Orange is the New Black Season 3 Launch Party

Orange is the New Black is back for a third season, and after only touching down in the UK hours earlier, I found myself whizzing across country to the series launch in London. Obviously it was an event that was to amazing to not make it back for, so I made it my purpose in life to get there...Someway...Somehow!

I arrived with the ever lovely Berice Baby who has become my #NetflixStreamTeam right arm, we always have a good giggle together (especially when there are cocktails or glasses of Champagne on hand) Of course luckily for us there was plenty of that to be had!

Berice Baby and I trying to get into character. We may have taken it a little to seriously...

I was to excited to see how season 3 kicked off after thhe action-packed finale episode of season 2 ends with Vee escaping the prison through Red’s contraband hole. Of course fans of the show know that she didn't get very far. Instead of tasting freedom that she had expected, Vee ends up with a mouthful of blood when Miss Rosa hits her with the vehicle she stole.

This was my second Orange is the New Black Premier (I know, I know! I am one very lucky lady!) and Netflix are always more than accommodating, a really great bunch of people who I look forward to seeing each time I visit with them. Of course they do spoil us, we were very privileged when we were directed into the screening rooms to watch the first 2 episodes of the brand new season BEFORE the release the following day, and they did that while feeding us tasty treats and slipping a few more cocktails into our hands! 

Season 3 has been out for a few weeks now, and I am yet to complete watching it! It's completely outrageous on my part, but I am no good at juggling box-sets. When I get my teeth firmly into something I have to watch it all the way through, and at this moment in time I am glued to Pretty Little Liars. That would explain the radio silence that sometimes sweeps over this here blog (I am probably watching Netflix!). 

Of course as soon as Pretty Little Liars wraps, Orange is the New Black is the very top of my list. I can't wait to see how this season plays out, the first 2 episodes have certainly implied that change is imminent, I won't go into to many details as I don't want to detract the surprses that you will discover along the way.

Just know that it's set to be a great season. Enjoy it and don't tell me any of the spoilers if you have already watched it!

A big thanks to Netflix for hosting such a fun filled evening, as always it was incredible.

Happy streaming!

Laura x  

Disclaimer: I was invited along to the Netflix Original Series Launch of Orange is the New Black as part of the Stream Team panel. All views and experiences shared are completely honest and my own.

Visiting London

London is by far one of my favourite destinations within the United Kingdom, the city that never seems to sleep, where there is always something unique and exciting going on, even if you don't wish to visit the typical sights and attractions. 

London is a place that I visit on a regular basis, a place that Leo absolutely adores to go, even if it is just to experience the Underground time and time again. Last week we went on a family visit to the capital, Leo, myself, Granny and younger sister, it was a first for my Mum and sister Alice, who had never really experienced the excitement that can be found in this fantastic city. 

We hopped on the train heading out of our sleepy town and made our way to the hustle and bustle of the city. We enjoyed a morning at Westfield Shopping Centre and visited Base, before we hopped back on the Underground and made our way to your typical tourist attractions. It would have been rude not to take Granny and Alice on a flight to see the famous capital from such a spectacular height. It has to be said that the view from up there really is something very special, and I know that both Granny and Alice really enjoyed their very first flight above London. Leo who has already taken a spin on the London Eye before was so excited to be going back and being able to see the Big Ben. Although since Leo's love for Disney's Cars he has been referring to it as Big Bentley!

It was a truly lovely day being able to spend time with my family and seeing the London sights, and it really wasn't enough time. We hope to go back and just be tourists for a few days, visit Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, and maybe even stay over for a few days during the Easter Holiday's. 

In preparation I have been having a scout about at the hotel's and came across the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury that is located right in the heart of London. It's situated right next to the Russel Square Underground Station which means getting around will be so easy. When I look for hotels I always like to source them near to the tube stations so that I don't need to worry about taxi costs.

After such a super day with the family I am really looking forward to heading back and spending a few days enjoying all the sights and making lasting family memories. 

What do you plan on doing this Easter?

Disclaimer: This is a feature post

Visiting London

Earlier this year we took Leo into London to experience some of the sights for the very first time. With Leo then being 2 and a half, we thought this would be a great age to introduce the adventure that can be found in our capital city. 

We knew that we were going to have to take part in family friendly activities and at the very top of our list was the London Eye. I knew that my mischievous two year old was going to absolutely love gliding through the sky looking out over the big city. We boarded our pod and Leo was un-leashed on the un-suspecting passengers lucky enough to be in our pod. He went from window to window until he found the train line, and he watched the trains as they went back and forth. Then of course he discovered the big red button, the button that the likes of you and I know that you shouldn't touch... Unless of course there is an emergency! Leo however made a play for this button within minutes of being on board, for a moment the whole scene played out in slow motion. Thankfully he was a few inches too short.

There is so much to do in London as a family, even with kids as young as Leo was earlier this year. Better yet there are activities that you can do on a budget. The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum are both fantastic days out, and are completely free to visit. Having a dinosaur mad little boy on my hands we will definitely be heading back to London in the not so distant future so that we can take advantage of both of these attractions. 

When travelling anywhere as a family there are a few Do's and Don'ts that are always handy to consider before planning your trip.

Do

- Look into the attractions you would like to visit to make sure that they are appropriate for everyone in your group.

- Book family restaurants so that everyone is catered for. I highly recommend the Rain forest Cafe.

