INTRODUCING // IN TOW THE WILD

IN TO THE WILD // our journey to becoming caravanner’s!

I suddenly realised, whilst sat in our ‘van, that we’d bought said-van one whole year ago. It also struck me that I needed to get those reviews out of my journal and onto Trip Advisor. So with all of this in mind, I’m also adding notes of our adventures back on my blog as it’s been far too long since I’ve written my thoughts out on the keyboard!

So, lets go right back to the beginning…

Oh hello! ✨

We’re The Briston-Hill family.
2 adults, 2 children. First time caravan owners with a need for the wild.
Welcome to our adventures in our new-to-us caravan! We also have a brand new instagram account detailing our caravan journey
Follow here >>>>

@intowthewild

We’d been camping long before our children came along over ten years ago 🏕 We’d also often talked about upgrading the tent to a caravan, but never thought it would be possible any time soon! So we kept adding little upgrades here and there to our lovely camping set-up. Our penultimate camping experience was last summer 2021 in lovely Llangollen. We more or less vowed it was our last camping trip after a heat wave and a teething toddler made camping-life difficult. Post-Llangollen we intermittently looked at caravans. We still felt it was a pipe-dream. We LOVE the outdoors; I can’t think of anything better than sleeping under the stars 💫 And, call us gluten for punishment, we went on our final camping trip to The Lakes in August 2022. Again, it ended up in a heat wave and was nothing short of horrendous. So, we decided this really was the end of our tent-trips.

After A LOT of research and of course, A LOT of searching for “the one” we finally came across our Bailey Unicorn Valencia van at the end of August 2022. 

After 19 years of privately renting houses and two recessions, we decided that maybe buying bricks and mortar isn’t for us after-all. Not that we plan on living in a caravan…yet 😆 But we feel so lucky that we’ve been able to buy our first caravan and have absolutely LOVED every single adventure we’ve been on over the past year. There has of course been up’s and down’s and we’ve not had the best after-care from the dealership (Stewart Longton of Preston) but it’s been amazing to learn on every journey we’ve had. The freedom and pure joy the ‘van has brought us is incomprehensible. 

And In-to(w) the wild we will continue to go! 🌞🌿🌙
#intowthewild
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MRBEAST… IN THE UK? // YOU BETCHA BURGER HE IS

MRBEAST… IN THE UK? // YOU BETCHA BURGER HE IS

If you have children of a certain age and/or are an avid Youtube fan, you’ll most certainly know who @mrbeast is. Jimmy Donaldson, the American man behind the online MrBeast persona,  is just 23; runs several U.S YouTube channels, is a businessman and a world-renowned philanthropist. Not only is Donaldson the founder of @MrBeastBurger and Feastables, but is also a co-creator of @TeamTrees #TeamTrees, a fundraiser for the Arbor Day Foundation that has raised over $23 million and @TeamSeas #TeamSeas, a fundraiser for Ocean Conservancy and The Ocean Cleanup that has raised over $30 million.

 

 

So what is @MrBeastBurger doing at @villagehotels in Cheadle??! Well, it looks like the MrBeast team have a ‘ghost kitchen’ set up across the U.K (search for your closest pick-up point via @ubereats_uk) and obviously, Eli was ALL OVER IT 🍔🍟

 

 

We went to the UberEats app and ordered the Mr Beast Burger Combo and Eli chose a Chandler Style burger. There are also loaded fries and chicken tender sandwiches, along with cookies available. As we don’t live quite close enough to the pick-up point, we went to the Village Hotel (which is quite close to Manchester Airport, so you can watch flights overhead too! BONUS!). Upon arriving at the Village Hotel reception in Cheadle, there was absolutely no signage regarding MrBeast, which was slightly disappointing for Eli. If you didn’t know this was where to pick up the order, you would never have known of any kind of collaboration – no menu, no signs, no posters, nothing.  This is purely a virtual restaurant, in every sense sadly – and quite a strange, new experience for us! We waited a few minutes, which felt like forever with two mega excited kids, of course! Then our order was brought to us in the signature MrBeast iconic branding – which is actually really neat and eye-catching; I like it. Eli carried the precious cargo and we jumped back  in the car for the 10 minute drive home to enjoy our feast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The burger was SO good and I particularly enjoyed the pickles and sauce; the two beef patties were tasty as, though, perhaps a little too cheesy, for even me.  The burger was quite large, with Eli and his little sister, Edie sharing the sandwich, with some leftover.

