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Pretty Big Butterflies

Family, Food & Plus Size Fashion Blog

5 Adventure Holidays on my bucket list

I’m adamant that just because we have kids, it doesn’t mean that our life comes to a standstill. Even if there are things we can’t do right now, I’m not writing them off altogether. We’re still young and as the kids get older we’ll be able to do more and more. So before I forget, here is a list of 4-holiday adventures that are on my bucket list.

Water Sailing

First up, one of Mark Warner’s water sailing holidays. I’ve never been sailing before but I absolutely love the sea. There’s something breathtaking about being on or in the sea. I’ve had a look over at https://www.markwarner.co.uk/activity-holidays/watersports/sailing and they do courses in places such as Turkey, Sardinia and Greece. They even offer free tuition so at least I get to try it out and see if I do really like it. It’s definitely on my list. What an experience!

Scuba Diving

I can’t believe I haven’t done this yet. We booked our dream holiday just before we knew we were pregnant for the first time. It was going to include all thins water sports because I’ve always dreamt of scuba diving. But then we got pregnant and the Zika virus meant we had to change plans. I will go scuba diving for sure, there is no doubt about this one.

Winter Wonderland

This is one that we could take the kids on in a few years. A winter wonderland adventure in somewhere like Sweden. Think Husky dog sledging, snowmobiles on frozen lakes and of course the magic of the northern lights. I mean look at this… https://www.nordicexperience.co.uk/norway/winter/northern-lights-experience. This would take snowmen making to the next level for the boys!

Reef and Rainforest

I’m talking something along the lines of a cruise that involves stopping at the most scenic places I’ve ever seen in my life for secret swims and secret discoveries. This would be a mix between a relaxing holiday (goodness knows I need one) and a wonderful adventure break. These are the kind I’m talking about – https://www.express.co.uk/travel/activity/524262/Costa-Rica-rainforest-holiday – Imagine the memories?

Safari

I would love to do an African safari. Just like this one here – https://www.originaltravel.co.uk/collections/african-safaris. There’s nothing more memorable than being within the eating distance of a lion! In Swahili, the word ‘safari’ means ‘to go on a journey’ I feel like being so close to nature on an adventure like this really would take you on a journey. You can get some real luxury safaris these days and I’m more inclined to go for one of them. Get down and dirty in a 4×4 safari adventure during the day and relax in a hot tub listing to the wildlife at night time. Sounds like a dream right?

 

I’ve also written about tips for travelling with the family – here https://prettybigbutterflies.com/traveling-family-3-essentials/- which might help you out as you plan your adventures too!

 

What adventure is on your bucket list?

 

 

My Office Chair of Dreams

‪ I never would have thought there was such a thing as sexy furniture. That was until I found the Scarlett Velvet chair from Furnish Your Home. I know this sounds dramatic but it’s actually beautiful. It’s the epitome of minimalistic glamour. Plus, let’s be honest. It’s an instant Instagrammable piece of furniture.

I’m in the midst of turning our spare room into a secondary office space for me. Chiino already has his office (aka man cave) but I want somewhere pretty that I can work away from the kids for a while. So our spare room is being decluttered and slowly we’re adding the things that we need. It doesn’t need much. Just a massive sort out, new curtains, artwork etc. But I really wanted a small desk and chair that I loved. Something that made me want to sit there and work. Know what I mean?

Instagram worthy office chair from furnish your home - pretty big butterflies

Well, this gorgeously stylish office chair ticks all those boxes and so much more. It’s a super soft velvet fabric that makes you want to gently stroke it. Plus it helps stop a numb bum! It has a stainless steel base which is super sturdy. The shiny stainless steel goes around the body too, like a trim, giving it a mirror effect. So so so pretty. It takes my weight no problem at all and doesn’t dip when I sit on it. Winning!

It’s such an elegant chair and just by the quality of it, I can feel it’s going to last. (It comes with a 12-month guarantee anyway). What really worried was that it was home assembly. I am rubbish at DIY. I really struggle. If I could I’d pay someone to do all my furniture assembly. Chiino is good but if it goes wrong I’m such a moaner, so I try and do it myself. That way, if it falls apart I can only blame myself!

Well, honestly speaking, from a DIY hating, furniture assembly avoiding procrastinator… this was one of the easiest things I’ve ever put together. It took me about 10 minutes from beginning to end. By that I mean all the unpackaging, reading the instructions and building it. It’s so straightforward. I think there’s like 3 things you need to do. Everything is included too, so no need for any tools. If I can do it… ANYONE can do it. Trust me.

