Taking in our surroundings

It’s not often you get to just stop and take it all in. But that’s exactly what we did last weekend while we were at Whipsnade Zoo.

If you head left up the road after the lions in the Africa, there is the most incredible view of the English countryside. It was such a glorious day too you could see for miles and miles.

POD looked morphed by her surroundings but it was so apt to think the world is her oyster at the same time. Especially as she recently started school. She seems to be enjoying it as she’s happy to be dropped off every day. She’s not giving us much although her first full day of school and after school club was only this week.

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The Alphabet Project | A is for amusing

Wahay the Alphabet Photography Project is back for series 3!!! I don’t know about you but I’ve really missed thinking of ways to challenge myself every week. Not just with each letter but the photograph that accompanies it.

There were so many options for letter A but this photograph seemed especially apt with POD starting school. She’s on her second full day so we’re hopeful she might actually sleep before 10pm! This photograph was taken at her nursery/pre-school graduation ceremony. It was a lovely thing for the staff to organise especially as POD joined them when she was a year old. This was the moment she discovered blowing her scroll sounded a bit like a ‘boom boom’. I leave you to work that one out!

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How to join in 

It’s really easy to join in with the Alphabet Photography Project. All you need to do is link up a post with a photograph the represents that week’s letter. It’s entirely up to you as to how you interpret the theme – whether an object, an adjective or a representation of that letter. Hints are on the Alphabet Photography Project page (just click on each letter) and there’s also a Pinterest page full of photographic inspiration.

You can also join the #alphabetphoto project on Instagram (PODcast is here) and post in the Pinterest, Facebook or Google+ communities.

The Alphabet Photography Project runs weekly with a new letter at every Wednesday. You can link up your post anytime from that day to the following Tuesday.

Inspiration on Pinterest

PODcast now has over 3,000 followers on Pinterest. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out the awesome photographs on the #alphabetphoto Pinterest board.

Follow PODcast’s board The Alphabet Photography Project on Pinterest.



A taste of ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

This weekend saw ZSL Whipsnade Zoo hold their Elephantastic event. Supported by Mr Kipling, this celebration was in aid of Elephant Appreciation Weekend to raise money for international science and conservation charity ZSL’s Asian elephant conservation and research projects.

Elephantastic treated visitors to elephant encounters, family activities and fascinating talks that help make a difference to elephant conservation. This included feeding an elephant a snack, a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the elephant barn and learning how the zoo’s vets keep the elephants healthy. In addition, there were a whole host of activities on offer. The conservation station was a great way to educate children about elephants including how much they eat and drink. There was also a jumbo crafts tent where POD got to make her own elephant mask to the sounds of Africa.

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What’s The Story? | 21st September 2015

Hello everyone, welcome to What’s The Story for w/c 21st September. Thank you to those of you that joined in last week.

This week’s #whatsthestory post is from the fabulous Whipsnade Zoo who celebrated Elephantastic on Saturday and Sunday to mark Elephant Appreciation weekend and raise money for Asian elephant conservation and research projects. It was a brilliant event which saw us get up close and personal to the ten elephants at Whipsnade including year old Sam.

How to join in

What’s The Story? enables you to share the stories behind your favourite photographs. To join in all you have to do is share a photograph and the story behind it. You can write as little or much as you like and your photo/s can be from any time. The Linky is open every Monday until the following Sunday.

Feel free to use the What’s The Story? badge or include a link to PODcast in your post and do share some comment love too. There’s a community on Google Plus so do pop over if you haven’t already. We’re at Charly Dove or PODcast.

Please feel free to tweet me your posts whenever you like and I’ll share them for you throughout the week.

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Elephantastic weekend at Whipsnade Zoo

Yesterday we got the opportunity to better understand nature’s gentle giants. The Elephantastic weekend at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, supported by Mr Kipling, took place on Saturday 19th September and is continuing today (Sunday 20th September).