 

 

The fries were meant to be crinkle cut, but I guess they’d sold out – not a bother for us as they were actually delicious – I did order unseasoned fries for the kids as I wasn’t sure if the seasoning might be too much for them. Turns out, Edie ate most of my seasoned fries – and I’d really like the recipe for the seasoning plzzzzzz! The drinks did not come in any cup or branding, it was just a regular can of fizzy drink, which was a shame. For the price of it, and the unusual concept, it would have been nice for a little souvenir for Eli – I was thinking a glass he could keep with the branding on or something. But all in all, Eli was buzzing to have ‘met’ a little bit of MrBeast, though it took a while for him to really believe me when I said that MrBeast or his team would not actually be there… in Cheadle. I have zero idea how long the ‘pop up’ will be around, but if you can, make your way to one of the local locations while it’s there. And here’s hoping MrBeast does come over to the U.K because I will not hear the end of it if he doesn’t!

C
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE HEAD TO: YouTube.com/MrBeast6000
#MrBeast
#MrBeastBurger
#MrBeastBurgerUK
#mcreats
#UberEats

PROMO // UBEREATS

Use my exclusive UberEats code to get £10 off your first order:

eats-claireb2043ue


For clarity, this is not a sponsored or paid post; though this post may contain affiliate links that earn me a teeny, tiny commission.

I bought and paid for the contents of the MrBeast meal myself. But be safe in the knowledge that I only shout about items that I genuinely believe in.

BOOK REVIEW // THIS IS GOING TO HURT – BY ADAM KAY

Doctor's diary This is Going to Hurt wins public vote for book of the year | Society books | The Guardian

BOOK REVIEW // “THIS IS GOING TO HURT”

This Is Going to HurtThis Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

 

 

I’ve wanted to read this book since I first saw it on the shelves in 2017. But I kept missing the reservation at the library! Now that a BBC show has been made, I wanted to make sure I read the book before watching the show so went ahead and bought it instead.

My goodness me, this book was worth the wait. I absolutely loved this book; read it in 2 sittings. I couldn’t put it down. I’m passionately in love with the NHS and this personal account from Adam Kay is truly heartbreaking. The first-hand experiences of such skilled, talented and DEDICATED NHS-workers is outstanding, eye-opening and devastating. Adam writes with such comedic and conversational tones that make this an ‘easy’ read – I ploughed through it at pace.

I was left belly-laughing, crying and so angry my face turned red at times. Furious at reading what I already knew, but this book made it more real, tangible. I cannot recommend this book enough.

SURELY our NHS cannot continue in its current dire straits – pandemic or no pandemic – the NHS was already underfunded severely; as Adam Kay tells all. The current government, evidently, the Prime Minister and the Health secretary(s) and teams should be jailed for the situation we’re in right now with the NHS. The government has blood on its hands.

Just a side-note, I would suggest that this book may be triggering for those who are currently trying to conceive or are pregnant. There are some graphic diary entry depictions that may cause upset or distress.

I look forward to reading the next instalment by Adam Kay (Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas) and of course, watching the BBC series.

Thank you for sharing your important experiences Adam. What a truly wonderful human, doctor and writer you are.

C
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For clarity, this is not a sponsored or paid post; though this post may contain affiliate links that earn me a teeny, tiny commission.  But be safe in the knowledge that I only shout about items that I genuinely believe in.

