More than we bargained for

I'm the sort of trip planner that plans ahead but doesn't quite get around to booking, and then when I'm sure we're going I'll go back to the plans and realise the place I wanted is fully booked, so it all starts again. But not this time - I'd done half the research while we had that sneaky weekend away in February, and I'd even remembered to book the hotel too.

As quite often happens there was a luxury room available, but here it was only an extra twenty pounds. So seduced by the luxury tag I opted for that, quite unprepared for what that might bring. I knew there'd be a bedroom and bathroom, and wasn't disappointed, and there were some nice touches.

White bedlinen, squishy beds, velour dressing gowns and great accessories and in the bathroom full size toiletries.  Everything you could want in a bedroom billed as luxury.

The more than we bargained for bit, was apparent as soon as we walked into the room. And that was a kitchenette and living room, which we were totally not expecting. In fact so not expecting that I was soon on the website checking that I hadn't clicked on the wrong option, or that I'd missed all this information.

Turns out I didn't mess up or miss it, it wasn't there. But after a longer drive than we thought, courtesy of bad weather and too many cars on the road, it was just what was needed. I've said before that self catering is our preferred style for holidays, and that's partly because you get somewhere normal to sit, and don't end up camped out on the bed just for somewhere to sit.

We didn't make much use of the kitchenette - bar for making quite a few cups of tea, and with a good restaurant downstairs in the pub and breakfast included in the cost, I'm not sure you'd need to make much use of it at all.  My only criticism is that with a proper fridge it would have been nice to have proper milk and if we'd been there for longer we would have done. 

Isn't it surprising where crochet turns up?  What surprised me though was the granny square front had been attached to a more glitzy and existing cushion cover.  MOH was rolling his eyes at the inspection of the "knitting" and I'm not sure he got the explanation of why they're different.

The verdict though on our stay at the Bower Inn was definitely a thumbs up - and if we're nearby, we'd stay there again. I've a feeling that it's a busy and buzzing place as the weather warms up. So if you're looking for somewhere to stay in Bridgwater, this could be just the place.

Cannington's Cacti

Did you know that at approximately one fifth of the Earth's land surface is desert? No me neither, but nearly 10 million square kilometres (or 3.9 million miles) is true desert, where rainfall is extremely low. I learnt this, and more, in the Arid Zone in the Botanical Glasshouse at the Walled Gardens of Cannington.

As we know deserts aren't devoid of plants, but the plants have adapted to their conditions to store and make the most of the water available. While I know very few of the cacti names, that doesn't stop me admiring them, that means in this post there's few, if any, plant names, but there are some great plants.

See what I mean?

The symmetry and patterns from cacti are fascinating. As are the succulents, I couldn't resist shoving my phone almost into the succulent below to capture the texture and colour.

I was pleased - and amused - to spot more Cowboys' Bums, which still has to be the best plant name ever.  Perhaps it's a coincidence, but I last spotted them in Cornwall, so are they a South West thing?

I wasn't expecting to be hit with this lime green-yellow flower though, it's as exquisite as any cactus in this biome, it's stunning isn't it?  

There were plenty of cacti to follow, the one below doing its best to blend in to the gravel, no doubt another survival ploy.

And don't be fooled, these look fluffy, but are far from fluffy.  I tried.

We had the glasshouse to our self and it was great to be able to get up close to the plants, capturing the water drops on the cactus below.

As we were leaving and even I thought I couldn't take any more photos of cacti, I proved myself wrong, as I spotted this snail snoozing quite comfortably in the prickliest of places.

There were six biomes - or areas - in the glasshouse and this post covers just one of them. There is another photo I'm sharing on my Facebook page today which really made me smile. It's not a great photo, but pop over there and maybe it'll make you smile too.

Post Comment Love and Blogger Showcase 16-18 March

Hello there and welcome to another Friday and the weekly linky I co-host with Morgan.  It's great to see you every week, and if you were here last week thank you - it was great to read your posts. If you're new here this week then welcome, it's good to have you along. 

This week I've realised that despite all my planning - and I love to plan - I've also become a bit of a last minute girl. I'm not sure when, or how that happened, but it has and so once again I'm writing my post at the last minute.  It seems a bit of an anomaly to me to be a planner, but also last minute.

Or is it because I plan I'm comfortable leaving things to the last minute as I've already worked out how to tackle something, and the last minute part is just implementation. Who knows?  What is more than likely is that I'm already planning the next thing, so at times (well, often) plan more than I can actually do, but in my defence I do do the doing, at some point too.

But it's interesting isn't it? Are you the same, or do you have your feet firmly in one camp? I'm intrigued, as for me research mostly always precedes the planning, and becomes part of the planning process. 

