Crabbing in Appledore

Living in Nottingham means we are very rarely able to visit the coast, it's at least a two hour drive in every direction. So when we are at the coast, we like to make the most of our time there, our recent adventure in Devon took us to the beautiful village of Appledore where we did some crabbing.

This isn't an expensive activity and gave us about three hours of fun for less than a tenner. We ate lunch of fish and chips shared between us, sat on the harbour walls waiting for a crab to bite. It was the perfect way to get outside and all enjoy an activity which connected us back with nature.

If you have never been to Appledore, then I can highly recommend this wonderful little town, with it's beautiful harbour front, cafes and antique shops and plenty of small alleyways leading to wonderful little houses and seaside craft shops it is well worth a trip.

For the crabbing itself, all you need is a line, a bucket and some bait, all in this cost us about £4 for the bucket and line and we had some bacon from breakfast, so we bought that along.

You pop the bacon in a little bag on the end of the line and then cast out into the sea, it took a while for us to catch our first crab but we did and named him Bob. Shortly after we caught two more and then whilst the boys were off getting chips my daughter and I caught another one.

It was an absolutely wonderful experience to show the children how things work, that this is how food is caught and the patience needed for something like this. We did put them back, I for one don't eat fish and these tiny little crabs needed to go back home.

With so many wonderful days out on our trip, it is hard to choose just one but this was a free activity that meant we got to spend time together without interruptions.

Loveland Farm Glamping - A Week Away from it All

Our week at Loveland Farm was by far one of the best holidays I have ever had, the peace and tranquility was second to none and getting back to nature was just what we all needed.

No electrical appliances to distract us in the day and only the projector to watch a film on in the evening, whilst snuggled under the blankets together. It was a beautiful holiday and I cannot fault any of it, there wasn't one thing I would have changed. When we arrived at the dome on the Monday evening after a rainy drive down, it was sunny and the blue sky made for a beautiful arrival. The pod was filled with a wonderful warm air and we sat down to cheese and cold meats on the table outside with a glass of wine for the adults, listening to the chickens clucking it was bliss.

I had been worried about the composting toilet and I held my first wee in for as long as I could but it wasn't bad at all, there was no smell and apart from the oddness of peeing in a shed, it was quite pleasant, especially since the toilet was shaped like a throne. After you'd been to the toilet you chucked on a bit of compost from the bucket next to the loo and off you go, there is a hot tap in case you were wondering, heated using electricity generated by the solar panels next door to the pod.

The shower room was next door and being used to outdoor showers from my days camping as a child I loved the cool breeze and warm water being rained down on me at the same time, it was certainly the best way to be woken up in the morning.

This isn't just camping though, this is glamping and it wouldn't be glamping without touches like a king size bed, table and chairs and a big log burner to ensure you have those creature comforts, wonderfully thick local duvets, as well as Loveland Farms own blankets ensured we were all kept warm at night.

The detail within the pod was beautiful, the wonderful pink 'spinny' chair as the children called it being a particulate favourite of us all, a place to sit and read, watch the world outside or be silly on. Wonderful festoon lights around the pod were beautiful once it got dark and the sun had gone down behind the hills.

Each morning, I would wake up and be amazed at the stillness mixed in with the sounds of nature, everything from the chickens, to seagulls, pheasants, sheep and even the occasional moo from the wonderful water buffalo over near the other pods.

The kitchen, although basic allowed us to cook a fry up every morning and we had one meal in the evening in it, we were out for one other evening and had another cheese supper on our final night but had we thought about it more and been there longer, we would have used the BBQ, we never felt like we needed an oven.

We had ordered a welcome pack, which contained everything we needed for breakfast so you could arrive with no food and be ok until the next day, the local shop in Hartland, called The Pop In had everything you need so you don't need to venture far for supplies, several of the major supermarkets also deliver to Hartland, so you could pre-order for delivery whilst you are in the pod.

Each morning, the children went to check whether or not their were any eggs from the chickens, it was not only a great way for them to see where they come from, it also completely in awe at the whole process. They loved the wonderful chickens and cockerel who were in the pen, the cockerel kept escaping, much to their delight. There are piggies too over near the other pods, as well as the water buffalo and up until recently the sheep were cutting the grass in the main area.

We did pop over to see the other pods, they have a great vantage point and although they are all in close proximity to each other, the windows all face away, so you do get some privacy, the Loveland Pod, which is where we stayed was completely separate from the rest and apart from the chickens was very private.

