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Monica

Hi, I'm Monica! This is my family lifestyle blog where I share posts about motherhood and microadventures.

I’m lucky enough to have lived in North Wales for the majority of my life. When asked where my favourite place in the world is, I always say North Wales! People often look at me in disbelief. Surely my favourite place would be somewhere more exotic like the Caribbean or South East Asia? No, my …

Read More about 25 of the very best things to do in North Wales

Today I’m sharing a 10kg luggage example because it’s so hard to visualise how big that 10kg suitcase can be and how much you can actually fit in there! So you’re going on holiday and you’ve opted to take nothing but 10kg luggage. And let me guess, now you’re kind of panicking thinking, ‘Agh, I …

Read More about 10kg luggage example + bags to use + how to fit everything in!

If you’re looking to make some incredible family memories and have a weekend break with the kids that includes a combination of: A beautiful city Outdoor fun Avisit to the UK’s first railway town and an incredible rail museum Filming locations from blockbuster movies Great places to eat A world-famous living museum Beautiful, historical buildings …

Read More about Things to do in Durham with kids

If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for children aged around 3-12 then I’ve got a great suggestion for you today. It’s the Yoto Player or Yoto Mini, a screen-free portable audio player.  A Yoto Player and the Yoto Mini is a bit like a modern day walkman! Instead of CDs you insert cards into …

Read More about Yoto Mini Review: Kid’s screen-free portable audio player and a great Christmas gift!

I shared a few photos of Alba on Instagram earlier this week and received a flurry of messages (OK, about 10 messages) from people asking for some tips for taking photos of their kids. I wasn’t going to write a whole blog post about this. I’m not a professional photographer, I barely ever take my …

Read More about 16 tips to take great photos of your kids on holiday

Did you know there are 427 castles in Wales? Some are nearly 1,000 years old and some are well-preserved with lavish and authentic interiors. Others have partially fallen to ruins but they’re often located on dramatic craggy cliff edges and the sheer size of these fortresses is still impressive.  Whether you’re planning a Cardiff city …

Read More about 20 of the best castles in Wales you HAVE to visit!

Is a standing desk really worth it? Here’s my review of the FlexiSpot E7 Standing Desk and my experience using it. I’ve been intrigued by the concept of standing desks for years.  When I’m not travelling I spend a lot of time sat at my desk, probably a bit too much time sat at my …

Read More about Is a standing desk really worth it? Using the FlexiSpot E7 Standing Desk?

Where should you go for a family holiday? It’s a big question at the moment as holiday prices are sky rocketing for 2023! It doesn’t seem fair that just as Covid restrictions have lifted we’re hit with the cost of living crisis and flight prices going through the roof, meaning many of us can barely …

Read More about Where to go for a cheap family holiday in 2023? Holiday destination swaps to save money!

When I returned from my cruise last month I opened up my Instagram stories to your questions. Most of you had already told me you’d never been on a cruise before so the cruising questions came in thick and fast! I had hundreds of them! The majority of your questions were around how much it …

Read More about Princess Cruises FAQs + how much does it cost to go on a cruise?

I think it’s safe to assume that very few people have visited London without setting foot in Covent Garden, but did you know there’s so many things to do here aside from strolling through with your camera!? Most people who visit Covent Garden will wander among the pretty streets and admire an incredible building or …

Read More about 25 things to do in Covent Garden, London

La Coruna was probably my favourite stop during my recent cruise with Princess Cruises. We’d already been to Guernsey, La Rochelle and Bilbao so, after three beautiful destinations, it’s a bold claim to say La Coruna was my favourite! I think it’s because I had no expectations when I arrived in La Coruna. I’d tried …

Read More about 10 Things to do from La Coruna cruise port, Spain

I’m not being dramatic here. This isn’t some click bait title followed by a useless fluffy blog post. I have genuinely established an exercise routine that has actually changed everything.  It’s changed: My energy levels My health My muscle tone My outlook on how I work What I wear How I take care of myself …

Read More about Life Hacks: The exercise routine that has changed everything

Visiting Ile de Re from a cruise ship was one of the highlights from my recent trip with Princess Cruises. Our second stop aboard the Sky Princess was La Rochelle and there was the option to take a shore excursion to Ile de Re. It was an opportunity I knew I couldn’t miss as I’d …

Read More about Postcards from Ile de Re France: Visiting Ile de Re from a cruise

What’s the best travel steam iron for your next trip? If you haven’t come across the wonderful world of travel steamers yet then be prepared to have your life changed! I’ve been using a steamer for years now, mostly because I’m terrible at ironing and too lazy to get the ironing board out every time …

Read More about What’s the best travel steam iron?

