• Crafts for adults

    Swap screens for scissors: Creative crafts to conquer your vacation

    August 13, 2024 - By 

    A vacation, apart from the excitement of exploring a new destination, allows for plenty of time to indulge in new hobbies and other activities that bring joy and relaxation. Imagine sitting on the deck of a cruise ship on a sea day on your way to the Bahamas with the rhythmic sound of the waves and the gentle sea breeze providing the ideal backdrop for some creative inspiration. So the next time you are on vacation, consider swapping your digital devices with a pair of scissors and engage yourself in these hands-on creative activities that bring peace of mind which…

  • Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 512}

    August 12, 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 512} Finished my Cotton Clara cherry embroidery hoop kit. I wanted something simple to take away on holiday and this was stitched with simple split back stitch. I also packed my EPP and stitched some more blocks for my Liberty Tumbling Blocks cushion. We spent the whole…

  • saving money

    Affordable Lovefest: 5 Tips to Help You Save on Your Wedding

    August 9, 2024 - By 

    The average cost of a traditional wedding is around $35,000, depending on the number of guests, venue, and time of the year, among many other variables.  Now, it’s common for couples to prefer spending some of that money on experiences or simply saving it. So, if you’re looking for affordable ways to celebrate your wedding you’re not alone — but you are in the right place! Here are 8 tips to make your wedding more affordable.  1. Be Mindful of Your Wedding Date Did you want a classic late spring or summer wedding? If so, you should consider the fact…

  • Summer Exhibition 2024 Royal Academy of Arts
    City of Westminster - days out

    Summer Exhibition 2024 Royal Academy of Arts

    August 8, 2024 - By 

    2024 is the year of trying new things so I booked a trip to the renowned Summer Exhibition 2024 Royal Academy in London. Both the kids attend extra art lessons and this is somewhere I’ve been meaning to take them for a few years. The Summer Exhibition is an annual exhibition and has taken place every year since 1769, featuring the work of established and emerging artists. Summer Exhibition 2024 Royal Academy of Arts Artists can submit their work (along with a fee, of course) and a panel of judges produce a list of those which are worthy of being…

  • parenting

    Creating a Family Financial Plan That Works

    August 7, 2024 - By 

    In today’s fast-paced world, having a solid financial plan is essential for ensuring the stability and future prosperity of your family. A well-structured financial plan not only helps you manage your day-to-day expenses but also prepares you for unforeseen circumstances and long-term goals. Here are some vital steps to creating a family financial plan that works effectively for you. Assess Your Current Financial Situation Before you embark on creating a financial plan, it’s crucial to assess your current financial situation. Start by gathering all relevant financial documents, including bank statements, credit card statements, information about an ISA transfer, mortgage agreements,…

  • Frankly Alpacas
    Shropshire

    Alpaca Meet and Greet {Frankly Alpacas}

    August 6, 2024 - By 

    We are all about trying new experiences, so on our recent trip to beautiful Ironbridge earlier this year, we made sure to book a meet and greet with alpacas. Alpaca Meet and Greet {Frankly Alpacas} Did you know that alpacas are from South America but can now be found all over the world? Small and relatively easy to look after, we thought it would be fun to book on to a Meet and Greet session and get better acquainted with them. We found Frankly Alpacas just outside Ironbridge and booked a 60 minute alpaca meet and greet session for 2…

  • Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 511}

    August 5, 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 511} With the kids away at Scout camp it was a very quiet week for us. The weather was a bit too warm so we went for long dog walks in the evening when it was cooler. The kids came back from camp with so much washing…

  • Cotton Clara x Donna Wilson cat face
    Crafts for adults

    What I made in July 2024

    July 31, 2024 - By 

    It’s the end of July already! This was a busy month for us with the kids breaking up from school and lots of meet ups with family and friends. Nonetheless I managed to find time to make some fun projects. What I made in July 2024 I stitched one embroidery hoops, the very cute Cotton Clara x Donna Wilson cat face embroidery which I couldn’t resist. There was another Cotton Clara kit, to make a cross stitch bookmark featuring mugs. I’ve finished the stitching and just need to finish adding the backing to the bookmark. I added a few more…

  • parenting

    The Journey of a First Time Mum

    July 30, 2024 - By 

    Becoming a first-time mum is an extraordinary experience, marked by a mix of joy, anxiety, and a flurry of new responsibilities. The first few weeks with a newborn baby are crucial for both the baby’s development and the mother’s emotional well-being. For new mum’s, understanding what to expect and how to navigate this new chapter can make all the difference. The First Few Weeks: What to Expect In the first few weeks, new mum’s will experience a significant shift in their daily routines. The baby’s arrival brings with it the need for constant care and attention. During this period, skin…