- Choose your hotel location so that you benefit from being close to central London, and also have access to the great outdoors. Hyde Park is ideal with a number of Hotel Direct family friendly hotels, not to mention the walks that can be taken in the beautiful park.

Don't

- Don't hop straight into a taxi, part of the fun is getting lost. Leo thoroughly enjoyed wondering around taking in the new sights.

- Don't worry that your children will play up. In my experience the restaurants are fully prepared for toddler melt downs and come prepared with lot's of coluring and paper to get them (and you) through the meal.

- Don't forget to make the most of your time in London, get out there and enjoy the time with your family. There is so much to see and do!

Disclaimer: This is a featured post

Have a little festive family fun in London this Christmas

Are you struggling to find the perfect Christmas presents for friends and family? Don’t panic, as the English capital could provide the solution! We think buying train tickets to London for a weekend away would be a great gift and get everyone feeling a little more festive. Of course, it’ll also be a great chance to do a little shopping and perhaps find something unique to head home with. Here are a few spots we think are worth checking out:

Chocolate Festival at Southbank

Across the festive period the Southbank is transformed as traders offer a wide range of items from their stalls. However, chocoholics won’t want to miss the Chocolate Festival, which takes place from December 13^th to 15^th at Southbank Centre Square. As you’d expect you’ll be able to try and take away a wide range of chocolate products but you’ll also be able to catch demonstrations from expert chocolatiers. It’s the tenth year this free event is taking place, so why not book trains to London now and join the celebrations?

Belgravia Christmas Sunday  

On the first day of December Motcomb Street, Elizabeth Street and Pimlico Road will be taken over by stalls selling a range of arts and crafts. There’ll also be a brass band and carol singers providing entertainment and Father Christmas and his reindeer will also be stopping off in the area, so it’s sure to be a fun day out for all the family.

London Christmas Fair

If you’re a fan of BBC TV’s The Great British Bake Off the London Christmas Fair in aid of the British Red Cross could be an event for you as the show’s Mary Berry will opening it and speaking at the preview night on November 27^th. If you’d like to attend this tickets are priced at £20 and include canapés and a glass of wine on arrival. Alternatively, you can head along the next day with tickets priced at £5 on the door and £4 in advance. You’ll find more than 70 stalls to browse within the Kensington Town Hall venue, so it could be a great option for those seeking something unique.

Ice Skating at the National History Museum 

Always a great day out, the Natural History Museum has a little extra appeal at this time of year as visitors can get their skates on and take to an ice rink. If you don’t fancy skating check out the market stalls and admire the impressive Christmas tree!   

 Disclaimer: This is a featured post

The Kings Cross Hotel

I would like to take you on a little journey, a little journey to the hustle and bustle of London.

You will be staying at the not so chic Kings Cross Hotel and as soon as you step through those very narrow doors, you will wish that you had not.

I write this from the confinement of room Four, our second room on our second night stay.

Arriving at the Kings cross Hotel was not a horror moment...but we were in for a few shocks!

The corridors are narrow and the rooms could be compared to that of Harry Potter's cupboard under the stairs... Although it has to be said, I think he has much more space.

The rooms are furnished with dust and grime and if you are especially lucky you will have a little rodent friend. No this was not in the room description.

I am all for boutique style, in fact I love it. I have stayed at some great hotels but unfortunately I will not be adding the Kings Cross hotel to my top ten visits of all time. Not even with the highly innovative flowers that have been bulked out with feather dusters...deliberate or lazy cleaners?

Speaking of lazy cleaners with feather dusters, instead of just using them as decoration maybe they should use them on the surfaces around the room?

I can look past the fact the room was pokey small, and I can accept that we had a communal bathroom... And shower, it was all forgotten when I found the tea, coffee and a tin of green peas, and it has to be said that the beds were not too uncomfortable.

The first night was everything I expected of a budget hotel, but on the second night while following Twitter and minding my own business, I suddenly saw a rather large shadow dart behind the sink....The flick of a long tail and a shake of large ratty ears was our furry room mate saying hello.

The cheeky rat darted backwards and forwards making his presence known, Becky at was soon up on the bed shining her phone light while I strategically kneeled on the floor trying to locate our furry friend... A unwanted dweller who was not even paying towards the rather steep room rate!

So of course a complaint was filed, and the manger on duty came up with a great plan to get rid of the rat... I would like to say that he called an exterminator but that would be bending the truth. No he had a much more imaginative idea... His plan was to Sellotape down the carpet by the sink where the rat was making his entrance into our oh so glamourous room.

Of course this was not good enough in our eyes and the cheesy smile that spread all over the managers face was not entertaining us either.

The fact that the hotel has a rat sneaking up through the floor boards is not the greatest reason to stay is it?

I let him know that maybe a exterminator would be a better option?

The agreed solution was a brand new room, so here we are taking in the new sights and sounds...Only now we are right by the reception, and our personal details have been taken directly off the booking forms... And used to find us on Facebook. I find this highly un-professional and rather scary, not to mention a complete and utter violation of the Data Protection act.

The manager on duty even  took it one step further and sent me a direct mail to my inbox. I had no contact with said hotel manager over Facebook but below is his contact attempt to me. I have taken out his name (just to respect his privacy! You know...like he did not...)

It is safe to say that I will writing a very well informed trip advisor post and warning anyone and everyone... Not to stay at the Kings Cross Hotel... Unless you like big fat rats and creepy hotel managers!