The beautiful enamelled plates, concrete worktops and attention to detail flows through all of the pods, the Eden Pod has a teepee in the centre as well as table football, it really is beautiful. The kitchens all have toasters, kettles and everything you need for your stay.

As the night drew in, we watched the sun set from the balcony, it was beautiful and really took us back the basics of life. Watching the day come to a close together before heading into the pod to get warm and snuggle up together. 

It is so utterly dark outside that on a clear night you could see thousands and thousands of stars, the completely blackness of being in the middle of nowhere really hit home and if I hadn't of been so cold stood in the darkness I would have stopped and gazed for ages. As you have to pop outside to go to the kitchen and toilet there are automatic lights that come on so you don't really need a torch either.

In the day, you can lounge around the pod, there is plenty of space to just stay and kick a ball, sunbathe and read a book, or you could walk down the to the coast, the walk to the lighthouse at Hartland Point is beautiful and if you fancy a going a bit further you could walk to the quay where there is a pub, shop and museum. We went rock pooling there, but as we have two small children, we drove down to the quay.

Further afield there are so many beautiful towns, Bideford has a pannier market as does Barnstaple. We went into the beautiful fishing village of Appledore just round from Westward Ho for a spot of crabbing, it is cheap enough to buy a bucket, line and some bait and we spent a good few hours sat in the quay catching crabs and then having some yummy fish and chips. It was a great way to while away the hours and the children and adults all loved it.

I could keep on writing about our holiday at Loveland Farm until the cows, or in this case water buffalo, come home, its charm and simple but glamorous beauty has me hooked and everyone who has seen my pictures has asked where it was and what it was like, as they are intrigued by the dome.

Without a doubt, the children got on better without the distraction of the telly and iPads and I felt a sense of calm the whole week, waking up to beautiful sunrises and the cool spring air on my face then standing with a hot chocolate on the deck admiring the wonderful surroundings.

Thank you to Fleur, Karina and Jeff at Loveland Farm for making us feel so welcome and for showing us around the farm, it was great to have some space and away time and the pods are fantastic for that.

Have you ever been glamping? If so where did you go?

NB: We were given a small discount in return for a blog post about our stay, however all opinions and pictures are my own.

The Big Sheep - A Fun Wooly Day Out

We first visited The Big Sheep when my son was about two years old, it was a great day out for us all and so when we went back down to Devon last week, The Big Sheep was high on our list of places to visit.  With their new roller coaster, The Big One now open, the children were excited at the prospect of not only seeing some animals but getting to go on some rides too.

First we headed to the barn, where several sheep had just given birth to some very tiny and helpless looking lambs, eyes still closed and still covered in blood, it was amazing to see these mama sheep just have a baby and then carry on looking for food, such a wonderful sight and a sign that spring is well and truly here.

There were other babies to see as well, including some goats, tiny super-cute piglets, collie pups and chicks. It was a great opportunity to get up close and personal, being able to feed the sheep and pet them. The baby goats were a particular favourite and they feel a lot softer than they look.

Afterwards, we headed up to the rides, opening at different times to allow the staff to man all of them, we first tried the swinging chairs, a classic ride and one which never ceases to impress the young or old. The Big One was closed until a bit later so we headed into the show arena to learn all about the different breeds of sheep they have at The Big Sheep.

Being bought out to their own theme tune, each sheep had their turn in the limelight and we got to hear all about their different qualities and how we use them, a very interesting show and being interactive it meant that it kept the attention of the children, a big thumbs up to Vaughn who did the show.

After the show had finished, we headed back to the rides, The Big One was finally open so we managed a few rounds on it. I have to say it was more thrilling than I had imagined and the back is definitely the place to be, it is much quicker and super exciting.

We then headed for a tractor ride, a great opportunity to sit down and take in a little more of the park, it was running a little late but that meant we got to stand with the sheep for a bit longer before our ride, there were some Llamas and Kune Kune pigs to see as well. Colin, who drove the tractor was funny and had the kids (and adults) entertained the whole way round.

Next, we headed for some lunch in the cafe, there is a good selection of food and we all found something we liked, there are plenty of spaces around the park for you to bring your own picnic though.

There were then beer tastings in the show barn, so there is plenty of entertainment for children and adults alike, we were a bit late for this so headed straight to the shop to just try some samples. They have their own brewery onsite, so if you fancy some local beer or cider then this is the place to stop.

