Not so lazy days off

I decided to book a day off for Eddies birthday.  His birthday fell on Thursday but I decided to take the Friday off to make a nice long weekend.  This birthday is so different to last years read here for that post.

Although the weather a couple of weeks ago was ok, it has definitely gone back to being Winter with wind and rain most of the time.  They forecast that the morning would be a clear icy morning – my favourite.  So we made plans to go out with Luna for the morning and then do some birthday shopping for the birthday boy in the afternoon.

I did some google searching and it popped up with Mercia Marina. We hadn’t been before and it wasn’t that far away so we decided to drive over.

Day off and a trip to Mercia Marina

It was opened just over 10 years ago and is set in Willington in Derbyshire around the 24 Acre Willington Lake with more than twice the amount of countryside which is nature trails, dog walks, holiday homes, shopping.  There are some lovely cafes and shops.

When we first got there we stopped at The Willow Tree Cafe.  Eddie had a full brekkie but I went for poached eggs on granary toast with a black filter coffee.  It was delicious and even better as they were dog-friendly so Luna sat under the table whilst we ate.

There are some cute little extras you can spot on the walk

Then on to the trail. We actually went wrong on the walk and went the wrong way – it was still a nice walk along the canal, although a little muddy!!  I think the other way led to a proper loop walk, whereas we went out in one direction and then had to turn around and come back the same way!

I think that’s my only negative of the visit – the walk isn’t well signposted at all.  A few arrows and this way to this loop would be good.

Once we had done the walk, we dropped Luna home for a sleep as we had walked her little legs off!!

Next stop….

Meadowhall

Everyone refers to this as my second home.  I do seem to visit Meadowhall at least once a month. Partly to visit the Nespresso shop and but also because neither Nottingham or Derby have a Hollister or a Victora Secret.

Eddie had birthday money to spend, and I wanted to get him a couple of bits as I had only really got him some new running trainers; I say only but they were Hoka One One’s!!.  He didn’t spend his birthday money but he did get some jeans and three tops.

We topped up on Nespresso capsules and I got two bras in Victoria Secret.

For lunch we decided on Wagamama – we both just love it!

Then we headed off home – after grabbing a Caffe Nero for the car journey back!!

Was a really nice day off, it felt so chilled – I was tired in the end as I actually got up at 6 am to work out. I have got to work hard if I want my “Beachbody” for summer!!!

Julie x