OUR PERFECT SUMMER ENDING WITH OPTIWELL (& A LUXURY FAMILY HOTEL GIVEAWAY!)
AS blogging goes, there have been many highlights for me over the years and my recent trip with Optiwell is most definitely up there.
Just a few weeks ago, Elsie and I joined a lovely group of parenting bloggers and kids to stay at a luxury family hotel as guests of Optiwell who organised the special event to give us mamas some much appreciated relaxation as part of their new campaign #ThankGoodness.
It was – as I say in the headline – the perfect end to summer and probably one of the best events I’ve ever been to, certainly with Elsie in tow.
I’ve been fortunate to work with this super brand before, but for those of you who perhaps haven’t heard of them, Optiwell is a special yoghurt drink designed for women on the go, that aims to provide you with a healthy, low calorie snack alternative. Filling you up quickly and easily and just helping to make life that little bit easier.
At just 64 calories per 200ml glass, the drinks (which come in two flavours – Peach & Apricot and Strawberry & Raspberry) are really delicious.
I’ve been drinking them since the beginning of the year and love them as part of my breakfast or mid morning snack and as for Elsie, well she’s a huge fan! I think if she had her way, she’d drink them all day!
So on a Thursday morning, just a few days before Elsie started school, we jumped in the car (above is a little selfie we took before we set off!) for our three hour trip to Worcester and after a surprisingly easy journey, we arrived at The Elms Hotel & Spa – a beautiful and luxurious family hotel, which we both fell in love with instantly.
As soon as we arrived, we were both made to feel incredibly welcome and totally spoiled (!) which pretty much set the tone for the next 24 hours.
The weather was absolutely glorious on the first day so on Thursday afternoon after a quick natter with blogging pals, we were firstly treated to an outside afternoon tea, set amongst the prettiest orchard and backdrop.
Over cups of tea and plates of sandwiches, macaroons and cake, we enjoyed long, leisurely chats as we put the world to rights on everything from blogging to parenting.
Whilst the kids explored the grounds and played happily together in the sunshine…
It was such a pleasure to spend quality time with such a smashing group of bloggers. Some of whom I’ve been friends with for a while, others I’d never met before but had chatted to online.
Normally when us bloggers see each other, we may be busy at events or conferences, so we’re lucky if we get the chance to mutter a few words to each other, so this really was a rare treat.
I’ve made some great friends through blogging and hanging out with this super bunch across the two days really was just so much fun. Here we are… (From left to right: Katie from Mummy Daddy Me, Moi with the bump!, Sarah from Taming Twins, Emma from Brummy Mummy of 2, Aby from You Baby Me Mummy and Alice from More Than Toast.)
After afternoon tea, came spa treatments for both Elsie and I. I enjoyed a thoroughly relaxing facial at the spa whilst Elsie was thrilled to bits with her painted fingernails, in red, her favourite colour. (A last treat before starting school!)
Soon after it was teatime and the children sat outside at the cutest table I think I’ve ever seen and tucked into an assortment of goodies, including their own handmade pizzas.
It was so incredibly cute seeing them all lining up to make their own pizzas, especially when you’d see a little hand pick up a bit of cheese to nibble on!
And to Elsie’s absolute delight, they also got to make their own deserts too. Watching my little girl tuck into this creation didn’t half make me chuckle. Her face was a picture!
Once the kids were all fed, it was time to be shown to our rooms and get ready for the evening’s activities.
Our room was more beautiful than I had dared imagine, with the centrepiece being the stunning window that gave us a charming view over the lawns and the largest bed I’ve seen in a hotel in the UK. (The last time I slept in a bed this big was on my honeymoon in New York!)
A small bed had been thoughtfully made up for Elsie, with a bed rail in place (which I thought was brilliant) however she choose to sleep with me instead and who can blame her? Our amazing bed was so comfy and Elsie could not get over quite how big it was.
After a quick change, it was time for Elsie to go off to a specially arranged slumber party in her pyjamas with the other children whilst we, the mums, went for a luxurious three course meal.
Here she is in her pyjamas waiting for it to begin. I think this might be one of my most favourite photos of her to date. Just look at the happiness on her face!
