The National Trust….a national treasure

March 30, 2018March 30, 2018 hansjonesLeave a comment

Mr PB and I were married at a National Trust venue – The Vyne near Basingstoke. A romantic ceremony in the stone gallery and the party of all parties in a set of Stunning Tents in the walled garden.

So, you would think that we have been avid members of the Trust for years. Well, whilst we had membership post our wedding day, we didn’t visit many of the houses or gardens apart from our wedding anniversary visit back to the gardens at The Vyne.

As a child, visiting a national trust property always felt like a chore. Attractive to the older generation, it felt like an extended history lesson.

But over the years, The National Trust have genuinely upped their family game, offering so much more than dusty, cold rooms in large homes with some gardens to look at but not touch!

Since becoming parents, we have explored, walked, laughed and smiled around so many of the houses and gardens that I’ve come to realise that this organisation is something special.

Where else can you have a slice of delicious cake and pot of tea, a wander through stately country homes and then play chase on the lawns.

Here are some of my favourites:

The Vyne, Basingstoke – of course it holds a special place in my heart but it has grown over the years to be a chosen destination for families for picnic on the lawn. The addition of a small play area for children with bouncing cows, ride on tractors and push along lawn mowers is great as well as the ability to visit to renovation being carried out on the roof.

Mottisfont, Winchester – with expansive lawns surrounding the stately home, there is plenty of room to play and have a picnic. A beautiful river walk and the choice of 2-3 great tea rooms/restaurants makes this a great meeting place for big groups.

Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury – the formality of the gardens make it less about picnics and more about wandering taking in the gorgeous planting schemes and overwhelming views of this incredible mansion.

Basildon Park, Reading – like Mottisfont, this property is not short of grassy areas to play rounders in! It also benefits from walking routes taking you out into the parkland – varying lengths so you can choose what best suits you and your family.

Cliveden House, nr Windsor – the play area here is by far my favourite of all National Trust properties we have visited. Based around classic children stories, you are surrounded by beautiful wooden sculptures of Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. The house is also a hotel so not one you can visit without staying but the restaurant is great with lots to offer and the grounds are never ending. A great place to get lost in.

If you don’t have membership, please do so. Whether you are a smal family and expanding family or just a couple, this is the best amount of pennies a year you will spend!

This weekend, most National Trust properties are running Easter Egg Hunts. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

x PB x

#babydestinations Why CarFest is perfect with a baby!

November 7, 2017November 7, 2017 hansjonesLeave a comment

I haven’t posted for a while – motherhood and adulting got in the way.

However, with CarFest tickets due on sale on Thursday 9th November, I felt I must catch up on my blog posts that I’ve neglected. And one of those is about reassuring and encouraging any parent out there with a small baby why CarFest is just the perfect day out.

For my family, the definite selling point of CarFest South was being able to drive from our house to the car park at Laverstoke Farm within 15 minutes meaning that if little PB didn’t settle, we could get home easily. I appreciate that won’t be the case for all of you. However, there is plenty else to wet your festival appetite, even if the drive home is longer.

We arrived around 11am armed with a picnic and toys. The sun was shining and there was not a cloud in the sky – today was going to be a good day.

A meandering walk through the farm grounds and woodland, the festival was in full swing. After signing up for the duck race, we settled on a picnic blanket by the Carters Steam Fair for our lunch. A beautiful array of rides and steam suitable for all ages.

After enjoying a glass of prosecco, a pint and some milk, we made our way over to the track to watch the cars. The clue is in the title that the day is centred around the vast collection of cars from the well-looked after vintages to the super brand new. We got the opportunity to see Chris Evans and Jodi Schnaker go careering around the track as well as plenty of rubber smoke from all the doughnuts! Little PB loved it, although I’d recommend ear defenders for some of it.

The mood changed somewhat when I knew we had to go and change little PB. Having been to festivals plenty of times before, I was nervous of the standard of changing facilities (if any) and was fully prepared to find a shady secluded corner and change him on the floor. Well, my excitement at the quality of the changing area was bountiful. A beautifully laid out tent with changing mats, Child Farm freebies, alcohol gel, nappy bags and nappy bins emptied regularly! Adjoining the tent was a play area with books and toys as well as sofas and nursing chairs for feeding. A microwave to heat up food and high chairs! Such a wonderful addition to a festival environment and certainly one of the main reasons for wanting to go back.

