'What's Up' is a very fitting title for this post, because one of the main reasons to visit the Cumbrian town of Ulverston is Hoad Hill, and its lighthouse-like monument. We visited this weekend and couldn't have asked for a better day. Beautifully clear blue skies, sunshine, and a bitter breeze that was most welcome after the short climb to the top. 

The walk starts through Ford Park, a setting that is obviously well used and much loved within the local community. They have a woodland trail, a main hall where classes such as seated yoga are held, a courtyard cafe, and perhaps the cutest garden I've ever seen. Tucked at one end, through what looks like a fairy door, is a tiny wedding chapel, while the other end has a modern room built for childrens' activities. Evidence of the crafting is found all around the garden, with Alice in Wonderland themed suncatchers, big knitted bees, scarecrows, and even a papier mache dog faithfully guarding it all. 

From the garden you can take a number of trails to the top or stop at the benches along the way and enjoy the view across to Morecambe Bay. The path we took was pretty steep in some parts, but we took it steady and reached the monument in around 20 minutes. The monument was closed that day but frankly I was thrilled not to climb any more steps, and more than happy to gaze out at the town, the rolling hills, and right across to Morecambe- after snapping some obligatory shots, of course.

If you'd like to see more of Ulverston you could take a different trail down from the monument, but we chose to travel a little further afield to somewhere altogether unusual. A 10 minute drive from Ford Park will take you to Conishead Priory, a Buddhism and World Peace centre tucked out in the countryside. As we turned down the driveway, I certainly didn't expect to see a temple adorned in gold rising over the hedges, but the peaceful, natural setting is really the perfect place for reflection and respect for the Earth.

The centre is surrounded by its own woodland, which leads to a shoreline. We skimmed stones, searched for 'treasure' (sea glass and shells) then wandered back through the wood, working up an appetite for the world cafe where vegetarian food is quite literally made and served with love. The monks run it all and treat every visitor so kindly, making it a very calm and positive place to refuel. I chose a cheese scone and raspberry lemonade, and sat in the sunshine to enjoy it before going to visit the temple itself. 

I had never been to a temple before, and loved that the glass doors let in the sunlight and beautiful views of the garden. The statues and images were brightly coloured, and it was surprising to see that the offerings left to them included quinoa puffs, shortbread, and chocolate brioche- these deities have good taste! While the area was sacred, it was also very welcoming, with guests being invited to join in meditation sessions. I chose not to, but soaking up the atmosphere from the people and natural soundings was enough to leave me feeling blissful. 

Have you visited Ulverston? For more Cumbria inspiration and inspiration read about my break in the lakes.

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside, I do like to be beside the sea, so when I was offered tickets to see The British Musical Fireworks Championship in Southport, of course I jumped at the chance and decided to make a little trip of it so I could show Boy all the best bits of one of my favourite places.

We arrived around lunchtime so our first port of call was filling our rumbly tums. Nostalgia Tearooms is popular with older clientele but being a granny myself I really enjoy sitting in the sun and enjoying the homely food that's served by waitresses who wear proper frilly aprons and caps to match the vintage tearoom vibe. The staff are really friendly and their potato hash (or 'tater ash' if you're truly Northern) reminds me of my nana. 

Full of food, we decided to walk it off, and walk we did, totalling 19,797 steps that day! There are loads of good places to stretch your legs in Southport. First we strolled through the park, which has fountains, swans, a miniature railway, a fab children's playground, and even pedalos to take around the lake in Summer. Sadly they weren't out when we visited- much to Boy's relief. If you have children and a picnic you could easily spend hours in the park alone.

Since we have neither sprogs nor picnic, we ventured on to the beach, crunching razor clam shells and hunting for sea glass and other treasures the shore washed in, then followed the steps up to the pier. Despite visiting many times, this was one attraction I'd somehow missed. At the end is a little cafe-come-arcade with all sorts of old games, and on a clear day you can see right over to Wales and The Lake District. It was breezy but so peaceful to just sit there and watch the world go by.

