A Book Date x Yorksinstameet at Castle Howard + Competition

I’ve not visited the magical stately home Castle Howard (erected on a former military castle hence the name) for years and years, so it was quite the treat to return to York last month for what was a book tour date slash mini break with my parents for 2 days in Yorkshire.

I was back ‘home’ for the latest Yorksinstaeet run by creative mums Lou of Peony and Grace, Caroline of Flohr & Co and Victoria of The Yorkshire House Project who’d kindly invited me to speak at their 75 strong event and also stay at Castle Howard’s Librarian’s Cottage, a luxurious country abode within the estate which due to being far from a network, provided me with a digital detox to boot and a breather from my busy schedule. Excitingly, you can win a stay at the cottage at the bottom of the post.

It really was an enriching time as I hung out with my folks, mostly watching telly round the fire, feasting on vegan dishes my Dad conjured up (the whole family’s gone plant-based post The Game Changers movie) and I equally had the chance to connect and reconnect with fellow mumbosses up North, some I’ve known since my school days (hey Annabel of fab This Mummy Loves) and others I’d touched base with over the years online and now, in real life.

Sharing the lessons I’ve learned (mostly picked up from those far wiser than me, like my therapist) and discussing the lows and the highs, the adversity with the joys of juggling parenting and running your own business but vitally the freedom flexible work brings, was, as it always is, so deeply rewarding. Thank you to Fox Lane Books too for selling MUMBOSS-How to Survive and Thrive at Work and at Home, too.

(Fab to see Ali Mortimer of Heal Yourself Happy in the green blouse again too).

Shout out to the joyous talent that is Charlotte Nelson of Charlotte Nelson Photography and super talented Emma White of The Jewellery Makers for my stunning silver engraved HONEST necklace and pretty earrings I’ve worn on the box twice before.

Much love to my pal Karen of Busy Mum of Two Boys who was great support and even found me signal in a nearby supermarket carpark when I went live on BBC Radio 5 Live after the event!

Quick phone snap not by Charlotte below!

(Thanks to Paisie London for gifting me this gorge monochrome wrap dress).

I hadn’t realised how much I’d missed Yorkshire until I was back again to be honest. I’d had a fleeting visit to Leeds the week before for a super event with Meatless Farm where I was interviewed on the wonderful Katie Piper’s podcast, but I left feeling like I needed more time with my family. This time, was a perfect pause, and it’s encouraged me to change plans to go abroad for Christmas and head back to Leeds again.

Thank you so much to all who came and to Yorksinstameet and Castle Howard for their hospitality and generosity.

Now, for competition time!
You can win a Castle Howard holiday cottage weekend stay usually worth £890 (Friday to Monday) which excludes school holidays and peak event times below.

The cottage I stayed in, The Librarian’s Cottage, is a pretty stone abode in the Castle Howard estate village of Coneysthorpe with stunning bedrooms, a cosy living room with wood burner, a separate dining room also with wood burner, and cute kitchen with pantry.  Furnished with vintage pieces, items from Castle Howard itself and carefully chosen modern furnishings it’s a Pinterest dream and the picturesque garden with trickling stream and patio makes the cottage, a perfect family stay.

You might be offered any of the holiday cottages at this link as the competition is subject to availability:

Promoted on Prize finder, Loquax, Super Lucky, UK Wins and Competition Database.

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