During our recent holiday in Fuerteventura, we spent a day at Oasis Park—and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip! I took plenty of photos and wanted to share our experience in case you’re thinking about visiting.

Getting There

Oasis Park is located in Jandía, on the southern side of the island. We were staying all the way in Corralejo, at the northern tip, but we’d heard great things about the park and decided to make the drive. It took just over an hour by car, and I can honestly say it was totally worth it.

If you don’t have a car, don’t worry—Oasis Park offers a free shuttle service from various locations around the island, with two morning pickups and two return trips in the afternoon. It’s super convenient and easy to arrange.

The Animals

Home to over 3,000 animals and 250 species, the park has a lot to offer. We saw everything from zebras, flamingos, meerkats, turtles, and cheetahs, to more unexpected animals like porcupines, crocodiles, and hippos—not what you’d typically find at a UK zoo!

What really makes Oasis Park stand out is how close you can get to the animals. One of the best moments for us was meeting the giraffes. They came right up to the fence—so close it felt like we could touch them. It was truly magical.

Max’s highlight? The sea lions, hands down. There are also live shows throughout the day featuring parrots, sea lions, birds of prey, and more. While we missed the actual sea lion show, we still enjoyed watching them swim and play in their enclosure.

Unique Experiences

In addition to general admission, Oasis Park offers a range of hands-on experiences. These include:

• Lemur Experience

• Sea Lion Experience

• Camel Safari – which is the one we chose!

The Camel Safari was unforgettable. We rode camels across the largest camel reserve in Europe while taking in some breathtaking views. It’s not something you get to do every day, and it was definitely worth the extra cost.

Facilities

The park is well-equipped for families. There’s a shaded restaurant near the entrance—perfect for grabbing an ice cream and taking a break from the sun. Right next to it is the gift shop, which, unsurprisingly, we couldn’t avoid with two kids in tow! It’s packed with souvenirs and plush toys. You’ll also find toilets and rest areas throughout the park.

Prices

Admission is:

• €33 for adults

• €19.50 for children

The Camel Safari cost us:

• €12 per adult

• €8 per child

Considering the quality of the experience, I’d say it’s well worth the price.

Final Thoughts

We had an amazing day at Oasis Park and I can honestly say it’s one of the best zoos I’ve ever visited. It might not be the largest, but the ability to get so close to the animals—especially the giraffes and camels—made it an unforgettable experience.

We’ve had our Snug sofa for about six weeks now, and we’re honestly so happy with it. Since sharing it on Instagram, I’ve received quite a few questions, so I thought I’d put together a blog post to cover everything in one place. Buying a new sofa is a big investment, so I hope this helps you make a more confident choice.

Why Snug?

One of the standout features of Snug is that their sofas are delivered in boxes, which means no awkward struggles getting them through narrow doorways or tight staircases. Even though the sofa arrives in parts and needs assembling, it’s surprisingly quick and easy — it took us just around 10 minutes to put ours together. (You can see the full assembly video on my Instagram!)

What We Chose

We went for the Rebel two-seater sofa in taupe velvet. Our living room is quite small, and although the three-seater might have technically fit, it would’ve looked cramped and partially blocked the door. The two-seater was definitely the better choice for the space.

Design & Fabric

The Rebel’s design is sleek and simple, and the velvet fabric adds a soft, luxurious feel. It also happens to match really well with our existing decor. I was initially worried about going for a light colour (especially with two kids and a dog!), but the taupe has held up incredibly well. It actually makes the room feel more spacious, and pet hair wipes off with no effort at all. Bonus: it’s spill-resistant too. My son spilled a bright pink drink on it, and the liquid literally rolled off without a stain — pure magic!

Comfort

When we first sat on the sofa, it felt a little firm — especially compared to our older, softer sofa. But over the past few weeks, it’s softened a bit while still keeping its structure. It’s definitely still on the firmer side, so if you prefer a super squishy sofa, this might not be your perfect match. That said, we’ve come to love it.

