Tag: family
Kistinic Gatehouse in Brittany
On our recent holiday to Brittany in France we stayed in two stylish holiday homes in the department of Finistere. I discovered Frenchberry whilst searching for family friendly holiday accommodation that provided that little bit extra. We have been treated to absolute luxury with each home and location we’ve stayed in.
We spent the first week of our holiday in the Kistinic Gatehouse just outside the medieval city of Quimper. The Kistinic Gatehouse is a charming house that comfortably sleeps six. It’s situated in the park grounds of the Kistinic Chateau where Frenchberry owner’s Claire and Andrew Bernard live. Our second week was spent by the beach at Lostmarc’h.
The Kistinic Gatehouse is a few minutes drive from Quimper where we enjoyed viewing the medieval architecture and cathedral, indulging in fine patisseries and leisurely meandering through pedestrianised streets. There’s something for everyone in the city of Quimper with a large range of shops and boutiques, restaurants and museums.
Stunning family friendly beaches with crystal clear water are less than a 30 minute drive away from the Kistinic Gatehouse. We visited Benodet for the day and had fun paddling, building sandcastles and walking along the coastal pathways.
The Kistinic Gatehouse has been lovingly restored and renovated by Claire and Andrew. Each bedroom and bathroom are uniquely decorated and designed to a high standard.
There’s a private garden with outdoor table and chairs providing a tranquil spot for reading or enjoying a meal, complete with melodic birdsong.
We roamed freely within the 15 hectares of parkland surrounding the Kistinic Chateau. Imogen loved exploring the pathways and discovering the tracks in the woodland.
The lawned garden is perfect for children to play and run around in.
Having stayed in numerous French cottages and gites over the years, I can say that this truly surpassed our expectations and we will happily return here for future holidays.
Family Life
The last few weeks have been extremely busy in our household. Aside from the usual business of general family life we’ve had some big decisions to make which affect us all.
A couple of weeks ago I made the decision to return to work part-time which is something I’m really looking forward to. It will be great to be back in the office working on projects again. Hubby and I have been researching and visiting nurseries to find one we’re happy with. We’ve settled on a nursery close to home which has great facilities for children and a wonderful environment.
Imogen is almost back to full health after more than a week of gastroenteritis which saw her with a very high fever for several days, vomiting, diarrhoea and mild dehydration.
The gastroenteritis struck the day we arrived in Brittany for our holiday, which was horribly too similar to our journey to New Zealand in January. Hubby had a couple of days of feeling under the weather and I was lucky to escape any ill effects. Thankfully we’re now getting out and exploring the beautiful countryside and coastline in Brittany.
A much happier little girl now she is better and out enjoying the great outdoors.
There is something about Brittany which continually draws us back. The beautiful view from our garden at Lostmarc’h near Crozon in Finistere.
Only Best For Baby
It’s exciting to experiment with new foods when weaning your baby. Whilst most foods are safe there are some foods that should only be introduced when your baby is of a certain age to allow for the development of your baby’s digestive system and immune system.
When weaning my baby I found it helpful to follow these simple guidelines for the safe introduction of different foods to ensure my baby was getting the right nutrition at the right time and to minimise the risk of food poisoning.
When can my baby eat …?
Gluten
Gluten is found in grains such as rye, wheat, barley and oats. It can be hard for young babies to digest and should not be introduced before your baby is six months old.
Cow’s Milk
From the age of six months full-fat cow’s milk can be used in cooking and with baby’s breakfast cereals. Cow’s milk can be introduced as a main drink from the age of 12 months.
Cheese
From the age of six months you can offer cheese to your baby but avoid giving blue cheese or soft unpasteurised cheese, such as Camembert and Brie, until your baby is at least one year old. Blue cheese and unpasteurised cheese contain live bacteria which carries the risk of food poisoning.
Eggs
Your baby can eat well cooked eggs with the white and yolk of the egg being solid from the age of six months. Do not give raw or undercooked eggs to babies under the age of 12 months old.
Fish
From six months you can give your baby white fish and oily fish, such as tuna and salmon. No more than two portions of oily fish should be eaten per week. Shark, swordfish and marlin should not be eaten by babies as these may contain traces of mercury.
Shellfish should not be given to babies under the age of nine months and must always be well cooked to minimise the risk of food poisoning.
Nuts
If there is no peanut allergy in your immediate family you can give your baby peanut products from the age of six months. Due to the risk of choking whole peanuts and other nuts must not be given before your child is five years old.
Honey
The bacteria in honey can cause infant botulism and although rare, to be on the safe side honey should not be given to babies under 12 months as their digestive system is too immature to cope.
I always advise parents to stay clear of food additives such as salt and sugar which hold no nutritional value for babies. Salt can cause dehydration and strain a baby’s immature kidneys and sugar can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Enjoy introducing foods and create a happy and healthy weaning experience for your baby.
Lydia Oliver – Nutritional Advisor Only Best For Baby
This article was published in the May 2013 edition of Mummy and Me Magazine.
I offer one to one nutrition programmes for breastfeeding, post pregnancy weight loss, weaning, weight management and health. Contact me.
