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Our top five foodie experiences in Berkhamsted

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As usual, I’d like to start by saying that I’m not ‘reviewing’ these restaurants. I don’t see myself as any kind of food critic, we just love to eat out and share the experiences that we’ve had. We live quite near Berkhamsted: one of the prettiest towns in the Chilterns (if you’re in London, it’s literally half an hour from Euston and full of lovely places to eat - you should come!) and often visit the market (fruit and veg on Saturday is amazing) and for dinner at one of the fabulous restaurants.

If you’re thinking of visiting Berkhamsted and the surrounding Chilterns, or just generally heading to the south of England, do check this really useful interactive south of England travel map, complete with loads of ideas for attractions to see, activities to do, and more suggestions for places to eat too.

Here are our top five foodie experiences in Berkhamsted:

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Cabin baggage only: the art of packing light

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On his recent trip to Barcelona (great fun had by all, nobody died or got hurt or fell of a balcony, phew) Charlie was travelling with cabin baggage only, so we very carefully checked the baggage sizes allowed by the airline for his suitcase. He was on a pretty tight budget anyway, so he didn’t want to risk any extra charges. Trouble is, then we completely forgot about the liquids restrictions and he got all the gorgeous Ultrasun UK suncream that I gave him confiscated. ARGH! My sister in law told me a story recently of her Mum treating herself to a hideously expensive Crème de la Mer moisturiser and then completely forgetting about the restrictions and getting it taken away. Can you imagine?

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Sam's posh chip butty

Quick and tasty ways to upgrade your favourite oven fries

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Those lovely bags of fries. They’re the nation’s favourite, aren’t they? A staple for any classic British meal. Quick, easy and tasty, the faithful oven chip has never let us down. It’s simplicity is its strength, because it goes so well with so much. Steak and chips, egg and chips, fish and chips, and so on.

However, chips are still far from reaching their full potential, and there are, it seems, plenty of quick, easy and mouthwatering ways of preparing a bag of McCain fries that we need to try. Some of these may seem unexpected, but they may just be your new favourite way of eating Britain’s favourite side dish. Here’s how I got on with my research:

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The DFS limited edition Britannia sofa for Team GB

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Can you believe that the Olympic Games are coming up in August? It seems like only yesterday that the boys and I cheered ourselves hoarse at the London 2012 Paralympics. We’ll all be glued to the telly, as usual, coincidentally on our DFS sofa (it’s new - we love it). I also love that so many great British (or should that be Great British companies get involved as partners of Team GB, supporting them in loads of different ways to make sure they’re at the very top of their game.

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Crocs SS16 Isabellsa sandals

Cute spring shoes from Crocs

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If you read the title and those chunky clog-like shoes appeared in your mind, well, they did mine too, so when Crocs asked if I’d like to have a look at their spring range I was a bit hesitant. I think the original Crocs are a bit like marmite - you either love them or you hate them. We have a couple of pairs by the back door as they’re great for slipping on for gardening, or taking the dog out, but I could never really see myself wearing them out. It turns out, though that they have some really cute new spring shoes that are perfect for the warmer weather and holidays too.

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Piscines Municipals de Montjuïc from Kylie's 'Slow' video

Holiday bucket list: Barcelona

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Every since we spent one single day there after our Disney Cruise back in 2013, I’ve been desperate to go back to Barcelona. Way back then, we were lucky to be with some lovely friends, Dave and Drew, who go to Barcelona a lot and could cherry pick all the best bits to show us in a single day, but even so, it’s impossible to cover in a day. Next time we’re back (which I think is in September), I’ve got so much stuff I want to see.

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It’s all about natural, healthy and wholesome

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We were talking the other day about the last time we deliberately bought something labelled ‘low fat’ or ‘low sugar’. For us, it’s been a really long time. I think we’ve deliberately moved away from things with bits and bobs taken out, to more natural, healthy products: proper wholesome, whole milk yoghurts; proper bread from the bakery (yes, I love to make my own, but I don’t always have time and who wants to live on squishy plastic bread?), and mature cheddar. We’re never going to be a hard-core healthy family that lives on quinoa and chia seeds and gives up sugar, salt and dairy - that’s not my style at all. I’m an ‘everything in moderation’ person when it comes to food, and as a family we embrace everything, even treats in small amounts. But even with treats, I’d rather the boys were scoffing homemade cake than handfuls of sweets packed with artificial goodness-knows-what.

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My family holiday wishlist for summer 2016

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So the start of this week was ‘blue Monday’ apparently - the most depressing day of the year. If you follow me on Instagram you’ll see my post about how I keep happy, basically by always having something to look forward to. Yes, I know I go away a lot so this is quite easy, but often, and especially when I don’t have a trip planned, it can be something as simple as having a page in my notebook where I jot down ideas for our lovely new en-suite (when we can finally afford it), or planning a family night out, or a drink with a girlfriend pencilled in the diary. As long as there’s something lovely to look forward to, or something that needs planning, I’m a happy girl.

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Teenage driving dilemmas

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One of the things Charlie got for Christmas was his own key to the little Renault Clio that Sam currently drives around in. He’s just passed his theory test, and is having lessons with a local instructor. Thing is, though, those lessons are REALLY expensive, so we’ve just gone through the process of insuring Charlie on the Clio (at great expense) so he can start getting used to his own car too, plus have a bit of extra practice.

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Christmas far away? Check out these amazing places!

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Every year when it’s coming up to Christmas, we have the same old conversation about whether we’d go away and spend it somewhere else. We’re generally divided. The boys aren’t so keen, but I’d love to spend Christmas somewhere cool (sometimes we just need to break out and do something a bit different). Here’s my pick of five AMAZING destinations I’d love to visit over the festive period. So, pack your bags, book your flight cheaper with Hotels.com deals, and give your family something unique this Christmas – the whole wide world!

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#maketheirChristmas with Littlewoods

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So it’s 1st December, which means I can finally start to mention Christmas without people throwing things (who am I kidding? I’ve been doing it for weeks already). I’m a complete Christmas-a-holic, and absolutely adore a Christmas advert too. I still cry EVERY TIME that single tear rolls down the face of the Man in the Moon, and every time Mog the Forgetful Cat accidentally ruins Christmas, I well up all over again.

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A Christmas wish Lyst

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The Christmas shopping has begun in earnest, so I was delighted to discover a gorgeous new website that’s going to be verrrry handy indeed. Join up and tell Lyst your favourite shops and brands, and you can see them all in one place. Once you’re logged in, you choose which brands and shops you want to follow, save items to buy later and even flag items so Lyst will let you know when they’re on sale - genius! There are items from designer brands like JBrand, Gucci and Michael Kors and retailers like Zara, Selfridges, Asos, Topshop, John Lewis and The Outnet. The lovely people at Lyst asked me to choose a few of my faves, so I’ve chosen carefully, just in case Mr E is reading…

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Equestrian style - no horse required

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Living in the country, I see horse riders all the time, and I’m often struck by how equestrian style is actually quite a good look: think those tall, sturdy but stylish riding boots, warm polo necks and fitted jackets. The thing with equestrian gear is that it’s all quite sleek (I guess you can’t have your clothing flapping around you when you’re riding a horse?) so it tends to be well fitted and quite flattering, while still .

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