Blue Monday – The most miserable day of the year

Blue Monday? You may never have heard of “Blue Monday” but the news channels make sure to mention it; every blooming year.

I was watching SKY News, as one does and there must not have bee much happening in the world, except a massive businnes going bust, landslides and mudslides and of course, Donald Trump putting his foot in it; again!

But no! Forget all of that stuff, Blue Monday, the most miserable day of the year was upon us.

So, what exactly is this most miserable of days? It is the second Monday after Christmas, the time you are back in work, when the weather is rotten and all the bills from your Christmas spending drop through the letterbox.

Who thought up Blue Monday?

What a great question. How does one go about deciding which is the worst day of the year? Well, a trip to our old friends Wikipedia will give the answer:

Blue Monday is a name given to a day in January (typically the third Monday of the month) claimed to be the most depressing day of the year. The concept was first publicised as part of a 2005 press release from holiday company Sky Travel, which claimed to have calculated the date using an equation.

I jest ye not, there is a actual mathematical equation to work the whole thing out. variables used are time, weather, travel delays, time doing hobbies etc and even time spent sleeping. You can see the equation in action from this link.

Don-t get too down in the dumps though> there is also an equation for the happiest day of the year. This is generally in June, close to midsummer.

Forest of Dean Lodges: Chase away them Blues.

Yes, we have the best cure for the Monday blues or any time of year blues. Forest of Dean lodges are ideal for a weekend break, short holiday, family holiday and any type of break to revitalise and refresh you.

Choose one of our great lodges and cottages and from all the different types of breaks and holidays we offer. get in touch today and book yourself a bit of happiness. At Forest of Dean Lodges we have our own maths equation for Blue Monday: we chase the blues away.

Contact us today, we’ll be happy to hear from you.

From Forest of Dean Lodges Happy New Year 2018 – Lets have a great New Year

Its that time of the year again, the New Year approaches. No doubt we will all be doing similar things that we did last new year? You know; promising ourselves many things.

That diet will start first thing on the 2nd of January! Those cigarettes are going in the bin one minute after midnight! In fact, nearly everyone makes new year resolutions that we really mean to follow through with; but we don’t seem to manage it.

What are the top ten new year resolutions?

There are, of course, hundreds, at least, resolutions that is. However; the top ten are usually the usual suspects, so to speak. I will run you through them and see what ones you will be adopting, one minute after midnight on the 1st of January.

• Quit Smoking! Oh yes! this is a biggie. If you have never been a smoker, you cannot appreciate what this would mean as far as an achievement is concerned. Quitting the evil weed, for some people, is tantamount to climbing Everest. Often, will power alone cannot help, so, if you know somebody who is trying to quit, give them some encouragement.
• Lose Weight: Being overweight is bad for your health, you also don’t fit into those clothes you paid so much money for. Losing weight is another huge resolution and, just like the ciggies, it seems like a long, slow, boring process. Many people will go for this one, the gymnasiums will see a spike in membership in January.
• Spend more time with the family: Far too many of us spend a limited time with our families and friends. This is because, quite often, we are out at work. Needs must when the devil drives. Sometimes we have to do things that we would rather not be doing but, somebody has to do it. Try and make time in 2018 for family and friends.
• Get out of debt: This is another resolution that comes around every year, just after you have spent too much money on Christmas presents. Debt is a horrible thing and getting rid of debt can be a long, hard process but well worth the pain.
• Quit Drinking: or, more realistically, drink less. Another one that improves both health and finances. People quite often don’t remember making this particular resolution, they say they must have been drunk when they made it.

        Pick a card, any card! In fact, take a few. Which ones will you be picking?

More New Year Resolutions?

Oh Yes, five more of the top ten to go. Have you spotted your particular ball and chain for 2018? No? Well, lets look at some more.

