ADVENTURES IN THE MOTHERLAND: OUT AND ABOUT - MIDLANDS

The theme for this post goes a little like this…

That time when you go to show a good friend some places to visit around Milton Keynes then you realize you spent hours prepping photos and forgot to click 'post'.

This isn't exhaustive by any means, for instance I highly recommend visiting Bletchley Park despite the lack of pictures, and the majority of these are kid centric - but it's for my lovely friend Steph to spark the imagination about exciting adventures to come.

Much love

xox

CAMBRIDGE

Let's be fair you can't really go wrong in this picturesque town.

CARDINGTON AIR HANGERS

Worth a drive by for sheer wow factor. 

EMBERTON COUNTRY PARK

A great day out for families and right next to the glorious little village of Olney (which, for those of you who care, is where the song Amazing Grace was composed…)

THE FOREST CENTRE

Okay so this place saved my ass more times than I care to count. Another great outdoors destination for families - take a stroll around the lakes, spot some wild life or dine at the great cafe.

Thank you Forest Centre…my soul thanks you.

SHUTTLEWORTH

If I was to do it all over again I would have discovered Shuttleworth several months before I did. 

This treasure trove of a park is home to one of the worlds largest, and oldest, collection of historic aircraft. Great for young and old. 

I highly recommend attending the Shuttleworth Proms - an evening watching vintage airplanes being flown by kamikaze pilots while a symphonic orchestra somewhat ominously plays 'Ride of the Valkyries'…yes please. 

WOBURN SAFARI PARK

I've raved on about this place on a number of occasions so for now I'll simply say go. Just go. 

Like It, Love It!

Feel like you've seen less of me lately? 

For the past 6 weeks I've been on a mission. 

Fitness & general wellbeing are topics extremely close to my heart. While I hate (HATE) watching what I eat, my reality is that if I don't I wind up looking like the Michelin Man's marginally better dressed cousin.

Following Will's birth a combination of changing priorities and poor diet meant it took me 2 years to get back to a shape I was comfortable with. Rationally I knew my body would change after children. Your body has just fan-baked another human in 9 short months...most Visa applications take longer than this. Yet I underestimated how much of my self worth was tied up in my appearance. 

When I found out I was pregnant last September I was determined that this time would be different. Not 'I-will-live-off-a-diet-of-mung-beans-and-the-occasional-sprout' different, just a 'junk in - junk out' change in mentality. 

I had crippling morning sickness until about month four. Some mornings all I could do was crawl out of bed, turn on the TV and lie in the foetal position watching CBeebies with Will, praying I wouldn't vomit on the rug, until Scott got home at lunch. On days like these the only thing I found which helped was light exercise. I still remember crying at the thought of leaving the house but up I got, bundling Will into the buggy (with about a gazillion rugs and a hot water bottle) and off we went. When Winter truly set in I turned to an in home program - Tracey Anderson's Pregnancy Project, which I loved and was fortunate enough to keep doing right up until two days before Julia arrived.

Suffice to say that between walking, the DVD's and a little pre-natal yoga (which made me so nauseous I spent most classes on the floor trying not to vomit on the 'peace candle') I was due a rest when Jules arrived in June. 

Fast forward 5 months, we had just arrived in New Zealand and I was ready for a challenge. 

A friend of mine recommended Yummy Mummy Fitness for Mum's. Driven (deliberate choice of words here) by the effervescent and insatiably energetic Simone - I found the challenge and camaraderie I was after. 

Signing up for the 6 week challenge I overcame a few setbacks, notably putting my back out after the first day (dodgy back from horse riding not related to the fitness program) and being on limited duties for the following 3 weeks, but I made it.

Today was our fitness final. 

If you've made it this far, I knew you would that's why we're friends - I'm sure you're wondering what the results looks like. In my case it looks a bit like this: 

• In 1 minute I improved from 25 press-ups to 54
• Increased my squat time by over a minute and a half
• Increased my plank by almost a minute
• And ran 5kms in 27 minutes 38 seconds

Or in pictures...

So in closing - I'm not a medical or healthcare professional - I'm simply sharing my story and what worked for me. Perhaps you'll find this useful. Perhaps you'll roll over on the couch and try not to vomit on your rug. In any case I hope you've enjoyed the story and take something away from it, even if it's just to appreciate how much faster I look in my vizor.

And for those of you Mum's out there thinking this might be a bit of you make like Nike and 'Just Do It' baby. You have no idea what you're capable of. I like looking good in my clothes and I'm sure you do to. Let's look good in clothes together. Wait...that came out wrong. 

