wild landscape our family love a long brisk Winter walk. Matilda enjoys collecting sticks, climbing fallen tree trunks all whilst pretending to be a 'Science Archaeologist'.

January has been a tough month, a flu bug completely wiped me out lingering on for well over two weeks. We've had to cancel visits from friends and slow right down to allow for recovery. We did find a few moments to drive to one of our favourite new places, the pretty town of Clare. We discovered a beautiful walk around the Augustinian Priory, a remarkable gem deep in the Suffolk countryside.

After filling our lungs with the crisp fresh air we relish the moment we retreat to our favourite spot in front of the fire for a cuddle and movie dinner. Despite not feeling well I've enjoyed this quiet time with my family, living slowly after the madness of the last few months...how have your January's been?

Christmas in Portugal

2016-01-12T21:20:00.000+00:00

With the New Year came every intention of writing a little more regularly in my favourite creative space here on the blog. However last week I was struck down finally with a flu bug, the full works of high fever, sleepless nights, weak, hacking cough etc etc...still recovering but feeling a little more human today I wanted to do something for myself having worked throughout this bout of illness. Thankfully I work from home so wrapped in a sheepskin and blanket I soldiered on through...being self employed if you don't work you don't earn, which at this time of year with Christmas to be paid for is not an option..

We spent Christmas in Portugal with my family. I have my parents in their late 80s and my Mother not being in the best of health it is important to create as many long lasting memories with them and the rest of the family for Matilda. None of us know what tomorrow will bring so whilst we are all here and able this time of year, for me, is all about the family unit. Sadly the break began with a disappearing Ryanair flight and Matilda being sick but thankfully she was all better for Christmas Eve. We spent that day at my Sisters as it is also her birthday then Christmas Day was hosted by my niece and her partner. Both days we were fit to burst with the generous amount of food and wine consumed, typical of most Portuguese gatherings but taken to the extreme at Christmas.

At the end of the break we managed a couple of all important days to ourselves. We met the other half of roomtobreathe my dear friend Bea and her partner Pedro for a delicious lunch in Lisbon followed by coffee with my oldest friend Isabel and her family at the world famous Santini ice cream parlour. If there's one place you should visit in Lisbon on your next trip it's this place. The Ice cream is to die for! The following day we headed to the Lisbon Aquarium which I wrote about here a few years ago. Matilda didn't remember her last trip there so it was super exciting for her. Beautifully designed with a huge tank filled with all manner of sea life taking centre stage you can sit for hours beguiled by the slow movement of the fish gliding past.

Christmas went by in a flash and before we knew it we were back to the normal rushing around routine plus the invasion of the virus. Don't you just love this time of year?

How were all your Christmases?

Happy New Year!

2015-12-31T17:24:00.003+00:00

I wanted to wish you a very Happy, Healthy and Inspired 2016! May your year be filled with love and adventures. I promise to be back a little more in the New Year but now I'm going back into hibernation with my loved ones to enjoy tonight in front of the fire with a large glass of bubbly. Enjoy your evenings!

Letter to Matilda on her 6th Birthday

2015-12-17T20:58:00.000+00:00

A little late as you've been six years old for two weeks now but better late than never my darling...

Dear Matilda

Where can I begin? So much has happened this past year, you've learnt to read. Yup we can't get away with saying Scooby Doo isn't on as you can clearly read Scooby on the listings, reading road signs seem to be your passion 'look Mummy you can go to Cherry Hinton and left is to Saffron Walden, aww we're home Cheveley'. Reading, books, drawing and writing are your passions as well as Scooby Doo. In fact Scooby has been a constant in your life the last couple of years, though Teddy is your main man, your brother. He has been with you since birth and I reckon we'll see Teddy go through your teenage years and take pride of place in your first student room at university.

Your enthusiasm for life and ability to absorb knowledge and run with it is infectious. You've had some big changes at home this year but have handled them a lot better than we have! You have made some wonderful friends though one in particular, Libby has become your little partner in crime. I love your ability to play, chat and welcome others into your world without hesitation.