 

Links //

This is Adam Kay on Twitter: @amateuradam

View all my reviews on GOODREADS.com

You can buy this wonderful book, here :

JEWELLERY EDIT // YOU ARE GOLD

IMAGE: DAISYJEWELLERY.COM

Harry Styles might tell us that we’re GOLDEN… and you know what, we really are. And if the past year has taught us anything, it’s that the small things are what count the most. A small gift for someone you love, delivered in the post is perfect for when you can’t be there in person. Postal gifts have never been more essential for spreading a little love, joy and post-Christmas sparkle. That small token of love, whether for a birthday, anniversary or ‘just because’ will certainly make the grateful recipient smile from ear to ear, heck tears may also be shed! And hey, even treating yourself now and again is a righteous passage of lockdown, no?

 

Engagement ring, bespoke by @77Diamonds
Signet ring by @Daisy_Jewellery (AD – PR Product Sample)
Midi ring by @astridandmiyu

 

I’ve mostly always worn gold jewellery. I love vintage and antique-inspired pieces and I’ve taken to investing in ‘proper’ jewellery over the last few years. There’s only so many green-fingers one can get away with! Well,  the magpie in me is head over heels for this glorious Sunburst Signet Ring by Daisy LONDON. Because we all need a little bit of sunburst-shine after this last year! This magnificent Sunburst Signet Ring is an actual piece of me – made in collaboration with @esteelalonde – it is as bold as it is delicate ✨ This iconic collab with Estée Lalonde boasts a timeless collection of layering pieces that lift and inspire; effortless, everyday jewellery that you not want to take off. And since I received this Signet Ring, I’ve definitely not had it off! And thats not all, Daisy is a brand that is ethical and eco-conscious; with jewellery that is designed with love and made to last.

 

 

Signet ring by @Daisy_Jewellery (AD – PR Product Sample)

Golden jewellery never goes out of style – it’s classic, brightens and illuminates the complexion. It’s golden hue compliments most skin tones, meaning there’s something to everyone. And let’s be honest, when it comes to gold rings, one is never enough!
As I mentioned, I’m a bit of a magpie, so here is my edit of favourite golden pieces that are available online! And as there are limits to how much we can all spend right now, I’ve managed to keep this edit at UNDER £100.

 

CLICK HERE TO SHOP >>>
DAISY LONDON X ESTÉE LALONDE // SUNBURST SIGNET RING
£79.00

 

CLICK HERE TO SHOP >>>
WALD BERLIN // ASHLEY BRACELET
£60.00
CLICK HERE TO SHOP >>>
TILLY SVEAAS LTD // T-BAR NECKLACE
£60.00
CLICK HERE TO SHOP >>>
RACHEL JACKSON // ELECTRIC GODDESS SUN NECKLACE
£60.00
CLICK HERE TO SHOP >>>
&OTHER STORIES // MINI HOOP EARRINGS – GOLD
£35.00
CLICK HERE TO SHOP >>>
MONICA VINADER // SIREN RING – GOLD
£95.00
CLICK HERE TO SHOP >>>
CULT OF YOUTH // MAMA CHAIN – GOLD
£85.00

Let me know what your favourite gold pieces are from my edit. Or which pieces you’d like me to feature next time! Comment on this post or reply to the post on Instagram: @claire_briston.

C
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For clarity, I was kindly #gifted the Sunburst Signet Ring by DAISY LONDON Jewellery. For ASA purposes this is highlighted and marked as AD – PR Product Sample for total transparency.

This is not a sponsored or paid post; though this post may contain affiliate links that earn me a teeny, tiny commission.  But be safe in the knowledge that I only shout about items that I genuinely believe in.

MORE ABOUT // Estée Lalonde For Daisy LONDON JEWELLERY

Daisy has collaborated with Estée Lalonde on two jewellery collections, both full of the kind of jewellery you won’t ever want to take off, crafted in sterling silver and 18ct gold plate.