A trip to the seaside almost always calls for ice cream, and with an even bigger walk in mind I decided it was high time to refuel with a chilly treat from Rossi's on Neville Street. Their homemade ice cream is rich, luxurious, and our Maltesers and chocolate orange cones were both delicious- I was very sad when some of mine dripped while I was absentmindedly stroking a stray cat!

The big walk I had planned was a short drive away, over on the RSPB marshes and bird reserve. Purely by chance our visit coincided with the migration of the many hundreds of geese who had flocked there, ready to take off to warmer climates. All day and night we saw (and heard) them flying overhead. It was a sight to behold, but one that made me quite sad, as I worried some might not make it there or back. I began to feel the same way about us as we walked out on the salt marshes, spotting dog prints in the sticky mud, crabs in the murky pools, and samphire sprouting by the path. If you need time and space to think, this is the place to be. The walk is very quiet and calm, but also feels very long, so be sure to wear your comfiest shoes.

After a shower and tea break back at our guest house, it was time to wrap up and head to Victoria Park (yep, another park) to see those famous fireworks. Apparently they're something of a tradition, and judging from the thousands of people lining the park and streets, one that's well loved in the town. Sadly I think that raised my expectations a bit too high. There were two displays on the night, the first of which was amazing, with fireworks twirling and trailing sparkles overhead to a soundtrack including The Greatest Showman, Whitney Houston, and a speech from Stephen Hawking that made me quite emotional. The second display was Rocky themed and unfortunately fell victim to a few technical hitches. While I appreciated the beauty of the fireworks, I felt that both shows were quite short and I left thinking "was that it?". Like the park, perhaps this is something best enjoyed by families who can experience the wonder through their children's eyes. My advice is to enjoy the atmosphere and make the most of it- take children/nieces/nephews/young siblings, put glitter on their faces, feed them a few doughnuts, and watch them have a ball singing and dancing along.

The next morning I woke up with the lovechild of a sinus infection and flu so I'm afraid we did cut our trip short, but '22 hours in Southport' doesn't have quite the same ring to it. We stopped off at Dobbie's garden centre, which has a great cafe, farm shop, and seasonal displays, but my original plan was to drive 10 minutes over to Churchtown. This little village has gorgeous botanic gardens with a mini farm, lovely pubs to lunch in, adorable old buildings and shops, and even a Peaky Blinders themed bar! I'd highly recommend a visit if you're in the area.

Where would be your favourite place to spend 24 hours?

My tickets for the British Musical Fireworks Championships were compensated in exchange for honest review.

"Let's go to the Royal Armouries" they said.

"It's not all armour, they've got a bit of everything!" they said.

'They' refers to my mother, and 'they' were very wrong, as I found out for myself when I visited the museum on Saturday. 

The museum is a few minutes from the motorway, right next to Leeds dock and just around the corner from an (expensive) car park. As we arrived there was a wetsuit-clad crowd preparing to dive into the canal itself as part of a triathlon- not something I would do on any Saturday morning, let alone a chilly September one! Luckily I could watch them through the museum cafe's floor to ceiling windows while I warmed up with a hot chocolate.

Sufficiently sugar fuelled, we began to explore the museum. The first exhibit is possibly the most amazing of all, and a really innovative example of design. The staircase leading to the other floors wraps around a tunnel which is hung with hundreds of pieces of armour and weaponry on the inside. Directly beneath it is a sort of table with raised mirrors, each facet reflecting the artefacts above it.

Climbing the stairs themselves, we reached a floor where we could see the pieces close up, read their descriptions, and find full suits of armour. It was at this point that I suddenly realised that these were real tools of wars and battles that had most likely injured or even killed real people, which was quite unsettling. There were such detailed, intricate designs, incredible engineering, and even examples of how swords were created hundreds of years ago, and it made me quite angry to think that humankind created weapons of torture and destruction before electricity, vehicles, and even vaccines.

