Saturday, 12 September 2026

The Living Room Plot Twist: Win ‘Flip Vision’ with Wicked Uncle

#Ad


 I’m breaking out a brand-new giveaway today, and fair warning: this one is going to completely distort your reality (quite literally).

We’ve partnered up with the toy geniuses at Wicked Uncle to give one of our lovely readers the ultimate family party game: Flip Vision – See Upside Down!It’s a beautifully chaotic game that takes the easiest tasks on earth and turns them into a hilarious test of hand-eye coordination.
The Goggle Effect: Expectation vs. Reality
The premise is simple: you strap on a pair of specially engineered optical glasses that flip your vision a full 180 degrees. Suddenly, the ceiling is the floor, the floor is the ceiling, and your brain is thoroughly confused.
Here is how a typical round goes down:
  • Writing your name:
    • Expectation: "I mastered this in reception."
    • Reality: Unintelligible scribbles that look like a spider drank too much coffee.
  • Drawing a simple smiley face:
    • Expectation: "Easy piece of cake."
    • Reality: Putting the eyes next to the chin and the mouth floating off into the corner.
  • Giving a high-five:
    • Expectation: "A classic gesture of celebration."
    • Reality: Missing your kid's hand entirely and high-fiving the empty air.
The box states it’s built for kids aged 5 and up, but let’s be completely honest—the real entertainment comes from watching the adults confidently step up to a challenge, only to make an absolute, laughing-so-hard-you-cry mess of it. It is the ultimate antidote to rainy weekends or screen-heavy evenings.




Why We Love Browsing Wicked Uncle
If you haven’t discovered Wicked Uncle yet, consider this your sign to check them out. They are our absolute go-to for children’s birthday and Christmas presents because they don't just sell standard toys.
Their site is carefully curated with unusual, quirky, and genuinely fun gifts. Best of all, you can filter everything strictly by age and interest. If you are shopping for a child who already seems to have every toy under the sun, this website is an absolute goldmine.
Enter to Win Your Own Copy!
Ready to see how well you handle an inverted universe? Thanks to the lovely team at Wicked Uncle, one lucky NinjaKiller Cat reader is going to win their very own Flip Vision – See Upside Down! game.
To get your name into the draw, simply complete the entry options on the Gleam widget below.
Best of luck to everyone! 🤞🏻

Tuesday, 4 August 2026

Wandini - Colour Changing LED Show The Review

 Disclosure : This product was sent to me free of charge and is a honest review


Price £21.99


Age 8 +


Inside The Box


Inside the box you get the main body of the wand, a short string with a finger loop and the stew in top and bottom sections. It is very easy to put to together you just simply just screw the top and bottom section of the wand . It comes with a micro -usb charging cable . The wand charges well and glows red whilst it is charging and changes to green when fully charged.


How It Works

There is button in the centre of the wand which turns on the LED lights, these shine through both ends in a double zig-zag pattern before making the tips of the wand glow brightly. There are 21 preset selections and all the information is available on the comprehensive information sheet.

Because one side of the wand carries a bit more weight, it hangs nearly straight down when the loop is placed over your middle finger and your hand is extended. As it swings freely, you can rotate your wrist, spin your body, twirl the wand, or experiment with various motions and tricks to produce the effect of a floating, smoothly moving beam of light. The illusion becomes even more striking in darker environments.Long-exposure photography becomes even more entertaining with the Wandini, as it can produce striking streams of light and creative visual effects in photos.

To help users master different movements and routines, Fun in Motion supplies a free companion app featuring step-by-step tutorial content. While the in-app YouTube player did not function properly in our testing, the videos were still accessible by opening them externally through a browser or directly in the YouTube application.

The included box serves a useful purpose beyond packaging, as the wand can be taken apart and stored compactly inside when not in use. This makes it much more convenient to carry during trips or outdoor activities, since you do not have to deal with transporting a long, awkward object.


