Smoke & Mirrors

Mental health awareness is growing, but the stigma remains. It affects over 350 million people world wide, and yet we still don't understand why it's such an issue.

The Mum Rant

Have you ever noticed, that being a mum (or dad), is like a never ending battle? It's the most beautiful, rewarding, exhausting battle ever. Like, I'm not even sure I sleep on a night, because I wake up feeling just as knackered as when I climbed into bed.

Enough is Enough

I'm well known for having a short fuse when it comes to people. And for having a pretty much non-existent brain-to-mouth filter. If I think it, I say it. My bad.

Crappy Christmas

For the battle-hardened Warrior Parents, Christmas can be a seriously daunting time. Possibly the most family-centric day of the year, and yet one of you won't get to see the children.

All aboard the Gin Train!

The Wensleydale Railway is a heritage and tourist line, running from Northallerton to Redmire (through Bedale and Leyburn) in stunning North Yorkshire. Running heritage diesel engines and some steam trains too, the railway has a fascinating history and is now kept alive by a group of dedicated volunteers.

The Climb! Mount Snowdon.

Since our Helvellyn adventure back in Summer, we have been loving walking. We are now well equipped with merino wool socks, better boots, proper walking trousers and all sorts of other bits and bats, and we set ourselves the goal of climbing Mount Snowdon this Spring.

So with a car full of stuff and snacks, and two equally insane friends (Mr & Mrs C), we set off on our Welsh adventure.

A Little Hill Called Helvellyn

Back in Summer, we went to the lakes with some friends and on our way home, decided to go and climb a mountain. "What a great idea!" we thought.

With nothing but a bottle of water and a snickers each, and with one member of the party in trainers and another in wellies, we set off merrily up a little hill called Helvellyn.

Dwindling Friends

When I was at school, I felt pretty popular. I had a big circle of friends, a great social life, and I felt as though I would never, ever be lonely.