I appreciated that the museum made me think more deeply about what was in front of me, and visitor engagement was encouraged throughout. There were virtual reality helmets where you could see through the tiny eye slits of the helmets, and stations to watch and listen to films depicting battles. To further bring them to life, there was a wall hung with pieces like a bill, a mace, and a dagger, which triggered a knight to explain how they could hurt him when they were touched. Not only was this exciting for younger visitors, I liked that it was a good way for visitors with impaired vision to feel for themselves and hear a description. The sensory element continued through the use of light scents in certain exhibits, such as a cinnamon and clove fragrance in an area paying mention to the spice trade.

Currently the museum puts the focus on a different legend each weekend, such as Mulan and Boudicca. This weekend was all about Arjuna the Warrior Prince, and children were invited to watch an animated film, create their own crowns, and watch a storytelling performance from a lady in traditional Indian dress. It wasn't a story I had heard as a child, so it was fantastic to see visitors of all backgrounds learning it, and of course it was a brilliant way to entertain the children. 

The Royal Armouries really does cover all areas, encompassing everything relating to armour under one roof. Aside from weapons and legends of the past, the museum touched on modern day, with exhibits for anti-war, including arms being made into art, crime and the battle against guns, and even a little case on the swords from Lord of The Rings! Despite every artefact relating to violence, I felt that the curators had done a really good job of presenting the information without making it upsetting or fearsome, which is further helped by the building itself being spacious and bright, and visitors speaking normally instead of in hushed museum tones.

I hate to say this, because entry was free and I really do appreciate what the museum do, but by the end I was all armoured out and very, very bored. We were there for 4 hours, lunch included, and each sword and breastplate began to look the same. It's so worth a visit, but unless you are a huge history or battle buff, I'd suggest either taking a lunch break in one of the two cafes or picnic area, or skipping sections altogether. The only one I'm sad to have missed is the crossbow range, where, for a small charge, you can give the bows a go- a sure fire way to pack some action into your visit! 

Would you visit Royal Armouries?

When I think of the top bloggers, I can't help but feel that part of their success has to be from being that little bit out of reach. They're the girls next door who could be your best friend, but they carry a Mulberry handbag, drink champagne for breakfast, and roll out of bed looking ready to hit the runway. 

I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing. If 'top blogger' were listed on a job search website, those enviable possessions and qualities would be the requirements, that's just the way it is and I'm happy for those girls who get the balance right between having those things while also building a real relationship with their readers. But I don't want to be one of them. 

It would all be a lie, I would be showing you a lifestyle so different from my own. I carry Primark bags, eat Greggs doughnuts for breakfast, and roll out of bed with cystic acne and a moustache that's coming along nicely. It's not Insta-glamorous, but my aim isn't to curate glossy images of a perfect life, but to share my own in a way that makes my readers laugh or feel inspired and supported, like some of my own favourites, CodieKinz and BrummyMummyOf2. Neither kind of blogger is superior, and I am hoping that we will see the goal posts widen and there will be room for both at the top table- them photographing their avocado toast, us wiping chocolate off our dresses. 

If I want my readers to be inspired by my writing, I have to be first. Looking back over my 200+ posts I see them as a learning curve, but I'm not proud of them all. Some don't fully represent who I am now, some were clearly written in a rush to have content scheduled 3 days a week, prioritising quantity over quality. That has to stop, I need to love every piece I put out to the world, and the best way to do that is simply to write about the things that I really love, the things that show you who I really am. 

Any lifestyle blogger will know the gamble of asking your audience to read purely because they're interested in you. It feels narcissistic to say 'come and read about my life!' but I'm hoping that I can share my loves in a meaningful manner, and make this blog a cosy, positive place. I'd like to inspire people to spend time exploring coast and country, loving nature the way I do. I want to highlight small shops and local events to celebrate the hard work behind them. At the very least, I want to make people smile or smirk as they read. Maybe that will never be as popular as the top bloggers, but at least I'll be being true to myself and recording memories that really mean something to me. That's the blogger I want to be. 

