Warm weather is finally here and you can win a summer dress in my blog giveaway!
I’m so excited the warm weather is finally here. I’m not so into the wind and rain, but I can cope with it if it’s actually warm outside! I find summer clothes so much freer to wear and love the simplicity of less stuff. Wearing sandals, shorts, dresses and not bulky coats, socks and boots, is my kind of style!
I’m also so much happier when the weather is warm and the sun is out. I absolutely detest being cold and it makes me want to wrap up warm in a cocoon and not move or talk to anyone! The warm weather makes me want to adventure out and take part in activities once again.
Waking up to sunshine puts an instant smile on my face. I feel at peace walking along the streets on a warm sunny day. I’m pretty certain I suffer with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as I can be a totally different person in the winter mood-wise. It does not suit me at all. I’d love to live somewhere where the weather is permanently warm, at least 20 degrees every day. No need for winter coats or boots. That would be my ideal!
To celebrate this shift in weather, I’m giving one lucky blog reader a Floral Maxi Dress in Size Large.
It’s a beautiful pale pinky/cream stretch long dress with a bright summery flower pattern all over. It’s gorgeous for the summer holidays with a pair of flat sandals.
Entry is to UK residents only and is open for two weeks. There are four ways to enter in the Rafflecopter widget and you can come back to enter daily! Please share the giveaway with your friends and family. It really is a lovely dress (I have one!)
Great days out for the whole family in the Midlands
What phrases are best suited to describe the Midlands? Some will choose words such as family-oriented, fun, engaging and eclectic. Others opt for terms including beautiful, pristine, relaxing and historic. The fact of the matter is that both of these perspectives are just as relevant. Often referred to as the jewel of the United Kingdom, there are a host of activities to be found here. Let us look at a handful of attractions which are ideal for both the young and the old alike.
Cadbury World
It can be argued that Cadbury World is one of the most famous Birmingham attractions. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, this is an ideal destination for the entire family. Self-guided exhibition tours, afternoon tea and the chance to catch a first-hand glimpse of how chocolate is made are only a handful of the activities which can be found here.
The Black Country Living Museum
Why not enjoy a bit of living history during a trip to the Midlands? Located in Dudley, the Black Country Living Museum will transport you and your visitors back to pre-industrial times. On-site actors display traditional clothing and customs; offering an entirely unique experience that can hardly be duplicated by a traditional museum. The buildings themselves are extremely authentic and you will suddenly feel as if you have been transported back in time. As the museum is found only ten miles outside of Birmingham, civilisation is nonetheless not far off.
A Unique Flying Experience
If you have ever wanted to soar high with the birds, there is perhaps no better way to learn than by taking a chartered flight at Tatenhill Airfield. Personalised flying lessons are offered or you can simply remain a passenger and experience the majesty of the Midlands from the air. Of course, it is always wise to book reservations in advance; this is a very popular tourist destination.
Exploring the River Trent
The River Trent is one of the most important waterways within the Midlands and it has been used to transport goods and materials for thousands of years. Thankfully, you can experience its majesty without having to pay a single pound. There are many picturesque spots to be found along the way. One example is the famous Trent Bridge located just outside of Nottingham. You can take a relaxing walk along its shores or sit down for a picnic with the family. There are also a handful of guided boat tours available.
The Dudley Zoo
If you are looking for a fun outing regardless of the weather, The Dudley Zoo is another great option. At no less than 40 acres in size, the amount of flora and fauna within its confines is impressive. This zoo is one of the largest in England and it has been in constant operation since 1937.
The National Sea Life Centre
This museum offers a unique glimpse into the maritime environment. There are currently over 60 displays which showcase life from the deep blue sea. Some of these contain tropical reef fish, magnificent giant turtles and even black-tipped reef sharks. Many of these exhibits provide close-up views of creatures that would otherwise remain unknown. There are also a handful of interactive exhibits and these are perfect to entertain any children during a visit. The National Sea Life Centre is likewise a stunning masterpiece of architecture and it is immediately recognisable once you arrive.
The Heights of Abraham
The Heights of Abraham is a large country park that offers an incredible 60 acres of pristine woodlands. It is particularly famous for its underground caverns and some of these stretch on for miles. These were used for lead mining since the Roman times. Colourful lighting displays offer a unique touch to this environment and guided tours will help to explain the rich history of such an interesting location.
