Dreams come true in Tunisia - Swimming with Dolphins

Growing up we all have dreams, things we want to do...To see.

As we get older it's easy to push these things aside..To forget.

One dream that has always stayed with me, is to swim with Dolphins.

For one reason or another it's never happened, but the sparkle of the dream has always stayed there, very much alive.

On our recent visit to Tunisia I heard about a local company that could make it happen.

Friguia Park.

On the day of our adventure we traveled the 30 minutes or so from Hammamet to Sousse, and then it was time for an experience I have waited years for...

To meet the Dolphins!

There was a group of about 15 of us who were to swim with the Dolphins, and this group was broken down further into 3 or 4 mini groups. Each group had an instructor who kitted us all out with life jackets, pool shoes and finally talked us through exactly what we needed to do.

We knelt on the edge of the pool with our knees encased by the water, the instructor whistled and out of the depths emerged a grey shape, it was approaching with speed. It was Luna, the Dolphin we were going to share this once in a lifetime experience with.

Luna swam to the edge of the pool where the shelf fell away to the depth, with our hands outstretched she swam right along the edge, and it was at this moment my hands met with Luna for the very first time. It was the most surreal experience, nothing can prepare you for coming so close to a Dolphin, and getting such a privilege. They are complete powerhouses of muscle, and that was the first thing I noticed as she swept past me. 

She was smooth, soft and strong. So very strong.

This was just the beginning of our experience, and before I knew it Luna had her nose pressed up against my lips, the sheer strength that she had in her face was incredible. A gentle giant who was curious and mischievous, a complete beauty.

Luna soon demonstrated that she was the cheekiest out of all of the Dolphins, she played, nudged our hands and splashed us playfully with water. 

One at a time we swam out into the centre of the pool and stretched out our arms. The instructor told us that Luna was now going to swim with us, first she would swim out to us, and when she tapped our hand with her mouth we must gently place our hands on her dorsal fin.

That's exactly what she did, she swam along beneath me and then popped up! I was suddenly flying through the water at speed, completely effortlessly, almost like a feather. 

We spent a good hour with the Dolphins before we said our goodbyes. It's an experience I will hold close to me forever, they are truly beautiful and I will treasure that day for always.

Dreams can come true.

The Mirage Beach Hotel Review - Hammamet Tunisia

At the end of April we booked a family holiday, it had been a long time coming and it was something that we all needed. We had a budget that we needed to stick to but we wanted somewhere further a field than Spain, not wanting to end up in England under the sun as you seem to do in so many resorts these days. 

We wanted somewhere hot, cultured and somewhere we could really un-wind, and as I scoured the last minute deals on Thomas Cook, Tunisia was a resort that popped up on multiple occasions and really caught my eye. I clicked through to the hotels, I studied the images, imagined myself there sat around the pool, but just like Goldilocks none of them were for us. 

It was then I came to the Mirage Beach Hotel located in Hammamet, Tunisia. 

It was the price that leaped out at me first thing, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. I studied the photographs just as I had done for each of the other hotels and it looked absolutely perfect. My first instinct was to have a look on Trip Adviser at all of the reviews and see how they stood up in reality, and it was then I discovered that there was no trace of them at all. Upon further investigation I found their Facebook page, and realised that at that moment in time the hotel wasn't open. It had been closed prior to changing hands and was formally known as Club Med. This gave me a little more information to go on, and the reviews on the former hotel were super. I was adamant that this is where I was going on holiday.

We booked and the holiday count down began. Before I knew it the day had arrived and we were crossing the patchwork sky to Tunisia. We arrived around 1am and were promptly checked in, the staff from the very get go were superb and couldn't do enough for you. We were issued with our all inclusive bands, and shown to our room where they set out a big basket of fruit for us to enjoy. This was such a lovely touch for us as we were ravenous from all the travelling, So before going to bed we all indulged in the nectarines and peaches. 