• Enjoy Life More: Yes, a surprising one this. Everyone would like to enjoy life more, I’m sure of that. Why then do we wait for the new year before expressing this wish? Perhaps because it really is a new start, a watershed even. Best of luck with that one.
• Learn Something New: Many people would love to take up a new hobby, travel more, learn to play a musical instrument, jump out of an aeroplane and such like. New Year is the time to promise ourselves all these things.
• Help Others: Some folk come over all philanthropistic at this time of the year. The sudden urge to make the planet a better place and improve the lives of our fellow man or the animals that roam upon it. The urge is great, however, quite often, this is fueled by the drink and ciggies.
• Get my life together: get organised. Clear out that shed, redecorate the house, apply for a new job, the list is endless. The need to reorganize ones life at new year can be a great incentive to actually do it. Good luck!
• Bucket List: All those things you want to see and do before the grim reaper pays you a visit, write them down. This is a bucket list. Some people only start theirs when they think time is limited. others because they are scared they’ll forget and miss something. Swim with Dolphins, see the Taj Mahal, climb Everest, get a tattoo, the list is endless.

That will be enough, for now. How many of the above resolutions will you be breaking this new year?

One resolution you should make, the one about spending more time with the family? Why not do that and bring them to our Forest of Dean lodges in 2018? This will also cover the resolution for enjoying yourself more. Don’t wait, don’t add it to your bucket list, book a Forest of Dean lodge for 2018, we will be delighted to see you.

Until then, from all at the Forest of Dean Lodges; HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018!

December Weather for the Forest of Dean Lodges

December weather? This December has been a little bit different all over the UK. Suddenly, and without as much as a by-your-leave, the whole country is eyeballs deep in pure white, crispy snow.

       A picture paints a thousand words. The Royal Forest of Dean in Winter

To most people, this would constitute a real bummer. trouble getting to work and back, or trouble just getting anywhere! The kids can’t get to school, you can’t get to the shops.

The car gets stuck, frozen and covered in that horrible mucky slush, snow mixed with gritting salt. Its horrible, isn’t it?

Well, not exactly; no!

The Forest of Dean in Winter

One of the most beautiful places anywhere in Europe is the Royal Forest of Dean. Spring, summer, Autumn or winter you are sure to find the natural beauty of the forest. Winter can be a real bonus. When it does snow in the Royal Forest of Dean you are treated to a masterpiece of natural art.

Nothing can quite match the fantastic landscape when the forest is covered in Snow. Trees of all shapes and sizes take on new patterns, the rivers cut through the white ground like silver blades through marzipan. The Forest is asleep, covered in a beautiful duvet of natures own making.

Photographers and painters are in paradise, literally; dramatic photographs and canvasses are created by people who admire nature and its wonders.

Snowfall in the Forest of Dean means a different thing altogether. Its pure, unblemished and easy on the eye.

Now is the time for a great weekend break in the Royal Forest of Dean. Check out the wonderful Kensley Lodge and the great offer for a Christmas break. Take advantage of this great offer to enjoy the wonders of nature, not to mention the Hot Tubs, Yoga, couples breaks, heath Spa and much more.

Treat yourself to a well deserved Christmas break in the Royal Forest of Dean. I’ve found a great weather website for the Dean Forest and Wye valley area, you can check whats going to be there when you do. hail, rain, sunshine or snow, visit the beautiful Dean Forest.

Last Minute Christmas Bookings Forest of Dean 2018? No Problems.

Last minute Christmas bookings 2018 are not a rare occurrence in any location, so, why should we not expect the same in the Forest of Dean? We don’t.

For that matter we are always ready to remind people, those thinking of a Christmas lodge in the Forest of Dean, that we still have something available. Thus, this blog post.

We have one lodge left for the festive season and, if you want it, you should contact us right away.

We are talking about Kensley lodge which can sleep up to 6 people in comfort. 4 nights in this fantastic Forest of Dean Lodge from the 23rd to 27th of December 2017 for just 395 Pounds! That can’t be bad, can it!

