AD | Christmas has arrived at @thelexiconbracknell AD | Christmas has arrived at @thelexiconbracknell and there’s so much to entertain the whole family whilst you do your Christmas shopping! 

Visit The Lexicon Glow Room for a magical light experience that will dazzle you with 20,000 LEDs. It feels like the room goes on forever! Then, take a dip in the Light Pool, a magical ball pool with golden balls to be found and prizes to be won!

If that wasn’t all, have a photo in the giant Christmas bauble ‘sparkling selfie station’ and follow the Twinkle Trail, spotting baubles in shop windows to collect the clues and enter to win fabulous prizes this Christmas. Plus, share your sparkling selfie station pictures, tagging #thelexiconbracknell or email them to marketing@thelexiconbracknell.com and you will automatically be entered in a competition for the chance to win a restaurant gift card too. 

There are also special performances from local choirs, bands and singers and even the chance to meet Bluey, Hey Duggee and Chase from Paw Patrol! You can be sure that a trip to The Lexicon will have something for everyone over the festive season this year. We loved our visit to The Lexicon last weekend and know we’ll be back again before Christmas!

Find out more on @thelexiconbracknell website.

#TheLexiconBracknell #Merry&Bright
AD - Press Trip | What a lovely evening that was! AD - Press Trip | What a lovely evening that was! We had our first Glow Marwell experience tonight - and we loved it. It may even be the best light trail we have been to.

We spent well over two hours at @marwellzoo, enjoying the light installations, indulging in the food stalls and cafe, toasting marshmallows and even meeting Father Christmas! 

Glow Marwell was such a nice way to kick off the festive season - and it’s on all the way through December! If you’re looking for a really nice festive activity the whole family can enjoy, this could definitely be it!
AD | Are you looking for gifts for the grandparent AD | Are you looking for gifts for the grandparents this year? @famileo_uk is a wonderful gift, giving the recipient a personalised gazette of family news regularly throughout the year - and it costs from just £5.99 a month. 

Multiple family members can use the same subscription, all posting messages to be added to one gazette - and sharing the cost of the subscription too! It’s great for parents, siblings and children to all share their news with grandparents each week, fortnight or month. 

We’ve been sending my dad Family gazettes for a while now and he absolutely loves them. It means we tell him all the little things that are happening and not just the big news you remember to mention in phone calls. The children get to upload their own messages to their grandad and it’s definitely made them feel closer, building a stronger relationship despite living far apart.

Find out more about Family over on the blog - link in bio - and buy a subscription for your nearest and dearest this Christmas. It’s a gift they will definitely love to receive.
Two weeks of Fred & George! I won’t be doing the Two weeks of Fred & George! I won’t be doing these updates every week but I like having somewhere to put all these photos!

They’re now three months old, super loving and happy, making biscuits and purring constantly.

They stay in ‘their’ room overnight but explore the house during the day, getting more confident as time passes. They even got to the point of relaxing on the sofa with us last night.

Fred & George are now very much part of our family and I can’t imagine them not being there now - even at 7am when they’re miaowing at the door for breakfast!
AD | Stuck for screen-free entertainment that your AD | Stuck for screen-free entertainment that your kids will love? Claim your FREE Banjo Robinson activity pack today!
 
Reading for pleasure is a key indicator of a child’s future success, but if your child doesn’t love to read, what can you do? We know it’s not always easy keeping kids entertained and away from screens, so we’ve partnered with the award-winning @banjorobinson to gift you a FREE activity pack, worth £9.99.

Here’s a little look at the Banjo Robinson subscription - Troy loves it! Travelling to world with Banjo is so much fun! You can read our full review over on the blog and claim your free activity pack too - link in profile.
A whole week of Fred & George. We weren’t meant A whole week of Fred & George.

We weren’t meant to get more cats just yet but sometimes the universe sends you things when you don’t expect them.

These little guys needed a home and a family to love them. And we had a home and a lot of love to give. We still miss Leia but this pair are definitely helping make me feel whole again.

They are both used to us now, and love us. They’re less nervous, give us cuddles and let us pick them up. They’re still living in our spare room but starting to explore the rest of the house under supervision. 

They play fight constant. Love toys, especially a crinkly feather thing on a string attached to a stick, and love being up high. They are an awesome pair and we are so glad to have them.

Thank you @millbrook_rspca @rspca_official for trusting us with ‘Lonestar and Starfish’. We could not love them more. 

#catsofinstagram #catstagram #catsofig #catsofinsta #catlovers #adoptdontshop #rspcarescuecat #kittensofinstagram #kittens_of_instagram
[AD - Press Trip] I’ve just finished writing abo [AD - Press Trip] I’ve just finished writing about our half term break at @pottersresort and it’s over on the blog if you want to go have a read.

I wanted to put some of my favourite photos on the grid too as the kids did so many fun activities - they had THE best time. 

Giant swing, segways, climbing, archery, laser clays… there was so much to do that we couldn’t fit it all in - we need another trip!
And there ends our October half term - well, apart And there ends our October half term - well, apart from Troy who has a bonus week off!

This half term has been pretty lovely. Troy had his school residential the first weekend and then we had a really lovely few days in Norfolk before heading home and picking up two new members of our family - Fred and George. 11 week old rescue kittens who have pretty much stolen our hearts.

It’s been so nice to have a chunk of quality time with this pair and now I’m looking forward to the Christmas holidays. These two are the best company and I really do live for the school holidays. 