Perhaps not absorbing the map in enough detail, we forgot to spend any significant time in the country show element of the festival. A must for next year – dog and duck races, horse shows, craft demonstrations and a fantastic kiddies area which little PB will definitely appreciate being a little older.

We re-visited the changing tent to get little PB ready for bed before the music started and then explored the food tents – such a great variety of food and not just your greasy burgers to delight! Vegan, vegetarian and full on carnivore on offer – we went back for seconds and dessert!

The other thing I loved was the space….because there were so many families, there wasn’t this need to get too friendly with each other when the music started and start pushing for your postage stamp size bit of room. Everyone was very accommodating and we were all able to sit back and enjoy the music. We kept ourselves towards the back of the pack to help with an easy exit but we still saw plenty and obviously danced along to the entertainment.

We were fortunate that little PB fell asleep with ear defenders on allowing us to enjoy the evening. I’m pleased we took the buggy and would recommend this over a back carrier – it just provides more flexibility during the day for naps and it doesn’t get in the way as you are one of a number of people with buggies who all give each other a level of courteous avoidance!

It was certainly the highlight of the summer and would highly recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.

Finally, I would like to say thank you to CarFest for creating a wonderful day out for everyone from 0-100. The attention to detail, the entertainment and the food just goes to show that, even with a baby, you can still go raving into the night…..if you want to that is – we were home by 9.30!

Here’s the link you’ll need… http://www.carfest.org/ticket-information

x PB x

Exploring the Swiss Alps – Baby Destinations

July 20, 2017July 20, 2017 hansjonesLeave a comment

As part of our recent road trip through France, we took the opportunity to go across into Switzerland to visit some family in Verbier.

Hand on heart, neither myself or Mr PB have ever considered Switzerland as a destination for a summer holiday. Clearly, it’s a ski resort through and through so why venture over there for anything but apres skiing and snow?

We were quickly proven wrong with our first mini hike when we arrived. With little PB in the baby rucksack, we worked our way along the mountain path to take in the extensive views and beautifully clean fresh air.

On our only full day, we didn’t want to waste it, so we hired some electric bikes from Mountain Air, Verbier.

With excellent customer service, they provided us with all the kit to help us venture up the mountain with a 1 year old. Little PB in his very own trailer with a sun/bug screen and straps and fantastic mountain bikes making the journey on the steep slopes seem effortless.

Stopping at the top for a bite to eat, the view was breathtaking. It has a very different feel to the winter season….obviously…..you can get a table for a start and there is a quiet tranquility to the mountain.

Verbier does feel a little ghostly out of its peak season, but if you overlook the small amount of roadworks and the odd shuttered hotel and shop, the absence of tourists makes it’s feel like the perfect secluded holiday destination.

You can hire bikes from Mountain Air for CHF 65 for the day and the trailer is CHF 30 (which gets progressively less expensive the longer you rent for). Contact the excellent team on the following:

http://www.mountainairverbier.com 

rentals@mountainairverbier.com

Tel: +41 27 775 44 00

And with a view like this to wake up to every day, how could you not want to explore further…

Baby Destinations: Disneyland Paris (with a 1 year old)

July 5, 2017 hansjonesLeave a comment

I was dubious, very dubious. Some may think it was selfish of us to decide to do a trip to Disney knowing that a certain little someone would be strapped to a buggy for most of it but with a little bit of forwarding planning, we made the most of our trip.

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Given that Disney is all about family, you won’t be surprised to learn that they are very well set up in accommodating all ages.

