Yes I know there is a picture of a tent (!!) but when our friends asked us to go camping with them, I have to confess to being a little reluctant. I will openly admit that I am not a big fan of sleeping on an airbed and I like to have a proper toilet to use, rather than running across a field to a shower block in the middle of the night but its all down to personal preference isn't it?

Me, I prefer not to sleep in a tent. 

So how do you go camping with friends without tent? You book a caravan on the same camping site of course! 

Our friends had booked a pitch at the Hoburne site in the Cotswolds and with the weather looking good, we decided to book a "silver" caravan for the same weekend. I have vivid memories of my family all in our touring caravan as a child but this was a million light years away from those days.

Even on holiday, I am a stickler for us all sitting at the table to eat, so it was great that we had a dining area to serve up the BBQ food!

We arrived late on Friday afternoon (after picking the little ones up from school / nursery respectively) but the check in was quick and easy and we were soon enjoying a drink on the "terrace" while the sun set.

The site itself is beautiful and was an idyllic setting in the sunshine.

 With lots to do for the toddler (and competitive dad) .....

 To an arcade for the tween (I may have tried to beat her on this and failed!!).

 The weather was scorching, so it was great to all be outdoors and we loved getting a pedalo and going out on the lake (for a small extra cost).

We watched the Swans from a distance as they had signets with them and I didn't want to get into a debate with an over protective Mummy Swan whilst on the lake!

It was great to get the tween away from technology for a few days and she loved searching for new adventures to be had. The same has to be said for me, having some "down time" really gave me a chance to recharge my batteries and enjoy some quality family time.

The Hoburne Cotswolds site has something for everyone from an indoor and outside pool, small bowling alley, tennis courts and regular entertainment, not to mention a handy onsite shop and laundrette to help dry those swimming towels. I can imagine that the inside activities could get a little crowded if the weather was bad but during our stay, we rarely had to wait to use any of the facilities.

The Cotswolds have a peacefulness that seems rare to find in our normal busy lives. In 3 days we were relaxed but not bored and we didn't even venture out of the park as everything was on hand. 

But we have so much more we want to explore on our next visit.

I am not a travel blogger and sometimes I am not sure I classify as a lifestyle or parent blogger but I am a parent, who enjoys a nice lifestyle and loves to travel. We paid for this long weekend out of our hard earned pennies and it was worth every single penny. Obviously the weather always helps when you are staying in the UK but I have my eye on one of these waterside lodges for when I book our next stay .... I just need to book the weather too! 

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I love reading and I love being a parent, so why wouldn't I want to read a parenting book that is going to encourage fun time with my child?

Play is a practical and inspiring book for all parents who want to support their child’s development in a fun and pressure free way. Written by Dr Amanda Gummer, child development expert and play psychologist, it’s packed with activities and insights to help parents support their child through the critical first five years of life.

I read ALOT during my pregnancy with my eldest daughter and when she was little and I was convinced that I was the "perfect parent" until my youngest daughter arrived to remind me that not every child conforms to what a book tells me she should and shouldn't be doing. I found my usually composed exterior flapping and despite assuring everyone that this "experienced mum" knew what she was doing, I struggled to find the right balance of mental, social and physical activities to keep everyone happy. I wished that I had had this book then.

Play looks at those early baby days right through to starting school, which makes it a refreshing change to many books that stop at the toddler years. 

My favourite parts of the book are:

• The ability to make notes at the end of each chapter regarding your baby's progress.
• The easy reference sections makes it easy to pick up when you need guidance with something specific.
• The way you don't need to read the entire book to know "everything" you need to know.
• The book gives you both practical and simple ideas

Despite being eternally broody, we are now past the baby stage *sob* but I know that our baby blogger will be coveting this book when I am finished with it!

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Okay, the title may be a little luring but that is nothing compared to the temptation of the new Marcos restaurant close to Birmingham Airport. Marco's New York Italian is situated at the Holiday Inn, just 10 minutes from the NEC / Genting Arena, Birmingham International rail station and Birmingham International Airport .As a Midlands lass, I couldn't wait to try it out and Fathers Day seemed like the perfect opportunity.

I have to admit that I was a little unsure of what to expect with the "New York Italian" description but with Marcos name above the door, there was a certain expectation of the food and ambience and it didn't disappoint.