We then headed back to the show barn to see a sheep being sheared, we had seen this a few times at open farm Sunday, however this was done in a way that it explained the process from start to finish. It was amazing to watch and equally amazing to see the end fleece, completely intact.

As the weather had taken a turn for the worse, we sheltered from the rain inside the large indoor play area, with a café for the adults and plenty of fun for the children, including vertical drop slides, ball pools and climbing areas.

Once the sun came back out we went on the rides a few more times, The Big One really was great and with a 90cm height limit (when accompanied by an adult) it was even suitable for our 5 year old daughter. To finish the day we watched the famous sheep race, the sheep run down the hill, jump over a few fences all with little wooly sheep attached to their backs, it's a fun end to the day and my daughter was most upset the pink one didn't win!

After we had left the park, we headed for some dinner, if you are in this area then I can highly recommend The Pig on the Hillat Westward Ho! We had the most amazing meal there and the staff were brilliant, a great end to the day and ideally located to finish off a day at the Big Sheep or visiting Westward Ho! to take in the sea front, play on the arcades and visit some of the shops.

NB: We were given a family ticket in return for the review, however all words and opinions are my own.

Glamping at Loveland Farm

I used to go camping a lot when I was younger and have fond memories of the sounds, the fun and laughter of being outside but inside and the snuggling up because it was really cold. So when we were looking for somewhere for a break to get away from it all, it was fate that I spotted Loveland Farm over on Instagram.

I fell in love with the beautiful pods instantly, and knew this was the place I wanted to go, in one of my favourite parts of the world too, what more could I ask for. Here is what Loveland have to say about themselves.

"Loveland farm is the result of an ever-evolving dream which to this day continues to unfold. A campsite, but with a difference, a place where sustainability comes first, the beautfiul basics are encouraged and life is just that little bit simpler. A space that’s inspiring and completely unique, a solution to the busy modern world. 

The dream began back in 2007 when fashion designer Jeff Griffin and his family took a trip to Canada, whilst there they met a man who hung wooden pods in trees. This got Jeff thinking….If he could combine his love for the outdoors and our passion for what they do across areas other than fashion, they could create something really unique. 

Three years on Jeff put those ideas into action. Loveland Farm is a creative place where people come to relax in an environment that is fun and at one with the outdoors. They dream of building a sustainable future and have developed the campsite using green technologies, for instance the composting toilets."

I was excited and a little apprehensive about staying here, coming from a new build that was warm and well insulated, to having an outdoor kitchen, toilet and shower and living in a tent for a week.But I needn't have worried, getting back to basics has made us all slightly better people, we've all taken it turns to cook and clean, we've all wrapped up in blankets instead of putting the heating up higher and we've managed well with the composting toilet which in fact wasn't as bad as I had imagined.

With nature well and truly on our doorstep, waking up to the sound of chickens clucking and seagulls calling out it has made our week different to a normal cottage stay.

I shall be doing a more in depth write up of our stay but this is why there has been a radio silence this week on the blog but to see what we've been up too and just how amazing our time has been then pop over and follow me on Instagram or Loveland Farm as I have been doing an Instagram takeover for them.

NB: We were given a small discount in return for a blog post about our stay, however all opinions and pictures are my own.

Get the vintage look!

I am loving the vintage look at the moment, although my house hasn't the room for what we already own I am hoping to squeeze a few pieces of pretty vintage stuff into it at some point!

I follow a blog called The White Approach and to say the stuff on there is amazing is an understatement, Karen the owner of both The White Approach and All About the Boys has the most amazing eye for pieces that would otherwise just get overlooked!

And the best thing is you can buy some of these fabulous items as she has an Etsy store, if you are looking for something gorgeous and vintage this Christmas then it is definitely worth a look!

I only wish she were closer, I am thinking of having a vintage tea party for my *coughs* 30th next year and as well as running two beautiful stores (and looking after a family) she hires out vintage tea party sets too.

So gorgeous and makes me want a nice cuppa!

The most exquisite and divine pieces I think I have ever seen. If you are in the Devon area (as I wish I was, sobs into a non cream tea) and are thinking of having a vintage tea party for your birthday, wedding or just because it sounds like a wonderful idea then please do check her out. The prices are very reasonable and she is a lovely lady too.

I have spotted one thing I think I may have to purchase to go on our newly decorated wall in the dining room but don't tell hubby!

I just love the personalised print and frame!

I love the passion Karen has for her work and if I had the money I would pay for her to come and fill my house with vintage gorgeousness!