• Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 528}

    December 2, 2024 - 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 528} Last week was hectic. My daughter took part in both a cross country competition and netball match, and also turned 13. Two teenagers in the house! My son took his Grade 3 clarinet exam and passed which he was very pleased about. We were excited to…

  • Saying Goodbye to Your Elf on the Shelf as Your Kids Are Teenagers
    Elf on the Shelf

    Saying Goodbye to Your Elf on the Shelf as Your Kids Are Teenagers

    December 1, 2024 - By 

    The holiday season brings with it a blend of nostalgia and tradition. For many families, one of the most cherished and magical traditions is the arrival of the Elf on the Shelf. For years, this little scout elf has served as a whimsical observer, moving around the house to keep an eye on children’s behaviour and reporting back to Father Christmas each night. However, as your kids grow older and enter their teenage years, the time eventually comes to say goodbye to the elf. This marks the end of a chapter in the holiday tradition and can be both bittersweet…

  • Bustle and Sew felt piggy
    Crafts for adults

    What I made in November 2024

    November 30, 2024 - By 

    November was definitely a colourful month, as well as a month of finishing off. I had several little projects covering my desk so I worked hard on finishing them and giving myself some much needed space. What I made in November 2024 First up was a Cotton Clara Father Christmas cross stitch. Half way through stitching I had a horrible feeling I’ve already stitched this kit, so perhaps I’ll find it when we get the decorations down. I changed the colours slightly from pink to red (I love a traditional Father Christmas). Then I made the Felt Christmas Jumper kit…

  • Embroidered Christmas jumper felt kit
    Crafts for adults

    Embroidered Christmas jumper felt kit

    November 29, 2024 - By 

    I’ve been on a bit of a roll lately and am happy to show you another finished make today. As you know I’ve been enjoying the Love Embroidery cover gifts.  Issue 59 of Love Embroidery came with an Embroidered Christmas Jumper felt kit. I’ve always enjoyed working with felt so had to stitch it. The Embroidered Christmas Jumper felt kit included the pre-cut felt shapes, baker’s twice and 3 thread shades. I transferred the pattern from the magazine onto baking parchment and pinned it to the felt shapes. I started stitching but soon realised I was going to have the…

  • Family Life - moving

    Should You Move the Family Home in Winter?

    November 28, 2024 - By 

    Relocating your family home is a stressful time for all, whatever the season, yet Winter is typically the time most people avoid moving. This is for several reasons, not least of which being the looming prospect of holidays and the New Year. And yet, it can also provide some unique opportunities for you and your family. In this article, we’ll help you decide if you should consider moving during the Winter. Decide If You Really Need To Move The first step is to decide if you really do need to move. What are your reasons for uprooting your safe haven…

  • Family Life

    How to Make Family Holidays Extra Special

    November 27, 2024 - By 

    Holidays are the perfect time to create lasting memories with the people you love most. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a special family event, these moments help bring everyone together. But sometimes, the festive season can feel rushed or stressful. To make your family holidays truly special, it’s important to plan ahead and find ways to enjoy each other’s company. From fun family games to creating homemade decorations, and even raising a glass of the prestigious champagne Pol Roger for the adults to celebrate the season, here are simple tips to make your holidays unforgettable. 1. Start with a Family…

  • travel

    Six things to do in Paris with teens

    November 25, 2024 - By 

    Paris is a vibrant city with something for everyone, including teens! Whether they’re into history, art, shopping, or just enjoying the city’s cool atmosphere, here are five great activities to do with teens in Paris: Visit the Louvre Museum (But with a Twist) The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world, and while it’s a must-see, teens might appreciate a more interactive approach. Skip some of the traditional art tours and go for a themed scavenger hunt or a kid-friendly guided tour that focuses on famous works like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, or the…

  • Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 527}

    November 24, 2024 - 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 527} Last week I finished reading The External Examiner by Janice Hallett. I always enjoy her books and this one was great! It was full of twists and turns, all told through online messages and Whatsapp conversations. I thought it was good and kept me guessing right…

  • The Mistletoe Mystery giveaway
    competition

    The Mistletoe Mystery {giveaway}

    November 23, 2024 - By 

    I am delighted to have a festive giveaway to share today – a copy of The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose. Molly the Maid has a whole new mystery to solve in this heartwarming novella from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid and The Maid and The Mystery Guest. Molly Gray has always loved the holidays. When Molly was a child, her gran went to great lengths to make the season merry and bright, full of cherished traditions. The first few Christmases without Gran were hard on Molly, but this year, her beloved boyfriend and fellow…