• Shropshire

    Alpaca Meet and Greet {Frankly Alpacas}

    We are all about trying new experiences, so on our recent trip to beautiful Ironbridge earlier this year, we made sure to book a meet and greet with alpacas. Alpaca Meet and Greet {Frankly Alpacas} Did you know that alpacas are from South America but can now be found all over the world? Small and relatively easy to look after, we thought it would be fun to book on to a Meet and Greet session and get better acquainted with them. We found Frankly Alpacas just outside Ironbridge and booked a 60 minute alpaca meet and greet session for 2…

  • Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 511}

    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 things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family. Five Happy Things {Week 511} With the kids away at Scout camp it was a very quiet week for us. The weather was a bit too warm so we went for long dog walks in the evening when it was cooler. The kids came back from camp with so much washing…

  • Crafts for adults

    What I made in July 2024

    It’s the end of July already! This was a busy month for us with the kids breaking up from school and lots of meet ups with family and friends. Nonetheless I managed to find time to make some fun projects. What I made in July 2024 I stitched one embroidery hoops, the very cute Cotton Clara x Donna Wilson cat face embroidery which I couldn’t resist. There was another Cotton Clara kit, to make a cross stitch bookmark featuring mugs. I’ve finished the stitching and just need to finish adding the backing to the bookmark. I added a few more…

  • parenting

    The Journey of a First Time Mum

    Becoming a first-time mum is an extraordinary experience, marked by a mix of joy, anxiety, and a flurry of new responsibilities. The first few weeks with a newborn baby are crucial for both the baby’s development and the mother’s emotional well-being. For new mum’s, understanding what to expect and how to navigate this new chapter can make all the difference. The First Few Weeks: What to Expect In the first few weeks, new mum’s will experience a significant shift in their daily routines. The baby’s arrival brings with it the need for constant care and attention. During this period, skin…

  • Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 510}

    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 things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family. Five Happy Things {Week 510} Last week both the kids broke up from school and went to Scout camp the next day. So far the weather has been amazing for them and they have been enjoying crabbing, cycling, go karting and more. Whilst the kids were away having fun we decided…

  • Crafts for kids - Crafts for teens - Crafts for tweens

    How to make foam clay sunflowers

    Recently we’ve been experimenting with foam clay. Foam clay is an air-drying modelling clay which is super soft and very light. It’s very easy to shape and we enjoyed making foam clay sunflowers. It’s definitely sunflower season here in the UK and we can’t wait to go and pick some sunflowers next month. List of supplies: Foam clay in light brown, yellow and light green Clay craft modelling tools How to make foam clay sunflowers Select yellow, brown and green clay for the clay sunflower craft. Take an amount from brown clay for the center of the clay sunflower and…

  • parenting

    The Role of Allowances in Building Financially Savvy Kids

    Teaching kids about money has always been a priority for me. I’ve found that giving them an allowance can be an incredibly effective way to instil good financial habits from a young age. Allowances aren’t just about giving pocket money; they are a practical tool for teaching kids the value of money, the importance of saving, and how to budget. Here’s how I’ve used allowances to help my children become financially savvy. Introducing Financial Concepts Early Providing an allowance introduces children to basic financial concepts and I believe that starting early with financial education can make a significant difference. Research…

  • parenting

    5 Writing Activities for Kids: Fun Projects and Printing Books

    As a parent, you want your child to excel in every aspect of life, and writing is no exception. Writing is not just a school subject; it’s a fundamental skill that is crucial to academic success and personal development. Strong writing abilities contribute to better communication, critical thinking, and creativity, setting the foundation for future educational and career opportunities. However, many children find writing to be challenging and sometimes overwhelming. The pressure to learn grammar, spelling, and punctuation can make the writing process daunting. It’s important to remember that every child learns differently, and turning writing into a fun and…

  • Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 509}

    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 things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family. Five Happy Things {Week 509} I finished reading  The Secrets of Flowers by Sally Page and wrote a little book review here. I really enjoyed this book as it had just the right mix of history and flowers and the Titanic. It was a little like a treasure hunt, emotional and…