Before I met Arwyn the only time I had been on holiday to France was on a school trip to Brittany. Arwyn always enjoyed trips to France. When he was younger he used to go on a driving holiday there every year, with his favourite places being when he stayed in homes in the South of France. He described the trips as full of sunshine, relaxation, wine, cheese, fresh bread and long walks. They sounded right up my street. France is now one of our favourite Countries to holiday in, especially with the children. Here are some of our favourite trips.
Paris:
We’ve been to Paris many times. It’s my favourite city in the world. It’s full of romance, excitement, incredible food and lots to explore. One particular trip that stands out is when we visited for Arwyn’s 30thbirthday. It was a special time as not only was it his big birthday trip but it was also our babymoon, so our last holiday together before we became parents for the first time.
We stayed in a beautiful hotel but when we checked in we were given a massive surprise. They knew it was a special birthday so they had upgraded us to a club suite. It was incredible. We had a stunning room and club access. We took full advantage of the club access with hubby enjoying the wine and me eating all the macarons. Our room even had a doorbell which we found rather amusing. It had a turn down service where they left us exquisite chocolates and other treats every evening. We didn’t want to leave the room.
We ate in an amazing restaurant which was around the corner from where we were staying. We stumbled across it by accident and I’m so glad we did. It was a small bistro. The owner was working and barely spoke any English but he was so friendly and helpful. The food was delicious too. The atmosphere in there was great, it was warm, welcoming and cosy.
We didn’t do a lot of site seeing but we did take lots of beautiful strolls. We also sat outside in café’s and people watched in the bustling city streets (one of our favourite things to do). I could honestly sit and do it for hours.
Disney is our special/happy place so we took a daytrip to Disneyland. It was Christmas season while we were there so it was even more magical.
Eurocamp:
We recently had a family holiday to the Eurocamp site, La Croix de Vieux Pont which is 1.5 hours away from Paris. It was honestly one of the best family holidays we have had. The nearby village was so pretty. It reminded me of the village in the ‘Bonjour’ scene in Beauty and the Beast. We were very fortunate to have had a week full of sunshine and warm weather. We stayed in a 2-bedroom chalet which was perfect for us. We went in the pool, to the beach, on a pedalo, played family games, went for walks, had lots of bbq’s and just generally had a fantastic time. Normally with those types of holiday’s I don’t feel like I’ve had a break away but both hubby and I said how relaxed we felt.
It was very easy to get to. We took a ferry from Dover and then drove to the campsite which took us about 2.5 hours. The French motorways are so much nicer than the UK ones to drive on. I can’t recommend it enough for a family holiday.
Disneyland Paris:
As I’ve already mentioned Disney is our happy place. We visited lots of times before we had children and we’ve visited lots of times since. It’s very easy to get to. We’ve flown, been on the ferry, the Eurotunnel and the Eurostar and our favourite way to get there is driving on the Eurotunnel.
Even though the park is in France, pretty much all of the cast members etc. speak English which is very handy.
Christmas is our favourite time to go as it’s even more magical. This year we have annual passes for the parks so we have already visited 3 times. The annual pass has saved as lots of money as you get discount on rooms, food and shopping.
The only downside of visiting Disneyland Paris is that it is a full-on holiday and you come home feeling like you need another holiday to recover. That’s why we like combining it with a break somewhere else in France to relax afterwards.
I have quite a big wish list of places I would like to visit in France. Saint- Tropez is top of my list, closely followed by Cannes. I think they’d make great people watching destinations. The Provence Region looks beautiful too.
Have you visited France? Where is your favourite place in France? Where would you recommend for a family holiday in France?
*This is a collaborative post*
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The Celebrity Cup sponsored by Bulmers will make a welcome return to the Celtic Manor Resort this summer, and you could be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets for you and a friend to attend the star-studded golfing event!
Mixing golf with glamour, stars from the worlds of sports and showbiz will once again tee up for a weekend of fun and frolics when the Celebrity Cup returns this year.
Some of biggest athletes and celebrities will swap paparazzi for putters and battle it out in teams representing Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland.
Famous faces taking to the course at this year’s tournament include rugby legend Scott Quinnell and TV presnter Gethin Jones hoping to hit a hole in one on home turf for Wales; Mrs Browns Boys’ Brendan O’Carroll and singing superstars Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden aiming to score an ace for Ireland; rugby superstars Rory Lawson,Greig Laidlaw, Thom Evans and Max Evans teeing up for Scotland; and TV personalities Denise Van Outen, Peter Jones and Bradley Walsh pitching in for England.
