• Family Life

    Exploding Minions from Exploding Kittens

    Family time is important and we love any activity we can do together. Board games have always been a firm favourite and we were delighted to receive a copy of Exploding Minions from Exploding Kittens. I can’t believe it’s over 2 years since we reviewed the original Exploding Kittens which we still enjoy playing. The hit game sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Exploding Minions is very similar but with Minion-themed cards (which is perfect because we are huuuuuuge Minion fans!). Exploding Minions from Exploding Kittens The Minions have invaded the Exploding Kittens Universe! Play the Minions-themed version of the…

  • Crafts for kids - Roald Dahl crafts

    How to make Wonka’s Nishnobblers

    My 9 year old loves to be in the kitchen. She recently asked to make something and with Roald Dahl Day coming up next month we decided to make something inspired by one of his stories. Everyone knows The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me and we loved the sound of yummy Nishnobblers (from Roald Dahl’s Completely Revolting Recipes!). “there were Nishnobblers and Gumglotters and Blue Bubblers and Sherbert Slurpers and Tongue Rakers, and as well as all this, there was a whole lot of splendid stuff from the great Wonka factory itself” Ingredients: 100g dark chocolate 100g white cooking…

  • Monday Happy List

    Summer Holidays edit {Week 358}

    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. Summer Holidays edit {Week 358} The kids spent a happy week at Iver Environment Centre. They’ve been a few times now and always have lots of fun. They spent the whole week outside, learning about plants and animals, building shelters, playing games, taking part in the…

  • Family Life - Hertfordshire

    The prettiest sunflower field near London

    Living in the ‘burbs means we get the best of both worlds. Easy access into London on the tube, and easy access to the surrounding countryside. For the last few years we’ve enjoyed trips out of London to explore lavender fields, sunflower farms and pumpkin patches. All summer we’ve been looking forward to our annual trip to the prettiest sunflower field near London, just 30 minutes from where we live. The prettiest sunflower field near London We’ve visited the Pop Up Farm before and have always enjoyed our visits. Only 15 miles from London, they run an experiential PYO farm…

  • Crafts for adults

    How to use stick on embroidery transfers

    I love all things embroidery and noticed there’s a real trend for embroidering on clothes, trainers, bags and hats. How do you transfer an embroidery design on to all these different surfaces? I’ve used vintage tranfers, tried transferring designs using natural light from a window and it’s hard. I also recently received a light box which is great for light fabrics, but totally doesn’t work on darker fabrics. So when I came across embroidery transfers it was a real game changer. How to use stick on embroidery transfers If you haven’t come across embroidery transfers before then let me tell…

  • competition

    {Giveaway} What a Wonderful Phrase

    I have a lovely giveaway to share with you today for a copy of What a Wonderful Phrase: A collection of amazing idioms from around the world by Nicola Edwards and Manu Montoya. Published by Little Tiger this month, this is a gorgeous hardback book which is a lovely read for children and adults too. Have you ever wondered why we talk about ‘buttering someone up’ or where the phrase ‘it’s raining cats and dogs’ actually comes from? What does it mean to ‘comb the giraffe’ in France or to ‘wear a cat on your head’ in Japan? This beautifully…

  • What I'm reading

    Daughters of War by Dinah Jefferies

    I love a historical novel and couldn’t wait to read the latest novel from Dinah Jefferies, Daughters of War. This is the first book in a brand new sweeping historical series from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author. I read it on my kindle app last week and I couldn’t put it down! Daughters of War by Dinah Jefferies France, 1944. Deep in the river valley of the Dordogne, in an old stone cottage on the edge of a beautiful village, three sisters long for the end of the war. Hélène, the eldest, is trying her hardest to steer her family…

  • Monday Happy List

    Summer Holidays edit {Week 357}

    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. Summer Holidays edit {Week 357} We had a wonderful week on the Isle of Wight, staying in a tiny cottage in East Cowes. We know the place well so didn’t feel the need to rush around, instead revisiting some of our favourites places. The kids loved…

  • Family Life

    How to Make Divorce Less Stressful for Your Children

    When it begins to grow clear that a divorce is on the cards, the first thing on any parents’ mind is how they can make the situation work for their children. It’s no secret that this will be upsetting and frightening for children of any age, but there are practical steps we can take to ensure that our children are put first, and brought out to the other side without any needless stress. How to Make Divorce Less Stressful for Your Children Read more below. Keep Everything Divorce-Related Separate from the Family Home It can be difficult to appreciate the…