• Whiskers and Cream cat cafe
    Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 29/2025}

    July 20, 2025 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. Five Happy Things {Week 29/2025} This week my blog needed a few updates which resulted in me changing the theme of my blog which meant losing my beautiful new blog header. It feels like I’ve only had it a few weeks! When I have some more time I will find a better theme and reinstate…

  • Unofficial Bridgerton Embroidery
    Craft book review - What I'm reading

    Unofficial Bridgerton Embroidery by Hilary Leslie

    July 16, 2025 - By 

    As a longtime fan of the enchanting world of Bridgerton, I was beyond excited to get my hands on a copy of Bridgerton Unofficial Embroidery: 20 Patterns Inspired by the World of Regency Romance to review. The moment it arrived, I couldn’t wait to dive in and see how the elegance of the Regency era was translated into embroidery patterns. Unofficial Bridgerton Embroidery by Hilary Leslie Create elegant, Regency-inspired in-the-hoop embroidery projects with Unofficial Bridgerton Embroidery: 20 patterns inspired by the World of Regency Romance, and bring the opulence of your favourite Netflix drama to your stitching. Whether you’re looking…

  • {Giveaway} Aquabeads Nail Studio: Stitch Nail Designer Kit
    competition

    {Giveaway} Aquabeads Nail Studio: Stitch Nail Designer Kit

    July 15, 2025 - By 

    My children once spent hours creating with Aquabeads. Have you heard of them before? Aquabeads is the Original Water-Activated Bead Craft Kit! Since 2004, children throughout the world have created millions of Aquabeads designs. We were delighted to receive one of their latest sets to review. With the new Aquabeads Nail Studio line, you can make pretty Aquabeads nails by using just tap water to create and wear your creations! Aquabeads Nail Studio: Stitch Nail Designer Kit The Aquabeads Nail Studio – Stitch Nail Designer Kit – includes Aquabeads nails and decorations for over 40 nail designs, work table, plastic…

  • Pretty Fabrics & Trims huswif kit with Unofficial Bridgerton Embroidery
    Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 28/2025}

    July 13, 2025 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. Five Happy Things {Week 28/2025} We’re currently on our third heatwave of the summer here in the UK. Last weekend we escaped the heatwave and went to see the latest Jurassic World film, Jurassic World Rebirth. I actually really enjoyed it and found it entertaining and fun, just what I needed. I set myself a…

  • Handmade gifts

    Adding a Touch of Sweetness to Your Crafted Gifts

    July 11, 2025 - By 

    Have you ever spent hours making a cherished creation, like a hand-stitched card or a knitted scarf, but felt that there was one more element that would take your thoughtful deed into the next realm? Imagine the expression on your loved one’s face as they open your present. They’ll see the wonderful uniqueness that is your handmade item, but next to it will lie a luxurious box of gourmet chocolates. There is something undeniably breathtaking about chocolate. It is the epitome of luxury, it is incredibly heartwarming, and it is an item that is just for you. When we gift…

  • English Paper Piecing
    Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 27/2025}

    July 6, 2025 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. Five Happy Things {Week 27/2025} We went into London to see the play Operation Mincemeat at the Fortune Theatre. The play is based on the successful Second World War British intelligence deception operation aimed at misleading the German high command about the Allies’ planned invasion of Sicily. The play was performed by only 5 actors…

  • What I'm reading

    {What I’m reading} The Seeker of Lost Paintings

    July 4, 2025 - By 

    I seem to be drawn to historical fiction. I loved the sound of The Seeker of Lost Paintings and was delighted to receive a copy to review. Unfortunately the book is not published until March 2026 but read on for my review, I promise it will be worth waiting for! The Seeker of Lost Paintings by Sarah Freethy The Seeker of Lost Paintings is an unforgettable story of love and betrayal across the decades from the author of The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy. Interweaving war-torn Rome with modern-day London, this sophisticated and thrilling historical page-turner about love, betrayal and a quest…

  • Crafts for adults

    What I made in June 2025

    June 30, 2025 - By 

    The last day in June seems like a great time to sit down and reflect on the month. I hit a major creative slump this month, but I’m glad to say it’s over. I spent the weekend working on a huswif, or portable sewing kit, and it’s made me feel so much happier. What I made in June 2025 At the beginning of the month I finished stitching the bee embroidery hoop I told you about previously. The design by Emillie Ferris featured a gorgeous bee and marigolds. This was a kit that had been sitting around for a while…

  • Unofficial Bridgerton Embroidery by Hilary Leslie
    Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 26/2025}

    June 29, 2025 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. Five Happy Things {Week 26/2025} I finished reading The Seeker of Lost Paintings by Sarah Freethy. It’s an historical novel about love and art spanning Geneva, Rome and London set during the First World War and the 1990s. I really enjoyed the book and found myself reading it whenever I could. My daughter took part…