• Vintage ottoman makeover
    homestyle - Pinty Plus Ambassador

    Vintage ottoman makeover with Pinty Plus

    September 21, 2017 - By 

    Recently I was given a lovely vintage ottoman. An ottoman is a piece of furniture consisting of a padded seat or bench, usually without a back or arms, which typically serves as a box. Ours has a hinged lid and is perfect for storing bedding and towels. Our linen cupboard is overflowing so I thought this would be a great addition. It’s also quite slim so fits perfectly on our landing. The only problem was that it was dark brown with a stained fabric top. It was pretty horrible and definitely in need of some TLC. Here’s the before photograph of…

  • Autumn - parenting - shopping

    Getting dressed up this Autumn

    September 21, 2017 - By 

    Photo by Gabby Orcutt on Unsplash I love this time of year because there is so much to look forward to. Unlike the long 6 weeks of the summer holidays with endless warm and sunny days stretching in front of you, I actually prefer Autumn and Winter. I love to have things to look forward to and now there’s Halloween, Bonfire Night, my daughter’s birthday and Christmas to get ready for. It’s going to be a busy {xx} days before Christmas! Shopping for Autumn fashion I’ve recently given myself a bit of a fashion overhaul. I’ve been slowly losing weight so have been…

  • Crafts to celebrate the Autumn Equinox
    Autumn - crafts

    Crafts to celebrate the Autumn Equinox

    September 21, 2017 - By 

    Well it doesn’t seem that long since we celebrated Spring Equinox but somehow it’s already time to start thinking about and celebrating the Autumn Equinox, which takes place on the 22nd September. The Autumn Equinox marks the end of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the official first day of Autumn. I love the transition to Autumn. We’ve been noticing the signs for weeks and everything seemed to come early this year. We were picking the first blackberries at the beginning of August and the children collect conkers on the school run every day. Autumn makes me think of cosy…

  • Win tickets to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace
    competition - homestyle - Local Review - London

    Win tickets to the Knitting and Stitching Show London

    September 20, 2017 - By 

    Are you looking for inspiration for your next craft project?  Ticket lines are now open for The Knitting & Stitching Show London which takes place at Alexandra Palace (affectionately known as Ally Pally) from 11th-15th October 2017. This unique show is the biggest event for the UK’s textile art, craft and design community and there is no better place to get great ideas, learn new skills and meet like-minded people.  The show attracts over 30,000 visitors and hosts Textile Galleries by world-leading artists and groups. Headline exhibitions for 2017 are: Units of Possibility – The Reknit Revolution (supported by Rugby…

  • homestyle

    Top tips for keeping your family gas safe

    September 20, 2017 - By 

    Did you know that this week is Gas Safety Week (18-24th September)? Today we’re partnering with the energy company SSE to share 5 simple tips to help you and your family stay safe at home. Now the weather has taken a decidedly chillier tone I have to admit that the doors and windows are closed, the heating is on and the winter duvet is out! I love Autumn as you know, I can’t stop writing about it! I love an Autumn clean as much as I love Spring cleaning and it’s a good time to check all your appliances are safe for…

  • trying to be a savvy shopper (1)
    homestyle - shopping

    Trying to be a savvy shopper

    September 19, 2017 - By 

    Did you know that a third of Brits now believe it’s harder than ever to get a good deal when shopping around? A few weeks ago I was asked to take part in a fun shopping challenge with E.ON. This email couldn’t have landed in my inbox at a better time. I find the school holidays a little stressful money-wise. The children eat a lot, seem to grow out of all their clothes (or go through the knees!) and demand a lot of day trips and days out. Despite your best planning I think good intentions can go out of…

  • Sylvanian Families Ballet Theatre
    Friends of Sylvanian Families - parenting - toy review

    Sylvanian Families Ballet Theatre playset review

    September 19, 2017 - By 

    We’ve reviewed some amazing Sylvanian Families sets recently. Both my children adore Sylvanian Families and I love that it feels like such a timeless, classic toy. As Friends of Sylvanian Families we were recently sent the Sylvanian Families Ballet Theatre to review. Before I tell you all about it why don’t you watch our unboxing video to find out more: Sylvanian Families Ballet Theatre Hop, skip and pirouette along to the Ballet Theatre and admire a special performance from Freya Chocolate. Complete with a practice barre, chair and entry tickets, the theatre has everything you need for your Sylvanians to…

  • Join BEAR & Puffin's Big Book Club!
    Happy By Nature - parenting

    Join BEAR & Puffin’s Big Book Club!

    September 18, 2017 - By 

    Little bookworms are going to love the new partnership between BEAR Nibbles and Puffin Books! BEAR & Puffin’s Big Book Club is an online hub packed full of resources and book related activities to keep little ones busy. A new ‘Book of the Month’ is launched every month, these include favourite childhood classics as well as new releases. Create a reading den, stock up on your favourite BEAR Alphabites and spend the perfect afternoon reading a good book. Let us show you how we did it! Creating the perfect reading den The blanket den under the dining room table has…

  • too early for Christmas carols?
    homestyle - Monday Happy List

    Monday happy things {Week 155}

    September 18, 2017 - By 

    We had a really busy weekend so it’s nice to finally sit down and go back over the past week. Time for my weekly Happy Things post. The first full week of school was a bit hard on my children. My 5 year old has not been enjoying the transition into Year 1 as she has far less time to play. Her reading has improved so much since she’s been back at school though so all the extra hours of working are obviously paying off. Now the children are back at school I’ve been planning a few craft projects. I…