Today I’d like to share a new jewellery brand I’m loving as this waterproof jewellery is perfect for travelling and would make a great gift for a frequent traveller! There’s also a 15% off code using the link below! Hey Harper jewellery is made from stainless steel with a coating that won’t fade. You can …

Read More about Hey Harper Waterproof Jewellery Review

Visiting Guernsey was one of the highlights during my recent cruise aboard the Sky Princess. I was so excited to visit this beautiful little island and get a taste of island life. Guernsey was the first stop on my Sky Princess cruise. We departed from Southampton the previous afternoon and woke up on the sunny …

Read More about Visiting Guernsey from a cruise ship: What to do in Guernsey during a quick trip

How to pack light for winter travel I’ve shared so many tips to help you pack light for various holidays but one question I’m frequently asked is, ‘How do you pack light for winter travel?’ I’ll admit that it’s not as easy to pack light for a cold trip where you’ll need lots of layers …

Read More about The #1 travel hack to pack light for winter travel

In today’s post I want to tell you about my recent cruise aboard the Sky Princess! This was a magical journey and boarding the ship was so exciting. This was my first time cruising from the UK and I loved the ease and simplicity of it. My trip with Princess Cruises was a media trip …

Read More about Cruising from the UK and boarding the Sky Princess from Southampton

For some people, picking out your airplane outfit is an afterthought. You’ve picked your outfits for your holiday and haven’t even thought about what to wear to get there! But for others, this is a big deal! I love picking out stylish airplane outfits. I love getting them ready and hanging them up so they’re …

Read More about 7 Stylish airplane outfits + inspo for comfy women’s travel outfits

If you want to get some shut eye on your next flight then here are the best flight accessories for sleeping on a plane. To sleep on a plane you need to be: Comfortable Warm (but not hot) Able to block out everything around you Thankfully there are plenty of flight accessories to help you …

Read More about The 14 best flight accessories for sleeping on a plane (even in economy!)

If you’re planning to visit some National Trust attractions in North Wales then I’ve got 10 of my favourites that you can’t miss! I live in North Wales and I’ve been a National Trust member since my eldest son was born seven years ago. I now have three children and I love taking them to …

Read More about 10 unmissable National Trust Attractions in North Wales

If you’re looking for the best women’s paddle board and paddle board clothing then you’re in the right place. I’ve tried out countless women’s paddle boards and I purchased my own a couple of years ago. I truly believe I’ve got the best paddle board for smaller women and I am so pleased with it! …

Read More about The best women’s paddle board + paddle board clothing

Are you planning a holiday with friends and feeling completely overwhelmed? You’re thinking about budgets, schedules, dates, flights, trains, accommodation, activities, meals, snacks, taxis, buses, everyday logistics, packing, clothing, luggage, currency, mobile data plans and passports. And that’s just the things you need to deal with while you’re away. What about work and your house …

Read More about Trip planning: My travel hacks to plan a holiday with friends

Are you in the UK and you’re looking for the best hard shell suitcase for your next trip? You’ve probably been searching online and found it to be an absolute minefield. When did hard shell suitcases get so expensive and those conflicting reviews are confusing. I know, I’ve been there! Thankfully for you, I have …

Read More about The 12 best hard shell suitcases UK

If you’re a regular reader of The Travel Hack you will already know that I love luggage! Some women love shoes and handbags but I love suitcases and travel bags! I just love that feeling of organising everything neatly inside a suitcase. I’ve needed to get a set of good quality suitcases for our family …

Read More about Antler Luggage Review: Clifton set of 3 in taupe