The housekeeping team had turned all of our towels into marvelous creations and that really brightened Leo's very first night. 

The Room

We opted for a family bungalow within the hotel grounds, it was situated a short walk from the main complex which was fantastic for us.  The bungalow consisted of a living room with two sofa beds in, they were all ready to be used which was great at gone 1am when we just wanted to get Leo straight into bed. Going through from the lounge there was a toilet and additional shower room with sink on the left hand side, going to the end of the corridor was the main bedroom. 

The rooms all come with air conditioning as standard, ours didn't seem to work for the most part but with the temperature in June being average it wasn't something that we missed. I am sure if we had mentioned it at reception there would have been a resolution, but like I say this wasn't something that effected our stay.

The room was comfortable and suited us perfectly for our needs, we all slept beautifully and recharged ready for another day of adventure. The only things that I would have liked to see in the room were tea and coffee making facilities and perhaps a mini fridge to keep a few bits and pieces in, being all inclusive however they weren't essential items as there was always somewhere to get a beverage or something to eat.

Although the hotel has been refurbished it's apparent that the money has been spent within the hotel rather than on the rooms. The rooms are a little tired, ours came equipped with a hand held shower head, but that for us was no issue at all, the rooms are clean and adequate. In fact I loved our room, and cannot wait to re-book for the next few months time. 

The Mirage Beach Hotel

This hotel was heaven for us, we had the most amazing time. From the 3 available pool choices that all feature different depths, to the beautiful beach that was right on the doorstep, to the absolutely FANTASTIC entertainment team. Everyone was friendly, welcoming and would go out of their way to make sure you enjoyed your time there.

With the hotel only being open a month before we visited, there weren't many other guests. This for us was just incredible. We could float around the pool, lounge on the sunbeds and let Leo enjoy himself as loudly as he wanted without having to worry about to many other people. In fact because of this it meant that the guests all formed a community and by the end of the holiday I felt like we had made so many new friends.

The entertainment team really did help make our holiday, they engaged with everyone, and even if you are like me and don't usually get involved, you will by the end of your time there have danced with the amazing dancers (They can all move!) taken part in water gym, practiced your archery or even played volley ball on the beach.

The evening shows cannot be missed, they will make you laugh like you have never laughed before, and you will be amazed by just how talented the team are. They even persuaded Luke to dress up as a lady and rollie pollie across the stage, Leo couldn't believe his eyes, and for that matter neither could I...

Make sure you check out the entertainment soundtrack and learn the moves, they will insist you join in!

All Inclusive

I think sometimes booking an all inclusive deal can be a little worrying, but Leo, Luke and I were really impressed with the food presented to us each day. There was absolutely something for everybody, even Leo who is the fussiest eater imaginable. From Omelettes and cooked breakfasts to pastries and fruit for breakfast, to pasta, salads, pizza and fresh fruits for lunch, to traditional cuisine, lasagnas, meats and fish to the tastiest puddings...

The chef in the restaurant was so kind, and by the end of the holiday he was putting up plates of the food he rated the best for us. He was right and really did look after us all. You should have seen the fresh chips portion he plated up for Leo on a nightly basis...

Do not miss the Crepe chef in the bar when it comes to your afternoon snack. They are delicious, and just reminiscing has my mouth watering..

Within the all inclusive package you are provided with breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks (excluding the well known brands) and snacks. If you want ice cream from the bar this comes at an additional cost.

Over all

We had the most fantastic time and the week went by far to quickly. I needed another week, but then that may not have been long enough. We were completely spoiled by everyone who worked there, to the destination it's self. It's not everyday you have such a beautiful hotel all to yourself and the friendliest community right around you. I was sad to go home after such an amazing week, so many people to say goodbye to, so many things I still wanted to do. 

So with those feelings still at the very pit of my stomach, I am determined to go back. I intend to visit again in September this year to catch some more sunshine and make many more memories to go hand in hand with the ones we have already made.