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Here are my top tips:

Take advantage of the Baby Switch – one adult queues and the other waits with the baby by the exit and ‘switches’ when they have finished the ride. Certainly eases the pain of some of the longer wait times on the bigger rides. You’ll need to check for each ride how the baby switch works as it varies depending on where the exit is etc, however, don’t be afraid to ask as it appears to be a very frequent occurrence given the number of fellow parents I stood next to waiting for our other halves
If you staying in a Disney hotel, be sure to be in the park when it opens at 8am and miss the crowds! I’m guessing being parents that, like us, you will be up early anyway so 8am won’t feel too painful. It’s certainly a bonus to get some of the bigger rides out of the way, leaving the rest of the day to queue for Dumbo or It’s A Small World and not feeling like you’ve missed out
Most of the restaurants are buffet style which is great for weaned babies as you can grab them a plate of bits to nibble on while you eat. I would recommend that you book in advance as some places in peak times have long queues and the last thing I wanted was a hungry baby screaming at me!
Get a spot near the entrance of the parade – you’ll see a set of gates near It’s A Small World – being near the entrance meant we saw all the floats come past quickly and there was little hanging around which kept the little one entertained
Walt Disney Studio Park doesn’t have much to entertain a 1 year old but as there are fewer rides, you can get round them using Baby Switch pretty quickly – still worth a visit
An absolute must is a character breakfast which takes place in the Palace Gardens Restaurant. Again, a buffet but with the added bonus of Mickey, Minnie & Friends! Have a camera ready to take photos of your little one pooing their pants when Mickey creeps up behind them – they’ll thank you later!

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Rides that we all enjoyed (i.e. no height restriction!)

Peter Pan’s Flight
Dumbo The Flying Elephant
Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
An Encounter with Darth Vader
Mad Hatter’s Teacups
It’s A Small World

We shall certainly be returning to Disneyland (before the little man turns 3!)

x PB x

Back in business…

June 21, 2017June 26, 2017 hansjones2 Comments

I’m pretty certain that I speak for most new mummies out there that planning every small detail in the anticipation of your little bundles appearance to this world is fun and exciting!

It’s fun and exciting to put your focus into deciding whether to have a hospital bag AND a labour bag……what colour to paint the nursery……what the new arrivals first outfit will be…..who will look after the dog when the waters break……

And the key to why it’s fun and exciting is because we have oodles of time and (for the most part until we are doing an impression of a weeble) we have the energy.

1 year later….

I can honestly say that along with not knowing a love like I have for our little human, I have never known tiredness and a lack of energy like I have had over this past year. The learning curve is intense, the sleepless nights feel relentless (even though there really weren’t that bad!) and no amount of coffee could put that sparkle back in my eye. But, I’ve loved every minute. Well, almost…..

Parts of what made me ME became hidden in this last year….which made me feel resentful…. which I then regretted for feeling that way! Vicious bloody circle!

But after a very relaxing holiday and an opportunity to reflect, I’ve decided that this can change.

Being able to balance a full time job and being a mummy means that it’s equally important to invest time to myself and my old life and the main area I want to focus on is right here. You’re reading it.

Pineapple & Button Co is back in business. I’ll be writing more blogs, I’ll be creative with P&B Co products and will share photos of beautiful places and even more beautiful planners.

However, I can’t ignore that my new accessory is now a changing bag, so I will be writing a series on Baby Travels sharing our experiences of holidays and day trips and how they can be baby and family friendly, even if at first they don’t seem it!

As a mummy attempting to be creative and stylish, I hope you enjoy what’s to come as much as I’ll enjoy writing it!

Adding a flourish of Winter style

December 8, 2015December 7, 2015 hansjonesLeave a comment

I love living in the Countryside watching the seasons change – from the fresh green leaves that appear on the trees in Spring, the bright sunshine yellow of the corn fields in Summer, the fiery red of crisp Autumn leaves and the frosted mornings in Winter.

Although it has been unseasonably mild so far in my little village, I still embrace my seasonal living and have changed up my Autumn displays for some sparkly and festive decorations.

I’m not able to go full out with Christmas decorations as its Mr PB’s birthday in December – if I had my way, the tree would be up on December 1st……between you and me, I’ve been listening to Christmas songs on the quiet since the beginning of November.

However, adding a flourish of Winter style feels more appropriate when we open the first window on our Advent Calendar.

My greatest hack this year as been the coffee table display – a wreath purchased from TKMaxx (surprise, surprise) with a small centre which fits this hurricane vase with complimenting gold candle. A perfect centrepiece requiring little work from you but still draws the eye.

