Tag: explore

  • The magic of Sauna for busy parents

    The magic of Sauna for busy parents

    Parenting is a wild, wonderful adventure. Some days are sprinkled with laughter, messy kisses, spontaneous dance parties in the kitchen, and stories that get sillier with every retelling. Some days feel like trying to wrangle a tornado of tiny humans, snacks, and runaway socks — but still full of joy, in the best possible way.

    Amidst all this delightful chaos, every parent deserves a little pause — a tiny, warm escape where you can take a breath, reconnect with yourself, and just be. Enter the sauna: your hot and blissful hideaway.

    Why Parents Deserve Saunas

    Whether you’re a mum, dad, grandparent, or the lucky adult in charge of bedtime, caring for children is full of moments that make your heart soar. But even the most joyful adventures can leave you a little tired, a little achy, or a little frazzled.

    Saunas are a place to slow down, let the day melt away, and reconnect with yourself — a gentle reminder that you CAN put yourself first, it’s not a crime. Self care is vital.

    What a Sauna Does (and Why Families Love It)

    Step into the warmth, and instantly… ahhhh. Your muscles sigh, your circulation perks up, and those happy little endorphins start doing a tiny dance.

    You’ll sweat, yes — but the good kind of sweat. The kind that makes you feel like you’re melting away the little stresses and carrying the lightness of the day ahead with you.

    Here’s what that heat brings to busy parents:

    Stress relief: Press pause on the endless planning and enjoy a rare moment of stillness.

    Better sleep: Even if little humans wake you at 2 a.m., the sleep you do get is deeper and more restorative.

    Muscle and joint relief: From carrying children to squatting up and down all day, picking toys and clothes up off the floor — the warmth eases and restores tired muscles.

    Energy boost: Circulation improves, your body feels lighter, and you step back into life with renewed sparkle.

    Skin glow: Sweating flushes out impurities, leaving you with that fresh, radiant glow that says, “I’ve got this — mostly.”

    Immune boost: The heat gently strengthens your immune system — perfect for parents constantly surrounded by coughs, colds, and the dreaded ‘back to school germs’.

    Beaulieu River (yoga retreat) – 📷 my own

    Family time

    If your children are older – why not visit a sauna together? It could be incredibly beneficial for you all. Taking that time to unwind together and create space for conversation all while improving your health and well-being, sounds like a great example to set for future generations.

    Quick Reality Check

    Pregnant? Skip the sauna for now — high heat isn’t safe during pregnancy.

    Health conditions? Check with your GP before using a sauna.

    Hydration: Keep sipping that water! Nobody wants to be dehydrated!

    Croyde Bay – 📷 my own

    My Favourite Saunas

    Now, full honesty: saunas themselves aren’t for everyone — but views? They’re irresistible.

    I’ve visited saunas across the country, and the scenery always adds something extra to the experience. Some of my favourites include Croyde Bay, where the coastal air meets the heat perfectly, and The Lime Wood Hotel, where you can unwind while looking out over serene forest views.

    Photo credit – Limewood

    Closer to home – Solace Sauna on Lepe Beach is my happy place. With wood-fired heat, Bailey’s warm welcome, and the forest and sea stretching out around you, it’s a place where you can laugh, exhale, and remember who you are!

    What really sets Solace Sauna apart is the attention to detail. The little sauna hats keep your head cool in the heat, and the traditional whisking practice is a rejuvenating ritual that boosts circulation and enhances the experience. (Follow Solace Sauna on Instagram!)

    Beyond the sauna itself, Solace Sauna feels like part of a wonderful local community focused on wellness and connection — a place where people come together, recharge, and share the experience.

    Bailey says it best:

    “Many families visit Solace Sauna to spend quality time together. In today’s socioeconomic climate and technology driven culture, sauna offers an accessible way for families to connect with each-other and nature year-round while experiencing the physical, mental, and social benefits of contrast therapy.
    In just an hour, you can feel completely reset and help regulate your nervous system. Be that with your family, or having a mindful break from the kids”

    “I have regular families who come to celebrate birthdays, spend time together, and activity to do away from screens and an outdoor activity all year round – winter dosent mean you have to stay in with the kids.”

    Book you visit to Solace Sauna HERE 👈

    The Simple Hack That Makes It Happen

    Here’s what works for me: I book ahead and pay upfront. That way, there’s no backing out — and I’m guaranteed my little window of peace.

    Even half an hour or an hour of sauna time can feel like a mini-vacation — a pause filled with calming heat and lightness — the perfect antidote to a busy family life.


    So…

    Next time life is filled with tiny hands, big imaginations, and spontaneous dance-offs in the living room that leave you slightly jaded, remember: a sauna isn’t just heat.

    It’s your pause button. Your secret hiding spot. Your little bubble of calm and wonder.

    Because even parents who can do it all deserve a moment to sparkle — and maybe a little warm indulgence too. ✨️🔥🍃

  • Forest adventures made easy – What to pack for a day out exploring with the kids

    Taking kids into the forest isn’t just a casual stroll—it’s an adventure, full of opportunities for exploration, learning, and discovery. That said, it’s also an exercise in patience and parenting. Within ten minutes, someone will be hungry, too hot, too cold, tired, or in desperate need of a wee.

    I’ve spent so many days with my kids trudging through mud, climbing trees, and building dens — the kind of messy, magical days that stay with you forever. I hope that years from now, we’ll all look back and laugh about the muddy puddle tantrums and those heartbreaking moments when we had to leave a beloved stick or rock behind.

    Before your next outdoor adventure, grab your backpack (or three) and pack smart. Here’s what you really need to survive—and thrive—a day in the woods with kids.