Don’t miss out on this great Christmas break, contact us today and book yourself a great Christmas break in the Royal Forest of Dean.

Weather Statistics for the Forest of Dean

If there is one thing that people are obsessed by, its the weather. It matters not what season it is, the weather will be brought up in nearly every conversation.

It seems that we cannot get through the day without checking the TV report, the newspaper daily update and now,  thanks to the wonders of technology,you can have the weather app on your phone. You can now check to see if it is raining as many times as you like.

The app on your phone will give you today’s report, tomorrow and next week. And, if you are that interested, the long range forecast for the next few months. You can have too much of a good thing.

So, what about the Forest of Dean weather Statistics?

The great thing about the royal Forest of Dean is that no matter come rain, hail, snow or shine, you can alsways get something to do.

Forest of Dean has so many places to visit, so many things to see and do, both indoors or outdoors, it makes no difference as long as you make a little plan.

Anyone who reads this blog will have read back postings where we have listed the things you can see and do in the Forest of Dean at different times of the year. Google is another great way to check out things, there are a myriad of websites with information on the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley.

Renting a Forest of Dean lodge or cottage for a winter break is a great way to brighten up any winter. We have a range of offers for you, such as couples breaks, weekend breaks, long and short term rentals, holistic and health Spa holidays.

You can also bring the dog, we are very pet friendly. Check out our main website and book yourself a lovely break in the Forest of Dean, don’t worry about the weather, the forest is beautiful 360 days of the year.

Christmas and New Year Forest of Dean 2018 / 2019

If you were to type a question into Google, you would no doubt get the answer you want. Sometimes, not always, you may get a host of answers all telling you a different thing. It’s not easy.

Here is a great question to ask Google; what is the most stressful time of the year? You won’t be surprised by the answer though.

Christmas time is the most stressful time of the year, especially for mums. Why should this be? How can such a jolly few weeks be stressful, after all, we eat, drink and make merry, don’t we?

Well; not everyone has a great Christmas time and not everyone east, drinks and makes merry. Some people have to work, in fact, in the modern world we live in, its more normal for people to work night shifts and weekends as well as festive periods. It would seem that the world has forgotten how to sleep or just say “No!”.

Leave Christmas hassle behind and book a Forest of Dean Lodge or Cottage this Christmas

Christmas and New Year

So, why then is Christmas and New Year the most stressful time to be a mom or a worker?

1. Finance. Christmas can be a very expensive few weeks, especially if you have children or young adults. Gone are the days of putting and tangerine, torch, some sweets and chocolate into a sock that is hung from the bed end. No chance what so ever of that. These days its Iphones, Drones, laptop computers and computer games. These don’t come cheap, in fact, they can be bloody expensive. Some people go over their heads to keep their children happy and to “keep up with the Jones next door”.
2. Family and friends. Yes, the arrival of the mother-in-law rates as the biggest cause of stress and friction at Christmas, according to a poll of 2500 adults conducted by the Daily Mirror. Also ranked high is the heavy workload involved with creating the “perfect Christmas”. Also ranking high is the idleness of the male spouse. Most woman would not trust their husbands to take care of things at Christmas because they don’t think they are capable of such as thing.
3. Shopping. On average, a mom would spend up to 226 hours doing the Christmas shopping. Can you imagine that? (I suppose if you are a mom, yes you can.) I have to confess, Christmas shopping is a pet hatred. Does it never cease to amaze you how so may people leave everything to the last minute, or so it would seem. Who likes the pushing and shoving, the queue’s, the bad tempers and often foul weather.
4. Decorations. Taking out the “deccies” two weeks before the festive season, every year, to me, seems like Dèjà Vu.  It always seems like it has been two minutes since you put them away, and here you are, again, taking them back out. Of course, the lights won’t work or you have lost the ties for the tree decorations or the fairy looks like she has been in a fight with Rocky Marciano. It is never straight forward.
5. Yuletide Songs. Yes! If there is one thing guaranteed to send myself and others off the stress scale it is the “Christmas number 1”. In my youth, the Christmas number 1 was the likes of Slade, John Lennon, Wizard, Mud and other talented individuals and groups. Even into the 80’s and 90’s there were still some decent hits at Christmas. Wham, Shakin Stevens, Mariah Carey, to name a few. Then came those dreadful talent shows and the winner was practically guaranteed a Xmas number 1. Very seldom were they any good, in fact, they are dreadful. So dreadful, even Cliff Richard is a welcome warbler with his cheesy hits. Which are the worst number 1 Xmas hits? Take a look.