So, it should now be clear to appreciate the numerous experiences that the Midlands has to offer. This entire region is full of surprises and each will provide memories to last a lifetime. There is no doubt that the Midlands is one of the most amazing regions within the United Kingdom.
Pretty soon, thousands of young adults across the country will be leaving either secondary school or graduating from university. If your child is one of them, then have you thought about what you’ll get them as a gift? Of course, you don’t have to get them anything if money is tight (or they haven’t deserved it!), but if you have the cash (and they’ve done well), then buying them something special can be the perfect way to mark the end of that phase of their life. Here are some ideas on what you can get them.
Travel
It’s almost become a rite of passage for young adults to head off into the wide world for exploration, fun, and reflection. If your child is responsible and has a yearning to travel, then why not make your present something to do with travelling? You don’t have to pay for the whole thing (that’ll be expensive!), but putting money towards a flight or experience when they’re overseas could be a good idea. There are also some essential travel accessories that could do with having when they’re away, so maybe look at them too.
Throwing a Party
Your child has been working very hard recently, so they’re probably in the mood for having some fun! You could combine their yearning for fun with your gift, and host a party in their honour. If you have a garden, then pick up a gazebo, fill it with delicious drinks, and have your child invite their friends around. His or her friends, who will also be graduating or leaving school, will also be ready to let their hair down and have some fun. Also, invite family members...and OK, you can make a speech about how proud you are of them if you want!
Ultimate Freedom
Your child is about to embark into the world for the first time. They’re leaving the safety of formal education and will not embark on a new phase of their life, one where they’re bound by nothing and in which they can do anything they put their mind to. You can foster this new found sense of freedom by delivering to them the tool they need to really feel free: a car! You can pick them up for pretty cheap these days, and you might just get a ride or two from your child too. Win-win!
A Special Memento
If your child has done exceptionally well during their time at school or university, then it’ll deserve more than just a gift that, while good, is temporary. Sometimes, what’s called for is a special memento, one that they will have for decades and decades to come. If you think they’ll like a piece of jewellery, take a look at 14k gold chains or gold rings, or a watch that fits in with their style. If you already have an heir loom in your family, now might be the right time to present it to them.
The Money to Progress
Your child might be bursting at the seams with ideas about what they want to do with their life next. Unfortunately, having the big ideas is pointless if you don’t have the financial backing to those dreams come true. If your child knows what they want to do but needs some cash behind them, then make that your gift to them. There’s every chance that your child has a better idea of what they need than you do; by giving them money, you’ll be letting them carve out their own future.
The Gift of Time
Some parents are of the school of thought that when a child leaves the education system, it’s time for them to pack their bags and move out of the family home. This can be a good thing, as it pushes them to make a success of themselves straight away rather than become complacent, but for some people, it’s a little bit too far. If they want their dreams to come true, they need a little more time under the roof they grew up in. If your child is like this, let them stay on in the family home until the time is right for them to move on. Just make sure they know they can’t stay forever!
An Experience
There are a million and one fantastic things to do during the summer in England. Does your child have an eye on one particular event, but doesn’t have the money to make it happen? If so, then make sure right at the top of your shopping list is a ticket to that event. It could be a concert, festival, or show. Whatever it is, it’ll be the perfect send off for what will have been an intense period of hard work for your child.
A Day with the Family
You can always make things pretty grand, but sometimes the best things in life are the most simple. If you’re a close-knit family, then you don’t have to automatically send your child off on their travels or to a concert. Instead, you have a family day, a special one, where the focus is really on them. You could celebrate by having a picnic at your favourite family spot, or go to the beach, or go to your child’s favourite restaurant for dinner. As long as everyone they love most is there, they’re sure to have a great time!
Words from the Heart
You can get your child a gift, but you should also take this opportunity to let them know just how proud you are of the person they’ve become. We’re only presented with a few obvious opportunities during a lifetime to tell a person how well they’ve done, so don’t miss it! Write them a letter, make a speech at dinner, or simply sit them down and express some words from the heart. They’ll appreciate the words just as much as the gift you get them, and you’ll also be inspiring them to kick on and do even greater things in the future!
