The Luxury Life For Dogs

Dogs are more often than not, considered a big part of the family. And like our children, we believe that they deserve the best. But what does going luxury for those everyday items mean, and does it make a difference?

Natural Dog Food – Much luxury dog food is made up of natural ingredients, which are often too costly for cheaper dog foods use. But when your dog’s diet is one of the largest contributors to your pooches overall health, you may want to consider paying a bit more for better quality food.

Treats are often where the diet downfall lies.  Dogs will do anything for a treat which makes it incredibly difficult for owners to say no. What’s more, dogs respond well to treats as rewards which make it one of the best training methods. Lots of training means lots of treats, which will take you well above the ‘10% of their diet a day’ rule. Your solution is to look for Natural Dog Treats. Billy and Margot for example, sell natural training biscuits, made in Great Britain for your dog. The Strawberry and Apple variety in particular, are ideal for training, being of tiny bite size shapes for small dogs.

Luxury Dog Collars – Of course, there is no necessity to purchase a luxury dog collar but being that it’s the only item your dog is guaranteed to wear, it may as well be something special that perfectly suits your dog’s personality. Luxury dog collars such as Hennessy & Sons deliver hand crafted dog collars made with Italian patina vegetable leather, coloured to suit your dog’s character. Surgical stainless steel is used in the clasp and tag to create strong pieces that are built to last.

Luxury Dog Clothes - In the past, luxury dog clothes have had a reputation for being flamboyant pieces that have no real purpose. Today’s reality is very different; particularly when it comes to dog coats. If you need high quality, waterproof items to keep your dog warm and dry during those winter months then luxury is the only way to go. Teddy Maximus produce finest quality waxed cotton coats that offer windproof and waterproof qualities. As is the case with many small short haired dogs, they can be more vulnerable to the cold and this means you might need to invest in good quality outer wear as a matter of priority.

How to Find the Right Professional Aerial and Satellite Installer

 How to Find the Right Professional Aerial and Satellite Installer

Finding an aerial and satellite installer is easy. Finding the right professional Aerial and Satellite Installer is not so easy. You need a professional who is able to reach you quickly and at a convenient time for you, deliver quality goods using quality equipment and give you the service you desire first time. So what do you need to look for when booking, to make sure you’re not going to be shelling out for a service that isn’t going to deliver? We’ve got some points to look for, so that you’ll be happy when it comes to installing your aerial Abersoch.

Know What You Need

Do a bit of research so you know (or a have a rough idea) what you need prior to paying for a call out. Sounds simple but it could save you a lot of money if your installer tries to sell you service add-ons etc. that you don’t necessarily need. What’s more, you by doing a little bit of research you’ll have a better idea, when it comes to knowing if they’re using quality equipment or not.

Look for References

A good professional installer will have good feedback. Ideally you should be able to find a range of testimonials on their website from reputable businesses and customers. Never trust vague, single sentence or anonymous testimonials that can’t be traced back to a genuine person or business – a business reference on the other hand should be taken very seriously.

Look for Experience and Accreditations

A reputable aerial installer will have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience within the industry and aren’t afraid to tell you about it.  Although you might think that it is always best to choose someone who specialises in a single product or service, this isn’t always the case. You need someone who can deliver a range of services if necessary, coming from the range of experience gained over the years.

They should demonstrate delivery in line with industry standards. For example, affiliation with CAI would mean that the business is representing the trade body for the TV signal distribution industry.

Advice & Support

A professional installer will want to offer you advice and support, to help you get the best of the service that they provide. The will offer a quality standard of service that means they are obliged to fulfil the duties they have been hired to do, correctly. They should be easy to contact in the case of a callout though e-mail or telephone.

Ty’n Rhos – 3 for 2 Nights

We all enjoy having a lovely hotel break once in a while. It’s a chance to escape from your usual daily tasks and to spend a couple of days relaxing in a tranquil hotel room. It’s even better when you manage to get a great deal on your hotel break – and Ty’n Rhos can offer you just that.

The Ty’n Rhos is a five star boutique hotel near Snowdonia. Situated within the peaceful Welsh countryside, it’s a beautiful place to spend a few days relaxing in. You can sit back in comfort in front of their cosy log fire whilst taking in the lush meadow views of the surrounding Caernarfon countryside.