This remarkable weekend-long celebration of these majestic creatures marks the world-wide Elephant Appreciation Weekend, raising money for international science and conservation charity ZSL’s Asian elephant conservation and research projects.

Asian elephants are classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. They are also classified as one of ZSL’s Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species, a threatened species with a significant amount of unique evolutionary history. ZSL’s EDGE of Existence programme highlights and protects some of the weirdest and most incredible species on the planet. They represent a unique and irreplaceable part of the world’s natural heritage with an alarming proportion currently sliding silently towards extinction.

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POD wears Mamas & Papas and Liberty

Two of the great quintessentially British brands, Mamas & Papas and Liberty, recently launched a travel, clothing and interiors collection inspired by the 140 year old retailer’s iconic prints.

The range consists of purple floral print Ros, Emilia, a dense arrangement of red, coral and blue flowers, 1930’s inspired Thorpe which was drawn up by the Hayward Studio in 1968 and striking leaf and berry pattern Wiltshire which was originally designed for Liberty in 1933. The Caesar and Ares black and white prints are classic designs but these too have been given an exclusive Mamas & Papas twist. To find out more about the press show and collection, read this post.

The beautiful Wild Flower design was initially inspired by an early 19th Century book entitled ‘Field Guide to Wild Flowers in Britain’. Our absolute favourite piece is the Wild Flower Mesh Dress although it’s closely followed by the fabulous Wild Flower Tunic and Leggings set.

PODcast - Mamas & Papas

POD was recently sent the Wild Flower Tunic and Leggings set which is even more glorious on as it is off. Although the sun has made a re-appearance these past few weeks, this pretty tunic and leggings set is perfect for autumn days.

The tunic (80% cotton, 18% polyester, 2% elastane) has frill collar detailing and smocking with pleated detail and buttons on the sleeves. Fastening is at the back with buttons from top to bottom. The leggings are made of a ribbed knitted jersey fabric with an elasticated waist and foot holes.
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POD currently wears age 3-4 clothes and will be five on Christmas Day. This time of year can be quite a challenge as clothes the next size up drown her despite being tall for her age. A case in point being her school cardigan which is 3 inches too long in the arms! What I love about this outfit from the Mamas & Papas and Liberty collection is that it looks great and there’s still ample room for her to feel comfortable. The leggings are really roomy so they’ve doubled up as a belly warmer too.

We decided to put the outfit to the test outdoors initially where POD headed for her swing once she’d had a race around. Much to her amusement, she found it highly entertaining to attempt to bop me on a the head with the branch of a tree while I photographed her. There’s a reason they say don’t work with children although I love capturing moments in photographs.

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Not one to miss an opportunity, POD took it upon herself to wish for a dog – she’s been asking for one daily for weeks now! Below is her best wishing expression if you’re wondering. Slightly more exaggerated than the ‘please can I have a Fruit Shoot’ face.

POD loves the Wild Flower Tunic and leggings which have already had a couple of outings. It’s quite refreshing to think now she’s no longer at pre-school anymore the outfit will last even longer. The entire Mamas & Papas and Liberty collection is available to buy online here – clothing is from 12-18 months up to 4 year of age.

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Disclaimer: We received the Wild Flower tunic and leggings set as part of this review. Opinions are our own (and the hairbands belong to POD). 

The B&W Photography Project | Week #63

Hello everyone, welcome to week #63 of the Black and White Photography Project. Thank you so much to those of you that joined in last time.

This weekend we spent time with these gentle giants as part of Elephant Appreciation Weekend. Whipsnade Zoo’s Elephantastic event raises money for international science and ZSL’s Asian elephant conservation and research projects. These elephants are classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

PODcast IMG_5612 B&W

How to join in 

To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here.

Don’t forget to share on Instagram using #bwphotoproject. You can also share your posts and photos in the B&W Photography Project Facebook Group. Please feel free to tweet me @The_Doves if you’d like your post retweeted too.

