February will always be better than January, and this year was no exception (thank goodness). A month that includes the following is good…
…A luxury staycation at the Chewton Glen….
It’s where my obsession with luxury travel began, and it was a pleasure to return for Mr P’s birthday!
… Weekends exploring more of our backyard…
We’ve started picking places for pub walks that we don’t know so well to help us house hunt. This time it was Kingley Vale, some of whose trees are the oldest living things in the UK.
… Sparkly lights and new restaurants in Southampton…
We have a new set of restaurants, and a 4th cinema. Not sure about the need for another cinema but I’m pleased to see Byron, Wahaca and Thaikun on our doorstep. And the lights. The lights were great fun, even for big kids!
… A weekend away with friends in Dorset, on Symondsbury Estate…
What a way to celebrate a birthday – in a country pile in the gorgeous spring sunshine, in our, er, socks and slippers!!
… Lunch on the beach in Westbay where we got engaged in 2009…
The view hasn’t changed a bit, I took the same picture I’d taken the day we got engaged. We had fish and chips this time, that was a good addition! And Broadchurch (set in Westbay) is back, and as good as ever!
… The arrival of spring and daffodils…
Specifically in the garden, the return of the daffs that we had as our table centre at our wedding 7 years ago!
… Getting back into running in the sunshine…
There isn’t that much prettiness in the city of Southampton, but I love that my running route takes me to the nice bit, Southampton Common.
… The requirement to eat ones body weight in pancakes…
Apologies, there are no pictures here, we were too busy eating!
… And meeting a few other animals…
Sadly no picture of a blue tit. At one point this month there was clear nesting, but it seems like something ‘got’ the blue tits.
And February ends with the arrival of birthday month! There’s nothing not to like about March? Birthday treats, vegan ladies lunch at Offbeet in Wickham, a return to the Chewton Glen to try out the new restaurant, a stay at Cliveden House and a long weekend in Lisbon. Can’t wait!
February looks very relaxing and fun Anna! Your daffodils are gorgeous and how cute that they were on your wedding table xx
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I just tried to find a free weekend and there aren’t any until May… glad we had a quiet couple of months!!
What a fabulous month Anna! I’m definitely looking forward to exploring more of the UK once we come home, especially the countryside. I’ve missed out on pancakes this year too so I’ll let you know how I fare in eating my own body weight in pancakes 🙂 . Happy Birthday too!
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It will be such a treat to be home, as exotic as your trip is! Don’t tell but I had another pancake last night with some leftover Yorkshire pudding batter!
Love seeing the first signs of Spring!! And I need to plan a trip back to Chewton Glen
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Feeling like spring has momentarily disappeared after I got caught in a hail storm this evening!
Aw I love your pictures, especially the animal ones, and super jealous of Chewton Glen. I am a massive daffodil fan too, I don’t think there’s a flower more full of joy, they always put a smile on my face.
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It is the prettiest – I think because it is so simple and they are just everywhere growing wild too
I walk past the new Watermark development several times a week, but not been in yet! And Chewton Glen is a stone’s throw from my parents in New Milton but…you’ve guessed it…not been in there either!!
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I suspect I will never use the cinema (why do we need anywhere apart from Harbour Lights) but the extra options on deliveroo are great!
Have to agree with you and Jai about the daffodils. They are guaranteed to put a smile on my face. I too am very jealous about Chewton Glen. A return visit is long overdue. And I absolutely adore walking in Kingley Vale and the fabulous old yew trees. There’ s also a very nice cafe called Wellies that does excellent lunches near there.
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We are back for supper on Tuesday at the new casual dining kitchen that opens next month – can’t wait! Good tip on Wellies – I suspect we will be back with bikes in the summer so will make a note
Sounds like a great month – so pleased that spring is on the way finally, I’ve got my vase of daffodils on my mantlepiece too to brighten up my office/lounge! Westbay looks beautiful, another one to add to my UK must-visit list.
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That bit of the Dorset coast is stunning!
What a lovely month! WestBay looks so gorgeous. I too am loving all the signs of spring around 🙂
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The place sparkles in spring, I am so much happier when I get a sniff of spring! Westbay of Broadchurch fame these days….