Take a few books and unwind, or perhaps bring your winter woollies if you fancy a crisp walk around the local area whilst you’re visiting. There are plenty of natural sights and activities to try near Ty’n Rhos, so don’t let the winter weather put you off exploring this lovely Welsh region.

The Ty’n Rhos has a really fantastic offer on their rooms at the moment. If you book two nights – you’ll get a third night included for free. This offer is applicable on all of their double, twin and king rooms. There’s more great news with this offer – you’ll also have a full Welsh breakfast and a three course dinner each morning and night included in the price from their fabulous fine dining restaurant in caernarfon.

The Ty’n Rhos restaurant is known to serve up some very tasty dishes. Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, their menus are truly mouth-watering. Anglesey pork, wild mushroom risotto and Welsh beef fillet are a few of the mains you might expect to see on their indulgent daily menus.

With Christmas coming up, booking a luxury 3 night break in the Ty’n Rhos would make a wonderful surprise gift for someone who deserves a treat this year.

This offer is available between the 1st November 2016 and the 28th February 2017 (with the exception of dates between the 24th December and the 2nd of January).

Why You Should Dress Your Dog Up in Winter?

Why some may at first think the idea of dressing your dog up being an unusual idea, it actually makes perfect sense as a responsible dog owner. Particularly during the colder months, many will choose designer dog clothes, not only as fashion statement for their pooch but to keep them warm and dry during those bitterly cold walks.

Why your dog should wear clothes?

Whilst some owners argue that a dog acclimatises and become accustomed to certain weather, this is simply not true. Just like humans, dogs too need to wrap up and keep warm more so, as they are not built to cope with such weather. Many forget that dogs have their own origins in which they have been built for. The Siberian husky for example, is built for subarctic conditions, whilst the Chihuahua coming from Mexico would be adapted for the warmer weather. With this in mind, you should add some extra layers on your pet so that you are still able to walk them as well keep them warm.

How do you know when your pet should wear a jacket?

When it's rainy wet weather altogether, your pet’s body temperature is more likely to drop. Although this might be welcomed in summer, it won’t be in autumn or winter when the weather is already cool. If your dog is normally happy to be outside and he or she has recently been hesitant when they first step outside, it’s time to purchase a dog coat or jacket. If your dog is shivering then you should consider bringing them back into the warmth as soon as you can until they have appropriate clothing.

What kind of jacket should I buy?

It’s really up to you. Some might prefer a waterproof jacket whist others might opt for something woolly and warm for breeds with a thinner coat. Although many will have the perceptions that designer dog coats are very flamboyant and unsuitable for everyday use, many today actually very practical. The Teddy Maximus dog coat is a luxurious example that has been created with winter conditions in mind. The outer cotton is waxed to safeguard from rain and whilst the thick, layered cotton helps to protect your dog from the wind. If you want something a bit warmer, you can certainly opt for a woolly or cashmere jumper to add that extra layer of warmth.

The Groes Inn: New Owners, Same Principles

The Groes Inn, Conwy. Barney Approved.

Since learning that the Groes Inn – an astounding Hotel in Conwy and an excellent example of the amazing customer service, excellent food and luxurious atmosphere North Wales hotels have to offer - has been purchased by family brewery business JW Lees, we couldn’t resist taking a sneak peek at the way that the Groes Inn is running nowadays.

We admit freely that we were a little concerned about the fact that the Groes Inn happened to have been purchased. In our minds, we envisioned the beautiful traditional interiors being gutted, the vines removed from the outside of the building and a trendy wine bar to have been standing in it’s place.

That’s not the Groes Inn whatsoever, and we’re delighted to say that it’s still not the case. We were delighted to arrive to the same building as ever (where our 4 year old Wheaten Terrier, Barney, was as welcome as he’s ever been, and settled beside the fire as if nothing had happened at all!)  

We found that their ale selection is still rather extensive, and that they’re indeed doing an excellent selection of seasonal food. We hunkered down in their charming bar, and got to sampling the Groes Inn’s brand new food. Favourites such as Bury black pudding with streaky bacon and a poached egg, with a round of toast were still on the menu. We blinked, and indeed ordered one.

