Our Greatest Adventure Yet...

We survived the first 6 months! I can't believe I am sitting here writing this 7 months into motherhood. For a while there I thought that life would never be the same but oh how wrong I was. Life isn't the same, it's better! 

The first 3/4 months of Floraidh's life were a whirl wind of eating, sleeping, not sleeping, crying, pooping, getting into a routine, visiting family, eating again, sleeping again and yip you guessed it,,,crying again. The fourth trimester is for real and it is something which has not to be taken lightly. Then all of a sudden your baby transforms into this happy, smiling, giggling, crawling, spaghetti bolognaise loving wee friend. At 7 months she is quite literally the love of our lives and is by far our greatest adventure yet. We have finally found our flow and our rhythm as a family of 3. We are enjoying watching Floraidh grow into the independent, determined and fun-loving girl that she is and we are enjoying being able to start showing her around the world a bit more and exposing her to adventures of her own. 

Her first adventure was across the pond to Scotland (via Canada)! I was so nervous about taking her on a plane for the first time all by myself but she nailed it and slept the whole way there and the whole way back. Floraidh was a huge hit in Scotland and the people there were even able to pronounce her name right! It was such a wonderful trip and we both loved spending this time with family and friends despite us both being so tired. 

At 6 months old we took Floraidh on her first camping trip. She spent time playing outside in nature, swimming in the lake and sleeping out under the stars. She was so flexible and loved exploring outdoors. She also slept solidly from 7:05 - 7:00 and didn't wake until the sun came up. She did however catch a little cold afterwards due to the tent being damp so I wouldn't recommend camping in October when the temperatures fluctuate so much between day and night. Overall this was a great adventure and one I would highly recommend, esp if you were keen campers before baby came along.

We are now gearing up for visiting the beach in Florida and then getting reading to take on Scotland for the second time this year! We are excited for Floraidh to experience new sights, sounds, tastes and smells as she continues to add to her travels but we are also excited for her to see the familiar faces of the people she loves back home. Here is to more great adventures!

Costa RiiiiCCCCAAAAA!...

5 months after our wedding my newly wed husband and I embarked on the adventure of a life time to the wondrous world of Costa Rica! It was a long awaited honeymoon but it was certainly worth it and even more than we had ever imagined. 

A colourful country full of flavors, lush landscapes, confidant creatures and vast beaches. Our plan involved a 14 day road trip from San Jose to Lake Arenal then on to the north west coast of Guanacaste. Followed by 4 days in the rainforest at Manuel Antonio National Park. Along the way we climbed through lava and up volcanoes, swam under natural waterfalls, bathed in hot springs, zip-lined through the jungle, surfed the waves and went spotting for wildlife! The don't call it the adventure capital of the world for nothing. There really is so much to see and do and the "Pura Vida" way of life is evident as you venture throughout. 

The thing that struck me the most was how friendly, approachable and trustworthy the people are. I had heard so much about them but it really took my own experience to truly understand how magical these people are. Relaxed, caring, thoughtful and happy. I remember saying to my husband that there is just something about them. It is when you look in their eyes that you can really see the kindness. 

The country and the people really touched me and Costa Rica is a place that one day I hope to return to. ♥

Number Ten gets 10/10!....(a personal review of a very impressionable place)

As part of our mini-moon my husband and I embarked on a 5 hour road trip from sunny St. Andrews on the east coast of Scotland to the even sunnier Isle of Skye on the west coast of Scotland. This trip was somewhat spectacular with every corner a new and enchanting surprise. The scenery was even more breathtaking than we remembered and the drive itself would definitely be in our 'top ten drives of the world' book (if we ever got round to writing one!).  

The Cullins, Isle of Skye, Scotland

As we neared our accommodation for the next few nights not only was our breath taken but we were also left speechless.....This was the sight we were greeted by:

Number Ten, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye

Number Ten on the Isle of Skye really does live up to its 'Luxurious Island Retreat' name. The views from the property are second to none and the attention to detail that has went in to making this holiday haven a success is out of this world. Diana and Alan have done a fabulous job of creating a space for two which feels like a million miles away from the rest of the world. They greet you on arrival with a drink of your choice and then walk you round your new home for the next few days. A welcome basket of wine, beers, egg, fresh bread and chocolate (but to name a few) also awaits you.  The living space itself boosts a wood burning fire, an enormous bath tub and sizable bed with sumptuous sheets. There is also a great space out front for you to eat and drink out doors as you watch the sunset. 

The hospitality provided by Diana and Alan makes a great impression and they are more than happy to help you with whatever you need. They even offered to taxi us to the world renowned Three Chimneys restaurant one evening which was well received! 

Not only is this sanctuary a home away from home but there is also a wonderful art gallery on site. Diana (the owner and artist) produces some of the most beautiful paintings and prints of the Isle of Skye landscapes and seascapes. This gallery is worth a visit in itself! 

To conclude, I would have to say that Number Ten is one of the most relaxing hideaways on earth and we wish we could have spent even more time there. Unfortunately our trip only lasted a few days, but we will definitely be back! And for now....we have our very own piece of heaven as a reminder hanging right above our fireplace!.....

'Above the Clouds' by Diana Mackie
http://www.diana-mackie.co.uk

Escapism....

Escapism: The tendency to escape from daily reality or routine by indulging in daydreaming, fantasy, or entertainment.......

I have been daydreaming a lot today! Imagining myself on the tip of a mountain with the sun beaming down on my face (and of course with a large glass of wine in my hand). AAAHHHH BLISSSS......what is your escapism?