Not to be hipster here, but my sister was in love with llamas and alpacas long before they were plastered on, oh, everything, so a few years back I bought her a llama walk, and for my birthday she returned the favour and gifted me an alpaca walk experience.

The alpacas live in the children's zoo at Walton Hall and Gardens in Warrington, Cheshire, and from the moment we arrived we were taken aback by how lovely a setting it is. The children's playground is immaculate, with varied and inclusive equipment, and the zoo is home to all kinds of animals, many of them rescues.

The animals we were there to see were Topaz, Jim, and Malbec, a trio of adorable alpacas. With temperatures in the 30s lately, I was worried that it would be too hot for them to walk, but we soon saw that they had been sheared and even given paddling pools to chill out. They're only taken out a maximum of 3 times a week, and always at quiet times to keep it as fun for them as it is for the visitors. We gave them leaves as a peace offering, slipped their harnesses on, and set out with keeper, Peter, alongside us.

Peter was really friendly and laidback, telling us all about the alpacas and their friends, the grounds, and the hall itself. It was given to the people of Warrington to enjoy and it totally fulfils its purpose. Not only is the hall a stunning wedding venue (and alpaca photo backdrop), there are formal gardens, crazy golf, and a huge pond filled with turtles and koi carp. It's a shame I don't live closer because it's such a relaxing, well kept place to visit.

The alpacas were so fun to walk, as they generally stayed calm and gentle but showed us their personalities as they grew used to us. Jim, the multicolour one, was the cheekiest of the trio and even had a quick bite of the flowers on my sleeves! They certainly enjoyed seeing the sights and nibbling at everything in reach, treating their walk as one big buffet. They loved throwing themselves into bushes to scratch their backs, and quite a few dog owners and visitors loved spotting us strolling down the paths.

Both of us loved the experience, and it's definitely one we won't forget in a hurry.

What would you name an alpaca?

Whenever we spot a vintage car on the road, my dad will always point it out to me and tell me the name, engine size, and usually 'I had one of those, but I gave it away'. I can't remember a word of the technical information, but his love for classic cars has passed down anyway. I love the colours of them and the little touches like matching dashboards, pleated seats, and chrome badges on the bodywork, and if I won the lottery I'm sure I'd be tempted to own a few models.

Until then, I'm happy to admire them, and my favourite park happened to play host this weekend. Placed just outside Burnley town centre, Towneley Park is built around a historic house which is now used as a museum and event space, and the grounds are filled with families, dog walkers, and, on this occasion, hundreds of motors, from Fords to Ferraris.

I couldn't possibly choose a favourite because so many cars were gorgeous for different reasons, but I was really drawn to this Riley Elf- the owner had even put vintage books, cameras, and newspaper in the car! All of the owners seemed happy to talk about their cars and it's nice that they share them at shows rather than hiding them away in garages. 

The Mini Coopers also grabbed my attention, there's just something about the dinky original model that's so lovely, particularly when they're in perfect condition. I also saw a cream Mini van which had panels rather than windows at the back which I fell pretty hard for- I could picture it filled with my shop stock and painted with my name to tootle along to craft fairs.

Along with a few army Land Rovers, I was surprised to spot this service car from the tiny town of Grassington, in Yorkshire. It's nice that it's in mint condition and really being treasured as a piece of history.

The chunky, utility, four wheel drive cars fascinate me too. Going down the motorway in a car with no doors would be alarming to say the least, but on a sunny day I'd like to take the green Scamp pictured above for a spin. They remind me of Lego cars!

Granted, modern cars are more comfortable to sit in, but classic cars definitely have better interiors. That bright yellow dashboard would jazz up even the worst drive to work! I loved the Panther embroidery, and didn't see any other car with interior embellishment like that.

