SIX MONTH SMILES

I decided years ago that I wanted the Six Month Smiles, but never got around to it.

For those who haven’t heard of the Six Month Smiles, it’s a dental treatment which involves bracing and re-aligning the teeth.

However, Covid-19 happened and after the first lockdown, when dental practices opened their appointment books again, I decided to go for it.

I mean, public gatherings were cancelled for the foreseeable and face to face contact was behind a mask, so it was the perfect time to get them done.

I’ve always kept up to date with my dental appointment and after having the girls we switched to an NHS practice which we attended every 6 months. The girls had complimentary check-ups whilst we paid for ours. I had the odd filling and x-ray but other than that I was considered to have good oral health.

Most appointments were typically a check-up and polish and I was sent off with a satisfactory bill of health as far as I was concerned.

So when I visited a private dental practice for the Six Month Smiles consultation I was shocked with the outcome of my x-ray results.

The first consultation was an oral exam with no obligation, and I was given time to think of the options given available to me. The dentist agreed I could be a candidate but needed to investigate further should I decide to proceed.

The second consultation was an oral exam, x-ray and to discuss eligibility of my Six Month Smiles. After the x-ray the Dentist asked if I smoked, I explained that I smoked in my teens/early twenties and he could tell from the x-ray. He asked if I’d ever been told I had gum disease, which I hadn’t. In fact, I had always been complimented about my teeth and I’d never been concerned about my oral health only cosmetically due to the structure of my bottom teeth which were crooked and slight dis-alignment of the top.

I was shown my x-ray and the dentist asked if I floss my teeth which I didn’t, and I only ever used a normal tooth brush.

He explained that he could see signs of gum disease and that bacteria can hide in pockets between your gums and teeth. As the pockets extend, more tartar, plaque, and germs gather underneath the gums, prompting the loss of bone and connective tissue around my teeth. Without the bone and stable tendons to hold my teeth in their sockets, they become loose and can fall out.

My connective tissue had diminished down to 25% on the x-ray and he explained that another 15 years my teeth would probably start to loosen.

This came as a shock to me and he took his time to show me how to floss with what I would describe as a miniature toilet brush and how to use a thread floss for tight gaps.

When the floss came out, I could see the plaque, he explained how this can end up being linked to heart disease and Alzheimer’s and so practicing oral hygiene by incorporating his tips were crucial.

He also recommended investing in an electric toothbrush so needless to say I improved my oral hygiene immediately and felt a difference straight away.

My mouth and teeth felt super clean and it’s made me more conscious of making healthier choices. It’s surprising what a bit of education can do.

I couldn’t help but feel disappointed that I wasn’t warned of my gum disease earlier as I regularly attended my NHS dental appointments. Surely previous x-rays would have shown up my gum disease so that I could have reinforced the importance of oral hygiene. I’m so grateful of the day I walked into Glandwr Dental Practice. I look forward to sharing the rest of my Six Month Smiles journey with you. The practice offer interest free finance and re-payments can be calculated from their website.

Big shout out to another local practice who also offer orthodontic procedures, Abersoch Dental Practice. It really is worth looking after you smile, and these practices have a great reputation and great Instagram accounts if you want to see some awesome before and after work.

TRELAN FARM

#PRESSTRIP

Given our current situation we may as well be staying put on our home shores rather than jetting off to seek the sun for a while! 

Although we love a good holiday aboard, there are plenty of places in the UK and Wales in particular that has spectacular scenery and unspoilt landscapes to discover and enjoy and I can’t wait to share this little gem with you.

I’ve been friends with Catherine for a few years now and we met in person at Llangollen food festival where I got to meet hubby Wynne and their children Betrys and Iori. The husband and wife team are third generation farmers in Cilcain, North Wales, and last year they docked a luxury converted shipping container on the farm. The Cargo Cabin is a romantic hideaway for two, with stunning views of the Clwydain range and a unique outdoor bath.

Catherine kindly invited me for a press trip to Trelan Farm. Since we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary in September this trip was perfect. It’s my kind of glamping as it is already set up for you and you don’t need to bring very much. No need for tents, sleeping bags and portable stoves.

The Cargo Cabin has full WiFi access but sometimes its nice to just switch off and get away from technology to recharge your own batteries. You can’t go wrong with a pack of cards or even a book or magazine. 

So what did we get up to? Firstly we were meant to stay for two nights, however a day before we were due to leave an announcement was made that Flintshire was going into local lockdown in 48 hours. And so we decided to stay one night only and make the most of it.

We arrived at our cabin around 3.30 as check in is at 3pm. We received digital confirmation with all the information needed beforehand, It was a rather miserable rainy afternoon and after parking up, we walked less than 100 yds up the path to the most mesmerising spot on the range. The cargo cabin is situated behind the farm in an elevated but private spot overlooking the most wonderful countryside.

There are two deckings, one for sitting or dinning outside and a sheltered one with an outdoor bath!

We had a lovely welcome hamper which included Jones crisps, waffles, hot chocolate, tea/coffee, rice crispy cakes and a bottle of fizz!

The cargo is open plan with an L-shape settee that converts to a bed in true glamping style. It also housed a separate toilet and shower room, with plenty of hooks for towels and clothing and compact storage.

I loved the traditional the kettle and the first thing we did was stick it on till the whistle alerted us then demolishing the rice crispy cakes-bliss!

