Frills 'n' Spills

Last weekend, Mark and I headed down to Devon to spend a few days relaxing with my in-laws. We stayed at The Old Torcross Hotel which was converted into apartments and it was the perfect location, literally 20 steps to the beach with the most amazing views. I have always loved being by the sea and I could feel the stress lifting as soon as we stepped out of the car.

The Harry Potter tour at the Warner Brothers Studio in Leavesden doesn't need much introduction but I can safely say that it was one of the best days out that we have ever had. Even if you aren't fanatical Potterheads, it is super fun and so so interesting, especially if you are a film fan. We arrived for 9.30am and got the digital guides which is definitely worth doing as there is so much to take in! All in all, we were in there for about 5 and a half hours (including a pitstop for lunch) and we could have definitely spent more time there. I would recommend having the films ready to watch after you go as you appreciate them so much more once you see how much work went into them. Plus you can annoy everyone by spouting off useless interesting factoids that you learnt on your tour... ;) We took about a million photos, but these are my favourites, enjoy!

I can't resist a boutique hotel when we go away and as this anniversary was a pretty special one (10 years!) we headed to The Fish in Broadway to celebrate. The Fish couldn't have been more different to Malmaison in Oxford where we went last year but we had such a nice time and it was so relaxing. We both let out a huge sigh of relief when we arrived and all of our worries just fell away. Apologies for the picture spam, but everything was just so beautiful that we couldn't help but take pictures!

It's funny how traditions start, somehow they get established before you realise what has happened. Spending Valentine's Day with some blogging babes is definitely one of my favourites and this year we spent a lovely long weekend at the Oast House in Herefordshire to celebrate Sarah's 40th birthday. (no I can't believe it either!) Honestly, this weekend was just what I needed, life has been a little bit stressful recently so catching up with these girls over chocolate, cake and prosecco was the perfect antidote! I am officially the worst blogger ever as I didn't bring my camera so you get some phone photos instead!

It was full of charming original features, like this awesome range stove...

The house was based on the Brockhampton Estate and we decided to go exploring on Saturday. The weather was awful but hot soup helped to take the chill off...

Luckily I did manage to avoid buying any more books, I don't think my bookcase could take any more pressure!

It seems like Mark and I have had plans every weekend recently and although I love doing stuff and seeing people, there's nothing better than having nothing planned. At the end of October (some of!) my family and I went to see the Vulcan's last flight at Staverton airport  and although it's not the kind of thing I would usually go for, it was actually really fun. I wore this floral Gap dress and it was ideal for both the huge roast dinner I ate beforehand and standing in a field at the airport ;) I am a massive fan of Gap dresses and this one is another firm favourite, especially as it it has pockets, I mean, what more could you ask for?! It's not fancy, but it sure is fun...

I have been wearing my hair a little longer recently (it looks weird in hats otherwise!) and am able to do a little more styling-wise, like curling it with my GHDs. The best part is that the wave holds, even in the wind and rain! I have had my Fitbit for nearly 2 months now and and I really love it, it has definitely inspired me to move more. 

I love a swooshy skirt and this one is lovely, especially as all of that extra material helps to make your waist look smaller, just what you need after a big dinner ;) 

It is so nice to spend time with family and although I don't get to see them as much as I would like, they are pretty darned special. Now can you guess which of us are related?! 

We have been spending a lot of time recently trying to explore our local area and I always forget how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful part of the country. Considering how close Cheltenham is to  the rest of the Cotswolds, it seemed too good an opportunity to waste. Cirencester is only half an hour away from home for us but shockingly I have never been, so it was top of the list of places to visit when Mark suggested a mini break. We managed to get a really good deal at The King's Head and it was the most relaxing weekend (and the perfect start to my birthday week of fun!) I was so relaxed and it was so nice to spend time together exploring somewhere new.

Everything was super snazzy and I could happily have moved in permanently, if only I could be a lady of leisure all the time...

The bathroom was humongous and everything was very sleek...

We were originally planning to eat in the restaurant but as there weren't any reservations until half nine we went for room service instead. This burger was amazing although I was so full afterwards!

The hotel was right in the centre of town so we were able to start exploring straight away the next morning... 

It was absolutely pouring with rain though so we ended up sheltering in doorways and running between each stop. It really is a beautiful town though, even in the rain!

I was determined to visit the Corinium Museum and I was glad we did as it was super fun. Cirencester is best known for its Roman history but the museum covers from the Neolithic era, right up to the present day. Clearly a lot of the museum was focused at children (it would be a great family day out) but we definitely had more fun playing with all the exhibits than any of the children there!

A reconstruction of the south chamber of the Hazleton Long Barrow- all of the stones are original which is pretty cool!

I really liked the fact that everything felt quite spaced out, there's nothing worse than not being able to move around without fear of damaging a priceless artefact!

The 'Roman Garden' was beautiful, I just wish it had stopped raining long enough for us to go outside!

Mark dressed up as a Roman soldier whilst I serenaded him with a lute...

The Orpheus mosaic was laid in the 4th century AD and was so detailed. Mark and I had a lot of fun making up the puzzle too, who says it's just for kids?! ;)

I told you that there were a lot of mosaics! The Seasons Mosaic was discovered in Cirencester in 1849 and depicts the four seasons and scenes from Roman mythology. It is absolutely stunning and so huge!

A 'sator square'. These are such interesting artefacts and I advise that you read this fascinating article if you have a few minutes spare. 

We also tried writing our names using the Roman alphabet, I told we had you had a lot of fun!

There were so many cute cafes and restaurants to choose from but LB's at Swan Yard was our choice for a hot drink and some shelter from the rain ad we couldn't have picked a nicer spot. Very reasonable prices and such a friendly welcome too, I would definitely recommend it :)

We even got the chance to wander around the park. It was so beautiful, especially with all those gorgeous autumnal colours!

The level of detail  on this is just astounding and thanks to some clever pieces, he is fully poseable. I love the fact that his tummy opens too, you could actually fit the plant inside. Yes, I am a complete child but I love how much personality this little critter has.

I mean, who wouldn't love this cute little face?! 

Are you a Lego fan?