Cagney On Tour: The Lakes

Putting together this post has given me all the joy, don't you just love looking back at photographs? Pre Sadie my dream weekend away would have been a city break with as much shopping as possible whereas now I'd happily choose the countryside with team Wild any day. I booked the Lakes to celebrate Craigs 30th and I think I did a sterling job, we stayed on the periphery of the Lakes in the quaintest cottage looking out a striking church in Kirkby Lonsdale. Kirkby Lonsdale isn't a place I'd heard anything about before but I can promise you it's firmly on our radar now - the village is adorable, incredibly family friendly and somewhere I was definitely sad to leave.

Our first day was travel heavy so things didn't get noteworthy until Saturday where the day began with a walk to Ruskins View, a view so epic it was once painted by Turner. I say walk but much of the hour plus stroll was me carrying Sadie as she was feeling under the weather and only wanted me, let's just say I deserved my chocolate scone in the afternoon. With plenty of fresh air in our lungs we collected the pram and headed into town to eat, visit the best gift store and even get a drink in the local brewery, can Kirkby Lonsdale get any cooler? With recommendations coming thick and fast for local eatery Platos we decided it was the only place to dine on a Saturday night. Massive snaps to Sadie who let us eat three whole courses, a real treat for Craig and I.

Day two saw us drive to Bowness as it was somewhere I visited on my Geography trip at school. Rather disappointingly it wasn't quite as I remembered and felt spoilt by tourism which was a real shame as I'd waxed lyrical about going as a teen. Thankfully we found a super relaxed, Instagram worthy pub that more than made up for the let down. From Bowness we drove back to Kirkby Lonsdale via Low Sizergh Barn which is one of the most individual farms I've ever visited - not only can you sit and enjoy a slice of cake but you can do it while watching the cows being milked! Sadie absolutely loved it and so did we, there's even a milk vending machine as you leave. Reason 23 why we need to head back to the Lakes. With weary feet and a tired toddler on our hands we rounded off our day with a pizza at Avanti a stones throw from our cottage.

Waking up on Monday morning to the sound of the church bells reminded me just how quiet and relaxing our stay had been although the chiming did bring me back to reality as I realised today was check out day, cue frantic bag packing and sad faces all round as we left our beautiful cottage. With just the morning before we set home we decided to visit Ambleside and boy did it live up to its high praises. The views and weather were equally glorious particularly as we strolled around the park, the perfect way to end the celebratory weekend.

Have you ever visited The Lakes?

A Few Favourites #1

It feels like a long time since I gathered a few favourites and wrote about them, as I'm sure you're aware it's fashion content that reins supreme around these parts but after reading a post by Alice it got me thinking in true Carrie Bradshaw style - while posting outfits and talking about the thought process behind them will always excite me it's not always feasible. As a home owner and a parent there's always going to be something that my disposable income needs to be spent on and sometimes that means adding to my wardrobe is put on the back burner. Cagney and Lace will always be my hobby so while I enjoy keeping up to date with my favourite bloggers who are switching their looks up daily the fact is their making a career out of their blogs (and YES that you can do this, go girls) that just isn't going to be me so by writing this I'm reminding myself that Cagney and Lace is my space to write whatever I please and I hope you all still enjoy the journey as much as me.

February was a month where I spent a fair amount feeling under the weather and understandably whinging as I'm sure my poor husband can attest to. When the chips are down my resolve is to have long steam-up-the-windows-and-mirrored-cabinet bath accompanied by a good book and if I'm feeling fancy a candle so of course I've got one of each to tell you about. Jo Malones My Story is one of the most interesting autobiographies I've read in a long time, to say I couldn't put it down is an understatement and it even brought on eye bags as I'd stayed up burning the midnight oil reading it. The woman is nothing short of an inspiration and if you enjoy a book that makes you weep and air punch at the same time then this is one you need in your life. For candles its brand Neom that's been a firm favourite and in particular the De-Stress scent. Unlike many candles I own (and there's a lot) these actually burn cleanly and I truly feel relaxed when this little pot of magic has been burning, a tall order for any relaxing product as I'm the epitome of someone who struggles to switch off.

