Cuppa, Cake & Cracking view? NOPE just crap customer service!

If you've read my blog before you'll know that I'm quite a cheery and positive person but this blog is a little on the negative side.  So apologies for not being my usual self (and the fact this is a little dated as I've been a busy gal)

So, the story begins with being offered the chance to stay at the lovely Manorbier Bed & Breakfast just outside of Tenby on Valentines weekend (which I will point out at this stage is not the negativeness that I refer to... I'll be doing a separate blog for that one as it thoroughly deserves it - top notch)

Back to the story...left Swansea on the afternoon of Saturday 15th Feb (day after Valentines Day so still feeling a bit on the romantic side!!!) and headed down to Pembrokeshire...

Visit to the palace, wet & windy in Whitesands and Scrabble & Pool at The Farmers! (St. Davids Pembrokeshire PART 2)

View from bathroom at Cwtch Cottages

So part 2 of my visit to St. Davids Pembrokeshire is a little late but felt an urge to update you lovely folk on this beautiful part of the country.  Now many of you maybe thinking this time of the year a little 'holiday' should only be in the sun drinking sangria and San Miguels but you really do need to consider the beauty of this country.
Our little trip to St. Davids most certainly took us out of our comfort zone and made us do things we certainly wouldn't consider doing at home and not typical of a holiday abroad.

Here is what the rest of our weekend entailed:

Cwtch Cottages 'Best Home' in St. Davids, Pembrokeshire!

Well, where do I start!  A lovely weekend in St.Davids Pembrokeshire and I must say a BIG THANKYOU to Rachael of Cwtch Cottages for letting us use her beautiful cottages.  I'm probably going to have to write a few blogs to cover our weekend, the things we did and places we went to.  Considering it was a 2 night stay and the weather was a little on the wet & windy side we still managed to squeeze in lots!

So, let's start with this cottage that I've been going on about... firstly, the word cottage has always suggested 'old fashioned' to me - which, don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with old fashioned but being a 'thirty something' a girl likes a few home luxuries, like a bit of Wi-fi to feed ye olde Facebook addiction!  How would I describe Cwtch Cottages?  Traditional, with a modern twist!  

Here is how our weekend started...

Suggestions needed for things to do in St.Davids, Pembrokeshire...

Well, I'm one very lucky lady!  I'm getting the chance to visit the lovely Cwtch Cottages in St.Davids Pembrokeshire this coming weekend.  What this means is that I get to put a pin in my map further west than I've done so before!  But here is my dilemma:  whereas before it would just be me and the other half, I now have 2 boys (7yrs & 14yrs) to keep entertained.    Therefore, sourcing out the best pubs and romantic walks ain't gonna go down so well on this trip!

So, I've consulted with Cwtch Cottage owner Rachael who has provided me with the following fab suggestions, however I'd still love to hear from those with recommendations for things to do within about 30 mins drive from St. Davids - remembering how much of a fan I am of CAKE ;-):

#NatsPhotoChallenge Days 8-15, intro to Flipagram & photo editing apps

It has to be said that I'm really quite enjoying this photo challenge as it's really prompting me to think about my social media activity every day, explore some photo editing apps and making think a little deeper about life too... very thankful for many things which I've captured in my summary for days 8-15 in this little Flipagram video (part 2)...

Tenby in the winter - absolute bliss! #Pembrokeshire

View from bedroom at Giltar Hotel, Tenby

 I really have to start this blog saying that I truly have the best job in the world!  I get to visit the most loveliest of places and feel truly blessed!  This week I've been lucky enough to spend a couple of days in South Pembrokeshire, and in particular Tenby!

Now most people would assume the Tenby is a summer town.  Don't get me wrong, the place is absolutely stunning when the warm sun is out but there is something beautiful about this place in the Winter.

We were lucky enough to stay in the well known Giltar Hotel overlooking South Beach!  The premier room we had was lush and the view was amazing - not to mention the standard of the rooms.  Absolutely love this place!   So here is why I think you should visit Tenby in the Winter....

We'll be back, it's written in (blue) stone!

