• Mini Jellycat Inspired Clay Workshop
    Crafts for teens

    Mini Jellycat Inspired Clay Workshop

    April 17, 2025 - By 

    We spotted a clay making workshop inspired by Jellycats and I knew my teen would enjoy it – remember that Jelly Cat inspired birthday cake we made last year? Jellycat toys are so appealing with their soft textures, quirky designs and unique personalities. They are both visually appealing and collectible, so it is easy to see why teens enjoy curating their collections and sharing them online. I knew this would be a fun workshop and also a great way to spend time together. Mini Jellycat Inspired Clay Workshop Taking place in our local pottery cafe, Wick and Ceramic, the workshop…

  • Crafts for kids

    Mess-Free Canvas Painting Techniques for Young Artists

    April 16, 2025 - By 

    Finger painting is one of those adorable childhood activities. They require focus, analytical thinking, and creativity as they keep active little minds on the go. But conventional painting is, for most of us, much too messy—that is, for mothers and fathers who scrub walls, floors, and garments long after the activity has ended. Which is where mess-free canvas paint methods come into play. There are all manner of methods for introducing children to the joy of painting without turning the kitchen into a disaster. With the right equipment, making a great workspace, and using low-mess techniques, painting is something the…

  • Tintinhull Gardens
    Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 15/2025}

    April 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 happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family. Five Happy Things {Week 15/2025} Last week we enjoyed a few days away in sunny Dorset where we took the teens karting at Clay Pigeon Raceway on Wardon Hill,  near Dorchester. We also visited the Fleet Air Arm Museum and watched A Minecraft Movie. We used our National Trust membership to…

  • Felt Easter Egg decorations kit
    Easter

    {Pretty Fabrics & Trims} Floral Felt Easter Egg decorations kit

    April 12, 2025 - By 

    For my birthday I received the very pretty Floral Felt Easter Egg decorations kit from Pretty Fabrics & Trims. They make the nicest embroidery kits, everything is included so the kits are perfect if you want to make something and don’t want to worry about sourcing all the supplies. My birthday was last month so I knew I had to get these made (rather than leaving the kit in the cupboard for another year!). Floral Felt Easter Egg decorations kit The Easter Egg kit contained all the felt and embroidery threads to make four decorated Easter Eggs. I love the…

  • The Greek House by Dinah Jefferies
    What I'm reading

    The Greek House by Dinah Jefferies

    April 11, 2025 - By 

    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…

  • homestyle - interiors

    Should You Repair or Replace Rotten Sash Windows? A Specialist’s Recommendation

    April 10, 2025 - By 

    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…

  • Stampede by the Sea art trail {Lyme Regis}
    Dorset - Sculpture trails

    Stampede by the Sea art trail {Lyme Regis}

    April 9, 2025 - By 

    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…

  • postbox topper Shaftesbury
    Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 14/2025}

    April 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 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…

  • Camber Sands
    East Sussex

    A weekend in Rye with teenagers

    April 3, 2025 - By 

    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,…