It tasted delicious, the flavour of the black pudding and the bacon were strong and complimented each other perfectly, and the poached egg was done to perfection. We had to ask. At this point, we absolutely had to ask about the chef. How could someone be replaced and food of the same quality be brought out? Did this mean that the Groes Inn had a nefarious secret such as serving frozen and reheated faire, and that they had done so all along?

It was nothing of the sort.

The bacon and black pudding didn’t taste frozen, for a start - I was duly informed by my co-diner. And I had to concede that. There's absolutely no way anything as delicious and flavoursome as that could possibly be ready-made and churned out.

Thankfully, we were (helpfully) informed by the serving staff that the Groes Inn had retained all of it’s staff since the purchase, and that not a single soul had been cast aside. In short, it was the same chef now that prepared our food as had way back when we visited this gorgeous inn in the heat of August. The staff, as well, were very keen to keep the old – as evidenced by the suggestion of doggie beer for Barney, who no doubt was now starting to wonder where his was... as he enjoyed it so much last time.

We asked if anything in particular was different since the purchase - after all the Groes Inn was still very dog friendly, still had the same locals, the same charm, the same staff... something had to have changed, surely. We found that JW Lees had made a small changes to the menu. We decided to try something new, and elected for a battered fillet of haddock in JW Lees ale batter with tartar sauce, thick cut chips (which, to be fair, were more like slabs) and mushy peas.

My co-diner remarked that he'd seen something similar in the form of a Groes Ale batter on something before, on his very many visits to the Groes Inn. The JW Lees batter was, in a word... Astounding. Everything was perfect, beyond so, and while I'm quite guilty of giving Barney quite a few handfuls under the table, I was selfish. Poor Barney had to nurse his doggie beer. We found the portion sizes to be more than generous, in addition. While in the past the only part of the Groes Inn viewed as not stellar was portion size, we’re sure that JW Lees’ portions will be enough to satisfy even the hungriest of their (no doubt) very many patrons from here on out.  

Subscription Boxes for The Kitchen Dweller

Subscription boxes for the kitchen dweller

Whether you’re a lover of cooking or simply just enjoy spending time in your kitchen, we’ve compiled a list of subscription boxes that kitchen lovers are going crazy for. The treats you’ll get will not only make you want to spend more time in your kitchen, but will make for the perfect Instagram snap. Here what kitchen fitters Anglesey talking about:

London tea club – When you join the London Tea Club at £10 a month, you’ll be asked to build a profile of your favourite flavours so you’ll be sure to receive something you love. Not just any tea, this is tea at its finest – bring it right back to its roots of naturally flavoured and dried, loose ingredients. You’ll receive three batches of tea, each housed in their very own test tube which certainly adds a scientific yet magical feel to the tea making process!

Vinoa Wine and Beer52 – The Vinoa Wine sampler is a great way to grow your palette. Try a bit of everything before finding your favourite and ordering by the bottle. Each month offers a varied sample giving you the opportunity to try something new without the cost. When it comes to craft beer, you certainly don’t get the same amount of choice in the supermarket as you do with wine. Beer52 will bring you the 8 most original beers out there right now for £24.

World Spice – If you’re a fan of broad flavours from all over the world then a three month subscription from ‘The Spicery’ might be just the thing for you. This three month subscription is asteel at the total price of £22.  Each box contains the spices to make a meal to feed four people with a varied selection for a starter, a main or dessert.

Bloomon – Anyone who adores unusual and distinctive flower bouquets knows just how expensive they can be. Well, you'll be glad to know that Bloomon are able to hook you up with an original bunch from as little as £20.95. You won’t have received anything like them before, offering up something truly unique to what’s available on the high street. With an option for a matching vase to suit the size of each colourful bunch, your kitchen won’t have looked better!

The Roastery – The subscription lets you choose distinctive blends of coffee, freshly roasted, ground and delivered to your door. The roastery say that their subscription ensures that your subscription is the best way to enjoy fresh coffee, as it's meant to be drank (from £6).

Christmas Recipes: The Groes Inn’s Potted Pigeon!

