• Perfect home improvements for a London home
    homestyle - London

    Perfect home improvements for a London home

    February 27, 2017 - By 

    The other day one of my friends posted on Facebook how surprised she was that it took her four years to settle into her new home. Now, she moved from London to the South West, but I feel exactly the same just moving across London. It’s coming up to four years in our ‘new’ house and our home improvements show no signs of ending. Although we loved the vintage features of our previous house – read infested wooden floors and huge gaps between the floorboards – our modern house is so different. For a start it’s always warm; so quick…

  • outdoor adventures
    mindfulness - Monday Happy List - Orla Kiely

    Monday Happy List {Week 126}

    February 27, 2017 - By 

    It’s been a strange old week. The children only had 4 days at school thanks to an Inset Day but they’ve both been quite tired and grumpy getting back into the school routine. Today my 6 year old asked when the Summer holidays were going to start. I didn’t want to break it to him that he still had a good few weeks months of school left. Monday Happy List {Week 126} Although we finished the new kitchen a few months ago we had half an idea about putting wallpaper up on one wall. We finally chose a pattern we…

  • Mollie Makes Scandi Florals Hoop Kit
    crafts - Mollie Makes crafts

    Mollie Makes Scandi Florals Hoop Kit

    February 25, 2017 - By 

    Every month I challenge myself to make the Mollie Makes magazine cover gift. I’ve subscribed since it first came out and have had a drawer full of unopened kits – but no more! I’ve been making more time for grown up crafting and I love to make the kits and hopefully try something new. Mollie Makes Scandi Florals Hoop Kit The kit with issue 76 of Mollie Makes was designed by Zeena Shah and contained 1x plastic embroidery hoop, printed cotton fabric, as well as embroidery threads (pink, aqua, coral, yellow and blue) and a sewing needle. I gave the…

  • Sands Alive Cake Shop review
    playing - toy review

    Sands Alive Cake Shop review

    February 24, 2017 - By 

    This afternoon my son had a school friend round for a playdate. They love to play Minecraft together which leaves my daughter with no-one to play with. Luckily we were sent the new Sands Alive Cake Shop from John Adams to review. My daughter loves playdough so I knew she would have fun with this modelling sand, plus it would help her fine motor skills – I do love a toy with added benefits! Sands Alive Cake Shop The Sands Alive Cake Shop from John Adams is a new toy from the Sands Alive range. Featuring super-soft, non-toxic sand that sticks together well,…

  • Visiting Nunney Castle
    parenting

    Saving for a rainy day

    February 24, 2017 - By 

    With the sun shining today all thoughts of #DorisDay, which hit the UK yesterday, are long gone. We woke up to a few pieces of guttering in the garden, but thankfully no major damage. With my husband supporting us all our savings are pretty limited at the moment, which is something I can’t help but worry about. I heard a story on the news this morning that said if we saved all the money given to our children up to the age of 21 they would have enough to buy a house! Now I’m not sure if my children would…

  • Sewing Star Wars felt toys
    crafts - handmade - sewing - Star Wars crafts

    Sewing Star Wars felt toys

    February 23, 2017 - By 

    It feels like an age since I stitched something. Clothes alterations just don’t count although it does feel like I’m constantly stitching badges on my son’s Beaver uniform! Our whole family love Star Wars so when I spotted a Star Wars felt kit in the shops I knew it would make a great Christmas present for myself my husband. He cannot sew to save his life so I had the happy job of making them up for him. My children were equally delighted to see the set and immediately started dictating which ones I should make first.   Of course…

  • Win a copy of the new picture book from Sophy Henn
    book review - competition

    Win a copy of the new picture book from Sophy Henn

    February 22, 2017 - By 

    It’s been a while since I featured any children’s picture books on my blog. With World Book Day coming up we have been thinking about our favourite books and characters. So it seemed like the perfect time to share a lovely new picture book with you. Read on for your chance to win a copy. Edie by Sophy Henn Hello! My name is Edie. I am EVER so helpful. In fact, I think helping is one of the things I am best at… Edie is certainly a very good helper, whether it’s helping mummy wake bright and early, helping Daddy…

  • How do you like your pancakes?
    Pancake Day crafts - recipe - Winter

    How do you like your pancakes? {Hob Pride Pancake Challenge}

    February 21, 2017 - By 

    I love the first few months of the new year. There is so much going on with birthdays and special days that it’s difficult to be bored for a minute. Next week we will be celebrating Pancake Day here in the UK. My husband *always* makes the pancakes in our house so I have been practising so I can make them for a change. Everyone seems to like them served a different way but we’re all agreed that flat pancakes are the way forward. A basic pancakes recipe is cheap and cheerful, it’s what you serve them with that makes…

  • Before the Rains by Dinah Jefferies
    book review

    Before the Rains by Dinah Jefferies

    February 21, 2017 - By 

    I’ve always enjoyed reading historical fiction so was excited to hear about the latest book by Dinah Jefferies, Before the Rains, which was set in India. Today I’m sharing my thoughts and taking part in the blog tour. Look for the #BeforeTheRains to find the other reviews. Before The Rains 1930, Rajputana, India. Since her husband’s death, 28-year-old photojournalist Eliza’s only companion has been her camera. When the British Government send her to an Indian princely state to photograph the royal family, she’s determined to make a name for herself. But when Eliza arrives at the palace she meets Jay, the…