There are many reasons why Christmas is so stressful, you will have your own pet hate. This Daily Mirror poll is an excellent and informative read. Take a look and see if you can identify yourself among the list of stress causes.

So, why am I posting about Xmas and New Year 2018? Its only October?

Yes, it is only October but Christmas is just around the corner and the annual ritual will soon begin. So, why not give it a rest this year? Yes, really! Instead of the fuss and the bother, all the shopping, the decorations, the mother-in-law, why not book into one of our Forest of Dean Lodges and Cottages?

Let somebody else cook Xmas dinner for you.There will be plenty of places open in the Royal Forest of Dean to make sure you won’t miss the festive meal. Just think; No Washing Up! Booking a lodge or cottage in the Forest of Dean will save you a lot of time, stress and expense. Bring the family, you can even bring the dog, we are pet friendly.

What About New Year?

New Year 2018/2019 is the same. Forget all the running about, all the fuss and bother. Book with us and really enjoy the Xmas and New year for a change.

Book early though!

However; make sure you do this in good time because a lot of people tend to get the same idea at this time of year. The thought of getting away for the festive break becomes ever more inviting. The thought of relaxing in the beautiful Forest of Dean and letting somebody else take the strain is a real attraction.

You can check out what we have available for you, not just in the festive season but at other times of the year. Our villas and cottages are available 365 days of the year. You can pick the time that suites you and look forward to a well deserved holiday or weekend break.

If you have any questions on our accommodation, our staff are more than happy to help you. Please contact us at any time and we will be happy to make sure you get the holiday you truly deserve.

The Forest of Dean Christmas and New Year, its more “Ho! Ho! Ho!” and less “Oh! Oh! Oh!”.

Forest of Dean Calendars 2018 – Book your Forest of Dean Lodge

This little fellow’s family will be on one of the calendars for 2018

It is at this time of year, every year, that one of my favourite programmes “Countryfile” starts to tell you all about the new calendar for 2018 and how to get it.

Aunty Beeb knows how to pull the coffers in and, with such a great show as Countryfile, you are guaranteed a good list of takers for the 2018 calendar.

Well, there is some great news for those who are fans of the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley area of Gloucestershire.

Caldwell Creations have released their new 2018 Forest of Dean Calendars and they look brilliant. Each of the vibrantly coloured calendars carries 13 photographs that are unique and will not be reproduced on other merchandise.

8 Forest of Dean Calendars to choose from

There are 8 Forest of Dean calendars to choose from, The Main one, Humbugs, Wild Boar, Ponies, Sunshine, A different perspective, Trails through the Forest and Wildlife. These items are A4 size and are a limited addition, so, you are getting something pretty unique for a mere 6 pounds.

2018 isn’t that far away now and a quick gaze at your present calendar will remind you that it would be a good idea to check out the Forest of Dean Lodges website and book your forest lodge for next year. Leaving your holiday booking to the last minute is never a good idea.

Forest of Dean lodges at Coleford are happy to take your lodge booking for 2018 now. If there are any questions you have about the lodges and cottages or any of the services provided, we are happy to talk to you. Contact us at any time.

We have lodges and cottages in the Royal Forest of Dean that will suite everyone. Check out the lodge pages and see what is on offer and then book now to avoid disappointment.