The Goddess collection consists of effortless, everyday jewellery inspired by modern goddesses, the power of feminine energy, and the notion that we are all perfectly imperfect. Lunar goddess symbols are complemented by organic textures and a variety of chain styles to layer together. A Goddess medallion as a talisman for inner strength. A changing moon symbol as a reminder that this too shall pass. A poured gold texture to symbolise imperfect beauty.

The original collection is the kind of jewellery you won’t want to take off. Estée fused her love for classic vintage jewellery and contemporary design to create a collection that is perfect for everyday, effortless accessorising. Consisting of both statement and dainty pieces, the jewellery in the original collection is inspired by the 1970s. From gold shield rings to classic t bar drop necklaces; the collection has a nod to decades gone by, but with a modern-day touch.

 

 

HALLOWEEN AT SELFRIDGES // MANCHESTER

Eli & Edie // Halloween 2019

HALLOWEEN AT SELFRIDGES // MANCHESTER

As a Briston-Hill household, Halloween is one of our favourite times of year – mostly helped by the fact that Eli is in a permanent state of “goth”, so of course its his annual time to shine!

 

CLICK TO SHOP // ASK MUMMY & DADDY SPOOKY SKULLS AND JELLY BONES 
£5.99  Each
(Kindly gifted to us by Selfridges)

 

Outdoor Trick or Treating is off the agenda this year (damn you Covid), so I’ve been looking at alternative fun festivities for the family. SELFRIDGES in both Manchester (Exchange Square and Trafford Centre) always host great events and as usual, are your one-stop shop with a perfect selection of spooky themed gifts, confectionary from brands such as Ask Mummy & Daddy and Jelly Belly and all the decorations you can shake a witches-broom at. Oh and I must mention that SELFRIDGES also has everything for you to eat, drink and be scary this October to boot too.

 

CLICK TO SHOP // Trick or Macarons – box of eight 128g  // £23.00

 

Gather the family and head to the much-loved Laudurée Cafe in Selfridges Exchange Square to check out their limited edition Halloween Macarons, served in a glow in the dark box! What’s more, Laudurée will be giving a FREE macaron to any child in fancy dress on Saturday 31st October, simply head to the counter and enjoy!*

 

CLICK TO SHOP // Jelly Belly Bean Boozled Challenge! 
£9.99
(Kindly gifted to us by Selfridges)

Looking for a fun-filled family activity this Halloween? Visit Selfridges Manchester Exchange Square and  Selfridges Trafford for an abundance of excellent  in-store activities this October!

 

EVENTS

As Greater Manchester is (at time of posting) in Tier 3, the following in-store events are all compliant with current government guidelines and measures have been taken to help minimise the risk of coronavirus, in line with guidance from Public Health England and the relevant authorities. As such the wearing of a face covering is compulsory when visiting the stores and customers should only shop in a group from one household or support bubble.

 

Selfridges Pumpkin Hunt  // SELFRIDGES TRAFFORD & EXCHANGE SQ

About // Get hunting this Halloween with Selfridges’ Pumpkin Hunt, a perfect activity for all the family to enjoy. Receive a complimentary treat once you have found all the pumpkins and returned your competition card to our Host!

Date // 28 – 31 October

Time // 12PM – 4PM

Price // Complementary

Decorate a Gourd // SELFRIDGES TRAFFORD

About // Join us for some Halloween-themed fun and decorate your own ghoulish gourd for your house with the help of one of our expert decorators.

Date // 29 October

Time: 12PM – 4PM

Price: £5

Trick or Treat Bag workshop // SELFRIDGES TRAFFORD

About // Decorate your perfect Trick or Treat bag with us – it will make for a spooktacular Halloween accessory.

Date // 30 October

Time // 12PM – 4PM

Price // £5

Slime Jar Workshop // SELFRIDGES TRAFFORD

About // Discover how to create your very own slime at this fun-filled (and extremely spooky) workshop.