Underwear isn't usually something I wax lyrical on as I'm not someone who airs my smalls for the world to see but sometimes I make an exception, especially when it's as pretty as this. When I stopped feeding Sadie last year I was so excited to finally get some nice bras but just like jean shopping, finding underwear that fits is a bloody nightmare. Enter this non padded, underwired lacey number from Victoria Secret which is pretty and surprisingly comfortable. Annoyingly it's only available to buy online but I promise it's worth the hassle. February wasn't all baths and books as I finally got to see La La Land, I've already raved about the film on every social platform available so I'll not over do it but with a gaping LLL hole in my life after leaving the cinema I had to order the soundtrack. The songs are the perfect anecdote to a dreary day and have been keeping Sadie and I (well mainly me) entertained on many a car journey.

Last but by no means least is a recipe favourite in the shape of Jamie Olivers fish pie. I'm sure every household features a Jamie Oliver book or three although I must confess I never use ours preferring to cook solely from my Madeline Shaws books but when I heard of a superfood family offering I had to snap it up. Now I'm the kinda girl who follows a recipe to the letter and if I like the end result it quickly becomes a staple in our dining week and that's exactly what's happened with the fish pie. It's literally the best fish pie I've ever tasted. We've also tried the chicken goujons which are moorish so I think I need to expand my horizons and keep turning the pages. My friend Claire has recently posted a more in-depth review of cookbooks you need in your arsenal so I suggest you head over to her blog pronto.

What are your favourites right now?

A Family Trip To Disney On Ice: Frozen

I may still be clinging to my Merry & Bright mug as though someone's going to take it away but it's safe to say Christmas is well and truly over. While the break feels like a lifetime ago one memory that stands out and feels like only yesterday is our family trip to Disney On Ice*. I've been incredibly lucky whilst blogging to go to some cool events but there's nothing quite like receiving an invite that you can enjoy with the family - I may have done a little scream when I found out the show was Frozen and obviously broke into Do You Want To Build A Snowman, who wouldn't?

While excitement levels were high in the Wild household I did have a teeny feeling of apprehension as I wondered how an almost eighteen month old Sadie would sit for two plus hours but I needn't have worried. Arriving at the Arena we were shown into a VIP lounge where there was seating galore plus child friendly snacks and drinks as well as many other families with their mini Elsas, Olafs and Annas in tow. As a seasoned Arena go-er I've always wondered what the VIP lounge was all about and whether it warranted the extra money but having experienced it myself I'd definitely pay the additional ticket price, especially for an event with Sadie as the whole queuing for drinks/toilets/food stress is taken away. I can imagine it would also be perfect for children who've been at school all day as they can have some all important downtime before the show begins.

With tummies full to the brim the icing on the cake was just on the horizon with a surprise meet and greet with Elsa and Anna themselves, at this point Craig and I did wonder how this would go down with Sadie especially as she'd already expressed a distaste for reindeers and Father Christmas however female Frozen characters is clearly where it's at (although you wouldn't have guessed it from her expression in this picture). With show time fast approaching we headed out into the concourse to take our seats, ready for the magic to begin. As the lights dipped and the characters took to the stage Sadie began to wave, laugh and act like a yoyo sitting on my lap one moment, jumping down the next and staring at a little girls twirling Disney light behind us. That said I was pretty impressed with my daughters attention span and thrilled that we got to watch three quarters of the incredibly enchanting and magical Frozen show before calling it a night. A real highlight for me was seeing all the classic Disney characters in the shows opening scene, it brought back a whole host of childhood memories which shows Disney On Ice is perfect for all ages, not just for children. 

Disney On Ice will be returning to Sheffield Arena on the 15th-19th November 2017.

*I was a guest of Sheffield Arena, all Disney loving thoughts my own.

Oh Hello New Year: 2017

Happy New Year gang! We welcomed 2017 in a spectacular laid back fashion with a walk with friends around the Longshaw Estate before heading to the Cricket Inn for an early dinner. Craig, Sadie and I then returned home for what we envisaged would be a quiet night in with our respective drinks of choice and The Revenant (if you haven't seen it watch it!) Things started sombre until Sadie decided she wanted to party at 2am until gone 5 so today I'm penning this sporting the mother of all headaches and eye bags larger than two totes bags but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Sleepless non-partying nights aside I've been itching to put fingertips to MacBook to compile a sort of round up post that wasn't all about resolutions like keeping up the fitness regime and trying to be organised because let's be honest, we all strive for that. 2016 was a game of two halves, it was exceptional, heart warming, emotional and incredibly hectic - I married my best friend in a day that truly was the best of life, watched my daughter flourish, turn one and become a personality abundant spirited little soul. We took our first family holiday abroad as a test run before our honeymoon and days before Sadies christening and had our kitchen fully renovated, you can see how things got a touch stressful no? 