Colour Options & Customisation

The Rebel sofa comes in a great range of colours including mid grey, biscuit, navy, forest green, olive, blue steel, teal, blush, blush coral, turmeric, and oatmeal. We chose brown legs, but you can also opt for black. So much choice!

Maintenance Tips

We clean our sofa regularly to help it last longer, though minor wear over time is totally normal. If any surface damage happens, you don’t necessarily need a new sofa. Try custom patches in a matching colour or pattern — they’re great for discreet fixes or even adding a fun personal touch. Friends and family rarely even notice they’re there! For outdoor furniture, Sunbrella fabric is another excellent option.

Final Thoughts

Overall, we’re thrilled with our Snug Rebel sofa. It fits our home and lifestyle perfectly and has been a great addition to our living space. If you’re looking for a sofa that’s stylish, practical, and easy to set up, I’d definitely recommend giving Snug a look.

We’ve had our Blinds2go ClickFIT blinds for a few weeks now, and we couldn’t be more pleased with them. After getting a few questions about them on Instagram, I thought it was the perfect time to write a blog post and answer the most common ones. If there’s anything I haven’t covered, feel free to ask!

What is Blinds2go?

If you’re not familiar, Blinds2go is a UK-based online retailer offering made-to-measure blinds. They have a wide range of styles including Venetian, roller, Roman, blackout, electric, shutters, and more. We already have their Venetian blinds installed in five rooms of our home, and we’ve always been really impressed—they fit perfectly, are simple to install, and come at a great price. For readers outside the UK, you might want to check out Select Blinds Canada as a great alternative.

About ClickFIT Blinds

As the name suggests, ClickFIT blinds are designed to simply click into place—no drilling required. They come with clips that slide underneath the window seal, and the blinds snap onto these clips. You also run a tension cord along the window edges and under the bottom bar to help keep the blinds in position.

It might sound a little tricky, but Blinds2go provides a really helpful step-by-step fitting guide on their website. Even though we’re not exactly DIY experts, installation was quick and easy—so if we can manage it, anyone can!

Perfect for Bifold Doors

We chose the ClickFIT DuoShade blinds in the colour Charcoal. DuoShade is a blackout material, which was perfect for our south-facing kitchen that gets extremely hot in the afternoon. The thermal honeycomb design helps reflect heat away in the summer and keeps warmth in during the winter. The white backing also helps reduce heat absorption from the outside.

Our kitchen window and bifold doors are anthracite grey, so we ordered several free samples to find the best match—and the Charcoal shade was spot on! You can see from the photos how closely it matches; it’s practically identical.

Final Thoughts

These ClickFIT blinds have given us exactly what we needed: privacy and effective sun protection. They look stylish, were easy to install, and are incredibly user-friendly. You can adjust them to any height—not just fully up or fully down—which gives you great flexibility throughout the day.

All in all, we’re really happy with them and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Blinds2go ClickFIT blinds to anyone looking for an affordable, stylish, and hassle-free window covering solution.

It’s been quite a while since I last talked about my skin—21 months, to be exact! So much has changed since then, and I thought it was time to give you an honest update. Spoiler alert: this is a positive story about my experience with Lymecycline, and I hope it offers some helpful insights for anyone dealing with adult acne.

In my previous post (which you can still read), I shared how long I had struggled with acne, what I had tried, and that I had just started taking Lymecycline. At that point, I’d only been on the medication for a couple of weeks, so there weren’t any major changes yet. Unfortunately, my mental health took a downturn at the end of 2018, and due to anxiety, I decided to stop taking the medication. I’ll write more about my anxiety in another post, but at the time, I felt that the meds were making me feel worse—so I stopped.

A year later, feeling much more stable, I went back to my GP and was again prescribed Lymecycline along with Finacea. Based on my previous experience with Finacea drying out my skin, I chose not to use it this time and focused solely on the Lymecycline. I took it consistently every day without fail. In terms of side effects—I didn’t notice any at all, so don’t let that part scare you off.

At first, it was slow going. After two months, I saw very little change, but things finally started to shift around the three-month mark. At that point, I had a review with my GP who reassured me that Lymecycline often takes several months to show results. She advised I stay on it for another three months—and I’m so glad I did.