What a truly brilliant week at Bluestone, Pembrokeshire!   Even though this has been my third visit in 3 years this was definitely the best so far!  As you might have seen in my post earlier in the week I was astonished by the bargain I'd managed to bag myself as a result of a Facebook post.  And I'll be honest, I really couldn't understand how they could offer so much for so little.... I now do!  I've had a taste of what a Bluestone Inclusive package is like, I'm hooked and we'll def be wanted to do that next time.  There will most definitely be a next time as it's written in blue stone (credit to my partner for coming up with that one - yep, he made me write that bit!)

I've been wanting to get a picture like this for 3 years now!

Here are my recommendations for visiting Bluestone for us Thirty Somethings:

Star Jumps to express my enjoyment of Pembrokeshire (pics attached!)

After an amazingly relaxing day at the Bluestone Well Spa and The Yard Takeway (whilst the world was being hammered by the rain & wind) I was pleasantly surprised to wake up the following day to blue skies in lovely Pembrokeshire - OK, it was quite windy but a whole lot better than it had been the couple of days previously! 

View of the beautiful blue skies from the back of the lodge - Prescelly valley

Armed with my waterproof jacket and walking boots, we headed to the car to go on a little adventure around South Pembrokeshire.  (One of the things I do like about Bluestone is that it is a car free zone - just lots of golf buggies!!!) See the end of the blog for a summary of places I reckon are a good shout for us 'thirty somethings in Wales' to visit!!!

Bluestone, boobies & takeaways! Day 2

It's now approaching the end of my stay at Bluestone but still feel the need to update you folk with the rest of my stay which continued to offer lots of little surprises.  Bit of a disclaimer here, for those of you that know me you'll know I get excited about the most basic of things, so for those newbies, if you're expecting fireworks then I suggest you leave now!!! ;-) ( Mind you, I do mention 'Boobies' 6 times hence the reason I've included it in my blog title - although it does sound more like a Carry On film with Barbara Windsor)

The Well Spa

So, after one of the best sleeps at the lodge I was very much looking forward to my trip to the spa for a relaxing day!  Something which, on my previous 2 occasions didn't go so well.  From those experiences, my main advice is to book in advance to avoid disappointment - luckily I booked well in advance for a nice leisurely 90 minute massage! (Whilst I've hopefully still got everyone's attention, I must add that after visiting numerous spas around Wales this really is my favourite as there are plenty of choices at the spa - treatments, areas & menu! - skip to the end for my top tips)

What a corker of a deal - Day 1 at Bluestone Resort, Wales

I couldn't believe my eyes back in December when I woke up to a Facebook post from Bluestone - the £99 Inclusive deal...  I read with what can only be described as astonishment as to what they were offering:

• 4 night stay in their 5* accommodation
• PLUS breakfast for 2 for the full stay
• PLUS dinner for 2 for the full stay
• PLUS half a bottle of wine each for the full stay
• PLUS free entry into the thermal rooms for the full duration

I honestly thought it was too good to be true as I've stayed at Bluestone twice before and would have easily paid £99 for just the accommodation.  I booked anyway and had confirmation of this amazing deal.  And to clarify, it was £99 for the BOTH of us and not a 'per person' price!!! Bargain!

Having my hair pulled & face slapped by a 6ft Spaniard has inspired me to start blogging again!

Firstly, welcome back to those of you who are already subscribed to my blog - it's been a while since I wrote here but as the title suggests I've been inspired.  

Secondly, welcome to all of my visitors.  I'm sure you're expecting something pretty normal from me?  I'll explain. But before I do...apologies to those of you who've seen the title of my blog on one of my social networks and clicked through to discover that my blog is somewhat different to what you may be thinking!!! (Got your attention though didn't it!)

M is for Mumbles (Swansea)

Mumbles, Swansea, a set on Flickr.

Some shots taken a few weeks ago on a chilly Sunday afternoon!

N is for the National Botanic Garden of Wales

The National Botanic Garden of Wales - March 2012, a set on Flickr.

A lovely visit to the gardens.

A business visit but had a cracking tour with their Marketing Manager David.

Would highly recommend a visit to those who haven't been before and be sure to visit the restuarant - Beef Stew and Rosemary Dumplings were just yummy!

A is for Aberavon Beach

Aberavon Beach, Port Talbot, a set on Flickr.

A little walk along the promenade and a stop at Remo's Cafe after a very stressfull time at the Aberavon Beach Hotel.... Trying to deliver a social media workshop without the Internet is not the most relaxing thing to do!