If you are in any doubt about booking the Mirage Beach, push them aside. You will absolutely love this place.

Disclaimer: I have not been compensated for this post. We booked our own personal holiday there in June and these are my own honest views and opinions.

Kayla Itsines London World Tour!

Kayla Itsines has quite frankly changed my life, and I don't say that lightly. 

Kayla really has in no round about way made me the person I am today. For the first time in the longest time I have a sense of confidence, I am happy in my own skin. I don't look to other women and wish that I had their body, their shape, their style. 

I accept that I am the very best version of ME that I can be.

In fact these days I look at women in a whole new light, women who have taken control and worked their socks off to get the bodies that they have always wanted, I look at them and think 'Well done'. I appreciate the hard work and grafting they have put in to getting where they want to be. I myself know that changing your mindset and your lifestyle is easier said than done. Changing up what you eat, what you drink and how you live your day to day life is no quick fix.

It takes time and commitment.

It was recently announced that Kayla Itsines, the very lady who has inspired me to be all that I could possibly be was heading on a world tour. She was coming to London. I was absolutely devastated to discover that within 39 minutes all of the free tickets had completely gone. I wasn't going to get the opportunity to head along with all of the #BBGGirls (Bikini Body Guide Girls) to London and celebrate the amazing community that I am now a part of. 

Kayla released a second round of tickets that I again missed...So you can imagine my surprise when a ticket landed in my inbox. The surprise that came when I discovered that I was GOING to the London Boot Camp thanks to a fellow BBG Girl that I had only ever communicated with via Instagram.!

@Carolien_vr had taken the time to come on to this here blog, get my email address and sort my ticket. I am so eternally grateful for that act of kindness, because thanks to Carolien I had the most amazing day at Kayla's Boot Camp on Saturday 13th June.

I was one of the first to arrive, and as I arrived at just after 11am it meant that I was practically at the front of the line. With doors not due to open until 1pm and the first group still inside Olympia West after the first session, I thought that the wait may be long and tedious. Of course it didn't take long for the true BBG spirit to sweep through the growing crowd.

I got talking with 3 wonderful ladies who had each ventured to London alone in pursuit of the boot camp. Make sure to pop by and follow their journeys on Instagram!

On the left is the lovely Petra @Powerpeps who traveled all the way from Italy to be there! In the middle is me *waves*, and next to me is the gorgeous Eva @evalicious_m who flew in from Switzerland! On the far right is the beautiful Tash @mylittlegymdream!

By the time the doors opened I considered these girls to be my friends. Before I knew it we were running up the stairs of Olympia West to secure a good spot at the front by the stage. I ran like I had never run in my life, suitcase in hand, I ran like my life depended upon it, and after what felt like forever we entered the hall. 

We ran harder and faster, and eventually located spaces right in front of the stage. I couldn't quite believe that we were going to be right there in the very thick of it as London came together for Kayla. With an hour to go before the lady herself arrived, we took the ample opportunity to snap photos in front of the board after Toby (Kayla's other half!) announced that there would be a potential prize for someone.

Of course I never in my wildest dreams, dreamed that it would be I who received it!

I even had the amazing opportunity to meet two of the amazing ladies I have spent so much time following and talking with on Instagram. Ladies I really have shared their journey with, and it was so fantastic to meet the beautiful Lisa @lisa_pittbbg!

I even got to meet the lovely Kerry from @bbg_cm_2015! I could hardly contain my excitement!

Arriving back to our places and perching on our yoga mats we spoke with other BBG girls and the excitement grew as the minutes ticked away. It was almost time for Kayla's arrival. Toby was on stage by this point and he was talking to the crowd which had really grown since our arrival. 

The next thing I know is Toby is calling my name. My Instagram post is being read out to the audience and my presence was required on stage. I was going to be going home with a shiny new Polar Watch. My heart thumping like it might burst out of my chest at any moment, I got to my feet and walked the short distance to the stage, one foot in front of the other. Any other time this would have scared the living day lights out of me, but here within the BBG community I was at ease. That being said though, not at one moment did I look out at the audience, so that most likely helped.

