'Do more of what makes you happy’ is a frequently used saying. It is also a saying that is often misused or perhaps overlooked. Feeling happy or finding happiness in life is something we all seek. How we get there or how long it takes, is always a question the individual has to answer themselves.

A practical view on how we can utilise what is all around us in order to bring some extra positive thinking and overall happiness into our lives.

‘Thoughts and Stories from the Great Outdoors’

www.garethmate.com

Camping Stories - Camping trip to Delflandhoeve in the Netherlands

Read all about my latest Camping visit to Delflandhoeve in the Netherlands.

A great little campsite in South Holland, close to the city of Delft.

#placestowanderandexplore

How to Make a Stone Age Dwelling

Prehistory - Life in the Stone Age

One great thing about being a teacher is that you get to participate in some fantastic projects. Projects that are not exciting for you (the teacher), but also the children you are teaching.

Over the past few weeks my class has been excited about learning more about Prehistory and in particular life during the Neolithic and Palaeolithic periods.

Find out more about what we have been up to in my latest blog post. How to make Stone Age dwelling.

A Sustainable and Self Sufficient place to live

In pursuit of further developing creativity, I decided to present my class with another open-ended and creative task.

A task that would not only encourage the children I teach to work together, think expansively, but also build stronger levels of resilience and perseverance in order to reach and hopefully achieve a desirable goal.

Read on to find out more.

www.garethmate.com

Get Back to Nature - Digital Detox

Time for a Digital Detox

I remember the days when Social Media and electronic devices didn’t exist. I remember the days when I (personally) would spend hours of my day, care free and out in the fresh air.

This new blog post highlights another reason why it is important to ‘get back to nature’and give your body and mind a Digital Detox.

www.garethmate.com

Get back to Nature - 30 minutes outdoors

Getting back to Nature

Feeding our natural instincts by getting back to nature is vitally important if we are to fulfil and attempt to live a more healthy lifestyle.

I this particular blog post I aim to share some thoughts and ideas on how we can all make a positive change and begin spending just 30 minutes a day in the outdoors.

#30minutesoutdoors

How to start cycling to work EVERY DAY.

Top Tips from a Cycle Commuter.

Over the last few years, there’s definitely been somewhat of a revolution in the number of people choosing to cycle to work. Maybe it's down to increased traffic on the roads, personal issues relating to health, cost or simply trying something new. Either way, there are many great benefits of riding into work, rather than driving or using public transport.

In this particular post, I hope to highlight some of my Top Tips, after I decided to ditch all modes of transport, in order to complete a 32 mile/52km cycle commute each and every day.

Top Tips for Healthy Outdoor Activities

It's time to make the most of the longer days and warmer weather...

With long, dark, cold winter months finally leaving us behind, a new world of opportunity is blossoming just beyond your window. As the seasons change, the weather is starting to improve and the days are getting longer.

To hopefully promote, positive thinking, I would like to encourage my readers to get outside, make the most of what you have, by enjoying some much-needed sunshine and perhaps begin to participate in one of the many healthy active pursuits at your disposal.

As the saying goes... 'hello body, healthy mind.'

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles

Here is my latest Outdoor Product review. In this particular post, I will be reviewing the Black Diamond's 'Ultra Distance' carbon fibre folding trekking poles. A 3-section Z-Pole combination and design, that features a flexible coated inner cord, a single push-button release system, together with the very handy Speed Cone technology that has Black Diamonds impressive avalanche probe design—a key component of Z-Poles'.

https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com

Inspiring Individuals - Introducing Graham Clarke

Inspiring Individuals

This is the third and latest post in my series all about 'Inspiring Individuals.' In this particular post, I will be focusing on one of my good friends, from my University days. Through the years, we shared some great times. Playing in the same successful football team and enjoying some similar past times, as well as being part of a wider friendship group.

May I introduce Graham Clarke.

Home of Millican - Roaming the Dutch Landscape

I'm a weekend roamer!

Roaming the Dutch Landscape is a great way to spend any given weekend. The Netherlands offers a diverse range of landscapes, in which any outdoors enthusiast can simply get outside, then wander and explore their surroundings.

Roaming the Dutch Landscape an outdoor article for Home of Millican https://www.homeofmillican.com/ #placestowanderandexplore

Inspiring Individuals - Paul Elton

Inspiration Series

Recognising and featuring Inspiring Individuals, who go out of there way in order to do something different and achieve their goals.

First up is Paul.

Peak District Walks - The Roaches

A favourite walk - The Roaches, Staffordshire, England.

I have written about one previous Peak District walk already. That particular walk focused on one of my favourite places, that being the beautiful area surrounding the popular and well photographed, Chrome Hill.

I will walk 1000 miles

In 2018 I will be walking my way to achieving 1000 miles.

I will be participating in the challenge set by Country Walking Magazine

It is just 2.74 miles a day. So get involved and make a difference.

What does Music mean to you?

Finding the harmonious balance between good music and the Great Outdoors. Encouraging others to share the same vison and passion as me.

50 things to do with a stick.

In a bid to develop the power of Creative Thinking, within my class. We came up with 50 things to do with a stick. Collectively, we hope these practical ideas serve as inspiration and enable you to get outside, enjoy the outdoors and explore, learn, create.

How to manage a Blog around a Full Time job.

How to manage a blog around a full-time job

For the majority of blogger types out there, working full-time on your blog is pretty much the normal state of affairs, with many using it as a full-time venture, career and job. Some are lucky enough to travel the world, work with brands, tell a great story and develop inspiring content, others do all of the same and yet produce complete rubbish.

Travel - Visit to England

Notes from my most recent trip back to the United Kingdom.