Thank you...

Well what can I say except thank you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who took the time to vote for me in The Cotswold Blogger Awards. I must admit that it felt really strange to be asking for votes, I’m not a competitive person and I wanted everyone to win, so when my name was called out, it was totally surreal! I’m so grateful to everyone who voted whether you read regularly or you’ve never read a word of my blog and just wanted me to stop hassling you for votes, thanks, you rock!

A huge shoutout to the other bloggers who were nominated in the Feelgood category, I love all of these blogs so why not give them a follow yourself:

Mama Bear of One (Winner in the Social Influence category)

Jamie says "I have been fumbling my way through motherhood since 2016 and documenting my journey! I am a hypnobirthing, breastfeeding, PND recovering, endometriosis suffering, rainbow baby, no-judgement mama just trying to keep my sh*t together like the majority of us."

Lewis Loves

Adam and Sarah say "We're Adam and Sarah, a husband and wife team blogging about our life in and around the Cotswolds, Bristol and South West. You'll often find us ensconced in a delicious foodie hot-spot, or visiting some ofthe most beautiful places around, typically with a gin in hand! We love to share the best of where we live, so if there's somewhere you adore and think we should visit, please let us know."

Honey and Tweed
Jen says "Hi I’m Jennie and I live with my sausage dog Honey in the Cotswolds. I am an Interior designer/decorator and also upcycle furniture."

Plutonium Sox

Natalie says "I am a freelance writer and mum to two girls aged 3 and 5. My husband and I live in rural Worcestershire with the girls and two large dogs. We all love to travel and where possible, the dogs come along too. Our long-term plan is to buy a camper-van and travel around Europe for a year when the girls are a bit older. But for the time being, we love to go on shorter trips both in the UK and abroad. When we’re not on the road, we love exploring our local area and often write about our exciting days out. This can be anything from a winter day running around on the beach to a trip to a theme park, afternoon tea in the Cotswolds or a leisurely walk around our favourite National Trust property. Talking of afternoon tea, we are all foodies, including the children. I am a firm believer in eating with children and allowing them to experience the same culinary delights that we enjoy. At home, we love to bake when we have time and our cooking is generally vegetarian, although the girls and my husband do eat both fish and meat. Please come along and read all about our adventures, we’d love to share them with you."

I'd also like to give a special shoutout to Roanna of Roeco Fashion who deservedly won in the 'Inspirational' category, her blog is fantastic and every post she writes demonstrates just why the panel chose her as the winner. I am lucky enough to work with this lovely lady and witness her inspiring the next generation on a daily basis. Well done lovely and good luck with your next adventure!

Lastly (but by no means least), a huge well done to my fellow school run Mum Abi of The British Maple who was nominated in the Social Influence category. I love her blog, especially the hilarious books she writes and urge you to go and have a read right away!

So now I have my very own star and my prize of a photo shoot with up and coming local photographer Chui King Li to look forward to. 2018 has been a blast so far and I can't wait to see what the next chapter holds, I hope you’ll join us to find out! 

Repping Out...

Ace was thrilled to be chosen as a Brand Rep for Cotswold Baby Co as we love so many of the wonderful brands they stock, especially our all time favourites, Blade and Rose leggings! He even has his own special discount which you can use to get 15% off your entire order (ACE15). Read our full review of this gorgeous up and coming clothing company over at the Cotswold Baby and Toddler Show blog, see you there! 

Click here to read the review

Ace wears... Blade and Rose Train leggings from Cotswold Baby Co

Towering above...

Having grown up in The Cotswolds, I've been to Broadway Tower a time or two but never as an adult and never in charge of children! It wasn't busy when we arrived so we parked up on the side of the road, but there's a large Pay and Display car park on site and fees are refundable when you spend £5 in the cafe or shop. 

We took a leisurely stroll up to the tower, taking in the amazing views and waving to Honey's friend (who totally couldn't see us but who lives nearby so...) This time, we didn't go inside as Honey was feeling tired and therefore wasn't in the best mood, so we wanted to make the most of being outdoors. You can buy tickets to go inside and children under 6 are free. We wandered a very short way along The Cotswold Way and did some wildlife spotting, Honey had an I-Spy book to fill in and Ace just chased a load of sheep!

The terrain was gentle enough for Ace to come out of the sling and have a good run around, followed by a short, downhill hike, although I've no idea how he resisted picking up all the sheep poo! 

When we'd had enough wandering, we headed to the cafe and indulged in (very reasonably priced) cakes and gingerbread men. There are tables inside and outside, I only spotted one high chair but there may have been more hidden away. Other attractions included a Pooch Playground for those of you with canine friends and a nuclear bunker dating back to the Cold War, so I'd say there's definitely enough to keep everyone occupied for a couple of hours or more if you take a longer walk down The Cotswold Way!

Honey wears... Flamingo t-shirt by JoJo Mamas Bebe
Ace wears... Red shorts by Frugi