Weekends are sacred family time for us here and this weekend was no exception.
Despite show invites and designers who kindly wanted to dress me (ooh lala), I decided on Friday to miss London Fashion Week and just chill with my favourite people. There’s always next year right?!
The sun was shining in Yorkshire and despite the cold, its rays brightened us all up and helped me to feel well again after literally a month of bug after bug!
I grew up in the tiny, picturesque town of Ilkley in North Yorkshire, where my brother and I had an idyllic childhood really, surrounded by the Yorkshire moors and pretty countryside. Returning always takes me right back to those happy days and there’s something quite special about playing in the park who enjoyed as a child yourself.
It’s funny too, that you think you know a place then go and discover something new.
Outside the Box is a fabulous little vintage-style community cafe five minutes from the park which actually makes a difference while serving super food.
They’re committed to supporting and enabling people with learning disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilled lives offering work to those who might otherwise struggle to find it.
This happy-maker of a place, bold and vibrant, bursting with colour-and toys, board games and books for the kids, papers for the adults, a bright but relaxing environment with a wide range of homemade, delicious food on offer.
Now coveting these pretty lights-
Saturday is our indulgent day so we tucked into jacket potatoes and dipped chocolate gingerbread men into pretty cappuccinos in between forkfuls of thick victoria sponge. Yum!
Too cute to eat (almost)!
The kids had so much fun and importantly were occupied as we played The Gruffalo dominoes and read Julia Donaldson books as the late sun streamed through the windows.
Another place we stumbled on literally was the Manor House Museum. I’m surprised as it’s one of Ilkley’s oldest buildings (it is tucked away from the high street), one of Ilkley’s oldest and has been converted into a compelling little museum and art gallery.
On the ground floor visitors are given a glimpse into Ilkley’s past while the first floor galleries host temporary exhibitions.
While being a major exhibit in itself, the Manor House stands on the remains of the Roman fort of Olicana.
Only a small section of defensive wall remains at the back of the building, but Roman artefacts from the fort and closeby are on permanent display inside, together with prehistoric artefacts and insight into development of Ilkley as a Victorian spa town.
There were arts and crafts available downstairs too, a chance to build a Roman wall with soft bricks and enough to keep Oliver’s questions coming which made me wish I paid more attention in History lessons to be honest!
I did love that he exclaimed, ‘wow that’s impressive’ about the frowning clock. ‘Sad clock’ Xander shouted.
A world photography exhibition on the top floor with exhibits of shoes and makeup through the ages, which I naturally loved!
Check out the gold brogues!
What I’d do for a ruby-adorned compact and matching earrings too!
Then back downstairs, we built a Roman wall of our own!
What a wonderful discovery!
Back by the car before the drive home, I spotted these red and yellow doors and we grabbed a shot, Xander was adamant he wanted us to shoot him too. I’ve created a monster 😉
…Sunday saw me cooking for most of the day, I love how I can utterly lose myself in food. I truly ‘relish’ in experimenting in the kitchen and really need my blog to catch up with my life and get posting more of my recipes on here.
I made a hearty Italian minestrone soup, hake fillets in a lemon sauce and this bad boy below, salmon with chilli, garlic, red onion and lots of kale.
After a long lunch, the boys washed their hair which believe me takes hours with those two and their manes- and then Tinkerbell, Tarzan and episodes of Horrid Henry played as I baked some coconut chocolate cookies and gluten-free pancakes with my little chief tasters ‘helping’ (read, making a mess) and approving as I went!
Movie time-
How sweet are these post-shower pics?
Dressed and ready to play!
A relaxing end to a busy week. Just what the doctor ordered.
A chance to relax, regroup and recharge.
It was rather perfect, really.
Linked up to fabulous-joy spreader Michelle’s Sharethejoylinky
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sounds like a lovely weekend sending quality time together! great photos x
Thabks, it was really lush x
What a lovely family-centered weekend darling with stunning photographs from your very talented husband as always!(He really does need to do an exhibition…) Those post-hair wash shots had me ooh-ing and ahh-ing – too cute!! Thanks so much for sharing this at #sharethejoy x
My pleasure sweetie, thanks for your kind comments, been a long time since he’s exhibited, I will be sharing more shots soon too, love your linky x
What gorgeous and bright photos x
Thanks darling, the cafe was so vibrant and fun x
Bliss, so nice to spend proper time as a family. I love discovering things together. I’m totally with you on the history thing. They know way more than me. Shameful! Beautiful boys x
It really is and so lovely when the weather is good enough to really appreciate being outdoors, thanks for your lovely words (thank goodness for Horrible Histories huh?!)x
ilkley is one of my favourite places in the world, I used to live about 10 miles away before I met the hubby & moved. I spent almost every weekend & school holidays there with my Granny. I’ve never heard of the museum but will definitely be taking my boys there next time we visit x
Really, oh wow, where are you based now? I loved growing up there, we moved when I was 7 to a lovely part of Leeds but so many special memories there x
Sounds and looks like a lovely family weekend. Your photos are gorgeous of you and your boys xx
Aw thanks very much xx
Sounds like another perfect weekend you had. I’m definitely gonna go find that cafe sounds wonderful and you can’t beat somewhere that is super child friendly too. Plus that Victoria Sponge looks drool worthy!
I love those photos of Xander in his fluffy white towel, very very cute! Oh and the first picture of the light patch on the grass, perfection as always from Mr Honest! He’s such a show off!
Xx
Haha he is isn’t he ;). You would LOVE the cafe Franki and kids look so snuggly after a shower or bath don’t they! xx
Weekends are all about family, looks like you had some great fun.
Thanks Ashley, they are and we loved every minute thanks!
What a truly perfect weekend, and what amazing photographs to treasure xxx
Thanks darling, such a lovely peaceful weekend xx
What a lovely way to send it. I love that your priority was your family. Beautiful photos. The ones after shower time are so super duper cute it makes me want to pinch his cheeks!
Thanks darling, they’re always my priority even when I’m working as this is all for them. Hehe, they do look adorable straight out the shower, mwah xx
Looks like a really lovely family day out Vicki, and that cafe looks great; I love the bright colours – definitely a happy place 🙂 Beautiful photos of your boys xx #sharethejoy
Thanks lovely Louise, a stunning cafe, we will be back x
I had to smile at the “sad clock” as it really does look sad – out of the mouths of babes as they say. And it looks like you had a fab chilled weekend #sharethejoy
I know, really is sad isn’t it!