• Ruislip Easter post box topper
    Monday Happy List

    Monday Happy List {Week 337}

    March 29, 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. Monday Happy List {Week 337} Last week we finally had our new patio put in. It seems a good few weeks ago that we took down the old playhouse and now we have a lovely, shiny new patio. Our garden furniture fits perfectly and we are…

  • Win a copy of Boost Your Watercolours
    competition - Craft book review - What I'm reading

    Win a copy of Boost Your Watercolour Confidence

    March 28, 2021 - By 

    My son has been enjoying his online art classes for a year now. He misses the face to face contact but I’m glad he has been able top carry on with something he enjoys so much. I am always on the lookout for books to help him improve his skills so was excited to see Boost Your Watercolour Confidence: Over 60 exercises to build skills and ignite creativity by Katie Putt, recently published by Search Press. Boost Your Watercolour Confidence With Boost Your Watercolour Confidence you can learn to use watercolours with confidence with this gorgeous and easy-to-use book of…

  • Making our own natural dyes
    Crafts for adults

    Making our own natural dyes

    March 25, 2021 - By 

    I love to experiment with dye. A few years ago I recycled a vintage blanket and used Dylon dye to make pretty bunting flags. I also updated a corduroy skirt with shop-bought black dye and my washing machine. It’s such an easy way to update an outfit. With Easter coming up I wanted to try making our own dyes, and use them for dyeing eggs for Easter. I only wanted to use natural materials so gathered red cabbage, onion, blueberries and turmeric. Natural dye equipment: Natural ingredients (red cabbage, onion, blueberries, turmeric) Saucepan Water Measuring spoon Sieve Kilner glass jars…

  • The Littlest Library
    book review - What I'm reading

    The Littlest Library {book review}

    March 23, 2021 - By 

    Today I am delighted to be taking part in a little blog tour for the latest book from Poppy Alexander, The Littlest Library. I love to read and this year challenged my children to read as many books as me. We record all the books we read on Goodreads and I’m pleased to say that a little healthy competition keeps us reading all year round! Last month I finished reading the epic The Book of Dust Vol. 2 The Secret Commonwealth by Philip Pullman, so was delighted to curl up with a copy of The Littlest Library. The Littlest Library…

  • Orla Kiely inspired birthday cake
    Monday Happy List

    Monday Happy List {Week 336}

    March 22, 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. Monday Happy List {Week 336} Last week my son celebrated his 11th birthday. He wanted a phone for his birthday and it felt a little sad as it was the first time in ages that he hadn’t asked for a big Lego set. He also got…

  • Craze Sensations: Four Pack Compound Kit
    Family Life

    Craze Sensations: Four Pack Compound Kit (review)

    March 21, 2021 - By 

    My youngest absolutely loves her slime and putty collection. She finds them really calming and fun to play with and I always suggest she gets one out if she needs something to help her calm down. We were excited to receive the new collectable ASMR range from Craze Sensations to try at home. This is a fabulous new collectable ASMR range that taps into the sensory trend of slime and putty. You can open and discover a world of sounds and textures! Mix the decorations with the special compound to create unique satisfying sensations. The Craze Sensations Four Pack Compound…

  • Sink or float egg?
    Crafts for kids - STEM activity

    Sink or float egg?

    March 20, 2021 - By 

    Eggs are a super food and this Spring we are trying some egg-themed science experiments. So far we’ve had fun with dissolving the shell of an egg using vinegar. My youngest thought this was a brilliant experiment so I wanted to do another egg-themed science experiment with her. There’s nothing like home learning, especially when you can leave it going for a few days in the kitchen. Facts about eggs We all love to eat fresh eggs but did you know any science facts about them? The outer shell is made of calcium carbonate crystals The white or albumen is…

  • 5 favourite gifts ideas for every occasion
    Family Life - Handmade gifts

    5 favourite gifts ideas for every occasion

    March 19, 2021 - By 

    Disclosure – this is a sponsored post The first part of the year is a busy time for us with lots of birthdays and special days. It doesn’t feel as though we have time to enjoy the cards we receive before it’s time to take them down and put different ones up. in the space of a few weeks we celebrate three birthdays, Valentines Day, Mothers Day and Easter! It’s a crazy few weeks so I’ve been on the lookout for some really special and personalised gifts this year to make it more special when we can’t see the ones…

  • Kew Gardens in Spring with kids
    Family Life - Local Review - London

    Kew Gardens in Spring with kids

    March 17, 2021 - By 

    Last weekend we visited Kew Gardens which is just down the road from us. We love our walks and were hoping for some gorgeous Spring flowers. We were not disappointed. Kew Gardens, or to give it its proper name, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is the most biodiverse place on earth. It felt like a long time since our last visit, looking back the kids were tiny. So it felt like the right time to make another visit. You must pre-book tickets and some buildings are closed in line with national guidance. Children’s playground at Kew We entered Kew via…