A Summer Staycation Checklist:

Aviation is the most polluting method of transport; producing 2% of all global carbon emissions. Although the temptation to fly across the world may be strong, the need to protect the Earth from climate change is even stronger. Booking a holiday in your home country will preserve greenhouse gas emissions and often money inside of your bank account. Equally (if not more) fun can be had when taking a staycation than abroad, as long as you arrive at your destination prepared for your adventure…

 

1. Lightweight rain jacket or poncho Due to global warming, the weather is highly unpredictable. Therefore, a lightweight rain jacket which can fit inside of your daytime bag is essential! 

 2. Refillable water bottle When sitting in the sunshine or hiking up a mountain, hydration is key. A refillable water bottle will prevent you from contributing towards plastic pollution which endangers life on land and in water. 

3. Sun cream Although the temperature within your home country may not compare to those abroad, sun cream is important for protecting your skin health. When purchasing sun cream, opt for products which do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate as these chemical are harmful to aquatic life.

 4. Picnic blanket Whether sitting on the beach or in a field, a picnic blanket is essential for keeping your clothes clean and dry. This will help to prevent the need to wash your clothes and will therefore reduce the amount of energy consumed and microfibres released through machine-washing. 

 5. Sewing kit Sewing kits are extremely useful, if you find a tear or hole in your clothes when travelling. Learning basic sewing techniques will allow you to repair and prolong the life of your existing clothes, rather than spending money unnecessarily on new. 

 6. Playing cards Playing card games is a great way to bond with friends/family and take a much needed break from your smart phone. There are so many different games to play with a single pack of cards which can be used when and wherever. 

 7. A good book There is no better escape than within a good book. Whilst travelling to your destination or lying on the beach, reading is a great, therapeutic way to spend time on your staycation. 

8. First Aid Kit A basic first aid kit (including plasters, bandages and pain killers) is always needed for those blisters from walking and headaches from late night beverages. 

 9. Homemade snacks Carrying delicious, homemade snacks with you as you travel will prevent you from purchasing over-priced goodies at small, independent store. As well as saving money, a box of homemade snacks will save time (spent inside shops) and single-use packaging. 

 10. A travel bag A bag that is big and easy enough to carry as you travel will prevent you from purchasing single-use plastic bags. As well as saving money, re-usable travel/tote bags will prevent further plastic pollution caused by synthetic bags which eventually enter landfill.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Places: Cotswold's, Bristol, London & Scotland - Easter Trips

Places to Go, Eggs to Find..

Cotswolds

Take advantage of the longer spring days and better weather, by camping, glamping or holiday cottages. Why not take an extra special Easter trip here are some of our suggestions below

Zen - Frill Top

Bristol

Collect activity sheets from The Bristol Cheesemonger and hunt for brightly-coloured eggs in the windows of Wapping Wharf's eclectic mix of independent businesses. Crack the code to spell out an Easter-themed sentence and a reward awaits for your hard work! 

Or why not visit Noah's Ark there's plenty going on that the whole family, will love and they certainly won’t be disappointed; plus parking at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is completely free of charge.

Clover - Chiffon Top

London

There's plenty of fun to be had in London from Good Friday to Easter Monday (Friday April 19 – Monday April 22 2019). Whether you're treating yourself to a Eggs Benedict or simply taking in the city in bloom, 
socializing, visiting botanical gardens or finding the best places to eat; we’ve tracked down the some of the very best things do over your Easter weekend in London. 

Gastropub Bobin, Clapham. Does a cracking roast dinner, or Coal Shed, London Bridge, but on Sunday the whole family can pile in for a ‘sharing roast’ in traditional style

Peckham is blessed these days when it comes to decent food, and we have a particularly soft spot for this lovely-looking eatery attached to the Assembly Point Gallery – a cool hangout that regularly has bands plays to packed houses. 

Scotland 

Have fun and learn about wildlife at the same time. At Blair Drummond Safari Park, there’s a Giant Egg Hunt over Easter weekend where dozens of eggs will be hidden around the park for you and the family to find.

Shetland Craft Trail. Pick up a leaflet from a VisitScotland Information Centre and visit the crafty workshops and studios of everyone from carpenters to painters.


Sincerely Madia & Matilda

8 Things I Hate About... Packing Badly For My Summer Holidays

8 Things You Need to Pack This Summer

Let's get real here my friends. Everybody, I repeat everybody, is familiar with that feeling you get when you're abroad, or even just 10 miles from home, and you realise you forgot something very important indeed. Now for some that's your favourite undies (or, shock-horror, any undies); it could be the framed pic of your cats, or your phone charger. We consulted with the M&M team to compile a list of 10 things you should never leave behind...

Liv wears our Gwen jumpsuit... In Cuba!

1   Mains adapter, 'cos like, duh, if you forget that you're not going to be impressed with yourself. Alternatively, leave it behind and let your phone die. Then just lie back and relish the feeling of being unreachable, just for a little while.

2   Shampoo, conditioner and soap bars. Stay squeaky clean and smelling great with these no-plastic travel toiletries and not for getting a handy perfume travel set.

3   Sunblock. Forgetting this baby is no joke, especially if you're a pale specimen.

Coffee in Cuba!

4   Antibacterial wipes or a good face cloth, because you never know when you'll run into an ill-maintained toilet. Also good for wiping yourself after you spill ice cream down your top. 

5   Small padlock in case you need to put something in a locker at your accommodation. 

6   Microfibre travel towel. Dries quickly and packs away small, too!

Lovely Liv is wearing our Mel dress in peach

7   A Kindle or similar, for quiet moments while travelling, or for those lazy beach afternoons.

8   Some sassy, versatile outfits for sunset dinners, city wanderings and veranda gatherings. How about checking out the SS18 collection on our website? One of our curated brands, BBoheme, also make the most gorgeous, sunny sandals. 

If we've forgotten anything, drop us a message and let us know. Happy holidays!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda