Sculpture By The Lakes...

Note: AD- Press Visit 


I've been chatting ALOT lately about enjoying the little moments, slowing down and attempting to go with the flow (I spoke a little more about this here). On the flip side I've always been a bit of an adventurer and love discovering new places. My visit to the Sculpture by the Lakes was the perfect combination of zen and discovery, and the perfect introduction back into the real world after lockdown!!

The Sculpture by the Lakes is the wondrous work of Simon Gudgeon and is home to 30 sculptures. Due to current restrictions visits are by bookings only and all the info can be found over on their website. It's also worth noting that due to the deep and fast flowing water they have a no dogs or no children under 14 policy. I apologise to all those people with little ones, but I have to say it really added to the relaxing atmosphere of the lakes as you could truly get lost in the moment without overhearing tantrums or screaming!

The natural layout of the location combined with  prebooking tickets meant that social distancing was super easy. They have also scattered tables and chairs far enough apart that you can fully relax and enjoy the view without having to worry about people being too close.

Their onsite cafe has also switched to a takeaway only service and the food looked delish. We however chose to take a picnic and we found a perfect spot overlooking the lake. Being in the depths of the countryside (also helped i'm sure by the no children rule... again sorry parents) allowed for the most peaceful and tranquil lunch. One where you could truly get lost in your own little world.

Who knew a picnic basket could have so many compliments! I lost count of the amount of people who made reference to how beautiful it was.... I think it needs its own Instagram account!!

Discovering the sculptures became a bit of a treasure hunt and there was something so enchanting about them. My favourites were definitely the water reflection sculptures and the thought provoking effects that they had.

This sculpture was also one of my favourites as it made me think of mother nature herself, it was like she was having a little rest which I just thought was so so beautiful.
The weather itself was a little overcast which was a shame in comparison to the scorching weather we have become accustomed to just lately. Despite the slightly grey day it didn't take away the beauty of the place.
I can see this being a place I will return to not only with friends, but equally to sit and enjoy a good book whilst being immersed within the most stunning surroundings.

Beyond the lakes we also discovered a gorgeous little veggie plot of dreams! All of the produce they grow can also be purchased which is simply wonderful. I've become such a fan of fresh and local produce so finding this was a lovely added bonus.

 Can we also just take a moment to admire their salad bags that come mixed with edible flowers!

The venue also has its own gallery where you can purchase sculptures and artwork. The Sculpture by the Lakes is also hosting the Dorset Arts Festival this July. If you are an arty lover then this is sooo worth a visit, and to be honest even if you are not it's a beautiful escape from any kind of hustle and bustle.

There is also the opportunity to hire out various parts of the venue including cute Shepard style huts and terrace roof spaces. This would be perfect for weddings or celebration for a real retreat vibe. All the information can be found here.

Me and my picnic basket of dreams will definitely be paying another visit here. Next time i'm going to bring some sunshine along with me, and most definitely will be trying out some of the delicious looking food from their cafe.

I want to take the opportunity to thank Darren Northeast PR for the invite and for the lovely people at Sculptures by the Lakes for having us.
It was a very wonderful Friday indeed.

Have you discovered any local gems lately?

Slowing Down & Learning To Go With The Flow...

I think the world has been longing for a slower paced life for some time. An influx of mediation apps and Hygge methods all pointed towards the unbusying of our lives. A desire to take a step back and truly establish what is important in our lives. To become so less consumed and overwhelmed by unnecessary rubbish. Albeit a rather extreme lesson, this period has forced us to stop and to live in the real and shrunk down world of our small, local communities. And most importantly to take pleasure in life’s little moments.

I’ve always been someone to chase big goals, to want to climb the career ladder and to achieve great things. By the time my 25^th birthday had rolled around I had pretty much ticked off the majority of my big goals and bucket list items.

I’ve spent so much time over the last few years trying to get back to this goal chasing, over achieving person… effectively feeling like I need to try and fix myself. I was constantly faced with feelings of unfulfillment and questioning what and where I was going wrong. After this prolonged opportunity of reflection throughout lockdown there’s been a huge shift in my focus. I now question whether I was actually ever really “broken” or just simply embarking on a different pathway. A new  journey that differs from the experiences I was familiar with ( my old norm), patterns of behaviour that no longer are going to serve me in this next chapter. All of which have been highlighted by stripping back life, going with the flow and having a bit more faith in yourself.

I think its really important to stop comparing yourself to who you used to be, but put focus on who you are now.

There are some big goals I still want to work towards like:

• the want for my own house,
• a little business,
• oh and a soul mate (all pretty flippin huge),

but all these goals will be achieved in the exact moment they are meant to happen. Right now, I’m taking great pleasure in things like blabbling on this blog, practicing my calligraphy, cooking, baking and growing my little herb garden. Not because I’m the best at these tasks, but for no other reason than simply because I enjoy them. All in fact are things I wouldn’t be doing if my soul focus was pointed to the big goals. I’m learning to banish the perfection curse and getting good at being bad at things.  Learning to unperfect myself as I’m sure this is where wonderous things occur. There’s a true sense of freedom and fun by simply having a go at something as opposed to being afraid of the outcome not being perfect. Who says you even have to know what the outcome will be?

Mark Chappell once said to me “ Realise that ultimately nothing really matters. Why not just do what makes you happy? Rather than viewing the world in a pessimistic way, it actually gives us total freedom. See it like making sandcastles! We know the sea will wash everything away, however the pleasure is just creating freely in the moment, not being attached to a future outcome. No matter how inevitable.”

There a true sense of freedom and joy by simply slowing the heck down. Naturally seeing what brings you happiness and allowing your goals and dreams to evolve more organically.

I think the point I’m trying to make is don’t get so caught up in the big stuff in life that you lose sight of the smaller things that bring you the true happiness. Have these goals, but detach yourself away from the outcome and enjoy the everyday.

Things I’ve enjoyed whilst slowing down:

• Noticing the incredible Spring blooms that have blossomed
• Writing letters, learning calligraphy  and sending and receiving  happy post
• Reading my monthly Red magazine subscription from cover to cover
• Channelling my inner Mary Berry and doing a little baking
• Enjoying the little things like a tea and scone over the wall with our neighbours
• Experimenting with new recipes
• Unfollowing social media accounts that don’t uplift me or make me smile
• Being reminded how pleasurable and relaxing a puzzle is, and also highly addictive. Full geek mode activated right there!
• How epic the Desperate Housewives series was and still is
• A takeaway feeling like an absolute treat again, as opposed to a weekly habit
• Discovering the most beautiful walks on our doorstep
• Realising that success is not defined by the amount of likes and followers your Instagram has
• Having a clearer, less busy headspace
• Being so much more open to new opportunities and trying out new things

What have you discovered or rediscovered since slowing down? 

*Image credit for the second image is Stella Rose
**Image credit for the second image is here