As the kids enjoyed games, glitter tattoos and a special film, the adults feasted on delicious food and enjoyed each other’s company, as we swapped tales across this elegant table in a private dining room.
Ah, if only I could dine like this every night.
After a good night’s sleep, we were all ready for breakfast! Elsie tucked into cereal, fruit and (more!) Optiwell whilst I couldn’t resist some morning waffles. Just delicious.
And then it was time for the kids to enjoy a treasure hunt and craft session (the kids decorated their very own Optiwell bottle – how’s that for clever marketing?!) as we nattered and relaxed with cups of tea.
It was such a treat, I just cannot tell you!
After lunch it was time to say goodbye but not without a few last group photos.
Elsie and I left for our journey home, a little tired but with the biggest smiles on our faces, after having had the most incredible 24 hours.
I’m forever grateful of the opportunities blogging has brought into my life, but have never felt quite as blessed than when we left The Elms Hotel and Optiwell’s summer celebration.
Not only was it a fantastic way of catching up with blogging pals and enjoying some much needed relaxation, it was also really special to spend some quality time with Elsie, just before she started school. We ended her last summer as a pre schooler on a real high which makes me so incredibly happy.
When we got home, we received further treats as we opened our goodie bags from the event and discovered we’d been very kindly given the most incredible, thoughtful gifts from the Optiwell team too! Yep, utterly spoilt.
What can I say? But the whole trip and experience really was quite something. #ThankGoodness for brands who get that mums deserve some time to themselves and products that make our lives a little easier.
Optiwell, you absolutely spoiled us. Thank you so, SO much.
And here’s a little video of our amazing time…
Fancy staying at one of the Luxury Family Hotel’s too?
Well you’re in luck because Optiwell are very kindly giving away an AMAZING prize to one of my readers! Enter below using rafflecopter for your chance to win a £350 gift voucher that you can use to stay at one of the gorgeous hotels.
Competition ends on 28th September. Best of luck!
Disclaimer – Elsie and I were kindly invited to work with Optiwell on this campaign but as always, all views and opinions are my own.
This competition is promoted on Prizefinder.
I #ThankGoodness for the people who’ve believed me and stuck by me over the worst things that have happened in my life.
#ThankGoodness for my excellent husband
What a lovely post and giveaway! I #ThankGoodness for my two beautiful children who make me happy (if slightly crazy!) every day.
I #ThankGoodness for my amazing 4 children, they are my whole world.
#ThankGoodness for taking my shoes off after a long day at work
#Thank goodness for my mother in law, helping me so much with the kids and the house!
I love this post and all those little ones look as if they’re having the best day of their little lives!
I #ThankGoodness for the good people and inner happiness that helped us get through quite possibly the sh*^^iest year we’ve ever been faced with
#ThankGoodness for the NHS.
My three kids and mum as they are my world #ThankGoodness
I am so thankful for my beautiful family, I know it’s a cliche but it’s my honest answer. My Husband is a legend and my boy, who is almost 3, was a miracle baby. We didn’t think we could have kids so it was a huge surprise and then he was born not breathing and the pregnancy has disabled me. So with all that being said, I’m so grateful to have them both, my son is my absolute world.
#ThankGoodness for my beautiful nephew who has finally learned how to say my name and insisted I read him his “favourite book” – Go the F*ck to Sleep – TWICE! He’s a little bright spark in my life :)
#Thankgoodness for my Mum as shes so kind and helpful, she would do anything for anyone and is the most selfless person ever
I #ThankGoodness for my happy and healthy 3 year old. I never underestimate what it is to have a healthy child.
#ThankGoodness For my 4 gorgeous children. My only blood family and they mean everything to me
#ThankGoodness for term time, giving us time to plan our next half term :)
Wow Kate! What a treat! It looks absolutely amazing and what a way to end your summer with Elsie! x
I #thankgoodness that I have 3 wonderfully happy and healthy children who are my whole entire world! x
#ThankGoodness for family who are there with you through thick and thin. <3
#ThankGoodness for my family’s good health
#ThankGoodness for my family health and happiness. Nothing else really matters.
#ThankGoodness for my children
I #thankgoodness for my wonderful husband and two healthy babies.
