A Modern Mother

I changed my mind mummy

Last Friday morning my youngest, aged 6, didn't want to part with a pound coin in order to wear home clothes to school. In case you've landed on this blog from across the pond, Friday was Red Nose Day/Comic Relief, a fund raising appeal where basically all of the UK comes together to raise money for charity. The evening culminates in a live telethon, and many celebs donate their time in some way. Gordon Brown, JLS, Justin Bieber, Paul McCartny, Davina McCall, and Keira Knightley all made an appearance this year. It's really an amazing event, raising more than £74 million on this campaign.

A Modern Mother goes to Center Parcs and loves it!

 
I love the concept of Center Parcs: Abandon your car, adopt bicycles and do lots of stuff outdoors with the family. Fabulous. Sign me up please.

Center Parcs kindly asked the Modern Family to try out their park at Longleat Forest. I've outlined our experience below and put together a few tips for packing and getting the most out of your trip. Net is we loved it and would go back again (and again, and again and again).

Longleat Forest open in 1994 and is located in Wiltshire, about 1/2 hour south of Bath. It took us less than two hours to get there, which is a huge plus for a weekend getaway. I was surprised that of the park's nearly 800 units were occupied on the brisk March weekend we visited, but apparently winter breaks are popular because of the off-season prices.We had lots of family time, loys of ourdoor time and really felt like we had a break from our regular routine. 

I really need to watch more telly

I've always been hopeless when it comes to recognising celebs. Fifteen years ago when I was fresh-off-the-silicon-valley-boat and seated right next to Chris Evans at a press lunch at Langhams, I was more interested in the tech exec at the table. Later, the agency director whispered in my ear, don't you know who that was?

Well not much has changed. Last night I went to the launch of Sarah Brown's new book, Behind the Black Door. There were all sorts of celebs there, including Pamela Stephenson, Tim Vincent, Katy Brand, Jimmy Carr, Fiona Phillips, Kathy Lette, Caitlin Moran, Sue Perkins, Duncan Bannatyne, and Dan Stevens. The only reason I know this is because Liz Jarvis from Living with Kids sent me a list of names! I'm hopeless.

I did recognise kids cookery guru Annabell Karmel! Yay!

 

Here's a pic of Dan Stevens of Downton Abbey. I am the period drama's newest fan.