This year I am attending with my husband and we can't wait. The Celtic Manor is a beautiful hotel and every time we visit we always feel like we've been away on holiday.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the https://www.celtic-manor.com/whats-on/the-celebrity-cup/about-the-celebrity-cup or call the reservations team on 01633 410 262.
To be in with a chance of winning the tickets, simply enter via Rafflecopter below.
Terms & Conditions
- The prize is 2 tickets to the Celebrity Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort 30th June-1st July
- Any additional costs incurred during your visit, such as transport to and from the event, overnight accommodation or food and refreshments, are not included within the prize and are at the winner’s expense
- Only food and beverage purchased on site will be permitted to be consumed at the event
- Tickets include complimentary car parking at the event
- Competition tickets are not redeemable for their monetary value
- UK entrants only
- Competition ends on 18th June
Welcome back to the Be in the Picture weekly roundup. Once again there were lots of wonderful pictures shared on instagram and I struggled to pick just a few favourites. I could have featured so many. If you missed the last roundup you can catch up with it here, Be in the Picture 4.
For those of you that haven't heard of #beinthepicture, it is an instagram hashtag that myself and Alana from Baby Holiday created. It is designed to encourage you to get in-front of the camera as opposed to behind it. I used to always be the one taking the pictures and I was never in them myself.
You can use the hashtag on any pictures that feature you whether that be fashion, parenting, travel, with your partner etc. You name it, we want to see it.
It has been so lovely to see so many spring/summer pictures on the hashtag lately. There have been plenty of beach pictures and lots of flowers. For this feature I have chosen 6 pictures instead of 4 as I just couldn't leave them all out.
My favourite picture recently has been from Corneliusblog. Her and her daughter decided to have a tea party for the Royal Wedding. I just love everything about the photo. The lighting is perfect and their outfits are a pastel dream. I just want to join in the cuteness.
The next picture comes from hotpinkwellingtons. it's a stunning shot capturing the love between her and her boys amongst the bluebells.
I have been desperately trying to find a Rapeseed field in my area (with no success) so I can get some gorgeous summer photos such as this adorable one from littleladiesbigworld.
Another picture which melted my heart came from emilyandindiana. The beautiful Emily looks so naturally happy and you can't help but smile when you look at the photo.
This picture from ourfairytaleadventure has got couple goals written all over it. They bravely set off to travel the world recently with their 2 young children and I loved following their journey.
The last picture I have chosen for this roundup comes from goingonanadventureblog. It's such a beautiful moment and the words she had written were heartwarming.
My own personal favourite picture that I shared over on my instagram was taken in my happy place which is Disney. We are off there again next week (can't wait) and no matter how many times you look at the castle, it still feels like you're seeing it for the first time.
Make sure you join in with #beinthepicture over on instagram and also follow it to see everyone's pictures.
For those of you that haven't heard of #beinthepicture, it is an instagram hashtag that myself and Alana from Baby Holiday created. It is designed to encourage you to get in-front of the camera as opposed to behind it. I used to always be the one taking the pictures and I was never in them myself.
You can use the hashtag on any pictures that feature you whether that be fashion, parenting, travel, with your partner etc. You name it, we want to see it.
It has been so lovely to see so many spring/summer pictures on the hashtag lately. There have been plenty of beach pictures and lots of flowers. For this feature I have chosen 6 pictures instead of 4 as I just couldn't leave them all out.
My favourite picture recently has been from Corneliusblog. Her and her daughter decided to have a tea party for the Royal Wedding. I just love everything about the photo. The lighting is perfect and their outfits are a pastel dream. I just want to join in the cuteness.
The next picture comes from hotpinkwellingtons. it's a stunning shot capturing the love between her and her boys amongst the bluebells.
I have been desperately trying to find a Rapeseed field in my area (with no success) so I can get some gorgeous summer photos such as this adorable one from littleladiesbigworld.
Another picture which melted my heart came from emilyandindiana. The beautiful Emily looks so naturally happy and you can't help but smile when you look at the photo.
This picture from ourfairytaleadventure has got couple goals written all over it. They bravely set off to travel the world recently with their 2 young children and I loved following their journey.
Make sure you join in with #beinthepicture over on instagram and also follow it to see everyone's pictures.
Red Wine is by far one of my favourite drinks. I love nothing more than enjoying a glass whilst eating a cheeseboard. However, it is also great to use in cooking. Wine that has been opened for a few days and perhaps passed its prime dinking time is ideal for cooking with. I'm a strong believer that throwing wine away should be illegal. If I ever have any leftover I often use it for marinades, sauces or within a dish to add some flavour.
Here are some of my favourite recipes using Red Wine:
1) Baked Chorizo and Asparagus Risotto by Charlotte's Lively Kitchen
Chorizo and Red Wine are a match made in heaven. We love Chorizo in our house and we are always trying to find speedy, delicious recipes for our suppers.
You can read the full recipe and method at Baked Chorizo and Asparagus Risotto
2) Slow Cooker Bolognese by Frugal Family
In a busy household a slow cooker is a must. I always find cooking something slowly really brings out the flavour and the smell will have your mouth watering for hours.
You can read the full recipe and method at Slow Cooker Bolognese
3) Vegetarian Bourguignon by Mummy in a Tutu
You can read the full recipe and method at Vegetarian Beef Bourguignon
4) Beef Cobbler by Munchies and Munchkins
A cobbler is the ultimate in comfort food. This one is ideal for those cold, winter days.
Here are some of my favourite recipes using Red Wine:
1) Baked Chorizo and Asparagus Risotto by Charlotte's Lively Kitchen
Chorizo and Red Wine are a match made in heaven. We love Chorizo in our house and we are always trying to find speedy, delicious recipes for our suppers.
2) Slow Cooker Bolognese by Frugal Family
In a busy household a slow cooker is a must. I always find cooking something slowly really brings out the flavour and the smell will have your mouth watering for hours.
3) Vegetarian Bourguignon by Mummy in a Tutu
Whenever I think of Red Wine being used in recipes, Bourguignon always springs to mind. This one is actually Slimming World friendly too.
You can read the full recipe and method at Vegetarian Beef Bourguignon
4) Beef Cobbler by Munchies and Munchkins
A cobbler is the ultimate in comfort food. This one is ideal for those cold, winter days.
You can read the full recipe and method at Beef Cobbler
5) Chorizo Tapas by Mark Sergeant
During the summer months we love to have Tapas feasts in the garden. As i've already said Chorizo is a firm favourite with hubby and I.
You can read the full recipe and method at Chorizo Tapas
Have you ever cooked with Wine before? What are your favourite recipes?
*This is a a collaborative post*
I regularly wear Disney clothes whether it be at a Disney park or at home but surprisingly I had never given Disneybounding a go. Now that i'm an annual pass holder at Disneyland Paris I knew it was time for me to join in with the dressing up fun.
As adults you aren't allowed to wear Disney costumes around the parks so Disneybounding was invented. Disneybounding is basically an outfit influenced by a Disney character. it's a great way of bringing your style into an outfit.
On our last trip to Disneyland Paris it was their 26th anniversary so I wanted to dress up as my all time favourite character.....Mickey Mouse. Princess Jasmine is a very close second but no character will ever beat Mickey in my eyes.
I searched the internet for Mickey coloured clothes and found a lot of my outfit from Next. I knew I wanted a black blazer (which I already had), a white shirt (which I already had), red trousers and yellow shoes. I also didn't want to buy anything that I knew I wouldn't wear again.
Next are always great for having fashionable basics in multiple colours. They had a couple of pairs of red jeans and also quite a few pairs of yellow shoes.
You can change up this Mickey Mouse Disneybound very easily by swapping the jeans to a skirt or shorts etc which would be ideal for the summer months.
I absolutely loved Disneybounding. I was worried at first that I would get lots of funny looks but it was quite the opposite. I had lots of lovely comments and the cast members all made an effort to compliment my outfit.
As adults you aren't allowed to wear Disney costumes around the parks so Disneybounding was invented. Disneybounding is basically an outfit influenced by a Disney character. it's a great way of bringing your style into an outfit.
On our last trip to Disneyland Paris it was their 26th anniversary so I wanted to dress up as my all time favourite character.....Mickey Mouse. Princess Jasmine is a very close second but no character will ever beat Mickey in my eyes.
Blazer - Next
Shirt - Next
Trousers - Next
Shoes - Next
Ears - Disney Parks
Next are always great for having fashionable basics in multiple colours. They had a couple of pairs of red jeans and also quite a few pairs of yellow shoes.
You can change up this Mickey Mouse Disneybound very easily by swapping the jeans to a skirt or shorts etc which would be ideal for the summer months.
I absolutely loved Disneybounding. I was worried at first that I would get lots of funny looks but it was quite the opposite. I had lots of lovely comments and the cast members all made an effort to compliment my outfit.
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