You know those early morning dog walks, the ones with a mist in the air, or is it fog? The look of the landscape can be transformed by a layer of mist and fog sometimes creating a scene of beauty, especially when the sunlight is filtering through. But what are the differences bet … | Continue reading
Gratitude has become something of a buzzword in the health and wellness community. We often hear it paired with mindfulness, which is related but is its own separate concept. Definition of Gratitude Put simply, gratitude is a positive emotion that means thankfulness and appreciat … | Continue reading
Quex Park is a country estate in Birchington which is near Margate in Kent. It’s 250 acres of parkland and gardens and 1500 acres of farmed land. It has Quex House and the Powell-Cotton museum, the Waterloo Tower (which was featured in an episode of Blake’s 7) and a Secular Bell … | Continue reading
A chicken wings recipe that is simple and easy to prepare, it is one of my family favourites. I find that an uncomplicated recipe is often the best one, it is easy to remember for future use and is so much less fuss in a complicated world. These are delicious barbeque wings that … | Continue reading
The huge beaches and rolling coastal countryside of Normandy where the D-Day landings started the final chapters of the Second World War in June 1944, are dominated by that history. There are numerous museums, huge military cemeteries, the ruined remains of German fortifications … | Continue reading
On the many trails around Mt. St. Helens, an August hike is reliably warmer. Summer winds are steady, changing the way the mountain looks. The light ash in the blast zone is easily picked up and suspended in the air, creating a less green appearance. Then along with the lack of … | Continue reading
The Sculpture Park at Farnham, Surrey, is the perfect place to go if you want to see art in a beautiful natural setting. Hidden amongst ten acres of woodland, waterfalls, streams and leafy trails there are approximately 650 sculptures exhibited. This is a truly magical place to g … | Continue reading
I spent 24 hours at the Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa, Yorkshire, and found it to be a place for adventures as well a relaxing luxurious place to stay. In all my time travelling in, out and around the Yorkshire Dales I have driven past and admired it from the outside but ha … | Continue reading
I spent 24 hours at the Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa, Yorkshire, and found it to be a place for adventures as well a relaxing luxurious place to stay. In all my time travelling in, out and around the Yorkshire Dales I have driven past and admired it from the outside but ha … | Continue reading
Botanica, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, is an absolute delight of a dining experience. The food is amazing, the staff are fantastic and the ambience and decor is lovely. Whenever I take a trip by or through the lovely village of Kirkby Lonsdale I always try to find time to pop into B … | Continue reading
Botanica, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, is an absolute delight of a dining experience. The food is amazing, the staff are fantastic and the ambience and decor is lovely. Whenever I take a trip by or through the lovely village of Kirkby Lonsdale I always try to find time to pop into B … | Continue reading
Alexandria, Virginia is situated just 7 miles south of Washington, DC. But when you explore Old Town Alexandria you will see such a contrast, far removed from the more modern metropolis of the nation’s capital. This historic area goes back to 1749 when it was founded, and walking … | Continue reading
Alexandria, Virginia is situated just 7 miles south of Washington, DC. But when you explore Old Town Alexandria you will see such a contrast, far removed from the more modern metropolis of the nation’s capital. This historic area goes back to 1749 when it was founded, and walking … | Continue reading
A glorious walk near the village of Silverdale. Through Eaves Wood, up to the Pepperpot, beside Arnside Tower, and even further afield. This is a walk that straddles 2 counties: Lancashire and Cumbria. Plus, there’s a nice variety of huge views with historic ruins and woods. Silv … | Continue reading
Life is full of ups and downs for all of us. The list is endless: redundancy, grief or loss, money worries, relationship breakdowns or health concerns to name but a few. Rest assured, we are all the same and have the same thoughts and feelings at times like this, but what can we … | Continue reading
A visit and walk around Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, was high on a list of experiences for me. Not in a purely touristic way of course but in a way to see, learn, respect and take in the true sense of the place as much as I could. The big thing that strikes you as... | Continue reading
A visit and walk around Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, was high on a list of experiences for me. Not in a purely touristic way of course but in a way to see, learn, respect and take in the true sense of the place as much as I could. The big thing that strikes you as... | Continue reading
Nottingham’s Royal Castle has often been known primarily from the stories of the legendary Robin Hood and his merry men, his connections with the castle, King John, and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Did you know that the castle, sitting high above the city on Castle Rock, has over … | Continue reading
Nottingham’s Royal Castle has often been known primarily from the stories of the legendary Robin Hood and his merry men, his connections with the castle, King John, and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Did you know that the castle, sitting high above the city on Castle Rock, has over … | Continue reading
Great Falls Park, Mclean, Virginia is a wonderful place to get outside, walk, explore and see some wonders of nature. It’s an area that is famous for the Great Falls themselves on the Potomac River, but the hiking trails throughout the park are a joy to walk along. We wanted to t … | Continue reading
Great Falls Park, Mclean, Virginia is a wonderful place to get outside, walk, explore and see some wonders of nature. It’s an area that is famous for the Great Falls themselves on the Potomac River, but the hiking trails throughout the park are a joy to walk along. We wanted to t … | Continue reading
On the way to Westport, Washington beaches, I like to stop in at the Westport Winery Garden Resort, locally owned by the Roberts family, and easy to spot thanks to the small lighthouse attached to the main building. With a winery, the Ocean’s Daughter distillery, the Internationa … | Continue reading
On the way to Westport, Washington beaches, I like to stop in at the Westport Winery Garden Resort, locally owned by the Roberts family, and easy to spot thanks to the small lighthouse attached to the main building. With a winery, the Ocean’s Daughter distillery, the Internationa … | Continue reading
At Back of Beyond Touring, Camping and Glamping Park With endless blue skies and birds chirping happily by day and with a canopy of stars to gaze at during the night, what better a way to enjoy summer in the UK than being out in the wide-open countryside, at an idyllic and peacef … | Continue reading
Summer, a time for enjoying the warmth and getting outdoors, and enjoying quality time with our dogs. No fear of getting wet or cold, long days to take adventures with our 4 legged friends. The way we react to and cope with warm weather though is extremely different to how our do … | Continue reading
Little did I think that one day I would be visiting and writing about a cathedral where I talk about the Sea of Tranquility on the moon as well as seeing the Dark Side from Star Wars, but here I am. During my time in Washington, DC I took the time to visit the National... | Continue reading
I was so excited to be able to experience a room2 hometel first hand, and it’s fair to say that I’m astonished that such an incredibly stylish, slick and comfortable hotel can truly be this eco-friendly. Their website states that they welcome dogs and humans with equal enthusiasm … | Continue reading
I had the opportunity to spend some time in Washington, DC, the capital of the United States. Of course, as part of my time there, I had to visit and walk around the city’s most well known monuments and memorials. I had seen them so much on TV and in film. I had heard so... | Continue reading
Staying in Lincolnshire for the weekend, I was looking for days out that I could do with the family. I stumbled across RSPB Titchwell Marsh in my searches and thought it sounded like a promising option. Titchwell Marsh is situated near to King’s Lynn and is a coastal location in … | Continue reading
While visiting Dubai with my friends we discovered a fascinating coffee museum. I had just 10 days to pack in as much as possible in Dubai and one of the highlights was, without a doubt, our time at the museum. Being coffee lovers, and having a passion for brewing a great pot of … | Continue reading
On the far west coast of Washington, on a quiet peninsula sits Westport, Washington. The town is a working fishing village, with plenty of opportunities for visitors to go sport fishing. I am drawn to the open horizons and wide beaches that stretch from the town southward along t … | Continue reading
The Harvey Wallbanger is a simple cocktail that includes a few basic ingredients which are vodka, orange and Galliano liqueur. The Galliano liqueur most certainly gives this cocktail its distinctive taste though. Galliano Galliano has quite a sweet, herbaceous flavour. It’s histo … | Continue reading