Scarlett Velvet grey office chair - pretty big butterflies

I’m on the lookout for a desk that matches now. It has to live up to expectations I’m afraid. I feel like with a chair this good, I need the desk to match. This gorgeous Cara silver desk is basically the Scarlett Velvets chair partner in life. It matches like a dream and is another example of the gorgeous pieces from Furnish Your Home. Although to be fair, it’s one of those pieces that will make ANY desk or room look good. I’m wondering if it’s conventional to move the Scarlett Velvet chair to the dining room and eat my dinner while I’m sitting on it. It’s far more gorgeous than my dining chairs that’s for sure. Plus, I just want everyone to see it! It’s too good to be hidden away!

Dream office chair furnish your home

As soon as the desk is sorted, I’ll be showing you my journey of spare room dump to cute office sanctuary. Wish me luck, with two kids under two it’s not an easy task. If you need me, I’ll be hiding in the spare room twirling around on my beautiful office chair!

 

 

 

How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Gift for A Loved One.

It can be difficult to choose the right Christmas gift for a friend or family member, there’s so much to choose from where do you start? Vouchers are money seem like a safe option, but they don’t really make the recipient feel very special (as they require very little thought or effort)! Generic gifts are a bit of a let-down too, oh look another box of chocs/ bottle of wine / scented candle – it’s not that people are ungrateful it’s just that a well thought out gift can bring the recipient far more joy than a hastily purchased present.

So, this year resolve to shop smartly, put some quality time aside to really think about what your loved ones would really like. It’s not as tricky as you think if you adopt a positive attitude and hone your detective skills! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Make a List of Their Interests

What does your friend or family member like to do in their spare time? Do they have any hobbies or interests that you know of? Do they enjoy visiting certain places or are you aware of something new they would like to try or learn?

If your friend likes to read then the latest bestseller by their favourite author or (if you can stretch to it) a first edition would make a superb gift. Cat-loving friends and relatives would adore one of the perfect Pusheen Christmas gifts available from Gund. The Pusheen character is well-known and well-loved for her opinionated stance and cute antics. It’s not just a gift for the youngsters in your life either, Pusheen is popular with all ages.

Consider What They Want and Need

There’s a fine line between buying a useful gift that the recipient will value (such as a new tablet case, a case for their spectacles or a neck pillow) and a practical gift that might disappoint or enrage the recipient (we’re thinking along the lines of a pair of oven gloves, a set of tea towels or a toilet brush)!

As the gift giver, you need to make sure you stay on the right side of that line (if you want to maintain a healthy relationship with your friend or relative)! If they have specifically asked for an egg whisk or a new iron then fair enough, but if not we think you should err on the side of caution! Christmas is the opportunity to give a person something you think they will love, perhaps something they wouldn’t normally treat themselves to, such as a pricey bottle of perfume or a magazine subscription. The gift doesn’t have to be overly expensive though to make an impact. In the case of Christmas gift giving it really is the thought that counts.

Mount a Covert Operation

Still not sure what to get? Go fishing, a casual chat with the person you are buying for could provide you with lots of clues. They might unconsciously drop a few hints about needing a new watch or how much they loved the gold clutch bag in the window of the new shop that’s opened in town. You can also ask others close to the person in question, such as their parents, children, a sibling or another close friend. They might be able to give you some good ideas for gifts that will be truly appreciated.

Children tend to be much more vocal about what they want (and much more direct). They will happily provide you with a list as long as your arm of all the things they need, like and must have! Sit with your child as they write their list, this is a good time to teach the art of managing expectations! If their list is full of expensive goodies you can explain that Santa can’t possibly bring everything so he uses the list as a snapshot of some of the things you would like. Father Christmas can them choose the most appropriate gifts and perhaps the child will receive one or two of the other requested items for their birthday.

Give with Love

The best gifts are the ones that are given with lots of love. Gift giving produces endorphins and neurologists suggest that our brains are wired so we actually get a certain amount of pleasure from giving. What are you waiting for? Boil the kettle and get brainstorming, it’s time to bring on the Christmas shopping.

Refresh The Bedroom With Cotton Duvet Covers

It’s a new season and it’s time for a refresh! I know that everyone does the whole spring clean thing, but isn’t it nice to do it more than that? I’m not talking a massive clear out every few weeks (I can just about do it once a year!). A little bedroom refresh can be done in one simple, easy step – a change of duvet covers!

I can’t lie, I’m a big fan of all white duvet sets. It’s so convenient and I don’t have to worry about finding matching pillowcases. Everything matches and always looks fresh and clean. But that means when I do put on a bight or patterned duvet cover, it REALLY has an impact because we’re not used to it.