Sadly the year was also heart breaking as I lost my nan, a woman who was always a true inspiration and super star to me. My nan was the woman who gave me tips to sleep when I couldn't, took me to my induction week at primary school and was someone who always listened, forever knowing the right thing to say. I don't think you ever truly get over losing someone so special but I feel incredibly lucky to have had such a woman in my life and I'm beyond thankful that she was able to meet Sadie and see Craig and I become man and wife. I didn't plan on this post getting so emotional but isn't it much easier to type feelings then say them out loud? 

On a much more light hearted and frivolous note I thought it'd be cool to compile a few of my favourite outfits from 2016. Craig and I had a clear out at home just a few days ago which meant I finally tackled my floordrobe/wardrobe and it's amazing how just a few hours sorting can make such a huge difference (January 2016 me would be so proud). I feel like my style has evolved in this past year and I wonder if it's down to having Sadie or getting a little older/wiser (delete as appropriate), it's almost like I've developed a Hannah uniform and while I still make the odd fashion faux pas because hey fashion should be fun and we've all been there, I think I'm finally honing my shopping skills and I really hope to continue perfecting my craft in 2017. Yes shopping is 100% a craft, don't scoff. My fashion goal for this year is to continue buying less throw away fashion (see ya random Zara trend led binges) and hello investment buying. I'm starting small focusing my attention on coats and bags as I can't tell you the number of coats I have in a pile to eBay, if only I'd of bought one Whistles coat instead of two or three cheaper ones.

As with all review posts it's good to read what you penned the previous year so the one thing that stands out to me when I look back at my Hello New Year: 2016 post is how decidedly quiet my new M&S calendar is looking in comparison. 2016 was full on with huge life milestones happening left, right and centre and while it was a year I'll treasure forever I'm quite looking forward to taking my foot off the pedal, going with the flow and seeing what this new year has to offer. That said I don't have to wait too long for an exciting life occurrence as Craig turns 30 on the 4th of January, I think we all know who's more excited.

What are you looking forward to this year?

Four Things I'm Looking Forward To This Christmas

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat please put a penny in the old man’s hat, now I don't know about pennies but I've been giving out pound coins left right and centre to the brass band players of Sadies choosing because sharing is caring and that girl loves a carol and trombone combination. With the festive season well and truly here I wanted to pen a post about all of the things I'm looking forward to, besides the obvious, this Christmas so I could try and savour the moment before the season runs away with itself and passes by (like it usually does) in the blink of an eye.

Going to Disney on Ice: Pop concerts aside one of the most vivid memories as a child is going to see a Disney on Ice show with my glow in the dark Mickey Mouse light in hand, in fact I’m pretty sure the head spun around but that’s beside the point. The show can only be described as magical so I feel incredibly lucky to be going to see Frozen tonight with the family as a guest of Sheffield arena. I can’t wait to see Sadies face and see what she thinks of it all and to be honest I don’t know who will be more excited as I’ve already been doing my vocal warm ups to do you wanna build a snowman, sorry Craig. I promise to report back with all the family feels so watch this space.

Watching Elf: It’s a bit of a tradition in the Wild household to watch our favourite Christmas film usually while I wrap Christmas gifts and even though I know exactly how it all goes down I'm guaranteed to cry when Jovie starts to sing Santa Clause is coming to town on the streets of New York as everyone joins in. Craig and I usually try and counterbalance our Elf obsession by watching a Christmas film we've never seen before too, last year it was The Grinch (I know, I'm late to the party) and the year before Polar Express. I'd love to know your Christmas movie recommendations? Christmas films aside I'm also pretty giddy for Channel 4s showing of We're Going On A Bear Hunt, anyone else?

