Burgh Castle

A couple of Sundays ago we had a couple of errands to do which meant us going a little bit out of town. As a treat for being good, and to let off some energy, I mentioned to the boys that we could go for a walk and an explore at a local heritage site.
Harry is also learning about castles at school at the moment so I thought it would be interesting for him too.

We walked along a boardwalk which seemed to be covered with dragonflies. There were hundreds, I have never seen so many in my life. Although at this point our explore came to a sudden halt as Harry needed the toilet and there were none around, meaning a brisk walk back to the car and then a journey home.

The weather was surprisingly warm and we weren't all that prepared for it. However we went for a lovely walk and didn't actually realise how beautiful it is at Burgh Castle.
The site is perfect for two boys who want to explore and climb, and perfect for someone like me who wants to take photos of anything and everything.

The Irish Coast | Ireland 2016 In Photos

Kilmainham Gaol | Ireland 2016 In Photos

I was looking through my computer recently at my photos from mine and my brothers roadtrip to Ireland last year. Despite posting about Kilmainham Gaol (jail) I found lots of photos I hadn't shared and I ended up falling in love with the gaol all over again. Also completely forgetting about the beautiful, simple love letter that I saw in the museum part.
Definitely a must visit if you ever go to Ireland.

Five Things to Check When Buying a New Home

Buying a new house is the biggest purchase we will make (in most cases) and although incredibly exciting, it can be overshadowed by how daunting it can be.
With so many checks to do, so many people to rely on, and various deadlines you can understand why it's one of the most stressful things we go through.

Below are five things to check when buying a new home.

Damp

This can be hard to look out for on an initial visit to the house so any second, or further viewings, could reveal this a little more. Look around window frames, ceilings and skirting to see if there are any flaky areas, and check for any signs of a damp smell. If the room looks like it has been repainted this could also be a sign of damp areas being covered. A clever eye and asking the right questions will help reveal this.

Structure

Signs of a house being structurally sound are pretty obvious. Hairline cracks aren't so bad and too much to worry about, but big cracks can show signs of problems. If the house has an extension or a bay window, it is best to check around here for any signs of cracks or structural damage.

Asbestos

For me, just hearing 'asbestos' brings fear and although it's not something I would know to look out for, it is incredibly important that it is checked. This is more likely to be found in older houses so it's worth asking questions to the owners, estate agents about the property or any outbuildings. If you do have any concerns it is worth looking into having a survey done on the property, just for peace of mind.

Click here for information on asbestos, the dangers and what to look out for. 

Windows

Replacing windows can be expensive. Inspecting the windows can be not only be helpful when checking for damp and structure, but also for energy reasons too. Any gaps in the window panes will obviously let cool air in and will let out your hot air. Check for rot around any wooden window panes

 and for any condensation in between double glazing.

Photo Credit Olya /Voloshka - Unsplash

Electrical Points

Check any plugs, sockets, and light switches in the house. Rewiring a house is expensive, and unless you are buying a house with the intentions of doing it up and have it in your budget to change and fix electrical work, it is best to suss this out in the beginning. Not only because of costs, but for your own safety too.

A Dunlop Girl

I still surprise myself when it comes to my passion with the TT and the Dunlops in particular.
I thrive on any excuse to talk to someone new about the TT, about the Isle of Man, about the riders, my experiences. And how it changed my life.

I find it can be a little intimidating. Being a woman who is into the sport, who isn't just about "oh, I like men in leathers" but to be someone who is actually passionate about the sport. Someone who will talk and talk and talk about it until someones ears are bleeding.

I hated bikes.
I wasn't interested at all at going to watch them. I knew the names of two riders, and their uncle and dad who died doing their passion, and that was it.

But the person I am today, knows a lot more.
I want to understand the sport. I feel passionate about it. When I'm on the island I don't want to miss a race.
I get slightly moody and grumpy if Michael or William retire and are no longer in the running. I still support other racers but my heart lies with the Dunlops. Because they unknowingly, changed my life.
Watching them, watching video footage of their father and their uncle, made me understand the sport. To forget about my initial thoughts of them being selfish and putting their lives at risk thinking only of themselves.
They made me understand that this is their life. This is what they want to do, and people around them support it.
And even more so...they have an amazing talent.

There is something about watching them throw themselves around a bike at a ridiculous speed on normal roads with lumps, bumps, hills and corners that makes you stand in awe. They seem almost super human.

This year I met other riders, I didn't want to meet Michael and William again (wait, I wanted to but chose not to because I met them last year and had a good experience) and it gave me the opportunity to widen my thoughts and to understand others passions and abilities a little more.
There are other riders I now support, other riders that in some races I supported and thought deserved to win, but heart will always belong to the Dunlops.
That family who changed my life for the better. Unknowingly.

Ballintoy Harbour | Ireland 2016

I love the Isle of Man a lot. But there is a place in particular on the island that I call my happy place.
Having visited that part of the island twice now it has a firm place in my heart and will always be my breathing space. The place I go and will not be told how much time I have to stay there and will happily go off on my own to sit, take photos, and this year meditate and do my cards.

When my brother and I visited Ireland last year we came across one of the most stunning places I have ever been too. Looking at the photos makes me fall in love with it again, even though the photos don't really do it justice at all.

During our Eastern Northern Ireland road trip we drove through and stopped in a lot of different towns and villages.
This stunning coastline is situated in the village of Ballintoy. And is the small fishing harbour.

As well as being an absolutely beautiful spot to stop and take in rural Irish life and the stunning views and landscape, it is also the perfect place to stop if you are a Game of Thrones fan as this area was used to film some of the scenes.

You'll find filming locations all over the island, even as someone who doesn't watch Game of Thrones, I was amazed to see which locations they used especially when then viewing those scenes on Youtube and seeing how different it looked on the show.

If I am lucky enough to visit Ireland again, Ballintoy will be high on my list of places to revisit.