I always have a lot of questions about accommodati I always have a lot of questions about accommodation when we stay anywhere as a family so I thought I’d share this little tour of our room at @windjammerlanding which was a pretty perfect place to stay.

It’s the ‘Ocean View Two Bedroom’ which was like a little house, with an upstairs and downstairs, built into the hillside. Both rooms had outdoor space and their own shower rooms. Such a great option for a family.
A little photo dump from our holiday in St Lucia. A little photo dump from our holiday in St Lucia. We’ve been back a few days now but still miss the heat, the food, the pool, the constant sounds of wildlife and the lovely people. It was such a great holiday and I’m sure we’ll be back one day.
And just like that, Athena is 12! What a joy it is And just like that, Athena is 12! What a joy it is watching her grow and what a wonderful young woman she is becoming. We could not be more proud. Love you Pickle, have a great birthday.
We’ve just got back from two glorious weeks in S We’ve just got back from two glorious weeks in St Lucia staying at @windjammerlanding and it was just the holiday we needed. Two weeks of sunshine and relaxation in what must be one of the most beautiful islands in the world. 

We can’t wait to go back again in the future. Here’s just a little snippet of our trip.
AD - Press Tickets | We had such a nice day at @na AD - Press Tickets | We had such a nice day at @national_motor_museum despite the rain! The children loved the Little Beaulieu play area and we loved exploring the National Motor Museum and Top Gear exhibit before having a ride on the monorail! We went on an old open topped bus, explored the Beaulieu Manor House and loved the gardens. 
Beaulieu is always a great day out - whatever the weather. This summer they have a whole ‘Summer of Fun’ planned, with activities most days - parades, bird shows and hundreds of sculptures within the grounds too. If you’re looking for a day out this summer definitely think about heading to Beaulieu.
AD - Press Tickets | Tonight we took the kids to t AD - Press Tickets | Tonight we took the kids to their first concert - but it was so much more than just a concert! @abbavoyage is incredible. With CGI ABBA and a live band, it’s like being at an ABBA concert 40 years ago but with modern lighting, effects and sound. ABBA look and sound real, it’s a mind blowing experience.
The set includes all the songs you know and love as well as a few less familiar ones.
You can’t take photos during the show which actually made a refreshing change. A whole arena focused purely on the show and soaking up the moment. It’s definitely something the four of us will always remember.
Now, I’m off to sing Dancing Queen all the way home.
AD - Press Trip | We had such a great day at @phdo AD - Press Trip | We had such a great day at @phdockyard today. They have a fantastic Ultimate Explorer ticket that lets you visit all the attractions as many times as you like for 12 months - and after a day at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard we can see that you need more than one day to really do everything!

We explored HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Exhibition - which is incredible! We also saw where ships are built and restored and spent time in Action Stations where the kids climbed and did an assault course.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is such a fun, educational day out with something for all ages - we can’t wait to go on their harbour tours next time we visit!
AD | WIN!! Would you love to win a holiday? To cel AD | WIN!! Would you love to win a holiday? To celebrate #100YearOfARoads National Highways have launched their #ARoadsToSummer competition! It's all about celebrating summer holiday moments, time together, fun in the sun, days out and more.

So why not be in it to win it? To enter, all you have to do is send @nationalhways a DM on here with a photo or video of your favourite holiday moments. You can also comment on their Facebook or Twitter #ARoadsToSummer posts with your holiday photos. I've shared a few of our favourite photos to give you some inspiration.

The best six entries will each win a £500 @nationaltrust holidays voucher! SO what are you waiting for? Dig out your favourite holiday photos or take some new ones to share!

The #ARoadsToSummer competition runs from 24 July to 10 September 2023. Winners will be announced in September 2023.

Good luck!
Oh these two! Every day I feel lucky to have them. Oh these two! Every day I feel lucky to have them. As school draws to a close at lunchtime, I’m looking forward to a whole summer with them. My favourite people.

They’ve both had a great year at school this year. Troy’s first without his sister by his side and Athena’s first at secondary school. 

They both had great reports, always did their best and have made some really lovely new friends this year. I could not be more proud of them.

Now, let’s go and enjoy the next six weeks before school starts all over again!
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Family · April 20, 2016

Reminiscing: Our Wedding

Our wedding was, without a doubt, the best day of my life. It was a day that had been planned for the preceding 15 months and a day that I had imagined down to the smallest of details. I had never dreamed of having a big white wedding but when we got engaged it was all I could see us doing – I wanted it all – the church, the car, the dress.

How did we pay for our wedding?

Luckily I had good bonuses at work during our engagement that paid for the bulk of our wedding. We all went out for Chinese the night before the wedding with all the guests staying in our reception venue and then I stayed in a room with my bridesmaids, talking late into the night and running through the following day in my head. In the morning we all got ready together, having breakfast together before having our hair and make up done. It was such a lovely time.

