Down here in deepest Dorset the sun is shining today and, as I sit typing away from my kitchen table, it looks almost like spring outside. Almost. Rewind three hours as I stepped out on the school run, I wondered how it hadn’t snowed down here given the arctic temperatures and my frozen eyelashes. But we are next to the water so snow comes harder in these parts and it is that very same water, lapping against my garden (yes, we are that close) that enables my mind naturally wander to warmer climes. I know I’m freshly home from a … Continued

When I awoke this morning to jet black skies and heavy rain (it was very, very early as my three-year old is jet lagged), I was in high spirits. The air may be damp, the days still short, and my bank account on the dry side, but after three weeks of natural Vitamin D from dense sunshine, papaya breakfasts and massages that cost less than a Starbucks, I’m immune to winter weather. Smug, I hear you say, but we all know the world of difference a tropical getaway makes in piercing the heart of a long English winter. Long haul … Continued

What with Kate and Keira sporting baby bumps, 2015 seems to be the year to have a little one. But what about being pregnant on foreign shores? Travel writer, kodomo.com contributor, and ex-pat Gabriel O’Rorke discovers what it’s like having a baby aboard abroad… “Oye,” a man is waving at me from further down the queue. “You’re pregnant?” I nod. “What, and the guard didn’t notice? Come in here, you shouldn’t be standing in line!”   I move forward into the space in front of him. I’m 24 weeks and my bump is finally beginning to show, bringing to the surface a … Continued

Whether you’ve left things absolutely to the last second and need a gift for a child, godchild or little loved one who adores travelling, or you want gift inspiration for upcoming celebrations, Gigi Brooks is our latest favourite discovery. Founded by Hollywood interior designer Kimberley Green, Gigi Brooks offers some stunning nursery and children’s lifestyle goods that, quite frankly, we would use ourselves if it all came in grown-up sizes. Upon returning to England, mother-of-three Kimberley found herself flummoxed by what she perceived to be a lack of well-made, creative children’s goods. While Gigi Brooks is known mainly for manufacturing stunning furniture, … Continued

It was while living in Barcelona – pre-babies – that I first discovered the joy that comes from plodding around a good European Christmas market. Originating in Germany and the Alsace region, Christmas markets spread to other parts of the continent and most European capital cities now boast squares, churches, cobbled lanes and parks dedicated to that glorious time of year. The size and quality of them does vary, but there are a few stand outs that are fabulous and will make for a wonderful winter getaway as a family in the coming months. Lake Garda This is a good three and … Continued