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They say that you can take the girl out of Birmingham but you can't take Birmingham out of the girl and this is so true! I was born and bred in Birmingham and whilst the postal address is Warwickshire these days, I will always be a "brummie" girl at heart. I am proud to think of my home town as the country's second city as it is surrounded by gorgeous countryside, historic sites and the famous Black Country, (the region was given this name because during the 19^th Century, smoke would billow out of the many iron working foundries clouding the air), Birmingham has its own rich historic roots, preserved by the city for centuries.

We were looking at things to do as a family and I forget that there is still so much on our doorstep. If you’re interested in history and art, go on a cultured adventure to Birmingham and get those creative juices flowing! Book yourself into a hotel near the city centre and read up on this guide for inspiration of where you can go while you are visiting.

Symphony Hall

Rated five stars on TripAdvisor, Symphony Hall stands grandly in the middle of Broad Street, Birmingham’s prime entertainment and leisure destination which contains art galleries, theatres and family orientated entertainment (aswell as a considerable number of bars and clubs that I frequented in my youth). The structural pioneer, Symphony Hall was built during the 1980s, putting Birmingham on the map, as well as creating jobs during the recession. Now the jewel of the city, the concert hall is built in a traditional ‘shoe box’ design, amplifying a rich acoustic sound. This structure harks back to the 19^th century, mirroring grand concert halls such as the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.

[Picture of Symphony Hall is copyrighted by Rob Abdul via Flickr]

Electric Cinema

Now this is very cool .... the Electric Cinema is the oldest cinema in the United Kingdom. Built in 1909, the much-loved institute showed its first ever silent film on the 27^thDecember in the same year. Back in those days, many homes were without power or light. Consequently, many people thought that electricity was created by the use of black magic and witchcraft. Even now, the cinema revisits this belief and its deep-rooted Edwardian history. For instance, in February 2013, teenagers from John Henry Newman Secondary School, a local catholic college with specialist status in the arts, played an interactive horror game. The activity featured amateur dramatics, including spinning a wheel that dictated what type of death they had to act out such as ‘scared to death’ and, hilariously, ‘bear attack’.

The Black Country Living Museum

It is a little known fact that Birmingham was the world’s first industrial town, emerging in the 1830s. The Black Country Living Museum captures the industrial past and offers a commentary on our developed present. A favourite among locals and visitors alike, the Black Country Living Museum has it all; costumed staff giving tours, authentic fish and chips and 26 acres of open-air history that you can immerse yourself in. They even have a vintage tour bus! Find out more about the museum by visiting their website, including details of how to get to the museum. Rest assured, you’ll be an expert on the Black Country and the industrial revolution after the enthusiastic staff are done with you!

[Picture of the Black Country Living Museum is copyrighted by Darlo2009 via Flickr]

So whilst the proposed HS2 railway is offering us quick trips to London, I think for now I should just remember to enjoy what is on my doorstep.

Disclaimer : This post is in collaboration with Novotel but all "brummie" roots are our own!

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As I am sitting here listening to the rain, I am also chatting to a friend about the possibility of going on holiday together. Going away with friends is great fun but going away with new friends means that we will be on our best behaviour, being more courteous, considerate of our guests, hoping the children are on their best behaviour and trying to look good in a swimsuit.

It may feel like we are still in the height of winter, but before you know it, spring will be in the air (she hopes) and we will see the first snowdrops springing to life from the frosty earth. While it’s probably going to still be a little cold for me to expose my legs to the elements, it won’t be long before we are hopefully ditching the knitted dresses and tights and opting for summer skirts instead.

Winter is a season when many of us forget, choose to ignore, or simply don't have time to consider the importance of pampering, unless it involves a gorgeous soak in the bath among a handful of scented candles, a good book and a fizzy bath bomb. Looking after your skin may have been pushed to the back of the to-do list; after all, it’s winter!

With spring just a couple of months away, now’s the time to think about a suitable routine so that you can be looking and feeling fabulous in a spring dress in no time. With plenty of George dress options making their way onto the rails, prepping your legs so that you can look as fab as possible in them is a must! I have lived in their knitted dresses for work this winter, so can't wait to see the new collections.

Exfoliate

Exfoliation may seem like a fairly obvious step, but rough patches and dead skin (shudder) can accumulate which, considering it’s the winter, we probably won’t care too much about. However, if you’re ready to get into a gorgeous sundress, exfoliation will help to get them back to ship-shape condition!

Shave

Enough said.

Moisturise

This is essential to keep your skin moisturised, especially if you’ve just exfoliated or shaved. It’ll help to keep your skin hydrated and feeling supple. Choose a cream that doesn’t leave behind any sticky residue and make it a ritual after your shower.

Tan

We all love a summer holiday, not just for the break but for the bronzed look you come home with. If, like me, you don't want to expose your skin, take the cheat option and tan at home instead with some self-tanning products, just make sure you don't end up streaky. Here speaks the voice of experience!

Tone

The New Year is a great time to begin an exercise programme and you don’t even have to join a gym either; there are plenty of home exercises that you can incorporate into your daily routine. Some friends and I are trying to motivate and encourage (or shame each other) every day into doing exercise. It is day 14 and I have done something every day so far. Let's see how we are on day 114!

So I have my plan on getting my body into shape for our holidays this year, I just need to work on keeping the children (and other half) in line ...... and deciding where we are going to go!

Disclaimer: This post was brought to you in collaboration with George at Asda but as a regular customer, this is also a natural recommendation. All summer body concerns and tan experiences are our own.

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Swimming is a big part of our life.

Swimming is a life skill.

Swimming has helped make new friends.

Swimming has helped build confidence.

Swimming has helped to build a strong bond with Nanny and her youngest grand daughter.

Swimming has given me peace of mind

A picture can tell a thousand words.

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I am saying this in very hushed tones but do you remember those sleeping problems we might have mentioned once or twice last year? Well *whispers* we "may" have cracked it!

I vaguely remember a time when people would look at the little one and say "she is always sleeping" and I would smile that smug new mom smile.

But then that gorgeous little baby decided that sleep was for the weak.

We have looked at behaviour, routine, "training" (I don't like that word), more sleep, no sleep but ultimately comfort is what won the day. It was beginning to drive me a little insane, the constant waking in the middle of the night and the regular "third" person in our bed, wanting snuggles from Mommy or lying across Daddy like she did when she was little.

I am not adverse to co-sleeping but I am not a massive fan of sleeping with a child that resembles a star fish! She has a tendancy to push her arms and legs out to the furthest point possible which was clearly waking her in her cot so she would come into our cozy bed with its memory foam mattress. Ridiculous as it sounds, she clearly wanted a bed with no sides. 

So she has a bed, a quilt and a pillow and guess what? We have a happy sleeping toddler! I have always loved my bed and I hope that she will too, especially when I have shown her beds fit for a princess!

As for those who use the term "sleep like a baby", I am quite convinced they have never actually had one!

Disclaimer : This post was brought to you in association with Carpetright, who I was surprised to learn do much more than carpets! All thoughts and non sleeping toddlers are our own.