The gully kitchen had everything you need for a cosy night in but we had already decided that we were dinning out and booked a table at the white horse pub, Hendrenewydd on Catherine’s recommendation.

This epic road trip did not disappoint, we got in our 4x4 and drove over the Clwydian range in what can only be described as an adventure. From one cattle grid to the next we had to look out for wild animals, birds and farm animals and it felt like a Safari journey in this natural habitat. When we drove over the top for our descend the view was out of this world, just heavenly.

The White horse was exactly what we wanted, a very old pub, an open fire and excellent traditional menu from oysters to truffle chips to pork fillet.

We had a starter and main washed down with red wine and the presentation and food was top notch. If you are ever passing, I would highly recommend this place. They were also well managed for covid with an induction to a 1 way system, masks and even hand sanitisers on the tables.

We then drove back via the single track lane over the range and back to the cosy cabin.

The path was lit up with garden lights and the cabin was lovely an warm when we got in. Despite the drizzle outside I was determined to have a bath and donned my wooly hat on, poured the bubbles and enjoyed an evening spa experience.

Honestly this trip was just what the Dr ordered and when we woke in the morning the grey skies had cleared and we had breakfast on the decking. Waking up to the sound of the birds and enjoying breakfast outside was so grounding and calming.

Currently the Cargo Cabin is only available for Flintshire residents as they are in local lockdown with a whopping 30% discount so it’s the perfect staycation.

However they are taking bookings with a guarantee of full refund if they have to cancel your booking due to current restrictions. I know that valentines 2021 has already gone but they have lots of mid- week dates available which is what we did.

Head on over to their website on www.trelanfarm.co.uk or on instagram @trelan_farm to find out more about them. If you book, be sure to mention that you found them via #tanyanottanya and Catherine will make sure there is a bottle of fizz and some locally made cakes waiting for you!

“This refurbished shipping container has found a truly special place to dock, on the grounds of a 150 acre beef and sheep farm in Cilcain, North Wales. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush countryside and endless peace and tranquility. With a stylish interior and beautiful wood clad exterior, it’s stunning both inside and out. And the outdoor bath takes in the best of those breathtaking views - just add bubbles.”

STAYCATION

Our 2020 vacation plans were quashed by Covid-19, including my husband’s 50th birthday celebrations - and like many other birthdays during the lockdown it just passed.

To be honest it wasn’t going to be a huge bash anyway, as all he wanted was a weekend away. However, I felt guilty that we didn’t really mark it. At the time we were hardly leaving the house and arranging home deliveries and although he said he wasn’t bothered; I felt a sense of guilt for not marking his milestone birthday.

The Coronavirus hit us all like a tsunami: we knew it was coming but had no idea the intensity and impact that lay ahead and it’s all been so surreal. It made us all nervous and it felt like we became prisoners in our homes. We didn’t order a takeaway or eat out for three months and were shopping online for pretty much everything, including food.

During the lockdown we built a bar in our shed, and we shared the progress on my Instagram account. We called it Bar Corona and since we were stuck at home we went to town with it - purchasing a Juke Box, drink optics, ice box, coffee barista, hanging pub card snacks and it’s ended up looking like a proper bar.

I was inspired by movie actor and director Paul Feig’s daily cocktail hour. Every day at 5pm throughout the lockdown, Feig would dress up and dance around his Burbank home mixing drinks such as “Drunk Funcle” a persona he's developed over the quarantine period. He would be joined by his wife and this was shared on his IGTV (worth checking out).

We’ve have had parties (just the four of us and the dog) in our very own Corona bar and perfected the espresso martini.

We also use it as a coffee shop during the day and as coffee shops were shut it felt like another place we could visit without actually leaving home.

So now that we seem to be adjusting to the new normal, I felt I wanted to do something to make up for the lost time and celebrate my husband birthday! A mini break without actually leaving our little home oasis.

The next purchase was an inflatable hot tub, the plan had we have gone away would have been a lodge with a hot tub. We’ve used it during the evenings and when hot weather was predicted we turned the heat down and used it as a plunge pool.

Then I spotted a new company on Instagram who set up during the lockdown in the form of luxury tee-pee’s and then the idea came to me.

Parti Ti-Pi started off as sleepovers for children before progressing to a bell tent. They also offer luxe picnics and this great company was set up by mum of two and part time teacher Delyth Roberts. We hired a tent for two people which included a hamper with treats. We also added a picnic table so that we could dine inside. A £50 deposit is paid upon booking and it’s all set up for you. The attention to detail was fabulous with a boho theme and it was super cosy.

We ordered a bistro-to-go takeaway from Tremfan Hall. The restaurant usually serves modern British food with both French and Italian cooking influences led by their talented chefs using only the finest and freshest ingredients.

We had a duck starter, followed by belly pork, thai green curry with side portion of veg and salty chips and a cheese platter for dessert.

Our bistro meal was washed down with wine then followed by more wine in the hot tub, before we retired into the tee-pee. The weather was great too, which was an extra bonus.

The benefits of a staycation is that it’s all set up for you and there was no packing involved. We changed and washed in the house, so no toiletries to carry, and we were able to enjoy a mask free experience from the luxury of our own home.

For anyone not wanting to travel but wanting to do something special I would highly recommend this type of staycation.

You can find out more about Parti Ti-Pi on:

Instagram & Facebook

or you can contact them on the information below:

partitipi2020@gmail.com

07748 964 760