Grab the badge! 

Feel free to grab the #bwphotoproject badge (you’ll find a monochrome one here).

Pinterest loveliness

If you’re looking for monochrome inspiration, do check out the Black and White Photography board. It features some incredible photographs from artists all over the World.

Follow PODcast’s board The B&W Photography Project on Pinterest.



Win tickets to the Family Travel Show

Although the Doves were well travelled before POD came along, I love that we’re able to travel as a family now. There’s nothing better than discovering the World together and seeing the excitement through a four year old’s eyes.

The Family Travel Show, taking place at London’s Olympia, is the UK’s first exhibition completely dedicated to families who want to travel. Family holidays are precious memories in the making and a chance to spend that all important quality time together. Whether its a beach break, an all-inclusive cruise, skiing in Austria or a wildlife safari in South Africa, there’s something for everyone. And we’re giving away five pairs of tickets (kids under 16 go free).

Family Travel Show

Highlights of the show include:

The biggest collection of specialist family travel operators under one roof
Get face-to-face with the best family holiday providers and specialist operators. They will be on hand to offer advice on everything from all-inclusive luxury getaways, exciting cruise voyages, action-packed resorts and family-friendly villas to intriguing adventures, thrilling ski holidays and incredible wildlife safaris. Discover amazing trips that are hard to find online or on the High Street.

Over 50 FREE Show Talks
With a large selection of show talks across three different theatres you have the chance to gain inspiration and information from celebrity speakers, travel writers and bloggers, journalists and family travel experts. Speakers include Benedict Allen and Simon Calder!

The talks will include travel tales and practical guidance, details on new destinations, cultures and experiences, and how to plan for every different type of family holiday imaginable.

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Young Travellers Photography Competition & Exhibition
Do you have children who love taking charge of the camera on your travels? If so, then the Young Travellers Photography Exhibition is perfect! This exciting new photography competition has one simple aim – to inspire young travellers to capture their adventures while exploring the world with their family.

Winners and selected images will feature in the Young Travel Photographers Exhibition at the Family Travel Show. To enter please visit www.familytravelshow.com.

Esprit Ski Crèche

Esprit Ski are offering a complimentary crèche for children aged between 17 weeks and 8 years old, giving parents peace of mind so that they can enjoy the show knowing their children are having a great time being cared for by Esprit Ski’s fully experienced child care team.

As the ‘Number 1 Family Ski Company’ they have over 30 years’ experience in Child Care and will make sure that your children have great fun in a safe and stimulating environment. With high ratios, excellent security procedures and a wealth of knowledge and experience, their team will ensure that your children will have just as much fun as you at the show.

Family Travel Show ski

National Geographic Traveller Explorers’ Corner
Get ready to discover the world with a visit to the National Geographic Traveller Explorers’ Corner. Be inspired with expert advice and insight from the National Geographic Traveller Family team who will be on hand with oodles of great ideas for family adventures, from the Caribbean to Italy, the UK, theme park trips and more.

So whether you are looking to plan an independent adventure or are looking for a guide with updates on the latest and greatest family holiday destinations, start your trip at Explorers’ Corner.

Father and Son

Escape Events Ltd are offering you the opportunity to win tickets to the Family Travel show. They are giving away five pairs of tickets to attend on one of the 2 days – 31st October or 1st November 2015.

Please note this competition is only open to UK residents over 18 years of age. Full terms and conditions can be found in the Rafflecopter giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Southampton Boat Show

Last Friday saw Europe’s largest boating festival sail into Southampton marking the start of the 47th Southampton Boat Show. Taking place up to the Sunday 20th September, the event showcases some 600 exhibitors with hundreds of legendary boats on display including 330 at the show’s marina alone. Incredibly, it is one of the largest built in Europe with over 2km of pontoons. In addition, there are 100 boats making their debut including 20 World debuts, 48 UK debuts and 6 European.

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