I still can't remember their full names or engine sizes, but I definitely have an appreciation for classic cars and their owners. I think part of it comes from my concern for the planet and conservation, and while I understand that classic cars burn through petrol, I also see that these cars haven't been abandoned or scrapped, but restored and really cherished and displayed for other people to enjoy.

What's your favourite car?

In October last year, I went to an event with Bubbly Bex at Liverpool's Met Quarter. Not only did we get to know about the shops in the centre and their Christmas offerings, we also got a true taste of the Liverpudlian loveliness the city is known for from some of the girls who attended. 

Allie was one of them, and immediately chatted to us with warmth and welcome, telling us the best places to visit in Liverpool (why have I still not been to Bongo's Bingo?) and explaining that her blog name, Tie Dye Eyes, is inspired by her heterochromia, and her amazing different coloured irises. Her blog itself has such a colourful, eclectic design to match.

She was just as wonderful when Bex and I went along to an event she had planned at Voodou hair salon that Winter. I had stupidly chosen that day to have a foot of my hair cut off by an absolute butcher in order to donate it, and my locks were less than luscious. Surrounded by hair inspiration and glossy styles, I felt awful and couldn't stop the tears, but Allie was so reassuring and actually pulled in one of the stylists to help me. To this day, I am still so grateful. 

Not only am I thankful that I met Allie and experienced her kindness, I'm also thrilled that she introduced me to her content, which is just bursting with personality and creativity. First and foremost is her- to quote Bratz- passion for fashion, and it's easy to see that Allie has curated her own signature style, combining classic pieces with customisation and bold, vintage finds. On her blog you'll find style tips along with inspiration from her outfit posts. 

Another of her passions is Liverpool, the city she calls home. If you need an answer or recommendation, this gal is your online personal tour guide! Sadly the city seems to be a love or hate place, with people either adoring the culture and vibrancy, or believing negative stereotypes. I really respect Allie for championing her home and proving to the naysayers that it's an amazing place to be.  

While she often writes about the best of Liverpool, I'm here to say that Allie herself should be included on the list. She is one of the sweetest, most stylish bloggers I know, and someone whose content I always click on as soon as it appears on my feed, because I'm guaranteed to find something fresh, exciting, and 100% Allie.

DIVE IN:

Why I Love Living In Liverpool

60s Lookbook

How We Planned Our USA Road Trip

Why Did I Start Youtube- The Tell Me More Tag

Who have you been loving lately?

Call me crazy, but I don't like watching films. There are a few I can watch on repeat, Sister Act being one of them. I've always loved the catchy songs and Whoopi Goldberg's witty performance as the delightful Deloris Van Cartier, so when I was invited along to watch the musical tour at Blackpool Winter Gardens, I felt a strange mixture of excitement, and concern that it wouldn't quite live up to my beloved film. 

However, all my prayers were answered, and after the first 5 minutes any concern I had was replaced by a bigger worry- trying to stop myself from jumping up and dancing in the aisles! I was completely captivated, and watched the whole show in wide eyed wonder. 

Credit: Jay Brooks

A particularly wonderful part of the performance was the star, Alexandra Burke. I knew she could belt out the hits, but I had a whisper of doubt that her acting would not be as powerful. Well, she gave me a lesson straight from the Book of Revelation, and absolutely shone as a divine Deloris. She brought all of the sass, confidence, and wit that I loved from Whoopi's portrayal, and if anything, notched them up to an even higher level to bring her own brand of fun to the famous nun!

The rest of the cast did not disappoint. You may have heard of a triple threat- someone who can act, sing, and dance, but this cast even included some members who played instruments on top of it all. It was so impressive, and added an interesting element which I hadn't seen in shows before. Every member of the cast oozed talent, and truly appeared to enjoy it as much as the audience. The sisters had us in stitches, and I could easily imagine them laughing their way through rehearsals- especially with Susannah van den Berg stepping into the role of the hilarious Sister Mary Patrick so perfectly.