Your insatiable thirst for learning has developed even further over the last year as has your imagination. You are equally happy playing with friends or alone, Teddy, Husky and Bubba often join in with your games taking on the role of playmates when you are home. You are enjoying your new playroom especially playing the new Bond theme on your new stereo at 7am on a Saturday morning which is your way of gently letting us know you're awake!

We love that not only are you a creative little being always writing stories with accompanying drawings but you have a definite fascination with Science. In fact if you're asked what you'd like to do when you grow up you exclaim 'an Archaelogist Scientist', long may it continue. As you know I'm not one to encourage a more artistic career having followed that path myself. However what will be will be. As long as you continue to be the happy, bright ray of sunshine that filled our hearts with love, that's all that matters.

Mummy and Daddy are forever bursting with pride at how well you're doing at school and how you throw yourself heart and soul into every challenge that is presented to you. Our recent house move, I think affected you even more than when we moved from London. You loved our little rented house and only being a couple of doors down from your friend Sebastian whom you used to chat to over the fence, but in time you'll make new friends here in the village I'm sure. You love your new house and bedroom and have taken great delight in looking after Papa Jonny's pond with Daddy.

This Summer you also discovered a love for 'surfing' down in Cornwall, we bought you your first board which you tried out at Watergate Bay; fearless you inched out further and further to reach the better waves much to my dismay as I nervously watched from the shore. Obviously Daddy was standing guard but even when a big wave came crashing over you there were no tears just laughter. The beach is where you most love to be, playing with the sand or splashing about in the waves. Eating Cornish ice cream and devouring large platefuls of mussels.

We love you with all our heart and beyond, your sense of humour tickles us as well as your impersonations of Craig from Strictly, another of your passions. Perhaps you will be musical, you've been playing the piano now for nearly a year and half way though this year you announced you wanted to take up the violin which you seem to love. Long may it all continue my darling. You bring us and so many others a huge amount of joy.

Happy 6th Birthday to our precious little girl Matilda Rose xx

Paris Je T'aime

2015-11-14T11:16:00.001+00:00

Watching the horrific situation unfold last night in Paris was devastating. A city that is so very close to my heart attacked in such a vicious way, so many people hurt and dead is unthinkable. We've had our fair share of devastation in London too, do these terrorists have s little regard for human life. Two wrongs do not make a right, an eye for eye is wrong, pure and simple.

Paris is special to me for so many reasons, I lived there for a year in my late teens, a year that marked my soul forever. I have close family that still live there and whom thankfully were at home safe. It is also where the husband proposed to me nine years ago. Paris is a city I love implicitly, inspirational to me in many ways. So you see not only is Paris one of the most beautiful places on this earth it has marked my life in so many positive ways.

My heart and prayers goes out to those families that are suffering loss or injury and to all the Parisians, so fiercely proud of their city who are undoubtedly feeling vulnerable and frightened. As my cousin said this morning to me 'it feels like war has broken out'. How can a human being feel so compelled to inflict death on another? All countries need to stop inflicting pain on others, the blame is universal.

Be strong Les Parisiens we are with you. United we all stand against the perpetrators of such horrors.

Images of Autumn so far

2015-11-12T21:06:00.001+00:00

As many of you may know Autumn is my favourite season, rich in colour, plentiful, crisp bright mornings and the last couple of days have been beautiful here in Cambridgeshire. Autumn signals to me the start of cosy, warm nights in front of the fire breathing in the reassuring scent of burning wood, candles flickering, rich stews bubbling away in the slowcooker, the aroma of chestnuts roasting, cinnamon baked apples and pears. Long walks down country lanes wrapped up in woolly hats and scarves jumping in mud puddles. Halloween and Bonfire Night being the highlight of this time of year for our family when we go to town with decorations, this year we were able to have a party for Matilda and her friends which was enormous fun for all including the adults.

Living in the countryside has made me appreciate the change in seasons even more, the tree lined roads surrounding our village are breathtaking at the moment, their leaves turning deeper and richer and now following to the ground with each day that passes leading us into yet another seasonal change.,.one that is perhaps not so welcome, long bleak days of Winter...in the meantime I'll enjoy these last few resplendent days of Autumn then make the most of the shorter days to batten down the hatches in preparation for the glitter of the Christmas period...

What is your favourite season?