Carry on Camping: Jolly Days, York

For my hen party weekend, I decided I wanted to do something a bit different: camping. Some of the other girls seemed more keen than others, some of them had never been camping before so it was a complete education for them. "What do I wear? Will it be cold? The showers will be cold! The milk go off" they cried. After a bit of convincing, they agreed to go - well, it was my hen party after all!

After much researching of yurts in the Lakes, gypsy caravans in Whitby, we came across Jolly Days camp site near York. I was won over by their bell tents, each kitted out with its own cooking hut, picnic bench, futon sofa beds, bunting and the all important wood burning stove!

Fortunately the weather was kind to us. We went mid-April and it was lovely. A little cold the first night and trying to find the toilet tent in the pitch black was a bit awkward, but I consider myself to be the experienced camper, so it didn't put me off too much. And I'm glad to say all the other girls coped very well and planned a great hen weekend.

Here's a few photos of the place...

The shower tents and washing up points. Tracy loving referred to the site as "the front line".

One of my fave photos. Lots of spare wellies. Handy if you forget to pack some!

Hayley ready for her woodland walk.

Inside the bell tents. Girly and glamping at its best!

The camp site's dog.

I'd love to say we expertly built this fire but we didn't.

Some of the gorgeous surrounding woodland.

Each pitch had it's own cooking hut.

You could help yourself to tea and cake in the tea tent.

I made this: Wedding Menu

Every now and then, I try my hand at a bit of graphic design. I know the basics and just try and have a go once in a while so I don't forget. I designed this menu for our wedding last month. I found an old Ikea frame lying around, printed it out, dropped it in and was pretty pleased with the end result. Any proper designers reading this: please don't lecture me on the leading, colour usage etc...

Carry on Camping: Bala, Wales

Last summer, we went camping in Bala. This was the first time we went with our friends Rob and Gill - always up for a laugh. We took this really cute touristy train into the next village where a game of pub darts developed. I'm pleased to say, I won in the end! Possibly down to pure luck rather than skill...
One of the nicest camping trips for a long time (apart from the noisy hairy bikers next door waking us up in the small hours).

Day with the Cotebrook Shires

One of my favourite places to visit especially spring time when it's full of baby animals! We used to own a shire horse a while ago so it's always nice to go and see the shires at Cotebrook, Cheshire.

One of the many lovely horses at the yard.

Ste making a new friend...

Otters!!