• Exploring the Moor Otters trail, Devon
    Devon - Family Life - Sculpture trails - World Otter Day

    Exploring the Moor Otters Trail

    August 12, 2021 - By 

    We love a public art trail and have been lucky to explore many of them in London where we live. When I heard about the Moor Otters Trail I knew we would have to go and find out more. My daughters favourite animal is otters and it seemed the perfect family activity whilst we were in Devon. Exploring the Moor Otters trail The Moor Otters Trail consists of 81 stunning sculptures of otters with cubs – all designed and decorated by local and national artists – who are spending this summer with businesses, community groups and in public areas across…

  • A Little Wordy {game review}
    Family Life

    AD/A Little Wordy {game review}

    August 10, 2021 - By 

    We love a new game and were delighted to be gifted the NEW A Little Wordy which was the perfect size to pack and take away with us. A Little Wordy from Exploding Kittens is a 2 player game but we doubled up so we could play as a family. A Little Wordy {game review} A Little Wordy is a fun word game but it’s NOT about having the strongest vocabulary, it’s about making clever choices! The game is simple to set up and packs away neatly in a small box, perfect for taking away on holiday or for a…

  • Teignmouth beach
    Monday Happy List

    Summer Holidays edit {Week 356}

    August 9, 2021 - 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. Summer Holidays edit {Week 356} We started the week off in south Devon for a few days in a gorgeous little cottage by the sea. We spent a day exploring the Moor Otters Trail and climbing Haytor which the children enjoyed. Somehow we squeezed in a…

  • Family Life

    Is the ability to write cursive still important?

    August 8, 2021 - By 

    From emails, to texts, to word processing, typing and voice-to-text have soared in popularity while traditional ways of writing have seen a downward trend. Along with less emphasis on paper and pencil, we also have fewer children learning how to use cursive. Instead, they are reliant on printing. This begs the question: Is the ability to use cursive writing still important? Is the ability to write cursive still important? I Can’t Read That! While there are many people who do not write in cursive, there are still lots who do. Therefore, not being familiar with cursive not only means you…

  • Conscious Crafts: Quilting
    Crafts for adults - What I'm reading

    Conscious Crafts: Quilting {book review}

    August 5, 2021 - By 

    I love to practice mindfulness in my every day crafting. I was really excited when I heard about Conscious Crafts: Quilting – 20 mindful makes to reconnect head, heart & hands by Elli Beaven and couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Conscious Crafts: Quilting In Conscious Crafts: Quilting, maker Elli Beaven reveals the meditative nature of the quilting process and its empowering skill set for creating, mending and mindfulness. Making is mindfulness made practical, and quilting is a renowned and rewarding craft. Drawing on the traditions of hand quilting, Elli has created 20 modern makes, ranging from simple coasters,…

  • DIY Baby Yoda Mug Warmer
    Crafts for adults - Handmade gifts - Star Wars crafts

    DIY Baby Yoda Mug Warmer

    August 4, 2021 - By 

    I love making handmade gifts and my thoughts are beginning to turn to the gifts I want to make and give this Christmas. Handmade gifts are always well received and our DIY mug warmer will be enjoyed by those who love their tea and coffee! I used a sweet Baby Yoda fabric for my little Star Wars fan but this would look great in many fabrics. Baby Yoda Mug Warmer equipment list: 1 yard of Baby Yoda fabric 1 yard of Wrap N Zap (or alternative thick cotton batting) Elastic cord 2 large buttons Matching thread (I used white) Scissors…

  • The Joy of Modern Calligraphy
    competition - Crafts for adults

    {Giveaway} The Joy of Modern Calligraphy

    August 3, 2021 - By 

    I love learning a new craft and the lovely sunny days of Summer seem a great time to try. Last week Search Press published The Joy of Modern Calligraphy by Joyce Lee. It’s been a while since I tried calligraphy but it’s a lovely craft and handwritten lettering can be used for all kinds of occasions. The Joy of Modern Calligraphy Joyce Lee first picked up a calligraphy pen when she started making stationery for her wedding. For her, it is now a way of life, her career and what she calls a ‘calligraventure’. In this practical and inspiring book, Joyce…

  • Moor Otters Trail
    Monday Happy List

    Summer Holidays edit {Week 355}

    August 2, 2021 - 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. Summer Holidays edit {Week 355} The first week of our Summer holidays just flew by. My son spent the week at his new school so my daughter and I stayed local, walking the dog, reading books and crafting together. We finally got round to using her…

  • Make your own Pop Its chocolate bar
    Crafts for kids

    Make your own Pop Its chocolate bar

    August 1, 2021 - By 

    My children have quickly amassed the biggest collections of Pop Its. Have you heard of them? They are silicone fidget toys which come in all shapes and sizes. They are filled with bubbles which can be popped by pushing them inward. They are great for kids who love to fidget but you can also play all sorts of games by taking turns to pop the bubbles. Pop Its have been a huge hit with my 9 year old and she has quite a collection from small pocket sized ones to larger ones shaped like Pokemon and Poke balls. They are…