3 Great Days out in Thurlestone

Thurlestone is an historic village in South Devon, home to a beautiful links golf course, a 13th century church, a busy village shop and a traditional village pub. Known by many because of the iconic Thurlestone Rock (the inspiration for numerous artists including the celebrated painter Turner), this fascinating settlement is nestled on a captivating stretch of coastline, with a coloured history of shipwrecks and smugglers! Where you are interested in the history of the area, a walking break admiring the beautiful views along the South West Coast Path, or a relaxing getaway enjoying good food, Thurlestone could be the perfect holiday destination for you.

Here are just three great things to do for those visiting this pretty village, whatever the time of year!

1. Enjoy a day at the beach!

Thurlestone is positioned on the very edge of the South West Coast path, providing access to many pretty beaches. Head to South Milton Sands where you can try rockpooling or surfing, or why not bring your dog and let them stretch their legs before enjoying a paddle in the sea (weather depending!). If you are visiting in the winter months, why not enjoy a bracing stroll along to the Yarmer Beach via Leasfoot beach, to blow away those cobwebs before heading to the traditional pub The Village Inn, where you can warm up by the roaring wood burner with a glass of real ale.

2. Spend the day getting sporty

Whilst Thurlestone is a relatively small village on the South Devon coastline, it does offer a number of great facilities for those with a preference for sport. With a fabulous cliff top gold course and 12 tennis courts the opportunities are endless for those looking to enjoy a sports-filled day in a spectacular location. After all this activity why not relax and book a beauty treatment or a spa experience (including use of the indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna) at the luxurious Voyage spa in Thurlestone.

3. Explore the South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path offers many walking opportunities for those staying in Thurlestone. Explore the surrounding area on foot - head towards the beach at Bantham in one direction, where you can walk along the sand admiring views across to Burgh Island with its art deco hotel - the inspiration for some of Agatha Christies greatest works. Heading from Thurlestone in the opposite direction, visit the former smuggler's haunt of Hope Cove, to enjoy a well-deserved drink or something to eat at the Cove Cafe bar, whilst looking out over the bay, before retracing your steps back to Thurlestone.

If you would be interested in booking a holiday in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, find out more about Thurlestone cottages here.

*collaborative post

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Sunday Thoughts & Style: Fur Collared Coats

This weekend like many others around the world, I'm a Rugby widow. Yes, you heard that right. My husband has been watching the Rugby all weekend and I'm here on my lonesome, own-some blogging. Do I mind? Of course I don't. In fact, I love seeing my husband so passionate about something like I'm passionate about blogging and writing. I'm a firm believer of spending time apart from from your partner and developing your own interests. It gives my husband and I something to talk about and makes us miss each other more when we are apart. I like the fact that I can run upstairs and blog and he's happy to catch up on a few of his TV shows that I have very little interest in, then after a long hard day we snuggle up on the sofa and chat about what we both missed. I admit, I'm a solitary creature and if I don't get my one hour of alone time a day, I tend to go a bit crazy. That's why I love blogging. It allows me to relax, switch my mind off all life's little stresses and I can dream about other things and write about what I love. 

What I'm currently loving is this new jacket I picked up from River Island yesterday, seriously i'm in love. I actually went into River Island to pick up a cape coat that I ordered online and it didn't quite fit, so in the end I swapped it for this little beauty. I love Khaki greens and fur collars in the autumn, it reminds me of all the seasonal colours seen around us. During my little shopping trip yesterday...well I say little, but it was quite a lot. I had just been paid and went a little crazy. I picked up two beautiful bras from Ann Summers - 2 for £30 and a gorgeous pair of boots from Office. They are online exclusive and can be ordered from the store, but someone had returned these yesterday because they didn't fit and these fit me perfectly, I'm pretty sure it was fate.

Have you done anything fun this weekend?

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DIY Autumn Beauty Treatments

As the seasons change, so should your skincare regime. The weather is harsh during the autumn and winter and rain and wind can bring a wide range of weather related ailments to your skin. Without the right protective skincare, you are more likely to be prone to weather related damage such as uncomfortable dry skin around the face and lips. Unfortunately not all of us can afford to be buying new skincare as soon as the weather changes, but fear not, there are a few simple beauty treatments you can make for less than £10 with ingredients that are most likely to be in your store cupboard. With a helping hand from Mira Showers and Midas Touch Crafts, I have put together a few skincare items that you can make comfortably at your home in less than fifteen minutes.

Face Scrubs are a great way of cleansing the skin and getting rid of any dryness. Oats have been used for years to combat dry skin and blackheads and this simple recipe should leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Ingredients: Oats, a fresh Lemon and Honey.

Take the oats and add half a squeezed lemon and a tablespoon of honey, then stir together.

Next, lets make a lip scrub. Lip scrubs help erase dry skin from the lips and leave them feeling wonderfully nourished.

Ingredients: Honey, Brown Sugar, Coconut Oil, Cinnamon Powder, Cocoa Powder and a small container.

Use the brown sugar and flavour using cocoa powder and cinnamon. Then add honey and a little bit of coconut oil and stir together. Add to a small container.

Finally to protect your lips against further damage and to add some moisture, here's my simple lip balm recipe.

