• Pretty Fabrics and Trims Christmas Countdown
    Crafts for adults

    Christmas Countdown embroidery {Part 1}

    October 27, 2025 - By 

    I don’t usually talk about Christmas in October however I wanted to share a little update on my Pretty Fabrics and Trims 2024 Advent Box. I received the Christmas Countdown panel last year and made the smaller projects, but the bigger project overwhelmed me as November and December are such crazy busy months. So I put it to one side and made a list of Christmas projects to make this year. A few weeks ago I got the Christmas Countdown panel out again and made a start. Christmas Countdown embroidery Part 1 The Pretty Fabrics and Trims 2024 Advent Box…

  • Fishermans Hut Whitstable
    Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 43/2025}

    October 26, 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 little or big things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. Five Happy Things {Week 43/2025} The last week before half term felt busy. My son went ice skating in London with some of the other Year 11s, this was a reward for his very good mock exam results. My daughter went hill walking in the Lake District with her Scout…

  • travel

    From the cliffs of Cornwall to the shores of Capri: applying your UK coast guide mindset to a Mediterranean cruise

    October 23, 2025 - By 

    There is something undeniably alluring about life by the coast of the UK. The gentle sounds of the waves, the cool salty ocean breeze and the ever-changing changing horizon are not just geography, but a mindset that reminds you of the sunny islands of the Mediterranean. Whether you live by the ocean, or are simply inspired by its essence, the best way to channel this sense of freedom is to make space in your schedule and book a cruise to the Mediterranean coastline to reap the many advantages of being outdoors. Besides the mental and physical benefits, cruising this region…

  • Crafts for kids

    Rainy Day Crafts That Bring the Family Together

    October 22, 2025 - By 

    Rainy days don’t have to be dull or boring. In fact, they can be the perfect opportunity for families to bond and get creative. When the weather keeps everyone indoors, pulling out some craft supplies can turn a grey day into a fun and memorable one. From simple card making to handmade decorations, there are plenty of activities that both kids and adults can enjoy together. These crafts not only pass the time but also create lasting memories and little treasures that you can keep around the home. Handmade Trophies and Awards A fun way to get the whole family…

  • days out

    Planning a Family Road Trip from London to Sheffield: What to Check Before You Go – Including Tyres in Sheffield!

    October 20, 2025 - By 

    Planning a family road trip from London to Sheffield can be a lovely adventure — but, like any journey, it takes a bit of preparation and forward planning. Whether you’re setting off from the capital with excited kids or planning a quick stop-off in the North, it’s always wise to know which garages or service centres could be useful along the way, it’s a point in your favour to check which garages or service centres could be useful during your journey. One of the most important things to check is your tyres. After all, a comfortable and safe trip starts…

  • Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 42/2025}

    October 19, 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 little or big things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. Five Happy Things {Week 42/2025} Last week we went to watch Mel Brooks’ The Producers at The Garrick Theatre in London. It was a great production, I hadn’t seen the film, and I loved the songs. The teens went into London with their Scout group for the day. They spent…

  • Pumpkin picking at the Pop Up Farm London
    days out

    Pumpkin picking at the Pop Up Farm

    October 18, 2025 - By 

    Last weekend we had our annual trip to go pumpkin picking at the Pop Up Farm. This is the nearest pumpkin patch we’ve found to us in north west London, and is about a 20 minute drive away. I booked flexi tickets as our weekends are filling up fast. Fortunately we were able to visit last Saturday. Pumpkin picking at the Pop Up Farm This year the kids wanted a variety of pumpkins, a big pumpkin to carve as well as smaller pumpkins to decorate their rooms. We also wanted a large pumpkin so could make pumpkin soup. We picked…

  • parenting

    Safe Ways to Share Family Photos Online

    October 15, 2025 - By 

    Have you ever taken a second to think about how exposed your family’s private pictures could be? Things have changed, and we no longer possess our family moments physically. We are most likely to have them stored in a digital cloud. That doesn’t need to be a risk in itself, but you deserve to feel safe when taking, sharing, or handling your family’s private moments.  We’ll walk you through some simple and practical tips to protect your privacy.  A Photo Is Not Just a Photo Anymore Most people don’t know this, but nowadays, when you share a photograph, you’re sharing…

  • Pop Up Farm pumpkin patch
    Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 41/2025}

    October 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 little or big things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. Five Happy Things {Week 41/2025} I found a book token with some money left on it so treated myself to a copy of the new Dan Brown book The Secret of Secrets. It’s hardback and heavy but a gripping story. This will be book 19 of my 2025 Goodreads Reading…