Conclusion 

In the end, the Wandini succeeds in delivering an experience that feels both entertaining and surprisingly mesmerising. The smooth floating movements and glowing visual trails create an effect that quickly grabs attention, whether you are practising tricks indoors, performing in low light, or experimenting with photography. Its portable design and more premium build quality also help it stand apart from many novelty light toys currently available.

While the product is not completely flawless, the minor issues we encountered were relatively small compared with the amount of enjoyment it provides. Between the creative possibilities, durable construction, and easy-to-learn tricks, the Wandini feels like a well-thought-out gadget that can appeal to beginners and hobbyists alike. For anyone looking for something a little different that combines movement, light, and creativity, it makes a memorable addition to any collection.



Just make sure you or your child has plenty of space when using this you won't want to be knocking anything precious of your sideboard etc.


Now I have the opportunity for one of you to win one of these the competition is







Win A Wandini From Wicked Uncle

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Red Squirrels on the Isle of Wight: The Best Place in England to See Native Red Squirrels

Red Squirrels on the Isle of Wight: The Best Place in England to See Native Red Squirrels

The Isle of Wight is one of the last remaining places in England where red squirrels continue to thrive in the wild. While red squirrel populations have disappeared from much of southern Britain, the island has become a nationally important sanctuary for this iconic native species. Thanks to protected woodland habitats, strong conservation work and the natural barrier created by the Solent, the Isle of Wight now supports one of the healthiest red squirrel populations in the country.

For visitors interested in British wildlife, the chance to see a red squirrel on the Isle of Wight is one of the island’s biggest natural attractions. These agile mammals can still be spotted in forests, woodland trails and quiet countryside locations across the island, making the Isle of Wight one of the best destinations in the UK for wildlife tourism.

Why Are Red Squirrels Still Found on the Isle of Wight?

The biggest reason red squirrels survive on the Isle of Wight is the absence of grey squirrels. Grey squirrels were introduced into Britain during the nineteenth century and rapidly spread across mainland England. Larger and more aggressive than reds, grey squirrels compete for food and habitat while also carrying squirrelpox virus, a disease that is deadly to red squirrels.

Because the Isle of Wight is separated from mainland England by the Solent, grey squirrels have never established a permanent population on the island. This natural protection has allowed red squirrels to survive without the pressures faced elsewhere in the country.

Today, the Isle of Wight is recognised as one of the most important red squirrel conservation areas in southern England.

Where to See Red Squirrels on the Isle of Wight

Several woodland areas on the Isle of Wight are known for regular red squirrel sightings. The best places to look include ancient woodland, mixed forest and quiet nature reserves where food is plentiful and tree cover remains connected.

Popular locations include:

Parkhurst Forest

One of the island’s largest woodland areas, Parkhurst Forest provides ideal habitat for red squirrels with mature trees and extensive canopy cover.

Borthwood Copse

This peaceful woodland near Newchurch is a well-known location for wildlife enthusiasts hoping to spot red squirrels in their natural environment.

Firestone Copse

Managed woodland with excellent walking routes and regular sightings throughout the year.

Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve

A quieter location offering excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.

The best times to see red squirrels are usually early morning or late afternoon when they are actively searching for food.

What Do Red Squirrels Eat?

Red squirrels on the Isle of Wight survive on a varied natural diet that changes throughout the seasons. Their food sources include:

  • Hazelnuts
  • Acorns
  • Pine cones and seeds
  • Berries
  • Mushrooms and fungi
  • Tree bark and shoots

During autumn, red squirrels spend much of their time collecting and storing food for winter. Since they do not hibernate, hidden food supplies are essential during colder months when natural resources become limited.

How Red Squirrels Help Woodland Ecosystems

Red squirrels play an important role in maintaining healthy forests. As they gather and bury seeds, they help support natural woodland regeneration. Forgotten seeds may later grow into new trees, helping forests continue to develop naturally.

Their feeding habits also contribute to biodiversity by spreading fungi spores and influencing woodland ecology. Protecting red squirrels therefore benefits many other native species living within the same habitat.