Christmas is coming, and the goose is getting fat. (Or pigeon in this case.) The Groes Inn, an absolutely charming hotel in Conwy have been well known by visitors to the region as well as locals alike as a fantastic destination for foodies for many years, thanks to it’s love of simplicity, and high-quality but unpretentious menus.

The Groes Inn wholeheartedly believe in good, decent and honest food, as well as the usage of products which are from North Wales to ensure that you’ll enjoy the very best this beautiful region has to offer. We’re delighted to announce that the Groes Inn have entrusted us with their very own recipe for potted pigeon – which we feel would be the perfect starter for Christmas Day.

Every recipe should serve 6-10 people, so the whole family should be on their way to culinary heaven, thanks to this hearty dish directly from the Groes Inn’s talented chef.

Ingredients:

•         Six whole pigeons, prepared and plucked.
•         Salt
•         One garlic bulb
•         Fifteen chopped and fresh leaves of sage
•         Three bay leaves
•         100ml of light or pale ale
•         Two tablespoons of madeira
•         A pinch of ground mace
•         Black pepper
•         Butter

You’ll begin by sprinkling the prepared and plucked pigeons with salt. Then, you’ll gently pick them up and place them within a casserole dish along with the garlic bulb, sage leaves, bay leaves and then you’ll pour the ale upon the mixture.

The Groes Inn’s Chef advised us that you are welcome to use whichever pigeon you would like, though they themselves favour using Denbigh pigeons due to their better flavour. As for type of ale, you are more than welcome to use whichever you would like, but they like to make this dish extra special with a splash of their very own Groes Ale.   

Whatever pigeon and ale you decide to use, get a lid on the mixture and pop it into a preheated oven, at 110C. Leave the mixture to cook until the meat is nice and tender, and falling off the bone in around 1-2 hours. When that’s smelling good, carefully remove the casserole dish from the oven – and drain off (but remember to keep!) the liquid. Be careful as you remove the bay leaves from the mixture. When it’s cooled off, remove the skin and bones from the pigeons, and shred the meat.

Place the meat into a bowl and mash your remaining garlic with the madeira, mace and pepper. There’s no right or wrong amounts to use – just a lot of tasting until you find what works for you!  Add the liquid you should have saved earlier, and gently mix it together until it’s nice and creamy. Finally, place it in a jar and drizzle a little melted butter in before serving.

This dish is perfect with toast, and should be the perfect Christmas starter for all of your family this year. Enjoy!

What’s the difference between regular wine and natural wines?

It has been argued that natural wine has a better taste than regular wine by its very nature. It contains fewer or no additives which impact its flavour and often means that you’ll be getting the best of the vineyard in your bottle. Of course, for a natural fruit that hasn’t been influenced in any way by chemicals is going to produce a fuller flavour than any product that has been engineered and preserved. Growing such grapes without the use of chemicals is a skill in itself, requiring a farmer who understands what it takes to produce the best grapes.

Health

This biggest benefit natural wine will have is on your health. Regular wine contains vineyard chemicals (pesticides) to keep the bugs at bay. Whist many say that these won’t cause harm in small qualities, they certainly won’t do any good for you. Unfortunately, grapes can’t be washed prior to their use due to the machines that often damage the grape skins during harvesting so this means the pesticides used will be present in the final product.  

Later in the winemaking process, preservatives (sulphites) are added to help keep the wine last longer due to its antibacterial properties. Unknowingly, some drinkers can be allergic or sensitive to these sulphites which means a hangover would be much more significant for them. Sulphites are measured in ‘parts per million’ (PPM) and most 750ml bottles of regular wine will contain up to 250ppm, leaving the drinker headachy the next day.

Cost

Although the cost of a natural bottle of wine will be higher, they are generally better value for money due to getting more of the vineyard in your  The mark up of natural wine is often governed by the appellation system, which is said to be an indicator of the quality of its vineyard. However, many natural winemakers will operate outside this system and are still outstanding value.  

Environment

Natural wine is a product of sustainable agriculture, not using pesticides to deter wildlife in the area. It is important to bear in mind that in order to create an organic product the land must be chemical free for a number of years prior in order to qualify. Therefore it requires a very committed farmer to create an organic wine, where a where the vineyard can be susceptible to environmental conditions such as weather changes and pests.