#thankgoodness for freedom when the bra comes off!
i #ThankGoodness for my little girl sleeping through the night!!
I #ThankGoodness for my partner after a long day for giving me a rest and letting me relax :)
Thank goodness I have people that love me that when I’m stressed and snappy they still love me and don’t take it personally
#ThankGoodness for the love of my family
#thankgoodness for my 2 lovely sisters, we lost both our parents at a young age so are very close and always look after each other
#ThankGoodness for my mum. She’s had to be 2 parents in 1 and I’ll be forever grateful for everything she’s ever done!
I #ThankGoodness for having such a great family and life :)
I #ThankGoodness that i have a wonderful family and live in a friendly community with great neighbours
#ThankGoodness for my two beautiful healthy children that bring pure joy to my life. Thank you for hosting giveaway.
Wow Kate this looks wonderful! What a fab idea to give the mummies a nice break away. It looks like you were treated like princesses! I love mini breaks so I’m entering your competition giveaway….hmm lets think #ThankGoodness I am healthy, happy and surrounded by love!
I #thankgoodness for having 3 healthy and happy boys
I #ThankGoodness for my son and my husband
#thankgoodness for my cats and kittens
#thankgoodness for my husband
I #ThankGoodness for the warm and safe home I live in, my family and my children to share in their joy, excitement and learning
#ThankGoodness for my Amazing partner and lovely family!
A little strange reading this one, I swear that is my cousin in the pink polo shirt. x
I #Thankgodness for having my family!
For grandchildren that keep me feeling young and sane even though they cost me a fortune
#ThankGoodness for family & amitriptyline, without my family i wouldent be here & without amitriptyline i’d never sleep x
#Thankgoodness for a happy healthy family!
#ThankGoodness for my children – truly madly deeply
#ThankGoodness for my family – we are going through a tough time but we are always there for each other.
After watching a friend in hospital for years I #ThankGoodness for my health
#Thankgoodness for my job I love to be kept busy
#Thankgoodness for my cute niece and nephew who always amuse me by saying funny things.
#Thankgoodness for my cheerful, cheeky children
I #ThankGoodness for my 2 nieces who cheer me up whatever else is going on.
#ThankdGoodness for my amazing family!
a day with no tears and happy smiles all round #ThankGoodness
I #ThankGoodness for cuddles with my son – makes everything ok !
I say #ThankGoodness for my son getting good AS level results
Such an amazing couple of days and so lovely to spend time with you. Can’t wait for more hanging out again together sometime! #dubstep
I #ThankGoodness when I get home after a long hard day’s work and once the chores are completed.
My wonderful sons!
My healthy family especially my daughters!
#ThankGoodness for my daughter,my dad and good health!
#Thankgoodness for being blessed with a beautiful family
#ThankGoodness for my healthy, happy 4 year old and the fact she has settled in nicely at school :-)
#ThankGoodness for my family
I #ThankGoodness for finding Slimming World and losing 5 stone in 8 months!
I #ThankGoodness for my harmonious household, so different from my upbringing.
I #ThankGoodness for my amazing family and friends and the times we get to make memories together !
I#ThankGoodness for my family and their good health
#ThankGoodness for health and happiness
#ThankGoodness for health, happiness, friends and family
I #ThankGoodness for my beautiful daughter who makes me laugh every day
I would say #thankgoodness for a Walnut Whip – washed down with a cold beer or a glass of fizzy
I say #ThankGoodness for all my good friends who are always when I need some extra strength
I #thankgoodness that all my four children are healthy happy and have goals
I #ThankGoodness for my wonderful parents who stepped in and have supported me and my wonderful children when I lost my husband 16 years ago when the children were just babies
I’m #ThankGoodness for my first cuppa on a morning and a new day
Thank Goodness for my children as they drive me insane but I would also be insane without them!
For my husband
#ThankGoodness for my lovely fiance and mum keeping me sane during my wedding planning
I #ThankGoodness for my health and happiness
I #ThankGoodness for my family and such supportive friends
I #ThankGoodness for my daughters and husband. I am thankful for every single day as they are the most amazing fun everyday.