Baking Gingerbread: Aside from my beloved mince pies the next sweet treat that screams Christmas to me is gingerbread. From the humble gingerbread man to the more decadent gingerbread house there's nothing quite like it and after a successful baking afternoon with Sadie a couple of weeks back I'm tempted to give making our own gingerbready goodness a go especially as Sadie loves to watch the Kitchen Aid whir into life. That said Sadie did try and eat all the cookie dough on our last bake so fingers crossed she doesn't try to eat raw gingerbread, I can't imagine it tasting anywhere near as good.

My first Christmas as a Wild: It's crazy to think a name change could make such a life difference but it really does - it's a tricky one to explain but its almost like Craig, Sadie and I have been knitted together forever and I for one am more than ok with that. I can't wait to enjoy some serious down time as a family and more importantly with Craig as it feels like forever since we spent more than two days in a row together. With the house almost complete, our new curtains are being fitted tomorrow (I'm almost as excited as seeing Frozen) I'm hoping we can sit down together and choose our favourite wedding photos to be printed for our gallery wall whilst eating all the cheese, crackers and pickles in the process - if you ever wanted an insight into my evenings over the Christmas break there you have it ladies and gentlemen. 

What are you looking forward to this Christmas?

Christmas Wishing

Hana Pom Hat - Chic Stays - Inside Vogue - Black boots - Gracie Sheepskin Mittens - Maggie Ankle Boots - Cashmere Joggers - Camel Coat - Cashmere jumper - Faux Fur Blanket - Leopard Boots - Tempo Charity Bracelet - Little Liffner Bag

The most wonderful time of the year is quickly approaching and I for one am starting to get just a little bit excited. It might not be our first Christmas as a three but that doesn't mean I'm any less joyous - our almost eighteen month old is talking, noticing and developing at such an alarming rate that I think Christmas and all the festivities that come with it will enchant her senses like never before which is something I can't wait to see. Whenever the festive countdown begins (clearly earlier every year if these blog posts are anything to go by) I grab a cup of tea, my snuggliest blanket and pen a what-I'd-love-to-find-under-the-tree/gift guide for females just like me so take note, get inspiration or simply enjoy this rather aesthetically pleasing collection of goodies.

This year I'm lusting after two pieces I'm itching to buy but can't justify namely a camel coat and a new pair of leopard print boots - both have been at the top of my wish list forever and I've finally found the perfect camel contender in my favourite M&S. With a blend of wool and cashmere I know this coat will transcend seasons making it an all year rounder and the gift that'll keep on giving. Leopard print has always been a neutral in my eyes and after wearing my Warehouse leopard print boots a ton I've no doubt these Mango beauties would be a worthy wardrobe replacement. I'm clearly having a real ankle boot moment this season as I had to include these dusty rose wonders from Topshop and a real luxe pair from Jimmy Choo who have some amazing shoes this season.

When it comes to gifts I'm a firm believer in buying elevated versions of the everyday and that's where this 100% wool Hana bobble hat comes in, throw in a pair of sheepskin mittens and all of the cashmere - hello joggers of my dreams and the most perfect embroidered slogan jumper and you just need some festive wrapping paper. While we're talking about the elevated everyday let's talk handbags - if you're a regular around here you'll know how much I love them and right now I've coveting a more minimal, goes with everything style and the brand Little Liffner are ticking all the boxes. Their seventies inspired saddle bags are everything and while suede isn't that practical I kind of love the plum shade, that said the black leather version is pretty divine too.

One item I love to give and receive every Christmas is books especially if the ceiling and not the sky is your limit when it comes to budget - there's so many titles I've got my eye on this year and don't get me started on cook books. My final gift suggestions are two you'd rarely buy yourself, say hello to the most Intagram ready blanket and an item that gives back - the Tembo charity bracelets from Auree are not only a lovely layering piece but all the profit goes directly to the fight against elephant poachers. 

What's on your Christmas wish list this year?

The Tili Gift Box

If you're a regular around these parts you'll know how much I like to support small local businesses especially as I work with family myself so when I heard from new start up Tili I was more than game to share the love. Founded by two friends Danielle and Sarah who were tired of scouring the high street for meaningful, locally-made gifts for celebrations they decided to launch Tili (Thanks I Love It) an online gifting site where you can buy pre-packaged gift boxes full of harder to find, local brands without a questionable 'filler' gift in sight.