Over the next few months, my skin improved dramatically. I still had the occasional breakout, but it was nothing compared to how things used to be. When the time came to stop the medication, I was genuinely nervous that the acne would return immediately—but it didn’t! It’s now been over three months since I stopped, and aside from the odd hormonal spot, my skin has remained clear. I’m relieved to know that if my acne does flare up again, I have a treatment option that works for me.

I do still have some scarring, though it’s gradually fading. Maybe a few marks will stick around forever, but honestly, as long as I don’t have to deal with painful cystic breakouts again, I’m happy. If you’ve found any great products for fading acne scars, I’d love your recommendations!

So if you’re struggling with adult acne, please speak to your GP and explore your treatment options. Lymecycline may not work for everyone, but your doctor can guide you to the right solution. I spent years just accepting my breakouts and covering them with makeup when what I really needed was help. If you’re just starting Lymecycline, my best advice is to stick with it and be patient. It’s not a quick fix, but it does work—you just have to give it time.

Losing weight can be especially challenging in a city like Dubai. Between the intense heat, fast-paced lifestyle, and an abundance of delicious food and drinks, it’s easy to fall off track — even if you start out with the best intentions.

Let’s be honest: most of us have tried at least one fad diet or “quick fix” hoping for rapid results, only to end up back at square one. Sound familiar?

If you’re tired of yo-yo dieting and looking for a smarter, more sustainable approach that won’t ruin your social life or peace of mind, Elegant Hoopoe is here to help. Their clinic offers a refreshing, personalized, and non-surgical route to weight loss that puts your health and long-term results first.

Why Elegant Hoopoe Stands Out

So, what makes Elegant Hoopoe different from other wellness clinics in Dubai? Their reputation is built on real results and advanced techniques that prioritize your individual needs.

Tailored Fat Reduction Treatments

Forget cookie-cutter solutions. At Elegant Hoopoe, no two treatment plans are the same. Their expert team creates a personalized fat-loss strategy based on your body, lifestyle, and goals — ensuring you get results that actually last.

Whole-Body Wellness Approach

This clinic goes beyond just weight loss. Elegant Hoopoe focuses on your overall health, carefully balancing your wellness journey with treatments that support your energy, nutrition, and general well-being. You’ll never be asked to compromise your health in the name of shedding pounds.

Non-Surgical Weight Loss Technologies

Elegant Hoopoe uses state-of-the-art devices and proven methods to help you reduce fat effectively and safely. Here are some of the most popular options:

TruSculpt iD

A non-invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy stubborn fat cells. Just one session can eliminate up to 24% of fat cells in the treated area. It’s perfect for areas like the abdomen, thighs, and arms — and there’s no downtime afterward.

Venus Bliss

Using diode laser technology, Venus Bliss targets fat under the skin in areas such as the belly and flanks. It offers benefits like:

• Non-surgical lipolysis

• Cellulite reduction

• Skin tightening

• Circumference reduction

It’s ideal for anyone seeking a sculpted look without the need for invasive procedures.

InfraslimX

InfraslimX combines infrared, vacuum, oxygen, ozone, collagen, and aromatherapy into one innovative system. It not only helps with fat loss, but also enhances circulation, detoxification, and skin tone — all while providing a relaxing experience.

Ready for Real Results?

If you’re dreaming of a healthier, slimmer body — and want a solution that works with your lifestyle — Elegant Hoopoe is the answer. With their customized, non-surgical treatments and commitment to whole-body wellness, they can help you transform both your appearance and your confidence.

A couple of weekends ago, we visited Center Parcs Sherwood Forest for our very first Center Parcs holiday—and we had a fantastic time! Not knowing quite what to expect, we were pleasantly surprised by the whole experience. I thought I’d share a full review for anyone considering booking a Center Parcs break.

What Is Center Parcs?

If you’re new to the concept, Center Parcs offers lodge holidays set in beautiful forest locations. There are six parks across the UK: Whinfell, Longleat, Woburn, Elveden, Longford (opening soon), and Sherwood Forest, which is where we stayed.