I remember walking down the manor house stairs to my Dad at the bottom and I have never seen him look so proud. The girls went in one car and me and my Dad went in our Rolls Royce. I can’t remember what we talked about but he held my hand and I remember we parked around the corner from the church to pass some time as we were too early.

Reminiscing: Our Wedding

Where did we get married?

We got married in Dave’s local church where he grew up. A beautiful church that looks so picturesque. I was so nervous saying my vows. Public speaking has never been my strong point. When the vicar announced that we were husband and wife I was so relieved – I had managed to say my vows without breaking down! But I started crying almost immediately afterwards, all the emotion of the last year or so finally coming out.

Reminiscing: Our Wedding
Reminiscing: Our Wedding
Reminiscing: Our Wedding

Dave and I left the church, had a moment to ourselves before the guests all came round to greet us. We were showered in confetti and had hugs and congratulations from all angles. There were only about sixty people but it felt like so many more. In that moment I just felt so loved.

Reminiscing: Our Wedding

Where did we have our wedding reception?

We drove back to our reception venue and I remember drinking Bucks Fizz. We had so many photos taking and we saw all our guests relaxing in the sun shine. It was the most beautiful day.

Reminiscing: Our Wedding
Reminiscing: Our Wedding
Reminiscing: Our Wedding
Reminiscing: Our Wedding

My little brother and sister were page boy and flower girl. My youngest brother was only three months old at the time. It was wonderful to have all of our family there with us.

Reminiscing: Our Wedding
Reminiscing: Our Wedding
Reminiscing: Our Wedding
Reminiscing: Our Wedding

We had dinner – pate, lamb and profiteroles – and then my Brother In Law, Dave and my Dad did the speeches. This was so emotional for me. Hearing Dave liken the wedding planning to conquering a mountain and reading the dictionary definition of a soulmate. I obviously haven’t described it very well but for someone that doesn’t get that sentimental very often he did amazingly. It was a great speech. My Dad’s speech had me in tears, describing how he had seen me grow, saying how incredibly organised I am and finishing off with a story about how Dave picks wine.

Reminiscing: Our Wedding

Was our wedding traditional?

After dinner we cut the cake and then went outside. I threw the bouquet and we all relaxed into the evening. Drinking, talking and laughing. It was just such a perfect day. We finished it off with a live band. Our first dance and a dance with my Dad before all the guests took over the dance floor.

Our wedding was the best day of my life. When we got back to our room that evening I cried because it was over. I wanted that day to last forever. It was so, so special and we were surrounded by everyone who meant something to us. It was incredible.

Reminiscing: Our Wedding

I don’t like being the centre of attention but on that day, 29th May 2009, I felt beautiful and I felt loved. Not just by my new husband but by so many friends and family. Our wedding day couldn’t have been better.

Reminiscing: Our Wedding

In: Family

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Comments

  1. Hannah * Hannah Spannah says

    April 20, 2016 at 7:29 am

    Donna, it sounds like such a perfect day. You looked so beautiful and the venue and weather were gorgeous.
    So glad it was you perfect day xxx

    Reply
  2. Plutonium Sox says

    April 20, 2016 at 9:17 am

    That’s so lovely. Your photos are amazing, you look stunning and your little page boy and flower girl are adorable!
    Nat.x

    Reply
  3. Sophie Durrans says

    April 20, 2016 at 12:26 pm

    Was your venue Easthampstead Park? They are such beautiful grounds there, particularly if the weather is nice as it seemed to be on your wedding day.

    Reply
    • Donna Wishart says

      April 20, 2016 at 1:03 pm

      Yes it was! 🙂 It was so much cheaper than other local venues and so much more beautiful! x

      Reply
  4. Laura @ dearbearandbeany says

    April 20, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    You look beautiful, what a gorgeous place for a wedding reception. Stunning photos X

    Reply
  5. Lisa says

    April 20, 2016 at 6:40 pm

    Awwww it sounds (and looked) like a perfect day. I’m reading this today on what is my 14th Wedding Anniversary 🙂 (Also the 29th May is my sisters Birthday 😀 x

    Reply
    • Donna Wishart says

      April 20, 2016 at 7:01 pm

      Happy Anniversary Lisa! x

      Reply
  6. Tracey Williams says

    April 22, 2016 at 12:19 pm

    Aw I got goose bumps reading this Donna. I think I am a little emotional around weddings at the moment as we celebrate 15 years married in less than 3 weeks. So lovely to look back and reminisce and you look beautiful Donna x

    Reply
  7. Lindsay @ Newcastle Family Life says

    April 23, 2016 at 1:33 pm

    It looks like you had such a beautiful wedding day. You look stunning in your dress and make such a lovely bride. Your venue looks amazing too xx

    Reply

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Hi everyone! I'm Donna. Mummy. Blogger. Social Media Manager. Traveller. Lover of stars, rainbows and gin. Firm believer that tea and cake can fix most things.

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