Now as someone who takes real pride in gift buying for my friends I did wonder how this brand would fit in with my love for searching for the perfect present and if it'd have all the markings of one of those beauty boxes but I needn't have worried. Everything from the packaging to the website and even the products themselves have been carefully thought about to ensure the gift you give is something you'd want to receive yourself. Tili kindly sent me The Treat box* which includes a red velvet flavoured lip balm, a beautifully designed notebook by Manchester based Lydia Meiying, some Doisy & Dam chocolate (which tastes absolutely incredible) and a bath bomb from Yorkshire Soap Co. At £24.50 I think this is pretty good value for money although I think this would be perfection with the addition of some snuggly bed socks instead of two beauty items but that could just be the nanna in me! If you've a bigger budget there's also The Glam and my personal favourite The Lush which features the most amazing canvas slogan tote. 

I love how Tili have started small with three gift boxes, keeping the buying decision super simple and I cannot wait to see how they grow and discover which brands they'll work with next. With Christmas just around the corner I think a Tili gift box would be the perfect pick for the girl who has everything or for the friend who enjoys something a little more individual than your standard beauty gift set offering. Thanks team Tili, I love it.

What do you make of pre-packaged gift boxes?

*PR gift, all thoughts my own.

Why Ugg Slippers Are The One

The first thing I do when I get home after I've put my keys and bag down and have taken off my coat, or it's been torn off my body by Sadie (that one will happily wrestle a coat off anyone she wants to stay) I locate my slippers, burying my feet into them as if the livelihood of my toes depend on it. Now I've tried many slippers over the years as I'm a bit of a nanna at heart and being cold is just not on my agenda so I can't believe it's taken me this long to get a pair of the best slippers around, introducing my Scuffette UGG slippers from homeware curators Amara*.

Now if you're a regular around here you'll know my obsession with Ugg slippers intensified when I got Craig a pair as a fathers day gift. Since the day they arrived I've been sneaking my size sevens into the fluffy sheepskin and wool mix wishing they were my own and not a ridiculous four sizes too big. After months of road testing Craigs, you know just to make sure they're toasty for when he wants to wear them I decided they'd firmly found a place onto my Christmas list so you can imagine my glee when Amara sent me over a box fresh pair in the Pinterest worthy espresso shade. Not only are they the perfect wardrobe addition especially for home bods like me but they're so well made that I can see them lasting many years to come making these babies the perfect gift for the girl or guy who has everything. Plus they make you're oversized, worn-them-when-you-were-pregnant H&M joggers feel incredibly luxe.

Now usually I don't mention Christmas until Halloween has passed but this year I'm already feeling it and have bought two gifts, who am I? Another first is the fact that I don't have a huge lust list waiting in the rafters although I wouldn't say no to some Hush loungewear (you know 'cos I'm still wearing pre-baby sized joggers to lounge around in), this beautiful colouring book and a few items from Sweaty Betty to jazz up my gym kit. You know, just in case you were wondering.

Have you ever tried a pair of UGG slippers? Will you be hoping for a pair this Christmas?

*These were gifted to me by Amara, all thoughts my own.

Cagney On Tour: 3 Days In Brighton

If I had to describe my happy place I would always say beside the sea, closely followed by the countryside. I'm sure you'll agree there's something incredibly special about hearing the waves crashing on the coastline that make me feel at peace with the world. After a less than perfect few months Craig, Sadie and I were ready for some serious down town and Brighton couldn't have been a more perfect anecdote if it tried. If you frequent these parts often you'll know it's my second time in the seaside resort (get the original low down here) but this jaunt was all the more special as I went with my two favourites.

With r&r at the forefront of our minds we decided planning every last minute of our trip wasn't the way to go which I'm sure you'll know all about if you have an almost toddler in your life (they sniff out a plan like quicker than an Organix carrot cake bar and see how they can 'alter it'). The only item on my agenda was to visit as many foodie recommendations as possible from my scrambled together list, tell me I'm not the only one who plans their staycation around places to eat out? Huge props to Carrie who gave me some real corkers but more on that later. Naturally Craig, Sadie and I ticked off all the Brighton must dos including a walk along the sea front where we all dipped our toes in the cool blue waves before hitting the promenade, riding the carousel and numerous Sadie sized rides, not forgetting to devour the Brighton shop filled centre and Pavilion Gardens.

