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I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone that has made the effort to visit my blog this year a very Merry Christmas. Wherever you're spending the festive season, make sure you enjoy it. This is a time for sharing and giving, but most importantly, it's a time for family. So keep yours close, and enjoy the precious time you have with them. Merry Christmas one and all xx

Anyone who has visited the Caribbean will be well aware of the subject matter of today's travel photo. I'm a bird lover, and regularly feed the birds in my own garden at home. When travelling, I love seeing new species of birds, and feeding them if I can. Over the years on my holidays in the Caribbean, I have come to love the Bananaquit - a lively little bird with a white stripe above the eye, and bright yellow belly. You may have to look closely in the photo above to find the little one pictured here, but if you're enjoying breakfast outdoors and have any sort of syrup or sugar on your table, these cheeky little guys will definitely pay you a visit!

Before I went to Trinidad, I have to admit I didn't know much about the island apart from the fact that it has been troubled by drug and gang-related violence. My own experience of this beautiful place couldn't be more different. If you're into nature, then Trinidad is home to some of the most diverse and spectacular bird life in the Caribbean.  Not only that, but it has more than 450 bird species, 108 types of mammals, 55 reptiles, 25 amphibians and 620 types of butterflies. I read somewhere that it's South America in a Caribbean island - I couldn't have put it better myself! If you would like to see my original post on Trinidad, click  here.

I stayed in the Red Pump Inn a few months ago, and was blown away by the setting; service, and steaks! This country inn can be found in the tiny Lancashire village of Bashall Eaves, and is described on the website as a luxury B&B and steak restaurant, but it's so much more than that. There are eight beautiful boutique rooms at the inn with antique beds; incredibly comfortable mattresses, and wonderfully powerful wet room showers. They all have tea and coffee making facilities as well - something that seems to be a rarity in B&B's these days. We soaked up the atmosphere in the bar, which is also popular with locals, before having a fabulous meal in the restaurant. They serve simple and uncomplicated, but very tasty food. The Red Pump specialise in steak, and is one of just three eateries outside London to serve beef supplied by the revered Ginger Pig of London - beef that has a wonderful flavour, and is served at some of the best restaurants in London and...