A little context

My WHY…

Because women deserve to believe that life can get bigger, not smaller, as they get older.

I’m interested in what happens when we get curious, try something new, look after ourselves, admit we’re struggling, change our minds and realise we’re not finished yet.

This is my story of strength, weakness, reality and utopia, four sides of a life still being written.

Why I exercise and what I really want from a fitness instructor

Featured story

Why I exercise (and what I really want from a fitness instructor)

A personal take on fitness, confidence, ageing and why I keep showing up at the gym, even when my body has other ideas.

Family adventures & travel

Places we’ve been, things we’ve tried

Family escapes, hotels, adventures and the places that give us something to talk about when we get home.

Crete, Greece


Celebrating 50 in Crete

Nine days at the Mitsis Royal Mare, with family beach days, moussaka, cats and a little midlife indulgence.


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Strathyre, Scotland


A family escape to the woods

A log cabin, Loch Lubnaig, canoeing, cycling, Persian barbecue and an unreasonable number of wasps.


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Rhodes, Greece


Atrium Prestige, Rhodes

A family stay in Rhodes, looking beyond the glossy photographs to see what a hotel actually feels like with a child.


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Yorkshire


A gourmet getaway

Can a boutique hotel deliver grown-up luxury when you have a small child in tow? The Burgoyne makes a convincing case.


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For travel PRs & tourism teams

Planning your next travel campaign?

I’m interested in thoughtful family travel, hotels, destinations and experiences that give readers something worth talking about.


More from Saffron & Cyrus


A few more things I’ve been writing about lately.

NE1 Newcastle Motor Show family day out: supercars, stunts and …

NE1 Newcastle Motor Show: the ultimate birthday treat for boys of all ages We took a family day out at the NE1 Motor Show to celebrate two very special birthdays.…

We took a family day out at the NE1 motor show to celebrate two very special birthdays.

Family-friendly restaurants Gateshead: enjoying a relaxed lunch with toddlers at …

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post and just my personal experience with The Imperial Restaurant. Your meal, service, or toddler’s reaction may differ. Always check the menu, prices, and opening…

Hafez poetry: exploring Persian culture through ‘Beloved’ by Bloodaxe Books

Discovering Hafez: a persian poetry journey with Bloodaxe Books There are few things in life that feel as intimate as unwrapping a package and discovering a book that seems to…

Guest Blog: Jo Ellis: Kidult Or Elderly Primigravida?

Today we’re featuring a guest blog post by Jo Ellis who like many adults is utterly confused about her identity. She is part urbanist and town planner, part compulsive singer, and part elderly primigravida – a mummy-to-be at the age of 41.

Today we’re featuring a guest blog post by Jo Ellis who like many adults is utterly confused about her identity. She is part urbanist and town planner, part compulsive singer, and part elderly primigravida – a mummy-to-be at the age of 41.

Bath time tips for toddlers: safe and engaging routines

After nursery, little C often comes home covered in paint, food, and everything in between. Bath time has become an essential part of winding down, a chance to calm the…

Healthy eating for new mums over 40: the noodles that saved …

Planning ahead is the key to success when it comes to eating well after having a baby, but these past few weeks have been really tough on this new mum over 40.

Planning ahead is the key to success when it comes to eating well after having a baby, but these past few weeks have been really tough on this new mum over 40.

Teething remedies: tried-and-tested to unconventional ideas

Top teething remedies from around the world to soothe your baby It started with drool, then came chewing, crankiness, loose stools, and finally a string of sleepless nights. Teething has…