#Thankgoodness for a happy healthy family and for everything in my life.
My #thankgoodness moment is that first cup of tea in the morning
#thankgoodness for a happy, healthy, family who are embodiment of who I am today.
#ThankGoodness for my family for sunshine and flowers
#ThankGoodness for my gf crrina and my cat daisy
#ThankGoodness for the weekend and wine!
I #ThankGoodness for my family
I #ThankGoodness every day for my mobility. My mum has such terrible pain in her legs, just shuffling about is exhausting. We all take our ability to walk for granted but it gives us our freedom.
#ThankGoodness My boyfriend, friends and famiyl
Thank goodness for my lovely little family who keep me happy and sane :)
my beautiful daughter!
#ThankGoodness for three healthy children x Very grateful
I #thankgoodness for my amazing family :)
#ThankGoodness for weekend family time :)
#ThankGoodness for Health and Happiness x
I #ThankGoodness for my wife and children. Obvious I know, but they are so amazing and I would be lost without them.
I #ThankGoodness for my two sons and my husband
#Thankgoodness for wonderful flatmates (like mine – Ivan and Anna – you rock)
I #Thankgoodness everyday for being pregnant with my first baby, who we tried 6 years to conceive. I am now 10 days of my due date and never thought this would be happen for me.
#ThankGoodness that I have my pets!
I #ThankGoodness that despite my youngest daughter’s various health problems she has such an amazing outlook on everything, and never let’s them stop her. xxx
#ThankGoodness I Opened To Gifts This Morning They Were My Eyes x #ThankGoodness I Have My Wonderful 3 Kids I Am Blessed xx
I #ThankGoodness for my 2 beautiful,healthy children
#ThankGoodness My lovely daughters!
#ThankGoodness for my lovely hubby
My #ThankGoodness is my sister who has our 2 children so my husband and I can go on a break as he has cold agluttinin
#ThankGoodness for beautiful unspoilt places to go walking and get away from it all!
I #ThankGoodness for child-friendly holidays which mean us parents can really relax!
My #ThankGoodness moment is spending time with my family and making wonderful new memories
#thankgoodness for health and love
My #thank goodness moment is when the kids are in bed and the house is finally quiet.
#ThankGoodness for my children x i know ive done something right x
#ThankGoodness for giggles with the kids – they constantly make me laugh and brighten up my day!
Getting my two young boys to sleep on a night
ThankGoodness that I’ve been blessed with two gorgeous, happy, healthy children who are the best things that have ever happened to me!
I was dragged out on a night out ten years ago. Otherwise I wouldn’t have met my OH #ThankGoodness
I say #thankgoodness for my daughter and our family. :)
I #thankgoodness for my hub sharing all childcare etc as equals, 50/50
#Thankgoodness for my beautiful family, my gorgeous supportive husband who is also my best friend, our 2 beautiful little girls, our handsome doggy and our families that surround, love and support us. We are so very lucky.
Thank goodness I had my children, they are everything to me.
I #thankgoodness for my boy, being a parent to a special needs child is hard it’s also the best thing in the world
#ThankGoodness for baths. They’re the only thing that relax me at the end of a hard day!
ThankGoodness for beer
I would have to say #thankgoodness for my Hubby and kiddywinkles, tell myself every day how lucky I am xx
#ThankGoodness for my bus home from work arriving on time
#thankfulness for having such an amazing family, love them lots x
#ThankGoodness for coming home at the end of the day to a gorgeous man and a sleeping puppy!
I #ThankGoodness for my family, good health and food.
#ThankGoodness for my hubby and kids I couldnt do without them
I #ThankGoodness for my family – husband, 4 kids and my mum and dad.
#ThankGoodness My boyfriend, and my family and being healthy and happy
#ThankGoodness for my family, and being able to take pleasure in the little things in life, even when things get tough :)
Thank goodness for my family!
#Thankgoodness for my lovely son and partner! xxx
I #thankgoodness for my children
I #ThankGoodness for my family around me
#ThankGoodness for my family and friends :)
#ThankGoodness for my amazing 4 children, they are my whole world.