...on to the 12 week challenge! 

Jacq

PS - Sorry for the number of times I mentioned vomit in this post...

PPS - No I'm not

A Little Christmas Cheer for a Grey Tuesday

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas,

toys in every store,

but the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be 

On your own front door....

PS - Pick the child hating on their mother...

Looking for a Little Afternoon Delight

Every family needs a few traditions. 

One of ours "Friday Night - Family Night", was started a few years back to redress the balance of work/life in the Griffin household.

Our aim each week is simple. 

To. Leave. The. House.

The above is deceptively hard for a number of lame reasons...people are tired, couches are comfy, thinking hurts. Pass me the beer. Right? 

But we wanted more. 

To begin with we both got a little carried away. Our first Friday's were like watered down versions of the Amazing Race...YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EVENING OR ELSE! Thankfully we've relaxed a smidgen - returned to what's important. Getting out of the house and back into life (particularly while the kids are young and still want to spend time with us)

Which brings me to last Friday - after all what better way to wrap up a week than soaking up the last of the afternoon sun, paddling on the shores of the Hauraki Gulf? 

The purpose of sharing is not to induce vomiting - for the record nek minut both kids capitulated, reigning terror on the unsuspecting public of Browns Bay. 

It's just a reminder that life is out there. It doesn't have to be extravagant or expensive, but it should be enjoyed. So go get 'em tiger! 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Wherever you are in the world.

x

Hair there and Everywhere

It's easy to forget we've only been back in New Zealand 6 weeks considering we've already spent a weekend partying on Matakana Island, jet setted to Wanaka (and back), enjoyed a spot of lunch in 'the Tron' with our Scottish relies, and are currently packing for a zip down country to Fielding to deliver a freezer...

Remember this post? Old habits die hard. Just ask Bruce Willis. After Fielding life should might will become significantly less frantic. 

But enough about the diesel miles I'm clocking up on my car...today I wanted to talk (briefly) about haircuts. 

The transformational power of the humble haircut cannot be under estimated. 

Turning boys into men. 

Don't believe me? 

One haircut and my little man is transformed. Sass and all. 

Just a few pictures to share - Jules is 6 months next week...whhaaaattt? 

Love to all of our friends and family across the globe. 

Jacq

xoxo

GOLDEN HOUR

I'll let you in to a little secret.

Out West we get this light. Glorious golden, honey drenched light. I call it the golden hour, and it's a powerful thing. It can transform an ordinary West Auckland yard into a thing of great beauty. Chicken wire fence and all.

It's always a little better after a storm.

In the week leading up to Julia's birth it rained. 

Rained with a purpose. 

Rained to the point I considered seeking out an Ark.

Sunday, June 2nd began miserably. Sky blanketed with a white wash of grey. Yet as the day progressed and it became clear that THIS was the real deal, the white wash receded and out came the sun. I have this vivid memory of a glorious golden light spilling through the car window on our way to hospital. 

I will be forever grateful to my ultra-conservative husband for allowing me to slip Aurelie (meaning golden) into Julia's name last minute. 

Today didn't hold much promise. The West spent most of the afternoon underwater.

Yet as we pulled into the driveway after family night, out came the sun.

There's something magical about sunlight that follows a storm. Everything twinkles, the air is sweeter, colors more vivid. It's a world reborn - slightly more beautiful than before.

Perhaps you've had a hard week. Perhaps it feels like the universe is conspiring against you. Whatever the case, please remember that in order to see a rainbow there must first be a little rain.

Love

Jacq

PS - These pictures are mere eye candy - when golden hour hit I went running for my camera and played around with light settings. 

LOVE - LOVE - LOVE

To our dearest friends now scattered across the world - this one is for you!

If I could rearrange the world and bring England closer to New Zealand, believe me when I say that I'd get out my fishing rod and reel it right on over to the Pacific.

You have not been forgotten. 

I'm still trying to explain to Will why Lachie, Archie, Charlie, Emi, Dawn, Oliver, Melissa, Gilly, Polly, Daisy, Rosie, Lucia, Rupi, Jaisal, Louise, Joe, William, Gabrielle, Zoe, Elizabeth, Bill, Lisa, Peta, Chris, Lucas, Amy, Eva, Kris, Hilly, Jess, Constance, Loris, Matt (...etc) can't simply pop on a plane and come for a visit. 

So ... just on the off chance any of you happen to planning the next family exodus - allow me to provide a little inspiration. 

Here's a snapshot of some of the trouble we've been getting up to lately. 

Beaches - Will scoping Takapuna beach for hidden treasure

Family - Jules meeting her Great Grannykins for the first time

Love. Love. Love!

We've finally got new contact details so email me on cullenjacq@hotmail.com and i'll send them over. 

Jacq, Scott, Will and Jules 

xoxo

2013 - FAMILY ODYSSEY

When you love something. When you really, truly, madly, deeply LOVE something you should let it go. If it comes back its yours. Right? Yet it's always shocking to wake up one morning and realize how long that thing has been gone from your life. How far away it feels. How irretrievable.

To fill the void you search. Across countries, across experiences until you arrive at the inevitable conclusion. That Dorothy was right. You can look the world over and yet...there truly (honestly truly) is NO place like home. 

Our 8 week pilgrimage has ended. As I write this post nestled in the cushions of my very own couch, watching my very own TV, in my very own lounge my heart feels at peace. 

Getting here has been one hell of a journey that I can't wait to share with everyone. 

I'll be back to blogging tomorrow (well...and today, as it would seem). 

Now excuse me while I quietly fall in love with New Zealand. 

Love from these crazies

I PUT A SPELL ON YOU

Guess where we were today?

PS - Just between friends, I took this every bit as seriously as it looks in the picture...it's all in the wrist

DON'T PANIC...IT'S ALL GOOD

Hi folks, 

Just checked in...noticed any changes?

First things first. DON'T PANIC. You're in the right place - this is still the location of Jacqueline Grace Photography - but this page is undergoing a metamorphosis.

I'm not finished just yet, so make sure you stop by again soon. 

After all, it's all good...seriously

With love

Jacq

xoxo

ADVENTURES IN THE MOTHERLAND: CRANFIELD & SURROUNDS - STATELY HOMES

The following series of posts have been on my mind for some time.

12 months to be exact.

Think of it as a love letter to this tiny outpost of academia we've called home for the past year.

With its history, its traditions, its...its Englishness - this country is just about as close to Utopia as it gets for me. I can think of no greater way to spend a day than to visit a stately home and marvel at the pomp and circumstance of it all. It's wealth on a scale completely foreign to a humble New Zealand girl from a small rural community.

This post is dedicated to some of my favorite stately homes located close to our home. I've tried to keep the information short & sweet - as much to save your sanity as to whet your appetite to go and see them for yourself.


Woburn Abbey
Woburn Park, Bedfordshire - MK17 9WA

Ordinarily I'd save the best for last, but in the case of Woburn Abbey I'll make an exception.

I've spent many, many, MANY hours at Woburn Abbey. It was a god send during those colder months when I needed to get out of the house & run some energy off my caged animal son. This said I've only been in the house once. So why is it my favorite stately home in the area?

1. Internationally significant artwork - If names like Gainsborough, Van Dyke and Rembrandt mean anything to you then welcome to Mecca
2. Something for everyone - Houses, Gardens, Antiques, a Safari Park stacked with Lions & Tigers and Bears...(oh my!) Woburn boasts so many attractions that it's almost overwhelming 
3. Year around activities - I was astonished to discover that between November - March each year a great number of attractions shut up shop. Thankfully Woburn works hard to put on a show and host a variety of events - for more information check out the events page here

My Top Tips

• Buy an Annual Pass - An annual pass for the Gardens and Deer Park will set you back a princely £13 enabling you to roam around the grounds till your hearts content...in New Zealand this is called trespassing and generally results in arrest.
• Indulge in High Tea - If you want something done right, go direct to the source. Afternoon Tea is said to have originated at Woburn by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford. I celebrated my baby shower at the Duchess' Tea Rooms & highly recommend it for both value & venue. A selection of sandwiches, homemade cakes and scones with clotted cream and jam and a pot of tea for £12.50 per person...yes please
• Woburn County Fair - If you do nothing else head along to the Woburn County Fair held each year in June for no other reason but to watch a Pony race an Isuzu. It's a great weekend of exhibits, stalls and entertainment held in the grounds of the Deer Park. I've included a few snaps below....PS - the Pony won

Wimpole Estate
Arrington, Royston, Hertfordshire - SG8 0BW

This National Trust property makes me weak at the knees every time I visit...and I've visited a bit. That said I've yet to make it inside the House so what is it about Wimpole Estate that I love?

