Baby Sister's Hen Weekend

My little sister got married on April 12th but the weekend before that we had a family girls weekend away. We did something similar for my hen, just momma and my sisters so I think it's going to be our tradition and when big sister gets married we'll do the same. It's such a special time for us all. Even though it's not the last time we'll be together it's still so lovely to get away to our own space and create special memories. Of course, we're going to probably fall out a little bit too (too many personalities in one family!) but ultimately this was a really wonderful weekend together!

Apologies for the photo below. hah. Looks so staged - never take photos against a white background!

Of course, any good weekend (or any weekend for that matter) involves really good food. The first night we ate in our hotel restaurant, thanks for the 25% off voucher we got when booking. It was pretty good, even if mom's salmon was a little funny for Natalie's pasta was too spicy! These are the memories we make. hah. The starters were good though.

We might have had a cooked breakfast both mornings but I won't tell if you don't!

As per tradition we ended up at a National Trust place Tatton Park. The day was VERY wet but that didn't put a damper on any of our plans. It was a really nice place with a gift and tea shop (obligatory). The place was so big I don't think we fully explored the place. Maybe another time when the sun's out and we're a little more motivated to wander.

That evening we went to Bridgewater Hall to hear classical concert "Holst's: The Planets". Natalie has always wanted to hear them so it was a big treat for her. To start with I wasn't too bothered but hearing classical music live is soooooo good. It felt really emotional, especially 'Jupiter'. There may have been a few watery eyes from a few of us. Worth hearing.

JUST A LITTLE BIT EMOTIONAL thinking about her being married!

AND WHAT A TREAT to return to our hotel room afterwards to champagne (actually perry!). The hotel staff had no idea we were on a hen weekend until late into the day and then left this as a little surprise. SO NICE. We opened up a box or two of ferreo rocher, got into our pjs and cuddled up into one big bed to watch a bit of tele. Perfect.

This was earlier at the National Trust house. Maybe don't do this in the future, you might get asked to 'move on please'. Ooops.

Malham Tarn

For the last weekend of our trip my parents joined us which was good fun. We went for a long walk on a National Trust Estate, Malham Tarn. It was a freezing cold day but the weather stayed dry. We found huge lumps of ice from frozen over puddles and enjoyed smashing them to smithereens then enjoyed a picnic lunch freezing our butts off on a rock! It was all good fun. I'd recommend taking a walk up there one day.

^^ big ice puddles! ^^

Snowhill Manor

In my last post I talked about Sam treating me to a National Trust day out on my birthday weekend. We went to Snowshill Manor. Before that he surprised me with breakfast at Becketts Farm. I am so slow - he told me we were leaving for 9am & I didnt even think he would take me out for breakfast. I was so rushed getting out of the house that I downed an orange juice thinking we'll just have an early lunch instead but I got lucky with my favourite breakfast! I love going there because you get such a massive choice (although I always go for the rise & shine english breakfast!) but you can also wander through the farm shop at good looking fresh produce, sweets and wine!

Snowshill Manor was just over an hours drive away but totally worth it. While we waited for our timed ticket into the house we had a wander round the gardens. It had rained in the morning so everything just glistened & looked more beautiful. I am so appreciating the rain at the moment. I used to dislike it so much because it can be so miserable & mess up your hair! but these days I just don't mind it at all. I find it so refreshing, plus the rain must have kept people indoors because we were able to wander alone, just the two of us (with the odd other person) and enjoy. 

The house was small but Charles Wade who lived there was a collector of pretty much everything from all over the world. There were rooms with tiny toys and (Sam's favourite) a room dedicated to Samurai armour. He also collected musical instruments & all sorts of clocks. He was a hoarder basically but the treasures we saw were so interesting!

^^ new birthday hat! (topshop) ^^

^^ "hours fly, flowers die, new days, new ways pass by but love stays" ^^

^^ Sam enjoying the armoury! ^^

We finished off with the obligatory stop in the tea room but we strayed from tradition of cream teas & had fig frangipane & lemon tart teamed with ginger beer & rose lemonade! Nom!

It really was a lovely day out. Sometimes when I have a hunger to travel again or live somewhere else it's days like this when I really love & appreciate England!

Charlecote Park

YAY! It's September! My birthday month & the beginning of a beautiful Autumn season. The days are still warm but the nights are getting chillier & I couldn't be more happy about it. Time to get the blankets out, make homemade soups, pies & drink plenty of pumpkin spiced lattes! Nom!

A few weeks ago myself, Sam & my brother visited Charlecote Park. Such a lovely place. Honestly, if you live in England you really need to sign up to be a member of the National Trust. It's not just for oldies! There are hundreds of places to visit & explore. We absolutely love it and have many a picnic in a new place.

This place didn't disappoint. We spent a little while around the house which had it's own brew house. Sam was in his element checking out all the old fashioned equipment since he now brews his own beer at home.

It was really lovely to spend some quality time with my brother as well. 

We had the obligatory cream teas & found a group of deer that we followed through the grounds for ages. It was magical!   

^^ they are good friends my hubby & brother. awww...^^