20151207_160551967_iOS 20151207_160639975_iOS Something that does require my creative flair is my main wreath. Soon becoming a Christmas tradition, a fabulous friend of mine hosts a wreath making class at the beginning of December. Run by a very inspirational florist called Lynsey from The White Horse Company, she takes us through step by step in creating the most beautiful wreaths. You certainly don’t need to have any knowledge other than a keenness to create….and here is this years end result! Using a base of pine fur, I gradually built height using a variety of green foliage. Two dried hydrangea heads draw your eye with a splash of colour from some thistle and japonica. The bow completes this country wreath.

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My final Winter addition is the centrepiece on the dining room table. With artificial flowers purchased from…..you guessed it, TKMaxx, I simply applied basic floral arranging techniques of placing each piece with the vase in the centre of the table and constantly turning it, ensuring I achieved a 360degree display so that all guests get to enjoy from their seat around the table. Using bright white, rose gold, deep purple, taupe and some glittery trailing ivy, I love the variety of height and textures. The subtle sparkle glistens like fresh snow making it the perfect Winter addition to any centrepiece.

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Please share how you have added Winter style into your homes. Follow the links to the right of this blog to find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

x PB x

Interior Design Project – Hunting Lodge style study

August 25, 2015August 25, 2015 hansjones1 Comment

When we first looked around what is now our current home, both myself and Mr PB saw tons of potential in the décor. Our home is truly an English country cottage, the kind you draw as a child with a door in the middle and 4 windows either side. However, because it has been extended and adapted over the many hundreds of years, it takes on a different personality.

Therefore, with each room, we wanted to enhance the features and embrace a more stylish, up to date take on country living.

Whenever I start planning an interior design project, I head straight to Pinterest. I build a wall of ideas from photos, trying to pull together the theme we are aiming for. This is also really helpful when you are out shopping as you can refer back to your wall to make sure you are buying items that will pull the design together.

For the study, Mr PB and I were very certain on its purpose – a base for him when working from home as well as a room that can be converted into guest bedroom. We knew that it would be the one room downstairs that didn’t have a TV and would embrace that traditional library feel – where you could snuggle up with a good book on those chilly autumnal evenings….but of course, there would be a twist…..

We both loved the hunting lodge style – remember my previous post where I shared that I scour the interior design magazines? Well, this was definitely a source of inspiration.

We started with the colour of the room first. Because it is quite small and only has one window allowing natural light, we chose 2 colours for 2 sets of walls. The wall around the window and adjacent to is a pale dove grey to bounce the light around the room. The other two are a steel blue to pull together that cosy, warm feel.

Once the room was painted, I could really get a feel for the rest of the design. We purchased a solid oak desk in a classic style and complimented this with a solid oak dresser to sit alongside creating this one area of the room as workspace. Adding statement table lamps and accessories will help to style up a working space making it transitional from a practical space to a welcoming, entertaining space.

Using the existing sofa and armchair, I dressed these with scatter cushions featuring stags, pheasants and of course some faux fur to add softness.

The fireplace is probably my favourite part of the room – cut logs inset into the fire surround and an awesome antler candle holder makes this a focal point of the room.

Adding my stag heads dressed in an arran jumper (!!) above the mantelpiece gives this room personality and style.

Finally, the piece de la resistance has to be the light fitting. Having seen similar designs on our trip to New Hampshire last year (although they were probably real antlers!) we scoured the internet and found this one – its a perfect size and really pulls together the hunting lodge style.

This room is so great for both work and relaxing in. To re-create a similar feel, start with knowing the purpose of the room and then choose your colours. Please feel to ask any questions on how we achieved this specific look.

x PB x

#blogspiration

August 20, 2015August 20, 2015 hansjones1 Comment

Some people have asked me how I continue to write blogs twice a week. How do I find content and something to talk about? Well, most of my inspiration comes from those around me – my family, my friends, my travels. But possibly most importantly, I am inspired by those that I follow on social media and the magazines and blogs that I read consistently.

It may seem a small milestone but we have recently achieved 100+ followers on Instagram and I have come to realise the power behind a loyal following. So, to share my gratitude and appreciation, I thought I would share my top blogs & favourite magazines as well as the ever growing YouTube & Instagram accounts.

