• Family Life

    Why Junior ISAs are an ideal coming of age gift

    May 31, 2022 - By 

    Disclosure – this is a sponsored post Across different cultures, coming of age is celebrated in many ways and sometimes at different ages – a Bat and Bar Mitzvah being celebrated at age 12 and 13. In the UK a gift representing a key is usually given for someone’s 21st birthday, however the symbolic gesture is becoming increasingly common for 18th birthday celebrations too. Traditionally, the key was to signify trust in a child for leaving and coming back to the family as pleased; freedom. Or another tradition was the child leaving the family home for their own. Today, most…

  • Platinum Jubilee embroidery
    Monday Happy List

    Monday Happy Things {Week 398}

    May 30, 2022 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Monday Happy List is something I’ve been doing for a while. It’s a chance for me to sit down and reflect on the things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. It’s a post I always love to sit down and write. Monday Happy Things {Week 398} I made a delicious batch of scones which we enjoyed with jam and cream. I love baking and this seemed like a great after school treat for my children. My daughter drew a picture for Queen…

  • Exploring Walpole Park with kids
    days out - Local Review - London

    Exploring Walpole Park with kids

    May 28, 2022 - By 

    A few weeks ago we found ourselves with a free afternoon in west London. Pitzhangar Manor had been on our list for a while and we decided to go and explore Walpole Park in Ealing. Exploring Walpole Park with kids Walpole Park is in the London Borough of Ealing.  It’s located at the edge of Ealing Broadway behind Pitzhanger Manor House. We were lucky to get a parking space outside and walk through the impressive gates at the front of Pitzhanger Manor House. The House was once the early 19th-century country home of Sir John Soane, and is now a museum…

  • How to make an easy dog bandana
    Crafts for adults

    How to make an easy dog bandana

    May 26, 2022 - By 

    Since our dog came along he has turned our lives upside down – in a good way. We all love him and enjoy making games for him, baking homemade treats, and even dressing him up. He loves wearing a bandana and I thought it was about time I made one for him rather than buying them. I have so much fabric and a sewing machine, which is all I really needed! Easy dog bandana equipment: Two pieces of contrasting fabric Sewing machine Scissors How to make an easy dog bandana I found some fun London themed fabric in my stash…

  • climbing
    Monday Happy List

    Monday Happy Things {Week 397}

    May 23, 2022 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Monday Happy List is something I’ve been doing for a while. It’s a chance for me to sit down and reflect on the things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. It’s a post I always love to sit down and write. Monday Happy Things {Week 397} Both the children were away camping so our Friday night was very quiet. We decided to watch Top Gun as we’re hoping to go and watch Top Gun: Maverick soon. Did you know it came out…

  • Win a puzzle from Jigsaw Avenue
    competition

    Win a puzzle from Jigsaw Avenue

    May 22, 2022 - By 

    The other day I told you all about Jigsaw Avenue,  who create unique poster-like designs inspired from contemporary art. We find puzzles are a great family activity and something we enjoy doing together. We had fun with the Paris jigsaw from their Cities range, a 1000 piece puzzle, featuring a cool collage style. These puzzles will give you the much needed brain break from screens, relieving stress and making something that looks good in the process. Even the box itself is a decorative object fit for display on your coffee table or bookshelf. Each puzzle contains all the pieces stored…

  • Bridgerton crafts to celebrate the return of the Ton
    Crafts for adults

    Bridgerton crafts to celebrate the return of the Ton

    May 19, 2022 - By 

    I love a period drama and binge watched the latest season of Bridgerton. I’m glad I read the books first because the series was very different from the book. It was still enjoyable and I binge watched it in a few days. I’m looking forward to season 3 sometime in 2023, especially as they are missing out book 3 and jumping straight to book 4, the one about Penelope and Colin (Polin!). Anyway, I just wanted to celebrate Regencycore and all things Bridgerton. Bridgerton crafts to celebrate the return of the Ton I was surprised by how few Bridgerton inspired…

  • Easy Platinum Jubilee hoop art
    Crafts for adults - Royal crafts

    Easy Platinum Jubilee hoop art

    May 17, 2022 - By 

    Platinum Jubilee mania has suddenly started and you can’t escape the fact Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating 70 years on the throne next month. We have had so much fun updating our Royal craft collection and have recently added a few more, such as our gorgeous Liberty Union flags. Easy Platinum Jubilee hoop art For our fun Platinum Jubilee hoop art we used: Three 5″ wooden embroidery hoops Selection of red, white and blue fabric Scissors Needle and thread I already had a little stash of fabrics from the Diamond Jubilee in 2012. We decorated the house we lived in…

  • Liberty London Union JAcks
    Monday Happy List

    Monday Happy Things {Week 396}

    May 16, 2022 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Monday Happy List is something I’ve been doing for a while. It’s a chance for me to sit down and reflect on the things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. It’s a post I always love to write. Monday Happy Things {Week 396} My daughter had her first school residential so was away all week. It was really quiet without her and we missed her so much. Thankfully she had a great time and got to try loads of different activities, which…