I was happy to have the latest book by Dinah Jefferies to read whilst we were away during the Easter holidays. Titled The Greek House by Dinah Jefferies, this story is set in Corfu in the 1930s. I’ve enjoyed reading her previous books and was excited to read this one. The Greek House by Dinah Jefferies Can one house hold a lifetime of secrets? Corfu, 1930 The moment Thirza Caruthers sets foot on Corfu, memories flood back: the scent of jasmine, the green shutters of her family’s home — and her brother Billy’s tragic disappearance years before. Returning to the Greek…
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Sash windows, a quintessential feature of many period properties, offer timeless elegance and charm. However, the decision of whether to opt for sash window repair or replacement can be daunting, especially when dealing with rot and decay. In this article, we will explore the options for repairing or replacing your existing sash windows, providing you with the information needed to make an informed decision. Understanding the Structure of Sash Windows Sash windows consist of movable panels (called sashes) that hold the glass panes in place. These windows typically feature timber frames, which, over time, can suffer from rot, particularly in…
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We love a public art trail and were delighted to find ourselves at Lyme Regis at the start of the Stampede by the Sea art trail. For eight weeks you can discover a special herd of decorated elephants around Lyme Regis, West Bay and Bridport. Stampede by the Sea art trail {Lyme Regis} The free art trail features around fifty elephant sculptures. Each elephant has been designed by an artist and sponsored by a local business. At the end of the trail, each elephant will be sold at auction to raise vital funds for Weldmar Hospicecare, who provide specialist end…
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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 happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family. Five Happy Things {Week 14/2025} We enjoyed a really delicious pub lunch at The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe. This is a lovely pub in a gorgeous village complete with historic church and a stream running through the village. I opted for fish and chips which was really good. The tiny village…
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Rye is a charming town in East Sussex with plenty of activities to enjoy. It is one of the most complete medieval towns in the UK , its streets packed with pretty medieval and Georgian houses lining ancient cobbled streets. Here are some of our highlights which we think make Rye a fun place to holiday with teens: A weekend in Rye with teenagers St. Mary’s Parish Church: Marvel at this twelfth-century church and climb the bell tower for stunning views across Rye. Camber Sands: Visit this beautiful beach with golden sands and shallow, warm waters. Perfect for dog walks,…
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Arts and crafts are a wonderful way to express creativity, whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast, a parent managing playtime chaos, or someone looking to organise their growing supplies. However, keeping your crafting area tidy can feel like an endless challenge. Paint brushes, glitter, paper scraps, and fabric pieces can quickly take over your home if left unchecked. This guide will help you create an organised storage system for your arts and crafts supplies, turning your home into a haven of creativity and order. Why Does Craft Organisation Matter? With an organised arts and crafts space, you’ll enjoy less clutter,…
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March was a fun month! I love the chance to look back and see what I’ve made. It was a bumper month thanks to discovering a new, local, workshop, some lovely books, a trip to The Stitch Festival and lots of sewing too. What I made in March 2025 I started the month by reviewing Bouquet in a Book by Prudence Rogers. This was gifted by David & Charles and I was happy to make my own paper flowers. I usually enjoy any type of craft and this was a bit different for me to learn. You can read my…
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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 happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family. Five Happy Things {Week 13/2025} Last week I finished my 1000-piece The World of Bridgerton, a Laurence King jigsaw puzzle. It features over 30 characters inspired by Shondaland’s hit series Bridgerton on Netflix. This was a fun puzzle and made me want to watch a period drama. I also finished reading…
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Our teen celebrated his 15th birthday recently. He loves racing cars and Formula 1 so we thought he would enjoy one of the driving experiences for teens at Mercedes-Benz World. A few friends have mentioned Mercedes-Benz World and we weren’t sure if it was worth visiting Mercedes-Benz World, but we gave it a try! Driving experiences for teens at Mercedes-Benz World The most important thing it that it’s free to get into Mercedes-Benz World! It’s very close to Brooklands Museum, an aviation and motoring museum we have visited before. It looks a little like an expensive car showroom when you…