Stationery & Planning

BLOGS

StudioCalico, StudioL2E and My Marvelous Life – the wonderful individuals behind all these blogs inspire me in a variety of ways. The photos, the content and just the ability to motivate me to want to improve on my life skills!

http://www.studiocalico.com/blog

http://www.studiol2eblog.com/

http://www.mymarvelouslife.com/

YOUTUBE

TheResetGirl – where do I start to express how much of a considerable impact Cori has had on my planning style. By far, the one and only planning and scrap booking YouTuber you should watch. She consistently shares inspiring stories and creations that want me to try and try again to make it perfect. But it goes beyond Planning and is more about women being strong leaders and making a name for themselves in a hobby they love – true inspiration.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbrX05bknKFXthMyadIthwQ

INSTAGRAM

theplannersociety

theinkroad

createwithbeth

theresetgirl

GeraldineJayne

If a picture could speak a thousand words! Well, these ladies Instagram feeds will make you drool and want, want want in Stationery and Planning! Warning – enabler alert if you follow them!

Style

MAGAZINES

I regularly purchase;

25 Beautiful Homes

Country Living

House and Garden

Elle Decor.

Spending my Sunday evenings surrounded by magazines and adding inspiration to my interior scrapbook is the most satisfying feeling. Added to that is the excitement of scouring the stores during the week to find as close to equivalents of my interior wish list!

INSTAGRAM

Talk about #stylegoals, SophiePatersonInteriors is beyond inspiring. Her ability to decorate and dress a room is simply sensational! Follow, follow, follow!

I also regularly seek inspiration from CulinaryConcepts – I have shared my candle collection which features their products and there are plenty of style related blogs to come!

Find my Instagram account – pineapplebuttonco – and you will see these ladies on my following list.

I hope that have given you all some inspiration – please share your favourites below!

x PB x

Recieving a great reception!

August 13, 2015August 13, 2015 hansjones2 Comments

This may be a case of “judging a book by its cover” but those first few steps I take into a hotel lobby always seem to determine how I feel about that hotel.

Mr PB and I love to travel and have had the privilege of visiting many fabulous destinations around the globe. I intend to do separate reviews of those special hotels that we have stayed in but I thought I would share some first impressions.

The Royalton, Manhattan – I love New York. It was a dream of mine to visit since a young age and therefore, when the opportunity arose, it had to be right. Mr PB and I scoured the Internet many times over, trying to find that quintessential Manhattan hotel – with the feel of a Brownstone but centrally located. I was so overwhelmed by our final choice – I even cried when I saw the gallery on the internet so heaven knew what I would be like when we actually arrived. Walking through the statement fire engine red doors, you will be taken aback by how dark it is in comparison to most hotel lobby’s. However, the designers have thought carefully to bring you into a space that is both reception, wine bar and restaurant. With large dark leather sofas that you sink into, statement double-sided fires and a gorgeous modern take on wood panelling adorning the walls, you can imagine this lobby transitioning from day to night with little changes. The receptionists are concealed so that your eye is drawn to the bar area, again allowing it to welcome both hotel guests and residents of Manhattan. I would be quite happy sipping on a tea reading a book by day and then changing it up to a fabulous cocktail perched at the bar in the evening. P.S. I did both!

The One and Only, Cape Town – I will be honest and share that prior to our South African trip, I had concerns about the standard of the hotels – how would they compare with the more salubrious that we have stayed in. However, pulling into the entrance at The One and Only, Cape Town, I soon came to realise that this amazing country knows how to be the perfect host. Floor to ceiling windows in a light and airy space give you a beautiful view of table mountain. Dark wood mixed with cream rugs and colonial soft furnishings, it was pleasantly unexpected. And with a bar that would rival most in London, both from the quality of the cocktails and the decor, it was a superb welcome

The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells – although our visit was only for dinner, I fell in love with the Reception area and have been planning my next visit.