5.30pm on a Friday evening when ive collected the little dude from after school club after work makes me say Thank Goodness – We survived the week! Lol ;)
#thankgoodness for the smiles and laughter in life.
i #ThankGoodness for coffee!! and bedtime (for the kids!)
I #thankgoodness for my family.
I #ThankGoodness for my artistic flair!
I #thankgoodness that Ive finally been able to start buying a house
My friends and nattering with them :)
Life is difficult, isn’t it. Sometimes it’s hard to remember what you have. I #ThankGoodness for the opportunities I’ve been given, to study and work. To follow some of my dreams. Not everyone is so fortunate in this town and at least I have the opportunity to work and support and shelter myself.
It was amazing wasn’t it?! Lovely to spend time with you xxx
Thank goodness for my two beautiful healthy children and thank goodness for my wonderful family and friends xxx
#Thank Goodness for Marvellous Marj my darling wife who has made my life a dream for the last 27 years
#ThankGoodness for my gorgeous family and friends, I love them all dearly :-)
I #thankgoodness for my family.
Thank goodness for my family..don’t know what i’d do without them!
#Thankgoodness for my health and happy home xx
#Thankgoodness for spicy curries
I #Thankgoodness for cheese – I love cheese :D
#Thank goodness for my mother in law, she helps us out with the kids while we are at work – she’s a god send!
#Thankgoodness For waking up in the morning
That I have a health. happy family #ThankGoodness
I #ThankGoodness for my lovely family
I #thankgoodness for my two beautiful daughters. We never thought we would have any due to health conditions and waitied 4 years for my eldest, now 8. 6 years later I experienced an ectopic pregnancy and lost a tube. One year after that I got pregnant and my youngest is now 1.
#ThankGoodness for my grandson who keeps me young
I #thankgoodness for my family who keep me Busy but happy!
My two beautiful children, I feel so lucky to have them <3
#ThankGoodness for my dogs. They are always there for me, even when I’m having a bad day or I’m upset it’s like they know. They always come and cuddle with me putting smile on my face :)
my mummy :) xxx
#thankgoodness for my lovely family and chug Arthur xx
I #ThankGoodness for the beautiful climate we have in this country – never too hot, too cold, too dry or too wet (even though people always seem to complain when there’s a drop of rain!). Our weather helps us to have the most beautiful gardens in the world :-)
#ThankGoodness for my 2 beautiful little girls x
#ThankGoodness for my wonderful boyfriend, family and friends xxx
I #ThankGoodness I have my 3 kids and my husband. They keep me going through the tough times, they really are all my light at the end of the tunnel.
family and friends
I say #Thankgoodness when I get to speak to my mum who lives in Australia & know she’s ok
In say #Thankgoodness for my awesome partner for helping me every day with four kids whilst pregnant with our baby
thankgoodness for my familys health
#ThankGoodness for my grandchildren
#Thank Goodness for my laptop so I can enter competitions like this one.
#ThankGoodness for the surgeon who saved my life so I can have a future with my children and husband xxx
#Thankgoodness for wine & chocolate!
i #ThankGoodness for my family and friends
I #Thankgoodness for my husband and children
#ThankGoodness for my husband and kids. Life without them would be dull!
I #Thankgoodness for my bread maker!
I have to say #ThankGoodness for living in the UK with my beautiful family.
when the kids are in bed and I can relax in front of Netflix
#ThankGoodness for my children and grand children
My #thankgoodness is drink! only joking !!!
#ThankGoodness my family
~THANKGOODNESS for my gorgeous boys and strong black coffee!
I #ThankGoodness for my friends and family
My children and grandchildren.
I #ThankGoodness for my wonderful family
I #ThankGoodness for my wonderful husband who really is the best partner I could hope for. He supports me in everything I do and I am extremely lucky to have him.
I #ThankGoodness for my two lovely children and our third little baby on the way! :)
#ThankGoodness for my little boy who has DiGeorge syndrome and has gone through so much but he’s finally started to lead a fairly normal life :)
Also #ThankGoodness for decent foundation and pull in pants :D
I #Thankgoodness for my mother in law, my husband is in the RAF and so is quite often overseas and I need to rely on her to help a bit more with childcare because my parents don’t live near by. She is a fantastic person
I #ThankGoodness for my health and family and being able to live my dreams
I say #ThankGoodness for the 3 hours twice a week that all my 4 children are in school/play school, that is my time.