Red Squirrel Conservation on the Isle of Wight

Conservation groups on the Isle of Wight work continuously to protect red squirrel populations and preserve woodland habitats. Local organisations monitor sightings, improve habitat connectivity and educate residents about preventing grey squirrel introductions.

One of the biggest priorities is maintaining connected woodland corridors. Red squirrels prefer travelling through trees and often avoid crossing open spaces where predators are more dangerous. Tree planting and hedgerow restoration projects help create safer movement routes across the island.

Residents are also encouraged to report any possible grey squirrel sightings immediately. Rapid action is essential because even a small breeding population could threaten the island’s red squirrels.

Why Red Squirrels Are Important to the Isle of Wight

Red squirrels have become a major part of the Isle of Wight’s identity. They appear in local tourism campaigns, wildlife photography, conservation projects and educational programmes across the island.

Many visitors travel specifically to experience one of the few places in England where red squirrels can still be seen naturally in woodland habitats. Wildlife tourism connected to red squirrels also supports local businesses, nature reserves and eco-tourism initiatives.

For photographers and nature lovers, the Isle of Wight offers one of the best opportunities in Britain to observe native red squirrels behaving naturally in the wild.

Threats Facing Red Squirrels

Although the Isle of Wight remains one of the safest places for red squirrels, several threats still exist. Habitat fragmentation, disease and climate-related changes to woodland ecosystems could all affect future populations.

Storm damage and woodland loss may reduce nesting opportunities, while accidental grey squirrel introductions remain the greatest long-term concern. Continued conservation work will therefore remain essential for protecting the species.

The Future of Red Squirrels on the Isle of Wight

The future for red squirrels on the Isle of Wight remains positive compared with many other parts of England. Strong community support, active conservation work and healthy woodland habitats continue to provide a safe environment for the species.

As one of Britain’s last true red squirrel strongholds, the Isle of Wight plays a critical role in protecting an important part of the country’s natural heritage. For anyone interested in wildlife, conservation or British nature, the island remains one of the best places in the UK to experience red squirrels in their natural habitat.

Wednesday, 29 April 2026

Doodlecat Harness Review

 

🐾 Doodlecat Harness Review: A Practical Choice for Everyday Adventures





I recently tried the Doodlecat harness with my cat Arwen and—like most first-time harness experiences—it started with a fair amount of resistance. The usual sequence: hesitation, a dramatic flop, and a look of deep betrayal.

That said, once we got past the initial adjustment period, the results were genuinely impressive.

Design & Appearance

The harness stands out immediately thanks to its bright, colourful design. It’s visually appealing without feeling gimmicky, and it’s nice to have something that looks as good as it functions. If you enjoy a bit of personality in your pet gear, this delivers. And competitively  priced too at £17




Fit & Comfort

This is where the harness performs best. The vest-style design offers a secure fit without restricting movement.

  • The material is soft and breathable
  • It distributes pressure evenly across the body
  • It allows natural movement—walking, crouching, and exploring

After a short adjustment period, my cat moved comfortably and no longer seemed overly aware of wearing it, which is often the biggest hurdle.

Security & Control

No cat harness is completely escape-proof, and it’s important to be realistic about that. However, the Doodlecat harness does a solid job.

  • Dual fastening (Velcro and buckle) adds security
  • The fit stays consistent during movement
  • The lead length offers a good balance of freedom and control

While I wouldn’t rely on it in high-stress or unpredictable environments, it feels dependable for supervised outdoor use.

Real-World Use

In a garden or quiet outdoor setting, this harness works very well. It gives enough freedom for natural behaviour—sniffing, exploring, and low-speed prowling—without sacrificing control.

The included leash is practical and well-matched to the harness, making it suitable for casual walks and outdoor enrichment.

