Personalised Leather Valentines Gifts (with a twist!)
With Valentine’s Day coming up, I thought I would write a quick list of some great valentines gifts for those of you lacking inspiration.
Bags of Blog
Return of the Saddle Bag - Don't Call It a Comeback!
I love a good blast from the past, and bags are obviously quite a big part of my life, so I am extremely excited that this season’s big thing is the saddle bag; a mixture of a truly brilliant fashion flashback and a stylish and practical bag!
Modern fashion brings with it a host of amazing style revivals, and in my opinion, this is definitely one that deserves to stay. The wonderful saddle bag is currently so on trend, and as it can be worn by just about anyone, with just about anything, it’s set to become even more popular in the next few months. The soft structure and muted details lend its design to anything; from a day trip to a museum, to an evening out, there is no end to the saddle bag’s usefulness.
I have been an advocate for these roomy and stylish bags for years, (yes, I may have started the current trend!) and when I don’t have to lug nappies and bottles around with me, these are my go-to bags for a look that is instantly put-together and effortless.
If only I had bought the amazing US Postal Saddle Bag (below) I found when rummaging in New York a couple of years ago - it was beyond my budget then at around $400!
In the excitement of this revival of such a great trend, I thought I would pick out three of our Vida Vida saddle bag inspired designs so that you can keep up!
1. Vintage 2 Pocket Leather Satchel – Small Saddle Bag £45, Medium £55, Large £65
In three different sizes, and from only £45, this leather satchel is the ideal bag if you want something that is simultaneously stylish and practical. The simple yet striking design sticks to the classic structure of the saddle bags, with brass fastenings and a long body strap, and with zip-up pockets as well as the main compartment, you can carry everything you need, without looking like you’re lugging you whole life around with you.
2. Vintage Leather Annie Saddle Bag Satchel, £45
If you are looking for a slightly more detailed version of the above, this Annie satchel is the perfect bag for you. It is our slightly different take on the traditional leather saddle bags, and is hand-made in the heart of Mexico by a small family business, so each is unique, meaning your outfit will instantly be updated and original when you grab this and go.
3. Vintage Leather Small Sun Saddle Bag Satchel, £50
This is my personal favourite (and my go-to bag) because of the beautiful detailing in the gorgeous suntanned leather. It ages fantastically, and although I have used mine for years, I can tell it will last for many more. If you are looking for a little more character and individuality, while still staying bang on trend, this is the bag for you.
Backpacking? Not Now We Have Two Young Kids In Tow!
How things have changed! This time five years ago Matt and I would have been slinging on our rucksacks and taking a twenty hour bus journey (to save a few quid) so that we could stay in very basic lodgings whilst hunting for treasures to bring to our Vida Vida stalls and site. One such trip involved a two month journey around Mexico and Guatemala in search of the perfect sandal.
Now however, we have our two little boys and so, our priorities have drastically changed, which is how we found ourselves last month at The Sani Resort in Hakidiki, Greece. We had friends who had been and told us it was the perfect place for a relaxing holiday with little ones. Having hung up our rucksacks almost four years ago (when Herbie was born), we have become rather partial to an all-inclusive luxury holiday so we thought this place sounded right up our street.
The easyJet flight time of 5.50am did not quite fit with making it easy for the kids, but everything that came after that did. We were met by a private car and whisked off to the resort (whilst Herbie watched Despicable Me on a DVD player in the car!) and we were greeted with welcome drinks whilst our bags were taken straight to our room. The restaurant had been fully booked for the first night, so our only option was to relax. Although this isn't usually easy with two under 4s, Sani do everything they can to make it possible.
I don’t know where to start on how they make such relaxation possible: they have literally thought of everything! From hiring scooters to make it easy for toddlers to journey around the massive resort, to their range of amazing playgrounds, pools and beaches. There are fantastic kids’ clubs, crèches, discos and babysitting facilities and even splash times in the amazing adults’ spa pools. Now I know a lot of these things are available in other resorts, but this one really does go even further; they have babe watch on the beach where you can leave your child with a nanny for 30 minutes each day whilst you take a dip or read a book (for free!) and there are supervised play tables in some of the restaurants – utterly genius – with books, colouring in and lovely staff there to entertain the kids while you get to enjoy a seriously gourmet breakfast or an amazing dinner.
I could seriously go on about this resort forever, so as you can imagine I cannot recommend it enough. I would say however, that we went out of season so it was not at full capacity, and during their peak times you might need to re-mortgage your house to go. But if you can manage to get the kids out of school (oops, I really should not encourage that after the recent change in the law) or they haven't started yet I would jump at the chance to visit this amazing place!
Cereal Killer Café - What could be better?
If, like me, you love a good bowl of cereal in the morning, then you will love the Cereal Killer Cafe. Have a read about our visit to this amazing temple to all things breakfast cereal and find out what we ate during our morning trip there.
Damon Albarn, Gig Of The Year? - Wow.
An amazing gig at a fantastic venue - Damon Albarn really rocks the Royal Albert Hall to create an unexpected buzz on a really fun evening out in London.