    Henry aged 5

    ☔ 1. Packaway Raincoats

    Waterproofs save lives. Whether it’s raining, sunny, or somewhere in between, a lightweight, packable raincoat comes in handy. Use it for rain, as an extra layer for “I’m cold” moments, or even for unexpected UV protection on sunny days.

    🌱 2. Packaway Ground Sheet

    Somewhere to sit that isn’t a muddy patch? Yes, please.
    A ground sheet doubles as a picnic blanket, emergency shade, or a spot to pile the ever-growing collection of sticks, pinecones, and “treasures” your kids insist on collecting.

    🏕 3. Packaway Hammock

    Optional, but highly recommended. Easy to set up, a hammock gives you the perfect spot to relax and watch the kids explore, soaking up nature without feeling like you’re missing half the fun.

    🧻 4. Toilet Roll & Baby Wipes

    Nature calls. A lot.
    From impromptu tree “bathrooms” to messy hands and faces, wipes save your sanity. Trust me—parents know.

    🗑️ 5. Bin Bag

    Leave no trace.
    Carry your rubbish home, keep the forest beautiful, and teach your kids the importance of caring for the environment.

    🧊 6. Refrigerated Snack Bag

    The lifeblood of any outdoor adventure.
    Pack more than you think you need—kids will remind you they’re starving every five minutes. Bonus: snacks can double as bargaining tools for minor meltdowns.

    💧 7. Water Bottles with Clips

    Clip them to backpacks and avoid the constant chorus of “Mum, I’m thirsty!” Hydration equals happiness—and fewer complaints.

    🚑 8. First Aid Kit

    Plasters, antiseptic wipes, and eye-cleaning drops (yes, sticks go in eyes more often than you think) are essentials.
    If you believe a day in the forest can happen without a few scrapes, you either have perfect kids—or you’re new to parenting.

    🦟 9. Bug Spray & Suncream

    Even on cloudy days, bugs are relentless and sunburns sneak up. Apply generously and often—consider it a full-contact sport.

    🔋 10. Portable Charger

    Your phone is your camera, map, and lifeline. Keep it charged—you’ll want those snaps of muddy faces, puddle crashes, and “look what I found” moments.

    🎒 Bonus Tip: Let the Kids Carry Stuff

    If they’re old enough, give them a small backpack. Sure, it’ll probably end up full of sticks and pinecones, but they’ll feel useful—and you’ll carry less.

    Henry aged 7

    🌳 Final Thoughts

    A day in the forest with kids isn’t about perfection or Instagram-worthy moments. It’s about snacks, mud, minor injuries, questionable decisions, and, most importantly, fun.

    Pack smart. Live in the moment. And remember: if no one cries, did you even leave the house?

    Henry aged 4

    Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link to a product and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue sharing honest reviews and recommendations. Thank you for your support!

  • The Hauck Runner 2 – The Best Pram for Forest Trails and Off-Road Adventures

    The Hauck Runner 2 – The Best Pram for Forest Trails and Off-Road Adventures

    The Hauck Runner 2: The Best Outdoor Pram for Parents Who Love Adventures


    As a parent who loves being outdoors, I was determined not to let motherhood slow down my adventures. That’s why discovering the Hauck Runner was such a game changer for me and my daughter. It can be used from birth, so we wasted no time in getting outside!

    Whether we’re weaving through the forest trails or exploring the open paths of the New Forest National Park, this pram has been by my side every step of the way—and I honestly don’t know what I’d do without it.


    Built for the Outdoors

    Unlike a standard stroller that struggles on uneven paths, the Hauck Runner thrives off-road. Its pneumatic air wheels make it glide effortlessly over tree roots, gravel, and bumpy terrain. I never find myself fighting with it—it just rolls smoothly wherever I go, letting me enjoy the journey instead of worrying about every bump. Despite being so sturdy, it’s surprisingly lightweight and incredibly easy to manoeuvre, which makes a big difference when navigating winding trails or busy areas.

    Comfort for Baby (and for Me!)

    One of the things I love most is how comfortable my daughter is in it. She’s had countless naps while we’ve been out exploring, thanks to the reclining backrest and the spacious, cushioned seat. The UPF 50+ canopy and XL mesh window mean she’s protected from the sun while still getting plenty of airflow, which is perfect for warm days.

    From my perspective (being a 5ft 2 shorty!), the height-adjustable handle makes a world of difference. Whether I’m walking or running, I can set it at the right level for comfort, which keeps long outings enjoyable instead of tiring.

    Practical Features for Everyday Adventures

    The Hauck Runner isn’t just about comfort and sturdiness—it’s also practical for everyday parent life. The large storage basket is a lifesaver for carrying snacks, toys, or even a picnic blanket, and the rain cover means a little drizzle never ruins our plans. I also love how easy it is to fold down when it’s time to head home, making it hassle-free to pack into the car. Plus, it comes in a range of stylish colours, so you can pick one that suits your personality and lifestyle. It feels like everything has been thought through for parents who don’t just want a pram for the high street, but for the real outdoors.

    Why I Rate It So Highly

    I can honestly say the Hauck Runner has transformed the way I get outside with my daughter. It’s reliable, robust, lightweight, and thoughtfully designed for parents who want more than just the basics. Whether you’re a runner, an explorer, or simply a parent who refuses to be confined to smooth pavements, this pram delivers.

    For me, it’s more than just a pram—it’s the reason I can keep living the active, outdoor lifestyle I love while sharing those adventures with my little one.

    Click here to find the Hauck Runner 2

    Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link to a product and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue sharing honest reviews and recommendations. Thank you for your support!