Spoiler alert! The show did vary from the film, introducing deeper story lines, some new comic characters and a love interest for Deloris in the form of Sweaty Eddie, portrayed by Joe Vetch. His performance was beyond brilliant, as he took Eddie from zero to hero with a stunning solo and dazzling dance moves along the way. I particularly loved that the male romance didn't become the sole saviour, and instead they helped one another equally, which is much more fitting for a diva like Deloris.

While the actors and musicians on stage were simply sublime, they couldn't have done it without choreography and direction from Craig Revel Horwood. He may be Strictly's bad guy, but his industry experience played an important part in making Sister Act so phenomenal, as did Glenn Slater's lyrics, and music from Alan Menken. He is the genius behind Tangled and The Little Mermaid, and he certainly sprinkled his magic on this show, too. Each song gave me goosebumps, and worked in perfect harmony with the performers' voices to get them raising the roof of Blackpool Winter Gardens. 

I truly hope that my review can do Sister Act justice. I was so honoured to be invited, and utterly blown away by every aspect of the show. It was one of the best nights of my life, and it's safe to say that the rest of the audience felt the same way, as we all rose during the finale to give the cast and crew a well deserved standing ovation. I thought it would be unequal to the film and I was right- it was so much better.

I owe the experience to Blackpool Winter Gardens, who kindly provided my tickets in exchange for review. The theatre itself is simply stunning, and helped to make the evening so special. 

It's fair to say than when I attended the Bloggers Blog Awards I felt more than a little out of my depth. I didn't have a blog then, so to be surrounded by people discussing SEO, the best props, and of course, those nominated for awards, was quite a shock. While I did eventually warm up a little, I mostly stuck to Bubbly Bex Beauty, and panic set in when I lost her at the bar.

Fortunately, the fates smiled on me and sent Sarah my way. This beautiful girl appeared like a magical tattooed fairy and struck up a conversation as though we had been friends for years. Ever since that chance meeting I have never seen her being anything other than welcoming and wonderful.

I have, however, seen her creating some wonderful, thought provoking pieces of artwork. Sarah recently graduated, and one of her final projects was based on human's impacts on wildlife, showing how plastic bags can choke turtles and litter endangers seabirds. Using a combination of watercolour and fine liner pens, she created seriously detailed pieces that spread her message perfectly, just like her blog, Scarlet State.

Following a vegan lifestyle means that Sarah's passion for animals and the environment flows into her writing, and she has the most amazing way of discussing these topics in a way that is inspiring and achievable, not at all scolding or out of reach. From finding cruelty free brands to recommending the best bamboo toothbrushes, Sarah shows how we can all make changes for the better, and it's easy to see how deeply she cares about what she writes. 

I also find that her blog is a place of happiness and confidence. It gives the impression that Sarah is a very balanced, well rounded person, comfortable in her skin and her place in the world. It's sadly rare to find that, and her tone makes for a refreshing and encouraging read. 

DIVE IN

Wild Swimming in Windermere

I remember the day that Sarah journeyed to The Lakes and shared snaps of her swimming her stresses away. She was so carefree and happy, I started to wonder if she was a secret mermaid. This post really reflects her free spirit and love for nature.

5 Things We Need To Stop Buying

Who knew that switching your plastic straw for metal or glass could save a sea turtle? After reading this post I vowed never to buy them again, and ran straight out to buy a reusable water bottle. Not only did Sarah give me some immediate ideas, but she planted the inspiration to constantly look for changes I can easily make.

Celebrating 21 Years In My Body

We are all guilty of scrutinising that stretchmark rather than celebrating the growth it commemorates, and this is where Sarah's wisdom and self ease shines. This post, thanking her body, is one I would recommend to absolutely everyone.

LINKS

Twitter: SarahJDocker

Instragram: SarahJDocker

Commissions: Sarah Jane Docker Illustration