I guess it's all about balance, which leads me nicely onto this week's photo:

This garden seat, in the Walled Gardens of Cannington in Somerset caught my eye as soon as I stepped into the Australasian garden. We stopped off for a walk around the gardens and to explore the botanical glasshouses alongside an overnight stay (in a hotel, not the glasshouse) before heading to Devon for the weekend.

I've many more photos to share, so look out for those soon.  I've a few more garden visits planned while we're in this neck of the woods so I'm fully anticipating to spend some time sorting, editing and wading through plenty of photos.

Blogger Showcase: Urszula

1. Who are you?

My name is Urszula Makowska. I am a growing social media influencer, full time fashion blogger, and actress born and raised in the heart of New York City. Growing up in Brooklyn, I attended dance class for five years and completed my certificate in acting.

As an actress, I am best known for my role on MTV's show Catfish Season 5B Episode 1: Lucas & Many. Since the episode aired, MTV filmed a follow up with me, in February of 2017, adding the footage into the original episode.

Professionally, I graduated with a Bachelor's of Business Administration degree in Visual Merchandising from LIM College in 2016. For years I worked in social media and public relations. Today, I am currently working as a merchandiser for Full Beauty Brands and I am working on my blogging career. 

Urszulala is the name of my fashion blog and it was formerly, launched as Fash Fab in 2012 by me in the early development of my fashion career. 

2. How did you discover blogging?

Once I started college, I decided I wanted to be a stylist and thought "wow blogging is sort of the way to go." I can create looks and share it with world. I also loved to write and decided to give it a chance. So, one day after class I just started my own site.

3. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging in the early stage of my fashion career, basically from scratch. I was strictly blogging about fashion at the time, I shared my daily fashion inspirations, outfits, and tips with viewers with hope of inspiring them with my taste because that is what I wanted to do. I really wanted to inspire others out there with my style and my visual creativity.

For me, personally, it was a work of art to create looks and write. I was doing what I loved and following my dreams, while seeing how much I really change throughout my college years. Today, it has become a full time job for me and through my blog and instagram, I have affiliated and partnered with major brands such as Aveda, NYLON, Amika, Christian Dior, LA MER, I SAW IT FIRST, Cartier, Estee Lauder, Givenchy, Daniel Wellington, and many other brands.

4. What do you find most challenging?

I had a difficult time branding myself in the beginning. I was in the early stages of really learning a lot about myself and my style. I had to learn a lot on my own and really figure out who I am and what my style is. Once I figured that out (which took me a year), what was once known as Fash Fab, soon became re-branded to Urszulala.

I took my blog a step into the darker side of fashion. The darker and edgier look has grown the blog's popularity. The bold eyebrows and cat eyes became my signature look. Furthermore the blog has expanded into beauty, lifestyle, and travel that has inspired others. I've gotten far to having my site featured from Elle PL, MTV, Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, and many other publications.

5. What is your favorite topic to write about?

Fashion, fashion, fashion! I just love fashion, but I also love to write about travel, instagram tips, and beauty. I have a strong passion for everything I do. I put my whole heart into it.

6. Are you blogging for fun or do you have goals?

I do it for fun and it has also become a full time job. In response to the second question, as bloggers we all have goals. I definitely have goals set that I plan to achieve. I plan to push myself further and further as a blogger.

7. What is your favorite thing about blogging?

I love being able to create, write, and share. It is a form of art. I feel free and this is what I love to do. I love being a role model to others and inspiration to others. I want everyone to feel amazing about themselves and to be successful.

8. Have you ever attended a blogging conference and if so, what did you think?

Yes, I have. I love blogger meet-ups and conferences. It is always a pleasure to meet new people and network. It is actually extremely important to network and maintain relationships. Also, it is a great learning opportunity. You always learn something new.

9. What are your 3 best posts?

They are related to fashion!

10. Describe yourself in three words.

Humble, kind, and outgoing.

11. Are you a tea and biscuits or coffee and cake person?

Can I choose both? Haha! I love coffee and cake. I have a sweet tooth and I can't help it, but I also love tea and biscuits. This is the hardest question I've ever had. I cannot choose two over the other two.

12. What's your idea of a perfect night out?

My perfect idea of a perfect night out is dressing up and going out with my ladies somewhere spontaneous. Also, having dinner and just spending time together with non-stop laughter.

13. What would your best friend/OH/mum or kid say is your best quality?

Everyone would say that I'm the most nicest person anyone will ever meet. I have a big heart and I am the type of person you can count on no matter what. I always love to help. 

Thanks for sharing more about you and your blog Urszula.  If you're reading this and are interested in being featured in a future Blogger Showcase then please get in touch with either Morgan and I.

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