• Crafts for adults

    Subverted tea towel workshop at the Fashion and Textile Museum

    February 7, 2026 - By 

    I mentioned that I over the weekend I attended a subverted tea towel workshop with Holly Searle at the Fashion and Textile Museum. Using vintage tea towels, the original meaning is subverted by adding a statement which alters the original perspective. It was fun and a great way to spend a morning. The Fashion and Textile Museum I’ve been to the Fashion and Textile Museum a few times now. It’s a wonderful exhibition space near London Bridge. At the moment they have an exhibition called Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop. Cosprop specialises in period costume for film, television and…

  • homestyle - interiors

    Breathing New Life into Old Rooms with Timeless Patterns

    February 6, 2026 - By 

    Herringbone flooring continues to hold a strong place in British interiors because it offers structure without feeling rigid. The repeating zigzag layout introduces order while still adding visual movement, making it suitable for both traditional homes and contemporary spaces. Unlike plain flooring, herringbone creates interest at floor level, which helps anchor a room visually. In Manchester properties, oak herringbone often highlights heritage features while improving how light moves across smaller rooms. In modern flats, carpet or luxury vinyl herringbone supports open-plan layouts by visually connecting adjoining spaces without the need for walls or dividers. The pattern works quietly in the…

  • subverted tea towel workshop
    The Weekly Edit

    The Weekly Edit {Week 5/2026}

    February 2, 2026 - By 

    Starting my week with the Weekly Edit is a ritual I’ve kept for years. It’s my favourite Monday morning anchor—a chance to slow down, celebrate the ‘small wins,’ and gather the smiles from the week behind us. Part reflection and part record-keeping, it’s my way of documenting our family’s adventures before the next chapter begins. The Weekly Edit {Week 5/2026} We are all massive F1 fans so were excited to hear about the new Kit Kat F1 chocolates. They are only available at Morrisons Daily so it took me a while to track them down but I did! Kit Kat is the…

  • 3d printed Lego wreath
    Crafts for adults - The Monthly Thread

    The Monthly Thread: January’s embroidery sampler & linen collage

    January 31, 2026 - By 

    I love the start of a new year. Each month I love to write a round up of what I’ve been making. This helps me to see what I’ve made, and holds me accountable for projects half started or bought. This year I’m calling my series The Monthly Thread. January’s post is all about a embroidery sampler & linen collage. The Monthly Thread: January’s embroidery sampler & linen collage Let’s start off with the embroidery sampler and linen collage! My first finished make of 2026 was the Pretty Fabrics and Trims Christmas Countdown panel. This was a lovely project to have…

  • Family Life

    Legal Steps Every Buyer Should Know When Buying Property

    January 27, 2026 - By 

    Buying a home is exciting, but it can quickly feel overwhelming when you’re unsure of the legal steps involved. From making an offer to receiving your keys, every stage matters in protecting your investment. The process may seem complicated, but with the right understanding, you can handle it confidently and avoid unnecessary stress.  Understanding these steps not only helps you stay informed but also prevents costly mistakes. Keep reading to learn the key legal steps every buyer should understand before completing their purchase. From Offer to Acceptance: Setting the Legal Foundations After finding your ideal property, your first legal step…

  • Liberty fabrics at Creativity in Conflict and Confinement at the Imperial War Museum
    The Weekly Edit

    The Weekly Edit {Week 4/2026}

    January 26, 2026 - By 

    Starting my week with the Weekly Edit is a ritual I’ve kept for years. It’s my favourite Monday morning anchor—a chance to slow down, celebrate the ‘small wins,’ and gather the smiles from the week behind us. Part reflection and part record-keeping, it’s my way of documenting our family’s adventures before the next chapter begins. The Weekly Edit {Week 4/2026} The oldest teen received his latest mock GCSE results and had an interview for Sixth Form. He is growing up so fast and it’s exciting watching him mature into a lovely young man. The youngest teen was picked to play…

  • parenting

    Crafting Memories at Sea: Why a Family Cruise Makes the Perfect School Holiday Escape

    January 23, 2026 - By 

    For many families, school holidays are the perfect time to step away from busy routines and spend quality time together. Yet parents often face the yearly challenge of planning a holiday that balances relaxation, fun and meaningful experiences—not to mention keeping the kids entertained without relying on endless screens. A Family Cruise offers a wonderful solution, blending adventure with calm moments, structure with freedom, and plenty of opportunities for children (and grown-ups!) to create memories that last far longer than the holiday itself. Crafting is at the heart of The Gingerbread House community—whether it’s scrapbooking, DIY keepsakes or helping little…

  • gingerbread cheesecake
    The Weekly Edit

    The Weekly Edit {Week 3/2026}

    January 19, 2026 - By 

    Starting my week with the Weekly Edit is a ritual I’ve kept for years. It’s my favourite Monday morning anchor—a chance to slow down, celebrate the ‘small wins,’ and gather the smiles from the week behind us. Part reflection and part record-keeping, it’s my way of documenting our family’s adventures before the next chapter begins. The Weekly Edit {Week 3/2026} I love seeing the first daffodils of the year. We were lucky to see really early daffodils when we visited Hughenden a few weeks ago. I saw bunches of cut daffodils in the supermarket and couldn’t resist buying some to…

  • family history - Family Life

    From Faded Prints to Clear Memories: How to Restore Old Family Photos

    January 17, 2026 - By 

    Old family photos rarely sit on display. More often, they end up tucked away in drawers, shoe boxes, or albums on the top shelf. They wait quietly, collecting dust while time keeps moving forward. Yet these pictures hold moments that shaped entire families. A smile that looks familiar. A house that no longer exists. A face everyone remembers, but no longer sees. As photographs age, they start to disappear in slow ways. Colours fade. Paper cracks. Corners curl. At some point, people realise that if nothing is done, these images may be lost for good. That is usually when the…