Blakemere Moss in the Delamere Forest, Cheshire is a beautiful area to walk any time of the year. I was passing by on a hot summer day and the walk around the lake itself was perfect for a dog walk. The trees gave plenty of shade from the sun and the colours of the nature... | Continue reading
These almond shortbread cookies are wonderfully quick to make and you only need 3 ingredients. Almond flour, coconut oil and erythritol (or your sugar substitute of choice). In ketosis I find myself losing the urge for sweet things as a whole, but when you want to knock up a real … | Continue reading
I am standing on top of a gnarly pinnacle overlooking the series of S-shaped bends that make up the spectacular Passo Gardena mountain pass. My heart is pumping, partly due to the exertion of climbing up the via ferrata that I’ve been on the last few hours in the glorious late-af … | Continue reading
Anybody who knows me will be aware that my treat drink of choice is a lovely glass of port. No worrying about pairings of food or dishes, except maybe wondering where the port is when having a cheese and biscuits course. A full bodied port to wind down the day or to celebrate wit … | Continue reading
Bakewell is in the beautiful Derbyshire Dales, a market town known for its ‘Bakewell Pudding.’ It’s a picture-perfect place with a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy walks beside the River Wye. As you might imagine, it does get extremely busy, especially on market days and we … | Continue reading
San Sebastián – or Donostia, to use its Basque name – may well be the best place to eat in Spain. It is a bold statement, yet I may go a step further and suggest it could be the best food destination in the world. The Thais, Indians, and French may have something to say... | Continue reading
The swallowtail is a rare butterfly found in the Norfolk Broads area. There are occasional sightings in the south of England, when migrant populations make their way across the country, but the Norfolk Broads are the place that this species calls home. It is a magnificent species … | Continue reading
Riverbend Park in Fairfax County, Virginia is one of my favourite places to hike. Located on the Potomac River, it’s a beautiful spot full of interesting plants, geology, wildlife, and history. It’s the only riverfront park in the county and consists of over 400 acres of meadows, … | Continue reading
Rhubarb season reaches its peak in Virginia around the month of May. By early June it’s nearly impossible to resist the siren call of the beautiful ruby stalks at farmer’s markets and grocers. In the past, I’ve made more traditional recipes, like strawberry rhubarb pie and rhuba … | Continue reading
This keto creamed leeks recipe using creamed cheese and garlic is so easy and quick to prepare. Great for a quick lunch on its own or as a base or side for a whole lot of other dishes. Leeks are more adaptable than many people think, and before my keto journey I never really boug … | Continue reading
As I walk and hike the coast of Britain I naturally come across many varied and colourful plants. On the coast, they stand out even more. A lonely colour amongst the greens and browns of the marshes and grasses. Walking along the coast at Morecambe Bay recently, I kept coming acr … | Continue reading
Owning a dog is more than just having a companion at home or on walks. It is about bringing a sentient creature into your life not only to enrich it, but to also provide the best life for your dog as well. All dogs were bred to do a job, be that catch prey for... | Continue reading
A keto creamed spinach recipe that I often use as a whole for lunch or as 2 portions as a side dish. It is so quick and easy to make with being ready in 10 minutes and minimal ingredients. Packed with spinach and creamy cheese, what better and more delicious way is there to get.. … | Continue reading
After 3 years in our previous home, I recently moved my 2 Siamese cats, Meeko and Winston, into our new flat. Anyone who knows anything about cats knows they don’t like change, and mine are no exception. Here are 5 tips to help you and your feline companion adjust to your new sur … | Continue reading
Calver weir on the Derwent River is a picturesque and peaceful place to walk and relax. Originally an area bustling with industrial mills as I will talk about later. Now the mill buildings set beside the river are converted into stylish accommodation for comfortable living. The r … | Continue reading
Owning a dog, and especially active dogs like mine, involves getting out every day to ensure they get the exercise they need on a good long dog walk. Of course, British weather doesn’t care about my comfort level, and many walks involve mud, puddles, waterlogged fields and other … | Continue reading