Scotland Trip – part 1

Posted on November 18, 2020 by myeye1

I went to Scotland in the Summer with my sister and her family and having spent a day in the Peak district, the next day we continued driving north to our destination, Scotland.

On the drive up we could see the landscape change. The view became more hilly and the greens became deeper and more lush. With the grey clouds chasing us the view became quite dramatic but so beautiful.

Once we arrived at the hotel we checked in, found somewhere to have dinner and then had an early night.

The next day we spent at a theme park so the kids could have some fun (and me of course). We walked through the nearby country park to the rides on what was a bright, beautiful day. Quite a change from the day before.

We spent some time on the rides, and then we visited the small indoor rainforest which was also on site. Here they had some quite impressive species, and we spent time marvelling at the different and some quite deadly animals we could see.

We spent the afternoon at a park as the sun was out with some friends of my sister and her family who then invited us back to theirs for dinner, which was a nice end to the day.

Chatsworth House

Posted on October 23, 2020 by myeye1

Earlier in the year my sister was kind enough to invite me to go away with her and her family for a few days to Scotland. We were driving up so we decided to make a stop on the way to break up the long journey from London. We stopped around half way at the Peak District and while we weren’t able to spend any time in the country park I did suggest going to Chatsworth House, a place I’ve wanted to go to for years (as any Pride and Prejudice fan will understand).

Driving towards the house I suddenly spotted it sitting in the amazing green landscape with the Peaks as it’s backdrop. I couldn’t wait to get a closer look.

We only had an afternoon so we decided to explore the gardens where we could also have a picnic instead of going inside the house. The gardens were huge and were broken down in different parts. There were flowery gardens which were organised and had some very pretty flowers in them.

There was also the Victorian rock garden where I didn’t know what to expect but I was quite impressed with. The kids (and some adults) seemed to love climbing up the rock sculptures which were scattered at different heights. We ended up climbing quite high after following steps to wherever they took us.

There was the Cascade Fountain on the grounds too, which had water flowing down a long pathway of steps. It was quite an amazing feature due to it’s size and how perfectly it sat in with the slope of the hillside.

Walking on, we found a maze which was sadly closed but I loved the gate at the parameters which seemed to be in the shape of the face of a certain gentleman perhaps.

We finally made out way around to the other side of Chatsworth house, where there was a huge fountain called the Emperor fountain. We had actually spotted the water shooting high up in the air on our drive down and wondered what it was. The water shoots up upto 300 feet into the air.

The Emperor fountain sits in front of the house. Here was the iconic view from the films and photos that we always see. The house was simply stunning in all grandeur.

The house had been celebrating dogs so there were statues of them scattered statues around the house. Maybe a good idea to help give the house some scale.

Having spent some time taking pictures and admiring the house we started making our way towards the gift shop and then the car as the kids (and the rest of us) were tired and the dark clouds that had been present all afternoon had finally decided to let loose and pour down on us. I really enjoyed our visit and it’s a place I can finally tick off my bucket list. I really hope I can come back one day and explore the house and walk further into the grounds. A memorable visit for sure.

The Old New Inn Model Village

Posted on September 25, 2020 by myeye1

I’ve always wanted to visit a model village, but have never been able to until now. On the way home from the Confetti Flower Fields we were passing by The Old New Inn Model Village so we decided to stop and take a look.

The model village is the only Grade II listed model village in the country and was first open to the public in 1937. Thee village is made up of older building and has been updated to include new shops as the times have changed.

The shops have have a lot of detail, you can see products in the windows and people sitting at mini tables. To give an idea of scale I asked my sisters to pose next to some houses.

There was a church model that when you got close enough to you could hear a choir singing, a mini zoo with penguins splashing and a little greenhouse with a gardeners and lots of mini pots and a barbeque. There was also a model famous red phone box, which was lovely to see.

One of my favourite things in the model village was a replica of the model village, which also had another replica of the model village!

There was also a model replica of the author Thomas Hardy’s cottage which is is the area (Dorset). He was born in the area and stayed to write a number of novels.

The details that had been put into the model buildings was impressive. Shops windows with products, gardens with plants and one that even a real mini pear tree that had pears growing on it. It’s nice to see that the attraction had been maintained for so many years and that it was well looked after, reflecting the town in modern times as well as old. It was an enjoyable visit and a fun detour.

Eid-ul-Adha 2020/1441: Eid Mubarak

Posted on July 31, 2020 by myeye1

Eid today will mean so much more to many of us, not just because we weren’t able to spend the last Eid together but because we have all been through so much. I hope that this Eid we don’t take our loved ones for granted; to be able to see them, spend time with them, to hug and laugh with them. I pray that this pandemic across the world eases, that our prayers for ourselves and loved one are granted and that the world is a kinder, more generous and considerate one due to our trials this year.

Eid Mubarak everyone. Taqabbal Allahu Minna Wa Minkum (May Allah accept it from you and us).