Drawbacks

There are a few minor considerations:

  • The Velcro may lose strength over time with repeated use
  • Some cats will need a short adjustment period
  • Not the best option for highly escape-prone or particularly strong-willed cats

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Doodlecat harness strikes a strong balance between comfort, usability, and design. Most importantly, my cat tolerated it quickly and was able to move naturally while wearing it—arguably the most meaningful measure of success.

For everyday outdoor use in a controlled environment, it’s a reliable and well-designed option that should suit most cats and owners.




Friday, 24 April 2026

Adopting A Rescue Cat What To Consider

 With Jack Black the cat passing nearly a month ago we dived in with both feet to get a new cat, the new cat however was not a replacement for jack  but instead a new chapter in our cat owning lives. We decided to go with a rescue cat and looked round at various cat rescue places , we were paricualry taken with with British shorthair cat called Bob who was large ( part of his breed ) but unfortunately he had a flat face and an overbite. We felt that this was going to store up potential health problems in the future. I am sure Bob will find a loving home but you just know when a cat isn't right for you.

I spotted Arweb on another cat rescue site on Facebook  ( who ever said time was wasted on Facebook , well it isn't especially when it comes to cats. We went to see Arweb ( previous Tabby Tabitha , and we flat that Tabitha didn't suit her as it was too Enid Blyton )







There are many things to consider when you adopt a rescue cat as all cats have different personalities , Arwen's personalty is coming out. She is very friendly and chirps a lot and will come and sit on you sometimes or at least near you , she is very quick and energetic and we have been known to stick Squirrels on Youtube to calm her down of an evening. 


Be prepared to spend a lot of time adjusting to how they eat , how they play etc Arwen is very petit and eats like a bird ( bit not real birds ) . You may have to play the food dance of they absolutely loved the stuff the rescue centre was feeding them and when you get them home they hate it. 


The next step on the horizon will be letting Arwen go outside when we have a new cat flap put in but currently Arwen is adjusting to the house so going outside will wait till mid May.

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Are Collars Necessary For Cats ?





Are Collars Necessary for Cats? (The NinjaKillerCat Guide 🐾)

If you live with a cat, you already know you’re not the owner—you’re the assistant to a highly skilled, slightly chaotic ninja. Whether they’re silently stalking dust particles or launching surprise attacks at 3am, every NinjaKillerCat has one thing in common: they do what they want. So when it comes to collars, the question isn’t just “are they necessary?”—it’s “will your tiny assassin allow it?”

Let’s break it down.

🐱 Why Collars Can Be a Good Idea

For outdoor explorers and escape artists, collars can be incredibly useful.

First, there’s identification. While microchips are essential (and highly recommended), they only work if someone takes your cat to a vet or shelter to be scanned. A collar with an ID tag is instant—anyone who finds your cat can quickly see they have a home and contact you right away. Think of it as your ninja’s “return to base” button.

Collars also act as a visible signal of ownership. A well-fed cat roaming the streets might otherwise be mistaken for a stray. A collar tells people your cat is loved, claimed, and probably just out on a solo mission.

You can also include important medical information on the tag. If your cat has allergies or specific needs, this could be crucial in an emergency situation.

🐾 When Collars Might Not Be Necessary

Not every NinjaKillerCat needs to wear gear.

If your cat is strictly indoor-only, a collar becomes more optional—especially if they’re microchipped. Many indoor cats never come close to escaping, and for them, a collar might not add much benefit.

There’s also the personality factor. Some cats simply hate collars. If your cat freezes, flops dramatically, or spends hours trying to wriggle free, that’s a sign they’re not on board with the plan. Forcing it can cause stress, and a stressed ninja is not a happy ninja.

⚠️ Safety Rules Every Cat Owner Should Follow

If you decide your cat should wear a collar, safety is everything.

Always choose a breakaway collar. This type is designed to snap open if it gets caught on something, which is vital because cats climb, jump, and squeeze into places they definitely shouldn’t. A regular collar can be dangerous if it gets snagged.

Make sure the fit is just right. You should be able to slide two fingers comfortably underneath. Too tight is uncomfortable; too loose and it might slip off.