How has your half term been?
[AD - Press Trip] We’ve loved spending half term [AD - Press Trip] We’ve loved spending half term at @pottersresort in Norfolk. With great food, an action packed schedule of entertainment and activities plus everything included in the price of your break - even drinks - it’s a fantastic way to holiday as a family, giving quality time together in the nicest of surroundings. 
I’ll write a full review soon but for now here’s a little Reel  of our trip.
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Holidays & Accomodation, Reviews, Travel · March 4, 2018

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

Disclosure: We were invited on this break for the purpose of this review however all opinions are my own.

Last weekend my friend Sarah and I were invited on a spa break at the Brandshatch Place Hotel, a Handpicked Hotels property in Kent. We were so looking forward to some time out of family life and some quality time together so we couldn’t wait for our break away.

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

What were our first impressions of Brandshatch Place?

Brandshatch Place Hotel was easy to find from the M25 and although fairly close to the motorway once parked up it felt like we were in the middle of the countryside. Brandshatch Place Hotel has plenty of parking and is surrounded by beautiful grounds that were lovely to spend time in.

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place
A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place
A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place
A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

As soon as we walked into the hotel we were greeted by the fantastic reception staff who were friendly, welcoming and so happy to help. They took our cases and pointed us in the direction of the spa, as our room wasn’t quite ready, assuring us that our things would be put in our room ready for us as soon as it was ready.

What were the facilities like at Brandshatch Place?

At the spa we were given a locker key, robes, flip flops and towels as well as a tour of the facilities. There was a really well equipped gym and a spin studio – something I haven’t come across outside of dedicated gyms before. The health and fitness suite was spread over two floors making it a really big part of the hotel.

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

The spa had a beautiful pool with atmospheric lighting, plenty of loungers, a wonderful jacuzzi and a steam room and sauna. It was the perfect surroundings to spend an afternoon – but we were able to use the facilities all day on our day of arrival and on our day of departure too.

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place
A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

The spa also had fantastic treatment rooms as well as a relaxation room with comfy beds, pillows and blankets and the Amber Lounge with sofas, magazines and refreshments. It was the perfect place to unwind, relax and have some quality time out.

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

During our time in the spa I had a hot stone massage and Sarah had a full body massage. Both were the perfect addition to our break, with low lights, ambient music and quality products used. They had so many treatments on offer but our massages were perfect – just the right pressure and lovely therapists too.

What was our room like at Brandshatch Place?

After our time in the spa our room was ready and we got to explore the hotel. The hotel feels so big, with rooms on different floors and such character to the building. Our room was simple to find and a really good size, with twin beds, seating areas and plenty of storage space. The room had tea and coffee making facilities – including a coffee machine, shortbread biscuits and a plate of welcome chocolates too.

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place
A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

There was also a good size bathroom with a bath and shower over it – with great water pressure and temperate. There were so many fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries and there really wasn’t anything else we could have needed.

The room was a great space to relax in – watching TV and getting ready for dinner. There was room service if we wanted it and our window looked out over the grounds behind the hotel. It was a really nice room.

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

What was the dining like at Brandshatch Place?

Our dinner was served in the hotel restaurant and although it wasn’t very big it was really well managed and a beautiful room. It never seemed busy – at dinner or breakfast – despite the size of the hotel.

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

For our starters I had the chicken liver parfait and Sarah went for whipped goats cheese. Both were beautifully presented and a great portion size for starters. They were full of flavour and a great way to start our meal – but we also had a really lovely bread board whilst we waited too and a parsnip soup just before our starters.

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place
A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place
A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

After our starter we were given a sorbet course before our mains. I chose the pan fried duck which was served with dauphinoise potato and a fennel and orange salad. The flavours all complimented each other perfectly and it was a really lovely meal.

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

Sarah had the caramelised red onion tart tatin which looked nothing like we expected but was a really nice vegetarian option. The tart had a whole caramelised red onion inside, topped with a lovely salad. The staff were happy to offer alternative vegetarian options if we needed them – and even got us a side of chips too!

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

For desserts I had a apple crumble which was full of fruit and served with creme anglaise. It was such a warming finish to our meal and tasted wonderful. Sarah had the winter berry cheesecake which was served deconstructed and was a lovely light finish. Throughout our meal our waitress was fantastic and we knew we could take as long as we liked, really enjoying our meal.

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place
A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place
A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

The restaurant was next door to the bar and lounge which had so many places to sit and relax – a lovely space to enjoy at any time of the day and with lights that were set to fit the time of the day. We stayed there for a while after our meal, finishing our drinks and having a really nice end to the day.

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place
A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

We slept so well at Brandshatch Place Hotel. There were plenty of pillows, lovely soft bedding and really good quality curtains and blinds. The hotel wasn’t noisy overnight and we did get a really good night’s sleep.

What was breakfast like at Brandshatch Place?

In the morning we had breakfast in the hotel restaurant. We were brought tea to the table as well as toast and were invited to help ourselves from the continental buffet. This had a great choice of fruit and yogurt, breads, hams and cheeses, fruit juice and pastries. It was a lovely spread and they even had a free from table for those with allergies or intolerances.

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

But, as well as the continental buffet there was a menu of cooked options too. Sarah had a vegetarian breakfast and I had a full english. Both arrived swiftly and were beautifully cooked – the perfect start to the day.

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place
A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

Brandshatch Place Hotel was such a perfect location for a break away. It would be well suited to a romantic break for a couple or time away with friends or family. The hotel and grounds were beautiful, the spa was perfect and our dinner and breakfast couldn’t have been better. It’s a hotel that gets full marks from us.

A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place
A Wonderful Spa Break at Handpicked Hotels Brandshatch Place

In: Holidays & Accomodation, Reviews, Travel

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Comments

  1. Iris Tilley says

    March 4, 2018 at 8:49 am

    Food looks lovely

    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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