Humphreys Holidays – All you need to make memories

Humphreys Holidays is a decidedly new venture, but it gives you all the best North Wales has to offer for you and your loved one. Choose between a handsomely outfitted Holiday Cottage in Conwy Town named Fourteen, or for those that wish to truly get away from it all, there’s a wonderfully out-out-town escape named the High Cabin, which offers unparalleled luxury. This superior self catering accomodation in Conwy is your escape- and the source of many great memories for years to come.

The High Cabin in particular benefits from its very own hot tub, and complete and total privacy thanks to it’s remote location. One of the best kept secrets in North Wales, this wonderfully modern and fully outfitted cabin will be yours and yours alone.

For those that would wish for a holiday that doesn’t feel quite as remote, Fourteen offers all of the luxury you’d expect from a dedicated cottage within one of the prettiest towns in Wales. Whether you come to Wales with a loved one or your whole family, we can promise that the medieval castle walls of Conwy town will leave you absolutely enthralled.

Humphreys Holidays understands just what it means to have a special holiday. Ran by Justin and Jane Humphreys, they are hardly new to the hospitality scene. With years of experience of managing and maintaining the famous Groes Inn within Conwy, they know a thing or two about creating an absolutely harmonious environment which is perfect to enjoy the very best North Wales has to offer.

The North Wales region in itself is superb, as well. From undergoing extensive renovation throughout the past 10 years, this region was recently named the 4th best place in the world to stay by traveller’s guru, Lonely Planet. High praise indeed, and North Wales is deserving of every single accolade thrown it’s way thanks to it’s unique attractions, and high quality accommodation which is sure to help make your time very memorable.     

Class Doesn’t have to be Pretentious

Hunting for an excellent place to eat can be quite arduous. How many of us want a fantastic dining experience, but the thought of food on slabs of slate or wood makes us roll our eyes? While of course there’s nothing wrong with modern dining, for more than a few of us, attentive service, comfortable surroundings and great, hearty food is all that we want.

Othello’s Restaurant in Llandudno is very much an undiscovered treasure within this seaside town, and hosts a variety of wonderful offerings such as their mouthwatering and undeniably special but decidedly not too-over the top Early Bird Menu which is geared toward theatregoers primarily with a variety of offerings. If hearty, well-prepared food is your thing, you can’t go wrong.

With a vast choice of fresh and very appetising starters such as sweet chili battered chicken strips served with a light mayonnaise dip, to hearty and filling mains such as oven baked horseshoe gammon, onto absolutely indulgent desserts such as apple and cinnamon crumble, the Early Bird Menu has all that you need to get a good meal that isn’t woefully overcomplicated.

However, if you’re after something which is a little bit special, the a la carte menu is available at all times for your dining pleasure. How about a starter which consists of stuffed mushroom which is crammed full of garlic Atlantic prawns, then topped with melted blue cheese and garnish?

For your main, how about a double loin of lamb, stuffed with lemon and mint, served on a rustic ratatouille and olive oil mashed potato?

Desert is especially decadent, with baked pear frangipane tart which is served with a warm, rich custard, as an example.  There’s a world of choice with your meal at Othello’s, as well as friendly and attentive staff that truly go out of their way to make sure that you’re very well taken care of.  

How Large Men Stay Dressed Sharp

Staying looking sharp isn’t always easy, especially when you find yourself having to shop around for big mens suits to get the ideal fit. There are a few tips you can pick up to keep you looking sharp at all times, for an interview for business or a special occasion.

#1 Rule – Always have at least one good suit in the closet. You’re always going to need at least one decent suit even if you work within a relaxed setting. You can easily make a sharp blazer look more casual by styling with a pair or relaxed trousers or even jeans but you will never be able to make a casual outfit look as formal as a suit.

#2 Rule – Look after your clothes. Even though your suit will come with a hanging hook at the back of your blazer, you should avoid using as a permanent way to hang your blazer. Often your suit will be dry clean only so you want to keep it in the best shape possible. Always use a dedicated suit and pants hanger that will support the shoulders and stop them from creasing over. Remove the fuzz from your wool items and keep you clothes lint free.

#3 Rule – It’s all in the detail – You can certainly get away with wearing less expensive gear providing you that you accessorise and are wear the right fit. A pocket handkerchief, sunglasses and a quality belt help to pull your final look together.

