• 5 ways to celebrate the birthday of the NHS
    Family Life

    5 ways to celebrate the birthday of the NHS

    June 24, 2020 - By 

    Until the pandemic, the NHS, the National Health Service, I think was often overlooked and taken for granted. The NHS was created on the 5th July 1948 making healthcare accessible to everyone who needed it. Over the last 3 months there has been a huge outpouring of thanks for all the work our health care, social care and key workers do on a daily basis. From the weekly Clap to Carers, to home sewers making up uniform bags, and donations of food and home comforts, it has been heart warming to hear how people have helped the NHS. Did you…

  • How to make a DIY book sign post
    Crafts for kids - Crafts for teens - Crafts for tweens - World Book Day ideas

    How to make a DIY book sign post

    June 23, 2020 - By 

    A few weeks ago my children’s school set them a fun challenge – to make a book sign post to decorate the school grounds. Both my children love to read and wanted to take part. It was a really fun project so I thought I would share it with you in case it inspires your children too. I’m sure you’ve seen this kind of sign post before. They usually feature travel destinations but there’s no reason why they can’t be adapted for literary destinations or titles too. My children were asked to decorate their book signs with the titles and…

  • The Tuscan Contessa by Dinah Jefferies
    What I'm reading

    The Tuscan Contessa by Dinah Jefferies

    June 22, 2020 - By 

    I’ve made sure to make more time to read lately. It’s so easy to slip into bad habits of going to bed later and later, so I’m trying to go to bed earlier so I have time to read a few chapters before bed. I really enjoy reading books by Dinah Jefferies, so was delighted to find her latest book available to review on NetGalley. The Tuscan Contessa by Dinah Jefferies Contessa Sofia de’ Corsi’s peaceful Tuscan home has been upturned by the arrival of German soldiers. Desperate to fight back, she provides shelter, medical aid and any help she…

  • geocaching cake
    Monday Happy List

    Monday Happy List: Life in Lockdown {Week 13}

    June 22, 2020 - By 

    I love to start the week by writing the Monday Happy List. 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 usually a post I love to write but obviously life has changed considerably for us and everyone else in the UK over the last few months. With lockdown easing in the UK our life hasn’t changed much at all. The weeks are looooong but we do manage to squeeze in a lot of living, even if it…

  • Re-visiting the Battle of Britain House Ruislip
    days out - Ruislip

    Re-visiting the Battle of Britain House Ruislip

    June 21, 2020 - By 

    One of the best things to come out of this period of lockdown has been the chance to discover our local area. We’ve lived in Ruislip for 6 years but also seem to seek out the same places, namely the Lido and the Farmers Market. With a lot more time on our hands, and a puppy to walk, we’ve discovered some gorgeous new places on our doorstep. It seems a long time ago since we ventured out to the ruins of the Battle of Britain House in Ruislip Woods. We decided to place a geocache there so recently went back. Re-visiting…

  • Free puppy colouring sheets - the gingerbread house
    free printables

    Free puppy colouring sheets {free printable}

    June 20, 2020 - By 

    My daughter loves our puppy. Both the children love having him around and he’s certainly helped to make the lockdown period more fun. They are great at helping to look after him, feed him and train him, although my daughter refuses to pick up any dog poop! They love to draw little cartoons of him so I wanted to share these free puppy colouring sheets with you today. I know that my colouring sheets are always really popular, so I hope you will like these free puppy colouring sheets. Free puppy colouring sheets My children love to sit with a…

  • Win a cute monthly subscription Kawaii Box from Japan
    competition

    Win a cute monthly subscription Kawaii Box from Japan

    June 19, 2020 - By 

    I’m sure we’re not the only family who have treated ourselves to some happy mail over the last few weeks. The imposed lockdown has been hard for everyone, especially children who overnight lost the fun and friendship they get at school. There are some lovely subscription boxes and we’ve tried a few new ones over the last month or two, mainly food ones! Kawaii Box recently offered us one of their super cute subscription boxes and I knew this would help cheer us all up. What is a Kawaii Box? Kawaii Box is a monthly subscription box filled with super…

  • Win a copy of Military Wives on DVD
    competition

    {Giveaway} Win a copy of Military Wives on DVD

    June 18, 2020 - By 

    One thing I’ve really missed over the last few months is a trip to the cinema. With cinemas closed we’ve been having the odd movie night. I love to lose myself in a good film, especially when the kids are in bed and I can watch uninterrupted. Last night I got the chance to watch Military Wives which was released just as we were going into lockdown so I never got the chance to watch it. It’s safe to say I absolutely loved the film. I belong to a choir myself and am a huge advocate of the benefits of…

  • Last minute Father's Day tie card
    Crafts for kids - Father's Day - free printables

    Last minute Father’s Day tie card {free template}

    June 17, 2020 - By 

    Today we wrapped our gifts to give this Father’s Day. The children are really excited and can’t wait to give their gifts. It’s so lovely to have something to look forward to as most days feel exactly like the day before. We have some fun Father’s Day crafts and activities, but thought we would share one final craft in case you are looking for ideas for a last minute Father’s Day card. You can make our last minute Father’s Day tie card in 15 minutes. Father’s Day tie card supplies: Card Scissors Glue stick Colouring pens Father’s Day tie card…