“Whether you’re trying one of the many activities together, eating together at our range of restaurants or relaxing together in your open-plan accommodation, everything at Center Parcs is made for families.”
– Center Parcs

Location

Sherwood Forest Center Parcs is located in Newark, Nottinghamshire—just under an hour from our home in Sheffield, making it ideal for a short and stress-free journey with the kids.

“Set in the heart of Nottinghamshire, take a UK short break at Sherwood Forest for a perfect fusion of woodland and lakeside… Activities are spread across 400 acres of forest, with a central village square offering shops, restaurants, and more.”
– Center Parcs

Accommodation

We stayed in a two-bedroom Woodland Lodge, which was clean, modern, and well-equipped with everything we needed. Our lodge was located in the Maple area—about a 10-minute walk from the central village. Thankfully, the kids had scooters, which made it easier.

One downside was that although we booked at the same time as family members, our lodges were placed on opposite sides of the park. We later found out you can pay extra to choose your lodge location—but this wasn’t made clear during the booking process. Unfortunately, they were fully booked when we arrived and couldn’t move us, which made meeting up a bit of a hassle.

Things to Do

We weren’t sure what activities would be available—especially free ones—but here’s what we found:

Free Activities

• Subtropical Swimming Paradise – Absolutely the highlight of our trip! It features:

  • A wave pool

  • Wild Water Rapids

  • Hot whirlpools

  • The new Tropical Cyclone raft ride

• Playgrounds and nature trails

• Cycling and walking routes (bring your own bikes or hire them)

Paid Activities

These carry an extra charge:

• Archery

• Badminton

• Laser combat

• Mini golf

• Dance and fitness classes

• Swimming lessons

• Aqua Sana Spa

• Bowling (we did this – it was great!)

• Teddy bear-making (also highly recommended)

In all honesty, I do wish more activities were included in the holiday price. After spending quite a bit on the accommodation itself, it would be nice not to have to worry about extra fees just to keep the kids entertained.

Food & Dining

There’s a great choice of restaurants on-site, including:

• Bella Italia

• The Pancake House – Highly recommend the Black Forest pancake stack!

• Café Rouge

You can also order takeaway directly to your lodge (we had pizza one night—it was delicious and delivered quickly). There’s also an on-site supermarket which, despite the warnings I’d heard, was actually quite reasonably priced.

Final Thoughts

We had a brilliant time at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest and would absolutely go back again. While it’s not the cheapest holiday option—and I do think some of the paid activity pricing could be more family-friendly—the experience was worth it.

The accommodation was excellent, the setting was beautiful, and the Subtropical Swimming Paradise was a huge win for the kids. There’s something special about escaping to the forest for a few days of fresh air and quality time together.

Back in April, I decided it was time to lose some weight. Over the year we’d spent renovating the house, I’d gained about two stone – there just wasn’t time for workouts or planning proper meals. Along the way, I realized that investing in good quality workout gear made a real difference in both my performance and motivation. If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your fitness gear, check out Gunsmith Fitness – they offer custom belts that combine functionality with style.

Now that the house is nearly finished and life has calmed down a bit, I felt ready to get back in shape. I started with calorie counting and added some light exercise. At first, it was just home workouts, but I soon decided to give running another go.

My History With Running

I’d tried Couch to 5K a couple of times before but never made it past Week 5. I always gave up, thinking it was too hard and that I just wasn’t a runner. Before having kids, I had occasionally gone for short runs – nothing consistent, usually just for weight loss, and I never really enjoyed it. The furthest I’d ever run was about 7K, and that was a one-off over 15 years ago. Now, I’m older, I’ve had two kids, and I’m carrying a lot more weight.

But this time, I was determined to do it differently. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. I started watching running videos on TikTok and even posted my own running journey. Sharing my progress kept me accountable, and seeing others enjoy running helped motivate me too.

Getting Started

Couch to 5K begins with 60-second runs, broken up by 90 seconds of walking, repeated over 20 minutes. It sounds easy, but I found it tough at first – I really doubted I’d ever be able to run a full 5K. But I stuck with it.

