Today We Went on the Strangford Sea Safari

The folks at NITB had asked me would we like to take part in one of the activities this Adventure Weekend. With me being unwell I couldn't see us canoeing, and with the little man being aged six we couldn't choose the Segways at Titanic, so we opted for the Sea Safari at Strangford, with it's promise of being suitable for ages 3 - 103!

The Safari departs from a little pier to the left of the main ferry dock on the Strangford side. I would allow approx. an hour to drive there from Belfast, and although you book ahead and the guide waits as long as possible for late comers, there is a cut off point and we set off five minutes late after waiting for the other group to arrive. 

We left plenty of time to get there and arrived 45 mins early and had a picnic, so as we weren't in any rush. The town also has pubs and fish & chip shops should you want to tuck into something warm before your trip. 

Little Michael was a bit nervous at first, but the guide made us all feel at ease and it's easy to see the boat isn't exactly a rickety rowing job, it's a safe speed boat and even going high speeds you feel completely safe.

Fifteen minutes before departure you'll be given an extra coat and life jacket. I was just wearing a tshirt on the drive down, but I wore my cardigan, wool duffel coat AND the coat they provided and still felt the chill. Make sure you wrap up and wear decent footwear in case you get wet.

The Safari takes you out seaward first, past birds and seals to a lighthouse where you have a view of the mountains of Mourne. I couldn't take many photos as I was holding tight to Michael, but if you are a photographer there are plenty of chances to get unique shots from the sea.

You also witness these crazy whirlpools, formed by a cliff face below the lough. For Game of Thrones fans, you get to see some of the outdoor filming locations from the sea, pretty impressive photos to bring home to show your friends and make them jealous!

After 45 mins of zipping around the lough, the guide does some pretty impressive doughnuts with the boat (the boys seem to love this bit) and then it's back ashore.

The guys also do Belfast Sea Safaris, so for information on booking a trip for your family, or any other of the outdoor activities in the area, get in contact with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board at 

http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/

Is This The Most Peculiar Theme for a Birthday Cake Ever?

Perhaps not. I can think of a few reasons why a pill themed cake could be apt. For a trainee doctor, Facebook withdrawal tablets for the addict in your life, or a blue Viagra cake for a cheeky joke on an older relative (a tad embarrassing if it's a family party though).

This post is also to check in with my PR friends and let you know I AM getting better, just slowly. I have lots of fun blog posts waiting to be put together such as Hot Wheels, a Water Bottle which tracks your consumption, a big Heatons' NI competition to win £75 to spend in store and some wonderful, hand-made fuzzy cards.

But for now: Cakes! 

It's Adventure Weekend in Northern Ireland!

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), in association with OutdoorNI.com, is challenging everyone to get out and experience Northern Ireland’s great outdoors by taking on an exciting outdoor activity during the annual Adventureland Weekend which takes place on April 5 and 6.

Northern Ireland Adventureland Weekend is offering families, friends, beginners and adrenaline seekers, over 55 fun outdoor events at a lower rate of either 50% off or £10pp.  Over the weekend, events will takeplace at locations right across Northern Ireland meaning there is something for everyone.

Find out which activities are available near you on the website & watch the blog for our trip on the Strangford Sea Safari.

 

A Yellow Submarine Sofa & a Shark-shaped Chair? It Must Be Rodnik Band's First Home Collection

I adore Philip Colbert's Rodnik Band label. I chose to wear a tunic from their collection to the Cosmo Blog Awards, and I'm also lucky enough to own their classic Yellow Submarine print rain mac.

Now Philip & co. have branched out into interiors, with a range to be available on Made.com soon. The launch is at the stylish Milan Furniture Fair. 

What's Your Favourite Colour? Would You Paint Your Whole House that Shade?

My favourite colour has always been green. Would I paint the entire outside of my home green though? Never say never.

If the whole building is a bit too much, you could always dabble with the shed or garden house. 

Green can really brighten up a room.

I also love the idea of an indoor plant wall, although I manage to kill most house plants.

So perhaps I would be best settling for a retro wallpaper mural.

Michael's Corner of Kitsch

Trying out a little now & then feature; sharing my son's style with you. He's six and a half & takes a bit of an interest in his clothing, so I thought it would be nice to make this a new category on The World of Kitsch.

Sunglasses from H&M Kids, summer 2013 approx. £3.99

Mod haircut in a mini-size, cut by Clare at Vintage Rocks, Belfast. I highly recommend the parlour, especially for making kids feel relaxed and very grown up. 

Army khaki, light, spring jacket. We call it a John Connor jacket because cool dudes with friends who are Terminators wear them. H&M Kids, Spring 2014 -in store now. £17.99

Limited edition, Sailor Jerry, Converse slip ons  Bought a couple of years back in advance on eBay, brand new. Can't recall what I paid for them.

Sweatshirt is Paul Frank. Again available from H&M Kids, Winter 2014, a few left in stores. I think I paid £12.99-ish

Jeans, guess where? Yes, H&M Kids winter 2014 again. About £9.99 and much nicer quality for that price than supermarket or Primark. 

Look What I Spotted in The Big Forest: Limited Edition Care Bears

The Big Forest are released a limited run of five of each of the classic Care Bears for £45 each. 

 The Big Forest Etsy Store has many more creations of all shapes and sizes.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas at the Ever Beautiful Creative Gardens, Donaghadee

Mother's Day in the UK is next weekend, Sunday 30th March. I visited Creative Gardens, Donaghadee for some gift inspiration. Why not visit this weekend and pick something up for your Mum, and enjoy a slice of giant lemon meringue in their award winning restaurant?

They have a wealth of ideal Mother's Day gift ideas at all price ranges, and even have a card & gift wrap section so you can get everything sorted in one stop. 

Creative Gardens have another branch in Bushmills, and a newly opened centre in Galgorm. If you aren't from Northern Ireland, there is a selection of items in their online store to browse.

How about an orange tree instead of the traditional bunch of flowers?

Instead of a box of chocolates, you could choose one of the many vintage print tins and fill it with retro sweets, or baking supplies.

There are lots of savoury sauces, chutneys and relishes if your Mum isn't a sweet tooth.

Creative Gardens has a beautiful home ware department with literally dozens of possible presents.

Gorgeous wicker picnic set

They have an excellent selection of Cath Kidston bags and kitchen ware. If you're a bargain hunter like me, get across this weekend and catch the sale items.

Creative Gardens also stock local crafts, like this pretty patchwork from Made Pretty.

Of course it also had a huge garden section. Lots of spring bulbs and plants which would make a more lasting gift than a bunch of cut flowers.

What about a little birdhouse?

A very unique gift- a topiary frame. I actually bought a squirrel version from Creative Gardens for my Dad last Father's Day.

If you really can't decide, there are gift cards available. These can also be used for the 150 seat restaurant, which will be giving away complimentary tete-a-tete for all ladies who are in for lunch on Mother's Day.