Car Camping in the Peak District

This was my first ever car camping experience back in May, and it was incredible. Fast forward several weeks and I was in a car accident (recovery has been slow but doing better) and this never got posted. However, I had such a fantastic time and for anyone out there thinking of doing this I wanted to share some of my experience because I found there wasn't a tonne on this online or at least not in the way I wanted to do it. 

You see, I don't really camp, but I have recently (as in the last 1-2 years) felt the urge to spend more time in nature and so wanted to do it in a way that felt right for me. Meaning, still as comfortable as possible but retaining the element of adventure and not staying in a hotel. 

Being that I drive an SUV (Hyundai Tucson), the back seats fold flat and it's actually really easy to create a comfortable bed. This trip was the trial run and last weekend I drove to Edinburgh for a conference and needed to stop on the way.

On this Peak District trip, my friend and I both shared the car space and it was a bit tight so personally for comfort I would recommend just one person sleeping per car unless yours is bigger or you are planning on spooning the person you go with. I also hadn't figured out how to remove the boot cover (which turns out is mega easy - check youtube out for this if unsure) so that made it feel less spacious too. Thirdly I used a camping mattress and yoga mat = not that comfy, but on my last trip I got a regular blow up bed and it was a game changer. Kept bedding as normal meaning no sleeping bag. This was cold on the last trip so needs improving if I go again this Autumn/Winter. The last thing on my  to-do list for future adventures aside from warmer bedding is window covers, and I have ordered some Reflectix from Amazon that I'm planning to cut out and install soon. 

Have you ever car camped?! If so, how was it? I remain utterly obsessed with van life videos and so really love this. It also means I can pack generously without the worry of carrying items, or needing to build anything (eg a tent). If travelling solo, it also feels a lot safer. The Peak District is such a wonderful place to visit, and if you can I highly recommend visiting. We stayed at the Laneside Caravan Park, which was lovely and they had great ammenities. It's also well located for hiking trails, so once we parked up we just walked which was very relaxing. 

Striped Summer Dress

 TKMaxx Dress (similar here & here) | Mango Clutch Bag (similar) | Zara Slides (similar) | Primark Headband (similar)

This dress may be my best Summer clothing find (and incidentally one of the few items I purchased - double win). It's flattering, can be dressed up or down but mostly makes the perfect floaty dress for hot weather and allows you to look like you tried when really you just threw it on.

The wooden clutch has been in my wardrobe for years and years since I was at university so well over 5 years, you can see me wearing it here for example. I really like pieces that are made out of earthly items (if that even makes sense), like wood or straw (eg the slides here) as it's much easier for some of these items to look high end and expensive than it is for a cloth item to do that. 

I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend (if you're in the UK), and if abroad that the Sun is still shining and Summer dresses can be worn for at least a little while longer. 

White Summer Dress

Zara Dress (similar here & here) | Zara Wedges (similar here & here) | Zara Bag (similar here & here)

This week I'm off work, and yesterday we went kayaking along the canals which was so peaceful and definitely one of my favourite activities in the Summer. We also had record high temperatures Monday and Tuesday but managed to get through it. Day dreaming of a swimming pool all day everyday though... 

This outfit is a favourite, you just can't go wrong with a classic white Summer dress (unless of course you spilt something on it...). These wedges are also a classic, and I have owned them for about 4-5 years now and they are super comfy. One thing I want to do less is buy new clothing. I just want to have a good wardrobe that can be re-worn over the years because all the items remain a classic and comfortable option. 

How do you feel about your wardrobe? Do you still feel it's lacking, or is it mainly trendy items you shop for these days?

 

Phuket Travels

 

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary -  highly recommend!

View from the hotel hammock - Hotel Renaissance

Playing tourist on James Bond Island - in the bay of Phang Nga

I loved visiting Phuket, it was a true tropical holiday and the elephant sanctuary was a fantastic place to visit. A lot of people still don't know how bad riding the elephants is, and this sanctuary really teaches you what the elephants need and tells you some of their stories of how they came to be in the sanctuary and the places they were rescued from (eg riding, logging and the circus). You also get to feed them, and even join them for a mud bath which was an experience I will never forget. 

