October 2019 - Plutonium Sox

Natalie Ray October 31, 2019 Our Thursday Photos

Thursday photo #286

As always, the school holidays are whizzing past in the blink of an eye. My husband has muttered on several occasions that he feels like he’s had a busy week already and it’s not over yet. We left for our first short trip as soon as we picked the girls up from school. Spending Friday night having dinner at The Boxing Hare and staying at The Marlborough Arms was a gentle introduction to half term. Rain and rugby in the Cotswolds Unusually for us, we managed to time our half term plans to perfection in terms of the weather. It’s…

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Natalie Ray October 30, 2019 Food and Drink

The Boxing Hare restaurant in the Cotswolds: Review

One of the most difficult things about travelling as a family with a dog is finding places to eat. Often, dog friendly restaurants are cheap and cheerful. Or the more upmarket ones don’t cater for children. It was a bit of a relief to discover The Boxing Hare at Swerford, near Chipping Norton when we visited the Cotswolds on a short break. Fabulous food in a welcoming, family friendly atmosphere. They have a lovely dog friendly area too. About The Boxing Hare It’s always refreshing to arrive somewhere I’m due to review and be greeted by someone who can’t wait…

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Natalie Ray October 28, 2019 Holidays

Dog friendly Marlborough Arms in Woodstock: Review

The Cotswolds is indisputably one of the most beautiful areas in England. Cotswold stone buildings, narrow streets in unspoilt villages and cosy country pubs make it a bit like stepping back in time. In a good way. It’s also the ideal place to visit with a dog. There are many beautiful places to go walking including the Cotswold Way, as well as shorter routes in and around the villages. That’s why it’s so useful to find a little gem of a place to stay that is more than happy to accommodate dogs as well as the rest of the family.…

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Natalie Ray October 24, 2019 Our Thursday Photos

Thursday photo #285

Isn’t it amazing how much better you feel when you take time to do something for yourself? Since starting to swim in the river last year, I’ve become more capable of taking time for me. I used to think that self-care had to be about a spa day or doing something relaxing. Wild swimming has made me realise that you don’t necessarily have to relax to de-stress. Whilst I’m not averse to a spa day or massage, a swim, run, horse ride or trip to the theatre is just as good. I’m pretty sure I’ve been less stressed since getting…

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Natalie Ray October 22, 2019 Reviews

The Girl on the Train at Malvern Theatres: review

As the audience file into the theatre, a projection on the back of the stage shows a train window whizzing past the landscape outside. With the audience in and the lights dimmed, Rachel becomes visible in the window. The scene cuts to alcoholic Rachel in her grubby kitchen. Her ex-husband Tom tells her that someone called Megan has gone missing. The Girl on the Train: the story Rachel Watson longs for a different life. She takes the train each day and watches a ‘perfect’ couple through the train window, wishing herself into their lives. Whilst the novel tells the story…

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