So I’m on a look out for some covers to refresh my bedroom now we’ve reached autumn and here are a few of my favourites:

Refresh The Bedroom With Cotton Duvet Covers

Staying true to myself, my Your favourite cotton duvet covers are available at Yorkshire Linen CO and are the Belle Maison white covers. Silky soft, fresh, white bed linen makes my bed feel like I’ve stepped into a hotel. Don’t you just love that feeling?

Keeping on trend can also make a huge difference to your bedroom. This gorgeous mustard colour duvet set is perfect if you want to look like your keeping up with seasonal fashion. It’s Orla Kiely Acorn Cup Cotton Bedding.

If you’d prefer something subtle, fresh and no so, in your face, this gorgeous soft leaf print duvet cover is really pretty. It’s great for laying up too with soft mint green blankets and pillows. That will make it fresh and light but still cosy in the colder months. The range can be found here

Last but not least, it’s almost Christmas… OK, we’re in September, but you might as well refresh your bedroom to make it look more festive right? This Christmas duvet design is fun, festive and why not add some cheer into your bedroom? It’s all a bit of fun and will instantly refresh your bedroom.

Let me know what you do to refresh your bedroom!

 

 

Our Tour de Trike Adventure – #LTTourdeTrike

I knew kids had energy but my eldest son Cameo has tonnes of it! He is 20 months now and since we moved to Nottingham back in March he has absolutely revelled in the outdoors. He loves to run, literally just run. Take him to a park and he’ll ignore the swings. He just wants to explore. London is great (I lived there for 30 years!) but you can’t beat the open space we have now. Not only have we got a garden but we have loads of open, safe space and Cameo loves it. The only issue is that he runs off pretty quickly and if he sees a bike.. well… he runs after it shouting bike! It’s funny, but not so much when you’re trying to run after him!

Setting up a Little Tikes Trike

We realised it was time to get him some kind of ride on or bike. Our top choice was a Little Tikes Trike. We love Little Tikes in our house. From trucks to slides, they’re already firm favourites. So it made sense to trust a brand we had already grown to love. I mean this parenting thing is hard, especially with your first born. So I tend to gravitate towards my favourite brands for big things like this.

Our big Tour De Trike adventure may not be big to some but it is for us. Exploring our new surroundings and a new town is a huge deal. More for me than Cameo but still an adventure! What’s great is that in Nottingham there have been a host of bike rides lately. From Cycle Live 2018 to The Tour of Britain which everyone really celebrated here. Cameo has been surrounded by bikes. So it worked perfectly when he saw his new Trike. He isn’t quite ready to go it alone yet. I’m not sure if it’s laziness or him just getting used to wheels. So it was important for us to get a bike that could grow with him. That he was secure in and that we could manage to push with no problems. We plan on doing so much exploring over the next few months trying to get to know all the secret places in Nottingham.

Our Tour de Trike Adventure - #LTTourdeTrike

Our Tour de Trike Adventure - #LTTourdeTrike

That’s where the Little Tikes 4 in 1 Trike comes in! It’s a fabulous little trike. Pretty easy to put together (thanks to Chiino for that one!) It’s strong but agile and amazingly easy to push and steer. It has an adjustable push handle which can be changed depending on your height. Brilliant for me and my 6ft fiancé! I’m so pleased it’s strong but lightweight, it was one of my concerns after recently having a c section. But it’s a real pleasure to push around, to be honest.

At the moment Cameo sits in it and pops his feet on the footrests. Soon enough we’ll be able to take them off and teach him to practice using the pedals. Then when he gets used to that we can remove the steering lock and he can have a full on little trike that he rides himself. Brilliant isn’t it? Plus it will save us money. No need to buy another bike in a years time. It also has a generous basket at the back of the trike. Perfect for picking up trinkets on our adventure. Or, to carry mummies shopping in!

Toddlers trike review - pretty big butterflies

Toddlers trike review - pretty big butterflies

We started a little late as it’s suitable for little ones from 9 months old. But we have a newborn who’ll make use of it from an earlier age. It lasts until they’re 4 too which I think makes it great value for money. That means Cameo has lots of time before he outgrows it. It has a UV sunshade which I think is a really key feature that so many trikes and bikes don’t think of. It also comes with a 5-point seat belt harness and a drinks holder. Seriously, these guys have thought of everything.

I love that Cameo can be outdoors looking around, the wind in his hair and exploring his surroundings without us having to chase him and without him being restricted to a boring buggy! It doesn’t matter if it gets wet either so we’ll be wrapping him up and continuing our Tour de Trike adventure all through the winter!

The best toddler trike

Find out more about the Little Tikes Tour de Trike adventures now and have a browse of all the trikes they have on offer. There really is something for every little one.