The plan recommends running three times a week. That wasn’t realistic for me in the beginning, so I started with once a week and worked up to twice a week, which is still my routine now. I’ve learned that running more than that makes my legs too sore. My advice? Don’t overdo it – even one run a week keeps your progress going.

As Shailen from Funnel Teacher said:
“Starting Couch to 5K is like trying to bathe a cat – there will be struggle, scratches, and bruises initially, but gradually you’ll learn the tricks to do it easily.”

Choosing the right route also matters. I live in Sheffield – it’s very hilly, and I hate running uphill. I found a flat trail, away from busy streets and traffic lights, and that made running much more enjoyable.

Dealing With Leg Pain

Leg pain has been, and still is, my biggest issue. Sometimes I can run pain-free, but often my calves and ankles feel tight and uncomfortable. I started using CBD balm and stretching thoroughly before and after runs. I’ve recently added calf raises to my warm-up, and they’ve helped a lot. Don’t give up because of aches – find what works for your body.

If your pain is due to a medical condition like varicose veins, seek advice or treatment so you can stay active safely.

Making Progress

Each week of the programme adds more running and less walking. I managed OK until Week 5, when suddenly you’re expected to run for 20 minutes straight! I wasn’t sure I could do it, but reminded myself I had done it before – and I did it again. It was so hard, but I was incredibly proud of myself. That’s when I started to believe I might actually finish the programme.

The last few weeks go from 25 to 28, then finally 30 minutes of running. Around Week 7, I hit a mental wall. I had a tough run, had to walk, and took a short break for a couple of weeks. But I didn’t stop completely – I just ran on my own terms (like two 15-minute runs with a short walk in between). In the past, this is when I would have quit. But not this time – I knew I couldn’t throw away all that progress. As soon as I felt ready, I jumped back into the programme. Don’t be afraid to repeat runs or take breaks if you need them.

By the final week, I was running a full 5K instead of just the 30 minutes the app recommends. My time is about 33 minutes right now. I’d like to improve that, but while I was doing the programme, I focused on running as slowly as possible – I highly recommend this. Start slow so you can finish strong.

Running Gear

Technically, all you need is a good pair of running shoes and maybe a running belt for your phone. But if you’re like me, you’ll soon want more gear. I bought some Asics trainers for £60 – a bargain compared to some – and they’ve been great.

I also got CBD balm for sore legs (totally optional, but helpful) and invested in comfortable running clothes. I prefer shorts over leggings – leggings always fall down when I run! As winter approaches, I’ll be shopping for warmer gear. You don’t have to spend loads – Primark and Vinted have great budget options.

I started with a running belt but found it bounced around too much. Now I use a running vest from Decathlon (about £30), which is actually a hydration vest. I don’t use the water flasks yet, but it fits everything I need and doesn’t move during runs.

You might also want running-friendly headphones. I started with earbuds that kept falling out, but now I use over-ear ones that stay put the whole time.

What’s Next?

So now that I’ve finished Couch to 5K, what’s next? I’d love to run 10K someday – it feels a little out of reach right now, but I’m still doing regular 5K runs, working on my time and slowly increasing my distance.

Even if I never run a full 10K, I’m so proud that I can run 5K consistently. That alone is a massive achievement. If anyone has a good 10K training plan recommendation, I’d love to hear it!

Couch to 5K delivers real results in just a few weeks. I still can’t believe I’m able to run 5K every time I go out. Our bodies are incredible – you just have to believe you’re capable. Running is a real mental game. That voice in your head saying, “This is too hard, you need to stop” – ignore it!

When you start running, there will be times you want to quit. That’s totally normal. Both your body and mind need time to adjust. But please, stick with it. Completing that 5K gives you such a sense of pride and shows you just how strong you really are.

Celebrate that accomplishment! Whether it’s with a real pin badge or a post-run treat, you deserve recognition for your dedication.

And yes – runner’s high is 100% real. Even if you hate running at first, you’ll grow to love it. I look forward to my runs now. It’s no longer just about weight loss – it’s about mental health. Never underestimate the power of moving your body for your mind.