1. Home Farm - Located on the grounds of the estate is a working farm including a substantial piggery, cattle sheds & petting zoo. Perfect for little ones to get up close and personal to nature. 
2. Outdoor Spaces - Perhaps I'm alone in this, but I've always found roaming around after little people that much more enjoyable when there's something in it for me. Wimpole has a variety of outdoor gardens, spaces and playgrounds that appeal to both young and old. 
3. The Food - Elaborating on point one, everything produced on site is consumed on site. The result is seriously delicious. The home farm cafe is my personal favorite for both the menu and the kid friendly atmosphere.

My Top Tips

• Jingle Bells - The Christmas Market at Wimpole is really something else. Nestled in the old stable block is a veritable wonderland of craft & food markets. Browsing the stalls, hot chocolate in hand is sure to melt even the toughest Scrooge.

Wrest Park
Silsoe, Luton, Bedfordshire - MK45 4HR

My love affair with Wrest Park began quite by chance. I happened to see an advertisement in our local paper for St George's Day celebrations and thought we should head along for a look. As we edged along the driveway towards the glorious French-Style Mansion it was love at first site, and I've never looked back.

So...how I love Wrest Park - let me count the ways:

1. Child Friendly Interiors - Wrest Park is a relatively new addition to the English Heritage portfolio. After decades behind virtually closed doors EH are working hard to revive the House (and Gardens) to their former glory. As a result only the ground floor of the house is open to the public and the interiors are extremely friendly to those with little ones in tow. Go forth and enjoy grasshopper.
2. Adventure Playground - Wrest Park boasts a fabulous outdoor playground for the kids. Better still, said playground is located right outside the cafe. Coffee. Kids. Enough said (clearly the coffee is for you...not the kids...just saying)
3. Great Outdoors - Wrest Park has one of my favorite outdoor areas. One look at the picture below tells you why, but what you can't see is the myriad of classical buildings dotted around the estate. Trust me. It's incredible. 

My Top Tips

• St George's Day Festival - Wrest Park allegedly hosts the largest St George's Day Festival in England. In any case it's an experience that must be seen to be believed. Battle re-enactments, knights in armor, falconry and a smoke breathing Dragon - head along for English Heritage at its very best

Althorp
Althorp, Northampton, NN7 4HQ

As we queued outside the gates, the two women ahead of us confessed they had made a point of visiting every year since 1997. Open to the public for only two months each year, making the journey to Althorp - the family home of the Spencer family and (more notably) the final resting place of Diana, Princess of Wales - is something of a pilgrimage.

Whether you're a royalist, or not - Althorp is an incredible home and well worth the journey off the beaten track for a visit:

1. Stand and Marvel - I fear my pictures fail to capture the true beauty of the buildings at Althorp. The stable block alone (yes that majestic Italian inspired building dominated by the columns is merely the horses home) is enough to set the pulse racing. 
2. Food Glorious Food - The cafe, set in the old stables block offers treats for both eye and stomach. The horses' stalls have been converted into table alcoves providing a little get away from the crowds. With some great lunch options for the littlies and (nearly) indestructible furnishings this has been my favorite eatery at a stately home to date. 
3. A celebration of Life - It goes without saying that Althorp's real draw card is somewhat bittersweet. The family does an incredible job at celebrating the life of a woman who clearly meant so much to so many.

My Top Tips:

• Get in Quick!: The award winning 'Diana: A celebration' exhibition is in its final year, and due to close in August 2014. This includes includes heart warming mementos from her childhood at Althorp, her marriage to HRH Prince Charles, her life with William and Harry, her work for charity and (more soberly) her state funeral. FYI - take tissues. Just saying.
• Book in Advance or Pay Cash: Being open for a mere two months each year means getting in the gates can be a bit of a land grab. My suggestion is either to book your tickets online in advance or pay cash as the queues for both are significantly shorter.

Waddesdon Manor

Waddesdon, near Aylesbury, HP18 0JH

Places like Waddesdon Manor exist in Fairytales, Disney movies and Jilly Cooper novels. . . NOT real life. At least not my life. A former country home of the Rothschild dynasty, Waddesdon (in some respects) is a relic of a golden age now past. It would be easy to write Waddesdon off as just 'another stately home' yet I can't help but feel that merely strolling the grounds was enough to make one feel a bit more glamorous, a bit more classy and - frankly - just a little bit more posh than when you arrived.

