Shwmae! Hello!
I’m Katrina, and this is my best buddy Ivan, a rescue dog from Bosnia. Ivan was found on the streets with his pack and was saved from a kill shelter. He was incredibly nervous when he arrived in the UK in December 2020; he even shut down and didn’t eat or drink for a week. It took a long time to settle. But, what he loved most was his daily adventure outside the house. Sick of doing the same daily walk, I tried to discover as many dog-friendly things in Cardiff and the surrounding areas as possible.
As a Tourism Marketing Manager and Travel Writer, I share my adventures and staycations with Ivan, too. Together, we have discovered the joys of dog-friendly travel throughout the UK. To our surprise, there are plenty of places that welcome dogs with open arms. Now, tourist boards, restaurants and hotels work with us so we can promote as many dog friendly things as possible.
Ivan The Irresistible
Ivan loves other dogs (even the ones that don’t like him!) and is getting more confident with people. He knows that he is handsome and often uses it to his advantage. His favourite treats are meat and cheese, but if we’re in a coffee shop, he’ll have a saucer of milk.
According to the DNA test, he’s primarily a Siberian Husky and Boarder Collie cross. He also has Labrador and the smallest amount of German Shepherd and Canadian Eskimo. Even though these are large breeds, he’s a medium-sized dog, averaging at 15.5kg.
Follow his adventures on his own Instagram account.
About Me
I’m a Marketing Manager in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry by day. Whenever I would go to networking meetings and say that I am a marketer, the first thing I would be asked is, “how can my business be found online?” Of course, I said by blogging. So, I put my money where my mouth is and started my own blog. Now, I have three including; Real Girls Wobble and Lifestyle Original.
I love writing articles about my hometown and life in Cardiff, things to do, where to eat and drink, and its history. As well as a little further afield into Wales and other travel and staycations I go on.
I’m a massive foodie! Actually, I’m a self-confessed food snob. I don’t often eat in chain restaurants, as I prefer to support independents and preferably homemade with local produce. I’m a cider drinker, spiced rum enthusiast and bottomless brunch addict.
On weekends, when not with Ivan, you’ll also find me match side cheering on Cardiff City Football Club or the Welsh Rugby Union team. Or, the pub in our garden, which we have called The Sunburnt Arms. Did I mention it has a pool table, darts board, jukebox and slot machine?
Follow me on social media; either Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
Work With Me
Please feel free to get in touch if you’d like to work with me. I love to hear from my readers, brands, tourism boards, hotels, restaurants and PR companies. I promote goods, services, concepts and charities linked to travel, tourism and eating out. Sponsored posts are available, guest posts and can offer link insertions in existing posts. I am also available for copywriting and blogging on a freelance basis. Collaborations on another of my sites are also available if this one is not suitable.
What makes me qualified to write for you?
As a Marketing Manager myself, I know what is required of a blogger. As well as honest feedback, I conduct research, keyword analysis and SEO optimisation. My professional qualifications include:
- CIM – Professional Certificate in Marketing
- NVQ – English for Business Level 4
- DMI – Professional Certificate in Social Media Marketing
- Open University – Creative Writing
