A Grand Day Out- National Trust Property- Mount Stewart

Mount Stewart is a beautiful day out, only a thirty minute drive from Belfast. Despite living close by, quite embarrassingly I had never visited this National Trust property. As a child my parents took us to all the other properties in Northern Ireland, but bizarrely we never came to stroll the gardens of the estate closest to us. 

This gave me the chance to approach the day out as a true tourist. We picked the perfect day, warm, dry and a nice amount of visitors. We started with a picnic on the lawn, then explored the house gardens. The exquisitely kept gated gardens are peppered with fountains, topiary animals, exotic plants & trees and a menagerie of carved stone beasts. I adore topiary, but throw a couple of statues of dodo birds in there and I'm in garden heaven.  

Next we took the mile or so walk around the lake to find The White Stag in the meadows. Very peaceful.

We were lucky that day the house, which is still used as a residence, was open to the public. I was blown away by this part of the property. It is well into its refurbishment and the rooms are stunning. I highly recommend touring the house as part of your visit. I plan on returning some day in the autumn when my son is in school and getting a guided tour, as its my dream mansion, full of curiosities and I'm sure the curious tales behind the objects.

All in all, a fantastic day out, and very entertaining for little ones too. My son loved spotting the statues, unusual trees in the atrium and the treasure hunt in the grand house kept that part fresh for his tired eyes and legs at the end. If you live here, visit, if you don't, add Mount Stewart to your trip itinerary for a relaxing day out. 

I Tell You What, Tesco Have Some Smashing Frocks

I picked my favourites from the F+F current collection. There are some beauties, and as always, affordable.  

First, here is me, being an awkward version of a fashion blogger, showing you one of their past season tweed, limited edition dresses. I love the square sequin details and it goes really well with my Pluck & Devour brooch, but then again I wear that with everything. 

Just one thing, F+F, and all clothing brands- SLEEVES, WE NEED MORE SLEEVES. The dresses are beautiful but the majority are sleeveless. Put sleeves on more pieces and you can have my credit card. 

Floral print jersey dress £18

Horizontal stripe prom dress £25, very Beetlejuicey

Limited edition Jacquard prom dress £35

The Now Endangered, Once Magnificent, Novelty Landline Telephone

What does your landline telephone look like these days? It's probably that black BT Hub phone everybody has, isn't it? That's what our's is. Which is a bit of a shame when I so carefully choose retro vases, Eames' style tables and 70s' kitsch lamps, then have a monolith of 2010 sitting in the middle of it all, with an obnoxious samba ringtone.
Yes the landline isn't as important as it once was, and it definitely isn't used at home as often as it was. I think I only use mine to phone my parents or the Doctor. Still, we all have them there, and its a missed opportunity to add flair, and I hate missed opportunities to add flair.
There's a sale on and a selection of retro style phones at John Lewis which is a good place to start for a dial phone with some jazz. I think I need a green one.

Before you pick, here are some phone calls from memory lane. Did you own anything similar?

Our Day Out at the Annual Pirates' Picnic, Castle Ward.

Instant Hair. I'm Converted, I Love Wigs. Thanks, Wonderland Wigs.

Wigs to me always made me think of uncomfortable, sweaty hats of plastic-looking hair. Dreadful to wear for any length of time and not fooling anyone.  

Wonderland Wigs offered to let me try one of their pieces, and I thought why not? I doubted I'd actually ever wear it outside of Halloween though. Still, I picked a wig in my hair colour, to give it a proper chance. 

Why get a wig in the exact shade your hair already is, you may ask? Well, because I opted for a 3/4 wig. Instead of having to tuck your existing barnet in under a skull cap, a 3/4 wig sits on the crown of your head, starting where an Alice band would sit. 

The Wonderland wig attaches easily and securely with a comb style hair band, allowing your scalp to breathe. Each product page on the site includes an embedded video tutorial, if like me you are a bit clueless at how to get a natural look.

It looks quite natural doesn't it? Very handy for days when the straighteners aren't doing a good enough job. The wig I chose was £25.99 and comes in all hair colours. Wonderland Wigs also do dip dye, ombré, full head wigs, curls, buns, everything hairy!

Follow @WonderlandWigs on Twitter or join their Facebook Page for special offers and sales.

Here is my before and after, what do you think? 

Set Sail on Dry Land this 12th July, Yearly Pirate Picnic Time.

The 12th July sees the hugely popular Pirate Picnic Day Out return to Castle Ward in Northern Ireland. Out in the beautiful, (hopefully) sunny countryside, the National Trust property puts on a swashbuckling family day each 12th July for those wanting to get out of the towns and cities.

It costs the normal admission price, no extra and there is a wealth of activities. It starts at 1pm but I would advice getting there early as its a very popular day. A early start gives you time to stroll down to the lakeside and petting farm, and to see if you can spot which parts of the estate were used in Game of Thrones filming. 

Then dander back up, spread your picnic rug and take part in the fun.  Don't forget it's a fancy dress day! You too, Dad!

"Disembark if you dare in the Castle Ward Pirate Cellars for an expedition with Buccaneer Scurvy Dog or set off to the face painting port to join the treasure hunt for some pirate booty. Scour the land for hidden clues and have your spyglass handy to keep those pesky pirates at bay. Make your own Jolly Roger and swab the decks with Skinny Jim to make sure your vessel is shipshape, we have treasure for the last pirate standing. Or head down to the barn for a treasure trove of exciting crafts and activities.

Normal admission,  free for National Trust members."

if you have time, and your children are a little over toddler age with an interest in history, the Castle Ward tour is also a great event. I always enjoy seeing the boxing taxidermy squirrels. 

Perhaps I will see you there? Come say hello. 

High Street Heist- Your Chance to Make Your Mark in Bangor, Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff....

Bangor is my home town and I love it. Unfortunately the town centre retail is dwindling. Shops are closing and I would love to go into an essay rant of why, as I studying town planning at uni and have a lot to say about it, but, a light-hearted blog that does not make.

Instead I will bring High Street Heist to your attention. All the details are below, and there are identical schemes running in Glasgow, Manchester, London and Cardiff, so check out your nearest location.

I really want to get involved too in some kitsch capacity, so hopefully we can work together. Lets do it.

Visit Somewhere To or email rebekah@somewhereto.org 

Cartoon Flashback- Galaxy High School