Date // 31 October

Time // 12PM – 4PM

Price // £5

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Can’t make it to an in-store event in Manchester? No problem – here is my Halloween Top Ten from Selfridges.com!

 

CLICK TO SHOP // Unicorn Costume Tail
£20.00
CLICK TO SHOP //Bat Shaped Donut Wall
£10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLICK TO SHOP // Marvin’s Magic 60 Light Illusions Set
Was £35.00 NOW £26.40
CLICK TO SHOP // Dracula Dressing Up Costume
£13.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLICK TO SHOP // Bashful Dragon by Jellycat (18cm)
£14.00

CLICK TO SHOP // Jelly Belly Bean Boozled Challenge!
£9.99
(Kindly gifted to us by Selfridges)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLICK TO SHOP // ASK MUMMY & DADDY SPOOKY FANGS 
£5.99 
(Kindly gifted to us by Selfridges)
CLICK TO SHOP // GHOSTBUSTERS Monopoly Board Game
£33.00

CLICK TO SHOP // Harry Potter Invisibility Cloak
£40.00
CLICK TO SHOP // Bat Fringe Curtain
£8.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more Halloween gifting and decor inspiration, head to Selfridges.com

 

Whatever you get up to this Halloween,  enjoy yourselves, stay spooky and stay safe!

C
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*Limited to one macaron per child. Redeemable at Selfridges Exchange Square only, for the first 100 children in store.

 


For clarity, I was kindly #gifted all products that are highlighted in this post above, on behalf of Selfridges Manchester.

This is not a sponsored or paid post and I was not obliged to write this blog post or link back the Selfridges website; though this post may contain affiliate links that earn me a tiny commission.  I only shout about items that I genuinely believe in, so be safe in the knowledge that I’m a big fan of Selfridges – both their in-store activities and online offering.

 


 

Goooooodbye, my friend

“IT’S NOT A REINVENTION, BUT RATHER AN INTERVENTION”

HIYA.

It’s been a long time coming. I’ve gone to change my username on here a dozen times or more, and “chickened out”. You see, @instagram was the only remaining social channel that I used JUDY PINK as my username. So many people knew me IRL as such, it always felt tricky to change it! While I’m sad to say goodbye to Judy Pink, this isn’t a reinvention but rather an intervention. Today I am, just me.

I thought I better introduce myself – my *actual* name is Claire👋🏻

(Cue: “her name’s Claire” 🎶)

I’m thirty something and 5 foot nothing. I’m from the North East and (somewhat proudly) reside in the North West🐝  Mama to two and a half-wife of 16 years to another. I’ve recently taken to sewing – I have no idea either – but it’s keeping me sane during this weird time 🤷‍♀️

So there we have it. Judy Pink is officially no more. And I’m, just me.

C
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OUR BREASTFEEDING JOURNEY

I want to start by saying that breastfeeding does not “just happen” from the get go.

Your baby isn’t born knowing what to do. It is something that you and your baby must learn, together. Have patience with your baba; have patience with yourself.

Also. Two babies are never the same. In alllll of the respects.

These are the best bits of advice I was given.

Sadly, my BF journey with Eli was exceptionally difficult. I had an NCT group of mothers; who all appeared to be naturally breastfeeding-gifted. I struggled with Eli’s latch. In hindsight, we wonder whether it was tongue-tie as he also had speech issues when he started talking. Anyway. I would grit my teeth and cross my fingers at every single feed. I’d fight back the tears when with company and let them free flow down my cheeks at home. The pain was unbelievable. I was cracked. Sore. Shattered. Shocked. Full of worry and felt immense pressure to ‘perform’.

I was also ridiculously scared to feed in front of friends, family and in public too. For fear of being told off, ridiculed, just a “look” caused me to panic and go straight home. I had many a break down whilst trying to do shopping when Eli would start to stir during that short window between feeds.