Finally, keep it lightweight. Large tags or constant jingling bells can irritate your cat—especially if they take their stealth missions seriously.

🐈 Final Verdict

So, are collars necessary?

  • For outdoor NinjaKillerCats: absolutely recommended.
  • For indoor stealth masters: optional, but still a helpful extra layer of protection.

At the end of the day, your cat doesn’t need a collar to be legendary. But if they venture beyond your walls—even occasionally—it can make all the difference in getting your fearless little ninja safely back home.

And let’s be honest: every NinjaKillerCat deserves a way to return to their kingdom (and their food bowl).

Wednesday, 25 March 2026

Meet Arwen The Rescue Cat

We lost Jack Black last week. It was the kindest decision to let him go. He had been living with a large lump — one we had removed last year — but it had returned and was starting to affect his quality of life. Even the vet reassured us that it wasn’t the wrong choice.

Cats really do get under your skin, which is why we decided to look into adopting another not long after losing Jack. We took our time. First, we met Bob, who was lovely, but had a very flat face and an overbite due to his breed. He also looked like the sort of cat who’d need his own front door key rather than using the cat flap — and could easily moonlight as a nightclub bouncer.




In the end, we went to meet Arwen (formerly known as Tabitha, though “Tabitha” felt a bit too Enid Blyton). With her pointy ears, a Lord of the Rings name felt much more fitting — especially as our previous cats were called Bilbo and Frodo 











Friday, 13 March 2026

Plodding On In Life To Escape The Doomscrolling


 I don’t know if anyone is out there ? I don’t if anyone is reading this ? But you’re doing great I am doing great, I think of myself as a very much a free spirit and I will talk pretty much to anyone and anything ( cats 🐈‍⬛) . Though I will draw the exception if you look Moomins , I can not explain it but they squishy nothingness doesn’t float my boat.

But there’s always something you don’t like isn’t there, like maybe days with a y in them . I take myself to the gym and there’s one treadmill that is mine and I am lost if someone else uses it . I am a plodder and plodder gets me by just fine .

Recently I restricted my facebook usage to about an hour and it suits me fine, if I try and sneak back on it says like an angry parent “ you have had enough “


I don’t need the validation of the doom scroll. I am just a plodder and plodding keeps me calm.I am calmer than a squishy raspberry.





Thursday, 12 March 2026

Hello World, Again (Apparently We’re Doing This the Old-Fashioned Way)

