Visiting Jurassic Falls Adventure Golf

After seeing Jurassic World I was completely obsessed. When we were driving back from Ikea I did a double take when I saw a life size dinosaur from the motorway. Turns out it was a dinosaur from the Jurassic falls mini golf course! 

So I'm completely an amateur at any form of golf. But mini golf is fun/funny! I was ridiculously bad but we had a laugh and how can you not have fun when you are surrounded by dinosaurs! 

There's waterfalls, bridges and dino sound effects! We had four people for £29 and got clubs with a score sheet. 

Although I didn't win, I had a blast! The golf course took around an hour and had 13 holes. It was a great afternoon and I would definitely go back. Kids would also love this as a summer holiday treat ( they have a full range of golf club sizes) but there maybe isn't enough here for a full day out as yet - there was some building work ongoing so I believe the attraction is expanding. Still worth a visit ! 

Oh and someone got on the scoreboard...

I'm not a bad loser.... Honest! 

Visiting Gods Own Junkyard

Recently I visited an amazing place called Gods Own JunkYard. A Neon museum/collection/art gallery which simply blew my mind.

Driving up to what seems like a regular industrial estate (in pouring rain I might add) I see a neon painted life size cow. Just standing infront of an open doorway. This was my first glimpse of Gods Own Junkyard. From the outside it seems pretty dark, but inside it is illuminated by thousands of neon signs.

It's run by John, who buys, collects, rescues and sells incredible installation art pieces. There are also several film props lying around which are also for sale. 

Some film props

And some comics! 

This angel was a particular favourite...

What makes this treasure trove even better is that there is a cafe/bar at the back so you can sit and take it all in. It's an incredible atmosphere and a place I would not hesitate to come back to. I had an amazing meal and each time I looked around I saw something new. 

I picked up some postcards on my way out which John kindly explained were old shots of the previous premises he had owned. 

This car had Jesus and Mary printed on the windscreen, and apparently was stolen shortly after its arrival! 

I would recommend a visit to anyone, weather you're a movie buff, and art fanatic, missing Vegas, or just fancy seeing something truly unique. Gods own junkyard is located in Walthamstow, London UK. 

All photos taken by me. 

Visiting London

I love London, I go as often as I can and it always has something new to surprise me. 

I had booked a week off work and decided to take myself away for some much needed/deserved TLC time.

Also managed to upgrade to first class on my train which got the trip off to a great start! 

I had lots of chill time whilst I was here, lots of meals out and quality time with my fiancé. I didn't realise how much I needed it until I got here! 

I got to meet George, lovable English bull terrier owned by my fiancé's friend. 

I also found an ikea to hunt through (seriously I am obsessed) the cinnamon roll is mine...

I had no idea you can get living cacti from ikea ! Of course we took one home.

We also visited a Georgian house and fell a tiny bit in love with it. 

Went to Honest Burger and had amazing food (that coleslaw was incredible) 

Iced tea and mint lemonade at Honest Burger. 

The week went by way too quickly, as it always does. I can't wait to get back to my favourite place. 

But less than 4 hours later it was back to reality. Work and washing and unpacking awaits! 

Tattoo Aftercare

 I have been asked recently to talk about my experiences with tattoo aftercare. As a fairly tattooed person I have tried a variety of different creams for healing tattoos and I eventually found a regime that worked for me. 

As soon as I get tattooed i try to leave the plastic wrap on until the next morning. Sometimes certain areas leak more inky plasma than others and it isn't possible to do it this, but I will generally clean and rewrap if I have to. I use lush bar soap and warm water to do this. 

The first ointment I use is A&D which my tattooist gives me after sessions. It is by far the best product I've ever used for new tattoos. 

After the tattoo has dried and before it peels I use lush dream cream. In small amounts just to cover the tattoo about 1mm thick. 

After the tattoo has healed it is still important to take care of the skin. For this I use coconut oil which I get from Holland and Barrett. Coconut oil is great for skin, hair, and whitening teeth...

You can even cook with it! 

Coconut oil can be quite expensive but at Holland and Barrett i wait for the penny sales or the buy one get one half price to stock up. 

DISCLAIMER

Please note - I am not a medical professional and I am not giving medical advice, this is purely my own opinion and experience. Please consult a doctor or your tattoo artist for more information on aftercare.

Visiting Waltham Windmill

Sunday was the national teddy bears picnic day, so we headed out to Waltham Windmill for a fun day of maypole dancing, homemade food, bands and games.

Our picnic

We took piratey - who won a prize!

The windmill is still functioning and makes bread and cakes which are available to buy. You can also go inside the windmill and see how it all works.

The miniature railway was running and we took a ride for 60p! The train has been at Waltham Windmill since I was a little girl (20 ish years ago) so taking my daughter on it was really special. 

Here is the railway carriage cafe, another part of the windmill that I remember from being little. Handmade curtains and tablecloths inside and a lovely variety of teas cakes and ice creams for visitors to try. 

Inside the carriage, this reminds me of a sylvanian families playset I used to have! 

We had a blast, can't wait for next years picnic! 

Visiting Wren & Ivy

Today I visited local business Wren and Ivy. Situated in the picturesque Waltham Windmill grounds surrounded by quaint shop units, Wren and Ivy sells handmade gifts, collectables and sewing supplies. 

The shop is owned by Claire, a super talented craft expert who runs the shop and makes all the handmade items by herself! Just by looking at the amount of items in the shop and the level of skill it takes to make each one it really shows how much hard work has gone into this charming place.

Handmade love letters, these would look great in a bay window or a fireplace.

Wren and Ivy also sell craft kits which are great for aspiring sewers and crafters of any age, a great buy for the summer holidays too.

Stationary and pencil cases, I especially loved the notebooks.

Handmade signs, bunting and fabric banners made by Claire. 

How amazing are those lightshades! 

In the centre of the shop is this glorious gingham table where many of the beautiful treats and trinkets are made. Wren and Ivy also run a sewing group for children here, more information can be found on their Facebook (details at the end of this post).

Ribbons and cotton

The shop has made excellent use of the space in the unit, there is something to catch your eye at every angle. 

The attention to detail extends to every part of the shop, including the open sign.

Gift tags, teacher gifts and fabric squares filled this table, I was spoiled for choice! 

How cute are these lunchboxes hiding out ontop of this dresser! 

Mugs and key rings, I almost bought the Hope mug.

Vintage style cup sets, these got a lot of interest whilst I was looking around the shop.

Paper lanterns, again making amazing use of the space. 

I could not move without finding at least ten new things to look at with each step I took. It was truly a treasure trove of craft goodness. All done by one hardworking lady. 

All of the shops on the windmill have a unique community charm, they all know one another and they all have a welcoming atmosphere. 

Wren and Ivy share that vibe with what they offer to the local community, the sewing lessons and all of the handmade items really show a great level of skill and care in all aspects of the shop. I would recommend a visit, wheather you are an experienced sewer or a novice, any age or skill level this shop will have something for you. Kits, lessons and books are available as well as a wide range of sewing supplies.

My visit reignited my creative spark, and I started getting all my half finished projects out as soon as I got home! Go see the shop and see if it gives you any inspiration this summer. 

For more information check out Wren & Ivy on Facebook