5 Reasons Why Sicily is the Perfect Destination for a Family Holiday

When a holiday destination is described as having a dreamy experience in a stunning scenery it certainly can feel like music to one’s ears. All things considered though, choosing a holiday destination that is suitable for every member of your family can be hard work. The great news is that Sicily can cater to the needs of your entire family. As a parent keeping your children unplugged during a vacation can feel nearly impossible, especially as day’s progress and children become restless of repeated day-long trips to the beach. Sicily also offers a wide range of adequate accommodations for big families like beachfront villas with a private pool at budget-friendly prices.

Here are 5 great reasons why Sicily is the perfect family destination:

The nature reserves, such as around Mt. Etna, are great places for day trips. The parents can revel in the incredible beauty of the parks and the kids can run around as they choose. Also the whole family can enjoy looking at the ancient lava flows and maybe even see an eruption. 
Sicily also has incredible adventure parks with rope courses and zip lines. The kids can have all sorts of fun at outdoor playgrounds such as the Madonie Adventure park and the parents can enjoy horse riding and hikes. 
Next, Sicily has some of the most incredible beaches in the world. Your whole family can relax in the sun and swim in the azure waters in places such as Taormina. Much of Sicily is filled with ancient Greek and Roman ruins, you can see incredible Greek amphitheaters along the coast near Syracusa often with incredible views and unforgettable backdrops. 
The children will love exploring some of the hundreds of castles around the island. Make your way to Castello Orsino in Catania or Erice for some of the most impressive castles in the Mediterranean. 
Another great way to learn about Sicilian culture and entertain the whole family is to find a puppet theater. These can be found in all the major towns and the puppeteers enact medieval stories and tales which will keep the kids entertained for hours. Sicily really has it all for a family vacation, so book yours today and enjoy the sun, history, nature, and wonder of the Mediterranean island!

Where do you like to visit for a family holiday?

xxx


*in collaboration with MaryJ

Bio Oil - #ScarsUncovered Campaign

I've had 2 babies. Both of them were BIG babies. My body has paid for this, in the form of stretch marks on my tummy. I am proud of my scars, they show that I successfully carried, grew and delivered 2 healthy babies, something I'm extremely proud of and very, very lucky! That said, it has been something I've been pretty unconfident about. Especially the first time around, after my tiny, slim, flat tummy [that I hugely took for granted!] changed so dramatically after having a baby.

I knew I was going to get some stretch marks, it's hereditary, no amount of creams were going to stop that from happening. And hell, I used every cream going! But knowing my Mum had them, I knew I wasn't going to get away lightly...

Bio Oil is an award winning specialist oil for skin, aimed at stretch marks, scars, ageing, dehydrated skin and uneven skin tone. It has been specially created with PurCellin Oil, a unique, breakthrough ingredient that sinks into the skin as a dry oil so it doesn't leave you feeling greasy. It also includes a blend of natural plant oils such as lavender, calendula, vitamins E & A, rosemary and chamomile. 

Bio Oil want to help support people that feel they need to hide their scars. 60% of women feel they need to hide their scars underneath their clothing. They've launched #ScarsUncovered to show that nobody should feel this way. 

I've used Bio Oil on and off for the past 12 years and I'm always very happy with how it makes my skin feel. There's no cure, nothing is going to get rid of my scars but Bio Oil definitely helps them look less visible and my skin feel more smooth and supple. I've also started using it on my face as part of my evening skincare routine, after reading of the benefits to ageing skin. And well, if it's good enough for the Kardashians, it's good enough for me!

I apply it at night time as, although it claims not to, there is a slight greasiness. It's not sticky or uncomfortable at all, but it does take a while to sink fully into the skin, which is fine at night time but not so great when you need to get dressed quickly in the mornings.

Fancy getting your hands on a bottle for yourself? Head over to my Twitter, where I am holding a little giveaway. It's simple, follow & RT for the chance to win. I'll be choosing a winner at random on Sunday 24/7. Good Luck!

And while you're over on Twitter, give the #ScarsUncovered hashtag a search and read other peoples stories. 

xxx *Products sent to me for the purpose of this post & giveaway by the lovely people at Pegasus

South American Restaurant Bodega Cantina opens in Leicester

Leicester's St Martin's Square is fast becoming one of the city's most popular cultural hangouts, with boutique stores and new bars and eateries, it has completely changed it's vibe over the past few years.

So it's no surprise that Midlands based South American restaurant Bodega Cantina have chose here to open their third venue. 

With General Manager, Benjamin Le Gros (formally of TGI Fridays and Pizza Express) and Head Chef, Ellis Andrew (from stylish champagne bar The Case) running the show, you know you're in good hands.

I was invited along to a pre-launch press night last week for a sneak peak and a cheeky taster of their menu. With a margarita in hand, I had a little look around at the South American themed decor.

Bright, bold and vibrant, with a bit of quirky character thrown in, their in-house artist has done an amazing job. If you're visiting, definitely take a look at their first floor based function room, with a back drop of a completely hand decorated graffiti wall. (You can check it out on my Instagram here)

And let me tell you foodie instagrammers, the light in this place is ah-mazing!! The great lighting, colourful decor along with the beautifully presented food and drink, this place makes for the perfect instagram shots! You're welcome! ;)

We were lucky enough to be treated to some tasters from their 'South American Street Food' menu, all hand cooked and prepared in their open kitchen.