We also did a couple of boat trips with the Seastar company, and they were very well staffed with snacks and refreshments throughout the trip plus of course lunch. The islands we got to tour were spectacular, and the staff was very knowledgeable as what is best to see based on the weather conditions, so be prepared to have it altered (but it's worth it). One day we did Phi phi islands and the other we visited James Bond Island along with a floating village (and the best part, kayaking in a lagoon area!). 

On every trip, you also need a good hotel day and we had some of those too which was perfect as our hotel was very quiet and secluded. If you aren't looking to be in the town and near all the hustle and bustle, then I would definitely recommend the Renaissance hotel. They have restaurants, and even great room service along with being right on the beach. 

Now we did go in Monsoon season, so the recommended time to visit is more November to February but we got very lucky and it really only rained at night or for very short periods of time during the day (and always when we were on route in the boat or in the car, or at the hotel). You may not get that lucky, so it's good to be aware of this. However, it is still super warm so that isn't an issue!

Let me know if you have visited any of these before. 

Pink Maxi Dress

Nasty Girl Dress (similar one, two and three) | Guess Jelly Sandals (similar)

Last month I flew to Thailand for the first time (Asia in general for the first time!), and it was incredible. I will be compiling a travel post together to share on here too. We stayed in Phuket the whole time, and it was a true holiday. You know how sometimes you end up doing so much it doesn't feel like a holiday when you get back? This one was a great combination of seeing some beautiful areas, but also lots of relaxing. 

This dress has sat in my wardrobe since the beginning of 2020 (aside from a brief outing on my birthday that year), and it was crying to be worn. It's a very floaty and easy material, and you can see the bottom got a bit wet (courtesy of Monsoon season) but it dried very quickly. I love this sort of dress, the one you can just throw on it and it works, and looks like you put in far more effort than you actually did. You could also wear this dress with a heeled sandal and go for a more put together look. 

Wishing everyone a fabulous Summer, hooray it's July!! 

Transition Dress Winter to Spring

 Reiss Dress (similar here & here) | Dune Boots (similar) | Asos Sunglasses (similar) 

Do you have a dress or two in your wardrobe that literally is perfect for almost any occasion or season? This is one of mine, and I love it. It's super comfortable, but also a thicker material so perfect for colder days. The best part is it's super stretchy and flattering no matter how many pies you had for dinner. I'm pretty sure Reiss is my new favourite place to shop, but I do tend to restrict it to Sale season. 

This weekend we had perfect weather, and all the buttercups were out in the fields. If you're in the British countryside you will also have likely spotted lots of lambs, which just makes any walk that much more special. This week I'm back on night shifts, so that's always my least favourite time but it has the potential to be quiet and sometimes I can get lots done. Other times not. 

I'm really looking forward to the days continuing to warm up, and getting to spend more time outdoors. Who knew I would become such a lover of the country life?! Not me.

Cashmere Cardigan and Skinny Jeans

J.Crew Cashmere Cardigan (similar) | Levi's Jeans | Clarks Boots (similar) | Coach Bag (similar here & here) | Zara Faux Fur Jacket (similar) | Tous Earrings (similar)

You may know by now that last year I truly discovered cashmere jumpers, and have been obsessed ever since. They are I investment pieces, but keep you so warm in the winter it allows for less layers (and I'm very much a 'cold' person). A couple months ago I found a UK company that specialises in repurposing cashmere, so you can find great pieces at a lower cost and have the added bonus of reducing your carbon footprint. It's called Nearly New Cashmere and I would highly recommend it. Every piece is unique, so if you like something in your size don't sit on it too long. 

This weekend is beautiful, and I'm typing this from my lounge chair in the courtyard during my study break. Exam is just weeks away! Excited to be done with studying for a little while again, and very much looking forward to Summer. Hoping to post some travel content (fingers and toes crossed!).