The day was off to the most amazing start, little did I know that it was about to get even more surreal. 

Even more amazing!

Kayla walked in, the atmosphere electric, the crowds cheering, shouting, applauding. She came right past me as she walked with a bounce to the stage. I was in awe, complete and utter awe. 

Very soon we were into the work out, and OH MY GOD the #DeathByKayla hashtag exists for a reason. Working out with Kayla made every other time I had used that hashtag an injustice. Kayla workied us hard, and the warm up alone almost killed me. Even now I can certainly still feel the fruits of the effort, and it puts a big smile on my face.

The half hour work out flew by as quickly as the sweat dripped down my brow. When it came to an end I could have quite contently lay on my yoga mat and had a hours lie down, but it was time to meet the very lady herself. I had the opportunity to MEET Kayla, and I joined the back of the line that slowly snaked around to where she was stood meeting and greeting the London community.

Eventually I was at the very front of the line, it was my turn to step forward, and I was ready to introduce myself when Kayla stopped me completely in my tracks. Kayla already knew who I was. I could have chocked right there and then. HOW!?

The meeting was like a dream, I cannot even begin to explain how amazing it felt. When I started the guides 18 weeks ago back in February, I had no idea of the changes I was going to make, the people I would meet, the accomplishments I would achieve. How much I would look up to and admire Kayla herself. Over the course of my journey I have gained such a huge respect for Kayla, and the amazing community that is the back bone of the BBG Guide.

The entire day was completely amazing, and I have left with the motivation to work harder this year than ever before. A year into my journey to tone up and find myself again, I have found that and so much more. I really do owe all of that to this lady right here!

Thank you Kayla!

Outfit Credits:

Outfit by Nike.

Trainers Nike Air Max 2015 from Millet Sports £125.99.


Disclaimer: I  received the Nike Air Max Trainers in exchange for this post.  All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own. This post is in no way associated with Kayla Itsines, this is my own personal experience using the BBG Guide. 

Quad Biking in Hammamet - Tunisia

Action, Adventure, Exhileration.

Off roading, Mountains and Quad Bikes.

They aren't usually words that you would use to describe a family holiday. So you may be surprised to hear that we took Leo out on a 2 hour quad biking adventure while away in Hammamet, Tunisia this month. 

We were all issued with safety helmets and Leo was seated with his Dad. I had a smaller quad to the men and soon it was time to set off into the early morning sun. We were each plastered in sun cream, Leo in factor 50, and soon we were winding along the unknown roads in a line of around 9 quads. Our group consisted mainly of people from our hotel  at the Mirage Beach. 

We very quickly got to know our fellow quad bikers and this made the experience even more enjoyable. The wind in our hair, the sun on our backs and the perfect opportunity to see the real, Tunisia, the raw parts that aren't wrapped up in the protective bubble of the hotels.

When visiting a country on a all inclusive deal I think it is very easy to get lost within the ready made world you arrive in. A protective bubble that completely shelters you from the destination you have chosen to visit. The people, the culture, the natural surroundings are all lost among the swimming pools and all inclusive buffet. That is exactly why we wanted to get out on the quad bikes and out into the world beyond the bubble. 

We wanted Leo to see and experience something new, exciting and foreign.

We whizzed over a level crossing, through small towns, villages, and off into the mountains. I turned around to see Leo's face and his eyes were wide and glassy behind his sun shades, his latest adventure being the most exhilarating experience of his young years.  

Much of the time was spent on the Tunisian roads, but when we  came to the end of a small village we found ourselves leaving the comfort of the smooth concrete beneath our tires and bumped over rocks and unknown terrain.