Beautiful Peonies

Posted on July 28, 2020 by myeye1

I decided to treat myself to some peonies having seen some in the shops. Peonies are one of my favourites flowers, so I couldn’t resist. I waited a few days for the flowers to open up and for the the lush, full bodied petals to unfold. What always surprises me about this flower is that the buds are so tight and small but there’s so many petals all folded within it.

The dramatic look and volume of the petals look amazing and the smell of the pink peonies was sweet and really fragrant. I thought the pink tinge on the petals tips of the white peonies, looked lovely, adding just a touch of colour.

I love the texture of the petals too. and how the pollen inside the flower is tucked away like a secret.

Sadly peonies don’t last very long but they brightened up my day whenever I caught sight of them or picked up the scent. Sometimes you really do just need to stop and smell the roses, as life would be a lot less beautiful without them.

Ramadan Mubarak 2020/1441

Posted on April 25, 2020 by myeye1

The holy month of Ramadan begins this week, and all around the world Muslims are fasting from sunrise to sunset. This year will be a unique one for us all, as there will be no gatherings at the mosque for evening prayers and no iftars (breaking of fasts) with extended kin, friends and the community. Instead we will all be spending more time at home with family, spending time praying and reflecting on our faith and it’s teachings, and to hoping to re-connect with God. I pray that mankind gets through this difficult time in good health, keeping our selves and our loved ones safe, and that our we all are kinder and more generous to each other when this is all over. Ramadan Mubarak to you all.

Here’s to 2019

Posted on December 31, 2019 by myeye1

It’s the last day of 2019 and as always I like to share some of my favourite photos of the year gone by. I know I’ve been somewhat lacklustre in my posting this year but I still was able to visit some lovely places like the quaint Groomsbridge in Kent, the beautiful rose garden in Regents park, and celebrate my cousin’s wedding. I hope you all had an amazing year and were able to tick things off your lists of things to see and do.

Here’s hoping that 2020 is a year and the start of a new decade of happiness, good health, and fullfillment of our dreams. I also hope the world is a more peaceful, calmer place than it has been. Happy New Year to you all.

Eid-ul-Adha 2019/1440

Posted on August 11, 2019 by myeye1

Happy Eid to everyone who is celebrating Eid-ul-Adha. I hope you all have a great day with your families and friends, enjoying lots of nice food and receiving gifts. Taqabbal Allahu Minna Wa Minkum (May Allah accept it from you and us).

Floral Bridal Shower

Posted on July 10, 2019 by myeye1

My cousin is getting married later this month so to start the celebrations my sisters and I decided to throw her a bridal shower. The theme was pinks and florals and we spent weeks buying and organising all the decorations, food and entertainment for the day.

We had a sweet table in the colour scheme and my youngest sister and I strung up colourful balloons to complete the look.

We had pink and pastel sweets and drinks, and arranged lanterns, frames and other decorations to complete the look. My younger sister made the wonderful pink ombre chocolate cake and we had the sweet favour boxes personalised to give out to guests later in the day.

My sisters and I also made several gift baskets, adding pink ribbons, to give to the bride.

We decorated the garden as a way to make the most of the nice weather and the extra space. We strung lacey and pink bunting and balloons to match those above the sweet table. We also put a floral backdrop against the shed for people to take photos in front of.

After a late lunch we played games, there was bridal bingo and pass the bouquet among a couple of others that were quite fun and got everyone excited and up on their feet. People also had the chance to take selfies using the selfie frame my oldest sister made.

My cousin really enjoyed the day and appreciated the effort we made to make it all special for her and everyone else really enjoyed themselves too which made all the stress and effort worthwhile.

Eid Celebrations

Posted on June 11, 2019 by myeye1

Eid is usually a hectic but fun filled affair at our house. Everyone comes over to eat my mum’s delicious lunch and then stays for conversation, food and games.

My youngest sister kindly bought some Eid balloons which we put up.

I didn’t get a chance to take many photos as it was a full house with 16 adults and 9 children and with other relatives dropping by at various intervals (our latest guests left at 11.30pm!), but I managed to get few photos of gifts that we shared with one another. Traditionally children are given money and sweets are shared among the adults but in our family we try and give each other gifts when we can. I love that my mum still doesn’t think we’re too old to receive Eid money, even if others do.

I bought these initial mugs for my sisters that I thought were quite unique.

And for all my little nieces I ended up with a rainbow theme of t-shirt, bracelets, sweets and other little bits. They were so excited to receive a bag of colourful goodies.

My eldest sister decorated and personalised these boxes for each of us that I thought was really nice. I loved my ombre clutch, which will go perfectly with an outfit I plan to wear at a family wedding next month. I also got lots of chocolate and a scented rose (which I forgot to include a picture of) from my other sisters.

We all had a great day which was full of lovely clothes, amazing food and smiles. I hope that others celebrating Eid had a lovely day as much as we all did.