The Whittakers' in Barbados 2019/20

Its been almost two months that we embarked on our first trip back to Barbados since our last trip almost 7 years ago.  The youngest two boys are now 11 and 7 so have very little memory of the time they were here last.  The 17 year old looking forward to a completely different experience, one of complete freedom and independence.

Holiday Product Review: Sudocrem Sunblock Mousse

When I first saw Sudocrem Sunscreen Mousse on the shelves at my local Tesco, I immediately felt at home.  It can be so difficult choosing the right sunscreen amongst the rows of brands on offer.  You need to think about the correct sun factor, is it also suitable for babies under 2 years, is it water proof, does it have a repellent, is it non sticky and non-smelly?  The questions go on and on so seeing a brand that has been a life saver of mine for years, even before motherhood, was an instant relief.

Chillin in the sun

Rum Punch style 

I actually thought I would continue with my usual obsessive daily blogging whilst holidaying in Barbados.  

This has obviously not been the case!!  The children and island have dictated something else!  I have truly adopted the laid back island "Don't Worry, be Happy" attitude and am currently riding a gentle wave with a seriously laced up rum cocktail!

Normal activity will resume May 1st.  In the meantime why not catch up with some of our old posts and follow us on Pinterest and Twitter.  See you in May!!

Tomboy -x

Pic of the week.

What an achievement!
 He climbed into the water by himself

I know I have been incommunicado, but I actually allowed myself to have a holiday. I say allow, my husband forced me to breathe! Here a couple of my favourite pics this past week.

How to style stylishly

What makes an outfit stylish, is a question I'm asked a lot.  With accessories, you can make the mundane into the extraordinary.  A pair of shorts and Tee can be casual or uber trendy, how?  Have a look and see.

International Travelling.... Travel style, first impressions

Yesterday my mother arrived here in Barbados, it seemed strange to be waiting at the airport to collect her amongst the rest of the tanned and glowing watching the dull and tired come through with their piles of cases scanning the crowd for a familiar face or name board.  I suddenly became quite self-aware.  As I sat waiting I realised I was watching myself as I looked at the passengers dressed in black heavy clothing, boots and cardigans, hair a little dishevelled, skin dull and listless.

“Note to self, don’t wear black”

International Travelling, Barbados..... First dip

My children love to have baths, the 4 year old LOVES to play with water, at school he makes a mess of the bathroom, at home his sleeves are often wet after a pre-longed period of quiet.  I thought we had been swimming loads of times…..  Actually, the more I think about it, it’s actually only been twice since the baby was born, hmmmm, that explains a lot.  No matter how often we have previously talked about the sea and the beach, liking it to our trips to Bournemouth, showing pics of our South of France trips, nothing really prepared our 4 year old for the vast spread of salty waves in front of him.

International Travelling..... Long Haul flight to Barbados

Phew....  We made it!!  HELLO BARBADOS!!!!

After a long busy day at my Uncle's funeral and arriving home at 11pm I had contemplated staying up as we were leaving at 4am.  I am so glad my husband convinced me to get at least a couple of hours sleep; it was most needed.  I jumped up at 3am ready to go!

How to cook Bajan fishcakes: Cooking with Alexander R E C I P E

It's Good Friday, and no Good Friday would be complete in the Only Boys and Tomboys house without Bajan Fishcakes!!  An old but GOODIE!!

Watch as Alexander cooks with an authentic Bajan Nana closely watching in the background!  >>>>>>>VIDEO

International Travelling.... Preparation

Before even booking your flights, check your passports.  How many times are we told this.  Now how often do we ignore this?  You don't?  Well I did!

International Travelling.... And so it begins!

This is the first time I'll be travelling on a plane with all four of our boys.  Our last plane adventure was when boy number 3 was around 4 months old.  He slept the whole way there and back; utter bliss.  

When we booked the flights I was so excited, as not only was this the first time returning to my ancestral home since my wedding 4 years ago, but the first hot family holiday in almost two years, our last being St John Du Monte, South West France; a fantastic holiday, but that's for another post!

Cooking with Alexander; Caribbean Chicken Soup

It's here! An ode to our upcoming Caribbean break and the chilly change in weather!!  4 year old Alexander cooks another of his favourite meals, Caribbean Chicken soup with his most favourite dumplings!!!

Busy mom collapses on a sandy beach in Barbados

My past two weeks have been manically busy and the next two weeks are looking to follow suit.  I am naturally hyperactive, possibly even have ADHD, so the everyday bustle of being a mum doesn't really affect me, hence the need to add 'stuff'.  But these 4 weeks are a challenge even for me.