We saw the natural beauty and relished every moment, the sun bouncing off everything that it touched. The mirages that looked like big pools of water, pools that we never reached. The amounts of rubbish that suddenly appeared on the sides of roads, even out into the mountains where you wouldn't have expected to come across anything like that. In one house we passed, the garden was completely laiden with rubbish, and among the rubbish was her washing line, where all of the families washing was drying in the warm sunlight and soft breeze whispering over from the sea only a few miles away...

In the off road parts that we visited there was so much natural beauty, and even some very old war tanks that looked as though they had seen better days. This was one of the only places that we stopped on the 2 hour trip, and we were all so glad to get off and stretch our legs, down the water we had brought along for the ride and snap a few photo opportunities. 

We later stopped a little while away from the tanks and our guide strategically poised his quad bike on the end of a cliff edge, jamming the breaks on so that everyone could have a holiday snap. Leo gave me clear instructions 'NO MUMMY! NOT YOU! You to tired! Daddy do it!', that boy of mine does worry about me! Of course I told him that it would be absolutely fine, not one to turn down a photo opportunity such as this. Even though a little while earlier the brakes on my quad had popped off when the guide had jammed them on...

Thankfully everything was ok and Leo was worried for no reason other than he's a worrier at almost 4 years of age.

Seeing Hammamet by quad bike was such an amazing experience for all of us, we laughed, smiled and enjoyed the adventure as a family. I am so pleased that we had the opportunity to take Leo, and to show him everything that we saw. 

They are going to be memories we all keep for many years to come, and it just goes to show that family holidays can be full of action, adventure and exhilaration if that is what you want.

Mission COMPLETE!

Potty training commenced a year ago just before Leo's 3rd Birthday, and now a year later he is completely dry. It was the perfect time for us to tackle the potty mission and he was more than ready to go for it. He was dry within weeks and took to it like a superstar. 

I let Leo lead the way, and didn't apply pressure. It has all been taken at his own speed and in his own time. I didn't want to rush the process and as usual Leo took it all in his stride and at his very own pace. 

I couldn't ask for anything more and now a year later, potty training seems like a lifetime a go. 

Leo now stands up at the throne and *aims* (all be it in recent weeks! But he decided now was the time!) and we FINALLY *Crosses fingers* seem to have resolved the number 2 issue...I don't know if it was just Leo, or boys...Or kids in general, but Leo has had a real issue about using the toilet for anything other than weeing.

It's something I have tried to leave in Leo's jurisdiction for the most part, there have been times where the bribery may have come out to play. There were times that bribery did indeed work, and there were times where he was so close to getting there before he just couldn't bring himself to. 

Like I say it's not something I wanted to force, if he isn't or wasn't ready, then neither was I. I would wait patiently until the day came that he was ready. It has never been an issue during the day, I would send Leo off to nursery, and I wouldn't pack nappies in the bag. He has never had an accident like that, and he would always come home and would either request a nappy for his business.. Or he would wait until bedtime when he would have his nightly nappy put on. Then he would announce that he was about to christen the nappy...run off and hide before announcing that he needed changing. 

Oh the joys!

This process has gone on for the last year on and off. Until last week...

Last week at batth time, Leo told us that he needed a wee. He hopped up on the toilet as he always did, but on this occasion he really surprised us. There in the toilet was something that we as parent's had almost given up hope of ever seeing in anything other than a nappy! 

A poo! 

(Yes we as parents do love to discuss the toilet habits of out children!).

Of course the moments that ensued were all singing and all dancing. Yes we even waved it off as the flush washed around the basin of the toilet. We even high fived and did a little happy dance. It was a BIG, no...MASSIVE moment for my little man. It may not have happened as quickly as it has for other children, but it is something that he was obviously not quite ready for yet, something he wanted to do further down the line.

Now just before he turns 4 years old, just before he starts school. He has done it, and more than once. In fact since this he has done it daily. We have FINALLY cracked it and that to me just feels amazing, you have family advising you on what to do, comparing your child to their child. Their 2 year old has been doing it for weeks and it wasn't an issue, why isn't your almost 4 year old doing it? They tell you that you should make him, push him to do it.

