After a month of illness in this family, we finally all felt better and were in much need of a retreat, a break from the norm, not far from home to simply rest, relax and feel rejuvenated once more.
The universe must have been listening, as the wonderful Gorgeous Cottages got in touch to see if we wanted to break in a luxury holiday home, The Coach House in Yorkshire.
As you get older and perhaps a little wiser (or in my Dad's case, sillier, much, much sillier-it can go both ways) you start to realise what really matters in life.
I think having kids can do that to you, that whirlwind of new love for the kid you made merged with the mammoth overwhelming weight of responsibility (no more spontaneity in life is pretty sobering) and puts everything that came before, and after it, into sharp perspective.
You don't need to have a kid for this I should add. Yay for being wiser without having to actually use your cervix! Life experience, travel, pets, nurturing plants, charity work, whatever it is that takes you out of yourself, can be enlightening,
It got me thinking about all the tiny touching moments that make up the bigger picture, the intricately woven happy-making little things I reflect on right before I go to sleep or if I'm away from my kids, missing them madly, or my zone out to more joyous times when I find the children fighting over toys/films/my affection and I need a happy place pronto.
I do love kids' winter style so as soon as the temperatures start to drop I love getting the boys layered up in jumpers and toasty warm coats, to see us through the freezing weather in Yorkshire.
My husband Peter is pretty much a genius behind the camera, this much you probably know (well those of you who follow my blog regularly at least).
I'm not too shabby myself, but work life sure is easier with a personal paparazzo to snap away for this here blog. No selfie-sticks needed here!
Yesterday was Thanksgiving for my US and Canadian friends and I'm proud to write that a large part of my readership are now actually based in America. I've always had an affinity with Americans, my closest friends at Uni were from LA, New York and Chicago and I miss them all madly (thank goodness for FB and the rare London or LA get together).
Last weekend saw us head to the stunning Ox Pasture Hall Hotel for a weekend break. You can read our review HERE-warming you will want to either get a train or move to Yorkshire as soon as you do and you'll feel very hungry!
Moving house and designing our new home has meant many a trip to Habitat, Homebase, Laura Ashley, Cath Kidston and of course lots of antique furniture stores and raids of my mother's family heirlooms (thanks Mum).
