• days out - London Borough of Islington

    The Stitch Festival 2025

    March 24, 2025 - By 

    I can’t quite believe a year has gone by since I last visited The Stitch Festival at the Business Design Centre. I really enjoyed my day there (celebrating dressmaking, embroidery, crochet, cross stitch and quilting) so booked a ticket to visit, as well as three workshops so I could learn some new skills. The Stitch Festival 2025 The Business Design Centre is a quick walk from Angel tube station, so pretty easy to get to from our corner of London. My first class was at 10.30 so I was able to have a quick look round some of the stalls…

  • homemade Bourbon biscuits
    Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 12/2025}

    March 23, 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 happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family. Five Happy Things {Week 12/2025} My son turned 15! This year there was a definite F1 theme and he received some of the new Lego Formula 1 sets, Formula 1 iced biscuits, wireless racing wheel and a DriveCrate amongst other things. He was very excited to receive these. We went out…

  • Kiko's Cat Cafe in Rye
    East Sussex

    Kiko’s Cat Cafe in Rye

    March 21, 2025 - By 

    Over half term we spent some time exploring the pretty village of Rye with the teens. I found some fun activities to keep the teens busy. I didn’t think Rye was large enough to have a cat cafe until we drove past Kiko’s Cat Cafe! Fortunately we were able to book a table online, and made a visit to Rye’s cat cafe. Kiko’s Cat Cafe in Rye Kiko’s Cat Cafe is the only cat cafe in the UK dedicated to fostering rescued cats until they find their forever home. They have partnered with the People’s Animal Welfare Society to give…

  • Bunny kit from love embroidery magazine
    Easter

    Bunny kit from Love Embroidery magazine

    March 20, 2025 - By 

    I love a little embroidery kit and was so happy to see that the latest issue of my monthly magazine included a Cotton Clara stitch kit – Bunny kit from love embroidery magazine. The mini wooden bunny hoop kit was designed by Cotton Clara, I love her stuff! Bunny kit from Love Embroidery magazine The mini kit included a sweet mini wooden bunny frame, pink fabric, and three threads. You need to provide a basic sewing kit such as a needle and scissors. A bunny face is included in the template section at the back of the magazine, but you…

  • reviews

    Comfort vs. Performance: which alloy wheels are right for you?

    March 19, 2025 - By 

    Upgrading your car’s wheels is about more than just looks—it changes the way your vehicle handles and feels on the road. Some drivers want a smoother, cushioned ride, while others prefer sharper handling and better grip. The right set of alloy wheels depends on what kind of driving experience you’re after. If you’re thinking about making a switch, check out Buy Alloy Wheels at The Wheel Guys for a solid selection of options. But before you decide, let’s break down the difference between comfort and performance wheels and see what suits your needs best. What Difference Do Alloy Wheels Make?…

  • embroidery hoop designed by Keely Reyes for Cotton Clara
    Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 11/2025}

    March 17, 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 happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family. Five Happy Things {Week 11/2025} Last week I shared my thoughts on Bouquet in a Book, a lovely paper craft book which helps you make perfect paper flowers. You can read my review of the book here. I finished my latest Hoop Club box which was a lovely embroidery hoop designed…

  • A trip to Crufts with a teen
    days out

    A trip to Crufts with a teen

    March 15, 2025 - By 

    I can’t quite believe a whole year has gone since our last visit to Crufts. 12 months ago we took a tween to Crufts, this time round we had a teenager. A trip to Crufts with a teen Our last visit was on the weekend and it was so busy we decided that if we went back it would be on a week day. Fortunately the day we picked was Toy dog day which was perfect because we have a Bichon Frise! We had a couple of things we wanted to do: spend time in the main arena and spend…

  • Craft book review - Crafts for adults - What I'm reading

    Bouquet in a Book by Prudence Rogers

    March 13, 2025 - By 

    I love to try new crafts so was delighted to receive a copy of Bouquet in a Book by Prudence Rogers to review. This clever book has pre-punched pages to press out and make the flowers. Bouquet in a Book by Prudence Rogers Unlock your inner artist and create a stunning, everlasting floral arrangement with The Bouquet in a Book. This innovative press-out and make book of ready-to-use press-out paper pieces offers step-by-step instructions to help you craft an exquisite paper bouquet that will never wilt. Inside this book, you’ll find: Diverse Floral Designs: From classic roses and blooming peonies to bright anemones and…

  • baby products

    5 hacks for keeping your nursery organised

    March 10, 2025 - By 

    Bringing a new baby into the world is an exciting and joyful experience, but it can also bring chaos and clutter to your home. From diapers to toys to clothes, the nursery can quickly become a disorganised mess. However, with a few simple hacks, you can keep your nursery tidy and functional even when life gets messy. Utilize storage bins and baskets to keep things tidy One of the easiest ways to keep your nursery organised is by using storage bins and baskets. Whether you have a changing table or not, these handy containers can hold everything from diapers and…