That's not what I am about, and no amount of pushing Leo to do anything is going to help. Time is a great virtue for everyone, parents and children. Give a child time, and they will do things in a fashion that means they are comfortable and confident. Rush them and you risk scaring them and knocking their confidence.

Leo did it, and I know that in the coming months ahead we will kick the night time nappy in exactly the same fashion!

YES! My almost 4 year old still wears a nappy at bedtime. 

And you know what? 

I know he will be amazing when the time comes to make that final transition, 

#NetflixStreamTeam June 2015

Over the past 17 and a bit months I have had the privilege of working with Netflix as part of their #StreamTeam. It's a role that I have thoroughly enjoyed, and one that I am so excited to be continuing with for 2015. 

I watched and enjoyed Netflix long before I joined the Stream Team, so when the opportunity landed in my inbox to get involved with a brand that I already loved, I knew that I had to get involved. From the diverse selection of boxsets and films that are available on demand whenever you want to stream them, to the kids boxsets and family entertainment there really is something for everyone. 

There is new content uploaded each month to keep the variation, and what I love is that the cross over is quite generous. I have never started watching something that I can't finish which for me is an essential part of the service. This month an old favourite of mine has been added, Anastasia, I may have to coax Leo into watching that one with me...Or even just enjoy it on my own! The same has to be said for the Lizzie McQuire Movie which I quite simply adored in my younger teenage days.

In our house Netflix is used from young to old, from Leo who has discovered the New Super Mario Bros boxset in recent months, to my younger brother and sister who have each hijacked my subscription! 

You can imagine my surprise when I couldn't access my own Netflix account because everyone else had logged in on multiple devices!

I secretly took great pleasure in signing them all out *insert evil giggle here* and gaining access back to MY account!

Even my parents have hopped on the Netflix bandwagon enjoying titles such as Breaking Bad and American Horror Story.

It really is a family addiction around these parts, and I for one love nothing more than curling up with my iPad in hand and tucking into the next episode (I do mean episodes!) of the latest box set I have got my teeth into. 

I have most recently discovered Pretty Little Liars, and I only really watched this after deciding to watch the Pilot episode just to see what it was like. I had seen adverts of it on other Netflix content I had been watching and even on the television, but I drummed it into my head that it looked to 'high school' for my tastes. After that first episode though I had completely pushed those initial opinions aside. I was hooked. Within a week or so I had ploughed my way through the very first series, and I am now well on my way with season 2. 

How had I never watched this before!?

Once I begin to watch something I cannot stop, it's like when you get into a good book and you can't put it down until you have read it from cover to cover. I have to admit that I get secretly attached to a series over the course of watching it, and it cuts deep when you reach the very end of a series, and then it's all done. Gone forever and you have to find your next love affair, for the pattern to begin again. 

Take last night for instance, instead of catching up on the multiple blog posts that I have to at least start before I head away on holiday this week...I stayed up until gone 2:00AM watching... Netflix! I think sometimes at the end of a long day, when all is done (or supposed to be!) we just need to lose ourselves in a world of someone else's drama and problems. It's highly addictive and lets face it, when something keeps us on the edge of our seats or curls our toes, we really are one with the moment!

For those of you who haven't tuned into Pretty Little Liars just yet, DO! The story follows four highschool girls after the un-expected disappearance of their best friend Alison. Alison is the leader of the pack, the most popular girl in the school, and hated on equal measure. It doesn't take long for the story to start unraveling with questions and mysteries coming out of the woodwork in the wake of Alison's body being discovered.

You can bet your bottom dollar that once this post is published I will be slipping into bed, iPad in hand, and catching up on my nightly dose of Pretty Little Liars.

What have you been enjoying this month?

Disclaimer: I was sent everything I needed to get started watching Netflix for the next 12 months. I have not been paid to write this post. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.