Ingredients: Soya Wax, Cocoa Powder, Vitamin E tablet, Coconut Oil and a small container.

Place the soya wax into a microwave dish and heat it up to 65c. Pour into a small container and add cocoa powder and the contents of a Vitamin E tablet to ensure that the lips stay nourished. If you want your lip balm to add colour to your lips, once the soya wax is melted, cut up part of an older lipstick and mix together. The lipstick will melt into the soya wax and create a colourful lip balm you can use all day long.

Will you be trying any of these recipes?

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UK Winter Staycations

Misty skies, crisp auburn leaves, the sound of a flickering flame on a wood fire, mulled cider in hand - there's nothing I love more than the beginning of autumn.  The autumn weather makes me think of romantic novels, everyone snuggling together to keep warm around fireplace, kisses in the rain and walking through woodland as the first leaves begin to drop. When the weather gets colder, there's a lot of people that like to abandon ship and take the next flight out of the country, but not me. I love a winter stay-cation in the UK. Pretty castles, old fashioned pubs and acres of wonderful countryside to photograph as the season changes, that is my type of retreat. Over the last week I have scoured the internet and searched far and wide to bring you a few UK hidden gems that will make you not want to head for the nearest plane, but book a train and explore what our beautiful country has to offer this time of year.

Vintage Lovers

If you have a penchant for fifties style dresses and a love for corduroy and flares then Brighton and Hove may whet your vintage shopping appetite. The image above is just one of the many vintage stores Brighton and Hove have to offer. There's Hope & Harlequin on Sydney Street whose vintage finds have graced the likes of Downtown Abbey,  the Snoopers Attic at Kensington Gardens - a must go-to for any thrifty shoppers who don't mind sifting through bric-a-brac to find that coveted item, The Lavender Room which is one of the UK's most successful lifestyle boutiques and Flock, a new vintage store opening in November that promises to bring together the stylish and bohemian offerings of a handful of local labels.

The Romantics

If you prefer to head somewhere where you can switch off your phone and hide away for a few days just you and your partner, the Hidden Lodge in the gorgeous Devonshire country may be more suited to you. The Hidden Loge is a beautiful converted barn hidden away amongst the undulating hills and bubbling streams of Yealm Valley. The property boasts thick stone walls, wooden beams, under-floor heating, a wood burning stove to cuddle up next to, a glass staircase and a loft style bedroom with meadow views.

Foodie breaks

If your idea of a perfect break revolves around sampling the local culinary treats, then the Edinburgh Food Safari at the exquisite Nira Caledonia hotel is not to be missed. Foodie lovers can experience a culinary adventure with Nira Caledonia as they launch their new 'Edinburgh Food Safari' this month. This tantalising taster of local specialities will lead explorers on a gastronomic quest, exploring the vibrant Scottish Capital allowing them to immerse themselves in the city's culture and authenticity. During the safari, explorers will be introduced to six of Edinburgh's local flavour haunts, serving the best in Scottish cuisine.

Luxury

Finally if you prefer a city break to capital, but you are looking somewhere different that has an historical background and serves exceptional food, check out The Ampersand Hotel in South Kensington. The Ampersand Hotel is a new London experience with individually styled brooms, balconied suites, splashes of contemporary art and a ground floor patisserie serving artisanal coffee and Champagne. Located in the original 19th century vault below the luxurious decor of the hotel, Apero offers a taste of the Mediterranean with a tempting menu of sharing plates of cocktails. The hotel is one of London's original Victorian boutique hotels, having originally opened in 1888.

What would be your perfect winter stay-cation?

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Autumn Fitness - The Countdown to Christmas

I'm sorry to startle you all, but did you know it is only 11 weeks until Christmas? I cannot believe how fast time has flown. It feels like two minutes since I made my New Year Resolutions (only one of which I have managed to stick to) and in a few weeks time I'll be making a brand new set. I don't have a clue where 2015 has gone, but I do know I only have a short time to get LBD ready for party season. Here's how I intend on getting fit for Christmas.

Walking

Walking has always been one of my favourite things to do, but now I have a car I've become rather lazy. Instead of walking to the shops, I usually drive and the only walking exercise I get is too and from the train station at work. My plan is walk at least half an hour a day and go for long strolls with my husband on a weekend. Both of us love driving up to the countryside and we haven't done it in awhile. I'm lucky to live near many beautiful reservoirs and lakes.

Swimming

Swimming is one of my favourite exercises and the one I do the most regularly. I've always been a good swimmer and can easily swim a mile (64 lengths) in less than an hour when I'm not feeling too lazy. My aim is to swim three times a week and do at least 30 lengths each time. I love going just before bed so I can come back home and fall to sleep easily.

Pole Fitness

If you have read my blog for awhile, you will know that I love pole fitness and I even have a pole in my spare room. Unfortunately I had to give this up early this year due to ill health and the pole at my house has barely been touched. Over the next few weeks I'm determined to start dancing at least once a week at home to ease my way back into dancing and hopefully by the new year I will be able to start lessons again.

If you're looking for more exercise tips check out this guide* to staying active whatever the weather, there's lots of wonderful tips and advice to give you winter fitness motivation.

Are you planning on getting fit this autumn?

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