You are greeted by an expansive marbled floor with 3 different areas surrounding a large, gorgeous copper table. Proudly displaying a selection of vases, this table is just out of this world spectacular. Banquet seating in a grey and blue floral, pale grey and steel blue sofas and armchairs and an array of table lamps and coffee tables are complimented by the cornflower blue on the walls. Wrought iron occasional tables sit around the edge sectionning the 3 seating areas providing an opportunity for some stylised placements of magazines, candles and books. I would recommend you book for dinner just to enjoy the reception area!

Where are your favourite hotel receptions?

x PB x

The Pineapple & Button Co. R.O. (related objects!)

August 4, 2015August 3, 2015 hansjones1 Comment

Prior to setting up The Pineapple & Button Co. I had always be drawn to anything P & B related. I will share in time where the inspiration behind the name came from, but be reassured that for the past 5 or more years, anything Pineapple & Button shaped has come home with me! For example, you will recall from a previous post that one of mine (and Mr PB’s) favourite home accessory is our chrome Pineapple which stands proudly on our mantelpiece.

However, since writing this blog and sharing my passion for all things Stationery + Style, my attraction to P&B R.O. (Pineapple & Button Related Objects) has escalated. In part due to the sudden fascination we all have with Pineapples at the moment, it has become quite easy to add to the collection.

First up is the most adorable candle – it’s a pineapple and it’s teal – what more could this blog ask for! Another fab fact about this piece – it’s scented and smells divine. It will of course be one of those candles that is never lit but admired from afar. Purchased from Oliver Bonas, priced £12, however, I believe they are sold out. I will try and add a similar link below.

And perhaps, as is currently the case in P&B HQ, the pineapple will stand beside my next recent purchase – a white button photo frame. The finish is superb and I love the variety of buttons. Complimenting the brand colours, this photo frame will soon hold a picture of the P&B logo. Purchased from Paperchase, priced £8.

I shared on Instagram last week that the new uniform for The P&B Co. had arrived…..if only I could get away with wearing it every day…..H&M priced £12.99

Moving to the Stationery department – a very close friend of mine purchased me this brilliant Pineapple notebook as a thank you gift. The pages are decent quality and the spine is very flexible so it is easy to write in. You will notice from the picture that I have added tabs – watch this space as I will share in a later blog my process to upping this notebooks game!

My love of crafting and scrapbooking took me to the aisles of Hobbycraft one Saturday afternoon and I “stumbled” across this adorable button embossing punch. Not only does it cut out a button shape piece but also embosses the surround making adorable button like confetti. This will certainly go far with my decoration of planner pages.

As I am sure most of you that follow this blog will have come to learn, I have become a bona fide planner addict. So, what does every Planner Girl need….washi tape of course. And what washi tape should The P&B Co. own……pineapple washi tape. Having seen this washi tape in so many Instagram posts, I knew it would be hard to come by. I pre-ordered via the Little B page on Amazon and waited 4 weeks….that is planner dedication but oh so worth it.

Finally, last but by no means least. Whilst I am in love with my very own Pineapple & Button Co. Planner, I spotted the pineapple Emily Ley Simplified Planner whilst conducting “research”. Disappointed to see that it had sold out on her online store, I headed to Ebay where I was fortunate to find a lady in the UK selling one…..fate had arrived at my door. I purchased it not really knowing what purpose it would have but after watching plenty of inspirationals videos on YouTube, I decided to make this my blog planner – it only seemed right given the cover. I will share in a later post what my setup is and how I plan and decorate on a monthly & weekly basis.

So, I guess having stood back and adored my purchases, I really need to improve upon my hunt for Button goods. Has anyone found a B.R.O that you think would go perfectly with the collection?

Links below. Happy shopping!

x PB x

White Button Photo Frame – Paperchase – http://www.paperchase.co.uk/button-frame-white-4×6.html

Pineapple T-Shirt – H&M – http://www.hm.com/gb/product/11753?article=11753-E

Button Embossing Punch – Hobbycraft – http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/hobbycraft-button-emboss-punch/595786-1000

Pineapple Washi Tape – Little B via Amazon – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Foil-Pineapple-Tape-Gold/dp/B00VRKBJZC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438632504&sr=8-1&keywords=little+b+pineapple

Emily Ley Simplified Planner – http://www.emilyley.com/