The staff were keen for us all to have plenty of food to try and were clearly passionate about their menu, giving us the full lowdown on what each dish contained and how it was made.

The food looked, and those that I tasted were amazing! Yummy nachos, filling tacos, a really tasty Brazilian dish called xim xim (like a chicken & prawn curry with 'dirty' rice), stuffed jalapenos for those brave enough, spicy meatballs (which tasted SO good) and my favourite of the night, chicken quesadillas, filled with melted cheese. Delish! 

The menu is broad and full of options for the fussiest of eaters, as well as fulfilling many dietary requirements with numerous vegetarian and gluten free options. 

All of these yummy samples were washed down with cocktails a plenty, from the very friendly, very talented bar staff who were keeping the freshly prepared cocktails flowing all evening. 

Manager Ben is eager for customers to try their tequila, “We are keen to educate customers on how to sip and savour tequila and gain a real appreciation for its finer flavours.  All our tequilas are 100% agave, the plant from which it is made.”

A huge well done to all of the staff involved in such a successful night, and I wish them all well for the launch!

Bodega Cantina is definitely right up my street and I've already made plans for me and the Mr to spend date night there very soon, I'm looking forward to getting my hands on more quesadillas and finishing off with some sweet churros! YUM!

You can find Bodega Cantina in St Martins Square, Leicester and you can visit their website for more information here.

Are you a fan of South American cuisine?

xxx *Huge thanks to all at Bodega Cantina & Limegreen Communications for the invite



Linked up to: Tried & Tested  //  Tuesday Treasures

Yankee Candle Riviera Escape Collection

I like my house to smell nice. Who doesn't? Living in a house of boys, it's a constant battle to keep my humble abode smelling sweet. ;) And I love a candle! I love decorative pretty candles that make my house look nice, and I love good quality, strong scented candles to keep my house smelling fragrant. So it's no surprise that I'm a bit of a Yankee Candle fan!!
Yankee Candles are perfect for seasonal scents and are strong scented enough to fill a room fast. 
This Summer, they've released their Riviera Escape Collection, including 6 fresh, Summer scents.  The Riviera Escape Votive House Gift Set, available from Love Aroma contains sampler sized votives of beautiful fragrances that'll transport you to a sunny climate, whatever the weather.

I've been burning these during the day time for a couple of hours, since we've been having the nicer weather, bringing the Summer vibes from the outside in.

The gift set includes: Riviera Escape - A fresh, flowery scent. Makes my kitchen smell of freshly bloomed flowers. Summer Peach - One of my favourites. A yummy, fruity cocktail fragrance. Sea Salt & Sage - Think Jo Malone but a fraction of the cost. Smells gorgeously classy. This would smell amazing on a Summer's evening! Sicilian Lemon - Another favourite. A fresh lemony scent that freshens up any room to accompany a beautiful sunny day! Olive & Thyme - I didn't think I'd like this but was pleasantly surprised. It reminds me of Mediterranean holiday food. Lavender - A traditional soothing fragrance. 

What is your favourite Summer fragrance?

xxx



*gift set sent to me by the lovely people at Love Aroma

Summer Menu at The Kitchen at The Cookie

Back in January, I told you about Leicester's comedy venue The Cookie launching The Kitchen. Well last week, the lovely people at High Street's The Kitchen invited us back to sample some of their brand new Summer Menu.

Upstairs in their intimate cocktail bar, The Attic, myself, a few other local bloggers and Gabby from Cool As Leicester PR were treated to some tasters as well as some of their amazing cocktails. And believe me, they're SO good!

The newly updated menu, which includes options for brunch, lunch & dinner with board specials, toasted sandwiches, light bites and burgers, is served on Wednesdays - Saturdays 12:00 - 19:00. 

With an emphasis on simple, honest food, a lot of their food and the tasty fruit they use in their cocktails is sourced locally, just round the corner at Leicester Market.

We started with Salt Beef Hash from the brunch options; a pan of tender salt beef chunks which smelt amazing and tasted pretty great too. It was accompanied by mini fried potatoes, onions, beans and a tiny fried egg [which was super cute, but of course you'll get a normal sized egg with your full size meal!] accompanied by some thick, crusty toast on the side. It was SO good. 

Next up we moved onto a couple of tasters from their Toasted Sandwiches. Now let's first discuss the bread. Thick, perfectly toasted, crunchy bread. YUM! I tried the Chorizo Melt which included chorizo, melted cheese, black olives and red peppers, it was lovely! 

You can grab a toasted sandwich, with homemade chips and a hot or soft drink for just £5.00. Bargain!

The girls also got to try some of their yummy burgers, but unfortunately I had to dash off as I had work. Apparently the Buffalo Chicken Burger is super nice though so I'll have to go back to give it a try sometime!

Luckily, they bought the cocktails out before I left! I'm a big cocktails fan so made sure I had a little go on them all! My favourite, as it was last time we visited, is the Lemon Meringue. Honestly, if you're passing, you HAVE to try it, it's SO GOOD!

Huge thanks to all at The Kitchen at The Cookie, and the amazingly talented cocktail makers at The Attic for inviting us down. I'll be back soon for an All Day Breakfast and a cheeky cocktail no doubt! 

If you're looking for somewhere for a bite to eat in Leicester City Centre, give The Kitchen at The Cookie a try! You can check them out on Facebook & Twitter  to see what else they have on offer.

xxx