• hay bales at the Pop Up Farm
    Family Life - Hertfordshire

    The prettiest sunflower field near London

    August 21, 2021 - By 

    Living in the ‘burbs means we get the best of both worlds. Easy access into London on the tube, and easy access to the surrounding countryside. For the last few years we’ve enjoyed trips out of London to explore lavender fields, sunflower farms and pumpkin patches. All summer we’ve been looking forward to our annual trip to the prettiest sunflower field near London, just 30 minutes from where we live. The prettiest sunflower field near London We’ve visited the Pop Up Farm before and have always enjoyed our visits. Only 15 miles from London, they run an experiential PYO farm…

  • Using stick on embroidery transfers
    Crafts for adults

    How to use stick on embroidery transfers

    August 20, 2021 - By 

    I love all things embroidery and noticed there’s a real trend for embroidering on clothes, trainers, bags and hats. How do you transfer an embroidery design on to all these different surfaces? I’ve used vintage tranfers, tried transferring designs using natural light from a window and it’s hard. I also recently received a light box which is great for light fabrics, but totally doesn’t work on darker fabrics. So when I came across embroidery transfers it was a real game changer. How to use stick on embroidery transfers If you haven’t come across embroidery transfers before then let me tell…

  • What a Wonderful Phrase
    competition

    {Giveaway} What a Wonderful Phrase

    August 18, 2021 - By 

    I have a lovely giveaway to share with you today for a copy of What a Wonderful Phrase: A collection of amazing idioms from around the world by Nicola Edwards and Manu Montoya. Published by Little Tiger this month, this is a gorgeous hardback book which is a lovely read for children and adults too. Have you ever wondered why we talk about ‘buttering someone up’ or where the phrase ‘it’s raining cats and dogs’ actually comes from? What does it mean to ‘comb the giraffe’ in France or to ‘wear a cat on your head’ in Japan? This beautifully…

  • Daughters of War on kindle
    What I'm reading

    Daughters of War by Dinah Jefferies

    August 17, 2021 - By 

    I love a historical novel and couldn’t wait to read the latest novel from Dinah Jefferies, Daughters of War. This is the first book in a brand new sweeping historical series from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author. I read it on my kindle app last week and I couldn’t put it down! Daughters of War by Dinah Jefferies France, 1944. Deep in the river valley of the Dordogne, in an old stone cottage on the edge of a beautiful village, three sisters long for the end of the war. Hélène, the eldest, is trying her hardest to steer her family…

  • milk vending machine
    Monday Happy List

    Summer Holidays edit {Week 357}

    August 16, 2021 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Monday Happy List  is something I’ve been doing for a while. It’s a chance for me to sit down and reflect on the things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. It’s a post I always love to write. Summer Holidays edit {Week 357} We had a wonderful week on the Isle of Wight, staying in a tiny cottage in East Cowes. We know the place well so didn’t feel the need to rush around, instead revisiting some of our favourites places. The kids loved…

  • Family Life

    How to Make Divorce Less Stressful for Your Children

    August 13, 2021 - By 

    When it begins to grow clear that a divorce is on the cards, the first thing on any parents’ mind is how they can make the situation work for their children. It’s no secret that this will be upsetting and frightening for children of any age, but there are practical steps we can take to ensure that our children are put first, and brought out to the other side without any needless stress. How to Make Divorce Less Stressful for Your Children Read more below. Keep Everything Divorce-Related Separate from the Family Home It can be difficult to appreciate the…

  • Exploring the Moor Otters trail, Devon
    Devon - Family Life - Sculpture trails - World Otter Day

    Exploring the Moor Otters Trail

    August 12, 2021 - By 

    We love a public art trail and have been lucky to explore many of them in London where we live. When I heard about the Moor Otters Trail I knew we would have to go and find out more. My daughters favourite animal is otters and it seemed the perfect family activity whilst we were in Devon. Exploring the Moor Otters trail The Moor Otters Trail consists of 81 stunning sculptures of otters with cubs – all designed and decorated by local and national artists – who are spending this summer with businesses, community groups and in public areas across…

  • A Little Wordy {game review}
    Family Life

    AD/A Little Wordy {game review}

    August 10, 2021 - By 

    We love a new game and were delighted to be gifted the NEW A Little Wordy which was the perfect size to pack and take away with us. A Little Wordy from Exploding Kittens is a 2 player game but we doubled up so we could play as a family. A Little Wordy {game review} A Little Wordy is a fun word game but it’s NOT about having the strongest vocabulary, it’s about making clever choices! The game is simple to set up and packs away neatly in a small box, perfect for taking away on holiday or for a…

  • Teignmouth beach
    Monday Happy List

    Summer Holidays edit {Week 356}

    August 9, 2021 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Monday Happy List  is something I’ve been doing for a while. It’s a chance for me to sit down and reflect on the things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. It’s a post I always love to write. Summer Holidays edit {Week 356} We started the week off in south Devon for a few days in a gorgeous little cottage by the sea. We spent a day exploring the Moor Otters Trail and climbing Haytor which the children enjoyed. Somehow we squeezed in a…