#4 Rule - Build from your base colours – If you’re not too sure about which colours work well, it’s always recommended to build from whites and blues which work for most occasions. From there, you can choose some colours that work well with you suit(s) and are acceptable for your workplace.

#5 Rule – Buy real leather footwear. You’ll wear these shoes most days for the office so they need to last. Real leather can be easily nourished with a lick of polish and made to look like new again. It is also renowned for being one of the most comfortable materials, moulding to the shape of your feet, whilst still being able to hold good shape.

See Snowdonia from a Luxury Lodge

We love holidaying, and we feel that British tourism is indeed on the up. Whereas the thought of British Tourism conjures thoughts of outdated arcades, seagulls, ice cream cones and caravans situated so close to each other we can scarce wonder how tourists even breathe, let alone coexist together in such cramped surroundings where it might seem that the slightest noise would wake up every living thing within a twenty caravan radius, we were more than happy to learn that each and every assumption we had made about the industry was incorrect in 2016.

That, as well as the age old belief that holidaying in the UK within winter is a fool’s errand.

Yes, you heard us right. There’s a number of amazing things to do and see and some very real natural beauty which simply isn’t there in the summer within Snowdonia, and we’re very pleased to say that we don’t think you’ve lived until you’ve seen the colours of Autumn reflected in this wild Welsh wonderland.

There’s also some very high quality accommodation options available off season, for bargain prices, with absolutely no sacrifice in regard to excellent service or amenities – literally just as good as when you’d visit in high season.

Ogwen Bank is an excellent example of this. The park itself is a very classy, high end retreat for those in the know... but also very welcoming to families, and not pretentious even in the slightest. Ogwen Bank is a very high-end package for those in the loop enough to seek it out, and we’re very certain that it could actually qualify as a Welsh treasure.

 Situated in the quaint Welsh region of Bethesda within Snowdonia, Ogwen Bank boasts an absolutely stunning surroundings of acres upon acres of absolutely unspoiled woodland. While we couldn’t quite bring ourselves to take the plunge and give caravanning a try (Unfortunately, we’ve far too many memories of childhood camping experiences!) their lodges are absolutely high quality and utterly desirable places to be.

We couldn’t help but think as we initially stepped into a high-quality woodland lodge, literally right on the bank of the River Ogwen, that boasts a number of amazing features. In our eyes, it was more like a high-quality house than a wooden lodge, and it was very tastefully outfitted which offered all of the comforts of home, as well as so much more. Apparently, Ogwen Bank has even better lodges for sale in North Wales than the one we stayed at!

British tourism is indeed going from strength to strength, and it’s not difficult whatsoever to see why, thanks to companies such as Ogwen Bank leading the way when it comes to offering some seriously high-end accommodation at very reasonable rates. 

Men’s Winter Trends 2016

Summer has now come to an end and it’s time to start investing in a winter wardrobe. Now’s the time to get in the know of this seasons trends which are ideal for larger sized men looking for physique flattering choices. Large men’s clothing of winter, 2016 is set to embark on a season of strong, definitive style matching the old with the new.

Duffle Coats – They’re back with a bang. This season the most popular style on the catwalk was the modernised camel colour duffle coat. But don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it and go long, short or a completely different colour. The duffle coat is great option for men with a rounded upper body physique, adding padding and clean edges to the shoulders.

70’s Colours – So we’re not quite back to all out flairs but we will most certainly be seeing the comeback of the colour tones of the 70’s including coppers and warmer toned check coats and jackets. This cooler season is going to bring the range of cable knit back, which will work beautifully with 70’s inspired outfits.

Texture on Texture – This season is all about mixing up the textures all the way from your suit and tie to your jumpers, shirt and jackets. This season’s suits are sleek, incorporating the old with the new. A modern fitted suit with the timeless pocket watch piece can easily be worn to a formal event. For casual, go for a warm undertone which can be matched with a knitted sweater. Don’t forget to go for a lighter knit if you don’t want to add bulk.

The Funnel Neck – the turtle neck jumper has had its time in 2015 but now, we move towards a more relaxed look which can be worked so conveniently into many styles. Wear it with your duffle coat or even style is with a pair of jeans.

