Lunching during the summer holidays is almost always an outdoor affair, imbuing what is ordinarily a fairly run-of-the-mill meal, with the precious alchemy of being outdoors! For this reason, I've always found that there's a particular importance at this time of year in never leaving the house without the 'picnic stuff!' What this constitues has evolved over the years, and for the first time ever, sandwiches are currently off the menu. Partly, it's because the triangles-with-crusts-off have...

In a world of beige fashion, the power of a pair of bright pink socks can’t be underestimated. Like lipstick for the feet, the right hosiery feels like a statement of intent. A big, bold, brave signal to the pavement ahead, that ‘I mean business!’ (Even if the heat actually means the opposite is true!) In summer, I often find these details make a big difference, and especially when it comes to cultivating a mindset of motivation on holiday, or when weighing up running against… reclining....

It goes without saying, that water is where much of the joy of a family holiday is at. The pool. The sea. Back to the pool. The routine is as predictable as it is novel, and guaranteed never to go out of popularity if my trusty 'poolkit' has anything to do with it. Within the 'poolkit', costumes, goggles and floaties go without saying, and this year, stocking up on all these items in advance was made infinitely easier by Splash About's one-stop swim shop. Specialists not just in baby swimwear...