At 6 weeks we went to a wedding and I bought a @Medela Swing to express. I ended up expressing for a further 6-8 weeks until my supply dwindled. I just couldn’t get the feeds and expressing in. We then went onto SMA and Eli was a much happier baby for it. I was happier for it!

Edie however; a totally different baby. Edie took to the breast from her first feed and ran with it. I was possibly more relaxed this time. I had YouTube’ed everything in terms of latch, positioning and everything in between. I was armed with so many resources – just incase. I had nipple shields, I had Lansinoh, I had a new @medela, I put no pressure on myself and set no expectations. I was also a more confident mother but I still had the anxiety of feeding in front of friends, family and in public getting to me. This is something I learned with patience and understanding your baby. I also had a bank of clap-backs ready, just incase. I knew my legal rights as a mother too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At our 6 month check I was still exclusively breastfeeding Edie and loving every single second. Yes there were days when she would cluster feed 24 hrs. But I just loved it. Absolutely loved it. Was I more attached to BF because of our miscarriage? Maybe? Was I more determined because I’d had such a shit time with Eli? Who knows. That midnight feed, curled up in bed together was actual bliss. It felt like it was just me and Edie awake on the whole planet ✨

But at that 6 month check, the HV suggested Edie wasn’t gaining enough weight. We were monitored and then referred to a paediatrician. I was advised to introduce Formula and solids as per the guidelines. I reluctantly went with it. Edie went with the changes, without fuss and ran; until the only breastfeed session left was that midnight feed. Which, by one point turned out to be more routine and comfort than sustenance any longer. We made it to 8 months or so.

I don’t remember our last breastfeeding session. It just stopped one night after a few nights of fussiness.

Which kind of breaks my heart.

But I cherish every single day that she fed attached to me. I really do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have I googled and researched re-lactation? Of course I have.

But Edie? She’s happy. She’s thriving. She’s an SMA baby now too.

Breastfeeding mothers. I salute every single one of you. It hurts, it’s confusing, it’s damn tiring, no matter how little or long you decide to breastfeed for.

And if you feed your baby by bottle or breast, who even cares. Fed is best. That’s all that matters.

THEY ALL EAT CHIPS OFF THE FLOOR HOWEVER THEY MAKE THEIR START IN LIFE ANYWAY. SO 🤷‍♀️

 

EDIE TURNS // ONE

EDIE TURNS // ONE

1️⃣

Our 🌈  babe has taken her first trip around the sun🌞

 

 

365 days Earthside 🌍

ONE whole year of pure joy and delicious smiles and your wondrous music and the best dancing EVER.

Edie Lavender, you are made of magic ✨

We love you more than you’ll ever know, our precious wild child🌿
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NEVER KNOWINGLY CONCISE x THE BIRTH POSTER

 

THE BIRTH POSTER

Ad/Gift | Promotional code below.

—————

Anyone who knows me will attest to how sentimental I am. I stash dates, times, places & faces deep in my heart. But sometimes it’s nice to have those precious memories proudly on display.

@theBirthPoster is just the perfect reminder to one of the most special days of your life – the day you met your baby.

In a 1:1 scale, The Birth Poster provides you with unique and timeless illustrations that are personalised to your newborn’s ACTUAL length at birth. Looking at Eli, who is almost 8, it’s so difficult to imagine him so tiny. And yet he was!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’re absolutely over the moon with our prints – I could cry every time I look at them! We’ll cherish them forever✨
#thebirthposter
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As a thank you, I have a 10% discount to share with you! Use the code: judypink_10

Each Print was kindly #gifted: Original Continuous Line #2

Print hangers: @HMHome


For clarity, I was kindly #gifted both posters by The Birth Poster.

This is not a sponsored, paid post and I was not obliged to write this blog post or link back to The Birth Poster website. I only shout about items that I genuinely believe in, so be safe in the knowledge that I’m in actual love with The Birth Poster!