Eating out with a toddler

Its rare the three of us eat out together, between work, nap times and being unable to decide where we want to go, it rarely works out. As it was Mothers Day we decided to make the effort and go out to one of our favourite bars - The Market Bar. Going anywhere with a toddler requires a bit of planning, in order to avoid a meltdown. 
  

Baby Friendly Dublin

Blas

My photos don't do Blas any justice at all. I was having an off day on the day I took them and was feeling a little self conscious so just took them quick so as not to draw attention to myself! But this place is beautiful! Set on the ground floor of The Chocolate Factory on Kings Inn Street, Blas has taken cafe interiors to a whole new level. Its big, its industrial, but its kinda homely and comfy as well. 

Baby Friendly Dublin

Two Fifty Square

Tucked away just off Rathmines road is Two Fifty Square. A bright, modern cafe, perfect for coffee nerds, and brunch enthusiasts. 

We first stumbled upon this place after a swim in Rathmines Leisure Centre. The cute little out door seating area, complete with dogs water bowls caught my eye, and I had to go investigate. 

London With A Toddler

Small apartments for high rents, tube stations with no lifts and incessant crowds. London; not exactly somewhere you would consider child friendly. That was my opinion when we were booking a weekend away with our 15 month old. 

Lo

Kid & Coe

Bingo! 
I found it. Family friendly holidays that don't involve a Spanish resort or Disney Land, which are fun, but not exactly my idea of relaxing. 
We had decided against holiday this year, as we're the city exploring type and it seemed way too daunting with a toddler in tow. 
Until now that is, I've just come across a holiday rental site full of stylish family friendly rentals. Much like Air B&B but aimed at families. We usually use Air B&B when travelling and have found that staying in a local residence rather than a hotel has definitely added to the experience of a city, as well as working out cheaper. However they probably wouldn't suit us now as we would require the multitude of paraphernalia that comes along with having a toddler. High chairs, cot, and plenty of toys for entertainment. 

Cue Kid & Coe, basically a home away from home, including all the baby equipment you could need. High chairs, cots, toys and space. As well as super stylish interiors for Mama. 
There are homes pretty much everywhere from L.A to Leitrim, although surprisingly there are none in Dublin. (Leitrim though, lol), prices vary on what you are looking for, but their are some surprisingly good value AMAZING properties if your travelling with family and able to share the prices. The website gives all the details you could need for reassurance when travelling with a child, how long to airport, nearest shops,what age the toys supplied are for, etc.

But be warned, scanning through their website will make you want to renovate your house! 

More images saved on my Pinterest

All black

"We used to go on holidays to Dun Laoghaire", these are the words I'm going to hound Lyla with when she's older and off on a J1. Because that's exactly what Jamie and I have done, twice. We have went to Dun Laoghaire on holidays. TWICE.

This is something I heard none stop as a child, but my mam got to go somewhere a little more exotic, they went to Bray.

We had planned on going further. Like on an actual holiday, but decided to be responsible grown ups and save the money. Plus we prefer to holiday in September. ;)

Anyway, we went out on our little mini break. As in, got dressed up and went out. This is a bit novel for us. The plan was dinner and drinks. A typical grown up affair.

Dinner happened, but as per usual we ate too much. (Totally recommend The Hen House - food is delish) 

So a walk along the harbour after dinner was called for. Obviously followed by a Teddy's ice-cream. And by that stage we were too tired and cold to go out so we were tucked up in bed by 10.30. 

One day we might get our lives back, until then I'm pretty happy with my glass of wine on the sofa and falling asleep before the film ends. 

(....And this is what I wore on our night out)  

Culottes, top, shoes - Pennys, Jacket - H&M

Dun Laoghaire

New York, Istanbul, Barcelona, Paris.... Every year Jamie and I go on 2-3 holidays. (I know, we love ourselves)

One big holiday , one city break and a weekend or two in London.

This year, for our city break, we packed our overnight bags, shipped Lyla off to her Nana's and jumped on the 46a to the glam coastal town of Dun Loaghaire, for a one night stay in the Royal Marine Hotel. 

We don't leave Lyla overnight very often and when we do we usually just catch up on much needed sleep. So we vowed to make the most of our baby free time and spent our 24-hours drinking wine, eating out, chilling in the spa and talking about non baby related things.

The Royal Marine Hotel is gorgeous,with old winding stair cases, chandeliers, and breathtaking views of the coast. We stayed in the new part of the hotel in a room with sea view. The bed was big and comfy, the spa in the hotel was dark and relaxing, the weather was perfect for a pier walk and best of all, the new Wetherspoon's was a two minute walk from the hotel. ;) 

 

There is no point to this post, other than it was nice to get away from being a mum for a night.

xx