Visit Waddesdon for the: 

1. Opulence - Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild sure knew how to throw a shindig. Waddesdon was created as a place to entertain guests at his famous 'Saturday to Monday' house parties. When the guest list exceeded the available floor space he simply added a further wing to the West End of the house. It should come as no surprise that the interior is suitably opulent so head along and wander in wonder...
2. Variety - Families, Wine lovers, Gardners and Art Aficiandos, Waddesdon caters for all tastes, ages and stages
3. Accessibility - On both of my trips to Waddesdon I've been really impressed with their commitment to making the estate accessible for those with mobility requirements. From offering a free shuttle service between the outbuildings, to having wheelchairs available for use within the house & grounds you don't find this at every home so it's worth a call out - more information is available here.

My Top Tips:

• Go early - Unsurprisingly Waddesdon is a popular attraction. Once the main car parks are full, cars are directed to park along the main driveway and it can be a long (LONG) walk to the house. My recommendation is to either get in early, or pack a good pair of shoes for the hike.
• Christmas at Waddesdon - Waddesdon is glorious at any time of year but Christmas is something truly magical. It's like stepping into a Hallmark card (if you're lucky you might even see a little old lady wielding a hand muff...I'm making no promises though) - check out more information here then add it to your festive season must-see's for 2014.

Ashridge Estate
Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted, HP4 1LT

I'll be honest - Ashridge Estate wasn't even a twinkle on the edge of my radar until Dawn (my doula) suggested we meet up for a stroll one dismal & raining fine day. Since then I've returned on at least four separate occasions. It's a love affair. Don't tell my husband.

Ashridge, unlike the other estates featured in this post, does not boast the allure of a stately home. Its charm lies in the 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) of magnificent and varied countryside which criss-crosses the Hertfordshire/Buckinghamshire border. It's a place of astonishing beauty & well worth the visit if not simply to gawk at the ginormous mansions marvel at the beauty and charm of the surrounding area.

Visit Ashridge if you want to:

1. Get Lost - There's walking tracks to suit all ability levels and with 2,000 acres of woodland to explore you can walk for hours without seeing a soul. An achievement for a country with 60 million inhabitants. My favorite is a short loop track that circles back on itself from the Visitor Centre. It's the perfect distance for little legs that tire easily.
2. Get Closer to Nature - Due to the size and diversity of the estate, there are many mammals, birds and butterflies to be found. The National Trust do a stirling job of educating both young & old about the flora, fauna and archaeology at Ashridge. More information can be found here.
3. Brag to your friends - Ashridge Estate has featured in movies including Robin Hood, Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows pt 2, and Les Miserables. What...it's the closest I'm going to get to Hollywood.

My Top Tips:

• Stop for lunch - Brownlow cafe, next to the visitor centre offers a selection of delicious food made from local produce. Food, coffee & service are splendid. It's outdoor seating only so pack your jacket if it looks like showers...or just in any case...this is England after all - Canines are also welcome and bowls of fresh water are provided around the area.
• Visit the playground - Will loves the woodland playground beside the Bridgewater Monument. Carved out of old tree stumps its the perfect climbing ground for kids 3 years plus.
• Go up the Bridgewater Monument - there's a lot of steps but the view is worth the few pounds you pay for the privilege. Be sure to check the opening times to avoid disappointment.
• Do a drive by - Ashridge House is now a privately run business school, however there is a through road which passes right in front of the house. It's an impressive building, those history buffs amongst you might be interested to know that Henry VIII bequeathed Ashridge to the infant Princess Elizabeth, who lived there for eight years with her half sister and brother and was arrested there by Mary in 1554. If that's not reason enough to check it out I don't know what is.

Final Note: I've also visited Stowe House & Gardens, but whiled away my time in the sunshine with the kids rather than snapping pictures. How selfish right?! Stowe is absolutely incredible and well worth the visit. If I make it back there in the next two weeks I'll update this post to include a summary.

LUCKY BREAK

I'm just sorting through some pictures from the past few days and found this gem - shot at a moments notice with one hand on the camera and the other pushing the buggy this "point and shoot" at its best.

More on the below - and some other exciting endeavors coming to a screen near you shortly! 

I hope you've had a great weekend wherever you are in the world.

Jacq

THE UPSIDE OF GETTING SLAPPED BY A FISH....

Ever been hit in the face with a cold wet fish?

Neither have I but I imagine the experience would be fairly close to what I went through today after I read this article written by the talented Rachel Macy Stafford.