Suspenders – If you’re going for a suited up look or even a relaxed style, suspenders are making their way back in fashion, sitting nicely alongside the bearded look. Of course, if there’s one thing a larger man holds well, its larger accessories. Match with a pair of sunglasses and a hat to finish the look.

The Weeping Window in Caernarfon

The Weeping Window – a travelling installation that has taken the country by storm as part of a far larger installation – Blood Swept Lands and of course Seas of Red, which both commemorate those who were lost within World War 1 (Known as the Great War – for the sheer scale of life lost on all sides) is in Caernarfon Castle this year, and even with less than a month to go until Remembrance Day, Droves of people have come out already in order to visit this amazing attraction.

We’re somewhat conflicted when it comes to the Weeping Window. It, Blood Swept Lands, and Seas of Red are of course very beautiful things, and we can’t help but feel a very real sense of awe when we look upon them. It’s no wonder that they have captured the hearts of the British public since their debut within the Tower of London and have raised some very much-needed funds for the British legion as result.

Saying that, the ceramic poppies are also a very real and very poignant symbol of the sheer scale of loss- and this can’t be discounted.

 Each and every poppy is crafted within Caernarfon’s Weeping Window to be representative of the 35,000 Welsh Fusilliers who lost their lives to defend the UK, and seeing the poppies flow from the window of Caernarfon castle and pool into red is a very sobering thing. We were fortunate enough to have seen much larger displays in the past, such as the Blood Swept Lands within London when it was first installed – but we don’t feel underwhelmed by Caernarfon’s exhibit. Not at all.

One might think that a smaller display equals less of an experience, but it’s not that at all. The way that the poppies are positioned – some fixed within the ground, some even drilled into the castle’s ramparts, gives a very correct approximation of the scale of those lost, and the pain of their loved ones.

Essentially, it’s a very sobering place to visit, and it’s purpose in capturing the hearts of the British public and staying true to the underlying message is very well achieved. You’re more than capable of taking a child to the Weeping Window and being confident that there’s enough to the exhibit to accurately capture the child’s imagination, yet the underlying message of those lost within the Great War is not cheapened by it's popularity. 

We managed to get a place within the T’yn Rhos Country House Hotel near Caernarfon to experience the Weeping Window, and we found the stay refreshing. The Country House has a dignity to it, but the atmosphere is rather light and airy. As for location, the Ty’n Rhos Country House was less than 15 minutes drive away from Caernarfon Castle, and should you wish to see this attraction, is highly encouraged. 

Your Home By The Sea

Many of us dream of living by the sea, and it’s a sad fact that most of us don’t make it. The city after all is a great place, full of opportunity and commodity, and for many of us, we live here well into retirement while dreaming about getting away from the rat race once and for all. Help is at hand with your dream, notable housing developer Blue Bay Homes have almost completed a truly spectacular development right on one of the most beautiful coastlines within the UK!

The aptly named View, by Blue Bay Homes is a special development which features a myriad of excellently appointed houses and apartments, each freshly built, and overlooking the wonderful cliffside of Colwyn Bay. But where’s Colwyn Bay, you might ask? It’s just a ways down the A55. This excellent arrangement of apartments in Colwyn Bay and houses in Colwyn Bay are reachable from Liverpool and Manchester in around 2 hours.

The area itself is pretty special as well - You might worry that you’ll be stuck in the Welsh Countryside. While indeed being in the country is quite a nice prospect, sometimes it can feel a little too remote. Thankfully, you won’t be. With this particular development, you’re within range of a host of charming towns and shopping centres, such as Llandudno - the winner of the Best Seaside resort in the UK 2016, according to TripAdvisor-- and Conwy, a wonderful castle town that sounds medieval, but features a variety of shops and things to do which are very 21st Century.

The apartments and houses themselves are spacious, very well outfitted, and even come with a variety of fabulous fixtures which are yours to choose. That’s right -- your bathroom will be tiled the way you like, and your kitchen will have a brand new oven, dishwasher, and all the amenities you need which are a far cry from a drafty Welsh cottage.

There are options out there for us city-dwellers, and Blue Bay Homes have a very viable one with The View. It’s quite simply fabulous, and begs a look!