Hello World, Again (Apparently We’re Doing This the Old-Fashioned Way)
Hello world.
Yes, that hello world. The one people used to type when they first launched a blog, back when the internet still felt a little like the Wild West and not a giant shopping mall with fluorescent lights and an algorithm following you around asking if you want to watch another video about productivity hacks.
Anyway.
I’m back up and blogging.
Actual blogging. You know — writing. Words. Sentences. Paragraphs. The ancient ritual of sitting down, thinking about something for more than seven seconds, and then typing it out without a ring light, a jump cut, or a thumbnail of someone making a shocked face.
Once upon a time, this was normal.
Now, apparently, it’s vintage.
Which is funny, because blogging used to be the internet. Before everything turned into scrolling and swiping and refreshing — and doom-refreshing again just in case something dramatic happened in the last four seconds.
Back then you followed people because they had something to say, not because an app decided their content would perform well between two advertisements and a clip of someone power-washing a driveway.
You read posts. Long ones.
You had opinions about them. Sometimes you even left comments, which was basically the digital equivalent of yelling across a pub table — except with worse spelling and a higher probability someone would quote Nietzsche incorrectly.
It was chaotic, messy, occasionally brilliant.
And mostly it was just… writing.
Which brings us to the present moment, where the entire world seems to be operating at a speed that suggests someone leaned on the fast-forward button and then lost the remote.
Everything now is immediate.
Immediate reactions. Immediate takes. Immediate outrage. Immediate applause. Immediate hot takes about the hot takes that were posted three minutes ago.
Now now now now now.
The internet has become a place where people don’t just want information quickly — they want everything quickly. Thoughts. Feelings. Analysis. Conclusions. Preferably condensed into a short video with subtitles and background music so nobody has to endure the horrifying possibility of silence or concentration.
And in the middle of all that noise, here we are.
Blogging.
Just plain old writing.
No trending sound. No viral dance. No mysterious algorithm deciding whether this post deserves to exist. Just a page, some thoughts, and the dangerous idea that maybe — just maybe — someone might read the whole thing.
I know. Wild concept.
In a world that treats attention spans like endangered species, choosing to write something longer than a caption feels slightly ridiculous. Almost pathetic, even. Like showing up to a Formula One race with a bicycle and saying, “Yes hello, I’ll just take the scenic route.”
But here’s the strange thing.
There’s something oddly satisfying about it.
Writing slows things down. It forces a moment of thought before reaction. It asks you to actually sit with an idea for a minute instead of immediately firing it into the endless content cannon that powers the modern internet.
And maybe that’s why blogging feels different now.
Back then it was just what people did.
Now it feels almost rebellious.
Because slowing down — even a little — is practically illegal in the economy of constant attention. Everything is engineered to keep moving, keep refreshing, keep feeding the machine with more opinions, more reactions, more commentary about the commentary.
Meanwhile blogging just sits there quietly in the corner like a slightly eccentric relative who refuses to get a smartphone and insists on writing letters.
And you know what?
That might be exactly why I’m back.
Not because blogging is trendy again. It definitely isn’t. Nobody’s building billion-view empires out of long paragraphs and mild existential observations.
But writing still does something the rest of the internet often forgets how to do.
It makes space.
Space to think. Space to wander through an idea. Space to say something that isn’t designed purely for maximum engagement within the next thirty seconds.
Maybe nobody reads blogs the way they used to.
Maybe they do.
Either way, the act of writing still matters. Even if it’s just for the quiet satisfaction of putting a thought into words and letting it exist somewhere outside the endless scroll.
So here we are again.
Hello world.
The blog is back up.
Vintage internet. Old-school thinking. Plain old writing.
In a world that moves at breakneck speed, it might be the slowest thing left on the internet.
And honestly?
That sounds perfect.

Tuesday, 10 March 2026

When Tuesday Feels Like A Monday

 When Tuesday Feels Like Monday

Have you ever woken up on a Tuesday and felt absolutely convinced it was still Monday?

Not because you forgot what day it was, but because the feeling of Monday hadn’t quite left you yet.

That was exactly my experience this week. Monday had already been chaotic enough, and somehow the emotional hangover carried straight into Tuesday. Even though the calendar clearly said otherwise, my brain refused to move on.

It all started with something small but frustrating: I couldn’t find my keys.

You know that sinking feeling when you start checking the obvious places — the kitchen counter, the hallway table, your coat pocket — and they’re not there? Then the search expands. Bags get emptied. Drawers get opened. The sense of mild panic slowly builds.

Somehow a tiny object like a set of keys can derail the start of an entire day.

As if that wasn’t enough, there was also an unexpected mystery unfolding outside. Water appeared to be leaking into the garden. Not just a little damp patch, but enough to make me wonder if something had gone seriously wrong. My mind quickly jumped to the worst possibilities: broken pipes, expensive repairs, and a long list of problems I didn’t want to deal with.

So Monday became one of those days where small inconveniences pile up just enough to make everything feel heavier than it should.

Eventually, my husband came home and calmly worked through the chaos that had built up in my head. Within a short time, the situation looked very different.

First, the missing keys were found.

Then the mysterious leak was investigated. Thankfully, it wasn’t anything serious at all. It turned out the water was likely coming from a neighbour’s pond rather than a problem on our side. Once that was identified, the issue was quickly sorted.

Just like that, the two things that had been causing stress all day were resolved.

Problem solved.

Except my brain didn’t quite get the memo.