From Italian dishes including mouth-watering Italian sharing platters, fresh seafood, home-made pizza and pasta to American favourites such as succulent steaks, burgers and Marco's special BBQ ribs (which were my starter of choice and were absolutely divine). We enjoyed the set Fathers Day menu, for the exceptionally good price of £19.95 for 3 courses (or £16.95 for 2) and for every table of 4, Dad ate for FREE (but shhhhh don't tell my Dad that I didn't pay for his meal!!).

With the exception of my Mum, we all chose the beef main course and it didn't disappoint. I was initially worried that the meat was a little on the rare side for me (personal preference and all that) but it tasted exquisite. So much so that my Mum started pinching it off our plate after we had groaned in delight.

The restaurant wasn't overly crowded, which was surprising given the affordable menu choices on the day we visited and the staff were extremely attentive. It will be interesting to see how they will cope as the bookings increase and the restaurant becomes more popular.

I have to give particular mention to Karen, the restaurant manager, she was extremely welcoming, very professional and coaxed conversation out of a very shy toddler. It is always a worry when we take the children to nice restaurants, not because I am worried about how they will behave, but as to whether or not the restaurant "really" caters for children and welcomes families. We certainly felt welcomed by the whole team and the childrens menu gave a good selection - rather than the tiresome chicken nuggets and chips most restaurants insist on giving younger diners.

We were seated on a circular table in the centre of the restuarant so were central to the "buzz" which was perfect for us but there are more secluded booths if you are choosing the venue for a romantic meal or business meeting. Every time I looked up from our table, I could see Marco looking down at me from his picture but we didn't get to see the man himself, although I can imagine it may be a little intimidating complaining about a meal if he was in the kitchen!

The venue is well placed for motorway links and close enough to Solihull for those who may like to go out dancing afterwards and the only downside was the parking charge from the hotel, despite being discounted having dined in the restaurant.

For me, it was the perfect way to spend Fathers Day with my husband, children and parents. Unfortunately for my husband, he was not feeling so well so couldn't finish his food (which is unheard of and no reflection on the restaurant) so we have made a resolution to go back to Marcos, so he can see what he was missing!

For the avoidance of doubt, we paid for our meals and the thoughts, comments and compliments are our honest opinions. No recompense has been received for this review.

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Our baby blogger talks about getting ready for Baby Number 2.

I am not sure where the last 30 weeks have gone? I am now in my third trimester, I'm huge, and if I am honest I am freaking out!

If you read my last blog post over on The Rose Diaries, you will know that I am a worrier. Mainly in regards to health. But, this period of worrying involves me freaking out about all sorts. My biggest problem at the moment is space, or lack of it. We are in the midst of building an extension. Which means that our little boy is sharing our room. We haven't even begun building his or his new sisters bedrooms, and with 10 weeks to go, I'm panicking.

With our son, everything was ready for the time I was 34 weeks. I felt organised and completely in control. I knew that when he arrived, everything was where it should be. But now, my amazing husband informs me that the building work and it's contents may not be finished for my due date - is he kidding me? He tells me we may all have to be in one bedroom for a few weeks. Four people, one bedroom, have I suddenly been transported back to Victorian times? A nearly 4 year old, a crying baby, a snoring husband and a tired mummy will not be the recipe for a harmonious household!

I worry about how big I am. On frequent visits to the supermarket, I have had comments such as "you can't have long left" or "are you sure there is only one in there." Or my all time favourite is "there is no way that baby is staying in there till September 4th". Whilst I am very proud of my bump and the miracle inside it, peoples comments of basically saying "I'm fat" is driving me mad. I have even resorted to telling people that she is due the end of August(which she may be as her brother was 5days early) so that people don't look at me in complete horror. 

Then, when I finally calm myself down about the building work, and how big my bump is, listening to the reassuring words of my best friend that "all will work out in the end". I start to panic about labour -will I be able to cope? Will it be quicker? (Oh I do hope so) will I have the same placenta issues as last time? All of which I am thinking at 2:30am when I get up for my 5th wee of the night. I also keep watching re-runs of "One Born Every Minute". I love this programme, but am I doing myself any favours of reminding myself of labour? But, then I watch the wonderful outcome of labour and realise it is a position that so many would love to be in. 

My friend is still trying to get me to try Hypnobirthing, to relax me. I know the benefits of it. However, you could have the gorgeous Gary Barlow singing live in the room and it still wouldn't relax me. 

So what do I do? Keep convincing myself that it will be less painful and quicker than last time, or think of the worst and anything else is a bonus? 

What would you do?

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