My Type-A personality is perfectly suited to modern day living. A life that can be merticulously planned to within an inch of itself by a carefully choreagraphed agenda governed by an arsenal of technology. As I write this it occurs to me that country's have gone to war with less equipment and considerably less planning than an average weekend at our home.

It's life at full throttle 'go hard or go home' baby...I'll sleep when I'm dead.

***!!!!SLAP!!!!***

That's the sound of a cold wet fish hitting you smack bang in the chops.

My greatest fear is that life will pass me by. It terrifies me...although spiders are a fairly close second. As a result - my Type-A has spent the past 12 months in a state of gut-churning FOMO* taunted by the glossy lives of those on facebook (for the record this does my husband's head in).

I've been pondering a few things of late. Primarily to do with life the world the universe and everything and where I fit within this grand scheme. You see I like to have a plan (see above description of Type-A personality). Yet lately it feels as though everytime I set my sails the Universe comes along and rips the rug from beneath my well positioned feet.

Such as...

I was quite happily settled in Melbourne with a kick ass job making fairly good progress into my 10 year plan when I met my husband ***!!!!SLAP!!!*** 12 months later I had left my kick ass job and relocated back to a small rural community in west Auckland

A few months after that with a new kick ass job and a (somewhat) revised 10 year plan I found out I was pregnant ***!!!!SLAP SLAP!!!*** 9 months after that I fell headover heels when our son William was born and sobbed uncontrollably at the thought of returning to work...ever

When I finally did return I was offered an incredible opportunity on the work front and was firing on all cylinders when ***!!!!SLAP SLAP SLAP!!!!*** Scott was offered the chance to undertake his Masters on the other side of the world

After reading Rachel's article I had a moment of rare clarity. The Universe was indeed trying to tell me something...you're on the wrong track buster

And I realised that for the past 12 months I haven't been too busy to...

Respond to emails. To post a card. To remember a birthday. This year I actually sat down and WROTE a letter. I even picked out fancy pants stationary to mark the occasion. Posting it off was obsurdly satisfying and even better was the joy when I got a response. I have fallen in love with my little girl, had adventures with my little man and learned many, many things about my big man. I have had the chance to really think about what I wanted from life, not what I thought I wanted or should want. I have reassed all those 10 year plans added much to the list and and thrown a few ideas out the window. I've learned how to bake, how to cook and how to properly drive around a round-a-bout.

This is not designed to be an expose on being 'hollier than thou' - merely to point out that what I needed was a serious lesson in slowing down. In being grateful for what I have NOW...not what I might possibly have at some point in the future.

Some of us need a slap in the face with a cold fish first. 

So here's a snap shot of what I have to be grateful for. Right now. She's 2 months old now...seriously!?

Ever been slapped in the face by a fish? I'd love to hear your story.

Love

Jacq

* FOMO - Fear of Missing Out...you're welcome

POOH IN THE WOODS

I've had a bit of a love/hate relationship with my time abroad (waa-waa first world problems waa...I know right?)

England is a long, long, LONG way from home and home is a pretty cool place to be when you've got little ones, and big little ones and brand new little ones. You get the picture.

This said, I am the only one responsible for the experience I have over here and I'll be damned if I'm going to waste it. With two kids in tow I've scoured the English countryside and been to some places of astonishing beauty. Places so quintessentially British you half expect Colin Firth to emerge from a lake...core wouldn't that be splendid?

People fortunate enough to visit Africa often remark that they had a sense of returning home and well, I've often had that feeling about Britain. A sense of unexplained familiarity.

Hot on the heels of my success with Wrest Park, this week I journeyed 50 minutes down country to Ashridge Estate. Like everything in England, Ashridge is dripping with history. Perhaps most notably it was owned by Henry VIII who bequeathed Ashridge to the infant Princess Elizabeth, who lived there for eight years with her half sister and brother and was eventually arrested there by Mary in 1554. These days the house and the grounds are managed separately. The Ashridge House is a business school while the country estate is managed by the National Trust.

Alas I didn't have much of a chance to snap pictures. Feeding small and squidgy, chasing around after the chunky monkey and playing with Dawn (my doula's) gorgeous dogs - takes up an alarming amount of time. I did however manage to snap the below, perhaps one of my favourites to date.

I look at this picture and I see the Hundred Acre Woods:

“When you see someone putting on his Big Boots, you can be pretty sure that an Adventure is going to happen.”

Winnie the Pooh - A.A Milne