The next morning arrived — Tuesday — but the feeling of Monday lingered. There were no missing keys, no mysterious water, and no actual problems left to fix. Yet mentally, it still felt like the week hadn’t properly restarted.

This is something many people experience without really noticing it. When a day contains several small stressors, your brain can remain stuck in “problem-solving mode.” Even after the problems are resolved, the emotional tension doesn’t immediately disappear.

It’s a bit like a computer running too many tabs in the background. The tasks might be closed, but the system hasn’t fully reset yet.

One small trick that helps is creating a sense of closure. Sometimes it’s as simple as mentally listing the problems and acknowledging they’re finished:

Keys — found.
Leak — investigated and fixed.

It sounds almost too simple, but giving your mind that clear signal of “done” can help it let go.

Another helpful reset is marking the start of the new day with something small and intentional. A cup of tea, a short walk outside, or even just stepping away from your usual routine for a moment can create a mental line between yesterday’s chaos and today’s calm.

Because in reality, Tuesday wasn’t Monday at all.

Monday was the messy day — the one with misplaced keys and mysterious water in the garden.

Tuesday was simply the day after everything had already been sorted out.

And sometimes that’s the best kind of Tuesday you can have.

Monday, 9 March 2026

72 hours in the beautiful city of Florence what should you see ? Florence will truly capture your heart and never let it go , there is something magical about Florence it is such a vibrant city full of art culture food and wine and so very mellow well mellow as an Italian city can get! Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance where there was great wealth and so began a great collection of art between the 14th and 17th century.

It pays to get the Firenze card which allows you to visit as many museums and churches etc as you can mange within the 72 hours . The card is activated as soon as you go on your first visit make sure you get your card from the local tourist information at is 10 Euros cheaper than if you buy it form a museum.

We flew straight into Florence as Mr T wanted to be nearer but there is easy access from Pisa airport and that is where most people fly into. You can get a train direct from Pisa to Florence and the Italian trains are efficient and some even have double - decker carriages.

The Magnificence Of The Medici 

The Medici ruled Florence for 300 years they had a meteoric rise to power and put their money into arts, the churches and monuments and this makes Florence a truly spectacular city.

Make your way to the Palazzo Vecchio which is the main square Piazza della Signoria. Building was started in 1299, the medieval place has a 94 -metre high tower ( which I didn't climb but let my husband and son climb though ). There is a stately room to visit which seats 500 members. The medici used to have their apartments here till the mid -1500s.





Meander then down to the Palazzo Pitti this is where the Medici came to when they had outgrown the Palazzo Vecchio ,The Palazzo Pitti soon doubled from its initial size. From the outside the Palazzo Pitti looks very much like a fortress yet when you're inside this melts away to reveal paintings by Rubens, Raphael Titan and many many more. There are so many fine rooms to see it is a veritable feast upon the eyes and there are often other exhibitions to see when we were there was one on fashion and Italian motor racing.

Right next to the Palazzo Pitti is the Boboli gardens which are fine Italian gardens and they stretch for acres upon acres they are more than just a garden they are an architectural inspiration for Florence.They are the greatest open -air museum there is in the world, they are the gardens they inspired Versailles.





David

You can't come to Florence and not see David and you find this in the Galleria dell' Accademia for almost 370 years this world famous statue stood outside Palazzo Vecchio there is a copy outside there now.




David stands 17 feet tall and weighs in at 6 tonnes and there is a lot more to see around the Galleria dell' Academia too.





Doumo

This is a must and you see tantalising vistas of this almost everywhere you go in Florence we had a view from our hotel L'Orlogia which is not far away.Admire the facade of the Duomo it took them 16  years to complete the famed Dome (in 1436).





 Then go onto the Bargello the oldest building in Florence where you will see works by Michelangelo, Cellini and Donatello’s David. Also here you can see  ceramics ,textiles tapestries and coins also there is an armoury here as well.



This is but a snippet of what you can squeeze in 3 days and if you get the Firenze card which I strongly suggest you do then there is a complete list of all the places you can visit.