I #thankgoodness every day that I have a healthy family and a good job
I #ThankGoodness for my hubby and family and all the love we share :)
I #ThankGoodness for my amazing boys whose love, antics and adventures makes me the happiest.
Thank goodness for a devoted wife who has nursed me for the past 20 years without a murmur of complaint,
Regards Terrad
I #ThankGoodness that the family are all in good health
I say #ThankGoodness every time I look at my beautiful daughter
#ThankGoodness for caffeine!!
#thankgoodness for my partner who helps me with my illness
I #ThankGoodness for my lovely family :)
#ThankGoodness for my amazing mother.shes my best friend and my world and I’d be lost without her.
I #thankgoodness for my children. I’m blessed.
I #ThankGoodness for my gorgeous partner who gave my precious daughter.
I #ThankGoodness for being blessed with 2 happy, healthy children.
#thankgoodness for my wonderful family
I #ThankGoodness for the people who’ve believed me and stuck by me over the worst things that have happened in my life.
My little cat.
My family x
#ThankGoodness for Grandparents to help out with little man
#ThankGoodness for the NHS. :)
Has to be my family #ThankGoodness for their kindness…
I #ThankGoodness for having the best husband in the world who has supported me and been my rock for the last 2 extremely difficult years
I #ThankGoodness for the kids’ bedtime at the end of a long day 😂
#ThankGoodness for my friends and family
#ThankGoodness for football! Yes, seriously! With 4 sons and 1 Grump, when it is on it is a rare opportunity to get a moment’s “me time” – SOMETIMES , I even get an undisturbed bath too! :P
#ThankGoodness for my husband and our son and daughter
ThankGoodness for my lovely family
#thankgoodness for the end of a looong Summer Holiday ;-)
#thankgoodness for bedtime :) loosing the will to live tonight with a screaming 2 year old
I #ThankGoodness for my lovely family and friends, they are the best x
I #ThankGoodness for my boyfriend who has looked after me loads the past few weeks whilst I’ve been ill, bless him.
#thankgoodness For walks on the lovely Cornish Coast – followed by a glass or two of wine and a blazing log burner!
I #ThankGoodness for my son and husband.
#ThankGoodness that our baby has now turned one and despite a rocky start we are all happy and healthy
#ThankGoodness is when the grandparents request a sleep over.
#thankgoodness for this awesome prize so my precious little family can hopefully enjoy a bit of luxury too! Xxx
#ThankGoodness for my family :)
#ThankGoodness for my lovely cat, always cheers me up!
#ThankGoodness for my family and friends :)
#Thankgoodness for my husband and what he puts up with living with me!
I thank goodness for the gift of life.
I #ThankGoodness for each morning I wake up to the sound of the birds outside the window. I #ThankGoodness for each night I get to kiss my boys goodnight, even thought they got a little old for it once they became teenagers. I #ThankGoodness for each day I get to walk through the park to work. And I #ThankGoodness my wonderful husband picks me up every night so after a long day I don’t have to walk home. I have so much #ThankGoodness I could thank but I fear I would take up too much space in your comments lol
Health and family
#ThankGoodness for my beautiful children!
#ThankGoodness to my college buddies who offer support during my studies
#ThankGoodness for bananas
#ThankGoodness sun
for my husband and kids, especially my son who was seriously ill when he was a born
I #ThankGoodness for my family. I wouldn’t be who I am without them. They are with me through laughter and tears and everywhere in between and I couldn’t imagine my life without them. We are a really small family but were very close. I have my 2 daughters aswell who add a touch of madness to the small bunch. 💜
#ThankGoodness for my 2 lovely best friends who are also my work colleagues. Talk about being in each other’s pockets lol
I #ThankGoodness for wonderful friends
I #ThankGoodness for my fiancé cooking dinner for me!
#ThankGoodness for those quality moments with the little one – watching them grow.
#ThankGoodness for my husband and Siamese Cats
#ThankGoodness for Prosecco during bedtime protests!