As with all good mini breaks the real pull factor for me is the accommodation, I've always been a bit of a boutique hotel girl at heart but since Airbnb came along I've surprised myself at just how much I enjoy living the life of a local and the flexibility of staying in someones home. Our Brighton abode did not disappoint and was just as beautiful in real life as it was online - I'd be one happy bunny if the bedroom wallpaper and dressing table could find its way into my home pronto. Oh and I'd be ecstatic if the little mid century rocking chair with faux fur rug could wiggle its way into my cottage too, Sadie absolutely adored it. Our apartment was just a ten minute walk from the seafront which was absolutely ideal for family Wild and our host was superb so I'd highly recommend checking out our Brighton pad.

Now if you're anything like me you'll want to know all about the food (priorities right?) so without further a do, let's talk food - on Sunday evening we headed to Wahaca for Mexican fodder and a much deserved mojito or two, which is a serious treat for me as I cannot remember the last time I enjoyed a cocktail. The staff were lovely and the children's menu was brilliant so even though its a chain it definitely deserves a mention. 

Monday morning called for a brunch to end all brunches so the Breakfast Club it was and boy it didn't disappoint. The soundtrack was on point resulting in mum dancing (thank goodness Sadie isn't old enough to get embarrassed), the orange juice pitcher was ideal for juice guzzlers like Craig and I and the banana bircher which I ordered for Sadie was an absolute treat. I was almost willing her not to eat it all so I could tuck into it too. It's definitely a breakfast I'm going to try and recreate in our new kitchen.

Lunch was all about vegetarian Food for Friends which may just be my favourite eatery out of everywhere we visited, our server went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and the food was out of this world which is saying something coming from two meat eaters. If only there was one in Sheffield... Also a huge shout out to Bluebird Tea Co which I got to try with my pudding at Food For Friends, the Gingerbread Chai was so good we Google mapped it to the store and bought some to take home straight after our meal. With a day full of dining out we decided to get Deliveroo for dinner, partly to have a more relaxed evening and partly because we were dying to try a burger from Meat Liquor. I haven't had a proper burger in forever so I don't know whether I enjoyed this so much more because of this, maybe you need to be in the restaurant to get the true Meat Liquor experience.

Tuesday morning began in style with pastries and iced coffees on the beach from Small Batch Coffee, I mean can you think of a better way to start your final morning in Brighton or any morning for that matter? In an attempt to counteract the pastries we enjoyed a pre lunch smoothie each at 42 Juice. This teeny juice and smoothie bar is a bloggers dream and I wish I'd of taken some snaps and tried one of their infamous charcoal juices but with Sadie taking a power nap I was enjoying taking a quiet five minutes with Craig.

For lunch we stumbled upon Mange Tout, somewhere I'd seen Suzie recommend and although it doesn't look much from the exterior both Craig & I were blown away by the food. Now French eateries aren't usually our go to but something about this restaurant was just right, the menu was paired back but delicious. Craig even declared it was the best steak he'd eaten in a long time and that's saying something from a man who comments very little when dining out. He also remarked that many places right now are all about creating fancy and elaborate dishes but there's a lot to be said for establishments that do simple dishes really well. I couldn't agree more. 

Before our journey home we decided to line our stomachs with our first ever Franco Manca pizza, the result was heavenly although the service was a lot more in-n-out compared to the note worthy experiences we had in the other restaurants we tried. Another must visit if you ever find yourself in Brighton is Boho Gelato where we wolfed down the most Italianesque gelato outside of Italy not once, but twice. The flavours Boho Gelato produce are just magic think salted caramel, carrot cake and chocolate rose and you'd be on the money.

For me Brighton is a dreamy destination for a family mini break with the perfect blend of cool shops and stand out eateries to keep the adults happy and enough throw back charm to bring out the child in you/keep your own children entertained. If only we could go back and do it all again tomorrow. Until next time seaside...

Have you ever been to Brighton? Which of our foodie must visits would you try?