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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...

When I travel, I love looking up - whether it be at palm trees or cathedrals. I find you miss things if you don't look up, and soak in your surroundings. Having said that, sometimes it's also important to look down as I found when I took today's photo. This little piece of graffiti beside a cobbled pavement made me giggle - a mouse, going into his house! So look up; look down - look all around. Keep your eyes peeled - you never know what you'll see when you travel.

The humble cupcake has come a long way in recent years. When Carrie and co. starting making them famous in "Sex and the City", everyone else decided we couldn't get enough of them. Today, the trend is still going strong - people even have hundreds of the little guys piled on top of one another for their wedding cakes! When the trend first began, I featured a great little spot in London where I think the cupcakes are the best in the UK! Click  here  to read my original post. If you know a spot where the cupcakes are just as delicious, please let me know!

If you are in Edinburgh and fancy going somewhere that's a little bit different, you can't go wrong with The Canny Man's. This Morningside pub was established in 1871, and is an Edinburgh institution. It's not just the establisment itself that's an institution. The Bloody Mary's served here are so famous they were even featured on the BBC's Saturday Kitchen programme!  The beautiful bar has a real shabby chic look to it, and you could easily spend a few hours looking at all the items on the walls, and above your head! This is not just a pub though - food is served each day, and even that is unique. They serve seafood and smørrebrød - open sandwiches on rye bread, and they have an incredible list that will make it hard for you to decide what to go for! Desserts are fruity and alcoholic - what more could you want!  I celebrated a very special birthday in The Canny Man's and it was the perfect place for a group, as there are dif...

As the weather start to turn a bit colder and more wintery, I thought this atmospheric shot summed up some of the cold days we'll have over the coming months. It was taken on a day when I went on a brisk beach walk, and just as I took the photo, the sun came out. I have to say I think it looks a little bit like somebody has turned on the switch on a standard lamp, and the sun is providing the bulb! I love capturing moments like this, and would love you to share any photos that you have taken on your travels.